Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
. ~~
A
J
~ 'A,lIOI!lSl.N«l5
+
D
5
G AZORES"· ~
H MADEIRA-;
I
CANARY IS~NDS:.o ";'~INAW""
i-5AII',,"
K :00_
'''!'',.
.#~l.".~
'~~MALDIVEISLANDS _. ~ ...
'''''''
I·I ,....
~~.. ~~'\.:.:O5O
M
RWANDA
UGANDA see ••,,,, NEWIfA(~fW~'
BURUNDI ' A •• ITA •.•••••• ~~ •
Q
Atlantic
Ocean
'$T. HELENA
ZI/lllAlwt
U • IrIVoUlrTlUS
~o
Indian
Ocean
AUSTRALIA
..
v
':TlI$TAN DA CUNHA
S
, ~UGUELEN ISLAND
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
• 1982
YEARBOOK
of Jehovah's Witnesses
Containing Report for the Service Year
of 1981
Also Daily Texts and Comments
Corporate Publishers
Jehovah's purpose to annihilate the wicked. (Vs. total of 23,988active in 32 countries, and by 1938,
20)Truly they have demonstrated that they desire 47,143were proclaiming the message of God's es-
to see "all flesh bless his holy name to time indefi- tablished kingdom and his purpose toward man-
nite, even forever." (Vs. 21)Some highlights of the kind in 52 lands of the earth. Coming down to 1948,
activity of Jehovah's Witnesses as ministers of the we find a peak of 260,756reporting their ministry
message of Jehovah's kingdom during their past in 96 countries, which grand worldwide total in-
service year are set out in this Yearbook report. creased in another 10 years to 798,326in 1958,the
It is our hope that this report will prove to be in- number of countries reached by them increasing
teresting and stimulating to those who read it. that year to 175. Then the peak of Kingdom pro-
The work that is being accomplished by the claimers grew by 1968to 1,221,504;1978,2,182,341;
earth-wide congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses 1981, 2,361,896,and the lands reached totaled 206
is very significant, and the understanding and ap- nations and island groups all around the globe.
preciation of this can lead to wonderful personal These Kingdom proclaimers, Jehovah's Witness-
blessings. As the report shows, there are millions es, recognize that their work of preaching and
of Jehovah's Witnesses and persons who have as- teaching the life-giving truths contained in God's
sociated with their congregations, and in addition, Word the Bible is definitely part of their worship
there are many persons who have some interest in of Jehovah and constitutes a major portion of their
what Jehovah's Witnesses are doing. As in the first public ministry. It has been said that their house-
century, there is increase "from day to day." (Acts to-house ministry is a "trademark" of Jehovah's
16:5)Would it not be a wonderful development if Witnesses. This is to be expected in the case of true
all these millions of persons understood and ap- Christians in view of the Bible's precedents and
preciated the significance of the increasing procla- commands.-Matt. 4:17; 28:19,20; Acts 10:42.
mation of the message of Jehovah's kingdom, and Indicative of what can be accomplished if all
in love for Jehovah dedicated themselves to him? who are associated with Jehovah's Witnesses par-
They could then share more fully in informing ticipate in telling others of Jehovah's Kingdom
other persons of Jehovah's kingdom and his pur- arrangement is the Memorial attendance of the
poses. Should they choose to do so, what a tremen- past three years. Celebrating the Memorial of the
dous increase in the activities outlined in the 145th death of Christ Jesus each spring, according to
Psalm would result, all to Jehovah's praise! the reports received from around the world, were
Significant it is that following the establishment 5,323,766in 1979;5,726,656in 1980;and 5,987,893
of Jehovah's heavenly kingdom by Christ Jesus in on April 19, 1981.
1914,and as early as the end of World War I in The chart appearing on pages 24-31 shows that
1918,there were 3,868proclaimers of the Kingdom during the 1981 service year 2,361,896 persons
message. This little band was active in 14 coun- were active publishers of the Kingdom message.
tries. Ten years later their ranks had grown to a This is a thrilling figure because it is the highest in
6 1982 Yearbook 7
the history of the Christian congregation. That is These branches and their facilities are provided
a joy to us, and we feel it will be a joy and an en- for the sole purpose of equipping the modern-
couragement to you. As we have seen, twice that day Christian organization to do the great work
number associated with the congregation of Jeho- of which Jesus spoke and which is due to be
vah's Witnesses for the celebration of the death accomplished in these "last days." (Matt. 24:14;
of our Redeemer, Christ Jesus, now our reigning 2 Tim. 3:1)Jehovah's Witnesses are formed into a
King. What a wonderful opportunity lies before . worldwide ministerial organization preaching the
these persons to demonstrate individually their Kingdom message in 206 lands and islands of the
love for Jehovah, and their loyalty to his kingdom, sea. Many of the branches have printeries where
by each one's calling the attention of others to Bibles, books and magazines, as well as other lit-
Jehovah's loving purposes. In this way these join erature, are produced by Jehovah's Witnesses for
in demonstrating their appreciation of the great Bible study and for aiding others to learn of Jeho-
significance of the Kingdom proclamation, which vah's provisions through Christ Jesus, mankind's
in itself is part of the evidence that Cod's kingdom Redeemer. Since it is incumbent upon Jehovah's
has been established in heaven.-Matt. 24:14. Witnesses to do this preaching work, their pro-
duction and distribution of the Kingdom message
CONSTRUCTION AND EXPANSION by printed page in the publications they provide
Through their religious organization, the Watch is an essential and integral part of their faith and
Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania worship. The printing and distribution of their
(and related religious associations, corporations publications spread the truths contained in the
and societies in various countries), Jehovah's Wit- Bible far and wide. This work is an evidence of
nesses operate 96 branches throughout the world. the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses, a manifestation
The branch offices oversee the proclamation of of their integrity, and is essential for the build-
the Kingdom message in the various countries as ing up of the faith of other persons. So, all this
this is carried on by the ministers of God's king- Bible literature produced by the various printing
dom, Jehovah's Witnesses. During the past several branches is prepared in order to help persons grow
years reports have been published by the Society in knowledge of Jehovah's grand purposes.
relative to expansion of branch facilities. In some We are very grateful that it has been possible
countries this expansion has been in the form of to meet the needs of the branches with respect
enlarging existing facilities. In others there has to their facilities. The costs monetarily have been
been a relocation of branches; land was acquired high, as a result of the worldwide inflation. In
and new structures were erected. All this expan- each branch where it has been necessary to un-
sion has been done to provide adequately for the dertake these projects, Jehovah's Witnesses have
needs of each branch in its handling of the increase provided funds to meet the needs. This they have
in the work of the Christian congregation. done by the gifts and loans that they have made
8 1982 Yearbook 9
to the Society for these specific purposes. We crowded with brothers and sisters, some bringing
here express sincere appreciation for the support live chickens, pigs and bags of sweet potatoes and
that Jehovah's Witnesses in general have given cassava to share a meal together at the dedication.
to these efforts. On every hand we see evidence Others were coming from Australia, Papua New
of Jehovah's blessings on these projects and also Guinea, New Zealand and as far as the United
on those who have made them possible, not only States for the occasion. They went through the fine
by means of financial support but by their labor two-story building to see the results of the broth-
in the construction of these facilities. ers' work." Here, as in the many other projects,
Just one example: the branch in Japan, engaged the bulk of the labor was supplied by Jehovah's
in a large construction project that they anticipate Witnesses. This is very much appreciated.
finishing in the summer of 1982, reports that dur- As observers know, the congregations of Jeho-
ing August 1981, they had a new peak of 63,447 vah's Witnesses provide Kingdom Halls for their
publishers, a 12-percent increase over the same congregation meetings and other activities. Je-
month of 1980. Outstandingly, the branch says: hovah's Witnesses provide the facilities for the
"There were some 44,000 publishers when we printing of the Kingdom message, and they also
started the construction, but we have increased 44 distribute the publications in their efforts to help
percent in three years. We had 62,000 Bible stud- people to understand the Bible. This entire ser-
ies when the construction began, but now some vice is a work of ministry, of worship of Jehovah
90,000 studies are reported, a 45-percent increase. and proclamation of the message of his kingdom
This is very encouraging to us as we see the near- and the day of his vengeance.
ness of the end. The pioneer spirit is still strong,
almost every month the rate of the pioneers has THE INTE RNATIONAL BETHEL FAMILY
been around 30 percent to 33 percent of all publish- Each branch is staffed by ministers who com-
ers; among them 10,238 are regular pioneers." prise the Bethel family and in the printing branches
A contrast in size, but similar in spirit, the Solo- these ministers produce the Society's publications
mon Islands branch also refers to their branch of- as part of their sacred service. An example of
fice and Bethel home which was dedicated in June the dedication and productiveness of these faithful
1981. The branch says, "after working on the ren- ones in the various branches is seen in the ac-
ovations and extensions to the original property tivities of the Bethel family in the United States.
since 1978, the brothers were keenly looking for- In order to meet the demands upon the branch
ward to seeing the completed project and sharing organization, these have worked many thousands
in the dedication weekend. Many had been saving of hours in addition to their regular daily work.
their money for some time for the trip over from Those looking after the Bethel home in Brook-
their home island of Malaita, and for a week or so lyn had to do so, and the same was true of the
before the dedication the interisland boats were work force at the Brooklyn printery, where just
10 1982 Yearbook 11
one example is that there were only five weeks fortify themselves spiritually by taking advantage
of the year that the pressroom was running on of the congregation provisions.-Heb. 10:24, 25.
its normal single shift. With the conversion to For instance, in Papua New Guinea one young
offset printing, the requirement of extra hours minister walks seyenhours.each way every week
will continue for an indefinite time. In the Unit- to conduct a Bible study with a marrjed couple, and
ed States branch a large number of the Bethel this couple in turn walks seven hours each week
family are serving at Watchtower Farms where to attend the public talk and Watchtower study at
there are both farming and printing operations, the Kingdom Hall. In thus making the meetings
the latter producing the Watchtower and Awake! of the congregation a high priority, these persons
magazines. There also, extra hours were willingly are showing heavenly wisdom and appreciation of
devoted by the Bethel family in order to meet the spiritual things, which are of real value. In that
needs of the work. Indeed, Bethel is a place for same country a small group of ministers who are
production, and we wish to express appreciation serving as pioneers walked 25 miles to attend the
for the diligence of the international Bethel fam- meetings of the nearest congregation, and then
ily everywhere in caring for their assignments. they returned the same distance to their territo-
In reporting their activities, the branches ry to do their ministry among the people.
throughout the earth have expressed their warm The activity of congregations is most interesting
love for the entire brotherhood of the earth-wide and effective. In Chile, a small congregation of 21
Christian congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. publishers had ordered 1,000 handbills for the spe-
Weare very glad to convey here to all these cial talk in April 1981, but due to problems in the
this assurance of love and loyalty from Jehovah's mail, the handbills arrived the night before the
people everywhere. talk was to be given. This was the first Sunday of
the month, and all 21 publishers covered a good
THE CONGREGATIONS ARE APPRECIATED portion of the town with the invitations, making
As the chart shows, the end of the service year short visits on the people from house to house.
finds 43,870 congregations of Jehovah's Witness- They managed to distribute all the handbill invita-
es worldwide. Christians sincerely appreciate the tions and how overjoyed they were that afternoon
congregations, their meetings and their ministeri- when 98 persons attended the public talk!
al activities, and often they must put forth great In all the congregations of Jehovah's people,
effort to attend the Kingdom Hall where each there is a program of Bible instruction, general-
congregation gathers. Jehovah's Witnesses know ly comprising five meetings weekly. Every week
the spiritual value of attending, and so real ef- there is a public meeting and study of the Watch-
fort is expended by them, not only to reach the tower magazine as well as congregation studies in
people with the Kingdom message and to study another of the Society's publications. Also, there
the Word of God with interested ones, but also to is the Theocratic Ministry School and the service
12 1982 Yearbook 13
meeting. These combine to give needed informa- listed. Then we have the figures for newly bap-
tion, counsel, guidance and assistance in spiritual tized, and pioneers.
matters. They constitute a major portion of the The term "publisher " is a convenient one to use
feeding on spiritual truths needed by each servant in referring to ministers of Jehovah's Witnesses
of Jehovah. In these and other areas the congre- participating in the public preaching from house
gation provides essential services for Christians. to house and contacting the general public with
r The Scriptures show that an individual cannot the Kingdom message in other ways. These have
i serve Jehovah on his own, cannot come to an reported their activity to the congregations with
understanding of His Word by himself, nor cope which they are associated, and it is from these
with the difficult "last days" without the congre- individual reports that the worldwide report is
gation. The outcome of all those who endeavor compiled. In some lands communications are dif-
to do so proves the truthfulness of God's Word ficult, and there are persons living there who are
on this matter.-Prov. 18:l. ministers but whose reports are not received for
some reason. Perhaps some overlook reporting,
Wherever you live, in all probability there is and so the figures given are conservative. Pioneer
a Kingdom Hall within your reach. Perhaps you publishers are those who are spending their full
have never attended any of the meetings of Je- time in their public ministerial activities.
hovah's Witnesses, but whether you have or not The contributions that the Society receives from
you are invited to attend, and we believe that you Jehovah's Witnesses enable the Society to care
will find the occasion to be interesting, encourag- for the needs of those who are devoting their
ing and spiritually upbuilding to you. Generally full time to the ministry in the capacities of mis-
you will find those who attend the meetings to sionaries, circuit and district overseers, and special
be friendly and helpful, and you will certainly be pioneers. During the past service year of 1981, the
welcomed. cash costs for supporting these full-time ministers
throughout the world totaled $21,116,480.89. This
PUBLISHERS, OLD AND YOUNG compares with $22,588,894.17 for the service year
Seven columns of the chart of the year's activi- of 1980, and $20,136,626.07 in 1979. These funds
ty have to do with "publishers." You will see the have been well spent in aiding Jehovah's Wit-
peak or largest number of publishers reporting nesses in their special full-time service, and we
in anyone month in each of the countries listed are most appreciative that Jehovah's people as a
and the ratio of publishers to population of the whole have made this possible.-1 Cor. 4:2.
country. The average publishers are shown with Jehovah's Witnesses know that there is no
a percentage of increase or decrease as compared furlough in their spiritual warfare, and some of
with the preceding service year of 1980, and for them are advanced in years. Others are young
that year the average number of publishers is in years, many being young adults. These young
14 1982 Yearbook 15
people are finding the Christian ministry to be 1980]. There was complete silence . Some of the -,
advantageous in every way, and especially is the girls had tears in their eyes, while the students
good relationship with Jehovah, as a result of the who had had so much to say in support of abor- ~
individual dedication each one makes, essential tion remained silent. ,
during these difficult times when the serious prob- "Then the teacher said that she was pregnant )
lems of youths are so many and so dey.?stating and was seriously contemplating having an abor- L<
to young lives. Ministers of Jehovah's Witness- tion. She expressed how thankful she was to have ~
es who are also parents endeavor to discharge a fuller understanding of the Bible's view, espe-
their God-given responsibility toward their chil- cially how God feels about life and how he knows
dren with respect to matters of worship, and such of every living creature under the heavens. Now
is a blessing to entire families. she could never go through with the abortion.
Youn ministers have many fine opportunities to "The students applauded, and I was so happy i
uphold Jehovah's righteous standards. (Eccl. 12:1) I used the opportunity to give a witness. Later
An example of this is in the report from Hawaii on I was informed by the same teacher that she /
where a young minister still in high school used gave birth to a healthy baby." -.--/
a class assignment to share Scriptural views with Sweden reports in regard to a teenager who ,
her classmates. She states, "I had an assignment received his teacher's permission to conduct a 20- >
to give a speech with a convincing argument. So I minute session in class with questions and answers ",
decided to talk on abortion. I began my research about Jehovah's Witnesses. The interest was so
and found information in the book Aid to Bible great that the session was prolonged and last-
, Understanding [a Watch Tower publication] on ed three hours and 15 minutes. After the session
the definition of abortion. The May 22, 1980, is- all his 23 classmates asked for literature, and 55 / I
sue of the magazine A wake! provided me with bound books were placed. The yo,!ng brother /
all the rest of the material I needed. is arranging to become a regular pioneer. How :
"The day came for my talk and the whole class worth while this young life! /
was in attendance, which was very unusual. As I In Africa, Christian parents were becoming very
began my introduction, the students acted child- concerned about their teenage daughter because
ishly and joked about what I was saying. But of her becoming more worldly in dress and as-
as I continued, fully convinced that the informa- sociation, but they hesitated to restrict her too
tion would be beneficial for them, their attitude much in case it might push her further away from
changed and they began to listen with more in- the truth. Then came a crisis when the girl said
terest. Whenever they asked questions, I referred she could not fight against the world. The par-
to Bible principles, which gave them something ents prayed and discussed the situation, and then
to think about. Last of all, I read to them 'Diary the father had a straight talk with his daughter.
of" an Unborn Child' from the Awake! [May 22, There was no outburst by the girl who said, "I
16 1982 Yearbook 17
have been praying that daddy would do some- my youth that have contributed to more than 20
thing about it because I could not cope on my years of real joy in full-time service."
own." She wrote to the circuit overseer, "When My Book of Bible Stories continues to be a most
mom and dad clamped down on me, I knew they effective instrument for use by younger and older
loved me and wanted me to be in the same hap- ministers alike in assisting people to giv e attention
py family with them in the new order." to God's Word. In an African country, one of Je-
With Armageddon drawing ever nearer, how hovah's Witnesses who works in a sma ll factory
encouraging for you ng people is the following displayed two copies of My Book of Bible Stories
from one of Jehovah's W itnesses who has been a on his desk, one in English and the other in Afri-
faithfu l missionary for many years. She states: kaans. He has placed more than 190 copies so far.
"I was born in 1939 at the outbreak of W orld A man who took a book gave it to his son, and
'.. War II. My: pa ents felt that Armageddon would the boy took it to school. The boy's teacher read
be right on its hee ls, so we children were encour - it and then ordered five copies, which they now
aged from our very tender years to use our time use in the school class for morning worship.
wisely in this dying old system in Jehovah's ser- In Sardinia, a 12-year-old girl is always ready
vice. From the year the Watchtower Bible School
: : :. of Gilead opened, when I was only four years to take the initiative in talking about the truth of
old, my mother wou ld talk to me about it and God's Word, and to this end she brings My Book
to have it as my ~ At the age of six years, of Bible Stories to school with her. She reads it
_ ~ aft er my first school term, I vacation pioneered. during the school period for teaching the Catholic
. Each succeeding summer vacation I pioneered un- religion, from which class she has been exempted.
. -. til I gr adu ated from high school at which time I A Catholic priest noti ced her reading the book and
entered the pioneer service. Another thing that aSKea-to see it. Aft er having examined it, he ex-
contributed to my formation was that, during pr essed his apprecia tion for it and invited the girl
my teenage years, my father arranged his work to read one of the stories to the entire class. After
schedule so that he could be a regular pioneer, this was don e, it was arranged for our young sister
setting a good example for us children. to read a story to her class every we ek, explaining
"I married a pioneer brother who had the same it to her classmates. The Rriest has obtained a copy
-- desire as myself, to go to the Watchtower Bible for himself so he can read this in other classes.
School of Gilead, and as a couple that long-desired Somewhat similar is the experience of one of
~ goal was achieved in 1960. That same happy year our young brothers attending school in Chile.
saw my brother invited to Bethel and my par- There an ll-year-old lad has a regular assignment
:::;;, ents ente r the circuit activity. to teach his class re ligious subjects for which he
"I thank my parents and Jehovah God for the uses My Book of Bible Stories, even giving his
good training and encouragement I received in classmates written tests and grading them.
18 1982 Yearbook 19
When a seven-year-old boy took his copy of discuss the text for the day every morning at
My Book of Bible Stories to school, the teacher 8:30. The daily discussion could be .heard by all
saw it and requested that the missionary of Je- in the area if they desired to listen in. A woman
hovah's Witnesses who left the book with the 50 miles away, at 8:30 in the morning, told her
boy's mother come to the school. The missionary visitor, "You will have to excuse me now, it's
paid a visit to the school and the teacher took time to go and listen to the text for the day."
40 books for his entire Bible class, inviting the This text discussion that is so important to these
missionary to attend the weekly classes for dis- two women has been beneficial to listeners up to
cussions on the book.-Matt. 21:16. 360 miles (580 km) away. We encourage you to \
This is a sampling of what is being done with read the text and comments daily.
the splendid publication My Book of Bible Stories
and of the very commendable efforts on the part "NO PART OF THE WORLD"
of publishers of all ages. True Christians have always been neutral as
far as the politics and controversies of the nations
THE DAILY TEXT of the world are concerned. During this time of
Following the reports on the work of Jehovah's increasing violence, violence such as the world
Witnesses in various countries, the daily text and has never before known, the neutrality of Jeho-
comments appear in this Yearbook. They are pro- vah's Witnesses is not only a demonstration of
vided as an aid for daily Bible reading. Upon your loyalty to Jehovah and his kingdom but also a
arising, at the breakfast table or another family protection to Jehovah's people. The position of
meal, during the evening, or at some other con- Jehovah's Witnesses with respect to this issue is
venient time every day, your reading of the text
and printed comments will be of value. Many read, clear and is well known in all lands. No doubt
not only the Scripture text as quoted in the Year- it is difficult for the officials of some nations to
book daily, but also the context in the Bible and understand the neutrality of Jehovah's Witnesses
make reference to The Watchtower from which clearly, but the position of Christians has been
the printed comment is taken.-Acts 17:11. plainly stated in the Bible and in the literature of
This Yearbook provision is much appreciated by the Witnesses. Hence, there should be no occasion
Jehovah's people. An example of this is reported to have any doubt as to where they stand nor
, from Australia. This concerns two of Jehovah's as to the correctness of the position they take or
Witnesses, a mother and her daughter, who live have, that is, neutrality respecting the controver-
20 miles apart on separate cattle stations. They sies of the world and the politics of the nations.
I wanted to have a daily text discussion, and so This, of course, is necessary because Jehovah's
by means of their local radio network, known Witnesses are followers of Christ Jesus, and that
as the flying doctor radio network, they would was his position.-John 15:19; 17:14.
20 1982 Yearbook 21
' From a Latin-American country that is going and within a few minutes the military forces ar-
through a period of tremendous crime and vio- rived and they too began a house-to-house search.
lence, filling the people with a paralyzing fear, In front of the Kingdom Hall they asked if the
come reports of the safeguard Christian neutrality group of men had entered. The answer was, "No,
is to Jehovah's Witnesses in that land. There are because only Jehovah's Witnesses live there." So
more publishers of the Kingdom message in that the soldiers said, "Well, we will not go in either
strife-torn country than ever before, and they are because they are respectable people."
conducting many thousands of home Bible stud- Those who are dedicated to Jehovah and who
ies with the people, even though their activity take their stand squarely for his kingdom are in-
involves inconveniences and traveling under dan- deed in a blessed position. They wisely identify
gerous conditions. By identifying themselves as themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses before bellig-
Jehovah's Witnesses many have had Jehovah's erent forces of the world so that the respect that
protection. Their record of strict neutrality in po- they deserve can perhaps be shown to them by
litical matters and of true Christian conduct has such opposers. This has occurred in innumerable
served as a protection, as the following experi- cases in all parts of the earth. In all countries,
ences illustrate: regardless of the state of the country with respect
At 5:00 a.m. a group of Jehovah's Witnesses to armed hostilities, Christian neutrality must be
" waited for a bus to take them to their assign- maintained. Everyone of Jehovah's Witnesses con-
I ment for their work of preaching and teaching fronts the issue in one way or another. Jehovah has
the Bible. Suddenly a group of masked and heavi- made ample provisions for fortifying all spiritually,
ly armed men approached them and asked what and we are wise in taking advantage of these.
they thought of a particular political group. The
brothers explained that they were Jehovah's Wit- STIRRING KINGDOM LOYALTY
nesses and did not take part in political matters. DISTRICT CONVENTIONS
Their explanation was accepted and the group While reports are coming in from many parts
of men began to search the houses in the town of the globe as to the stimulating success of the
looking for arms or enemies. As they were about 1981 district conventions, the report for the Unit-
to enter a brother's house that also served as the ed States is now complete: One hundred district
local Kingdom Hall, they asked the neighbors if conventions were held with the all-time peak at-
there were arms there. The answer was, "Only tendance of 1,057,237. The number baptized was
Jehovah's Witnesses live in that house." At that, 8,734. The convention program was most upbuild-
the group decided not to enter because "those ing, and reports from all parts of the field show
people do not have any problems with anyone." the appreciation of Jehovah's people for this fine
By 8:50 a.m. the group of men had left the town spiritual provision.
22 1982 Yearbook 23
GILEAD TRAINING EXPANDED For 1981 we are glad to report that the num-
Since 1943, when the Watchtower Bible School ber of graduates for the New York school comes
of Gilead, located in New York State, began train- to 76 and for the school in Mexico to 71, bring-
ing full-time ministers for foreign service, well ing the combined total to 147 graduates assigned
over 6,400 have graduated. These have been sent to 39 countries. This is the largest total for any
to more than 100 countries of the earth. one year since 1968. It is most encouraging to see
At the graduation of the 69th class of Gilead well-trained persons going forth to many lands
School, held in New York on Sunday, Septem- for the purpose of making known the good news
ber 14, 1980, the announcement was made that of the Kingdom while there is yet time.
an extension of Gilead training would be estab-
lished at the Society's branch office in Mexico. THE MOTIVE THAT IS WORTH WHILE
This began November 24, 1980, with 24 students Jehovah's Witnesses are active in behalf of other
enrolled. On Sunday, February 1, 1981, the 24 people as they engage in their earth-wide minis-
students graduated and received diplomas. They try. They are consistent in their stand on issues in
were assigned to eight countries in Central and whatever part of the world they may be situated,
South America. There was great joy on the part and they are unique in their high regard for the
of all who attended this first graduation of the Word of God and their determined efforts to adhere
Gilead Cultural School of Mexico.
to Jehovah's requirements and principles. What
The second class commenced February 16 with is their motive? Several things are involved:
23 students. They graduated on Sunday, April 26,
to serve in eight Latin-American countries. The There is their recognition of what Jehovah God
third class began May 11 and graduated on Sun- has done in their behalf, and so out of apprecia-
day, July 19. These 24 graduates were assigned tion for this, they have love for God, and this is
to seven Central and South American countries. strengthened by their appreciation for what Jeho-
So, all together 71 graduates of the three class- vah is now doing and will yet do in their behalf.
es have been sent out as teachers. They know that if a person loves God, he will
During the 1981 service year the 70th and 71st keep his commandments, and they know that one
classes attended the Watchtower Bible School of of his commands is to preach the good news of
Gilead in New York. The 70th class began Octo- his established kingdom. Outof love for Jehovah
ber 20, 1980, with 49 students from 10 countries. they desire to do what they can to counteract the
All 49 graduated on Sunday, March 8, 1981, and reproach that has come upon God's name because
were sent to 18 countries. The 71st class enrolled of his being falsely blamed for mankind's troubles
on April 20, 1981, with 27 students from eight and being slandered by false religious doctrines.
lands. These graduated on Sunday, September 13, So, basically it is love for Jehovah that moves
1981, and were sent out to 13 countries. his witnesses to continue as his ministers.
24 1982 Y ea rb o o k 25
1981 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF J EH OVAH 'S WITNESSES WORLDWIDE
Letter and number foUowlng each country's name indieates the country's loeatlon on endsheet maps. Nos. 1·25 front and nos. 26-50bac k endsheet.
1981 Ratio, 1981 0/0 Inc. 1980 1981 Av. Av. Memorial
Peak One Pub- Av. over Av. No . Pio. No . of Total Bib le Atten-
Country Population Pubs. lisher to : Pubs. 1980 Pubs. Bptzd. Pubs. Congs. Hours Studies dance
Alas ka (A-36) 424,338 1,290 329 1,248 6 1,182 74 105 23 202,826 728 3,282
Alge ria (J -6) 19,300,000 24 804,167 18 6 17 3 1,229 18 79
American Samoa (N-33) 32,395 72 450 68 -4 ' 71 9 1 17,665 89 235
Andor ra (F-6) 35,460 95 373 85 13 75 2 1 8,871 33 193
Anguilla (H-46) 6,524 15 435 13 18 11 1 1 2,697 5 29
Antigua (J-47) 70,794 195 363 184 -1' 185 7 13 4 28,101 122 507
Argentina (P-46) 27,862,771 38,869 717 37,039 6 34,862 1,195 1,654 592 5,090,263 31,475 78,661
Aruba (J-46) 65,211 314 208 281 -1' 283 10 7 5 34,806 207 843
Ascension Is land (N-4) 1,151 3 384 2 New 31 3
Australia (0-26) 14,793,000 31,898 464 31,086 4 29,995 1.458 1.691 550 4,743,294 12,288 64,957
Austria (E-8) 7,546,200 13,939 541 13,611 3 13,155 795 580 218 2,002,746 6,109 24,570
Azores (G- 2) 280,000 314 892 291 4 279 21 26 12 54,629 294 825
Ba hamas (H-45) 209,505 526 398 492 4 471 39 32 10 81,203 502 1,621
Ba ng ladesh (J -17) 86,640,000 9 9,626,667 9 13 8 3 1 3,599 28 21
Barbados (J-47) 255,000 1,324 193 1,166 1 1,152 28 45 16 141,984 629 3,335
Belgium (E-6) 9,798,374 18,990 516 18,133 3 17,664 796 776 285 2,668,129 6,458 37,753
Belize (J-43) 145,000 628 231 597 11 540 44 47 15 113,599 558 2,272
Benin (L-6) 3,380,000 1,447 2,336 1,073 3 1,044 1 15 66 107,893 570 3,519
Bermuda (G-46) 57,400 246 233 223 4 214 16 20 4 42,241 176 639
Boliv ia (N-46) 5,000,000 2,662 1,878 2,554 4 2,459 268 350 68 669,774 2,973 11,448
Bonaire (J -46) 9,818 46 213 37 12 33 6 3 1 8,347 38 114
Botswana (P-9) 800,000 295 2,712 286 3 279 19 31 13 62,291 341 829
Brazil (M-48) 122,040,000 120,920 1,009 114,200 6 107,727 9,315 5,297 2,150 15,270,980 78,883 343,930
British Isl es (0.5) 54,527,776 85,312 639 80,824 3 78,346 3,487 4,879 1,141 12,452,632 36,160 165,537
Brunei (L-20) 170,000 18 9,444 8 60 5 2 1,768 14 58
Burma (J -18) 31,170,000 1,091 28,570 1,066 7 1,000 73 191 65 337,836 900 3,164
Burundi (M-9) 4,000,000 188 21,277 168 6 158 19 12 7 32,207 251 488
Cameroon (L-7) 8,700,000 11,257 773 10,014 -1' 10,124 250 41 447 707,427 6,494 21,416
Ca nada (C-42) 23,405,100 67,328 348 64,803 3 62,938 2,785 3,675 1,063 9,389,569 27,754 133,145
Cape Verde Rep. (K-3) 300,000 121 2,479 115 14 101 27 19 6 40,997 250 510
Cayman Isl ands (H-44) 15,600 37 422 33 22 27 4 2 1 4,210 28 95
Central Afr . Rep. (L-8) 2,300,000 1,090 2,110 995 6 943 68 81 42 182,866 831 4,928
Chad (K-8) 4,000,000 118 33,898 102 6 96 20 21 10 37,178 149 553
Chile (0-45) 11,295,000 16,875 669 15,711 4 15,081 1,160 1,001 280 2,494,973 15,660 54,796
Colombia (K-45) 27,600,000 16,800 1,643 16,099 7 15,111 1,193 1,104 280 2,848,982 17,754 66,035
Comoros (N-11) 258,000 2 129,000 2 2 19
Congo (M-8) 1,600,000 861 1,858 767 -4' 798 11 11 36 56,853 465 2,356
Cook Is lands (N-35) 22,000 58 379 50 4 48 7 5 4 10,482 36 333
Costa Rica (K-44) 2,276,676 6,183 368 5,663 8 5,268 373 288 118 855,552 4,953 17,625
Curacao (J-46) 162,362 823 197 804 6 761 54 64 10 162,577 1,021 2,522
Cyprus (G-10) 500,000 1,042 480 1,004 974 46 41 12 125,163 372 1.759
De nmark (0.7) 5,122,073 13,200 388 12,959 12,927 321 532 227 1,514,262 3,723 22,603
Dji bou ti (L-11) 500,000 5 100,000 4 New 1 116 3 6
Dominica (J-47) 70,302 198 355 176 5 168 13 16 7 35,039 132 693
Dominican Re p. (J-46) 5,000,000 6,839 731 6,633 7 6,218 411 597 131 1,330,452 9,536 28,965
Ecuad or (L-44) 8,644,000 5,388 1,604 5,165 4 4,957 476 496 112 1.082,648 6,507 26,576
E1 Sal vad or (J -43) 4,851,800 9,080 534 8,242 22 6,783 1,208 630 154 1,726,010 12,272 35,580
Equa torial Guinea (M-7) 330,200 39 8,467 33 57 21 4 2 10,165 91 176
F aroe Islands (B-5) 43,273 66 656 60 60 3 13 4 15,793 26 116
Fiji (N-32) 624,360 731 854 687 6 651 54 95 24 159,341 714 2,915
26 1982 Yearbook 27
1981 Ratio, 1981 0/0 Inc. 1980 1981 Av. Av. Memorial
Peak One Pub- Av. over Av. No. Pio. No . of Total Bible Atten-
Country Population Pubs. lIsher to: Pubs. 1980 Pubs. Bptzd. Pubs. Congs. Hours Studies dance
Finland (8-9) 4,787,769 13,585 352 13,297 1 13,103 547 975 252 1,994,303 5,382 22,375
France (F-6) 53,900,000 70,485 765 68,430 2 66,879 3,688 2,498 1,193 9,846,566 33,594 142,483
French Guiana (K-48) 65,600 252 260 238 -3- 246 15 13 3 45,154 332 790
Gabon (M-7) 700,000 406 1,724 343 -7- 370 20 16 14 51,486 360 1,138
Gambia (L-4) 600,955 14 42,925 13 8 12 4 1 6,124 29 50
Germany, F. R. (E-7) 61,654,300 101,451 608 99,223 1 97,831 3,312 3,178 1,457 12,727,529 31,918 169,417
Ghana (1,-6) 11,086,188 23,085 480 21,591 2 21,123 1,312 1,762 468 4,187,827 27,449 76,296
Gibraltar (G-5) 30,000 90 333 83 -2- 85 3 4 1 10,974 21 148
Greece (G-8) 9,700,000 18,649 520 18,516 18,462 363 763 463 2,471,228 5,513 33,220
Greenland (A-49) 50,643 84 603 78 3 76 5 7 11,784 45 139
Grenada (J-47) 111,000 351 316 312 6 293 16 22 7 54,349 245 968
Guadeloupe (J-47) 324,000 2,756 118 2,698 3 2,631 121 63 38 370,158 2,321 7,258
Guam (K-24) 105,816 166 637 147 14 129 16 24 1 37,195 159 491
Guatemala (J-43) 7,262,419 5,788 1,255 5,658 5 5,412 394 337 92 935,293 5,228 20,830
Guinea (L-4) 5,143,284 184 27,953 157 -13- 181 42 12 68,363 271 635
Guinea-Bissau (L-4) 530,000 7 75,714 4 33 3 1 2 1 2,663 30 21
Guyana (K-47) 842,000 1,152 730 1,119 -4- 1,167 54 121 30 234,663 973 3,642
Haiti (J-45) 6,000,000 3,105 1,932 3,007 3,018 152 194 73 545,394 3,486 20,725
Hawaii (H-35) 973,000 4,554 214 4,474 2 4,400 145 583 60 982,001 3,930 12,820
Honduras (J-43) 3,820,951 3,056 1,250 2,879 1 2,854 155 232 63 596,452 3,683 15,512
Hong Kong (J-20) 5,000,000 900 5,556 880 6 833 67 197 13 321,285 1,326 1,978
Iceland (B-3) 244,380 124 1,810 112 112 7 ' 11 2 19,402 49 274
India (J-15) 670,000,000 5,435 123,275 4,969 7 4,647 292 560 307 1,065,561 3,395 14,312
Ireland (E-5) 4,907,217 1,995 2,460 1,915 4 1,835 107 294 73 534,610 889 3,994
Israel (H-10) 5,120,000 260 19,692 246 6 232 21 16 5 43,562 128 525
Italy (F-7) 56,700,000 90,553 626 87,854 8 81,569 6,219 6,892 1,364 17,158,629 56,397 187,165
Ivory Coast (1,-5) 6,670,000 1,473 4,528 1,396 7 1,308 86 91 45 251,021 1,520 4,791
Jamaica (J-45) 2,200,000 6,713 328 6,554 1 6,512 351 271 166 901,019 4,630 21,271
Japan (F-23) 117,009,002 63,447 1,844 60,267 11 54,317 5,801 18,282 1,273 24,282,458 84,490 144,822
Jordan (II-1O) 2,984,000 51 58,510 36 9 33 I 2 1 3,251 17 121
Kenya (M-1O) 16,500,000 2,518 6,553 2,366 8 2,196 196 347 96 719,873 3,060 8,453
Kiribati (1,-31) 56,000 6 9,333 4 4 1 478 4 70
Korea (G-21) 38,723,000 28,440 1,362 27,771 5 26,488 1,841 3,449 530 5,876,706 20,945 61,530
Kosrae (K-30) 3,989 20 199 19 6 18 4 1 5,236 25 93
Lebanon (II-10) 3,012,000 1,858 1,621 1,773 2 1,739 92 71 47 246,056 967 3,760
Lesotho (Q-9) 1,279,000 602 2,125 588 5 562 27 58 40 124,117 421 2,720
Liberia (1,-5) 1,875,000 1,095 1,712 1,019 2 998 29 87 30 218,729 1,154 4,001
Libya (J-8) 2,748,000 6 458,000 3 -50- 6 1 351 3 5
Liechtenstein (F-7) 25,215 31 813 29 4 28 3 1 4,915 21 63
Luxembourg (E-6) 433,500 997 435 980 6 928 61 66 20 176,032 616 2,244
Macao (J-20) 375,000 13 28,846 11 -15- 13 6 1 9,748 23 29
Madagascar (0-12) 9,000,000 1,066 8,443 1,046 8 967 45 64 29 182,580 1,639 4,888
Madeira (II-3) 262,000 380 689 342 341 20 15 9 49,225 300 1,003
Malaysia (Ir18) 13,652,000 565 24,163 529 9 486 34 59 19 141,588 797 1,309
Mali (K-6) 5,000,000 37 135,135 34 -13- 39 3 16 1 24,165 141 95
Malta (G-8) 315,262 123 2,563 97 15 84 14 11 I 22,892 76 343
Malvinas Islands (8-47) 2,089 4 522 3 3 1 320 2 19
Marshall Islands (K-31) 25,044 165 152 136 6 128 11 22 3 32,680 199 623
Martinique (J-47) 330,000 1,210 273 1,158 9 1,060 70 32 19 156,494 866 3,273
Mauritius (0-13) 938,400 474 1,980 454 10 414 47 35 9 87,208 379 1,068
28 1982 Y earbo o k 29
1981 Ratio , 1981 0/0 Inc. 1980 1981 Av. Av. Memorial
Peak O ne Pub- Av. over Av. No. Pio. No. of Total Bible At te n -
Cou ntry Popula ti on Pubs. Usher to : Pubs . 1980 Pubs. Bp tzd. Pubs . Congs. Hour s S tudies da n ce
Ma yot te (0-11) 45,000 1 45,000 1 1 672 4 4
Mexi co (H-42) 67,395,826 101,171 666 98,610 5 94,136 7,063 7,857 4,069 17,267,143 100,636 492,142
Mon ts erra t (J-47) 12,335 24 514 21 5 20 2 1 3,690 17 104
Morocco (H-5) 19,470,000 102 190,882 87 -10- 97 1 7 2 17,645 51 184
Nauru (Ir30) 6,000 4 1,500 2 New 1 164 3
Nep al (H-16) 13,170,000 20 658,500 15 -6- 16 2 1 3,480 12 44
Netherlands (E-6) 14,246,021 27,147 525 26,267 26,155 763 1,398 286 3,805,376 8,152 46,336
Nevis (J -46) 11,230 34 330 26 18 22 1 5 1 8,481 21 85
New Ca led on ia (N-30) 142,000 428 332 381 8 353 28 18 8 61,043 377 1,066
Newfoundland (0-47) 560,000 1,097 510 1,064 1 1,049 37 78 32 167,957 404 2,122
New zealand (Q-3 1) 3,117,000 7,430 420 6,937 3 6,737 338 448 119 1,067,049 3,537 15,717
Nic aragua (J-44) 2,500,000 3,917 638 3,663 11 3,308 405 405 77 859,368 5,350 17,865
Niger (K-7) 4,990,000 71 70,282 61 7 57 8 18 6 30,848 87 198
Nigeria (Ir6) 79,758,969 106,646 748 93,191 1 92,725 3,192 4,698 2,151 13,680,504 67,812 276,880
Niue (N-33) 3,232 9 359 8 14 7 2 1 576 5 41
Norwa y (B-7) 4,099,946 6,928 592 6,753 1 6,684 214 215 180 732,367 1,830 12,906
Pakistan (H- 14) 87,000,000 183 475,410 173 -4- 181 3 29 6 54,102 198 421
Palau (Belau, R.) (Ir22) 13,000 39 333 36 -5- 38 1 9 1 14,695 92 141
Panama (K-44) 1,870,439 3,377 554 3,182 2 3,107 127 252 70 621,697 3,918 11,114
P apua New Guinea (M-28) 3,006,799 1,503 2,001 1,419 2 1,398 81 110 79 253,860 1,284 5,342
P araguay (0-47) 2,877,000 1,766 1,629 1,505 2 1,471 67 100 44 238,243 1,217 3,354
P eru (M-45) 18,000,000 13,832 1,301 13,510 6 12,789 1,286 1,653 308 3,121,038 15,749 55,231
Philippines (K-21) 48,000,000 61,460 781 59,328 -1- 59,631 2,962 5,977 2,147 10,258,491 26,025 190,332
Ponape (K-2 9) 22,000 70 314 60 5 57 2 12 1 19,003 76 211
Portugal (G -5) 9,415,900 21,513 438 20,586 2 20,277 1,260 713 389 2,518,104 13,371 55,597
P ue r to Ri co (J-46) 3,187,566 16,533 193 15,926 2 15,617 716 683 237 2,294,419 10,944 47,404
Reunion (0-13) 530,000 649 817 618 11 558 30 35 12 114,367 462 1,845
Rodr igu es (0-14) 31,000 16 1,938 11 11 1 1 1,388 6 45
Rw anda (M-IO) 5,300,000 239 22,176 206 36 152 45 50 11 97,540 553 1,051
St. Eustat ius (J-46) 1,335 2 668 2 -60- 5 1 1,066 2 16
Spain (G- 5) 37,796,846 47,906 789 46,062 6 43,368 3,201 3,257 798 8,374,360 32,343 102,159
Sri Lanka (IrI6) 14,850,000 653 22,741 637 5 609 52 122 20 215,820 775 2,240
Sudan (K-9) 19,600,000 102 192,157 99 11 89 7 7 2 21,638 147 281
Suriname (K-47) 350,000 806 434 773 773 51 66 12 144,743 620 2,583
Sw azil and (P-1O) 554,589 686 808 612 596 27 29 33 104,703 424 2,084
30 1982 Y ea r bo o k 31
1981 Ratio, 1981 0/0 Inc. 1980 1981 Av. Av . Memorial
Peak One Pub- Av. over Av. No. Pio. No. of T otal Bible Atten-
Country Population Pubs. lish er to: Pubs . 1980 Pubs. Bptzd. Pubs. Oongs. Hours Studies dance
Sweden (B-8) 8,317,937 17,770 468 17,314 2 16,934 609 1,286 307 2,584,592 7,389 30,081
Switzerland (F-7) 6,365,960 11,053 576 10,649 3 10,362 514 333 231 1,444,035 5,787 19,785
Syria (H-I0) 8,088,000 160 50,550 137 -7 - 147 1 4 7 18,833 74 323
Tahiti (N-36) 146,124 443 330 431 -3- 445 23 40 10 76,484 366 1,179
Taiwan (J-20) 18,000,000 937 19,210 902 902 37 148 35 242,387 763 2,524
Tanzania (N-IO) 19,200,000 1,621 11,845 1,583 9 1,449 54 153 80 341,791 1,219 4,833
Thailand (K-18) 46,961,338 763 61,548 740 3 717 48 111 26 192,075 613 1,694
Togo (Ir6) 2,666,220 1,710 1,559 1,472 7 1,372 36 16 67 103,135 931 3,283
Tonga (N-33) 90,728 29 3,129 27 8 25 2 6 1 10,771 52 89
Trinidad (K-47) 1,106,638 3,362 329 3,154 3 3,053 105 299 44 576,611 2,935 8,555
Truk (K-28) 31,600 35 903 31 31 5 2 8,532 38 192
Tunisia (H-7) 6,600,000 51 129,412 48 -8- 52 1 1 4,809 24 104
Turkey (0-10) 45,000,000 793 56,747 766 -3- 791 32 54 11 141,557 456 1,297
Turks & Caicos Isis. (H-45) 7,650 28 273 25 25 2 5 2 8,177 33 82
Tuvalu Islands (M-32) 8,000 19 421 15 25 12 3 3 1 5,059 38 110
Uganda (M-IO) 14,100,000 206 68,447 186 28 145 48 21 9 53,976 316 536
U.S . of America (F-42) 224,624,344 588,503 382 563,452 4 543,457 28,496 38,933 7,590 86,724,369 322,207 1,463,070
Upper Volta (Ir5) 6,147,363 168 36,591 153 11 138 18 43 7 71,333 330 653
Uruguay (P-47) 2,788,429 4,288 650 4,043 -2- 4,113 189 316 90 721,416 3,933 12,127
Vanuatu (M-31) 116,000 47 2,468 38 -17- 46 3 5 2 10,396 70 164
Ven ezu ela (K-46) 17,000,000 17,109 994 16,283 8 15,025 1,484 1,218 197 3,043,687 18,231 57,645
Virgin Is . (Brit.) (J-46) 11,888 82 145 75 75 2 3 8,166 42 274
Virgin Is. (U.S.) (J-46) 95,214 478 199 454 4 436 9 27 8 65,975 374 1,650
Wallis & Futuna Isis. (M-32) 9,000 2 4,500 2 2 154 1
West Berlin (E-7) 1,893,500 4,925 384 4,819 -2- 4,900 134 155 64 607,251 1,522 7,116
Western Samoa (M-33) 156,893 132 1,189 118 17 101 10 19 3 36,874 125 799
Yap (K-27) 7,869 41 192 38 38 2 9 1 14,791 70 118
zaire (M-9) 27,000,000 25,753 1,048 24,015 17 20,455 2,271 3,556 838 6,861,785 36,999 107,766
zambia (0-9) 5,679,808 51,583 110 49,949 -2- 50,708 1,766 2,931 1,309 7,973,272 53,182 262,708
Zimbabwe (0-9) 7,600,000 10,594 717 10,078 -1- 10,204 645 560 475 1,531,160 6,004 28,103
180 Countries 2,138,373 2,041,522 3.7 1,968,407 111,664 146,913 40,083 339,506,813 1,378,096 5,634,979
t 26 O th er Countries 223,523 205,964 -0.5- 206,996 8,172 4,267 3,787 19,074,734 97,081 352,914
GRAND TOTAL (206 countries) 2,361,896 2,247,486 3.3 2,175,403 119,836 151,180 43,870 358,581,547 1,475,177 5,987,893
- P ercen tage of dec r ease
t Work banned and r epo rts a re incom plete MEMORIAL P ARTAK ERS WORLDWID E: 9,601
Then there is the matter of love for the ir fel- those who love the truth. This is out of neigh-
lowman, for their neighbor. They desire to put bar love , neighbor affection.-Matt. 22:37-39.
the spiritual interests of others ahead of their own Furthermore, Jehovah's Witnesses believe God's
personal convenience, being concerned with the Word, and they know that "there is more happi-
destiny of other humans. So, it is really out of love ness in giving than there is in receiving." They
for neighbor that they go from house to house, want to sow generously and reap generously.
make return visits on those who are interested in - Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 9:6.
the Word of God and conduct Bible studies with Also, their own lives , as well as the lives of
32 1982 Yearbook 33
]K:
a new blanket for you [handmade, of course] and
please spend the night with us.' So I went. It was the Palm, who arrived in Chile in
an even better blanket; a larger poncho. I bought 1936, energetically spread the seeds
it at once; it was quite reasonable. I stayed the of truth from one end of the
night with them, answering many of their Bible country to the other
50 1982 Yearbook 51
questions." (After more than 35 years of use Sister urging the Lord's people to consider the possibil-
Palm still has her Chiloe poncho.) ity of carrying the good news of the Kingdom to
Moving north as instructed by Brother Traub, South America. Brother Laguna was fired with
Sister Palm visited Osorno. The governor of this enthusiasm and made plans to move. On arriving
province was pleased to receive her. He showed in Chile in 1936, he took up the preaching work
her the book Government, which he had read in the city of Concepci6n. After several years of
and enjoyed. Then he promised that in Osorno pioneering, Brother Laguna married and began
no one would hinder our work, and that proved to raise a family in the city of Chillan, where
to be true. he helped the spiritual growth of the congrega-
On to the province of Valdivia. Here Sister tion there.
Palm went to the seaport of Corral. She relates: These self-sacrificing pioneers, before the arrival
"I found a union hall to play our one-hour lecture of graduates from the Watchtower Bible School
'Face the Facts' and the hall was filled with the of Gilead, played an important role in those early
people I had invited. They even brought some of days of the preaching work. Many seeds of truth
that beautiful national flower, the copihue, along had been scattered from Arica to Punta Arenas
with fern leaves to decorate the hall. So as to and even to Tierra del Fuego. Though lying dor-
banish the smell of stale cigarette smoke in the mant until more preachers of the "good news"
hall I got some eucalyptus leaves to burn and could reach them with additional waters of truth,
it helped scent the air. A young girl went up they were planted and were awaiting the moment
to the gallery to look down on our decorations to blossom and grow to Jehovah's praise.
and said: 'Hum, just like Atkinson's perfume.' (A
famous English perfume in Chile.) Did I laugh! FIRST KINGDOM HALL-FIRST CONVENTION
After the discourse the visitors took along their In 1944 construction began on the first Kingdom
gifts of booklets and magazines and asked when Hall to be built in Chile. A sister donated the prop-
would they hear more of those good things." erty in Santiago, and the brothers went to work
ANOTHER ZEALOUS PIONEER with brick and mortar. It was finished in August
This account of scattering the seeds of truth of that year, in time for the first convention ever
along the length and breadth of Chile would not held in Chile.
be complete without telling about another zealous The public talk was "Peace-Can It Last?" with
pioneer, Theodore Laguna, who came here from 250 persons in attendance. Four radio stations
the United States. Brother Laguna attended the carried the lecture, and two of them continued
1935 convention in Washington, D.C., and heard to broadcast the Society's programs for the rest
the stimulating discourses of Brother Rutherford of the year.
52 1982 Yearbook 53
MISSIONARIES AND A BRANCH OFFICE imagine! She had spoken with provincial gover-
The first Gilead-trained missionaries arrived in nors and others in important positions, but now
Chile in 1945. They were Brothers Joseph Ferrari she trembled at the thought of conducting a home
and Albert Mann. There were then only 65 pub- Bible study with an interested person!
lishers in Chile. She continues: "So we went, made the call,
The Society had arranged for a convention that placed the book with the family and made ar-
was to include the first visit of a president and rangements for the Bible study. Thereafter, the
a vice-president of the Watch Tower Society to children were well prepared for the study, as was
Chile, namely, N. H. Knorr and F. W. Franz. the young mother. Only the father refused to
On March 25, 1945, the public talk, "One World, share in the study. And so it was that the first
One Government," was given to an audience of person with whom I studied the Bible came into
340 persons. Five persons were baptized at this the truth, the children growing up and dedicating
convention. themselves to Jehovah as well.
During his visit Brother Knorr arranged for a "As I lost my fear of conducting home Bible stud-
branch office to be set up with Brother Joseph ies I found that one could get many more studies
Ferrari as the branch overseer. Up to this time than one could care for. But we were instructed to
the work had been directed from the Argentine spend only half of our time in conducting studies. I
branch. enjoy it more than any other kind of witnessing."
Yes, from fear to enjoyment, that is progressing
In addition, Sister Palm was asked about taking with Jehovah's advancing organization!
up the special pioneer work. She responded: "I'll
try, Brother Knorr." So Sister Palm became the MORE MISSIONARIES ARRIVE
first special pioneer in Chile. After so many years At the close of the year 1945, 10 more mission-
of constantly moving from one place to anoth- aries arrived: Louise and Frances Stubbs, Stella
er with the Kingdom message, she was to settle Burton, Stephania Payne, Elsa Sutton, John and
down in Santiago and learn how to conduct home Louise Baxter, Clara Giza, Lydia Walther and
Bible studies. The book «The Truth Shall Make Lola Buntain. Everything was new to them-the
You Free" had been translated into Spanish and language, the customs and the habits of the peo-
it had a question booklet that helped in this work. ple. But they found that with hard work they
were able to communicate with the people, who
BIBLE STUDY WORK are patient and kindly disposed to help newcomers
Shortly thereafter a sister invited Sister Palm to learn their language.
come with her to try to start a home Bible study. This group of missionaries had the privilege of
"Did I tremble!" recalls Sister Palm. Can you setting up the first missionary home at 3004 Lyon
54 1982 Yearbook 55
Street in Santiago. Th e branch office was also a broad, open bay. Though aided by the 16 ~able
part of thi s home. Since the original congregation cars on different hills, it was tiring work climb-
was at the opposite side of the city, it was decid- ing those hills to talk to the people.
ed to combine th e dining and living room areas One of the first persons to respond to the truth
and form a new congregation. So in 1946 the sec- in Valparaiso was Aida Guzman. She atte~d~d the
ond congregation was formed in this metropolis meetings held in the living room of the rmssionary
of Santiago with its 1,500,000 inhabitants. home in 1948. She remembers that because of a
shortage of chairs full cartons of literature were
FIRST CIRCUIT OVERSEER distributed about the room and wooden planks
In July 1946 Brother Albert Mann, one of the were placed across them to form benches.
first two missionari es to come to Chile, was as- Meanwhile, the missionaries were busy. Sister
signed as the first circuit overseer in th e country. Elsa Sutton who later married Hollis Smith, found
Th ere were just nine congregations, with a total a young m~n who desired to study the Bible. Th~s
of 93 publishers in such places as Chillan, Con- young man, Alberto Munoz, was opposed by hIS
cepcion, Rancagua, Melipilla, Illapel and Santiago. mother so the study was carried on in one of the
Brother Mann's exa mple of faith and devotion has public parks. He repeated all he l~arned to h~s
been a wonderful stimulus to many young people, two younger sisters and also to a neighbor, S~rgio
as well as older ones, in the truth. Gonzalez. The girls, in turn, repeated all of It to
When he began as a circuit overseer, accom- their mother. Due to the loving persistence of the
modations were scarce in the small congr egations. two girls the mother finally asked for a family
This meant sleeping in.hotels. Sometim es it was a Bible study. The son and the two girls entered
case of trying to sleep, as the barroom or enter- the pioneer work and later the girls, Graciela. and
tainm ent hall would be noisy all nigh t long . Two Elena Munoz, received invitations to attend GIlead
weeks were spent with each congregation, allow- School. The neighbor, Sergio Gonzalez, accepted
ing tim e for teaching th e brothers organization the truth and he became one of the early special
and, primarily, training them for th e field service pioneers in Chile.
as publishers of the "good news." The work started in Valparaiso by the mission-
aries has certainly prospered over the years, and
MISSIONARY WORK IN VALPARAISO now there are nine congregations here.
In November of 1946 nine new missionaries ar-
rived. A missionary home was established in the CONTINUED EXPANSION IN THE CAPITAL
port city of Valparaiso, and the witness work In 1946 four missionaries were assigned to San-
was begun in Chile's second largest city, which is tiago: Larry and Margaret Laing, Dorot.h~a S~ith
built on 41 hills clustered, crescent-like, around a and Dora Ward. As with all new mISSIOnarIeS,
56 1982
amusing incidents are related with regard to learn-
ing the new language. For example, off to the
meat market a missionary went one day to ask for
a pound of pulpa, or meat. The butcher and oth-
ers in the shop had hearty laughs when the mis-
sionary asked for a pound of pulpo, or octopus!
In 1948 an ll-year-old girl took hold of the
truth. This little girl, Gladys Ramirez, worked as
a vacation pioneer and enjoyed being trained by
the missionaries. She dreamed of the day when
she too could be a missionary and so began to
study English. Some 10 years later she was able
to fulfill her ambition when she was invited to
attend Gilead School, graduating in the year 1958.
She is still faithfully serving Jehovah as a regu-
lar pioneer in the city of Valparaiso.
And what about our dear Sister Palm? She had
been assigned to work on the north side of San-
tiago as a special pioneer. Due to the hard work
of the brothers a third congregation was formed
in Santiago in 1948. A brother gave up his garage.
It was painted and renovated for use as a meeting
hall. The Independencia Congregation has grown
and been divided many times over; in fact, there
are now 12 congregations in that part of the city
and 79 in all Santiago. With the formation of this
congregation Sister Palm returned to work with
the original Quinta Normal Congregation. But, as
she relates, she still had a longing for opening up
the work in new places, as is evidenced by her
~
following remarks:
"Every Monday I took a day off [to rest? No.] ichard Traub, who opened up the
to go out of town, for I missed witnessing in the preaching work in Chile, and his
country. I took a bus as far as it would go and wife Consuelo
58 1982 Yea r book 59
worked the small fruit or vegetable farms all around months, contac ted Judge Daniel Gonzalez , presi-
Santiago, re turning late at night, beginning the dent of the appeals court in Santiago. A study was
town territory and studies again on Tuesday. On started and this man began to attend meetin gs.
those Mondays I could place plenty of magazines, He was ver y helpful in securing differ ent places
also books and booklets, as many as I could carry,
and usually come back with my book bag and extra to hold assemblies, such as the School of Law of
shopping bag filled with fruits and vegetables. the Unive rsity of Chile an d other schools.
"Sometimes I returned with chickens that Sister In 1953 Judge Gonzalez suffered a b rain hemor-
Traub always was glad to add to her flock in the rh age, and for severa l weeks he was unconscious
hen house. Once I brought a young pig and she was much of the tim e. He gave strict instruction s t
really happy about that! Why? Well, the 1953 New
York International Convention was announced, and his wife that no priest was to be allow ed to see
Brother Traub wanted to go to it. So this pig would him, only J eho vah 's W itn esses would be welcome.
grow and be fattened and then sold to help with the Even prominent Chilean Cardinal Jose Maria Caro
travel expenses. Also, Sister Traub bought a lot of Rodriguez was denied the opportunity to see him.
very small pullets to raise and sell. When he died , Mrs. Gonzalez asked for a Witness
"After some weeks Sister Traub came to my room to give the talk at the funeral. There wer e mor e
early one morning with a worried look. Now what? than 600 people present, including the minister of
She had found several of the grown broilers dead
-a plague! She came the following two or three justice, members of the cabinet, various members
mornings to tell me how many more had died dur- of congress, as well as the pr esident of the Supreme
ing the night. The time to go to New York was Court. After some of these dignitaries had ex-
much too short to start all over with new pullets, so pressed themselves, one of our missionaries ga ve a
what could we do now to help our oldest Witness discour se enti tled "The Hope of Our Friend, Judge
brother in Chile to get to the convention? Sister
Traub said to me: 'Why don't you write a letter to Gonzalez." He explained the wonderful hop e of the
Brother Knorr and tell him about it?' That I did. As resur rection that Judge Gonzalez had embraced.
a result, Brother Traub was called into the branch An outstanding testimony was given to these high-
office and asked how much was lacking. Jehovah ranking officials of the govern ment, and man y of
made the trip possible, and what a delight it was th em talked with t he spea ker after the discourse,
for him to tell us all about it when he returned to expressing ap prec iation for the things heard.
Chile!"
~
and more people were being reached with the could no long er continue as bra nch overseer , so he
" Kingdom message. In 1946 John Baxter, a mission- was invited to help with the work in Concepcion.
ary who had been in the country for only a few Brother Albert Mann took charge of the branch
./'
60 1982 Yearbook 61
office, a post that he filled for 10 years. He was PRIESTS OPPOSE-BUT LOSE INFLUENCE
advised to begin looking for a new location for In those days it was still commonly believed
the branch office and missionary home nearer the that the Bible was a Protestant book and thus
center of the city . One was found at 2390 Moneda prohibited to Catholics. One of the missionaries
Street, just a few blocks from the busy center placed his first Bible in the country with a friend-
of Santiago. ly householder, but later a priest came and tore it
up in the face of the people.
MORE WORKERS ARRIVE At some doors just the mention of the word "Bi-
By the year 1949 there were 25 missionaries ble" would trigger the response, "We are Apos-
working in Chile. The results of their work could tolic Roman Catholics" and a rapid closing of the
be seen in that there were 211 publishers in the door would follow. So we used the term "Sacred
country. This was a fine increase from the 65 pub- Scriptures," which sounded more like the sacred
lishers in 1945 when the first missionaries arrived. history taught in the schools, until there was
But there was still only one Witness for every enough interest to explain that this was another
20,000 persons, a clear indication of the desperate term for the Bible.
need for help. The big question in the minds of The Catholic Church had widely circulated in
the brothers was not, "When will Armageddon Chile a new Mass book, Oremus. This had a small
come?" but "How are we going to get the 'good paragraph stating that the Bible was a Catholic
news' preached to all the people before the end book and should be read by all the faithful. Very
comes?" few noticed this. So when anyone objected to the
Help was coming: At the close of the year 20 Bible, we quickly asked: "But did you read the
new missionaries arrived as graduates of the 13th Oremus?" "Oh, yes," they would reply. "Then let
class of Gilead, and what a wonderful lift they us see just what it says on page 21." This method
proved to be for the organization! Six brothers, opened many a person's eyes and the door was
John and Harry Williams, Charles Corey, Ray- kept open.
mond Tubbs, Daniel Davidson and Boyd Collins, The Roman Catholic Church in Chile has never
were assigned to work in the city of Temuco. really presented violent opposition to our work
There was not one Witness in Temuco when they as it has in other lands. Pamphlets and even a
arrived, but by August of 1950 there was a con- book have been published against us; loudspeak-
gregation of 30 Kingdom proclaimers. A second ers have been used, but they have never incited
group of brothers was assigned to the steep hills of the people to riot against us. When they have
Valparaiso. These were Harold Jackson, Dewaine spoken out against us, it has boomeranged, as the
Graber, Robert Knight and George Wilkes. Chilean is a patient and kind person who appre-
62 1982 Yearbook 63
ciates freedom of worship. Due to the conduct of fever. Because of this she was unable to make a
the priests some have little respect for what the return visit on a German lady who had fled Nazi
priests say. This is seen, too, in that very often Germany some years before. Notified by Brother
the people tell us: "I am a Catholic, but I do not Hannan of her condition, the German woman, re-
believe in the priest" or "I am a Catholic, but in membering her first days in a foreign land, imme-
my own way." These people readily discuss the diately visited Sister Hannan and offered to send
Bible, and only lack of time limits the number of her doctor to treat her. With the help of this lady
Bible studies one can conduct. Sister Hannan spent two months in a private room
GROWTH IN CONCEPCION AREA in the Regional Hospital, attended by one of the
Of the group of nine missionaries that arrived in chief physicians, without it costing her one cent.
1946, five were assigned to the city of Concepcion Her illness caused her to lose her hearing and she
in the south. They were: Robert and Vora Han- had to make a new start in the witness work. She
nan, Dorothy Brehmer, Willie Brown and Joan found the patience and friendliness of the Chilean
Brown. Joan became seriously ill and returned to people a great help in overcoming her handicap.
the United States where she died in 1950, but her After having worked in Concepcion for a time,
faithfulness is remembered by the many people special pioneer Sergio Gonzalez was assigned to
with whom she studied the Bible. work in the mining town of Coronel. There he
Thanks in great part to the missionaries spear- found sincere miners who quickly realized the dif-
heading the work, the Concepcion area had begun ference between the teachings of the evangelical
to grow. In 1949 Vora Hannan called at the home churches and the more exact teachings of Jeho-
of Armando Badilla, who happily received the vah's Witnesses. He urged them to travel the 17
book "The Truth Shall Make You Free." He told miles (27 km) by train to attend the meetings in
his fellow workers what he was learning in his Concepcion when their work shifts permitted it.
Bible study. Soon Sister Hannan had two other Struggling to make a living for their families, these
studies. From these few persons there were later men worked under difficult circumstances, having
produced seven publishers, three of whom be- to travel several miles under the ocean floor to
came special pioneers. Brother Badilla progressed arrive at the mine face, where they were dig-
to the point of becoming a congregation servant ging coal. Despite their lack of this world's goods,
and now serves as an elder in one of the three they made many sacrifices for the Kingdom work.
congregations in Concepcion. When the congregation in Coronel was formed in
There are many problems as well as many joys 1954, these six brothers paid for the rent of the
in the missionary field. Sister Hannan had an an- Kingdom Hall out of their meager earnings and
thrax infection and later came down with a high were glad to do so.
64 1982 Yearbook 65
COURT CASE PROVIDES BASIS don't you become uniform and use the same title
FOR FUTURE EXPANSION
for your magazine all over the world? Of course,
By the year 1952 there was a total of 831 pub- I have no right to suggest a change in your maga-
lishers in the 15 congregations in the country. Be- zine. You have the right to use whatever title you
cause of the increasing activity, opposition came want, and you have chosen the title El Atalaya,
from the.Sezenth-Day Adyentists-The Adventists 'The Watchman,' a human creature. La Atalaya,
were distributing their magazine El Atalaya, and 'The Watchtower,' is a stone structure. Certainly
we were distributing the magazine La Atalaya, Spanish-speaking people do not confuse these two
things. Furthermore, the magazines are entirely
and they were arguing that the name of our different in appearance. I believe the intelligence
i; magazine was similar to that of theirs. Since they of the Spanish-speaking people is sufficient to dis-
\ had registered their name in Chile, they believed cern the difference between the two titles."
that they had the right to stop the circulation
of ours. The following is part of a letter written Despite such reasoning with them, the Advent-
on February 7, 1952, to a representative of their ists pressed the matter into the Chilean courts. On
organization by President N. H. Knorr: March 10, 1953, the trial court's decision showed
that much more was observed by the judges than I
"As I said to you when you called on me here at a difference in name. It was held that the subtitle )'
124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, La Atalaya is pub- "Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom" was a distin-
lished in Spanish, printed in Brooklyn, and circu-
lated worldwide in all Spanish-speaking countries. guishing feature of our magazine. So the court
It has become known the world over among Span- ruled it was not convinced that a fraud had been
ish-speaking people as a publication of the Watch- produced, causing damage to the rights of the )
tower Society. The title of your magazine is entirely Adventists. The case was appealed by them to
different. Your magazine El Atalaya means 'The a higher court, and, on reviewing the case, that
Watchman.' The title of our magazine, La Atalaya, court observed that our magazine, La Atalaya,
means 'The Watchtower.' There is certainly a great was much older than the Adventist magazine.
difference between a man, a human, and a stone
structure. I do not see how they can be confused. It Therefore, the court upheld the trial court's deci-
is not our fault that the Spanish words look alike; sion, giving us a clear-cut victory with our most
they certainly do not have the same meaning. important Bible study aid.
"The Society has no intention of changing the
name of our Spanish magazine. It is an American JOYFUL EXPANSION
publication and may be mailed to any part of the Brother Knorr made a visit to Chile at the end
world or distributed anywhere in South America. of 1953 to attend a district assembly. He also made
As I recall our conversation, you have used differ- arrangements for the purchase of the property at
ent names for your magazine in Mexico and oth- 1710 Moneda Street that had been rented in 1951
r countries. If the matter is confusing, then why and that was being used as the branch office and
66 1982 Yearbook 67
missionary home. Further, he made arrangements er was cold and wet. We found a lot of interest
to send missionaries out to more distant parts of in the truth, placing between 60 and 70 books a
the country to open up the preaching activity. month. Most of the people had never even seen a
Much stress was placed upon the special pioneer Bible, as reading it was prohibited by the priests.
work so that more local brothers could likewise "We started out in a small five-room home with
share in the privilege of going to outlying towns a room set aside for meetings. In March of 1957
and cities. the first seven publishers reported. In a little over
Sister Kathe Palm was invited to move to the a year a group of 15 were working with us, and in
provinces and was assigned to San Antonio. Many October of that year we needed a larger mission-
magazines could be placed in this fine territory ar y home with a larger room for the meetings.
along the coast, where, in the summer, vacation- Eventu ally that proved to be too small and we
ers enjoyed the sandy beaches and hotels. With used three of our rooms as a HalL However, in
the help of two pioneers, Olga Chiffelle and Glad- 1967 the congregation rented another Kingdom
ys Ramirez, a congregation was formed in San Hall and the growth has been marvelous." Yes,
Antonio in the year 1956. Since San Antonio was indeed! There are now two thriving congregations
a port and the branch had many cartons of liter- with over 200 publishers, and they share their
ature in several languages, Sister Palm was asked own large Kingdom Hall.
if she would like to find ships with crews that Another city at this southern tip of the con-
could read some of these languages. She got her tinent is Puerto Natales. It is the capital of the
authorization card from the port authorities and district called "Ultima Esperanza," or Last Hope.
participated in this different aspect of the work Large sheep ranches are located in this part of the
until the end of 1959. country, and the town is populated by workers
How joyful all the publishers throughout the employed in coal mining on the Chilean-Argentine
land were when it was announced in 1954 that the border. Here there are gale winds that relentlessly
long-hoped-for figure of 1,000 publishers was at- sweep across the country. Trees barely grow more
tained! A peak of 1,018 shared in the field service. than 'a few feet high and they tilt because of the
AT LAST-THE TIP OF SOUTH AMERICA!
60-mile-per-hour (96-km/h) winds that blow from
September to March during the summer season.
It was in 1956 that six missionaries were first
The plants crouch against the earth in what can
sent to Punta Arenas, at that time a city of some be a land of terrifying loneliness.
40,000 inhabitants on the Strait of Magellan. Sis-
ter Stella Semczyszyn, one of the original group, The Kingdom publishers, however, bend with
tells the following story: "We got there in June of the wind and keep on preaching. Off and on dur-
1956. There had just been a flood and the weath- ing the years missionaries or special pioneers have
68 1982 Yearbook 69
been sent into the area to strengthen the con- Sister Olga Rodriguez was a member of this
gregation. Sister Palm had originally spread the group of four missionaries, and the way she ben
seeds of truth here in the early 1940's, and now, came imbued with the missionary spirit is interest-
thanks to Jehovah and the hard work of many ing. Her mother, Sister Ana Rodriguez, related:
different brothers, there is a congregation with its "The principal help that I have been...abl.eJ.(Lg'~_
own pioneers. to my daughter has been that of buildin .u in
her the misEt19...!@:)' spirit-.--:After a- year as a pub-
WITH THE MISSIONARIES IN CALAMA lisher following her baptism she entered the reg- i
In 1957 Sisters Daphne Crum, Olga Rodriguez ular pioneer work. I urged her to be orderly and
and Louise and Frances Stubbs were assigned to to persevere in the service and not remain home
the northern part of the country. Though there when it rained or when it was hot or when she
had been no Witnesses in the city of Calama when had some little pain. I tried to help her appreciate )
they arrived, they had 100 persons present at the that the service of God is the most important
first meeting held in the missionary home. thing in life.
While Sister Louise Stubbs was working in "Later came her invitation to the special Pioneer~..
Calama, Professor Gallardo, a subscriber for the work, which meant we were to be separated.
Watchtower magazine, invited her to teach the re- Many tried to discourage Olga, saying that she
ligion class in a new school that had been opened. had the responsibility to stay home and look after
He said to her: "You can use your own books and her aged mother. Even some of the Witnesses
arrange the course in the way that is convenient stated the same. However, I said to her: 'Are you
for you . What we want is the Bible taught to the my only child? Don't I have five other children
students." She began her course with the book who have the same responsibility? Think of the
"Equipped for Every Good Work" and later she mothers of the missionaries who have come from
used From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained. the United States, Canada and Europe!' After this
In course of time the local Catholic pr iest wanted conversation she was much encouraged and went
to conduct the class, but Professor Gallardo told on to become not only a special pioneer but also
him that they wanted the Bible taught, not the a graduate of Gilead and has been a source of joy
Catholic religion, and Jehovah's Witnesses were and happiness to me."
The people of the city of Calama and its environs
( the only ones capable of teaching the Bible. Sis- were very devoted to the worship of the virgin of
ter Stubbs taught for two years and then Daphne
\~ crum taught for a year, resulting in a marvelous Ayquina. In the desert some 60 miles (96 km) from
witness in that section of the country. This was Calama the Catholic Church built a temple in her
one of the ways the preaching work got a firm hono r , and the people go to pay homage to her.
ld in Calama. The principal holiday is celebrated with special
70 1982
Q)
E
o
.c
e<0
c:
o
'(j)
en
'E
~
I Thereafter, she got them together in order to be- er Wilson became branch overseer there were
gin a Watchtower study in one of their homes. 56 congregations in Chile with a peak of 1,879
Later, with the help of some of the interested publishers.
ones, she was successful in obtaining the workers'
union hall to use for the meetings. The result was A MIGHTY EARTHQUAKE SHAKES CHILE
I/
that soon all the meetings were being held, and
the new ones were growing in knowledge of Je-
'-. hovah and his purposes.
Sister MacFarlane w:ot~: "You can i~agine my
The year 1960 will long be remembered in
Chile as the year of the four great earthquakes.
Never will the survivors forget the terrible forces
unleashed when the earth shook for several min-
utes with such violence that it was impossible to
l
I joy when, though beginning the work m May of
that year, I was able to have 25 of the new ones
I accompany me in the field service the following
remain standing. In addition, Jehovah's Witness-
es will remember the marvelous demonstration
of love and unity by their brothers, in the face
i December 25th!" Shortly thereafter the mining
I company supplied the building materials and prop-
of calamity.
Within a few days after the earthquake, cables,
'\ erty so a Kingdom Hall could be built.
telegrams and letters began arriving at the branch
BROTHERS TO TAKE THE office from all parts of the globe with words of
LOAD OF RESPONSIBILITY sympathy and offers of help. Several thousands
During this period some men came into the of dollars were received from the Society in New
truth who were to playa remarkable role in the York, from the congregations in Chile and from
advancement of Kingdom interests in Chile. The individuals in other countries. In addition, more
names of some of them are Carlos Nunez, Osval- than one ton of clothing was sent from Brooklyn
do Bello, Willy Ramirez, Lucio Rios and Manuel to be distributed among the ne edy ones . Arrange-
Wong. These brothers and others such as Ernes- ments were made for an equitable distribution
to Ots and Sergio Gonzales have become known of the relief supplies among the families of 500
practically from one end of the country to the brothers affected by the quakes.
other. The branch overseer, Fred Wilson, made a trip
In 1959 Brother Fred Wilson, a Gilead graduate, to the largest cities affected by the earthquakes
became the branch overseer in Chile, replacing and reported the following: "The first stop was in
Brother Albert Mann, who continued to serve his Concepcion. The buildings that suffered the worst
brothers as a traveling overseer. Brother Wilson damage were those of brick and adobe structure.
had given up a promising career as a nuclear Many wood frame houses had fire walls of brick,
physicist to dedicate his life to Jehovah and to and in many cases these caved in on the house,
74 1982 Yearbook 75
smashing the wooden wall and killing the peo- the congregation were killed, for which all gave
ple. The only known casua lty among those asso- thanks to J ehovah."
ciated with J ehovah 's Wi tnesses was an elderly Esther Perkins and Lorraine Selesky, the two
woman who was study ing the Bible. She was a missionaries, had the opportunity to leave the dev -
paralytic whose heart succumbed under the tre- astated area and go to Santiago if they wished, but
mendous shock of the second earthq ua ke, which they wanted to stay and try to help the brothers
lasted several minutes. as well as interested persons in this their time of
"The next day I took the one-hour plane fligh t greatest need. The girls lived in the street for two
sout h to Valdivia, which was 50 percent destroyed days and then mov ed into the garage of the own-
by the earthquake and the terrifying tidal wave. er of the missionary home. Each day during this
Entire blocks of houses wer e flattened as though period there were as many as 200 to 300 tremors,
a giga ntic hand had dashed them to massive piles which kept their nerves on edge.
of rubble." During those terrible days the sisters tried to
Esther Perkins, one of the missionaries in Val- find the persons with whom they were studying
divia at the time, reported: "We were just pr epar- the Bible. But in some places they could find no
ing to leav e for the Watchtower study when we sign of the home, in others just a pile of rubble.
felt a st rong tremo r, and in 15 minutes mor e the In still others the home was there but the people
beginning of a long series of earthqua kes rocked were gone. Various persons sought out the mis-
the city. Houses began to tumble like a pack of sionary sisters to talk to them, asking many ques-
cards. All but four of the ho mes on our street of tions and a good witness was given. The owner
25 houses were destroyed or made uninhabitable. of the missionary hom e told the sisters: "My wife
"T he husban d of one with whom we were and I have reall y ap preciated having you here
studying had taken his little girls for a boat ride during these terrible days. It seems that you were
in his rowboat just before the big quake and the about the only ones who kept your cool and did
resulting tida l wave. The boat was carried to the not become frantic. It has helped us a great deal. "
top of the huge tidal wave that came up the riv- In the city of Pu erto Montt on Sunday, May 22,
er, and he immediately pushed the two childre n 1960, it was a quiet, peaceful afternoon. The people
to the bottom of the boat and tried to gu ide it were still talking about the terrible earthquake
to shore. Happil y the wave threw them upon the and the many dead in Concepcion. Nothing like
shore . Immediately he snatched the two childre n that had ever happened in Puerto Montt, but how
and ran to higher ground. He was much more wrong they were in thinking it could not happen!
fortunate tha n man y other persons who did not At two minutes to three o'clock the first evidence
live to tell the story. Non e of the 26 publishers in came by way of a strong tremor. Then 15 minutes
76 1982 Yearbook 77
later it began again, but this time they could not CHILOE ISLAND
even stand on their feet. Houses collapsed before In 1963 special pioneers were first sent to the is-
their eyes. land of Chiloe, just off the coast of southern Chile.
The four young missionary girls had the terri- You will recall that Sister Palm visited Chiloe in
fying experience of seeing the wall of their home the early 1940's. Now the time had finally come
fall outward on the street! In the resulting confu- for a thorough witness to be given. Sister Evelyn
sion bricks fell on the foot of Sister Elena Munoz, MacFarlane, by this time better known in Chile as
one of the missionaries, and though she did not Bunny Valenzuela, and her husband had the priv-
realize it at the time several bones in her foot had ilege of working there as special pioneers. This
been broken. Within half an hour the brothers of couple searched diligently to find a place to stay
the congregation arrived and immediately gave without any success, so they decided that if they
the girls the help they needed and took them were going to get the work done they would have
to their homes. Meantime, the people had fled to build a little home. Having very little money,
into the surrounding hills while tremors continued they bought just the barest necessities to begin
throughout the long night. their building. For some time their little place did
not have electricity, running water or even win-
LEGAL CORPORATION FORMED dows; but they did have a place to stay and keep
During the year 1960 steps were taken to form warm and, above all, a place from where they
a legal corporation of the Society in Chile. In view could begin their pioneer work.
of the conditions existing in the country it was the In this territory they encountered much preju-
wise thing to do in order to buy property for the dice, superstition and also spiritism, and the people
construction of Kingdom Halls. On September 29, were under the control of the Catholic Church.
1960, the Ministry of Justice approved the forma- The increase began to come, however, and in
tion of the legal corporation called "La Comuni- the first year they had six persons sharing with
dad Religiosa Testigos de Jehova" (The Religious them in field service. An isolated group of broth-
Community of Jehovah's Witnesses). The Chilean ers was organized. Since that time congregations
corporation permits the Society to enjoy tax ex- have been formed on this beautiful island in An-
emption and other benefits granted to all religious cud, Castro and Linao.
organizations registered in the country.
The Memorial attendance in 1960 reached an CONVENTIONS STIMULATE GROWTH
outstanding 5,995! What a remarkable increase By the year 1965 Jehovah's people in Chile
since the arrival of the first missionaries, when, enjoyed some outstanding increases. Memorial at-
just 15 years earlier, there were only 103 persons tendance jumped to 9,522 with 21 partaking of
in attendance at the Memorial! the emblems. While the number of publishers
78 1982
had made a fine gain to a peak of 3,758, it was
very clear that there was a tremendous work to
do since the Kingdom proclaimers in 89 congre-
gations conducted 3,917 home Bible studies.
In January of 1967 Chile's first international con-
vention was scheduled for Santiago. This "God's
Sons of Liberty" International Assembly brought
300 travelers from the United States, Canada, Cen-
tral America and Europe, and the Chilean broth-
ers greeted them enthusiastically at the airport,
singers and dancers in native costumes putting on
a welcome performance.
The convention site was the new Velodrome. Un-
til a few weeks before the assembly its construction
was not even completed, and the brothers had to
do a gigantic cleanup job so that everything would ~
be in readiness for the opening day of the five-day 1:
convention on Saturday, January 7, 1967. The 441 o
persons baptized represented a greater number of o
0)
persons baptized than in anyone year previous- co
:;:
ly in the history of the work in this land. c
co
The New World Translation of the Bible in en
Spanish was released at the assembly and the c
brothers were overjoyed. One overseer wrote: t 0)
"Thanks to Jehovah and his organization for this c
marvelous aid. What a joy it is to be able to use 32
'5
the new Bible and its excellent Concordance and .0
Appendix of Texts, etc. Thank you, brothers!" .c
We have never seen a release received with such o
c
heartfelt appreciation. co
~
I
I congratulate you for your position. In the past
- •
~ooo 3,370
we have made much use of transfusions, but each
•
2,025
day we are using them less." Numerous were the 1,034
o 65 361
expressions by doctors, such as: "Just what we
needed." "This really interests me." 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980
R
joy it was to share in the meeting with mature obert and Vora Hannan, who , during
brothers who traveled from afar to be here!
Then came the summer months of January and their long miSSion. ary .car.e.er, . ha.ve... he.,ped
181 persons to learn the truth
February and our "Living Hope" District Conven- .e;"'" .<."_ .~~~~;1r:f~~~,.._,,, _·",,'dmtij.),
open, the Chilean brothers, by Jehovah's unde- TALY has often been described as the
served kindness, are determined to accomplish the "beautiful boot" because it is shaped rather like an
work yet to be done, to His praise and glory. 18th-centur y boot with Apulia in the heel, Cala-
bria in the toe and the Alps around the top of the
leg. Italy thus is a long peninsula extending into
the Mediterranean Sea. Its name comes from the
.'
.'
..:"
.r.···:S'.H \l't.ERLA~·~(: Yearbook 115
: .' '0
" term the ancient Romans gave to the southern
part of the peninsula-Italia, which, according to
legend, means "land of oxen" or "grazing land."
The enchanting nature of the Italian countryside
is well known: plains, mountains, lakes, beach-
es, olive groves, vineyards, and hillsides richly
clothed in cypress trees. Italy also has two large
islands, Sicily and Sardinia.
The population of almost 57 million is predom-
inantly Catholic, although participation in church
activities is extremely limited.
How did true Christianity first take root here,
only to die out later on? When and how did the
preaching work of Jehovah's Witnesses begin in
this country?
EARLY CHRISTIANS IN ITALY
In the year 59 C.E. certain prisoners including
a middle-aged man were conducted by an army
officer on a tiring and dangerous journey. After
miraculously surviving a shipwreck, they landed
on Malta, an island south of Italy, and managed
to resume their journey three months later. The
ship on which they embarked was called "Sons of
Zeus," in honor of the twin sons of Zeus, believed
to protect sailors from danger. However, one of
the prisoners was no worshiper of Graeco-Roman
divinities. He was a disciple of Jesus Christ by the
name of Paul. The journey took them on to Syr-
Turin. Brother Cuminetti was, without doubt, the later on, a group of Bible Students was formed
first Italian Witness to take a stand for Christian by persons who had read the literature.
neutrality and probably the first conscientious ob- Besides The Watch Tower, Professor Banchetti
jector in the history of modern Italy. translated the books The Harp of God and Deliv-
erance, as well as a number of booklets. Like Pro-
THE OPENING OF AN ITALIAN OFFICE fessor Rivoire, he never completely broke away
The war ended, leaving a toll of death and from the Waldensian Church, although he be-
ruin throughout the peninsula. Although the work lieved the Watch Tower Society's explanations of
continued to be under the direction of the Swiss the Bible and spread the message.
branch, an office was opened in Italy after 1919. When Professor Banchetti died in 1926, transla-
It was at Pinerolo in a house rented at 11 Via tions were made for a short time by a certain Mrs.
Silvio Pellico. Courtial, who translated the book Creation. In
In 1922 Brother Remigio Cuminetti replaced 1928, however, the task was assigned to a dedicat-
Sister Cerulli as Italy's representative of the So- ed person, Brother Giosue Vittorio Paschetto, who
carried on the work of translation until the day of
ciety. It was considered no longer appropriate to
his arrest by the Fascist police, November 7, 1939.
have a woman in this position of responsibility During this period he translated the books Gov-
when it could be filled by a man who had given ernment, Reconciliation, Life, Prophecy, Light
more than sufficient proof of his integrity. Sister (2 volumes), Vindication (3 volumes), Preparation,
Cerulli, however, was offended by this change, Preservation, Jehovah, Riches, Enemies and Sal-
and she left the truth. vation. These publications were truly 'food in due
After the war, the task of translating the Watch season' for God's people. (Matt. 24:45) One of them
Tower Society's publications was taken over by in particular, the book Enemies, caused a tremen-
Professor Giuseppe Banchetti. He was a Walden- dous wave of persecution to sweep over the small
sian pastor, but he had studied the truth and appre- existing group of brothers on account of its outspo-
ciated its value. He had even tried to incorporate ken attitude regarding the issue of neutrality.
certain beliefs into his own religion by preaching When Brother Paschetto was released from
them from the pulpit, but without success. How- prison on August 23, 1943, he continued to work
ever, he left the seeds of truth in various parts of with other translators until he finished his earth-
the country. Around 1913 he was at Cerignola, in ly course in 1956.
the province of Foggia, where the Society used
to send him regular consignments of literature. HELP FROM ABROAD
These consignments continued to arrive at the lo- Now let us go back to the end of World War 1.
cal Waldensian church even after his death, and, Shortly after 1918, Brother Marcello Martinelli ,
130 1982 Yearbook 131
who had come to a knowledge of the truth in and Marcello Martinelli, in another. From 1923 to
the United States, returned to Italy. He was a na- 1927 they covered various parts of Piedmont and
tive of Valtellina, one of the beautiful valleys in a part of Lombardy. Sister Adele Protti, who later
the Rhaetian Alps leading down to Lake Como, married Brother Brun from Switzerland, wrote
and he covered this territory a number of times many years ago:
with the Kingdom message. In 1923 he became a "In 1924, 20,000 copies of the booklet A Desir-
"colporteur," or full-time Kingdom preacher, and able Government were printed at Pinerolo. We
joined Brother Cuminetti in the Pinerolo area. had also received from Berne 100,000 copies of the
Brother Martinelli was much loved for his good- tract Ecclesiastics Indicted. This tract contained
ness of heart, which, in periods of intense perse- the indictment read at the 1924 Columbus, Ohio,
cution, led him to write loving letters to the few convention. It powerfully denounced the clergy. It
scattered brothers. He continued in the preach- was distributed in all the major Italian cities."
ing work until 1960, when he finished his earthly A report in The Watch Tower of December 1,
ministry. In the province of Sondrio, where he 1925, had this to say about the campaign: "Our
carried on the Lord's work, a small group of Bi- Italian brethren distributed 100,000 copies of the
ble Students was formed. 'Indictment'; and they particularly saw to it that
In the period between 1920 and 1935, other emi- the pope and the other high officials of the Vat-
grants who had accepted the truth in Belgium, ican each received a copy."
France and the United States, returned to Italy. The excitement of these colporteurs as they
In the places where they resettled they carried. on delivered such a pungent message can well be
zealous preaching and found a number of hearmg imagined! Sister Brun continued:
ears . This is how other groups of Bible Students "Brother Cuminetti, Sister Hotz and I distribut-
were formed . ed 10,000 copies of the 'Indictment' at Genoa in a
In 1923 the Swiss branch invited three colpor- single day . A hundred thousand copies of the tract
Testimony to the Rulers of the World were received
teurs working in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton from Switzerland, but most of them were seized by
of Ticino, to move to Italy. They were Ignazio the authorities. Approximately every three months
Protti and his two sisters Adele and Albina. The we used to go to visit our brothel's at San Ger-
following year Sister Emma Hotz, another colpor- mano Chisone to build ourselves up spiritually at
the meetings. It is difficult to express our yearn-
teur, joined them. ing, our ardent desire, to meet together for a while
ZEALOUS ACTIVITY OF FIVE COLPORTEURS with the brothers.
"On one occasion, I had worked the day through
The activity of these zealous colporteurs is in- in a village with very satisfactory results. My heart
deed worthy of mention. The three sisters worked was full of joy as I started back home along the only
in one territory and the brothers, Ignazio Protti possible road, which passed through a woods. As I
132 1982 Yearbook 133
walked along full of joyful thoughts 1 was suddenly too. When the prisoners learned that we were to be
aware of a young man with a bicycle walking along released they embraced us and thanked us cordially.
at my side. 1 was not at all alarmed and began to We were also very moved by this and thanked God
witness to him about the Kingdom reign of peace for giving us a chance to reach these people."
and justice. It took us about two hours to cover "One day," Brother Protti continued, "as 1 was
the distance back to Alessandria. Towards the end going from house to house, 1 noticed a man follow-
of our journey the young man said to me: ing me. Soon afterward, he stopped me as 1 was
" 'Signorina, 1 feel 1 must tell you that you have coming out of a house, saying that he was an agent
prevented me from committing a terrible crime. of the security police. He asked to see my identity
When 1 caught up with you it was with the in- card and wanted to know what 1 was doing. With
tention of causing you harm. If you had put up the idea of introducing the booklet on the same
resistance, 1 might even have killed you. But when theme, 1 answered, 'I am proclaiming the advent
1 saw your radiant face and your trustful innocent of a desirable government.' At this the agent was
expression, 1 did not feel capable of abusing your almost offended and replied that there already was
confidence. Then, you started to talk to me about a desirable government-obviously referring to the
so many marvelous things 1 had never heard of be- Fascist regime. I explained: 'The government you
fore. These two hours have been enough to change mean is only a temporary one. The one I am an-
my attitude toward life, and 1 now see what a mis- nouncing will last forever.' Then I pulled out my
erable creature 1 was. 1 should like to change my Bible and had him read Daniel 2:44 and 7:14. You
way of life. Please give me anything you have to should have seen how carefully he read those two
read about these things.' verses. He gave my Bible back again and instead of
"I gave him all the literature 1 had left in my arresting me as I expected, he let me go. After all
bag and he paid me for it. Then, he shook my hand these years, I still wonder if that agent remembered
and said good-bye. On that occasion, as on others, 1 our conversation when the Fascist regime fell."
have been protected in a truly marvelous way." Brother Protti was faithful in the Kingdom ser-
Sister Brun remained faithful until her death in vice until the end. He died at Basel in 1977 at
1976, at Zurich, after 50 years of devoted service. the age of 80.
Her brother, Ignazio, another of the five colpor-
teurs, wrote in 1970: 1925-THE FIRST ASSEMBLY
"We did not even count the hours spent in the The work continued to expand in spite of many
service. We just used to work from morning to difficulties, and the first assembly was held at Pi-
night. Often we were arrested and then released nerolo April 23 to 26, 1925. Since Brother A. H.
again after a short time. At Gallarate (near Varese),
Brother Martinelli and 1 were arrested and put in Macmillan from the Society's headquarters was
prison on false charges cooked up by the clergy. making a series of visits abroad, he was able to
We were allowed to go out into the prison yard for be present. The assembly was held in a large
an hour a day, and this provided an opportunity to room at the Corona Grossa hotel.
witness to other prisoners. Often we would be sur-
rounded by a group of listeners, and even the guards It would have been ridiculous to expect the
would stop by. One day the prison governor came Fascist authorities to give their permission for this
134 1982
assembly. So the brothers disguised the gathering
as a wedding celebration. During the assembly
Brother Remigio Cuminetti married Sister Albina
Protti, one of the Swiss colporteurs. At that his-
toric assembly there were 70 in attendance and
10 of these were baptized.
"Our days were full of blessings, rejoicing and
happiness," wrote Sister Brun, who was present
at the assembly. She adds: "The hotel owner
brought his other guests and clients into the hall
saying: 'Come and see, everybody, we have the
primitive church under our roof!' ... Everything
was well organized and we usually managed to
clear the floor and set the chairs out in a flash.
Afterward we would put them away again and
leave everything in order. We were all happy and
willing to lend a hand. It was a great witness."
Nevertheless, during that first assembly there
was a curious inconvenience. "Although we were
very different in many ways, we managed to get
on well together. However, we did not manage to
agree on the singing of the songs. The brothers
from the north sang with a lively rhythm, while
those from the south sang slowly and with such
feeling that it was a pity to make them change.
So the presiding brother decided to have those
from the south of Italy sing first, followed by I
those from the north."
THE WORK BEGINS TO DECLINE
The preaching work was full of promise. The re-
port published in The Watch Tower of December gnazio Protti and his two sisters, Albina
1, 1924 (English ed.), commented: "Bicycles have and Adele, who moved from Switzerland
been provided for three colporteurs, who are trav- ] [ to serve zealously in Italy as colporteurs
136 1982
eling through the country distributing literature
and selling books. We have great hopes for a wide
spread of truth in Italy in the near future."
Some time before then, Brother Cuminetti had
inherited 10,000 lire, a tidy sum in those days.
He could therefore completely devote his time to
witnessing and encouraging the brothers, visiting
them in their home territories. The Watch Tower
of May 1, 1925 (Italian ed.), carried an "Account
of a Journey Across Italy" made by Brothers
Cuminetti and Martinelli at the end of 1924. They
traveled as much as 5,000 kilometers (3,000 mi.)
to visit brothers in isolated areas and interested
persons in various regions from Lombardy to Sic-
H
ily. The account relates that at Porto Sant'Elpi-
dio (central Italy), documents were filed to obtain otel Corona Grossa in Pinerolo where, in
permission for the use of a hall in which to hold
a talk and, "although the authorities chewed the 1925, the first convention in Italy was held
matter over for a while, they had to give us per-
mission in the end on account of our insistence
. . . On the day of the talk, more than 200 persons of brothers or only isolated persons, and it was
came to hear 'Return of the Dead Is at Hand.' " difficult to communicate with them and to keep
It was unquestionably a great success. them united. They were rather like glowing em-
Then, for various reasons the work slowly be- bers hidden underneath the ashes, in danger of
gan to decline. Between 1926 and 1927, three of dying out completely. And, in fact, some did die
the colporteurs had to go back to Switzerland out. In one of his letters Brother Cuminetti de-
for health and other reasons. The main cause of scribed the situation as follows:
the decline, however, was the concordat signed "We should like to do much more, but we are
in 1929 between the Catholic Church and the under ever closer observation . . . they intercept
Fascist State, conceding exceptional privileges to everything. We received The Golden Age [now
the Church. This marked the beginning of a sad A wake!] up until March and then it stopped com-
period of religious repression. ing. Brooklyn informed us they had sent several
Here and there a few small lamps of truth kept parcels containing the latest books and booklets,
burning. In some places there were small groups bu t nothing has been received. Ever fewer copies
138 1982 Yearbook 139
of The Watch Tower are reaching their destina- publications were distributed in this way , and a
tion, and any of the brothers showing zeal are small group of interested persons soon began to
arrested by the enemy .. . others are threatened gather around him .
with exile in another part of the country and all In 1924, as he was finishing the distribution of
kinds of ill-treatment." the tract The Return of the Dead Is Immin ent
near th e cemetery of Popoli (Pescara), a priest
KINGDOM WORK NOT accompanied by Fascist youths interrupted his ac-
COMPLETELY SUPPRESSED
tivity and marched him off to the police station
It would not have been very difficult for the for questioning. How ever , as it turned out , the
clergy, backed up by their Fascist henchmen, to maresciallo (marshal) was very favorabl e to the
control the activity of a few dozen persons and message. He called all the carabinieri (national
eventually stamp it out altogether, were it not that policemen) at the station to come and listen to the
'the hand of Jehovah had not become too short brother, so an excellent witness was given and
that it could not save, nor had his ear become literature was distributed. To ensure that Broth-
too heavy that it could not hear.' (Isa. 59:1) He er Pizzoferrat o would not have any more trouble
did not permit his loyal ones to be over come. with th e Fascists, th e maresciallo had him escort-
Here and there small groups of Kingdom pub- ed to the ra ilway station by two policemen.
lishers managed to survive. And the very fact that In 1925, when the assembly was held at Pine-
they came into existence and persevered shows 1'010, Brother Pizzoferrato attended with his wife
that Jehovah protected them by means of his and an inter ested person who becam e a brother.
powerful active force . At that time, there was already a group of about
THE GROUP AT PRATOLA PELIGNA 30 persons meeting together at his hom e and, lat-
Th e good news of the Kingdom was first brought er on, when a family built a new house, a room
to Pratola Peligna, in the province of Aquila, in wa s set aside for use as a Kingdom Hall.
1919 by an emigrant who had come to a knowl- In 1939 the clergy managed to stir up trou-
edge of the truth in the United States. This broth- ble with th e authorities, and the brothers foun d
er, Vincenzo Pizzoferrato, remained faithful to themselves in serious difficulty. The literature was
the heavenly calling up to his death in 1951. He confiscat ed, and it was forbidden to hold meet-
worked as a traveling fruit vendor in the nearby ings. Brother Pizzoferr ato , arreste d and tri ed be-
towns of Sulmona, Raiano and Popoli, where he fore the Special Tribunal at Rome, was sente nced
would arrive with his barrow loaded down with to prison. Before long he was releas ed on account
fruit and literature for distribution. The Divine of his poor health, and he immediately began
Plan of the Ages , The Harp of God and other spreading the "good news" aga in, in spit e of the
140 1982 Yearbook 141
danger of another arrest. Thus the local group about five or six of us were reading the only
of brothers was never completely suppressed. small booklet I had, Comfort for the People , and
checking the scriptures in our Bibles. We decided
THE GROUP AT ROSETO DEGLI ABRUZZI to go and visit Caterina Di Marco, the lady who
Roseto degli Abruzzi is a village on the coast, had come back from America. We immediately
in the province of Teramo. The local inhabitants saw the logic of the explanations she gave us and
first heard the truth from a sister by the name started holding meetings at her home. Although
of Caterina Di Marco. Born at Roseto, she emi- shortly afterward the Fascists tried to find us out,
grated to the United States where sh~ came .in with Jehovah's help we managed to keep our
contact with the truth in 1921 at Philadelphia. meeting places secret."
She was baptized a year later and returned to Religious intolerance was not slow in making
Roseto degli Abruzzi in 1925. What did she do itself felt against that small group of sincere per-
on her return? The sister narrates: sons. "The parish priest sued me for distributing
"As soon as I arrived I began to speak to others the tract Ecclesiastics Indicted," relates Caterina
about the faith. I even used to distribute tracts and Di Marco. "I was acquitted but my troubles were
booklets on the beach near the bathing cabins. A not over. Later on I was arrested for the first time
certain local man read one of these booklets and because I did not go to hear a discourse given
exclaimed 'Ah! This must be that new religion Ca- by Il Duce [the leader, Mussolini]. The magistrate
terina has' brought back with her from America.' asked me why I had not gone. I replied by quot-
He wanted to read the rest of the literature in my ing the third chapter of Daniel about the three
possession. He did and became convinced it was Hebrews who refused to bow down before the
the truth." He was the first one, and later other golden image. They sentenced me to five years'
sincere persons followed. Brother DeCecca once exile in another part of Italy."
described Sister Di Marco as "a veritable sword" Vittorio Cimorosi, the son of Domenico, remem-
wielded against the religious oppos~rs. Althou?h bers that the literature was often confiscated dur-
infirm, this 85-year-old sister still contmues to mam- ing the 1930's. Nevertheless, a few copies of The
tain her integrity and hold fast to her hope. Watchtower and some other publications arrived
Domenico Cimorosi, the first one to come into at their destination. He relates: "Brother DeCecca
the truth as a result of her preaching, served as a often wrote to my father and other interested ones,
regular pioneer until he died at the age of 87: A sending them spiritual food. He frequently used
few years before his death, he wrote the followmg roundabout expressions to avoid compromising us.
account of how the work began in the area: Once he wrote, 'If you do not have "enemies"
"I started talking about the truth to my broth- you will find them at Montone.' Acting on this
er, father, cousin and workmates. In the end suggestion, Brother Guerino Castrona went to the
142 1982 Yearbook 143
village of Montone where he found a man who tance, it took me eight years to grasp the truth
had the book Enemies and other literature." fully. When I had grasped it, I stopped going to
church and partaking of Communion, as I had
THE GROUP AT MALO done every morning of my life up to then."
"I can never thank Jehovah enough for the Persecution was not slow in arriving. "To study
precious gift I had of being God-fearing from my the Bible," he narrated, "we used to hide behind
youth." These words were written by Girolamo hedges in isolated places. Once, we even celebrated
Sbalchiero, a brother who remained faithful to the Memorial in a cave. Others became interested
his Christian assignment until his death in 1962. in the message and joined me. One Sunday after-
His personal story is closely linked to that of a noon five of us met together in a private home
group of Witnesses that was, in time, to become to study the Scriptures. After a while the village
a flourishing congregation. priest strode in and insulted us, saying we were too
Brother Sbalchiero was originally a zealous ignorant to understand the Bible. He added that
Catholic. He used to wear a knotted cord around the priests alone had the power to save souls."
his bare waist with which to flagellate himself After a heated discussion, during which the
and mortify his flesh in penance for his sins. He priest was not able to answer any of the ques-
used to pray often, kneeling on small pebbles so tions put to him, he sent for the police. However,
that he could offer his suffering to God. He also the maresciallo (marshal) knew the brother and
took part in long pilgrimages on foot, once cov-· also knew that he was highly respected in the
ering a distance of 50 kilometers (30 mi.). Then, area for his goodness, so he took no action.
in 1924, Girolamo heard the Kingdom message "Sometime afterward," Brother Sbalchiero's ac-
for the first time from a person who had been in count continues, "the Society decided to hold a
contact with the Witnesses in America. What was campaign with the booklet The Kingdom, the
his reaction? This devout carpenter from Malo, a Hope of the World. I started out on my bicycle
small village near Vicenza in Veneto, wrote: for Padua with 165 booklets, but on my way I
"I worked by day and read the Scriptures at was stopped by the police, placed under arrest
night. My employer had given me a Bible because and a case was prepared to have me exiled to
he didn't want it, and, although I did not under- another part of Italy. Fortunately, the authorities
stand a great deal of what I read, I was very struck at my hometown got to know about this and
with the account of the battle of Har-Magedon intervened in my favor. They finally succeeded
and immediately started speaking to others about in getting me released and had me accompanied
it. I wrote to Brother Cuminetti, who was serving back home again. When we arrived back in the
at Pinerolo, and his letters were of great help main square, they said to me: 'Haven't you had
to me. Nevertheless, without any personal assis- enough of all of this?' I replied: 'Not at all. I feel
144 1982 Yearbook 145
more determined than ever.' At this, they looked Emilio Babini and his brother Antonio. They both
at one another in amazement." remained faithful to Jehovah until they died.
Giuseppe Sbalchiero, the son of Girolamo, re- These zealous brothers met together in private
lates: "One day, I said to my father, 'How can we homes. As soon as they were identified by the
manage to resist against the thousands of mighty clergy, they were persecuted. A few dropped out,
ones opposing us and continue to give a witness?' but others kept their integrity. The nine brothers
He replied: 'Do not be afraid, my son, because still remaining in 1939 in this area were more
this work is not "from men but from God."'" than enough to start off the extensive activity of
the postwar period.
-Compare Acts 5:33-40.
THE GROUP AT ZORTEA
THE GROUP AT FAENZA
In 1931 and 1932 two emigrants returned from
Do you remember Ignazio Protti, the colpor- abroad with the truth in their hearts. They were
teur who came to Italy from Switzerland in 1923? Narciso Stefanon, who came from Belgium, and
Well, in 1924 he had the opportunity of witnessing Albino Battisti, who returned from France. They
at Marradi, a small village surrounded by moun- immediately began preaching-the former at Zor-
tains and chestnut woods, where he was born. tea, a small village of a few hundred inhabitants
The seeds of truth fell upon "fine soil" and sev- that is perched a thousand meters (3,300 ft.) up
eral persons accepted the message. (Matt. 13:8) In on a mountainside; the latter, who had heard the
turn, they shared this knowledge with others. truth from Polish brothers, at Calliano, which is
Some years later, at Sarna, Faenza, not far from about 15 kilometers (10 mi.) from Trent.
Marradi, a farmer by the name of Domenico Taroni Before returning to Italy, Narciso Stefanon bare-
was given some literature. He readily accepted the ly had time to subscribe for the Watchtower mag-
"good news." In 1927 he subscribed for The Watch azine and read a few other publications of the
Tower but only a few copies arrived. Probably Society. On his return to Zortea, he continued to
some of them escaped the authorities' attention by attend church for a while, and it was right there,
chance, and others arrived by underground meth- in church, that he gave his first witness. At Mass
ods. Brother Taroni was one of the first witnesses one day the parish priest gave a sermon explaining
of Jehovah in the fertile region of Romagna. One parts of the Gospel, and Narciso publicly contest-
of his first contacts was with Vincenzo Artusi, ed what he had said, using the Diodati version of
who became a faithful brother and later served the Bible to show where the priest was wrong.
as an elder in one of the three congregations at The congregation split into two opposing fac-
Faenza until his death in 1981. In turn, Vincenzo tions, one supporting Stefanon, the other support-
managed to pass the truth on to others, including ing the priest. In time, however, as a result of
146 1982 Yearbook 147
the priest's influence, the first group gradually ment from you specifying the kind of activity in
dwindled away, and only a few persons actually which you are engaged.' I told them I was 'an -
accepted the Kingdom message. Narciso Stefanon nouncing God's kingdom' to the people.
"Not long afterward, in the month of August, I
left the Catholic Church once and for all, and was again urgently requested to come to the police
others joined him in studying the publications of station. This time I was told that the pretura at
the "faithful and discreet slave." (Matt. 24:45-47, Trent was not satisfied with my first statement.
New World Translation) They used to meet to- They wanted another one, explaining what was
gether in haylofts, barns and anywhere else they meant by the expression 'announcing God's king-
dom.' So I explained the Bible meaning of this
could escape from the surveillance of the clergy expression in harmony with the words, 'Your king-
and Fascists alike. At that time the regime hunt- dom come' from the Lord's Prayer. They must have
ed true Christians down without mercy. mistaken the Kingdom for a political government!"
One of the persons with 'hearing ears' was -Matt. 6:9, 10.
Francesco Zortea. His last name and that of the However, this brother's real difficulties were
village were the same. When he first heard the yet to come. In October 1935, Italy declared war
truth in 1933, he was 25 years old; and from then on Ethiopia, and when Brother Zortea was called
on he continued to demonstrate his indomitable up for military service, he decided to maintain
faith in Jehovah right up to his death in 1977. his neutrality. He wrote: "I refused to put on a
In an account of his Christian ministry Broth- uniform and fight against my fellowman." As a
er Zortea wrote: result, he was sentenced to five years' exile in
"We were spied upon, followed and kept under another part of Italy. Brothers Stefanon and Bat-
control to such an extent that we had to hide when tisti suffered the same fate .
we wanted to consult the Scriptures. I had many per- In exile at Muro Lucano, in the province of
sonal experiences of this kind, and they all served
to strengthen my faith instead of weakening it. In Potenza, Brother Zortea continued the preaching
April 1934, I traveled on foot to Fonzaso (Belluno), activity. He reported: "As soon as I had settled in,
about 20 kilometers [12 mi.] from my home, to wit- I got in contact with Brother Remigio Cuminetti,
ness there. While I was going from house to house asking for literature to carryon the preaching
with the Kingdom message, I was stopped and taken work. Not long afterward, I received a parcel of
to the police station by the carabinieri. There, I was
questioned, my literature was confiscated and I was booklets, which I began to distribute with cau-
thrown into a cell until the following morning. tion . I used various methods. Some were handed
"Later, in July 1935, I was notified to come to out personally; others were left on public seats
the police station for an urgent official communi- along the roadside or inside parked cars."
cation. When I arrived the maresciallo said to me,
'Mr. Zortea, we must inform you that your case Thanks to a government amnesty, he was able
has been referred to the pretura [local magistrate's to return home to Zortea in 1937 in time to witness
court] at Trent, and this authority requires a state- another episode of the religious intolerance the
148 1982 Yearbook 149
THE GROUPS AT MONTESILVANO,
clergy vented on Jehovah's Witnesses. One of the PIANELLA AND SPOLTORE
local sisters died, and the priest would not permit
In the early 1930's, Luigi D'Angelo returned
her to be buried in the parish cemetery on the pre-
to Spoltore in the Abruzzi region. He had come
text that, in so doing, he would be profaning holy
to a knowledge of the truth in France, and on
ground. Three days passed by and the situation
his return he showed Christian love to his rela-
was still at a deadlock. Then the parish priests of
tives, friends and neighbors by sharing what he
Zortea and the nearby village of Prade had a meet-
knew with them. Brothers who still remember
ing with the council secretary and the podesta (the
him have this to say:
mayor under Fascism). What happened afterward
might well have been taken from an account about "He was very active and full of zeal. He would
the early Christians. Brother Zortea wrote: often travel many kilometers to visit isolated
brothers, in spite of the many difficulties that such
"Only at noon of the third day were we told that
the funeral was to take place immediately and that journ eys entailed. Bicycles were the most common
the body would have to be interred at Prade where means of transport in those days, and it is encour-
the council owned a piece of ground in the ceme- aging for us today to recall one of his longest jour-
tery. We set off. There were four of us followed by neys when he cycled a total distance of almost 600
members of the sister's family and other interested kilometers [375 mi.] across the Apennine Moun-
persons. We were accompanied by an official from
the town council and a police escort. Along the way tains to visit a brother living at Avellino. Before
we were greeted with laughter, catcalls and deri- leaving, he went to look for a stout stick to tie to
sion, and, when we arrived at Prade, we found a his bicycle in case he met up with wolves while
crowd waiting to watch the final act of the come- going over the mountains. He also fixed a cush-
dy, which was to be the most interesting. ion on to the seat and set off full of enthusiasm
"It had been decided that we could not be allowed fired with the desire to upbuild another brother
to enter the cemetery through the gateway because
it had been 'blessed.' Consequently, we would have by means of the Christian fellowship so necessary
to take the coffin over the wall by means of two for all of us. His ministry was of brief duration
ladders, one on the inside and one on the outside because in 1936 he became ill and died."
of the cemetery. The crowd had come to enjoy the The seeds of truth planted by this brother,
spectacle of our getting the coffin over the wall.
At this juncture the council official intervened to however, did not die out. Rather, these seeds ger-
inquire who was responsible for such an arrange- minated according to the will of God who "makes
ment. He was told that the decision had been made it grow." (1 Cor. 3:7) So it was that from a single
by the local priest. At that, the official replied that Witness, groups of publishers were formed in the
the mayor had given orders that the funeral should towns of Montesilvano, Pianella and Spoltore, in
pass through the gateway, and this is what we were
then allowed to do." the province of Pescara. These brothers also had
150 1982 Yearbook 151
, to 'pick up their torture stake' and undergo perse- Brother Francesco Di Giampaolo, a watchmaker
cution as followers of Jesus Christ.-Luke 9:23. of Montesilvano, narrates: "I was busy at my work
The Di Censo family of Montesilvano was one when a band of hooligans, instigated by the priest,
of those that accepted the Kingdom message. began to throw heavy clods of mud at the build-
They got rid of their religious images and short- ing where I lived. My neighbors and other tenants
ly afterward their home became a meeting place immediately ran outside shouting, 'We are not
for those wanting to study the Holy Scriptures. Protestants!' They were hit but I was unhurt."
Then what happened? Sister Mariantonia Di Cen-
so, who is still faithfully walking in the way of A LIGHTNING CAMPAIGN
the truth, relates: Let us now go back to the year 1932. Broth-
"Very soon the clergy started to oppose us. er Martin Harbeck, the Swiss branch overseer,
They organized an impressive procession in which thought the work in Italy would move ahead
the whole village took part. It filed slowly around better if the office were in a more central zone
our house and then the participants stuck a cross in an important city, instead of being at Pinero-
into the ground and began shouting: 'Protestants 10. So that year an office was opened in Milan.
get out! Go back to church!' We had become a Brother Cuminetti thought it would be imprudent
public spectacle. We were alone in the face of for him to move to another town at that time
this opposition, and only Jehovah could sustain of harsh persecution, so he remained at Pinerolo
us and give us the necessary strength to uphold and continued to keep in contact with the broth-
the truth and go ahead." ers, using clandestine methods.
Gerardo Di Felice, another member of the Mon- The new office was opened in Corso di Porta
tesilvano group, had his faith tested on a number Nuova, number 19. It was a decorous apartment
of occasions. Once, while he was holding a Bible laid out in well-furnished offices. Sister Maria Piz-
study in his home, a band of fanatical Fascists, insti- zato was assigned to work there as secretary to
gated by the clergy, burst into the house and beat Brother Harbeck.
him, leaving him unconscious on the floor. It is interesting how Sister Pizzato learned the
Later on he maintained his neutrality with firm- truth. Perhaps you will remember that at the
ness and courage. He wrote: "First of all I was beginning of the century The Watch Tower was
sent to Bari to the military hospital and then to distributed by the leading newsagents in the main
the psychiatric asylum at Bisceglie [where they provincial cities. Well, during the years 1903 and
discharged him on the grounds that he was suf- 1904, Maria Pizzato's mother bought a few copies
fering from 'paranoia']. One day a nun caught me from a newsagent in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele at
reading the Bible under my pillow. She confiscat- Vicenza, one of the largest in town. It was not
ed it, saying that it was a book full of venom." until many years later, in 1915, that Maria Pizzato
152 1982
read these magazines again with greater atten-
tion. This time her interest was aroused and she
decided to write to Pinerolo. The then Sister Clara
Cerulli wrote back to her and sent her some pub-
lications. And so it was that Maria Pizzato began
to appreciate the true life-giving knowledge.
Maria Plzzato ,
whose mother bought
some copies of the
The new office at Milan was registered at the "Watch Tower" maqazine
local Chamber of Commerce under the name "So- from this newsstand in
cieta Watch Tower," a society for the printing and Vicenza during 1903 and
distribution of Biblical books and tracts. Brother 1904, leading to Maria's
Harbeck was in charge. A post office account was learning the truth
opened, and a post office box was rented. Every-
thing was ready and it was confidently expected
that extensive activity could now be carried on
throughout the country.
The work was to start off with a campaign
using the booklet The Kingdom, the Hope of the
World . It was to be carried out so quickly as to
take the feared O.V.R.A. (the secret police con-
cerned with anti-Fascist activities) by surprise.
There were very few Italian brothers at the time,
hardly more than 50 in all. So the Berne office
arranged for 20 Swiss brothers to carry out the
actual work of distribution to avoid creating diffi-
culty for the local brothers. Each one of the Swiss
publishers went to a different town in northern
and central Italy, down as far as Florence, to
distribute the booklet from door to door, on the
streets and in the public squares.
A free copy of the booklet was also sent by mail
to all the professional people and intellectuals in
the province of Milan. At that time the law pro-
hibited the importing of literature from abroad. So
the booklet was printed by the Archetipografi,a at
, . :.
154 1982 Yearbook 155
Milan. Three copies were submitted to the Press a meal. Instead of sending them home I went out
to buy some provisions and then we ate a meal
Office of the prefettura (prefecture) to obtain the together. Then I proposed: 'If you finish the work
necessary permit, and this was granted. by this evening I will give you an extra 10 lire.'
How would the political and ecclesiastical au- They agreed to carryon and after a short rest they
thorities react to this theocratic blitz? Everything went out to work again. By the end of the eve-
ning they had distributed all the booklets."
was ready several days before the appointed date,
which was a few days before March 19, St. Jo- After having gone on to take part in the cam-
seph's Day on the Catholic calendar. With regard paign in the city of Novara, it was time for Sister
to this special campaign, Sister Adele Brun, one Brun to leave. She recounted: "I took a train to
of the 20 Swiss Witnesses taking part, wrote: Milan where 200,000 copies of the booklet had
"I was sent to Turin. Brother Boss of Berne was
been seized, and I left the same night for Switzer-
waiting for me. He had already found me a room, land, where my husband was anxiously awaiting
and 10,000 copies of the booklet, in a number of my arrival. The activity had been accomplished
parcels, had been stored in a local warehouse. The so rapidly and unexpectedly that none of the 20
brother told me to get in contact with local news- brothers were arrested."
paper vendors and arrange for them to help me
with the distribution because the work was to be It was estimated that, in spite of the amount of
carried out as quickly as possible. This I did. Then, literature confiscated, about 300,000 booklets had
the brother left and I was on my own. been distributed!
"I contacted 12 news vendors in all, and it was The reaction was not slow in making itself felt.
agreed that they were to receive 20 lire each to "Only two or three days after the campaign,"
distribute the booklet on the day. I chose the most relates Sister Pizzato, "the newspapers, especially
expert of them to direct operations, and promised
her an extra 10 lire if she organized things well. those under clerical influence, began to pour out
I also chose four vendors to act as supply centers a furious attack against us. The office in Corso
where booklets could be obtained as necessary. The di Porta Nuova was submerged in inquiries, and
activity was very successful. Booklets were left ev- letters were arriving from all over Italy with re-
erywhere, including restaurants and offices. quests for books or explanations.
"Then, at midday, the owner of the warehouse
where the booklets were deposited came to tell me "At this juncture, two policemen arrived at the
that he would be closed on St. Joseph's Day, the office and ordered Brother Harbeck and me to
day after. What was I to do? If I waited until after report immediately to the press office at the que-
the holiday, I would give the priests time to have stura [police headquarters]. There, after a num-
the literature confiscated. ber of questions, Brother Harbeck was ordered
"About three o'clock in the afternoon the 12 news to close the office. It was agreed that we could
vendors began to return, one after the other. They
were very tired and wanted to go back home be- have the confiscated booklets back on the con-
cause they had not yet had an opportunity to eat dition that they would be exported to Switzer-
156 1982 Yearbook 157
land. It was explained that these measures were over a period of three weeks. Some brothers can
being taken to safeguard the prestige and dignity still remember the pleasure and encouragement
of the Catholic Church, in accordance with the they received from those upbuilding visits. On her
Lateran Treaty." return to Switzerland, Sister Brun learned from
The closure of the Milan office, only a few her widowed sister, Albina, that the police had
months after it had been opened, left Brother constantly been on her trail.
Cuminetti alone to carryon his patient, clandes- Although the publishers were few and far be-
tine correspondence with the brothers. He would tween, clandestine preaching was organized, par-
send them occasional pieces of literature or per- ticularly by Brother Martinelli. Literature was
sonalletters, and, when possible, he would make brought into the country by persons who worked
visits to encourage them in the Lord's work. over the border in Switzerland. They would come
In 1935 Brother Cuminetti moved from Pinerolo home in the evening, bringing the well-hidden
to Turin, at 18 Via Borgone, where he contin- literature with them.
ued to carryon his underground activity. This
arrangement was maintained until Brother Cumi- Then Brother Harbeck had a secret meeting with
netti died on January 18, 1939, after an opera- Sister Pizzato to encourage her to get in contact
tion. He witnessed to doctors and nurses to the with brothers who had lost touch with the orga-
end, and although he was hardly 50 years old, nization after the death of Brother Cuminetti. She
his death probably spared him from having to was given about 50 addresses by the Berne branch
endure another "odyssey" during World War II. office. Her stock of literature was deposited at Mi-
Other Witnesses were to have the privilege of lan in the home of an apparently interested person,
demonstrating their integrity to Jehovah during the daughter of a deceased Christian sister. How-
that time of great persecution. ever, this woman must have collaborated in some
way with the police. Sister Pizzato relates:
THE GREAT PERSECUTION "This new phase of the work was of very brief
Italy's declaration of war on Ethiopia in 1935 duration. In September 1939 we began sending off
and her decision to enter World War II in June parcels. They did not exceed three kilograms [6.6
1940 contributed to worsening the persecution lbs.] in weight because, according to the postal
against the few Witnesses in the country. As time regulations in force at that time, it was not nec-
went on it became more and more difficult for essary to indicate the sender's address on parcels
the brothers to maintain their neutrality. of this size. I used to pack up the literature in
The Swiss branch did its best to keep in contact the evening and, so as not to arouse suspicion, I
with the Kingdom publishers, and in 1939 Sister would drop the parcels off at different post of-
Adele Brun was assigned to visit the brothers in fices in the morning on my way to work."
northern and central Italy. Her visits were spread However, something happened to spark off per-
158 1982 Yearbook 159
secution against the Witnesses. Unfortunately, on menfolk were already in prison. Only the old
October 28, 1939, one of these parcels was opened people and the children were left at home. The
by a postal clerk at Montesilvano. It contained a police arrived and ordered me to leave the seed
number of booklets and the book Enemies. The drill where it was. Then they hauled me off to
contents were immediately handed over to the po- prison, where I was severely beaten."
lice, and the resulting inquiry soon revealed where Vincenzo Artusi related: "On November 15,1939,
the parcel had come from, although it did not have as I was going out to work, I found two police
the sender's name on it. The literature had been agents waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs.
addressed to Sister Mariantonia Di Censo, and she They asked me if I was Mr. Artusi. When I con-
was arrested the next day. Then, on November 1, firmed my identity, they made me go back into
members of the Fascist police, O.V.R.A., paid the house and wait while they searched it from top
Sister Pizzato a visit. She relates: to bottom. They turned everything upside down
"Very early in the morning the police burst and pulled out drawers to find evidence against
into my home at 28 Via Vincenzo Monti, Milan. me. Finally they managed to lay their hands on
There were seven of them-six agents and a what they were looking for-the Bible and the
commissa rio [police commissioner]. They rushed book Enemies. They took me away without even
into the room and curtly ordered me to put my letting me kiss my three children good-bye. I was
hands up, as though I were a dangerous bandit. taken into a room full of police agents where I
They soon found what they considered incrimi- was questioned for three hours."
nating material-a Bible and Bible literature!" Sister Albina Cuminetti, who had just been be-
The O.V.R.A. had found the addresses of var- reaved of her husband, was arrested and tried by
ious other brothers in Sister Pizzato's flat, and so the Special Tribunal. She wrote:
it was that the police made raids on their homes. "I was arrested and taken off to prison by car.
From October to the beginning of December, ap- There were two police agents, a commissario and
proximately 300 persons were questioned by the a high official from the Ministry of Home Affairs
police, although many of them were only sub- in the car with me. I had to smile as they were
scribers for The Watchtower or had publications taking me away to think that four men, two of
of the Society in their possession. About 120 to them high-ranking officials, were needed to ar-
140 brothers and sisters were arrested and sen- rest such a feeble woman as myself. I was not
tenced. Of these, 26 were brought before the Spe- afraid of them; on the contrary, I earnestly spoke
cial Tribunal as ringleaders. to them about God's kingdom. They started to
Guerino D'Angelo, one of this latter group, re- laugh, but I told them they were not making fun
lates what happened when he was arrested: "I of me but of Jehovah God's promises, and this
was sowing corn for a family of brothers whose cannot be done with impunity. I added that their
160 1982 Yearbook 161
sarcasm would turn into bitterness. In fact, that "Recently, there have been cases of individuals
commissario and the official both died in prison called up for military service who have refused to
after the fall of Fascism." do target shooting because, as 'Pentecostals,' they
are against the use of weapons on principle....
FASCIST GOVERNMENT "It is therefore necessary to oppose these sects
TAKES SPECIAL MEASURES with the maximum determination••••
We have already mentioned the fact that per- "To this end, we request that accurate investiga-
tion be carried out to ascertain the eventual existence
secution against true Christians became harsher of groups of these 'Pentecostals,' or other similar
after 1935. Why? sects, in the various provinces. Legal proceedings
On April 9, 1935, the Cults Department of the should be taken against anyone found taking part
Ministry of Home Affairs issued a circular on in meetings, religious rites or propaganda activities.
Instructions should be requested from the Ministry
"Pentecostal Associations." At that time the au- on how to proceed in other cases. Furthermore, we
thorities had not properly identified Jehovah's would recommend that all known adherents to the
Witnesses and thought they were part of the sects in question be kept under strict surveillance and
"Pentecostal" community. The circular was sent that they and their habitations be regularly searched
to the provincial administration centers, calling on the slightest suspicion, to ascertain whether they
are in possession of printed matter for propaganda
for the immediate disbanding of those associations purposes, or if contacts with fellow believers are
whose activity was declared to be "contrary to being maintained with a view to worship••••
our social order and harmful to the physical and "All the booklets so far confiscated from adher-
mental welfare of our race." ents to the 'Pentecostal' sect are translations of
American publications, almost always written by a
On August 22, 1939, another circular (No. certain J. F. Rutherford and printed by the 'Watch
441/027713) was issued, with reference to "Reli- Tower Bible and Tract Society - International Bi-
gious Sects of Pentecostals and the Like," which ble Students' Association - Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A.'
stated: . . . The booklets have the following titles . • • [a
list of Watch Tower publications followed].
"For a number of years now, the existence of
certain evangelical religious sects brought in from "The introduction of such booklets into the Realm
abroad, and more particularly from America, has and their subsequent circulation must be prevented.
been observed in Italy. Their doctrines are contrary "In conclusion, it should be observed that, al-
to any established government.... though the sect of the 'Pentecostals' is the only
"The 'Pentecostals' are extremely active and tena- one distinctly identified, reference is here made to
cious propagandists and, after the recent measures sects and not to a single sect, because the above-
taken against them, they try to meet together any- mentioned booklets give the impression that other
where they can, even in the open countryside. More sects or currents of thought have sprung up from
often than not, however, they meet in the home within the various evangelical religions originally
of one of their adherents, by day or night, to es- recognized . . . "
cape the vigilant attention of the authorities.••• The measures recommended in this circular
162 1982 Yearbook 163
were responsible for the wave of arrests that led "However, the most serious aspect of the question
to the mass imprisonment of Jehovah's Witness- arises from their respect for the Christian precept
'thou shalt not kill,' and their conviction that on
es at the end of 1939. no account should they take up arms against their
fellowman.
REPORT ISSUED ON WITNESSES "They feel, therefore, that they should be exempt
Dr. Pasquale Andriani, the General Superinten- from any kind of military service. Their young peo-
dent of Police at Avezzano (Abruzzi), carried out ple refuse to do preliminary training and if they
an inquiry in accordance with the dispositions set are imprisoned for this stand, they again refuse to
participate at the end of their sentence."
forth in the previously mentioned circular. On
January 12, 1940, he sent his report to the Public The report also mentions a circular that Sister
Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for the Protec- Pizzato used to send to the brothers and quotes a
tion of the State. He also sent a copy to the chief few excerpts from it. Says the report: "By means
of police. The subject of his report was "The Re- of this circular, of which we enclose a copy of
ligious Sect of 'Jehovah's Witnesses.' '' Here are the many in our possession . . . , believers were
a few of the salient points : encouraged not to deprive themselves of 'the spir-
"In a circular issued last Augus t, the Ministry itual food so necessary in these calamitous times'
for Home Affai rs gave instructions r egar din g the and were informed that a depot had been set up at
identification of members of th ose sects extending Milan from where 'literature' could be ordered and
th eir acti vities to the political field . These sects subscriptions for the 'Watchtower' magazine could
should therefore be considered and dealt with in be renewed. The recipients were also informed
the same way as political movements of a subver- that, 'considering the difficult situation existing in
sive n ature.
" We deemed th at an efficie nt execu tion of these this country,' it was necessary to be 'very prudent'
or ders n ecessitated further investi gation to distin- when ordering literature. Orders were to be word-
guish between the various sects which, in certain ed according to an agreed code whereby a group
provinces of the Realm, are represented by quite of numbers or letters were used to indicate the
compact groups of adherents...• books required: 'Enemies' 1-33-1; 'Warning' 2-44-2;
"The sect [of Jehovah's Witnesses] is particular-
ly dangerous from a political point of view• . . • 'The Kingdom' 3-55-3; 'Watchtower' W.T."
"In short, it can be said that [from the book- THE INSTIGATORS ARE UNMASKED
let, Warning] II Duce is likened to the giant Go-
liath and that 'the hateful monstrosity of today is The authorities were moving against us in no un-
the Totalitarian Regime under an absolute and ar- certain way. But why? Who was really behind the
bitrary dictator' and supported by the Church of campaign of arrests? When speaking of the closing
Rome, 'the great harlot.' After having subjugated down of the Milan office, the above-mentioned re-
the Italian people, this Regime has embarked upon
the conquest of Ethiopia 'at the cost of so many port explicitly stated: "After only a few months the
human lives.' . . . office was closed by the Milan police because of the
164 1982 Yearbook 165
anti-Fascist tone of the books distributed and the 441/02977 of March 13, 1940, referring to "The
reaction of the Catholic clergy." (Italics ours) religious sect of 'Jehovah 's Witnesses' or 'Bible
The report goes on to mention the activity of Students' and other religious sects whose princi-
the 26 Witnesses arrested as those chiefly respon- ples are contrary to our institutions." It stated:
sible for this religious movement in Italy.
"After the distribution of the ministerial circular
The fact that the clergy were mainly responsible No. 441/027713 of August 22, 1939, closer investi-
for stirring up trouble with the Fascist authorities gation has been made into those religious sects that
is further shown by the false accusations contained are separate and distinct from the known 'Pente-
in an article published in the Catholic journal Fides costal' sect and whose doctrines are contrary to our
of February 1939. This article, written by an anon- State system.
ymous "priest and guardian of souls," stated: "From such investigation, it has been possible to
"Rutherford [the second president of the Watch ascertain that the 'Watch Tower Bible and Tract
Tower Society] . . . undermines the basic princi- Society - International Bible Students' Association -
ples sustaining the nations and peoples. His idea Brooklyn, New York - U.S.A.' ••• is an independent
is to prepare the way for an imminent world evangelical sect, commonly known as 'Jehovah's
revolution during which all religions, and partic- Witnesses' or 'Bible Students.' A consideration of
ularly the Catholic Church, will be overthrown the statements made by many of its [members] on
together with all governments and kingdoms, so arrest, and an examination of the printed matter
that a Utopian system of atheistic Communism found in their possession, has enabled us clearly to
can be ushered in . . .. The Jehovah's Witness delineate the characteristics of the sect•.• •
movement is an expression of atheistic Commu- "The only law recognized by 'J eh ovah 's Witness-
nism and an open attack on State security." es' is the law of God; however, they do admit the
The Fascist authorities could hardly ignore these observance of civil law where this is not in con-
accusations from the highly respected clergy. Je- flict with divine law• . ..
hovah's Witnesses were therefore persecuted and " 'Jehovah's Witnesses' proclaim that both '11
accused of 'overthrowing kingdoms and govern- Duce' and Fascism originate from the Devil and
ments' and working to establish an 'atheistic Com- that, after a period of short-lived victory, these
munist Utopia.' phenomena must unfailingly meet their downfall
as foretold in the book of Bevelation. . . .
THE WORK IS COMPLETELY BANNED "No efforts should be spared, therefore, to repress
After receipt of this report, the Ministry for the slightest manifestations of this sect's activity.
Home Affairs sent out another circular, the last Since it is sustained by printed matter edited by the
of its kind, in which Jehovah's Witnesses were 'Watch Tower,' you are authorized to take vigorous
clearly identified and banned. It was circular No. measures so that such literature be confiscated at
166 1982 Yearbook 167
. every opportunity or intercepted should it be sent laughable. I was the first one to be summoned
through the mail."*
before the court, and, as a result of the nervous-
BEFORE THE SPECIAL TRIBUNAL ness I was feeling, I jumped up and darted toward
The Fascist Special Tribunal came into being the president of the court. Evidently expecting
after an attempt to kill Mussolini at Bologna in Oc- an act of violence or a stream of abuse, the ca-
tober 1926. It was one of the many measures taken rabinieri ran after me and kept me at a distance.
to nip anti-Fascist dissent in the bud. Officially Prince Tringali Casanova, the acting president of
known as "The Special Tribunal for the Protec- the court, went livid!
tion of the State," it remained in operation from "The court had assigned our defense to a num-
1927 to 1943, during which period it pronounced ber of lawyers from the Rome forum. I must
over 5,000 verdicts, including 42 death sentences say they made out a good case for the defense
(31 of which were carried out). Its headquarters and spoke on our behalf with such warmth that
were at the Palace of Justice in Rome. the president, with evident sarcasm, asked one of
On April 19, 1940, in the austere courtroom of them if by any chance he had been converted
to the Jehovah's Witness religion!"
the Palace of Justice, the judges were seated at
their imposing semicircular bench under the pres- The seven defending lawyers did their best, but
idency of the widely feared Tringali Casanova. the brothers were inevitably found guilty. One
The accused persons were sitting in a row on of the lawyers had the courage to call the 26
one side of the court under the surveillance of a Witnesses "the flower of the Italian nation." An-
number of carabinieri (officers). There were four other asked: "If the Fascist regime is as strong as
women and 22 men, the latter in handcuffs. It it claims, why is it afraid of these people?" Yet
was a repeat performance of what happened to another said: "This trial reminds me of anoth-
true Christians in the days of ancient Rome . er one held 19 centuries ago when Pilate posed
the question, 'W hat is truth?' " He then made a
Sister Pizzato relates: "The trial was nothing gesture in the direction of the brothers and said:
but a farce. It was over and done with in a single "These people here are telling us the truth and
day and the sentences had evidently been decided yet you want to send them to prison; these good
upon in advance. Thinking back after all these people should be highly respected for their faith."
years, I remember one incident that seems almost Another lawyer declared: "Although there are 26
* The passages cited from the three circulars have been of them, they speak as one man because they
taken from the book Provvedimenti ostativi dell'autorita di all have the same Teacher."-John 18:33-38.
pplizia e g~ranzie co~tituzionali per illibero esercizio dei cul- Before the Tribunal, the brothers were cou-
ti ammeSSl (Repressive Measures Taken by Police Authorities
and t~e ~reedom to.Pra.ctice Certain Cults as Guaranteed by the rageous and strong, even though some of them
Constitution), by GIOrgIO Peyrot and published by Giuffre. had been threatened under questioning and feared
168 1982 Yearbook 169
they might be given the death sentence. Broth- an association contrary to the national interest;
er Guerino D'Angelo recalls: membership of the same; propaganda; insulting
"Only one of our group of 26 let himself be the 'duce' and the pope .)"
overwhelmed by the fear of man and compro- Some idea of the accusations brought against the
mised. He signed a declaration of submission to brothers can be had from the document issued to
the Fascist State, which was read out by one of Sister Pizzato by the Procura del Re (public prose-
the judges. Nonetheless, he was sentenced just the cutor's office) of Vicenza. She had been sentenced
same. Turning to the brothers, the judge com- on five counts: "Five years' imprisonment for as-
mented: 'This man is no good to us or to you.' sociating with a view to political conspiracy; one
Afterward, this person left the truth and was one year's imprisonment for offending the dignity and
of the very few who did not keep integrity." prestige of the 'Duce' of Fascism, Head of the Gov-
These brothers were condemned to a total of ernment; two years' imprisonment for offending
186 years and 10 months' imprisonment. The in- the Supreme Pontiff; one year's imprisonment for
dividual sentences ranged from two to 11 years. offending the dignity of the Head of a Foreign State
The ruling of this Tribunal was final and there [Hitler] and two years' imprisonment for offend-
was no possibility of appeaL The brothers sen- ing the prestige of the King and Emperor."
tenced remained in prison until the Fascist regime Since 13 of the 26 accused Witnesses were from
felL They were released, with some exceptions, the Abruzzi region, the book Abruzzo, un proitlo
after August 1943. storico (A Historic Outline of the Abruzzi Region),
The volume entitled Aula IV-Tutti i processi by Raffaele Colapietra (published by Rocco Carab-
del Tribunale Speciale [ascista (Court Room IV ba), declares: "[In the Abruzzi region] no single
-All the Trials of the Fascist Special Tribunal) political party, not even the Communists, can boast
mentions verdict No. 50 of April 19, 1940, rela- a group so numerous and so hard hit as these meek,
tive to the 26 Jehovah's Witnesses , commenting harmless peasants from the coastal area."
as follows:
"A religious movement that originated in the BROTHERS IN PRISON
U.S.A. began to spread in Italy. Its followers, Besides giving us an example of courage and
called 'Jehovah's Witnesses,' underwent constant faith, the experiences of the brothers who under-
persecution from the Fascists. Nevertheless, they went imprisonment during the war years show
continued to proclaim their aversion to the war, that Jehovah's loving assistance never failed them.
refusing to take up arms against their fellow- They zealously continued to speak to others about
man and considering the Fascist regime a 'Sa- the "good news" inside prison, and even there
tanic emanation.' The greatest wave of arrests they underwent persecution from the clergy.
took place in the autumn of 1939. (Formation of Santina Cimorosi of Roseto degli Abruzzi, who
170 1982 Yearbook 171
was 25 years old at the time of her arrest, relates: atives or anyone else. My literature, money and
"They took us away to the police station saying wristwatch were taken away. From November
that we were a danger to the State because we [1939] to the end of February, I shivered with
did not agree with the war. My father [Domeni- cold, because not only was the cell unheated but
co Cimorosi] was put into one cell and I was put the window had no glass in it. I was not even giv-
into another. The cells were dark inside. The ca- en a change of clothing, and soon I was reduced to
rabiniere switched his torch on to show me where
there was a wooden bunk to sleep on. Then he a miserable, repulsive creature afflicted with par-
shut me in. When I heard the sound of the door asites. Two or three times I was visited by priests
being locked, a wave of discomfort and fear swept who assured me that if I were to return to my
over me. I began to cry. I knelt down and prayed parents' religion I would be freed. I applied to the
to Jehovah out loud. Little by little my fear ebbed questura [police headquarters] and obtained a Bi-
away and I stopped crying. Jehovah answered my
prayer by sending me strength and courage, and I ble. Thereafter I drew courage from the example
realized that, without his help, I was nothing at all. of faithful men who had kept their integrity even
I passed the night in prayer and the next morning at the risk of their lives and had been blessed
I was taken to the prison at Teramo, where I was by Jehovah. Prayer was another means of
put in a cell with my father, Caterina Di Marco
and three other brothers-six of us in all. strengthening my faith in Jehovah's promises."
"From time to time, we were questioned to find Brother Domenico Giorgini, a brother who has
out who our 'leaders' were. They often asked me, been faithful in the service for over 40 years and
'Are you still a Jehovah's Witness?' and naturally is still serving as an elder in a congregation in the
I always answered, 'Yes!' They tried to frighten province of Teramo, relates: "It was October 6,
me by saying I would never be let out of prison
anymore, but I trusted in Jehovah and his power 1939.While we were in the vineyard gathering the
to help me. Later on, an altar was placed in front grape harvest I saw a truck with two carabinieri
of my cell door. They had it put there especially (officers) pull up before my house. They took me
for my benefit, and for several weeks the priest back to Teramo prison, and there I stayed for five
continued to say Mass there. The door of my cell
would be left open, either to see if I wanted to months. Then I was sentenced to three years' exile
go back to the Catholic Church, or in the hope on the island of Ventotene. There I found myself
that I would disturb the service and merit a lon- in company with five other brothers and about 600
ger sentence. But I stayed quietly in my cell as political prisoners. In this latter group there were
though nothing were going on outside and thanked a number of well-known political personalities, in-
Jehovah for helping me to act wisely. Seeing that
I did not react, they removed the altar sometime cluding a man who later became president of the
afterward and the priest did not come anymore." Republic; and I had the privilege of witnessing
Brother Dante Rioggi, who had learned the to them about God's kingdom. Since the Fascist
truth from Brother Marcello Martinelli, related: government considered many of these political
"In prison I was not allowed to write to my rel- prisoners particularly dangerous, the island was
172 1982 Yearbook 173
kept under strict surveillance. It was patrolled by in the presence of a nun charged with the sur-
a motor launch armed with a machine gun ready veillance of the prisoners."
to open fire on anyone trying to escape."
LETTER FROM THE PRISON GOVERNOR
SISTERS IN PRISON In 1953, when Sister Cuminetti and the other
Sister Mariantonia Di Censo, sentenced to 11 three sisters with whom she had been in prison
years' imprisonment by the Special Tribunal, nar- met at an assembly, they wrote a letter to the
rates: "I shall never forget the words of the exam- prison governor at Perugia. In the meantime he
ining magistrate. He said: 'I have read their liter- had been transferred to Alessandria, but he even-
ature to find out what it was all about and I have tually received the letter and sent back this sig-
questioned the 26 accused. They are all coherent nificant reply dated January 28, 1954:
with their beliefs and ready to accuse themselves "Dear Madam,
to save their companions. The situation is not so "Thank you for the kind things you said about
serious as it was thought to be. The clergy have me in your letter. You had all been sentenced for
made too much fuss over the matter.' " a nonexistent crime and I am very happy to know
Sister Di Censo served her sentence at Perugia. that, in the very city where you were brought for
Another sister imprisoned at Perugia was Albina trial, Rome, you have been able to meet together
again, this time to sing the praises of your God
Cuminetti, who died faithful to the heavenly call- Jehovah at your assembly.
ing in 1962. In a written account we are told: "Once "If you have the occasion to see or correspond with
another prisoner asked Albina what she had done. the other ladies who suffered so much for the God in
Albina replied, 'I haven't done anything. We are in whom they believed and continue to believe, please
here because we refuse to kill our fellowman.' remember me to them. I shall always remember you
"'What!' the woman exclaimed, 'You are in and admire your faith and strength of character.
here because you refuse to kill? How many years "Thanking you for the book you sent me, I
remain,
have they given you?' Dr. Antonio Paolorosso,
" 'Eleven,' replied Sister Cuminetti. Governor in Chief of the
"At this the other cried: 'What next? They Alessandria Penal Estab-
have given you 11 years for refusing to kill your lishments"
fellowman, and yet they have given me 10 years "The tested quality of your faith," wrote the
for killing my husband. That's the limit. Either apostle Peter, is "of much greater value than
I am crazy or they are!' " gold." (l Pet. 1:7) The brothers who maintained
"One day," the account adds, "Albina had the their integrity under persecution recognize that
opportunity of witnessing to the prison governor these difficulties served to strengthen them.
174 1982 Yearbook 175
NEUTRALITY A PROTECTION and in exile because I would not take part in the
As in other countries, maintaining neutrality war. They all listened as I witnessed to them, and
has served as a protection for the brothers in they accepted the booklet Comfort for the People.
Italy. For example, Aldo Fornerone, a faithful 76- After having partaken of something to eat and
year-old brother imprisoned and sent into exile drink, they also went on their way. The command-
during World War II, relates this experience: er said: 'If everyone were like you we wouldn't
"Although the Nazis were in retreat, they were be hunted down like wild animals, and there
still holding the area where I lived, and during wouldn't be such trouble in the world.' This ex-
a punitive expedition three German soldiers burst perience made me appreciate more than ever be-
into our house. At a glance the officer saw a Bible fore the value of maintaining one's neutrality."
on the table and a picture on the wall depicting
HELP FROM THE BROTHERS
the scene of Isaiah 11:6-9 with a wolf, lambs, a
lion, a goat and a calf, all together with a little Many brothers who were sent to prison left
child. In German he asked, 'Bibeliorscher?' or, their wives and small children at home. Did any-
'Bible Students?' I nodded my head. one help them? Vincenzo Artusi related:
"Then, in French, he asked my wife to give "When I was exiled to another part of Italy
them something to eat and gave orders to his men for one year, I was very worried about my wife
to shut the door and stay inside the house. Again and three small children. I was also afraid that
in French he explained: 'I have told my men we the clergy might take advantage of my absence
shall be all right here because you are Jehovah's to entice my wife away from the truth because
Witnesses, the only people we can trust.' He also she had only been interested for a short time. But
told us he had relatives in Germany who had Jehovah was watching over them, and with the
been sent to a concentration camp because they help of the brothers who still had their freedom
were Witnesses. While these soldiers ate, shoot- my family was sustained materially and spiritual-
ing could be heard outside, many houses were ly. My wife made a final break with the Catholic
set on fire and numerous civilians were killed. At Church as a result of the brothers' loving visits,
the end of the punitive expedition these soldiers which were also spiritually upbuilding.'
left the village, and the officer shook hands with THE WORK CONTINUES
us as he said good-bye. IN SPITE OF THE WAR
"Not long afterward the commander of the Ital- The fall of Fascism came about in 1943, and
ian resistance group arrived with 16 of his men. the majority of the brothers were released from
'Why didn't they take you away with the rest prison afterward. Nevertheless, the war was still
of the civilians?' he asked. He knew me and also raging throughout the country, and while the
was aware of the fact that I had been in prison Allies advanced from the south, the Nazi troops
176 1982
slowly retreated to the north, leaving death and
destruction behind them.
Even during the darkest period of the war, ef-
forts were made to reestablish contact with the A l d o Fornerone,
brothers who were still in their homes and en-
joying relative freedom of movement. Agostino who experienced,
Fossati, a brother who was faithful until his death firsthand, the value of
in 1980, had been expelled from SWitzerland be- Christian neutrality
cause of the truth. In 1940 and 1941 he did all he during World War II,
could to correspond with certain brothers, sending still serves as an elder
them various publications, including Watchtower
articles that he translated from French. He was
arrested in January 1942 and sent into exile.
Sometime afterward, Brother Narciso Riet took
refuge in Italy. Born in Germany of Italian par-
ents from the province of Udine, he had lived at /
Mulheim an der Ruhr until the Gestapo discov-
ered his activity of introducing clandestine copies
of The Watchtower into the concentration camps .
When it became clear that it was dangerous for
him to stay on any longer, a brother working on Agostino Fossati, who had returned from his year
the railways helped him to reach his wife who in exile, and later by Sister Maria Pizzato when
had recently gone to live in Italy at Cernobbio she was released in 1943. The magazines were
on Lake Como, near the Swiss border. introduced into Italy by underground methods.
The Swiss branch assigned Brother Riet the After translation, copies were run off on a du-
task of translating the Watchtower magazines plicator and given to Brother Fossati, who was
from German into Italian and then forwarding in charge of deliveries. He traveled to Pescara,
copies to the brothers. To ensure that the police Trent, Sondrio, Aosta and Pinerolo to take this
would not intercept them in the mail, deliveries spiritual food to the brothers, under constant risk
were to be made by hand to brothers not too of arrest and imprisonment.
far away in northern and central Italy. After the arrival of Sister Pizzato, the Na-
Brother Riet bought a typewriter and imme- zis, helped by their Fascist henchmen, found out
diately set to work to translate the main arti- where Brother Riet was living, and, as Sister Piz-
cles of the magazines. He was helped by Brother zato relates: "One day at the end of December,
178 1982 Yearbook 179
. his house was surrounded, and an SS officer and she was helped by friends to reach Switzerland,
his men burst in. Narciso was arrested and kept together with Brother Riet's widow.
at gunpoint while the soldiers searched the house. At the end of the war all refugees had to return
They soon found the 'criminal' evidence they were to Italy, and the two sisters went back to Cernob-
looking for-two Bibles and a few letters! Narci- bio. The Swiss branch gave Sister Pizzato the job
so was sent on a long journey back to Germany, of establishing fresh contacts with the brothers,
where he was imprisoned in Dachau concentration now that Fascism had been definitely swept away
camp . There he was horribly tortured. For a long and the war had ended. The brothers had been
time he was kept chained up like a dog in a low, severely tried, but they were grateful to Jehovah
narrow cell, where he was forced to remain curled and full of zeaL Very few of them had fallen victim
up day and night. After much suffering inflicted in to the Devil's snares. Now a large doorway to vast
one camp after another, he was put to death with activity was open before them.-1 Cor. 16:9.
other unfortunate prisoners before the Allies oc-
WORK REORGANIZED AND
cupied Berlin. His remains were never found ." BRANCH OFFICE OPENED
Sister Pizzato continued the work begun by Toward the end of 1945, Brother N. H. Knorr,
Brother Riet, and when Brother Fossati was ar- then the president of the Watch Tower Society,
rested again she also had to deliver the spiritual and his secretary M. G. Henschel, made a visit to
food herself. After making about 70 copies of each Europe. The Swiss branch invited Sister Pizzato
translated article, she delivered them personally, to go to Berne to give Brother Knorr a report on
as long as it was possible to traveL the activity in Italy. With regard to that meet-
W hen all the lines of communication had been ing Sister Pizzato writes:
interrupted by bombing, she decided to send the "Brother Knorr realized the immediate neces-
translation of the main article in The Watchtow- sity of having booklets printed in Italian so that
er of January 1, 1945 (English ed.), by mail to the preaching work could be started up again. To
brothers at Castione Andevenno, in the province this end, while we were waiting for literature to
of Sondrio. The article was intercepted and hand- arrive from the United States, he left instructions
ed over to the police, so Sister Pizzato was taken that it should be arranged for certain booklets to
in for questioning once again. She was, however, be printed either at Milan or at Como. He also told
allowed to go home afterward, and she quickly me that, although my help in these matters was
decided to take the opportunity of leaving the much appreciated, it could only be regarded as a
area so that others would not be involved. That temporary arrangement and that it was already
same night she destroyed the evidence of her ac- planned to send a brother from the United States to
tivity from December 1943 to March 1945, and take charge of the work as soon as possible ."
180 1982 Yearbook 181
Brother Umberto Vannozzi, a young man resid- Brother Romano had been appointed to be branch
ing in Switzerland but with Italian nationality also, overseer, he immediately set to work in the new
was present at that meeting. He was assigned for Bethel at Milan. A few months later, yet another
a time to visit small groups of brothers to strength- couple of Gilead graduates were sent over. They
en and instruct them in Jehovah's way. were Carmelo and Constance Benanti. Then, on
As · soon as printing facilities were found at March 14, 1949, it was a bonanza when anoth-
Como, 20,000 copies of the booklets Freedom in er 28 missionaries arrived in the country! They
the New World and 'The Meek Inherit the Earth' really were one of Jehovah's provisions to start
were printed, as well as 25,000 copies of "Be Glad, things rolling with a view to expansion. At first
Ye Nations" and 50,000 copies of The Joy of All they were assigned to groups working in five cit-
the People. ies: Milan, Genoa, Rome, Naples and Palermo.
At that time Cernobbio was a small town of In 1946, when things got off to a new start
about 3,000 inhabitants and hardly suitable as a after the war, there were little more than 100
center of operations in view of the hoped-for ex- publishers scattered here and there throughout
pansion. For this reason, in the spring of 1946 the country. They were out of contact with one
Brother Knorr instructed the brothers to find a another and the organization. No regular meet-
place suitable to house a small Bethel family of ings were being held, although the publishers did
six or seven persons. With the help of a broth- their best to meet together anywhere they could,
er from the Berne office, a six-room house was in private homes and even in cow stalls. They
bought at 20 Via Vegezio in Milan, and we trans- would read one publication or another, looking up
ferred the center of our newly established activity the scriptures and commenting on them as well
there. This took place in July 1946. That year as they could. For the most part, the preaching
saw an average of 95 Kingdom publishers, with work consisted of speaking to friends or relatives,
a peak of 120 from 35 small congregations. This and the theocratic structure of the Christian con-
was the basis for our future expansion. gregation was almost unknown.
In October 1946, Brother George Fredianelli ar- "It was only in about 1944," wrote Domeni-
rived from the United States. In 1943 he had co Cimorosi, "that we learned that assignments
graduated in the first class of the Watchtower of responsibility should be allocated theocratically
Bible School of Gilead and had since served as a and not by common vote. Since we did not know
circuit overseer. He was now assigned to visit the how to go about things, we thought we would
brothers in our only existing circuit, which went adopt the method used to select Matthias. (Acts
from the Alps down to the island of Sicily. 1:23-26) We wrote the names of 10 brothers, cho-
In January 1947, two other missionaries, Jo- sen from among the older ones in the group, on
seph Romano and his wife Angela, arrived. Since pieces of paper that were then folded and placed
182 1982 Yearbook 183
in an urn. A little girl then took the papers out The brothers had to make great sacrifices to go
one by one, and the first name extracted was to that assembly, not only because they were so
to be that of the overseer. I was chosen in this poor that traveling and overnight expenses seemed
way, and this is how we carried on until the ar- very high, but also because the railways were still
rival of our first circuit overseer." disrupted by the aftermath of the war. Teresa Rus-
The brothers used to build themselves up spir- so, an elderly sister from Cerignola, narrates:
itually with the scarce means at their disposal, "We were so poor at that time we did not have
and evidently the holy spirit compensated for a the money to go to the assembly. Where were we
great deal. Now, however, the time had arrived to get it? I remember, as though it were yester-
for Jehovah to 'speed up' the increase of his peo- day, how we began to put our sugar aside instead
ple.-Isa. 60:22. of using it. Then, we would find a way of selling
this reserve to pay for our train tickets and over-
FIRST POSTWAR ASSEMBLY night expenses. We filled our cases with sugar
After the opening of the branch office at Milan, and hung sacks of it around our waists, rather like
Brother Knorr decided to pay us a visit to give hunters who carry their food in this way. We all
added impetus to the newly organized activity. looked very fat. Nevertheless, this is how seven
In connection with his visit, a one-day assembly of us were able to go to Milan and have the joyful
was arranged. It was to be the first assembly of experience of seeing so many brothers there."
the postwar period. All the brothers and interest- Some of those present still remember their feel-
ed persons were looking forward to it and the ings when they found themselves freely assem-
meeting with Brothers Knorr and Henschel. bling with brothers they had previously met in
On May 16, 1947, they all arrived at Cinema prison or in exile. Aldo Fornerone, who was pres-
Zara, where the assembly was to be held. At the ent at that assembly, says:
morning and afternoon sessions 239 persons were "I shall never forget how moved I was to meet
present from various parts of Italy, even far-off and embrace those dear brothers from central and
Sicily, and the number of those then baptized southern Italy who had been in prison or in exile
was 31, of whom 13 were sisters. It is surprising with me. Only Jehovah knows how grateful we
to note that this latter group included some of were to be able to meet together in a country where
those sentenced by the Fascist Tribunal and who, freedom of worship had been reestablished. Our
because of their limited knowledge of Christian gratitude went out to Him, the great God, Jehovah,
requirements, had yet to be baptized. The public for his intervention in favor of his people."
talk, held at 8:30 in the evening on the theme During the assembly Brother Knorr outlined a
"The Joy of All the People," climaxed the pro- program for theocratic expansion in the country.
ceedings. Seven hundred were present. From the month of June onward a monthly sheet
184 1982 Yearbook 185
of congregation instructions, called the Informant, visits in November 1946. He was accompanied the
was to be issued. Groups and congregations would first time around by Brother Vannozzi.
be visited every six months by a circuit over- In 1947 the second circuit was formed and
seer, and circuit assemblies would also be held. originally assigned to Brother Giuseppe Tubini.
The Informant of June 1947 was the first num- When this brother entered Bethel service a few
ber to come out, and for a few months it was run months later, Brother Piero Gatti took his place.
off on a duplicator. The first issue, commenting on Both these brothers had come to a knowledge
the program of activity announced by the Soci- of the truth in Switzerland in one of the many
ety's president, concluded with this rousing exhor- refugee camps full of thousands of Italian soldiers
tation: "So, then, brothers, let us go forward in the who had fled to escape the Nazis. Many more
hope that, here in Italy, the true God may have brothers who had learned the truth abroad came
a flock of consecrated persons singing his praises back in the immediate postwar period to bring
together with his people in other nations!" the Kingdom message. to Italy. After 33 years
Brother Tubini and Brother Gatti are still in the
CIRCUIT ACTIVITY BEGINS full-time service, the former at Bethel and the
There can be no doubt that the expansion of latter in the circuit work.
Kingdom interests was greatly encouraged by the
activity of the traveling overseers who visited the BROTHER VANNOZZI'S TRAVELS
congregations to upbuild the brothers, teaching An account of Brother Vannozzi's travels will
them theocratic principles and training them in help us to realize the many discomforts travel-
the preaching work. Do you remember Umber- ing overseers had to put up with in those days.
to Vannozzi who met Brother Knorr and Sister He wrote:
Maria Pizzato in 1945? During the 1930's he had "I left Como and, after all kinds of adventures,
carried on pioneer service in France, Belgium I finally reached Foggia in the region of Puglia. I
and Holland, largely underground. After meeting looked around for the station, but all in vain-it
Brother Knorr, he went on to visit the brothers had been razed to the ground in a bombing raid.
I took a train for Cerignola, where I was directed
scattered in various parts of Italy, to reestablish for my first visit, but at a certain point I was told
contact with them before the arrival of the mis- that the train did not go any farther and I had
sionaries. So it was that during the months of to proceed by truck. I arrived at my destination at
May and June 1946 he visited the largest exist- seven o'clock in the evening of the day after, very
ing groups of brothers. tired and dusty. In spite of everything, I felt re-
warded when, at the meeting, a brother thanked
The first appointed circuit overseer, however, Jehovah in prayer that after all these years of wait-
was Brother George Fredianelli, who began his ing, they had finally been visited by someone from
186 1982 Yearbook 187
the organization. The brothers cried at the end of brothers and accompanied by the overseer, Brother
the visit and I was also deeply moved. Donato Iadanza. Although we were no longer in the
"I traveled throughout Italy on roads still dam- 1920's, this was the commonest means of transport
aged due to the ravages of war, and I never saw a immediately after the war. We arrived at Beneven-
bridge left standing. Twenty-two thousand bridges to at 6 a.m. but, alas, the train had already left.
had been blown up, and those that could be crossed "At this point someone suggested I talk with a
were those that had been temporarily repaired by train engineer who was taking a locomotive through
the Allies. I saw hundreds of burned-out railway to Foggia. I caught up with him as he was grum-
carriages and locomotives, and all the towns had bling to some other people, who were also trying
suffered bomb damage. to get a ride. I heard him say he had no room for
"I left Cerignola at six in the morning to visit the passengers. In spite of this we all climbed aboard,
group at Pietrelcina, in the province of Benevento and Brother Iadanza just managed to run after the
I arrived at Benevento at seven in the evening; engine in time to pass me my case. I squeezed into
after having sat for three hours on my luggage in the narrow space inside the locomotive with about
a cattle wagon! When I arrived at the station I 10 other people, and there we stayed, packed like
waited as agreed with a Watchtower magazine 'in sardines for the whole five-hour journey. We were
my hand so that the brothers would recognize me. all sweating because of the heat and lack of air
But nobody turned up. What should I do? and were abundantly singed by the sparks flying
"Pietrelcina was still about 12 kilometers [7 mi.] out from underneath the boiler. When we arrived
away, and at that time in the evening there was near Foggia, the engineer stopped the locomotive in
no means of getting there. As I was standing there the middle of the countryside, and we all got off.
waiting, a man with a horse-drawn two-wheeled "After that I visited the groups at Spoltore, Pia-
buggy offered me a lift. It was 9:30 in the evening nella, Montesilvano, Roseto degli Abruzzi and Villa
and I started to look for the house of Brother Mi- Vomano. My last visit of the series was to Faenza,
chele Cavalluzzo in the dark. It was no easy under- where about 50 persons were attending the meet-
taking. But Jehovah's angel was watching over me ings. I encouraged the younger ones to take up the
and did not leave me in despair. Finally, I found pioneer service, and in my report on the group I
the house and Brother Cavalluzzo joyfully had a wrote: 'Let us hope that one day some of these
meal quickly prepared for me. Was I hungry! I young people will decide to enroll in the ranks of
hadn't eaten anything since the previous evening. those carrying on this privileged service.' "
I was also very tired and longing to go to bed, but
dear Brother Cavalluzzo had many questions to ask CIRCUIT ACTIVITY OF
me and wanted to tell me, from beginning to end BROTHER FREDIANELLI
how he had come into the truth. So we stayed up Brother George Fredianelli, now a member of
till midnight. The next morning the telegram an- the Branch Committee, recalls the following events
nouncing my arrival was delivered, but I had won
the race-I got there first! from his circuit activity:
"Nearly every evening about 35 people attended "When I called on brothers I would find relatives
the meetings, although there were almost no bap- and friends all waiting for me and anxious to listen.
ti~ed brothers. I left Pietrelcina for Foggia at 4 a.m, I Even on return visits people called in their rela-
climbed up on a horse-drawn cart driven by one of the tives. In actual fact, the circuit overseer didn't give
188 1982 Yearbook 189
just one public talk a week, but one a few hours fessor Banchetti? "The spiritual condition of this
long at every return visit. At these calls there might
even be 30 persons present and sometimes many group was not as it should be," says Brother Fre-
more gathered together to listen attentively. dianelli. He explains:
"The aftermath of the war often made life in the "There was a strange situation existing there.
circuit work difficult. The brothers, like most other
people, were very poor, but their loving-kindness The congregation, if I can so describe the group,
made up for it. They wholeheartedly shared the lit- was principally made up of Protestants and Com-
tle food they had, and often they would insist that munists claiming to be Jehovah's Witnesses. I had
I sleep on the bed while they lay down on the floor to reason with them for hours to convince them
without covers because they were too poor to have of the need to break away from false religion and
any extra ones. Sometimes I had to sleep in the cow to keep a neutral attitude toward politics.
stall on a heap of straw or dried corn leaves.
"On one occasion, I arrived at the station of "During a subsequent visit I gave the Memorial
Caltanissetta in Sicily with a face as black as a discourse, clearly explaining that only the anoint-
chimney sweep's from the soot flying out of the ed class could partake of the emblems. Everything
steam engine in front. Although it had taken me went well until after the meeting. As soon as it
14 hours to travel about 80 to 100 kilometers [50 ended, one of the group, who considered himself in
to 60 mi.], my spirits rose on arrival, as I conjured charge, openly opposed me, maintaining that what
up visions of a nice bath followed by a well-earned I had said about the emblems was not true. The
rest in some hotel or other. However, it was not to perplexity that this aroused in the group was evi-
be. Caltanissetta was teeming with people for the dent, so I thought it best to call upon those present
celebration of St. Michael's Day, and every hotel in
town was packed full of priests and nuns. Finally I to make an immediate decision. I said: 'Those for
went back to the station with the idea of lying down the truth and Jehovah's Witnesses follow me out-
on a bench that I had seen in the waiting room, side! Those against the truth can remain.'
but even that hope vanished when I found the "To my relief nearly everybody followed me out-
station closed after the arrival of the last evening side. Only three or four stayed with the opposer,
train. The only place I found to sit down and rest who was a prominent leader of the local Commu-
a while was the steps in front of the station." nist party. Then, with the exception of very few,
With the help of the circuit overseers the con- those present followed me into another room and
gregations began to hold regular Watchtower and afterward continued to progress in the truth."
book studies. Furthermore, as we improved the
quality of service meetings, the brothers became FIRST CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY
more and more qualified in the preaching and In September 1947 the first circuit assembly
teaching work. was held at Roseto degli Abruzzi. It should have
SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF been held at Pescara, but there, as a result of
THE CERIGNOLA GROUP clergy opposition, permission to use the hall was
Do you remember the Cerignola group, the one canceled. Undaunted, the brothers met in a pri-
formed as a result of the preaching done by Pro- vate cul-de-sac that could be reached only through
190 1982 Yearbook 191
Brother Domenico Cimorosi's garden. The road lessons from the book "Equipped for Every Good
was closed and covered with tarpaulins, and a Work," which helped considerably to improve the
table was placed under a shady canopy of vines quality of the SchooL
to serve as the speaker's podium. About 100 hap- In 1956 further progress was made. The Watch-
py brothers attended. tower of January 1, 1956 (Italian ed.), began the
Usually, in the early 1950's, assemblies would serial publication of the lessons in the "Equipped"
open with only 40 to 60 present, while at the book, while Awake! of January 8, 1956 (Italian
public talk there would generally be an average ed.), began a similar series from Qualified to Be
attendance of 200 persons. The brothers thought Ministers. The "Equipped" book was eventually
it was marvelous to have such a number! printed in Italian in 1960, followed by Qualified
The work continued to progress, and in 1954 to Be Ministers in 1963, so that newly associated
Brother George Fredianelli was assigned to work brothers could also follow the program and pre-
as district overseer. pare for the meetings.
OTHER PROVISIONS BRANCH OFFICE MOVED TO ROME
In January 1945, the Society launched a public Since Milan is situated in the extreme north of
talk campaign in most countries. In Italy it could Italy, it was felt it would be easier to cope with the
not be carried out until a few years later. The growing activity if the branch office was moved
Informant of February 1948 announced the be- to a more central locality. Rome was the obvious
ginning of the campaign on March 28, and during choice because, as capital of the country, it is also
the following month 13 public talks were given. the center of national administration. A three-story
Several years were to pass before they could be house with basement was acquired in September
held regularly in every congregation. 1948. Besides having a dozen rooms and modern
Since it was evident that the brothers were in facilities, it was also situated in a very attractive
need of training, the Theocratic Ministry School area with trees and gardens at Via Monte Maloia.
was established in 1948. At first, the brothers held The office was transferred there the same month.
these meetings as best they could because there Later, the Milan property was sold, but the house
were not suitable publications available in Italian. at Via Monte Maloia still belongs to the Watch
In congregations where someone could understand Tower Society and is fully utilized to this day.
English, the lessons were translated from Theo- The translation of the book "Let God Be True"
cratic Aid to Kingdom Publishers. But in 1948 was completed at the new Bethel and that pub-
there were very few brothers who knew English. lication came off the press the following year,
Later, toward the end of 1950, the congregations in 1949. It dealt with doctrinal points that were
began to receive duplicated sheets containing the very interesting to people with a religious back-
192 1982
ground, and it has helped thousands of persons
to find the truth.
CONSPIRACY TO EXPEL THE MISSIONARIES
In this country, where people had never heard
anything about the Bible for centuries, the mis-
sionary activity has borne abundant fruitage. As
has been mentioned, the largest group of mis-
sionaries came to Italy in the spring of 1949, and
congregations sprang up everywhere they were
assigned to work. People really were "thirsting"
for God's Word.
Apart from the usual problems associated with
settling in a foreign country and learning the lan-
guage, our missionaries had to overcome a much irst circuit assembly in Italy, held in 1947 at
more difficult obstacle. This was the obtaining Roseto degli Abruzzi; brothers met under a fig
of permission from the authorities to stay in the tree and a canopy of vines along a private road
country after their passport visas had expired. The
branch office had filed a request at the Ministry
for Home Affairs for permits for the year 1949. In- arrived in Italy in March, 1949, the office had made
stead of the permits, like a bolt from the blue, the regular application requesting one-year visas for all
missionaries received an order to leave the coun- of them. At first the officials indicated that the
try, and only after much insistence were they per- government looked at the matter from an economic
mitted to stay on until December 31, 1949. By that point of view and hence the situation seemed quite
date, they were all to have left the country. This assuring for our missionaries. After six months we
suddenly received a communication from the Min-
would have been a serious blow to their activity, istry of the Interior ordering our brethren to leave
which had got off to such a promising start! the country by the end of the month, with less than
Why had the missionaries been ordered to leave a week's notice. Naturally, we refused to accept this
Italy? Who was behind it all? The maneuvers order without a legal battle, and every effort was
going on behind the scenes were uncovered by a made to get at the bottom of the matter to find out
Yearbook (English ed.) report of 1951, also print- who was responsible for this foul blow. By con-
tacting individuals who worked in the Ministry we
ed in The Watchtower (Italian ed.) of March 1, learned that our files revealed no complaints by the
1951. It stated: police or other authorities and that, therefore, only
"Even before the twenty-eight missionaries had some 'higher up' could be responsible. Who could it
194 1982 Yearbook
be? A friend in the Ministry informed us that the they had to go abroad and come back into Italy a
action against our missionaries was quite strange, few days later-each time with the fear that the
since the government's policy was very lenient and visa might not be renewed. In certain towns the
favorable as regards American citizens.
"Maybe the embassy might be of help. Person-
clergy managed to identify them and put pres-
al visits at the embassy and numerous conferences sure on the local authorities to have them sent
with the ambassador's secretary all proved futile. away. In these cases they were obliged to move
It was most evident, even as American officials somewhere else, always on the alert and acting
admitted, that some one who wielded much pow- as cautiously as possible.
er in the Italian government did not want Watch The clergy had made their calculations: "Get
Tower missionaries preaching in Italy. Against this
strong power American diplomats only shrugged rid of the missionaries and their little group of
their shoulders and said, 'Well, you know, the followers will melt away like snow in the sun-
Catholic Church is the state religion here and they shine." What they did not realize was that they
practically do what they please.' could not stand in the way of God's purpose nor
"From September to December we stalled the combat his irresistible power to carry it out.
Ministry's action against the missionaries. Finally,
a deadline was set; the missionaries had to be out EXPERIENCES IN THE MISSIONARY WORK
of the country by December 31. There was nothing
left to do but comply with these orders. We sent Carmelo and Constance Benanti have been in
the missionaries into the Italian-speaking section the missionary service in Italy for over 33 years.
of Switzerland. In a few months the entire group Brother Benanti relates:
was back in Italy, preaching once more. "While we were at Brescia my wife concentrated
"This time they were assigned to different cities, her efforts in an area where the people were under
but, then, this would only make the work spread the influence of a nearby religious institution and
out all the better. one of the friars in particular. In spite of this in-
"And what about the good-will interest that the fluence 16 persons accepted the truth. Many years
missionaries had found in the previous cities as- later, my wife and I returned to Brescia to visit the
signed? The 'sheep' were not to be abandoned. brothers we had helped to come to a knowledge of
Brother Knorr approved the selection of new Ital- the truth. While we were having a meal with a
ian special pioneers to occupy the homes of the group of brothers, they asked us to tell them how
missionaries and carryon the good work. No time the work first started in the area. So my wife told
was lost in accomplishing the transition and the them about one occasion when the friar encouraged
work did not suffer. The result of this incident was a crowd of boys to harass her. They were hidden
that the Word went into new virgin fields." behind the wall of a bombed-out house ready to
How did the missionaries manage to get back jump out and throw stones at her. Realizing this,
she prayed to Jehovah that she should not come
into the country after their expulsion? They did to any harm. At this point, an overseer in one of
this by availing themselves of a three-month tour- the Brescia congregations said: 'Sister, I was one
ist visa, which meant that every three months of those boys. Of course, I was very young at the
196 1982 Yearbook 197
time and the friar had promised us some sweets audience. Yet, when I think back I realize that,
if we threw stones at you. We didn't know our-
selves why we didn't do it in the end.'" at the time, we accepted these things as being
quite normal, and, in compensation, the brothers
Another missionary narrated: "While I was at were always happy and full of warm love for
Naples I was once taken for quite a well-to-do one another. I was particularly struck with how
person on account of my proper dress. As I was loudly the songs were sung, and I must say the
walking along the street I realized a man was fol- Italians sing with gusto. Jehovah has blessed the
lowing me, probably with the idea of robbing me. work in this country, providing very nice halls
I decided to turn around and speak to him about where the brothers can now meet together to
the truth. He was taken by surprise at this and praise his holy name."
was very struck by the message-in fact he even- Although they had to be satisfied with make-
tually accepted the truth. I learned later that he shift halls, those dear brothers of the 1950's were
had indeed intended to rob me. Naturally, when a happy crowd and showed great appreciation for
he opened his heart to the truth, he changed his the meetings. This is borne out by what Brother
ways. This ex-thief became a special pioneer and Nicola Magni has to say: "Often the lectern was
was faithful to Jehovah until his death." an upturned cardboard box on a kitchen table,
THE FIRST MEETING HALLS
but it worked. The joy of the brothers present
shone out of their eyes and flashed in their viv-
A brief description of the places where the id glances across the dim, lamp-lit room."
brothers used to meet together during the early
As a result of the conditions often existing in
postwar years will help you to appreciate ~ow meeting places, unusual situations sometimes oc-
the work has progressed in this country smce curred. Brother Francesco Bontempi, a traveling
then. At one time almost all the Kingdom Halls overseer, recalls one of the first Kingdom Halls
were in private homes. One of the reasons for at Milan and says:
this was that the clergy used to intimidate the
"Although the Kingdom Hall was in a base-
owners of suitable buildings so that they would
ment it was very clean inside. One evening the
rarely agree to rent them to Jehovah's Witness-
meeting was already under way when we had an
es. Brother William Wengert, a Gilead graduate unusual visitor-a very tiny mouse! It came into
now in the district work, relates: the hall and climbed up on the chair of a rather
"In those days we often had our halls in the plump sister who was paying rapt attention to
cities in basements. There was no central heating the program. It came to a halt near one of the
and some halls did not even have a toilet. Instead ru ngs of the chair and sat there for a few inter-
of electric lighting, we often had to make do with minable minutes. I dared not intervene because I
two oil lamps, one on the platform and one for the didn't want to interrupt the meeting, and I could
1982 Yearbook 199
198
ag~inst the brothers while they were at meetings
just imagine what the sister's reaction wou ld be!
or III the field ministry. For example, in an article
Finally, the mouse skirted around the chair , just
entitled "A Priest Stirs Up a Mob of Women and
missing the sister's feet and silently disappeared
-much to my relief. But in spite of these small Children Against 'Jehovah's Witnesses' at Molfet-
inconveniences the congregation displayed much ta," the daily newspaper L'Unita of September
22, 1954, said:
brotherly love and zeal for the service!"
According to the 1975 Yearbook (English ed.), "The religious fanaticism stirred up by a priest
[ n am e and address given] against honest citizens
it is thought that the first Kingdom Hall built w~o~e only fault is that of professing a different
by the brothers in the United States was that of re ligion from that of the above-named cleric is of
Roseto in Pennsylvania, in 1927, inaugurated by a particularly serious nature . • . '
a public talk given by Brother Giovanni DeCecca. "A few days ago the hardworking and orderly
By a curious coincidence, the first hall built by tow n of Molfetta witnessed a most disgusting scene
of religious persecution, worthy of the most obscure
the brothers in Italy was also at a place called per iod of the Inquisition. About ten of the towns-
Roseto, Roseto degli Abruzzi. It was completed people were met together as usual at No. 7 Via
in 1953, 26 years after its American forerunner. Zu ppett a when the priest [name given] came along
ch~nting hymns and followed by a mob of women,
THE CLERGY STIR UP MORE TROUBLE children and youths. He then gave the signal to
The freedom now enjoyed in Italy goes back to star t a disorderly uproar that went on for over two
h ou r s. The demonstration included a constant hail
the important date of December 27, 1947, when ?f stones against the doors and windows of the meet-
the Constitution of the Italian Republic went into mg place, accompanied by rowdiness and the shout-
force. The Constitution recognized basic rights di- ing of threats and abuse from the crowd....
rectly pertinent to our work of an nouncing Je- "Obliged to come out into the open to avoid the
hovah's kingdom and which had been ruthlessly worst, these people were subjected to ridicule, in-
trampled under foot during the dictatorship. sults and threats and then surrounded by the un-
ruly women and children. They were punched and
In spite of the new Constitution, however , diffi- ~it by s~ones before they managed to reach the po-
culties were not yet over for Jehovah's Witnesses. Iice station, not only to obtain protection but also
Although the Catholic hierarchy no longer had a t? ask that t.he instigators of this unlawful aggres-
dictatorship to lean upon , it could still boast pow- sion be punished, However, the official in charge
obviously sympathizing with the other side had
erful connections with the most important political no intention of intervening to guarantee r;spect
party in the country. The clergy did their best to for the law and constitutional rights. So instigators
suffocate Kingdom interests by appealing to that an d perpetrators went unpunished with the tacit
body of Fascist law that was contrary to the Con- app r oval of those whose duty it should be to safe-
stitution and that had not yet been abolished. guar d the bas ic rights and personal safety of the
indiv idual. In this particular case these rights were
Sometimes priests stirred up mobs of fanatics
200 1982 Yearbook 201
trampled underfoot and violated in the most vile the political opposition, while those controlled by
and degrading manner." the Catholic majority usually passed them over
The same newspaper, in its issue of January 3, without comment. .
1959, published an article entitled "Outbreak of Re- This persistent opposition by the Catholic Church
ligious Intolerance Against 'Jehovah's Witnesses' is hardly surprising. Rather, it is consistent with
at Lapio." What had happened this time? On De- the attitude she has generally maintained when
cember 29, 1958, two publishers, Antonio Puglielli dealing with other religions. A clear delineation
and Francesco Vitelli, were preaching the "good of this policy is given by "Father" Cavalli in the
news" at Lapio, a small town in the province of Jesuit semimonthly Civiltil Cattolica of March 27,
Avellino. At about eleven o'clock in the morning 1948:
they were confronted by a mob of youths and
children led by the local Catholic priest who began "The Catholic Church is convinced of her divine
shouting, "Go away!" and then, "You are igno- right, as the one true church, to claim freedom of
rant good-for-nothing peddlers of lies! You don't action for herself alone, so that this privilege be
understand the Bible. You just ruin the flock." reserved exclusively for truth and be denied to
Since the mob evidently meant business, the error. As for other religions, the Church will nev-
two brothers took refuge in the town hall, and er take up the literal sword against them but she
the priest followed them up the stairs to the up- will make use of legitimate channels and worthy
per floor where the mayor intervened to protect means to see that they are not allowed to spread
them. What about the other brothers preaching their false doctrines. Consequently, in a predom-
in the town? The two brothers declared: "Ac- inantly Catholic state the Church will insist that
companied by municipal guards we went to the erroneous beliefs be denied legal recognition and
part of the town where the others were working. that, if certain religious minorities persist, they
We found them surrounded by a crowd led by should be allowed a mere de facto existence and be
a threatening priest and it was only with some denied the possibility of spreading their beliefs. In
difficulty that we were able to free them and cases where existing circumstances render a strin-
get them back to the bus that was to take us gent application of this principle impossible, either
away. Once we were on the bus the priest stood due to government hostility or the numerical con-
in front of it so that it could not leave and tried sistency of dissident groups, the Church will try to
to incite the crowd to further violence. Fortu- obtain the greatest concessions for herself and will
nately the people did not obey anymore." tolerate the lawful existence of other cults as a
These are just a few of the clergy-inspired in- minor evil. In some countries, Catholics will them-
cidents. For obvious reasons, the newspapers that selves be forced to sustain the absolute right to
denounced these acts were usually controlled by freedom of religion and resign themselves to coex-
202 1982 Yearbook 203
istence with other cults where they alone should duty at the entrance to stop anyone they did not
have the right to thrive . . . " (Italics ours) know and casually ask them a couple of questions,
In other words, the Catholic clergy clearly says such as, 'Where are you from?' or, 'Who is the
to those like Jehovah's Witnesses, 'If we had our overseer in your congregation?' Those answering
way we would get rid of you.' But Jehovah has in a convincing way were allowed to enter.
not permitted this opposition to prevail against
the people who have 'come to know his name.' "But what if a troublemaker managed to slip
-Ps.91:14. in among the audience? In this case the 'flying
squad,' a group of very determined-looking ush-
EFFORTS TO DISTURB ASSEMBLIES ers, came on the scene and they kindly invited
The clergy did everything within its power opposers to be silent. If the disturbance continued
to disturb our peaceful activity, adopting various the 'squad' would very discreetly lift the heck-
means to interrupt our assemblies. For example, ler out of his seat and 'help' him to leave the
priests would infiltrate the audience with heck- hall. Since the police did not sustain our right
lers, usually young people. These would go inside to hold meetings undisturbed, we had to resolve
and sit quietly among the delegates for a while, the problem ourselves."
and then they would start to upset the meeting Let us now mention a few of the many inci-
by shouting and creating a disturbance. At this dents sparked off by the clergy. The first of these
point the police would take a hand, but, instead of happened at a circuit assembly held at Sulmona,
removing those responsible for the trouble, they a small town in central Italy in a fertile valley
would often stop the assembly on the pretext that of the Abruzzi region. On Sunday, September 26,
the meeting was "disturbing the peace." 1948, there were about 2,000 persons present at
William Wengert recalls: "When we started an the public talk-a tremendous crowd if we re-
assembly we were never sure whether we would member that there were only 472 publishers in
be able to finish it. There were so many inter- the whole country at the time. What happened
ruptions and difficulties in those days!" on this occasion? An extract from the 1950 Year-
The circuit and district overseers who organized book (English ed.) narrates:
the assemblies found a simple and practical reme- "Sunday morning at 10:30 found more than 2,000
dy. They would see to it that there was a very people swelling out the largest theater in the city,
efficient group of strapping ushers and put plenty and the doors had to be closed minutes before the
of them near the entrance. One traveling over- time set for the talk. Many had to be turned away,
seer relates: "The circuit assembly had just begun but not before having received a booklet; there sim-
and clergy interference was expected. The district ply was no more room left, even the aisles were
occupied! Inside, an extremely attentive audience
overseer had given instructions to the ushers on showed its appreciation and approval of truth by
204 1982 Yearbook 205
applauding several times during the lecture and vention ever to take place in Italy, at the Teatro
upon its conclusion. dell'Arte, Milan, from October 27 to 29,1950. At the
"However, before the meeting was closed, a young last minute the chief of police canceled our permit
religionist who had been standing in the rear of the
hall taking notes from two priests made his way to hold the convention there. The two brothers in
to the platform, raised his hands and began shout- charge of convention organization were told that
ing, demanding to be heard. The chairman calmly the measure had been taken to avoid the danger
explained that questions of the public would be an- of reaction from Catholics who might be offend-
swered personally and privately after the close of
the meeting. That this fanatic was bent on making ed by a Protestant meeting! This was absurd! It
trouble and using our public meeting to spread his was just an excuse to deprive honest citizens of
religious propaganda was evident. No doubt he, like their right to meet together peaceably.
the clergy, was aware of the empty pews in the
churches these days and was seeking other places Even though these and other arguments put for-
to harangue the people. Goaded on by his sneaky, ward by the brothers were obviously logical, the
priestly advisors, he scrambled to the top of the chief of police would not go back on his decision.
platform as soon as the assembly was dismissed, When, as a last resort, the brothers threatened
waved his arms like a madman and yelled at the
top of his lungs for attention. The two priests in to inform the press of this abuse of authority, he
the rear, ducking their heads down to hide their did not know what to say and threw them out
reversed collars, shouted and whistled in approv- of his office. Coupling what had been said with
al, hoping thus to arouse a wave of enthusiasm
for their hireling. It did not work. The audience other facts in our possession, we were sure that
turned down his uninvited attempt to do religious the clergy had had a hand in the matter. This
proselyting. Instead of applauding and permitting time they had devised a different method, using
him to speak, those in the audience drowned out their influence with the police force.
his protesting voice with cries of: 'Fesciston el' [Fas-
cist!] 'Vergogna!' [Shame on you!] 'How much are Brother George Fredianelli, the assistant over-
they paying you to do this?' Seeing things were seer at that convention, recalls :
not going so well, the would-be interloper soon "This was the situation: there were barely 24
leaped off the stage and quickly disappeared with
his priestly companions. Then, orderly and quietly, hours before the assembly was due to begin, broth-
the audience made its way out of the theater, ac- ers were arriving at Milan from all over Italy,
cepting gladly the free booklet that was offered." and we couldn't find another hall anywhere! What
were we to do? We were very worried. But once
The account ended by saying: "The tables had again Jehovah intervened in our favor.
been turned on them and once more Jehovah "The morning before the assembly, Brother An-
gave the victory." thony Sideris, the assembly overseer, and I were
out looking for another hall. As we were passing
FIRST DISTRICT CONVENTION by a piece of ground surrounded by a fence, we
Now let us describe another episode of religious suddenly had an idea, 'Why not ask the proprietor
intolerance. We were to hold the first district con- if he would let us use it for three days?' He rented
206 1982 Yearbook 207
us the land at a very reasonable price, and off we keep warm. Nevertheless, we were very happy and
went to look for some large tents under which the rejoiced to receive such good spiritual food."
assembly could be held. Finally we found a well-
known tent factory willing to rent us marquees and CLERGY INTOLERANCE BACKFIRES
even to help us put them up. They were pleased
with the prospect of extra publicity. Another episode of clergy-inspired intolerance
"The next problem facing us was that of get- took place the last week in June 1951 with re-
ting permission from the authorities all over again. gard to a circuit assembly to be held at Cerignola.
Since there was little or no chance that it would What happened on this occasion? The 1952 Year-
be given in time, we decided to present them with
an accomplished fact. There was no other way. We book report (English ed.) states:
just couldn't send all the brothers back home again. "At noon two policemen came over to the hall
We put the marquees up and organized the var- to advise us that our private meetings there were
ious departments overnight before anyone noticed, being forbidden. Immediately we called on the local
and at nine o'clock in the morning the assembly office of the commissario [police commissioner] to
punctually got off to a start. find out what this was all about. As we entered
"The police arrived soon afterward. They jumped the police station, a young priest was leaving the
out of their jeep armed to the teeth. What a glaring place with a big smile on his face. Evidently he
contrast they made! What a ridiculous situation it was quite joyful, and we soon learned that the po-
was! Armed policemen sent to control people peace- lice had given him reason to feel contented. The
fully sitting there singing religious hymns. Brother commissario himself made it very plain to us that
Sideris told them that if they interrupted the assem- our police permit was being canceled for reasons
bly, they would be sorry. We would report the fact to over which he had no control. The authorities gave
the local and international press to show that Italy's as the 'reason', the unsafe condition of the hall,
new constitution was not being observed and that but no one was expected to believe that. After a
there was a return of the Fascist dictatorship. The somewhat heated discussion of the matter, we were
intimidated policemen went away to ask for instruc- advised to go to the capital of the province and
tions from higher up and later returned to inform talk to the provincial 'boss', th e questore.
us that w e could carryon w ith our assembly." " A few hours later we were walking in to the
About 800 were present at the public talk and provincial police headquarters, and to our surprise
45 were baptized. Since the tents had been put up we found there the same Catholic priest we had met
in the commissario's office, this time accompanied
in an area where there were several factories, the by an older and more important-looking priest. We
brothers had the opportunity of giving a witness found out later that the latter was the vicario of
to many of the workmen who took advantage of the city where we were holding our assembly. The
their lunch break to see what was going on. What priests were waiting to talk with the questore, but
was it like sitting inside those marquees on the when his assistant, the chief of police, came in they
asked to be shown into his office instead. A few
cold, damp October days? Fern Fraese recalls: "As minutes later the questore arrived •.. He clearly
we listened to the program we kept our coats on, showed that his mind had already been made up
and many of us were holding hot-water bottles to for him before hearing what we had to say and
208 1982
. . . he started out by threatening us with arrest
for having rented a hall that was, in his opinion,
unfit for meetings. His tactics were to frighten us
and make it seem as if we were the ones that had
done wrong and hence deserving reproof....
"We were determined not to give in to this ar-
bitrary, fascist-like action of the police without a
battle, and for more than one hour we stayed in
the questore's office and debated the legal aspect
of our case."
In spite of this, the questore did not change
his decision. So what happened about the assem-
bly? The report continues:
"We went back and made arrangements to hold
the assembly in two private homes, and by means
of loud-speaking equipment we had the same pro-
gram in both places at the same time. The intoler-
ance of the clergy aroused the indignation of many
honest persons, even though the priests tried to
cover up by announcing in church the next morn-
ing that no one should attend the public meeting
of Jehovah's witnesses that day (when they knew
all the time that it had been forbidden and there-
fore would not be held!). . • . But here again the
priests were defeated, because Jehovah's witness-
es do not keep their mouths shut but continue to
expose the hypocrisy and the erroneous teachings
of the false religionists, resulting in more persons
of good will getting their eyes opened."
,."
.. "
e > ' ,
-.
mi ::,
"
c,
,
t ',.
, .
@ranCh buildings.
Upper left: The building
" •, . ,- .
-
53,590
their homes, none of them were killed or serious- 50,000
ly injured. Immediately after the disaster brothers 5,790 12,113 19,682
-
200 2,897
a
1946 1951 1956 1961 1966 1971 1976 1981
Yearbook 251
survivors, it was a great relief to hear that our
brothers were alive.
The publishers in the stricken area showed their
trust in Jehovah right through those critical mo-
ments when the ground and the buildings around
them shook, and they continued to do so afterward
as they faced the rigors of winter under difficult
circumstances. Some congregations were having
meetings when the earthquake struck. An elder
of the congregation of Eboli (Salerno) relates:
"We had just started the Watchtower study when
suddenly we felt the floor of the Kingdom Hall
:J shake violently while the walls and the ceiling
Dl above our heads creaked ominously as they moved
C
c.o from side to side. For a few seconds we were all
..,C petrified, and before we could realize what was
Dl happening there was another more violent shock.
'*
<ll We thought the four stories of the building were
C.
going to collapse on top of us. Those terrible mo-
:J ments were the longest we shall ever remember!
"As study conductor I realized I must make an
immediate decision to protect those present. But
what were we to do? W e could either stay together
where we were in the hall or go outside. I prayed
intensely to Jehovah for guidance to make the right
decision. Then I remembered a similar situation
regarding the brothers of Gemona in Friuli a few
years earlier. I invited the brothers to stay in the
Hall while I said a prayer. None of the 130 present
ran outside or showed signs of panic. Then, trusting
in Jehovah, we continued the Watchtower study,
while outside the whole town was in turmoil.
"We concluded the meeting with a heartfelt
prayer of thanks, and many of those present shed
tears of gratitude because we had received such ev-
ident protection. How thankful we were to have
been obedient to the apostle Paul's exhortation at
Hebrews 10:24, 25! Obedience to this command had
saved our lives! We immediately got in touch with
252 1982 Yearbook 253
our brothers in a nearby town, where 50 of them In the month of the disaster a new national
had been at the meeting. They also were safe and peak of 86,192 publishers was reached, and this
sound, while all around buildings were seriously
damaged; and the two largest churches in town means that the brothers in the earthquake zone
were partly destroyed." contributed to this increase by maintaining their
An overseer of the congregation at Bellizzi (Sa- excellent zeal for the Lord's work. We are grate-
ful for the love shown to these brothers by fellow
lerno) recalls: "Five minutes after the meeting
worshipers in various nations who, besides send-
finished we suddenly found ourselves in the mid-
ing material help, did not forget their brothers
dle of a nightmare. The Kingdom Hall seemed in their prayers. Our thanks go to Jehovah be-
to have gone crazy. Someone cried out, 'Jehovah, cause he is the One coming to our aid in times
save us!' I shouted to the brothers, 'Keep calm, of trouble.-Ps. 54:4.
don't go down the stairs!' We were all safe."
Brothers in the earthquake area were ready to BETHEL IS ENLARGED
help one another, and Witnesses throughout the When the new Bethel was inaugurated in the
country and in other European nations did not spring of 1972, no one imagined that only four
hold back from contributing money, clothing and years later it would be too small. At the time
other articles. An emergency relief center was set there were approximately 25,000 worshipers of the
up to direct help to where it was most needed. true God in the country, but by 1976 the build-
The first of the Society's trucks loaded with food, ing was already inadequate to meet the needs of
tents, blankets and clothing arrived in the area our publishers, the number of which had by then
the evening after the earthquake. swelled to an incredible 60,000.
"The brothers were amazed how quickly the In 1975 and 1976 an additional two lots ad-
necessary help arrived," said a traveling overseer jacent to our original property were bought, so
assigned to the area. He also relates: "We imme- that the total area at our disposition was now in
diately set up our own kitchen from which food the region of 14 hectares (35 acres). However, the
cooked by sisters was distributed to the brothers Rome City Development Plan allowed us to build
every day. The other inhabitants of the town had only a single farm building on the new ground.
yet to receive assistance and were doing the best An application was filed to get the plan modified,
they could by themselves. Of course, the brothers and in the meantime we asked for permission to
were not selfish, and food was shared with many set up a small farm with a cowshed and barns to
non-Witnesses. When we took provisions to the raise produce for the Bethel family. Work on this
village of Montella, families living near the broth- project was begun in 1978, and the small farm-
ers were given pasta, rice, oil, sugar, bread and ing unit was finished in the spring of 1980.
milk while their children were given biscuits." Finally, in October 1979, permission to build
254 1982 Yearbook 255
the new Bethel home and a structure to house that these were the latest magazines the congre-
the printing department was received. We began gation had received."
work immediately and in October 1980 the print- In view of these delays, the majority of our de-
ing department was finished. The rotary press and liveries are made by four trucks that the Society
the magazine department are already installed. has bought for the purpose. One of these, com-
On the other hand, we still have plenty to do to plete with trailer, has a capacity of 34 tons and
finish the Bethel construction. Building has been is also used to collect the literature from the Ger-
done exclusively by the brothers. It is encourag- man branch at Wiesbaden. Congregation orders
ing to see them arrive from all over Italy to share are delivered to more than 120 depots scattered
throughout the peninsula and the islands of Sicily
in this work because they realize it is necessary and Sardinia. In turn, these depots redistribute the
to cope with the expansion going on in the coun- literature locally. Under this arrangement the con-
try. When completed, the building will contain gregations receive the necessary spiritual food on
70 rooms, a dining room, a kitchen, a Kingdom time and expenses are reduced considerably.
Hall and other necessary facilities.
At present there are 98 brothers assigned to GRATITUDE FOR DIVINE PROTECTION
Bethel, forming a happy family at the service of This is the modern history of the activity of
their fellow Christians. Some of them work in the Jehovah's Witnesses in Italy. Credit for what
farming unit to cover the material needs of the has been accomplished during these years cannot
family, while others are assigned to the shipping be ascribed to man. Although certain individuals
department and are busy sending out literature, have been mentioned by name, this story is the
magazines and other necessary supplies to the chronicle of how a people came into existence,
congregations. how they withstood intense opposition from the
clergy and how they have prospered, thanks to
GETTING LITERATURE divine guidance and protection.
TO THE CONGREGATIONS More than 1,920 years have passed by since the
At one time, as a result of postal delays and apostle Paul fulfilled his earnest desire to see the
strikes, the more distant congregations often did Christian congregation at Rome "to impart some
not receive consignments on time. A circuit over- spiritual gift" to them. (Rom. 1:11) Since then the
seer recalls: "During my visit to a congregation great apostasy kept the country in dense spiri-
in Sicily, I was going from house to house with tual darkness for many centuries. But this is no
a sister. I felt compelled to remark on the fact longer the case. Times such as those at the be-
that she was distributing magazines that were ginning of this century, when the first faint rays
two months out of date. At this the sister replied of truth illuminated the path of a few scattered
256 1982 Yearbook 257
individuals, are also past, together with the wave
of persistent religious persecution, loyally borne "YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN"
by Jehovah's people.
The present situation is enough to gladden our How the Corinthian congregation must have been
reassured by the statement of the apostle Paul to
hearts. Compared with an average of some 90 them, "Your labor is not in vain in connection with
Kingdom publishers at the close of World War the Lord"! (l Cor. 15:58) As part of the inspired Word
II, Italy now has over 90,000 proclaimers of the of God, Paul's encouragement strengthens us as well.
"good news"! The future is full of excellent pros- ~e have considered some highlights of the splen-
pects. In May 1981, Italy reached a peak of 62,068 did results of the activities of Jehovah's Witnesses
Bible studies. And for the Memorial in 1981 there throughout the worldwide field during the service
were 187,165 in attendance! In the historic city of year of 1981. Now we look ahead and do so with
Rome there are now 51 congregations at work. the conviction that our future "labor" will not be in
These figures would indicate that, with divine vain but will likewise be blessed by Jehovah, the
approval, we shall have further increase that will God whom we love and who "is near to all those
~alling upor;, him, to all those who call upon him
render still more praise to our God Jehovah. His
In trueness. (Ps. 145:18) For the accomplishments
happy worshipers are ready to attribute the mer- of the theocratic organization of his witnesses we
it of their present prosperous condition to Him give him all the credit. '
alone. And, as they look back on these chapters . It seems that in all probability during the centuries
of the modern history of true Christianity in Italy, SInce the death of the apostles, even since the cul-
they express their gratitude, as did the psalmist mination of the great apostasy by the formation of
David when he was moved to exclaim: Christendom in 325 C.E., Jehovah had some on earth
"Had it not been that Jehovah proved to be for at a~l times who were loyal to his Word, his teachings,
us when men rose up against us, then they would Christ Jesus as the Redeemer and to himself as the
have swallowed us up even alive, when their an- Supreme One. If this is correct, he was not at any time
ger was burning against us. Blessed be Jehovah, entirely without witnesses. Of course, such would not
who has not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our ha,:,e been organized, at least not in a large organi-
soul is like a bird that is escaped from the trap of zation. There were religious organizations, but these
wer~ and are part of Babylon the Great, false religion,
baiters. The trap is broken, and we ourselves have and In fact Christendom is the most reprehensible part
escaped. Our help is in the name of Jehovah, the of Babylon the Great. But what a wonderful change
Maker of heaven and earth."-Ps. 124:2, 3, 6-8. we see in the developments of the past century!
~o longer is it just a matter of there possibly
being a person here and there throughout the de-
cades endeavoring to adhere to Jehovah's Word of
truth. Rather, in Jehovah's purposes the time arrived
258 1982 Yearbook 259
for an earth-wide witness to be given to all the na- As all mankind go deeper and deeper into the
tions in all the inhabited earth. This is a witness or time of the end, the conditions of the last days grow
testimony to the establishment of his kingdom, such more and more difficult to deal with, and more crit-
being in order at the time of the Kingdom's establish- ical. (Luke 21:25, 26; 2 Tim. 3:1-5) These terrifying
ment. According to the prophecy of our Lord Jesus circumstances emphasize the need of all persons to
Christ, the witness itself constitutes a part of the accept the help Jehovah provides through his Word,
sign of his presence and the end of the old system his spirit and the organization of his faithful people.
of things. When that time came with the end of the This assistance through the earth-wide congregation
Gentile Times in 1914, Jehovah, by the direction of of Jehovah's Witnesses is necessary for anyone to
his spirit, raised up faithful ones who congregated serve Jehovah successfully. At this stage of the af-
and formed the basis for an organization that could, fairs of man, it is absolutely impossible for anyone,
and did, become adequate to meet the demands of professed Christian or otherwise, to stand indepen-
the times to carryon a worldwide witness work. dent of the one organization that is bearing witness
In the preceding report we have briefly noted the worldwide to Jehovah, his goodness and supremacy
development of this organization as demonstrated in in accord with the 145th Psalm and, in fact, in ac-
the increasing number of Kingdom proclaimers, espe- cord with all the Scriptures.
cially since the year 1918. Why this change? Why The developments touched on by this brief report
this ORGANIZATION of united Christians, devoted are significant as part of the "signs of the times."
to the study and application of God's Word in their (Matt. 16:1-4) We appreciate your reading the report,
lives, including their personal participation in aiding and as we expressed at its outset, we hope you have
others to come to an understanding and appreciation done so with interest and with profit. We trust that
of the Scriptures pointing to our day? Because this is the Kingdom message will be a blessing and a comfort
the time of the Kingdom! This is the day to which to you, strengthening your hope in Jehovah's provi-
the prophets looked forward. This is the "time of sions and enhancing your appreciation of what Jeho-
the end." (Dan. 12:1, 4) Hence, an overriding factor vah's Witnesses are doing throughout the earth.
in the lives of Jehovah's Witnesses is the fact that As Jehovah's Witnesses, we enjoy great privileges.
their heavenly King, Christ Jesus, is now ruling in Our laying hold on such privileges has certainly not
Kingdom power and directing Kingdom activity on been in vain during the past year, nor will such be
earth through the holy angels. Jesus' loyal follow- in vain during the time that lies ahead.
ers have complete faith in the inspired Scriptures, so Be assured of our loving interest toward you and
they are convinced that Jehovah is the one to be the entire association of our brotherhood everywhere
worshiped and served. Those from among mankind in all lands throughout this earth, which Jehovah
who render such worship and service will receive will, in his due time, make glorious to his praise.
Kingdom blessings of life. As they have been doing Your brothers,
for the past decades and especially since the spiritual GOVERNING BODY OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
fall of Babylon the Great in 1919, they continue to
preach the Kingdom message.
260 1982 Yearbook 261
YEARTEXT FOR 1982 we have "plenty to do" in serving the Kingdom
interests.-2 Cor. 6:1; 1 Pet. 2:9.
"Become steadfast, unmovable, always having plenty There is certainly "plenty to do" in the present
to do in the work of the Lord."-l Cor. 15:58. Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.
Jesus said that this good news "has to be
This inspired admonition of the apostle Paul preached first" in all the world before the end
is especially meaningful to us at the present of this present Satanic system of things.-Mark
time. Whether we have been long in the truth 13:10.
or have recently entered the race for life, all How privileged we are to have any share in
of us need to be "steadfast," firm in our stand, this divinely directed work! Let us therefore
solid in the faith. We need to be "unmovable," work whole-souled as unto Jehovah, knowing
unwavering in our loyalty to Jehovah. Never that our labor "is not in vain in connection with
should we allow doubts to creep in and under- the Lord." And not just during 1982. Let us work
mine our integrity or cause us to be delinquent with all eternity in view-when the Kingdom
in observing Jehovah's commandments.-Eph. rule is extended to the limits of all the earth,
4:14; Jas. 1:6-8. when the earth is made a paradise and the dead
One of the greatest aids to being steadfast and are resurrected. As we thus work, we will be
unmovable in our loyalty to Jehovah is "always happy and contented and above all, Jehovah's
having plenty to do in the work of the Lord." word and name will be honored and praised.
The idle, slothful or lazy person is neither loved
nor blessed by Jehovah. On the other hand, a
person may be very industrious and energeti-
cally busy with his own schemes and programs
-'doing his own thing.' Or he may be burdened
down with the cares of this life and the anxi-
eties of this system of things to the extent that
he has no time for "the work of the Lord." This,
too, is something to guard against. Under the
pressures of the hurried way of life in this 20th DAILY TEXTS AND COMMENTS
century, we must not allow the everyday anxi-
eties to overwhelm or distract us. Why were we There is a text for each day and a comment on that
text. The comments are taken from The Watchtower (W)
called out of darkness into the marvelous light of the year 1981. Figures following the date of the Watch-
of Jehovah's favor? That we might show forth tower issue refer to paragraphs in the first study article,
the glory of his name and kingdom. Let us make where further comment on the text may be found. When
"a" follows the paragraph number, the comment is found
sure, then, that we do not miss the purpose of III the second study article; when "b" is shown it refers
God's undeserved kindness, yes, make sure that to the third study article. '
Friday, .January 1 to feel that we are immune when Monday, .January 4 environment. Happiness is not
the world in general has such a A good name is better than p re-
so much what we have as what
. Be glad, you nations, with his
powerful and pervasive attitude. cious ointment; and the day of
we are. That is the reason why
people, for he will avenge the
We can benefit from periodical- death than the day of one's birth.
many who live in luxury are not
blood of his servants, and he will
pay back vengeance to his ad-
ly examining our view of work, -Eccl. 7:1, Authorized Version.
particularly happy, while some
for the view we have can easi- who have relatively little and
versaries.-Deut. 32:43. Everyone makes something
ly affect our share in Christian whose lives are rather simple
So the God of love declared activities that are important to additional to what he does, even do find happiness. Furthermore,
himself also to be a God of ven- God. It has been said that "work if he does nothing. A man makes you may have met some hospi-
geance. But his taking ven- is as much a necessity to man as fine furniture, and, additionally, talized or handicapped persons
geance on his enemies would be eating and sleeping." As Chris- makes a name as a skilled crafts- who have a sunny disposition, a
right. Why so? Because it would tians, however, we have an ad- man. A woman makes delicious cheerful, happy outlook. True,
clear the way for all persons ditional reason to cultivate an meals, and thus makes a name they are not pleased with being
who love God to be glad, to re- appreciation for hard work: In as a good cook. A third person ill or crippled and would like to
joice. Surely, we now can rejoice this, God and Jesus Christ set does nothing, and makes a name have it otherwise. Yet, because
that God will clear the way for for us a pattern that we should for laziness. Everyone makes a Jehovah is therr God, they are
us to enjoy everlasting life, in imitate. W 1/11-4 name for himself. And some- truly happy. W 4/1 4, 5
line with what he inspired Mo- times we give names to others.
ses to say . Yes, our loving God Sunday, .January 3 Wednesday, .January 6
Saul and his associates by their
purposes to vindicate the right- We thank you, Jehovah God, the slander gave David a bad name. Keep on , then, seeking first the
fulness of his rule, and to rescue Almighty, . . . because you have David by his psalms gave God kingdom and his righteousness,
those who love him from their taken your great power and begun a good name. Jehovah enabled and all these other things will be
adversaries. Why he will even ruling as king.-Rev. 11:17. David to make a good name for added to you .-Matt. 6:33.
rescue us from the great enemy, himself. Some who claim to rep-
death, that comes into our lives What J ehovah God will com- The hope of a paradise re-
pletely erase from the earth's resent God give him a bad name
by inheritance from our first through their religious lies and stored on earth has been called
parents. But how does God do surface is this system of things "a materialistic dream." True,
that violent men have set up on immoral deeds . True worshipers
this? He does it by the gift of his by their words and their deeds some of the "Church Fathers"
Son: "God is love.... God sent God's property. For this we can discredited the millennial hope,
take up the words of thanksgiv- give God a good name, and in
forth his only-begotten Son into so doing, make a good name for by giving the foretold millennial
the world that we might gain ing above. For the sake of mili- blessings a carnal application or
tary advantage the nations have themselves with Jehovah God.
life through him." (1 John 4:8, May we all be concerned with even a sociopolitical twist. But
9) What a privilege is ours to highly developed plans for "ruin-
ing the earth." Germs, chemi- making a good name with ou r nobody can in good faith ac-
worship and serve such a God! loving God Jehovah. W 2/15 1 cuse us of doing this. Even now,
W 1/157,8
cals, as well as terrifying explo-
sives are being held in readiness in a pleasure-oriented world, we
for instant use in the most Tuesday, .January 5 are putting up a hard fight
Saturday, .January 2
strategic way against any ene- Happy is t he people whose God
against materialism and plea-
My Father has kept working until sure-seeking, heeding the words
my. Here and there weak warn- is Jehovah!-Ps. 144:15.
now, and I keep working.-John of Jesus above. We put the ac-
ings are being sounded about
5:17.
the threat to human existence. All of us well know that hav- cent on spiritual values. We ful-
If we enjoy working hard, we Timely and justified though such ing material things and close as- ly realize that if any fall victim
stand in contrast with many to- are, they do not have the back- sociates does not assure genuine, to materialism in this time of
day. And we doubtless have ob- ing of Jehovah God . His warn- lasting happiness. Some persons the end, they may never see the
served that the dislike for work ing written down in the Bible is have rich food in abundance and millennium. (Luke 21:34-36) Nor
seems to be growing. We see it about his own action to "bring many modern luxuries; yet hap- do we have any hopes of bring-
in advice such as, 'Take it easy.' to ruin those ruining the earth," piness eludes them. It has been ing in the millennium through
What starts off as a dislike of his own creation. His action will observed that, in a way, happi- human means. We rely entirely
just strenuous work can easily be controlled. It will leave ap- ness is a great paradox. Though on God's intervention through
grow into a disdain for all work. proved survivors. By faithfully the word "happiness" may bring his Messianic king. This "King
As Christians, we no doubt feel making known these things we to mind pleasant conditions, it of kings" will fight to put an end
that we do not have that spirit. can hope to be among such. actually can grow in any soil, live to all wickedness on the earth.
It would, though, be unrealistic -Rev. 11:18. W 2/115,16 under any conditions, defy any -Rev. 19:11-20:3. W 4/15 15-17a
Thursday, January 7 emerging from the sea. And what Sunday, January 10 -to heal, to preach, to teach.
By faith [Abraham) resided as an
course does the world of man- Forasmuch as I am, in reality, an Though he was perfect, Christ
alien in the land of the prom-
kind take toward this symbolic apostle to the nations, I glorify grew tired and hungry by work-
ise as in a foreign land . . . For
creature? Listen: "All the earth my ministry.-Rom. 11:13. ing long and late. (Mark 6:31-34)
he was awaiting the city hav- followed the wild beast with ad- We thus can be sure that nei-
miration. ... And they worshiped There are many modern En- ther God nor Jesus have a 'take
ing real foundations, the builder glish translations of the Chris-
and maker of which city is God. the wild beast with the words : it easy' attitude. Christ stated:
'Who is like the wild beast, and tian Greek SCriptures. How do "My Father has kept working
-Heb. 11:9, 10. the majority of these modern
who can do battle with it?'" until now, and I keep working."
Years after Jehovah God gave Those worshipers of the visible English translations prefer to (John 5:17) In fact, he explained
the promise recorded at Genesis part of Satan's organization will render the controversial di 'a- that his "works" gave evidence
3:15, he told his friend Abraham have their minds disabused, for ko ·ni 'a for their readers in the of his having God's approval. In
the words recorded at Genesis the glorified Jesus Christ with above text? By the word "min- this, can there not be a lesson
12:3. The blessing to " all the fam- his organized angelic armies will istry," with all the dignity that for us? Do we by our conduct
ilies of the ground" would take do battle with the "wild beast" the Holy Bible imparts to it. and works show that we are en-
place only through fulfillment at Har-Magedon and destroy it. Rightly, the dedicated, baptized joying Jehovah God's approval?
of that first promise, and this -Rev. 19:11-21. W 5/1 3, 4 witnesses of Jehovah are within W 1/15,6
Abraham recognized. as can be the Bible meaning of things to
seen from the above. He was so Saturday, January 9 apply to their assigned Christian Tuesday, January 12
intent on his hope in that King- You will receive power when the activity the fitting word "minis- I shall put enmity between you
dom government that he acted holy spirit arrives upon you, and try." What, now, are these "min- and the woman and between your
as a foreigner and an alien resi- you will be witnesses of me both isters" going to do with their seed and her seed. He will bruise
dent. How do we personally look in Jerusalem . . . and to the most "ministry"? Are they going to you in the head and you will
upon this world? Do we see our- distant part of the earlh.-Acts live up to it and its obligations, bruise him in the heel.-Gen.
selves as 'foreigners' and 'aliens,' 1:8. or renounce it because of ob- 3:15.
even though we may dwell in jections or opposing pressures?
the land of our birth with our It was undoubtedly one of the What will the despoiling of Bab- God rightly passed the sen-
own race? Are others in our most dramatic moments in the ylon the Great by the political tence of death on the first hu-
community viewing us as being history of mankind. The Son of powers mean for the Christian man pair. Yet, out of his love for
different? Do they see us as set God was about to take leave witnesses of Jehovah? They must mankind, he permitted them to
apart? If not, how strong is our of his followers on earth, never unflinchingly carry on the pro- survive until they could produce
faith in the Kingdom govern- to be visibly present with them claiming of the "day of ven- children, otherwise we would not
ment? Do we blend in with our again in the flesh . There was geance on the part of our God:' be alive right now. Moreover,
community, or are we Jehovah time for just one more question, -Isa. 61:1, 2. W 3/15 13, 15 though the human race had in-
God's friends, as was Abraham? one more answer. That last con- herited sin and death from our
W 5/151-3 versation would affect Christ's Monday, January 11 first parents, the loving God
followers right up until the end I told you, and yet you do not
provided a basis for hope. (Rom.
Friday, January 8 of the present system of things! believe. Th e works that I am
8:20, 21) In what way? Well, at
The dragon gave to the beast its
The final question Jesus' dis- doing in the name of my Fa-
the very onset of rebellion, God
ciples put to him was: "Lord, made known that he would raise
power and its throne and great ther, these bear witness about
are you restoring the kingdom me.-John 10:25.
up a 'seed,' that is, an offspring.
authority.-Rev. 13:2.
to Israel at this time?" (Acts He would send this One forth
As the outcome of a war in 1:6)Whatever their expectations The whole universe testifies from his own loyal heavenly or-
the invisible heavens, the sym- were, one thing is clear: they that God is a worker. All his vis- ganization to undo all the dam-
bolic dragon "was hurled down wanted to know when God's pur- ible creations are his "works." age caused by the Devil, and
to the earth, and his angels poses concerning the Kingdom Also, his constant protection Adam and Eve. However, back
were hurled down with him:' would be fulfilled. They were and guidance of his servants are there in Eden, the loving God
(Rev. 12:7-9) Those demonic an- neither the first nor the last to "works" that we should appre- also declared that he would exe-
gels who fought on Satan's side show impatience for final deliv- ciate. (Ps. 145:4-6, 10) His Son, cute vengeance upon Satan and
make up his spirit organization. erance. So Jesus' comments, yes, too, is a hard worker. Leav- all those who would make them-
Satan the Devil also has a vis- his very last words before leav- ing behind his carpentry in a selves part of the offspring of
ible human part to his orga- ing the earth for all time, are Galilean town, Jesus traveled Satan by turning from God's
nization. In Revelation, chapter of the utmost interest to us to- hundreds of miles over hot, love. May we never follow such
13, it is pictured as a wild beast day. W 3/11, 2 dusty countryside to help people a course!-Rev. 12:9. WI/IS 5, 6
Wednesday, January 13 that time! Buy it out! Especially Saturday, January 16 world so much that he gave
Then there will be great tribu-
now, at the end of this system his only-begotten Son." Jeho-
of things, when many of those I also have given you for a light
lation such as has not occurred vah is called "the happy God."
living may never see death, it is of the nations, that my salvation (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 1:11) Similarly,
since the world's beginning un- may come to be to the extrem-
til now.-Matt. 24:21.
the time for us to do with our "Christ did not please himself,"
might what our hands find to do ity of the earth.-Isa. 49:6. but he died in our behalf. (Rom.
Today all the world is one big in Christian activity. (Eccl. 9:10) While the symbolic "hors- 15:3) Our giving can, and should,
neighborhood. By our speediest If we are going to make a good es" (Rev. 9:16-19) include books, take many forms. But it does not
means of travel we could fly name with God we must con- booklets and tracts, undoubtedly have to be something elaborate
around the globe at its equator cern ourselves with two catego- the magazines have played, and and should not be something de-
or over both the north and the ries: What is wrong and what is are still playing, an important signed to impress. Jesus' words
south poles in less than one day. right. We must stop doing what part in spreading the Kingdom at Luke 14:12-14 underscore the
By international telephone lines is wrong and start doing what witness to the most distant part truth that happiness comes from
or by radiophone we could, in a is right. How do we go about of the earth. Not only have the giving. (Acts 20:35)In connection
matter of minutes, be speaking it? The mind must become in- anointed remnant zealously and with a meal or otherwise, can
with a neighbor in almost any volved, even as Paul counsels. courageously led such symbol- you think of how you can apply
other part of the earth. Because -Rom. 12:2. W 2/152, 3a ic cavalry against the bastions Jesus' advice by ministering to
of being so closely knit togeth- of false religion, but they have the 'poor, the crippled, the lame
er, all humanity shares common Friday, January 15 also heeded Christ's command and the blind'? W 4//17-20
dangers. Just within this one The ten horns that you saw, and to 'go make disciples of people of Monday, January 18
century, people in all quarters the wild beast, these will hate the all the nations, baptizing them.'
of the earth woke up to the harlot and will make her devas- Since 1935an increasing number For the eager expectation of the
reality of such a catastrophic tated and . . . will completely burn of persons have read the judg- creation is . . . that the creation
thing as a world war. Twenty- her with fire .-Rev. 17:16. ment messages published and itself also will be set free from en-
one years after the worst global have obeyed the divine order to slavement to corruption and have
conflict ended the world entered Will the oncoming destruction the glorious freedom of the chil-
of Babylon the Great, which in- 'get out of "Babylon the Great." ,
into a wartime nightmare far (Rev. 18:1-4) They have dedicat- dren of God.-Rom. 8:19, 21.
worse. Now, 37 years after com- cludes Christendom, mean the
wiping out of all religion from ed themselves to Jehovah God Since the 144,000 spiritual Is-
ing through that world upheav- and have been baptized. Having raelites are the "seed" or true
al, we are menaced with some- the face of the earth? As long as
there is the one living and true themselves been helped by The descendants of Abraham and
thing even far more horrendous. Watchtower and Awake!, they thus true heirs of the prom-
It is the "great tribulation," God, No! His worshipers, who
are no part of Christendom or of have joined the remnant in dis- ise, then it is well to remem-
which Jesus foretold and which seminating these fine magazines ber that the promise given to
is so near at hand. W 2//1, 2 the rest of Babylon the Great, Abraham stated: "By means of
will survive the worldwide on- far and wide, yes, "to the ex-
slaught against all religion. They tremity of the earth." Are you your seed all nations of the earth
Thursday, January 14 will certainly bless themselves."
will have the protection of the among these? W 3/17, 8a
Just as one has come forth from (Gen. 22:16-18) The prophet Dan-
God, Jehovah, and of his reign- Sunday, January 17 iel also spoke of "peoples, na-
his mother's belly, naked will one
ing "Lord of lords and King of tional groups and languages"
go away again, just as one came; Happy are those hearing the word
kings," Jesus Christ. (Rev. 17:14) over whom the "son of man,"
and nothing at all can one carry of God and keeping itl-s-Luke
Afterward, they will witness the Jesus Christ, will exercise from
away for his hard work, which destruction of the godless, irreli- 11:28.
he can take along with his hand. "the heavens" the "kingdom and
gious rulers that will then dom- Yes, 'keeping the Word of God' the rulership." (Dan. 7:13, 14, 27)
-Eccl. 5:15.
inate the earth entirely. The is also involved in our being hap- The early Christians were not
Materially speaking, there is "form of worship that is clean py. This proves true in that we unfamiliar with these prophe-
nothing the dead man "can take and undefiled from the stand- thus avoid problems. But it is cies that speak of two groups:
along with his hand." However, point of our God and Father" also true from other standpoints. the "seed" and the "national
he can take along the only thing will never perish from the earth, The Word of God breathes the groups." Confirming this, after
of lasting value that this life is which is his "footstool." What spirit of being interested in oth- having spoken of those who will
good for-a good name with God. a comforting thought that is ers, of giving, of helping other be joint heirs with Christ and
While each one of us is living, and how it should spur us on persons. We can see this exem- who will be glorified together
that is our time to make a good to serve Jehovah!-Jas. 1:27; Isa. plified in Jehovah himself, for with him in heaven, Paul says
name with God. Make use of 66:1. W 3/156 he is the One who "loved the the above. W 4/15 7, 8a
Tuesday, January 19 worship was and how God was Friday, January 22 and began to teach." What zeal!
I have given your word to them, leading and protecting Israel. Again they were arrested. (Acts
This impressed them, and moved Since all these things are thus to
but the world has hated them, 5:17-21, 27, 28) Unwittingly, the
because they are no part of the
many to worship Jehovah them- be dissolved, what sort of persons
high priest testified to the fact
world, just as I am no part of the
selves. What does this mean for ought you to be in holy acts of
that these early Christians were
us if we are Christians? Should conduct and deeds of godly de-
world.-John 17:14.
not others be able to notice from votionJ-2 Pet . 3:11.
faithfully carrying out the first
Just as the first man on earth, our conduct and speech that we part of their Christ-given com-
Adam, when perfect in the gar- are serving the true God? The Peter prophetically coupled mission. They were being zeal-
den of Eden, was a "son of God" Bible assures us that God is the end of the world in Noah's ous witnesses of him "in Jeru-
and was part of God's univer- holy and pure, that his princi- day with the end of today's sys- salem." After being flogged and
sal organization, so Jesus as a ples are righteous and produce tem of things. (Dan. 12:4) In ordered "to stop speaking upon
perfect man on earth was a vis- good. If we are truly absorbing contrast with the downpour of the basis of Jesus' name," far
ible part of God's organization the spirit of what God is, that waters in Noah's day, Peter fore- from being discouraged, they
of sons. In prayer to God, Jesus ought to be clear from our lives. told a "fire" that would envel- continued without letup teach-
said the above concerning him- As true worship is manifested in op not only the symbolic earth ing and declaring the good news,
self and his disciples. Later Je- our lives, other persons can be but also the symbolic heavens. setting a fine example for us .
sus said to the Roman governor, affected beneficially. W 1/1 1, 3, (2 Pet. 3:5-12) In his compari- -Acts 5:40-42. W 3/17, 8
Pontius Pilate: "My kingdom is 2a son Peter did not bring into the
picture the destruction of Je- Sunday, January 24
no part of this world ." (John Thursday, January 21
18:36) This was because Jesus rusalem by the Romans, which He will wipe out every tear from
Christ was a part of God's spir- o Jehovah, . . . I shall laud you occurred shortly after his death their eyes, and death will be
itual organization, God's "wom- because in a fear-inspiring way I as a martyr. Back in his day the no more, neither will mourning
an," of whom he was the princi- am wonderfully made.-Ps. 139:1, Christians believed in what is nor outcry nor pain be anymore.
palone of her "seed." From the 14. generally spoken of as "the end -Rev. 21:4.
day of Pentecost onward, when The earth is God 's loving gift of the world ." (Matt. 24:3, Au-
thorized Version) But how about A quarter of a century after
the glorified Jesus in heaven to humans. He so placed it as to the destruction of Jerusalem in
poured out holy spirit upon his get the right amount of heat and today, 19 centuries later, par-
faithful disciples on earth, these ticularly so among those who 70 C.E. (which put an end to
light from the sun. (Ps. 115:16) He Jewish hopes of national deliv-
became part of the "seed" of clothed it with a lovely carpet of claim to be Christians or who
God 's "woman." They made up greenery, along with a wide va- are members of the churches of erance by a political Messiah)
the visible part of God's spiri- riety of beautifully colored flow- Christendom? Do they believe in Jesus, the true Messiah, ful-
tual organization. Though in the ers. And he stocked our earth such a thing? Hardly so! Since ly revealed the true millennial
world, they were no part of it . with an abundance of animal, we do, we should truly heed Pe- hope. In his record of the Rev-
W 5/16b bird and fish life, and provided ter's words above . W 2/110, 11 elation, John wrote the above.
an overflow of grain and oth- Can you not see the resemblance
Wednesday, January 20 er foods. And how lovingly God Saturday, January 23 between this description of the
Even by h is actions a youth m ak - made us so that we can enjoy millennial reign of Christ and
We can not stop speaking about
eth himself known, whether his his creations! Out of his gen- the original Messianic hope of
the things we have seen and
work be pure or upright.-Prov. erosity and love. God gave us the Jews, "the hope of an ideal
heard.-Acts 4:20.
20:11, Young's Literal Transla- eyes to behold the beauty of the Messianic future"? However, un-
tion. world about us. He gave us ears Christ had said: "You will deniably, there were important
with which we could delight in be witnesses of me." (Acts 1:8) details concerning the Messianic
A person gets a reputation different sounds such as music The Jewish Sanhedrin threat- kingdom that the Jews did not
based on his activities and and human voices. He gave us ened the early Christians "not understand and that even the
speech. Others often draw con- a nose by which we could take to speak anymore upon the basis 12 apostles and other early dis-
clusions about him and his prin- in the aromas of food and the of this name." (Acts 4:17) Whom ciples had difficulty in compre-
ciples based on what they see fragrance of flowers. And to top did they obey? They respectfully hending. From Acts 1:3, 6 we see
him do and hear him say. For it all is the human brain, which told their persecutors the above. that they mistakenly thought
example, the dietary, sanitary reasons, remembers and coordi- Yes, they kept right on witness- that the Messiah would reign on
and moral laws that God gave to nates the body'Sfunctions. Real- ing. Although the apostles were earth. But from Pentecost on-
the Israelites helped to protect ly, we have to marvel at God's jailed, after their miraculous re- ward they had this matter clear,
them. Many foreigners could see rich endowment of our bodies. lease during the night "they en- even as we have it clear as we
how successful the way of true WI/IS 2. 3 tered into the temple at daybreak witness to others. W 4/1510-14
Thursday, January 28 geance from his own people. But
Monday, January 25 or dedicated, baptized disciple of how patient Jehovah was toward
Christ is a "minister"? Not at There is no authority, save Oy Israel! Why, for 900 years he en-
Better is it to go to the house of all! The English words " minis- God, and they that are in being
mourning than to go to the ban- dured their waywardness! Dur-
ter" and "min ist ry ," as well as have by God been arranged. ing all that time, Jehovah ex-
quet house, because that is the the corresponding words in Ital- -i-Rom: 13:1, Rotherham.
end of all mankind; and the one tended his hand of mercy toward
ian, Spanish, Portuguese and Strangely, in this highly in- them, even as he had declared
alive should take it to his heart. French, are drawn from ancient
-Eccl.7:2. telligent age, many have given by Ezekiel. Time and again, God
Latin words found in the Lat- way to doubt as to whether God warned his people of the conse-
Do the foregoing words clar- in Vulgate Version of the Bible, has an organization. Some hes- quences of their idolatry, t h eir
ify the statement that the day whose definitions indicate that itate, yes, now fear to use the immorality and their bloodguilt-
of your death is better than the these words should have a broad expression "God's organization," iness. But, at last, Jehovah was
day of your birth? (Eccl. 7:1) It meaning. Particularly in quota- because they have noted that compelled to exact vengeance by
does if you know the occasion tions from the King James Ver- their translation of the Bible having Jerusalem and its tem-
and the background of those sion the key words "minister" does not use the word "organi- ple destroyed. What a comfort
words. They concern a custom and "minist ry " are used in the zation" in connection with God to know Jehovah is such a long-
in ancient Israel. When a house- sense given them in the Chris- or at all. Certainly no reason- suffering God! W 1/15 16, 17
hold lost a loved one in death, tian Greek SCriptures, even as able person will argue that the
their dwelling became a house of they are in the New World Trans- highly organized governments of Saturday, January 30
mourning. It was the custom for lation. W 3/15 9, 11, 12 today, even those of Christen- 1 did not hold back from tell-
friends and neighbors to come Wednesday, January 27 dom , are God's organization or ing you any of the things that
and offer condolences. The most even a part of it. No one could were profitable nor from teach-
consoling thought would be that Happy are those conscious of prove it even by appealing to the ing you publicly and from house
the day of the death of this their spiritual need .-Matt. 5:3. words of the apostle Paul above. to house-s-Acts 20:20.
loved one would be better than Doing things God 's way-in At the same time, particularly Clearly, Paul was here speak-
the day of his birth-if he had accord with his moral standards since the year 1922, Jehovah's ing of his efforts to preach to
made a good name w ith God. It -reduces life's problems and Witnesses have been efficiently persons needing to repent and
is true that in the ori ginal He- so clears away the roadblocks organized for fUlfilling the put faith in Jesus. (Acts 20:21) He
brew , verse one of this passage to our attaining happiness. Yet prophecy of Jesus at Matthew went to the homes of such unbe-
merely says "a name" rather simply avoiding problems is not 24:14. So where does that put lievers. He had no reason to feel
than "a good name," However, in itself a guarantee of our being them with relation to God, Je- hesitant about such preaching
it is to be understood that the happy. We need to develop a hovah of armies? The facts cer- to strangers, for he was doing a
name is a good one . A similar relationship with the Creator, tainly prove they are indeed the holy work that God approved. In
case is Proverbs 22:1:"A name is to learn his will and purpos- visible earthly pa rt of Jehovah modern times we have been ac-
to be chosen rather than abun- es and accept them ourselves. God 's organization. W 5/1 I , 2a tive in house-to-house witness-
dant riches," W 2/15 3 Jesus acknowledged this funda- ing as a primary way to con-
mental need, saying the above . It Friday, January 29
Tuesday, January 26 tact persons and preach God's
is eas y, though, to overlook that 1 take delight, no t in the death truth. Of course, each Chris-
Tell Archippus: " K eep watching need. Even one who has long of the wicked one, but in that tian who feels his obligation and
the ministry which you accept ed been involved with God might someon e wicked turns back from privilege to declare the "good
in the Lord, that you [ulfill it. " lose appreciation for how much his way and actually keeps liv- news" to others will use every
-Col. 4:17. happiness this relationship pro- ing. Turn back, turn back from appropriate occasion to witness
duces. He might see some who your bad ways, for why is it that -to relatives, schoolmates, fel-
The Watch Tow er magazine in are pursuing hobbies and forms you should die , 0 house of 1s- low workers, neighbors and to
its issue of June 1882states: "The of relaxation. If he follows their rael?-Ezek. 33:11. strangers while in informal con-
disciples were sent to preach course at the expense of time Jehovah expressed a most ten- versation. And wherever possi-
and teach and baptize. . .. We or interest devoted to his rela- der love toward Israel. (Deut. ble we systematically visit each
believe that every consecrated tionship with God, his life, in a 32:11, 12) But in time, foreign home. This results in a thor-
member of the body of Christ is physical sense, might seem to be gods intruded into Israel's wor- ough witness and in our reach-
a minister in some sense, and all more varied, more in line with ship. Thus, the God who had ing many persons who might
are 'anointed to preach the glad current trends. But will he be declared that he would pay back not otherwise meet true Chris-
tidings,' " Was the Watch Tower truly happier? In view of Jesus' vengeance to their adversaries tians and hear the "good news,"
magazine being presumptuous words , the answer must be No. was compelled to exact ven- W 1/110, 11a
in saying that every consecrated W 4/17-9
Sunday, January 31 man" class. World war and its Wednesday, February 3 because of the Person to whom
After these things I saw, and, look!
aftermath did not stop or slow Do you, however, the one teach-
this earth and all animal and
a great crowd, which no man was
down the thronging of those of human life belong. True, very
the "great crowd" to the side ing someone else, not teach your-
able to number.-Rev. 7:9. sel/?-Rom. 2:21.
few today care to take him into
of the "watchman" class amid consideration. Worldly-wise per-
Yes, today an unnumbered worldwide persecution. By this To make a good name with sons of this scientifically ad-
"great crowd" of responsive they have come under the obli- Jehovah God it is not enough vanced century think them-
hearers of the warning looms gation to join the "watchman" to study and learn answers. We selves to be too independent in
up before the "watchman" class. class in blaring out the divine must apply this knowledge to thought as to believe in a Cre-
The eyes of those of the "great warning fearlessly. They have ourselves first. To benefit per- ator or to ask themselves, What
crowd" have been opened to see not shunned to undertake this sonally we must take it person- does he have in mind? But the
the sword of Jehovah's execu- responsibility. In this way they ally. Like the man in ancient Creator is not so hardhearted as
tional officer that is about to want not only to express their Israel in the house of mourning, not to care about man's plight.
slash down the wicked oppos- loving obedience to Jehovah God we must 'lay it to heart,' (Eccl. However, they brush him aside
ers of his Messianic kingdom. but also to express their love for 7:2, A V) Paul declared: "I pum- as if he did not exist or as being
In 1935 this "great crowd" be- their neighbor, their fellowman. mel my body and lead it as a so far away as not to be involved
gan to take definite form and Are you enjoying this privilege?
to align itself with the "watch-
Monday, February 1
... W 21117a
Tuesday, February 2
slave, that, after I have preached
to others, I myself should not
become disapproved somehow,"
(1 Cor. 9:27)It is more basic even
or even interested. Thereby they
show themselves to be senseless
ones. W 2112,3
than what we are doing. It is, Friday, February 5
The Father is greater than I am. We shall devote ourselves to
prayer and to the ministry of the What are we? What is "the se- Unless you turn around and be-
-John 14:28. cret person of the heart"? (1 Pet.
word.-Acts 6:4. come as young children, you will
What a fine example Jesus set 3:4) What we are is not deter- by no means enter into the king-
in conducting himself as a lesser Jehovah God showed mercy mined by what we appear to be, dom of the heavens.-Matt. 18:3.
one! He gladly served as a "mas- to the believing, baptized Gen- even as Jehovah reminded Sam-
tiles by admitting them into the uel when he sent him to anoint Among the most favored men
ter worker," with his Father in spiritual kingdom. (Col. 1:13) The ever to walk this earth, without
the works of creation. (Prov . 8:30) one of Jesse's sons to be king of a doubt, were the 12 disciples of
nations, whether circumcised Israel. (1 Sam. 16:7) Paul listed
While on earth, Jesus continued Samaritans, circumcised Egyp- Jesus Christ whom he chose to
to conduct himself as a lesser tians, or uncircumcised non- great things that he might ac- be apostles. What privileges were
one, saying the above. In fact, Jews, were favored with becom- complish, and then added, "But theirs to accompany him as he
when on earth Jesus even con- ing members of the 'seed of [if I] do not have love, I am not
profited at all," To make a good went from city to city declaring
ducted himself as a lesser one in Abraham,' by means of whom the good news! (Luke 8:1) What
relation to fellow humans, tak- all the families of the earth name with God we must be mo- a pleasure it must have been for
ing the role of servant. (Matt. will have to bless themselves. tivated by love.-1 Cor. 13:1-3. them to hear Jesus' discourses
20:28) He even performed the Although at the present time W 2115 l2-14a
and to witness his performing
most menial task of washing his these are in the spiritual king- Thursday, February 4 one miracle after another! Be-
apostles' feet. And how highly dom of the Son of God's love, sides, did not Jesus constantly
he was exalted for his lowli- all those proving faithful up to Th e senseless on e has said in give them private instruction?
ness of mind! (Phil. 2:9-11) Since their earthly death will be resur- his heart: "There is no Jehovah." Yes, indeed. Yet, strangely, these
his resurrection and ascension rected into the heavenly king- -Ps.53:1. most favored ones were repeat-
to heaven, Christ has continued dom of Jehovah God. There they Today voices are being raised edly arguing among themselves
to conduct himself as a lesser will reign with Christ for 1,000 in solemn warning. But is the as to who was the chief or
one in relation to Jehovah his years, to bless all the families
of the earth. In the meantime, whole world really in mortal foremost among them. Not one
Father, being willing to wait pa- while yet in the flesh on earth, danger? Observant persons who wanted to conduct himself as a
tiently until Jehovah places his they have the "ministry" that are by no means calamity howl- lesser one. Did such rivalry make
enemies as a stool for his feet. comes upon them as "ambas- ers answer Yes! Their gloomy for peace, harmony and happi-
(Ps, 110:1)Then, after Jesus' mil- sadors substituting for Christ," answer is based not just on what ness? Was it pleasing to Jehovah
lennial reign, when God has put engaging in "the ministry of the mankind of itself can do to it- God? Was it the course of wis-
all his enemies under his feet, word" about Jehovah's kingdom self. There is something vastly dom? Hardly, for what did Jesus
Jesus will also subject himself by Christ. Those of the great more serious than that for us to on one occasion say to them?
to his Father.-1 Cor. 15:25-28. crowd aid them in this work . take into account. Is that real- The above . Here there is a les-
W 61117-19 -2 Cor. 5:20. W 6115 5, 6a ly possible? Yes. How so? It is son for all of us. W 6111, 2
Saturday, February 6 that had been left in the Prom- Tuesday, February 9 all lands they are very realistic
The [our angels were untied . . . ised Land. However, David has present-day problems of burn-
now been dead since 1037 B.C.E., Happy is the man . . . [whose[ ing interest. We have found the
And the number of the armies of
and people of the nations cannot delight is in the law of Jehovah. answer to these questions in the
cavalry was two myriads of mur-
iads.-Rev. 9:15, 16. rest their hope in him. Happily -Ps. l:l,2. Bible. For us, the hope of living
they can rest their hope in the We can appreciate that those forever "in an earthly paradise"
Here the anointed remnant presently reigning Greater Da-
are symbolized by "fou r an- who are adrift, lacking answers, is not an "agelong dream." That
vid, Jesus Christ, "the root and cannot be truly happy. Yet, as hope has sure foundations, being
gels," or messengers, released the offspring of David." (Rev.
from captivity to "Babylon the we assign due importance to our based on sound Bible scholar-
22:16) Their resting their hope spiritual need and seek under- ship. Both the Hebrew and the
Great," "at the great river Eu- in him, the antitypical David,
phrates." (Verses 14, 15) These standing from God's Word, we Greek SCriptures show that God
will not prove to be in vain, will not allow wicked men to
liberated messengers have at or to be misplaced. Since 1935 see where we fit in. Our life has
their disposal "armies of caval- more direction, more meaning, destroy the earth. Neither is he
hundreds of thousands of those going to destroy the earth him-
ry" numbering 200,000,000, used who make up the "great crowd" more likelihood of happiness. In
for, symbolically speaking, 'kill- another way, too, we add to our self. God revealed his purpose
have joined the remnant in call- after creating man, and his pur-
ing ' a large fraction of hu- ing on all peoples to praise Je- happiness by recognizing our
manity. The "horses" in this spiritual need and by having a poses do not change.-Isa. 46:10,
hovah. W 6/15 15, 17, 18a 11. W 4/15 12, 13a
vision picture the means used relationship with God . We know
by the anointed remnant to Monday, February 8 that accepting God's standards Thursday, February 11
publicize Jehovah's judgment Whatever you are doing, work helps us to avoid problems, but
messages directed particularly doing so goes beyond that. We All these things I will give you
against Christendom, the most at it whole-souled as to Jehovah, if you fall down and do an act
and not to men.-Col. 3:23. actually need a sound set of val-
reprehensible part of "Babylon ues . God 's Word fills that need of worship to me.-Matt. 4:9.
the Great." Explaining this fas- In reflecting on our view and perfectly. And God's standards Today the choice is between
cinating vision, the book " Then pattern as to work, we need are harmonious with our inher- the two biggest organizations in
Is Finished the Mystery of not be harshly critical or over- ent sense of conscience. SO as we existence. This is nothing new,
God" states: "The charging of ly demanding of ourselves. We comply with them we feel bet- but today the need for making
these symbolic 'h orses' increased all have our physical limits as ter, more at peace. We can even the right choice is more urgent
greatly when the Watch Tow- well as limiting circumstances. help our children toward happi- than ever before. Two thousand
er's magazines began to be of- Also, Jesus' course shows that years ago a historical person,
fered on the streets, from house ness by sharing God's standards
we can rightly enjoy rest, relax- with them. Yes, true happiness whose decision on the question
to house, from store to store." ation, pleasant association and would carry the greatest conse-
Are you sharing in this activi- is linked with recognizing our
some comforts. But the very im- spiritual need and having a good quences for all the universe, was
ty? W 3/1 6, 7a perfection that stresses our need relationship with Jehovah God. faced with the need to make such
Sunday, February 7 for rest can move us to carry W 4/110-12 a choice. Two witnesses to this
rest to extremes, as emphasized fact, two searchers for the his-
Praise Jehovah, all you nations, by the Bible's warning about la- Wednesday, February 10
and let all the peoples praise
torical facts, namely, Matthew
ziness. The fact is, just as being and Luke, give us the testimony
him.-Rom. 15:11. hungry makes a meal taste bet- Be fruitful and become many and
fill the earth and subdue it, and establishing the truth of It. Mat-
How can all nations and pe0- ter, so hard work makes rest thew tells us that Satan "showed
and relaxation more enjoyable. have in subjection . . . every liv-
ples do so unless we tell them [Jesus] all the kingdoms of the
about Jehovah and explain why The word "work" may particu- ing creature that is moving upon
the earth.-Gen. 1:28. world and their glory," and he
he should be praised? SO, in- larly bring to our minds secular further said the above. Jesus did
ternational preaching about his work. Bible counsel shows that "Will mankind ever fulfill the not dispute Satan's claim, but
kingdom by Christ needs to be we should be conscientious, dili- agelong dream of dwelling in an he unhesitatingly rejected Sa-
done. This is the "ministry" gent. That should be true, also, earthly paradise or will all men tan's offer. Jesus refused to de-
that is assigned to the rem- with our duties in the home or be destroyed in a cataclysm of sert the organization to which
nant of Kingdom heirs and the even our studies at school, for fire brought on by their own folly he already belonged and make
"great crowd" of their compan- all aspects of our life can re- or God 's judgment?" For some, himself a part of Satan's or-
ion workers. (Rev. 7:9-17) King flect the improvement made in such questions may be mere- ganization, setting a fine exam-
David did rule nations after he us by applying Bible principles. ly of academic ihterest. But for ple for us today.-Matt. 4:8-10.
subdued the non-Jewish nations W 1/17,8 many honest-hearted people in W 5/11,2
Friday, February 12 They clearly discern that at the Monday, February 15 especially appreciate this if in
close of the Gentile Times in Unless Jehovah himself guards
the past we have painfully ex-
I tell everyone there arrwng you perienced prolonged hunger. It
not to think rrwre of himself than 1914the above scripture applies. the city, it is to no avail that
They appreciate that they are the guard has kept onoake-s-Pe.
is not contrary to God's will for
it is necessary to think; but to us to find . a measure of happi-
think so as to have a sound mind. living in the time of crossing 127:1.
over from the doomed political ness in good food, even as can be
-Rom 12:3. Still, a watchman on a wall seen from the words of Solomon:
governments of this world to
Having the spirit of a sound the millennial kingdom of God's of a city has entrusted to him "Every man should eat and in-
mind will greatly help us to be Messiah or Christ. They would the safeguarding of the lives of deed drink and see good for all
willing to conduct ourselves as very much like to live through the people living in it . He is un- his hard work. It is the gift of
lesser ones. When we take a so- this transition period and, with- der obligation to warn the cit- God:' (EccL 3:13) Other people,
ber view of ourselves, we can out dying, enter into that new izens of any endangerment to too, can contribute to our hap-
find plenty of reason for con- order on earth, under that Mes- their lives and liberty. Rightly, piness, even as implied above.
ducting ourselves as lesser ones. sianic kingdom. This would be a he should not want their blood What a satisfying thing it is to
How so? Each one is far more great mercy on the part of Jeho- to be charged to him. For his have loved ones who care about
familiar with himself than with vah God toward them. To merit keeping awake and watching he us , whether they are members
others. We should be able to see this mercy they must keep in- is to be credited with safeguard- of our family or close friends!
far more than do others, how fa; tegrity. W 6/15 8a ing the lives of other human -PS. 127:3-5. W 4/11-3
short we come of being and doing souls. That is the situation of
Sunday, February 14 the "faithful and discreet slave" Wednesday, February 17
what we should. (Rom . 7:15) Be-
sides, as Christians we may not He that exercises faith in me, that class and their companions in In showing honor to one anoth-
judge others too severely but one also will do the works that this time when the old system er take the lead .-Rom. 12:10.
I do; and he will do works great- of things is about to end. How-
must make allowances for their ever, is it only those who claim It is indeed practical wisdom
imperfections and give them the er than these.-John 14:12. to strive to have good relations
to be Ch ristian who are facing
benefit of the doubt. But we are How were Christians to do the threat of destruction at the with others. Conducting our-
aware of our own weaknesses greater works than Jesus? He end of this system of things? selves as lesser ones, such as "in
and where some wrong motive did the greatest, most lasting No, but all other religionists are, showing honor to one another,"
might have influenced us. So good by his marvelous teach- also those who refuse to join is one way to accomplish that
by this very fact we should be ings about the Kingdom. After any part of organized religion. desired goal . It is human na-
willing to conduct ourselves as he was resurrected Jesus com- Jehovah knows this. He would ture to be concerned with one's
lesser ones in relation to others. missioned his followers to "make rather not destroy the world of own advantages, and when we
Yes, having the spirit of a sound disciples of people of all the mankind. In that behalf he has are ambitious or overly anxious
mind will help us in these mat- nations." (Matt. 28:19, 20) Yes, had his warning sounded out far to excel we make others feel un-
ters.-2 Tim. 1:7. W 6/1 6, 7a Christians were to carry on a and wide. W 2/111, 12a comfortable. But when we con-
vast witnessing work. It was to duct ourselves as lesser ones we
Saturday, February 13 be on a wider scale than Jesus' Tuesd ay, February 16 do not threaten the position of
Th e kingdom of the world did preaching, for a longer time and others, we do not make t h em
A true com pa nion is loving all
become the kingdom of our Lord to far more people. Thus, they feel in secure or inferior. We do
the time, and is a brother that is
and of his Christ, and he will rule would do works greater than he not put them on the defensive.
born for when there is distress. As a result, they will be all the
as king forever.-Rev. 11:15. did. On the day of Pentecost -Provo 17:17.
33 C.E. Jesus poured out holy more likely to show friendliness
From the spring of 1935 a spirit on the 120 disciples wait- What does it take to make and affection toward us . More
"great crowd" of people of all ing in Jerusalem. What did they you happy? To what extent is than that, conducting ourselves
the nations began to be glad do? Multiply food? Teach people your happiness determined by as lesser ones will keep us from
with the spirit-anointed "peo- about farming? Even cure some conditions around you, by ma- overextending ourselves in rival-
ple" of Jehovah, who were heirs sick persons? No, they started to terial things or by other people? ry so as to exceL This will keep
of his heavenly kingdom. Glad- speak, to declare "the magnifi- Are God and the Bible involved us from presuming to do things
dened persons who make up that cent things of God:' (Acts 2:1-11) in your finding happiness? Ob- beyond our capabilities or re-
"great crowd" of all nationali- As a result, 3,000 were baptized. viously, external things, such as sources; it will keep us from 'bit-
ties are keenly interested in be- Are you having a full share in our enjoying good food in pleas- ing off more than we can chew:
coming earthly subjects of God's the greater works being done to- ant surroundings, can contrib- Yes, it is wisdom to count the
millennia! kingdom by Christ. day? W 1/114, 15, 17, 18 ute to our being happy. We can cost.-Luke 14:28. W 6/111a
Thursday, Febmary 18 welcomed us." When he was on Sunday, Febmary 21 motives in the third wilderness
I saw another angel flying in earth, did not Jesus say : "The Really, how could I ever do so, temptation he presented to the
midheaven, and he had everlast- one that comes to me I will by no unless someone guided me l-Acts Son of God. In it he offered all
ing good news to declare as glad means drive away"? (John 6:37) 8:31. the kingdoms of the world if
tidings t o those who dwell on Yes! As a perfect man, he could Jesus would do just one act of
have kept his distance because Today there is a maze of con- worshi p to him. What did that
the earth, and to every nation flicting opinions of rights and
and tribe and tongue and pea- of our imperfections and sinful- show? That Satan wanted to be
ness. But he did not do so. Why wrongs. In their search, some equal to Jehovah God, that he
ple .-Rev. 14:6. try to read the Bible but find it
not? Paul states the reason, by did not want to conduct himself
Let the honest-hearted person adding the words: "Wit h glory difficult. They are not the first as a lesser one in relation to Him.
compare the kind of preaching to God in view." Welcoming all ones . Nineteen centuries ago an This can be seen from Jesus'
of the gospel of the Kingdom believers in him, Christ brought Ethiopian man was riding in his reply, as given above. Because
done by the religious systems of glory to God, for it magnified chariot, reading from the book of his unwillingness to conduct
Christendom during all the cen- God 's largeheartedness and his of Isaiah. In answer to Philip's himself as a lesser one, Satan
turies with that done by Jeho- desire for all humans to be saved question about whether he ac- covered himself with shame and
vah's Witnesses since the end of through the ransom sacrifice of tually understood what he was ignominy and eventually will be
World War I in 1918. They are his Son Jesus Christ. It was reading or not, he answered as brought to nothing.-Heb. 2:14.
not one and the same kind. That just as Jesus said at John 3:16. above. So Philip got into the W 6/14
of Jehovah's Witnesses is real- W 6/1510 chariot and rode along and guid-
ed him. (Acts 8:26-35; 21:8) Where Tuesday, Febmary 23
ly "gospel ," or "good news," as Saturday, February 20
of God's kingdom that was es- are the 'Philips' of today quali- The undeserved kindness given
tablished by the enthronement Jehovah has anointed me to tell fied to guide others in determin- to me from God [is] for me to be
of his Son Jesus Christ at the good news to the meek ones . . . ing from the Bible the course a public servant of Christ Jesus
end of the Gentile Times in 1914. to proclaim the year of goodwill that gains a good name with to the nations, engaging in the
(Luke 21:24) The worldwide wit- on the part of Jehovah and the God? Not in the established or- holy work of the good news of
ness given to this effect under day of vengeance on the part of thodox religions of Christendom, God.-Rom. 15:15, 16.
the barrage of international per- our God.-Isa. 61:1, 2. as many might expect. Philip
was not a distinguished scribe Paul actively worked as a
secution and opposition could Thirty-seven years after Jesus "public servant of Christ." For
have been given only by means or Pharisee, but was one of the
told the Jews of his day that their spurned, maligned, persecuted what purpose? He added that
of God's all-conquering spirit. house was abandoned to them, he did so in order that "the
It was accomplished neither by
Christians. The same is true to-
Roman armies sacked Jerusalem day . Are you proving yourself offering, namely, these nations,
the spirit of man nor by that and destroyed its temple. This to be a 'Philip' by being alert might prove to be acceptable."
of Satan the Devil. It was done was a calamity in which 1,100,- to opportunities to help others What does that mean? At R0-
with the help of God's holy an- 000 of its rebellious people died! understand God's Word? W 2/15 mans 15:16 we have the only use
gels, even as indicated above. Then, at that time, the full force 5, 6a in the Bible of a Greek verb that
W 5/13, 4a of Jesus' prophetic words became means 'to work or engage in a sa-
clear. Rightly, Jehovah had ex- Monday, Febmary 22 cred thing.' Thus Paul was say-
Friday, February 19 acted vengeance! (Matt. 23:37, 38) ing that he was actively engaged
Go away, Satan! For it is writ -
God loved the world so much centuries earlier, Isaiah spoke ten, " I t is Jehovah your God you
in the holy work of preaching
that he gave his only-begotten the above words. Jesus read this must worship, and it is to him
t he good news of God to people
Son, in order that everyone ex- prophecy, in part, at the start of alone you must render sacred ser-
of the nations. Those who ac-
ercising faith in him might not his earthly ministry and applied vice. "-Matt .4:10.
cepted the message and became
be destroyed but have everlast- it to himself as God's Anoint- Christians were like an offering
ing life.-John 3:16. ed One. (Luke 4:18-21) However, That unwillingness to conduct made to God, an offering that
when he quoted those words he oneself as a lesser one is folly Jehovah approved of and blessed
Brushing aside all differences stopped short of mentioning the can be seen from the fact that with his spirit. How did Paul
of religious background and so- day of God's vengeance. Why? all the trouble in the world got and others do this "holy work of
cial standing, Paul exhorts us to Apparently the major emphasis started because a certain angel the good news of God," preach-
"welcome one another," doing so on proclaiming the day of God's did not want to conduct himself ing the Christian message? "In
warmly, cordially, sincerely, in vengeance would come "in the that way. Why can that be said? the streets and from house to
genuine appreciation of a fellow final part of the days." (!sa. 2:2) Because that angel, who started house." (Acts 20:20, Lamsa) It is
Christian. (Rom. 15:7) Paul says Are you sharing in sounding our first parents on the road to our privilege and duty to do the
to do so "just as the Christ also that warning? W 1/15 19-21 sin and death, revealed his true same. W 1/1 6-Sa
Wednesday, February 24 enemies on notice. Thus such Saturday, February 27 Sunday, February 28
The love is in this respect, not enemies will know from what
You will be witnesses of me .. There are new heavens and a
. that we have loved God, but that source the destruction comes. in all Judea and Samaria.-Acts
No faultfinders will have any new earth that we are awaiting
he loved us and sent forth his 1:8. according to his promise, and in
Son as a propitiatory sacrifice
basis for complaining that He
gave them no advance warning. Soon news got back to "the these righteousness is to dwell.
for our sins .-1 John 4:10. apostles in Jerusalem" that "Sa- -2 Pet. 3:13.
Christendom should have been
So God provided his Son to the agency to sound the warn- maria had accepted the word How thankful we are for com-
release us from the death that ing, because of what she claims of God." Rising to the situa- ing to a knowledge of God's way
comes to us because of the sin in- to be. But she has not served as tion, the apostles sent two of of removing wickedness from
herited from Adam. Yes, as First SUCh. Instead, she has joined in their number, Peter and John, the earthly scene! Do we not
Timothy 2:6 says, Christ "gave the two world wars, which have to consolidate the good work await such divine intervention
himself a corresponding ransom measurably ruined the earth. done by these scattered Chris- with keen anticipation? Yes, and
The composite "watchman" is tians, including Philip the evan- joyfully we hail the governmen-
for all" who would exercise faith gelizer. Using the prerogative
in him. Jesus could therefore the "faithful and discreet slave," that Christ had granted him, tal new heavens and a cleansed
say concerning his sheeplike fol- who was foreshadowed by the Peter opened up the way for new earth society that he has
lowers: "I have come that they prophet Ezekiel.-Matt. 24:45-47. the Samaritans to become spir- promised! So, then, forward,
might have life," yes, everlast- W 2/11a it-begotten, anointed Christians, unitedly with the warning of
ing life. (John 10:10) Yet, repeat- called to share with Christ in "the day of vengeance on the
Friday, February 26 part of our God"! (Isa. 61:2)
edly, the Bible tells us that the "the kingdom of the heavens."
'God of love' is also a 'God of We sent Timothy, our brother and (Matt. 16:18, 19; Acts 8:14-17) As Let us keep ourselves free from
vengeance.' Why? Because God's God's minister in the good news for Judea, doubtless many Ju- bloodguilt. (Ezek. 3:19-21) This is
love cannot forever tolerate evil. about the Christ.-1 Thess. 3:2. deans were present in Jerusalem because we want to be spared
(Nah. 1:2; Deut. 32:35, 41) That at Pentecost and received the during that "day of vengeance."
In the January 1, 1892, is- Many of our neighbors would
is why the apostle Paul writes sue, the Watch Tower magazine fine witness given by the new-
ly anointed Christians, notably like to enjoy the same salvation.
about Jesus bringing vengeance said: "Few know these colpor- May our supreme love for Je-
on "those who do not know God." teurs ["pioneers"] as the Lord's by Peter. These inhabitants of
Judea received the witness con- hovah and Christ and our hu-
(2 Thess. 1:6-9) How important it real representatives, or recog- mane love for our neighbor, our
is, then, that we come to know cerning Jesus. Undeniably, the
nize that dignity which the early Christians zealously car- fellowman, move us irresistibly
God! In this mixed-up world of Lord sees in their humility and ried out their Christ-given com- to sound the lifesaving warn-
so many different religions, how self-sacrifice. Missionaries? No, mission to be his witnesses. But ing . Tremendous joy will result
vital it is, as Acts 17:27 says, 'to say the world and the nominal what about each one of us indi- to us! Best of all, Jehovah will
seek the true God and really church, ours are the mission- vidually? Are we being imitators be vindicated as having loving-
find him'! W 1/159, 10
Thursday, February 25
aries, who go to foreign lands.
Yes, says the Lord, these are
my missionaries, charged with a
grand mission- . . . Ministers?
of them? W 3/110, 11
Monday, March 1
... ly cared! W 2/1 7b; 19a
Thursday, July 1
... 1O,12a
Friday, July 2
hands to the plow of "sacred ser-
vice," may we never look back
at the things behind and cease
Paul's warning. W 1/15 1O-12a
Monday, July 5
plowing forward, "shoulder to Sadness in a god ly way makes
I, Jehovah , am your God, the One Who r eally is the faithful and shoulder"! Jehovah is "silent" in
discreet slave whom his mas- for repentance to salvation that
teaching you to benefit yourself. finding ease and refreshment by
-Isa. 48:17. ter appointed over his domestics? is not to be regretted; but the
expressing love to his recovered, sadness of the world produces
-Matt. 24:45. restored people, a nd great is his
Thus our heavenly Father re- death.-2 Cor. 7:10.
minded his chos en people. Dur- How do we know that t his has joy and exultation over their in-
ing the teens, there is a 'bloom- been the proper time for the tegrity and zeal in his service. In handling a judicial matter
ing ' of sexual desire. This period, remnant of the "steward" class In these "las t days" we should the elders may have to differ-
called "t he bloom of youth," to be appointed over the en- feel very close to our living God, entiate between the "sadness of
usually brings a strong attrac- larged "belongings" of the Mas- Jehovah, as we unitedly apply the world" and the "sadness in
tion for the opposite sex. So it ter? In giving his prophecy con- shoulders to his service. SL'1ce a godly way ." A gu ilty person
is not unusual if a young Chris- cerning the "conclus ion of the 1919, it has been a grand day of might feel a sadness of personal
tian person is troubled by sexual system of t hings," Jesus referred restoration for all of God 's peo- failure, shame at being exposed
desires. However, this normal to a "fait hfu l and discreet slav e" ple . Does our activity reflect that or feel gloomy over the possibili-
desire is whipped up by tod ay 's who would be a t wor k on the a pprecia tion? W 8/1S 17, 18a
ea rth wh en the wor ld system of ty of facing discipline. But such
entertainment and adver t isin g "sa dn ess of the world" does not
media, which glor ify sex. The things neared its end. Jesus' r e- Sunday, July 4
ma rks concerning this "sla ve" mean that he is sad over h aving
pressure from other youn gste rs are very much like those con- T hose p ractic i ng such t hings are sin ned against God or having
can also be intense. Additional- cernin g the "fa ith ful stewa rd. " deserv ing of death.-Rom. 1:32. brought reproach on God and
ly, young people feel a need for Plainly they a pply to the same His people, which are indica-
love and understanding, and this The wars fought since 1914
class. Members of this class hav e help ed to bring i n tions of 'godly sadness.' Though
may not be sa tisfied at home. served diligently up to the end
They cherish a boyfriend or a girl their wake horrible conse- Esau shed tears over the loss
of the Jewish system of things in quences. Among these are un- of his birthright, Jehovah knew
friend who treats them "special" 70 C.E. The remaining members
and who has a sympathetic ear. bridled indulgence in sex , re- that Esau was not truly repen-
of the "sla ve" class, the "ste w- tant at heart. So , if a person
Such emotional closeness can ard" class, have been proving sulting in epidemics of venereal
lead to sexual intimacies. Some disease and unwanted pregnan- guilty of grave sin gives way to
themselves faithful and discreet tears, the elders must try to de-
youngsters are bewildered by the during the modern-day "conclu- cies. These unwanted pregnan-
swarm of all these new emotions. sion of the system of things." cies have brought with them a termine whether this is out of
They may wonder, 'Could some- These are easily identifiable to- tidal wave of abortions. Also, 'godly sadness.' It may be. In
thing so pleasurable be wrong?' day, for they line up with what in recent times, we have seen Ezra's day the people wept pro-
But God 's will regarding morals Jesus said to the original part drug addiction, divorce, delin- fusely over their sin, and Peter
is clear-get control of your bod- of the "slave" class.-Acts 1:8. quency and lawlessness of all cried bitterly over having denied
ies.-l Thess. 4:4. W 11/1 3-6 W 10/116, 18-20 types on a fr ightful scale. Tru- Jesus. W 9/116a
Tuesday, July 6 what was pleasing to J ehovah Friday, July 9 ward Jehovah God. Showing his
so that the family arrangement willingness to receive all true be-
Just as you wa nt men to do t o Now these things went on befall- lievers into t he congregation of
you, do the same way to t h em . would have his blessing. As God ing them as examples, and they
late r indicated, in exercising au- which he was the spiritual Head,
-Luke 6:31. were written for a warning to
thority over their children the the resurrected Jesus told his
us upon whom the ends of the
Jehovah God is just. (Deut. father and the mother are to re- disciples the above. But was not
systems of things have arrived.
32:4)For us to let him be in our frain from irritating their chil- God showing partiality in giv-
marriage we must also be jus t, -1 Cor. 10:11. ing the firs t opportunity to the
dren. Rather, the children are
honest with each other. Basi- to be raised in the discipline Most astonishing is the ful- Jews? No, for God had to start
cally this means to go by t he and mental-regulating of Jeho- fillment of Jehovah's utterance somewhere, and he made a start
Golden Ru le. Honesty invo lves vah. They are to be given Chris- concerning Assyria and Nineveh with those to whom he had made
many things. Obviously, it in- tian discipline and instruction. as recorded at zephaniah 2:13-15. special promises through their
volves money matters, wh ich Parents are also ca lled u pon to However, most impor tant ly, that forefathers, namely, the circum-
may present a challenge t o both use the rod of correction when prophetic record carries a mes- cised Jews. However, since the
husbands and wives. However, necessary, at all times exe rcising sage for today. It encourages us final benefits are not confined
it involves far more important their authority wit h love and to avoid the pride, the indul- to them, t h ere is no just cause
things, in particular sex interest. fairness. W 10/15 9 gent pleasure-seeking, the ma- for complaint. W 6/15 11, 13
It is easy for a husband to let his terialistic thinking and violent
desire go wandering, especially Thursday, July 8 dispositions that brought God's Sunday, July 11
in view of all the temptations o Jehovah, who will .. . reside in judgmen t upon those nations. By wisdom a household will be
facing him daily, from both un- your holy mountain? He w ho is Also, we should remember that built up, and by discernment
righteous persons and the un- walking faultlessly.-Ps. 15:1, 2. those prophecies are very much it will prove firmly established.
clean media. Just as Jehovah alive today, and that their cli- -i-Proo. 24:3.
God requires exclusive devotion It is not wrong to be loy- mactic fu lfillment hastens on.
from us, so husbands and wives al to the righteous and just It is not for a mere historical Many parents ask, 'What can
have the right to exclusive devo- God of the Bible . He tells us record that Jehovah, the living you do when the young folks
tion as to the sex interest of their that he will accept 'in his holy God , has preserved them down to want to be together?' Firmness,
mates, and they are obligated mountain' on ly those who walk this day. Those ancient nations along with the providing of ac-
to demonstrate such themselves. faultlessly, practice r ighteous- have their modern-day counter- tivities to keep the child's mind
Proverbs 5:15-20 has very frank ness and speak truth. If, though, part, particularly in the Assyria- occupied, is needed today. In this
counsel for husbands in this re- a Christian were to throw in like politico-military powers that regard parents must use gen-
gard. Also, wives need to be care- his lot with a wrongdoer who boast in their armed might. Je- uine discernment and godly wis-
ful not to use the marital due as has been rejected by God and hovah will assuredly take ven- dom. It is extremely difficult for
a pawn to get what they want. disfellowshipped, or has disasso- geance against all such opposers parents to restrain a child's feel-
-1 Cor. 7:3-5. W 7//14, 15 ciated himself, that would be as of his kingdom. W 8/15 3, sa ings once it becomes emotionally
much as saying 'I do not want
a place in God's holy mountain involved. Before allowing their
Wednesday, July 7 Saturday, July 10
either.' If the elders saw him child to date (where this is so-
Fathers, do not be irritating your
heading in that direction by Go therefore and make disciples cially acceptable), Christian par-
children, but go on bringing them
regularly keeping company with of people of all the nations, bap- ents would have to consider the
up in the discipline and mental-
a disfellowshipped person, they tizing them in the name of the child's age, degree of emotional
regulating of Jehovah.-Eph. 6:4. would loving ly and patiently try Father and of the Son and of the maturity and spiritual progress,
holy spirit, teaching them to ob- who it is the child wishes to
Jehovah purposed that man to he lp h im to regain God' s view. serve all the things I have com- date and what their activities
should be the head of t he wom- They would admonish h im and, manded you.-Matt. 28:19, 20.
an. The woman was to be t re at- if necessary, 'reprove hi m wit h will be. Some parents have sat
ed with dignity and love, so that severity.' They want to he lp h im When we, as imitators of down with the young couple and
she , in turn, could have "deep remain 'in God 's holy moun tain.' Christ, welcome all seekers of explained why they cannot ap-
respect for her husba nd" and But if he will not cease to fellow- truth into t he congregation de- prove of their dating. By discuss-
could willing ly "be in subjection " ship wit h the expe lled person, he spite race, color, former religious ing the matter with the parents
to him. (Eph . 5:33;1 Pet. 3:1) The thus has made himself 'a sh ar er membership or secular educa- of the other child, additional
two, worki ng togethe r, were to in wicked works' and must be tion, this work s for God's glory . support may be gained. Though
produce offspring, passin g along expe lled from the congregat ion . (Rom. 15:7) It gives all those thus old enough to date , they need to
to them by word and exa m ple -2 Jo hn 11. W 9/15 27a welcomed a r igh t viewpoint to- be chaperoned. W 11/1 15-18a
Monday, July 12 8:28) It also takes humility to Thursday, July 15 "as with the stabs of a sword."
conduct ourselves as lesser ones. Their words hurt and can cause
. K eep t h is one marke d. stop as- They went out from us, but they
And why should we not be will- separation. So strive to be cool
sociating wi th him, that he m ay were not of our sorl.-l John 2:19. of spirit as you really listen. Per-
become ashamed.-2 Thess. 3:14.
ing to be humble? We are told :
"Better is it to be lowly in spir- A Christian might grow spir- haps you can recall when some-
Should such a sit uation ex- it with the meek ones than to itually weak, perhaps because one talked down to you or made
ist where some are not obe- divide spoil with the self-exalted of not studying God's Word reg- fun of your feelings. Perhaps
dient to the Word, in dividu al ones." The proud course is bound ularly, having personal prob- he said, 'You know better than
Christians might feel obliged to to be self-defeating : "Pride is lems or experiencing persecu- that!' Did you yearn to confide
'mark' t he person . Paul explai ns before a crash, and a haughty tion. Such a one might cease in that person again? When a
spir it before stumbling." (Prov. to attend Christian meetings. child reaches his teens, his sex-
what t h is, in part, in volves . ual desires become very strong.
That would mean your cu r tail- 16:19, 18) More t h an t hat, pride What is to be done? Recall that
causes God to oppose us , even as the apostles abandoned Jesus The youngster needs to talk with
ing social involvement with th e someone who can explain what
"marked" person . You shou ld we read at James 4:6. The apos - on the night of his arrest. Yet
Christ had urged Peter, "When is happening to his body and can
not an nou nce or pub licize you r tle Peter makes the same point, answer very delicate and per-
private decision , nor try to in- even as noted above .-Compare once you have returned,
strengthen your brothers." sonal questions. W 11/1 3-5a
flue nce others. But you person - Roman s 12:16. W 6/1 2, 3a
ally would avoid the compan y of (Luke 22:32) Hence, out of Saturday, July 17
Wednesday, July 14 love Christian elders and others
t he "mar ked" person, in keeping might visit and help the one who Keep on , then, seeking first the
with t he healthful counsel giv- Who really is the f ai t hf u l stewa r d , kingdom and his righteousness.
t he d iscr eet one, whom his m as- has grown weak and inactive. It
en by the congregat ion elders. is another matter, though, when -Matt. 6:33.
You would not , though , reject ter w i ll app oi n t over his bod y of
attendants to keep giving them a person repudiates his being a Today the spirit of indepen-
him al t oget her , for he is st ill Christian and disassociates him- dence and the desire of each
your brother, a fellow Christ ian their measure of food supplies at
the proper time?-Luke 12:42. self. One who has been a true one to do what he wants, rather
for whom Christ died . Rather Christian might renounce the than working together, are fac-
than allowing any seeds of hate No one will questio n that the way of truth, stating that he tors that at times separate fam -
t o develop, you should reprove "mas ter" of the faith fu l steward no longer considers himself to ilies instead of bringing them
him. How? Well, in addition to pictures the te ller of t he parable be one of Jehovah's Witness- together in unity. Whatever the
being a good example you rself, himself, the Lord Jesus Christ. es. When this event occurs, the influence may be, there is a
your kindly but firmly obeyin g He has a "body of attendants," person is renouncing his stand- cou rse that, if followed , can be
t he dir ection "Stop associ ating of wh ich the steward himself is ing as a Christian, deliberately of tremendous assistance to the
wit h him" is one form of cor- one . This matches the fact that disassociating himself from t he Christian family. The course is
rection. Fi ne counsel along this Jesus Ch rist has a household in congregation. W 9/15 13, 14a set out in a statement made in
lin e is given at Leviticus 19:17 a spiritual sense. (Heb. 3:4-6) Je- the Sermon on the Mount by
and Tit us 2:7, 8. W 9/1 19 sus Christ, as the Greater Mo- Friday, July 16 the Lord Jesus, as noted above.
ses, has been over the house There exist s the one speaking There are positive procedures
Tuesday, July 13 of spiritual Israel from the day a family can follow in seeking
thoughtlessly as with t he stabs
God opposes t he haughty ones, of Pentecost of 33 C.E. down of a sword, but the tongue of first the Kingdom , and promot-
but he gives undeserved kindness till now. Reve la tion 7:1-8 re veals the wise ones is a healing.-Prov. ing those things will result in
t o the hu mb le ones.- l Pet . 5:5. that the "house" is made up of 12:18. a happy, loving Christian fami-
144,000 spiritual Israelites. T h is ly, one that can effectively ren-
It will greatl y hel p us t o con- is a "house" made up of spiri t ual You will make it easier for der "sacred service" to God . If
du ct ou rselves as lesser ones if son s of God, like t he ir Head J e- your child to open up to you something is first in a person's
we 't rust in Jehovah with all our sus Ch rist h imself. These collec- if you remind him that you life, then it is primary, of NO.1
heart and do not lean on ou r own tively compose the "little flock," went through the same period, importance. Because of our im-
unders tanding. If we in all our to whom , as Jesus sa id, Jehovah and that you too are imperfect. perfect inclination of mind and
ways take notice of him, he will God has approved of giving t he You can also accomplish this by heart from birth onward due to
dire ct our path for ou r greatest celestial king dom. (Luke 12:32) creating opportunities so that inherited sin, we must all be
good.' (Prov. 3:5, 6) Then , to o, So t he 144,000 spiri t ual son s of the child can be alone with you schooled in and taught about
we can have th e confidence t hat God make up the "body of at- at times. Yet a thoughtless word what is expected of us in order
he will ma ke all his works coop- tendants" over which Jesus ap- or statement can be devastat- to please God .-Gen. 8:21; Rom.
erate for our own good. (Rom. points t he "ste ward." W 10/ 1 7-9 ing . Some speak thoughtlessly, 5:12. W 10/15 2-4a
Sunday, July 18 wisdom in evaluating the wrong, Wednesday, July 21 be put into a child's heart, fool-
its relation to God's law and ishness is also deeply ingrained
I have other sheep, which are Let the peace of the Christ con-
what the sinner says and does. there because of inherited sin-
not of this fold ; those also I must trol in your hearis . . . And show
The elders ought not to be hasty fulness. What can drive foolish-
bring, and they will listen to my yourselves thankful.-Col. 3:15. ness out of the young heart?
in concluding that repentance
voice, and they will become one To show ourselves thankful, to Discipline. Discipline is training
exists. Why? Because if they
flock, one shepherd.-John 10:16. have misjudged the matter and be truly grateful to God , involves that molds or corrects. It is firm-
In the spring of 1935 the Fine turned back to the congrega- more than words of thanks. We ness with understanding; so it
Shepherd definitely began to tion a wrongdoer who was not need to manifest in our lives does not smother or irritate a
bring these "other sheep" with truly repentant, they would be that we are grateful to him. Ma- child with unreasonable restric-
an earthly destiny into recog- endangering the moral and spir- jor steps in doing so are the tions. Discipline is vital when
nized association with the spirit- itual purity of all in the con- studying of his Word to find out your child forms an interest in
begotten remnant of "this fold." gregation. A person who is truly what his will for us today is, and the opposite sex. To allow a cou-
Thus the Fine Shepherd merges repentant does not try to min- then doing it. Paul's words here ple to keep company when ei-
the "sheep" of "this fold" with imize or justify his bad course. should bring to mind also that ther one is too young to marry
the "other sheep" to form just He recognizes the wrongness of Jehovah God has called persons is to invite disaster.-Eph. 6:4.
"one flock" under him as their what he did and feels deep re- together to form a united body W 11/112-14a
"one shepherd." So the "flock" gret. W 9/113-15a of Christians. These are the ones
becomes one organization. The who have recognized that they Friday, July 23
Tuesday, July 20
separation that must eventual- are sinners, but who appreciate Certainly if, after having escaped
ly come between the two classes He has sent me . .. to proclaim that God's forgiveness is possi- from the defilements of the world
will be because the "sheep" of . . . the day of vengeance on the ble on the basis of Jesus' ran- . . . they get involved again . . .
"this fold" will share in "the first part of our God.-Isa. 61:1, 2. som sacrifice. Think what that the final conditions have become
resurrection," to be absorbed All the indications are that should mean for you . You can worse for them than the first.
into the invisible heavenly or- the symbolic "year" of Jehovah's have a clean standing in the -2 Pet . 2:20.
ganization. (Rev. 20:4,6)Those of "goodwill" is about to end. This eyes of God. (Rev. 7:10, 14) That
the "little flock" being then all is one more reason we have to At one point a man in the Co-
makes it urgent to sound the rinthian congregation was prac-
gone, readjustments will have to warning that Jehovah's "day of be grateful to God. We can well
be made among the 'r emain in g consider, though, whether our ticing immorality. Paul wrote
vengeance" is about to break. that this man 'should be taken
"other sheep," that these may Our obediently sounding the di- spirit of gratitude is something
serve harmoniously as subjects that relates only to our day- away from their midst.' .(1 Cor .
vine warning will not save this 5:1, 2, 6, 11) But, was he, when
of the Greater David, the Mes- old system of things and its sup- to-day life now. No, our grate-
sianic King Jesus Christ. W 5/1 porters from being destroyed in fulness in volves our future, our once expelled, to be treated as if
20, 21b the "great tribulation." (Matt. hope.-Titus 2:13. W 4/111- 13a he were just an average person
24:21) We are assured that if we of the world? Not according to
Monday, July 19 turn back wicked persons from Thursday, July 22 Paul's words. The expelled per-
their wicked way to righ te ous - son is not a mere man of the
We li e down i n our shame, and Fooli sh ness is tied up w ith the world who has not known God
our humiliation keeps covering ness these will be spared from heart of a boy; the ro d of disci -
annihilation with this old world. nor pursued a godly way of life.
us; for it is toward Jehovah our p li ne is what will remove it far Rather, he has known the way of
God that we have sinned, . . . and Thus we will be spared from from him.-Prov. 22:15.
bloodguilt in the case of those truth and righteousness, but he
we have not obeyed the voice of Many parents in instructing has left that way and unrepen-
Jehovah our God .-Jer. 3:25. who have been warned away
from their deadly wickedness. their children regarding sex have tantly pursued sin to the point
One of the greatest challenges We also have the assurance that made good use of the Youth book. of having to be expelled. So he
for elders handling cases of by persistently keeping up our Such discussion is not always is to be treated differently. Pe-
wrongdoing is deciding wheth- warning W will dissuade many easy , but genuine love for the ter at 2 Peter 2:20-22 comments
er .t he .smner shows true re- ~ighteoust£'~rsons from going child will motivate the parents. on how such former Christians
pentance. They must not judge bad and joining the wicked world So do not let your child suffer differ from an average "man on
merely on surface appearances. and thus dooming themselves to untold heartache because of a the street." Yes, the Bible com-
Hence, not being able to read perishing with it in the "great lack of good instruction in this mands us not to keep company
hearts, they need to exercise tribulation." Thus our service is most delicate area. Yet, despite with a person who has been dis-
great discernment, balance and not to be in vain! W 2/1 15, 16a all the good information that can fellowshipped. W 9/158, 10-12a
Saturday, July 24 ing the good news of the King- Tuesd ay, July 27 of time, was restoration possible
dom publicly and from house to for t h e worshipers of J ehovah
You will receive power when the If your brot her does wrong, cor - from the oppressed state that
holy sp i rit arrives upon you , and
house, namely, Jehovah's Wit-
nesses. They use the Bible as rect him ; if he repen ts, f orgi ve was like the condition of t he
you will be wi tnesses of me . . . him .-Luke 17:3, The New Amer- J ewish exiles in Babylon during
their authority, and they en-
to the most distant part of the 607-537 B.C.E. And who is the
courage their hearers to check ican Bible.
earth .- Acts 1:8. up on them, not taking their "kin g" above r eferred to? It is
word for it , but taking only God 's ,Jesus la id the basis for our ex- the King who was enthro ne d at
In being witnesses of the Lord pecting t o receive , and to give,
Jesus Christ those Jewish disc i- Word for it. (Acts 17:11) So, for God's right hand in the heavens
ples had to be at the same time you to make a good name with loving correction. In words that in the fall of 1914, namely Je-
witnesses of his God and Father, Jehovah God, you should aim cover cases of serious person- sus Christ. He made the "break-
Jehovah. They never ceased to to be a fait hful guide, "always al offense , but that in principle through" for the oppressed spir-
be Jehovah's wit nesses! Those ready to make a defense before can be applied in many situa- itual Israelites, the r emnant of
J ewish disciples had 'to be wit- everyone that demands of you tions, .Iesus said the foregoing. spirit u al Israel. He led them into
nesses of Jehovah, for by birth a reason for the hope in you, Also, Paul wrote that a "ser vant real Christian liberty, J eh ovah
but doing so together with a of the Lord" should be "patient- being the Chief One responsible
they belonged to the nation to for their marching out to free-
whose forefat hers God had said: mild temper and deep respect." ly and gently correcting" others.
-1 Pet. 3:15. W 2/15 9, 11a (2 Tim. 2:24, 25, NAB) Overseers dom , and who issued the call at
"You are my witnesses, .. . even Revelation 18:4. W 7/15 9-11a
my serv a nt whom I have cho- Monday, July 26 are interested in each Christian
sen So you are my witness- individuall y, and also in protect- Thursday, July 29
es, and I am God." (I sa. He has sworn to what is bad for ing the flock as a whole. Hence,
himself, and yet he does not al- I Jehovah, am . . . the One causing
43:10-12) Thus those Jewish wit- when someone falls into gross you to tread in the way in which
nesses of J ehova h were now t o ter .-Ps. 15:4. sin , the matter should com e you should walk.-Isa. 48:17.
becom e wit nesses also of his Son It may well be that some mar- to their attention. The sinner
J esu s Ch rist. On the da y of Pen- What is the 'way we should
riage mates fail in the test of himself ou ght to "call the old- walk' morally? "This is what
tec ost, 10 days after his ascen- keeping in te gr it y as to their mar- er men of the congregation to
sion back to heaven, they were God wills [or requires) . .. that
ri age covenant because they did him." If he will not, then any you abstain from tormcaton.'
baptized with the hol y spiri t. In no t use good judgment in choos- other Christian who learns of (1 Thess. 4:3) You young ones
this way they were ap pointe d ing each ot h er. They may find the grave sin should, out of con- who have dedicated your lives to
by their glorified Master Jesus that they a re not very compati- cern for the wrongdoer and for God have formed a close union
Christ to be over his "body of ble, or they ma y be disappoint- the cleanness of the congrega- with him and have become part
atte ndants," to give them spiri- ed in the mor e int imate aspects tion, alert the elders. These may of a clean organization. How de-
t ual food, thus becoming t he of marriage. In that case, it is be abl e to aid t he one who has lighted God is by such a course!
or igin al members of the compos- a matter of making the best of But for you to en gage in pre-
the situation , t h us vin dicat ing fallen into error and thus "sav e
ite "steward." W 10/120, 21 his soul from death."-Jas. 5:14, marital sex rel ations wou ld be
Jehovah's arrange men t. Th e Bi- the same as if one of the an oint-
Sunday, J uly 25 ble spea ks approvin gly of the 20. W 9/1 6, 7
ed who is "join ed to the Lord"
We are not peddlers of t he word one 'who has sworn to what is Wednesday, July 28 became "joined [sexually) to a
of God as many men are, but as bad for himself and yet does not harlot." "Never may that hap-
out of sincerity, yes, as sent from cha nge.' It is a matter of tak- I shall positively gather Jacob , all pen!" exclaimed Paul. It would
G od, under God 's view, in com- ing the bitter with the sweet. of you; I shall without fail col- be the highest insult to such
pany wi th Ch ris t , we are speak- Thus an elder who was wide- lect the remaining ones of Israel a precious relationship. No oth-
ing.-2 Cor . 2:17. ly known and very well liked together . . . . And their king will er sin is quite the same, for
by many of his brothers and pass through before them, with "he that practices fornication is
Who today are speaking in sisters had an unbelieving wife Jehovah at the head of them . sinning against his own body."
sincerity as did Paul? Those who who did all she could to make (1Cor . 6:15-18)Certainly such sin
-Mic. 2:12, 13.
believe the Bible is the inspired life miserable for him. He said can destroy the spiritual rela-
Word of God; who take it as a she made a man out of him be- Particularly after the close of tionship we have with God. No
lamp to their feet and a light cause he was required to exer- World War I in the autumn of wonder Paul urged "flee from
to their path; who let God and cise great self-control. He also 1918 the worship of Jehovah as fornication ." Yes, "flee"! Do not
his Word be true though they had the satisfaction of knowing the Most High God was elevated wait around to reason or debate
make every man 'a liar; who he was heeding Paul's advice. heaven high . How was that? Be- on it . Get as far away as you
expend themselves in preach- -1 Cor. 7:12-16. W 7/119a caus e, first in the postwar period can-and fast! W 11/1 5, 6
Friday, July 30 Saturday, July 31 Monday, August 2 difference. That would polarize
A large door that leads to ac- All [God 's) judicial decisions are the congregation, producing fac-
The path of the righteous ones is
tivity has been opened to me. in front of me . .. And let Je- tions, jealousy and strife. That
like the bright light that is get- is a serious danger that must be
-1 Cor. 16:9. hovah repay me according to my ting lighter and lighter until the
righteousness, according to my avoided. Yet, without busybody-
Paul, in his letter to the Corin- day is firmly established.-Prov. ing as to the women's grievances
thian congregation, wrote that cleanness in front of his eyes. 4:18.
With someone loyal you will act or views, the brothers and sisters,
he was staying in Ephesus for a The modern-day record of Je- like the "genuine yokefellow" in
time for the above reason. Be- in loyalty.-2 Sam. 22:23-26.
hovah's people clearly demon- Philippi, could offer corrective
fore us today there continues to Naturally, if a close re lative strates that their pathway has encouragement toward Chris-
be a large door of activity, "sa- is disfellowshipped, human emo- indeed been and is like the bright tian unity, being forgiving and
cred service," that is open. We tions can pose a major test for working together in love. If you
are living in the days of the final light that gets ever brighter. As
us . Sentiment and family ties they came out of the gross dark- are given such well-motivated
fulfillment of many Bible proph- are particularly strong between correction by a fellow worshiper,
ecies dealing with the time of parents and their children, and ness enveloping the world em-
pire of false religion, it was not to you should look upon it as an
the end when the good news of they are also powerful when expression of kindness, even as
the Kingdom is to be preached a marriage mate is disfellow- be expected that they would see
all things immediately in their David expressed at Psalm 141:5.
in all the world for a witness. shipped. Still, we must recognize W 9/111
What will the Christian families that, in the final analysis, we true light. The brilliance of re-
of Jehovah's Witnesses do? The will not benefit anyone or please vea led truth could have had a Wednesday. August 4
urgency is there, for the time God if we allow emotion to lead blinding, even a confusing, ef-
fect upon them spiritually. This Happy is that slave, if his mas-
is lim ited . The provisions are us into ign oring His wise coun- ter on arriving finds him doing
there, for Jehovah has provided sel and guidance. We need to could be compared to a person's
coming out of a totally dark so! I tell you truthfully, He will
his Word the Bible and publica- display our complete confidence appoint him over all his belong-
tions furnished by the "fait hful in the perfect righteousness of room into bright sunlight. It
would take time for the person's ings.-Luke 12:43, 44.
and discreet slave" for the ben- God's ways, including his pro-
efit of God-fearing ones. (Matt. vision to disfellowship unrepen- eyes to adjust to the sudden glare This means that, as a reward
24:45-47) The families are there, tant wrongdoers. If we remain of brilliant sunlight. And this for showing himself faithful and
and Jehovah has continued to loyal to God and to the congrega- progressive light of truth covers discreet and keeping constantly
add thousands to the ranks of tion, the wrongdoer may in time a wide range. There are refined awake in expectation of his mas-
those sharing in the Kingdom take a lesson from that, repent understandings as to doctrines, ter's return, the "slave" is given
proclamation. (Compare Isaiah and be reinstated. Yet, whether as to prophecies, as to Christian greater responsibility as a "stew-
60:22.) So the question for all is: that occurs or not, we can draw conduct and the commission of ard." This was possible. Why· so?
What are you doing? W 10/15 comfort and strength from what Christians, as to the meaning Because the master had suc-
13, 14a
Sunday, AUg'.lSt 1
... David said . W 9/15 28b
Monday, November 1
. .. 19, 20a
Tuesday, November 2
there was one family on earth
devoted to doing God's will. It Symeon [Peter) has related thor- You becam e imitators of us and I shall give to peoples the change
was the family of Noah, the man oughly how God for the first time of the Lord .-1 Thess. 1:6. to a pure language, in order . . .
who is called "a preacher of turned his attention to the [Gen - The greatest protection to serve [Jehovah] shoulder to
righteousness." (2 Pet. 2:5) Lov- tiles) to take out of them a people against immorality is for a youth slwulder.-Zeph . 3:9.
ingly, Jehovah had Noah con- for his name.-Acts 15:14. to develop a personal intimate
struct an ark "for the saving of When we make mistakes, as
The "steward" class is a people relationship with Jehovah. Even all imperfect humans do, let us
his household." Then came the though this is what the child it-
global flood. The entire earth for Jehovah's name. (Luke 12:42) be ready to acknowledge them,
This fact was emphasized some self must do. a parent can help. even as the "faithful and dis-
was cleansed of ruinous violence First of all, your own example of
and immorality, so that it was time after the year 36 C.E., at a creet slave," made up of imper-
special meeting of the apostles devotion will give a livin g pat- fect men, has had to make cor-
again a fit place for the fami- tern to be imitated. Those who
lies of mankind to increase. How and the elders of the Jerusa- became Christians in Thessa- rections. However, let us never
thankful we can be that in the lem congregation. There James, lonica saw "what sort of men" be critical of the grand body of
near future Jehovah God will the half brother of Jesus Christ, Paul and his companions were truth that Jehovah has built up
take similar action! W 1/15 11, 12 said the above. Such non-Jews and "became imitators," devel- among his united people over
became part of the first-century oping similar "st rong convic- the past 100 years, and which, by
Friday, October 29 "steward" class. As a result, this tion." (1 Thess. 1:4-6) What 'sort correction and adjustment, has
class was the anointed people of person' do your children see come to shine ever more brightly
All thos e in the memorial tombs for God 's name, which name is in you? Do they see your "strong on "t he path of the righteous."
will hear his voice and com e out, Jehovah. God's name, Jehovah, conviction," noting that you are (Prov. 4:18) From time to time,
those who did good things to a was called upon them. They building your entire life around there have arisen from among
resurrection of life.-John 5:28, could not dodge being his wit- your devotion to God and are
29. our ranks those who have adopt-
nesses. This also must be true making sacrifices for his wor- ed an independent, faultfind-
No doubt the great crowd will of the anointed remnant of the ship? Do they see your strong ing attitude. They do not want
be joyful as they move out into "steward" class today, when the dislike of immorality by your to serve "shoulder to shoulder"
the cleansed earth and welcome "sign" visible since 1914indicates not being entertained by what with the worldwide brotherhood.
resurrected faithful ones. Then, that the returned master of the is morally corrupt? Do they see Rather, they present a "stub-
in orderly arrangement, the bil- "steward" class is present and an example of love in the way born shoulder." (Zech. 7:11) They
lions of mankind in the "memo- that "the conclusion of the sys- you treat your mate or deal with
others? Do they hear you talk say it is sufficient to read the
rial tombs" will come forth on tem of things" is about to reach about Jehovah in a way that Bible exclusively. But strangely,
earth in a general resurrection. its climax. Assisting them is the shows he is real to you? Also, their doing so has caused them
As the society of the new earth "great crowd" of other sheep. guard your children's associa- to revert to the apostate teach-
begins to function, and as Christ W 10/122, 23 tion. W 11/119, 20a ings of the clergy. W 8/15 13, 14a
Wednesday, November 3 reading we do. (Compare Acts Saturday, November 6 sometimes, if it was convenien t ,
8:30-40.) Regarding God's chan- speak to a few others about
. B ecause sentence against a bad A watchman is w h at I have made this possible salvation. No! The
work has not been exe cute d nel of communication, Jesus said you to the hous e of Israel, and
that the "fa it h ful and discreet prospect that others cou ld learn
speedi ly, that is w hy the heart of at m y m outh you m ust hear the the Christian message and come
t he sons of men has become fully slave" would provide spiritual wo r d and give them warni ngf ro m
nourishment at the right time onto the way of salvation was
set in them to do bad.-Eccl. 8:11. m e.-Ezek. 33:7. so overwhelmingly important to
for all of his followers and that
Each judicial co m mi t t ee he would set this "slave" over all Christendom h as failed to heed Paul that he was 'workin g h ard
should be ver y concerned about his belongings. (Matt. 24:45-47) the warning sounded by Jeho- and exerting himself.' Reflect on
keeping the con gregation clean Thus Paul, at Ephesians 4:11-16 vah's people. Wh at if she had your course of activity over the
joined them in sounding the past month or six months. Is it
and should exercise particular ind icated that the Christian con~ fully plain to you-and to oth-
care if the wron gdoer has se- gregation needed not only such warning? Wh at a differ en ce this
cretly carried on gross sin over would have made in human af- ers, including God-that you are
inspired ins truments as apostles working hard, exerting yourself?
a long period . The same would and prophets, but also evange- fairs! Jehovah knew beforehand
be true if they were dealing with that she would need to have his When this work is concluded,
lizers , shepherds and teachers to will you be satisfied that you
a person who had esta blished help Christians to gain spiritual final warning served upon her.
He kn ew what the history of his had a full share in it? W 1/1 11,
a pattern of sinning and then maturity. W 12/14, 5b 20
seemingly had repented. A num- chosen peopl e of pre-Christian
ber of times he may have done Friday, November 5 times foreshadowed. In the year Monday, November 8
wrong but because he appeared 613 RC.E., he raised up a Jew
P ay attention to yourselves named Ezekiel to be a prophet Do the work of an evangelizer,
repentant he was reproved each that your hearts never become fully accomplish your m inistry.
time and was allowed to r emain to his people . So even though he
weigh ed down .. . and suddenly was then an exile in Babylon, -2 Tim. 4:5.
in the congregation. Now he has that day be instantly upon you.
sinned again. In such cases the Ezekiel was Jehovah 's "wat ch- Dedicated, baptized witnesses
-Luke 21:34. m an " to Isr ael. His prophesying s of Jehovah are ministers of the
elders, having in mind also the
welfare of th e whole flock, must Any people of the nations who were carr ied sou t hwest to Jeru- greatest government in exis-
consider whether his life gives want to live in God's paradisa- salem in the land of Judah. Wh at tence. They are ministers of the
ic new order must now stream Jehovah said to Ezekiel back Sovereign of the Universe, the
true evidence that he is produc- ther e is of interest to us today, Creator of heaven and earth.
ing fruit that befits repentance. to Jehovah's mountain, his true
worship, which is firmly estab- for he pictured Jehovah's In fulfillment of Matthew 24:14,
Has he not by his way of life anointed witnesses of today. they are the appointed heralds
shown that it is very question- lished and is exalted high above
any other type of worship. (Isa, They, together with their com- of the Messianic kingdom. Their
able that he belongs in God's panions, have ac ted upon what ministry will not end with the
congregation? Might the above 2:2)Why is there such an urgen-
cy a bou t coming to Jehovah's God said to Ezekiel. Are you catastrophic end of the old sys-
words of Solomon apply to him ? sharing in this work as much as tem of things. Paul could hardly
W 9/1 23a t rue worship now? Could not have had in mind the common,
a sincere person wait until he you can? W 2/1 3, 4a
ordinary services performed by
Thursday, November 4 actually sees Jehovah's execu- Sunda y, November 7 worldl y men in general, when he
Your w?rd i s a lamp to my f oot, t ional judgments beginning, and wrote Archippus: " K ee p watch-
then quickly come over to His We are working ha rd and exert-
and a liqttt to my roadway.-Ps. i ng ourselves, because we ha ve ing the ministry which you ac-
119:105. side? While that might sound cepted in the Lord, that you
appealing to some , would there r ested our hope on a living God ,
who is a Savi or of all sorts of fulfill it." (Col. 4:17) During his
God 's Word has ever serv ed then be enough time to build the final imprisonment Paul wrote
in this way. But Jehovah has right relationship with Jehovah? men, especiall y of faithful ones.
-1 Tim. 4:10. to Timothy, as above. These in-
also provided his visible organi- The evidence from the Scrip- spired instructions to faithful
zation, his "faithful and discreet tures answers, No, even as Jesus Think of that. Salvation from ministers of the primitive con -
slave," to help Christians in all warned. Note that those who are God-everlasting life in happi- gregation are excellent admoni-
nations to understand and to not awake spiritually are caught ness-is open to "all sorts of tions for all dedicated, baptized
apply the Bible properly in their unawares, for that "day" comes men." But who finally will be witnesses of Jehovah today to
lives. Un less we are in touch "SUddenly," "instantly," in just saved? It is onl y the "faithful apply to themselves in this "t ime
with this channel of communi- the same way that "sudden de- ones ," those who develop and of the end" of the doomed old
cation that God is using, we will struction is to be instantly upon" exercise faith. So the apostle system of things, to God's eter-
not progress along the road to those who are saying "Peace and Paul could not take it easy , liv- nal glory.-Dan. 12:4. W 3/15 19,
life, no matter how much Bible security!" W 11/15 3, 4a ing a rather normal life and 20
Tuesday, November 9 Hezekiah , whose name means Friday, November 12 God's people, God extends the
"Jah has strengthened," typifies above urgent in vitati on . With-
Quit mixing in company . . . not Men were tortured because they out a doubt, the execution of
even eating with such a man.
t he now-reign in g Ki n g, Jesus would not accept release by
Christ, who feels very kee nly the God's judgment draws ever near-
- 1 Cor . 5:11. some ransom, in order that they er! Antireligious nations already
dist ress of his loyal disciples on might attain a better resurrec-
Disfellowshipping implies earth as these suffer reproach- wield great power in the United
more than ceasing to have spir- tion.-Heb. 11:35. Nations. Oil-hungry militaristic
es and face the threat of de-
it ual fellowship . The Bible here struction at the hand of the Dev- The 144,001 are not the only countries threaten the Moslem
rules out social fellowship, too, il's organization . Elia kim, the ones to be resurrected in proper world as well as those nations
such as joining an expe lled per- "steward" over the household order. Hebrews 11:40 tells us that long regarded as the bulwark of
son in a picnic or sitting down their resurrection is to "some- Christendom's religions. That is
of King Hezekiah, typifies t he why it is now high time for all
to a meal with him. Sometimes remnant of the "steward" class thing better," a heavenly spiri-
a Christian might feel under of Jehovah's peop le to help all
yet on earth during this "con- tual estate. This is better than lovers of truth and righteous-
considerable pressure to ignore clusion of the system of t hings" what? Why, better than the es- ness to get well away from the
this Bible advice. His own emo- since 1914. Associated with t his tate attained in the resurrection "famous prostitute," yes, to flee
tio ns may create the pressure, "steward" class are the "great that takes place next in order! to Jehovah God's kingdom. Are
or it may be brought to bear on crowd" of "other sheep."-John This resurrection must include you having a full share in this
him by acquaintances. But to 10:16; Rev. 7:9. W 10/1 3, 4a those who will be made "princes lifesaving work? W 1/15 18-20a
yield to such pressure would be in all the earth," and who rea-
to compromise. Other problems Thursday, November 11 sonably will be among the first Sunday, November 14
arise in connection with business Observe, 0 my son, the command- to be resurrected on earth fol- Do not think I came to destroy the
or emp loyment. Because of con- ment of your father, and do not lowing Har-Magedon. Thus they Law or t he Prophets. I came, not
tractual or financial obligations, forsake the law of your moth- will be ab le to take up their as- to destroy, but to fulfill .-Matt.
discussions of business matters er . Tie them upon your heart signed duties in the new earth 5:17.
with a disfellowshipped person constantly; bind them upon your -the theocratic society of God's Since Jesus came to make the
might be necessary, but spiritual throat.-Prov. 6:20, 21. people in the cleansed earth. teachings of t h e prophets come
discussions and social fellowship Theirs is a "better resurrection," true, his coming was a guaran-
would be things of the past. In Authority must be recog nized . for it takes place under God's
Closely akin to the honoring of tee that their prophecies con-
that way you could demonstrate kingdom, with prospect of ev- cerni ng the resto rat ion of par-
your obedience to God and have one's parents is the recognition er lasting life for the resurrect-
of authority, the parents' right adise on earth would be fu lfilled.
a protective barrier for yourself. ed ones . In this t ime group we (Here are just a few: Psalms
Also, this might impress on him to set certain limits and to deter- expect to find Christians who
mine what their children mayor 37:11, 29; 72:1-8, 16-19; Isaiah 9:6,
how much his sin has cost him in have an earthly hope and who 7; 11:1-10.) Also in the Sermon on
various ways. W 9/15 17-20a may not do. Submission to au- die pr ior to the coming in of the the Mou nt, Jesus showed quite
thority is often very difficu lt for new earth. W 12/15 15 clearly t hat the earth is du e to
Wednesday, November 10 children and may cause many play a part in the outworking
disputes in the household. The Saturday, November 13 of the divine will or purpose.
You must lift up prayer in be-
half of the r emnant that are to
news media and other sources Get out of her, my people, if you He taught h is followers to pray:
be found .-Isa. 37:4.
often present information that do not want to share with her in "Let your kingdom come. Let
undermines parental authority, her sins, and if you do not want your will take place, as in heav-
King Hezekiah, feeling utter- encouraging youths to demand en, also upon earth ." (Matt. 6:9,
ly helpless, appealed to the to receive part of her pl agues.
freedom from parental authori- 10) He linked the accompl ish-
prophet Isaiah. (Isa. 36:1-37:7) ty . A case in point is the attit ude - Rev. 18:4.
ment of God's will on ea r t h wit h
Here we see the same typical fea- taken today toward promiscuity. At a tim e whe n false r eli- the coming of God 's kingdom.
tures that enter into the critical This situation has developed to gion thin ks she is sit t ing pretty, Hence, the Lord's Prayer, re-
sit uation of today. Correspond- the point that often young men the "ten horns" of the symbolic peated literally millions of times
ingly Sennacherib the king of or women who maintain virgini- "wild beas t" will devastate her. through the years, is, in fact,
Assyr ia typifies the foe of God 's ty are thought ill of by t heir con- (Rev. 17:16, 17) And as God 's among other things, a prayer for
kingdom, namely , Satan the temporaries. Such persons con- hour for judgmen t of her ap- the fulfillment of the Messianic
Devil, who demands the surren- sider those holding to the Bible's pr oach es, how is God express- promises tied in with t he mil-
der of Jehovah's organized peo- high standards to be lacking in ing his love? In this way: to lennial hope. What a privilege is
ple under pai n of ens lavement or some way, to be unat t ractive. all sin cere people of all false ours to make the Kingdom hop e
dest ruction. The anointed king -See 1 Peter 4:4. W 10/15 12 religions who wan t to become known to others! W 4/15 8, 9
Monday, November 15 by their own efforts, they con- Thursday, November 18 references, including the above,
Strip of! the old p ersonality with quered their bodily desires and what do we find spelled out for
In connection with everything
its practices, and clothe your- remained chaste. Although they us by the fact that God's heav-
give thanks. For this is the will of
selves w it h the new personality, had spoken words of endear- enly personnel includes an arch-
God in union with Christ Jesus
which through accurate knowl- ment, they had not been im- respecting you.-1 Thess. 5:18.
angel, princes, cherubs, seraphs,
edge is being made new .-Col. moral before entering wedlock, angels, all these ranks and or-
3:9,10. thereby diminishing the plea- Gratitude is beneficial both ders or levels of being and "ar-
sure they would enjoy after ad- for the recipient and for the per- mies" acting in perfect harmony
The force that actuates our justing to each other in mar- son who expresses it , who has with full subjection to the An-
mind and leads us to God's fa- riage. How different from the developed the spirit of thank- cient of Days, Jehovah God? It
vor is the accura te knowledge passionate Amnon who could not fulness. Today most persons are spells out, it calls for , an orga-
of his Word the Bible. To grim- wait and whose body led him as primarily concerned about self . nizing of all those in God 's heav-
ly set about stopping the for- a slave into immorality! Truly, That is contrary to the spirit enly personnel. It constitutes all
bidden things does not always self-control is the course of wis- of gratitude, in the showing of such heavenly personnel God's
work. What if you succeeded in dom . Bible morality is the best which a person thinks of oth- organization. It means that God
stopping them for a time? You way!-Song of Sol. 2;16; 4;16; 5;1; ers and readily expresses appre- has an organization. W 5/1 7-9,
are still not safe , even as Je- 2 Sam. 13;1, 2, 10-16. W 11/1 19 ciation for what others do. The 11, 12a
sus showed by an illustration. paradox is, though, that if you
Wednesday, November 17 work at cultivating a sincere in- Saturday, November 20
An unclean spirit left a man,
its "house," and later returned. If we confess our sins, he is faith-
terest in others and freely ex- Jesus went into Galilee, preach-
ful and righteous so as to forgive press your appreciation for their ing the good news of God and
Finding the house unoccupied, services, deeds and efforts, you
us our sins.-1 John 1:9. saying: "The appointed time has
it moved in with seven oth- will be happier. Furthermore, been fulfilled, and the kingdom
er spirits. It was not enough Even though God recogniz- developing a spirit of gr at it ude of God has drawn near."-Mark
for the house to be empt ied of es that we are all sinners, he can have a bea ring on your re- 1:14,15.
the wicked spirit; it needed to wants to help us and is willing lationship with Jehovah God . It
be filled with good so that the to forgive . Our concept of God , can affect your overall happi- Prior to his earthly sojourn,
wicked spirits could not reenter. though, would not be accurate ness in life now and the extent Jesus had acted as the Word (or,
(Matt. 12;43-45) It is not enough Logos), the mouthpiece of our
if we did not accept his whole to which you will share in "the
to stop the doing of what is view of sin. Whereas Psalm 103 happy hope" that is held out to heavenly Father. So Jesus knew
wrong and leave a vacuum-we Christians. (Titus 2:13) As not- of the prophecies recorded at
assures us that Jehovah "is for- Genesis 3:15and Isaiah 9:6, 7. He
must start the doing of what is givin g all [our) error," it also in- ed above, the Bible urges us to
right. Crowd out the wrongdoing cultivate a spirit of gratitude or was aware of the words directed
dicate s our obligations, saying; to Abraham. (Gen . 12;3; 22:17, 18)
by occupying yourself with the "The lovin g-kindness of Jeho- thankfulness. W 4/1 2-4a
doing of good. W 2/15 3, 4a Additionally, he was conscious
vah is fr om time indefinite even Friday, November 19 of the fact that he would be
to time indefinite toward those the one to fulfill the wonderful
Tuesday, November 16 f earing him, . .. tow ard those Ther e were a thousand thousands promises related to the prom-
Th ef ruitage of the spirit is . . . self- r em emb ering his orders so as to that kept ministering to him, and
ised seed and the Kingdom gov-
cont ro l . . . . Moreover , those who carry them out." (Ps, 103;3, 17, t en thousand times ten thousand
ernment. During Jesus' earthly
belong t o Chr ist Jesus impaled 18) If a person commits grave that kept standing right before sojourn and particularly during
the flesh t ogeth er with its pas- sin, does not repent and seek him.-Dan. 7:10. his three-and-a-half-year minis-
sions and desires.-Gal. 5:22-24. God 's fatherly mercy, but con- Genesis 3;24 and Job 38;6, 7 try, he drew attention to that
tinues to pursue sin, what then? tell of spirit creatures in God's kingly role. Such expressions as
Yes, youths, cultivate the fruit Exodus 34:6, 7 gives us a descrip-
of God 's spirit, self-control, By heavenly household. Psalm 80:1 "t he kingdom of God is in your
tion of Jehovah. After stressing says that Jehovah Is "sitting midst" and the one given above
controlling your body you will his mercy, his slowness to anger upon the cherubs" and in vision were heard from his lips. By
be able to look back with no re- and willingness to pardon error, the prophet Isaiah saw Jehovah means of his many illustrations
grets . Think of the joy of the it adds; "But by no means will on his throne and attended by and parables, Jesus drew atten-
young Shulammite girl and her he give exemption from punish- seraphs. Then there are the an- tion to that kingdom. It is our
shepherd lover when eventual- ment." Hence, we may not pre- gels in general and "Michael the privilege to direct truth lovers
ly they were united in wedlock. sume on his mercy or take it for archangel." (Jude 9; Dan. 10;13) to that kingdom.-Luke 17:21.
With the help of others, and granted. W 9/1 2, 3a In the light of these Scriptural W 5/156,7
Sunday, Novem ber 21 tion at Philippi. Quite lik ely both Wednesday, November 24 time the third la rgest city in t he
As substitutes f or Ch rist we beg: these sisters were parti cula rly known wor ld, after Ro me and
I shall certainly let r emain i n t he
"Become reconci led to G od ." able and zealous preachers of Alexandria. T h e zealous pr eac h-
midst of you a people h umble ing activit ies of Chr ist ia ns from
- 2 Cor . 5:20. the "good news," so that a spirit
and lowly, and t hey w ill actually Cyprus a nd Cyrene among the
of rivalry entered their hearts,
The Kingdom ambassadors take r efu ge i n the name of Jeho- non-Jews were blessed by Jeho-
causing fr iction. In like manner,
take a strictly neutral stand va h. - Zeph. 3:12. vah . (Acts 11:20-26) For 10 years
there may be problems at t imes
t oward worldly conflic ts . They among brothers having similar Thr ough his prophet zepna- or so Syri a n Antioch became a
know that the t imes of the Gen- appointments. In the Christian niah, Jehovah tells His people center fro m which intense mis-
t iles, or the appo inted ti mes of organization, by and large, min- how He will dispose of those sionary ac tivities were carried
the nations, ended in t he ea r ly isterial servants have no diffi- who shameless ly try to sow dis- out, un der 'the direct ion of the
fall of the year 1914, during t he cu lty in conducting t hemselves cord in His ea rthly organization . holy spirit . Paul, together with
third month of Wor ld War 1. At as lesser ones in re la tion to the (Zeph. 3:11) Then in happy con- various fellow missionaries, un-
that time the lease of the Gen- elders; elders in relation t o the trast, J ehovah says the above . dertook three extensive witness-
tile nations for exercisin g world circuit overseer, and so for t h . Yes, t he se are the meek ones, ing to urs. The modern mission-
dom ination ran ou t. Such world- But the test comes in re lation who work "shoulder to shoul- ary wor k under the direction of
ly nations, inc lu ding t hose of to peers. W 61111, 12 der" as t h ey engage in "the holy t he Watch Tower Society has
Christendom, stubbornly refuse work of t h e good news." (Rom. likew ise bee n greatly blessed.
Tuesday, November 23 15:15,16) T hey are not too proud W 311 14-16
to recognize that fact. So they
oppose and persecute the Ch ris- The heart is mo re t reacherous to do the lowly work of call- Friday, November 26
t ian witnesses of J ehova h who than anything else and is desper- ing fro m ho use to house after
ate . Who can know it? I, Jehovah , the pattern that Jesus' disciples Unrighteous persons will not in-
call attention to t hat fact . All
am searching the heart, examin- learned fr om the Master. (Matt. herit God's kingdom.-1 Cor. 6:9.
such persecution is just as was
foreto ld in Bible prophecies. In ing the k idneys, ever, to give to 10:5-13) T akin g refuge in Jeho- When a Christian gives him-
spite of it all, the ambassadors of each one according to his ways. vah's name, they proclaim that self over to sin and has to be dis-
God's established kingdom keep -Jer. 17:9, 10. glorious name and his purpose fellowshipped, he forfeits much:
on rejoicing. They invite t he pe0- Jehovah God knows th e mo- to vindicate it by the trium- his approved standing with God ;
ple of all the nat ions to r ejoice tive and is aware of any deceit phant king dom of his Christ. As membership in the happy con-
wit h them and to join with them or malic ious scheming on the Jehovah's peop le serve and live gregation of Christians; sweet
in anno uncing th e kin gdom that according to his righteousness, fellowship with the brothers.
part of persons who violate h is The pain he has caused may even
he has laid on t he shoulder of law on marr iage. Yes, "all things they are confident that "t her e
Jesus Christ. As a result, a gre at will be no one making them survive him. So all of us need to
are naked and openly exposed tremble." (zeph. 3:13) They enjoy appreciate that it is Jehovah's
crowd are now sharing in this to the eyes of h im with whom judgment that counts. The Bi-
blessed work . W 6115 7a we have an acco unting." (Heb. true peace of mind! W 8115 15a
ble shows that there are things
4:13) However , in this regard it Thursday, November 25 that God hates. (Prov. 6:16-19)
Monday, November 22 must be observed t hat God 's la w
Th e hand of Jehova h was w i t h But it is also true as to his
Euod ia I exhort and Syntyche I does not require an innocent judgment of persons. His Word
mate to obtain a divorce. Cir- them, and a great number that
exhort to be of t he same mind in plainly says that "unrighteous
cums tances may make it a fin e became beli evers turned to t he
the Lord. Yes, I request you too, persons," those carrying on the
thing for the innocent mate to Lord.-Acts 11:21.
genu i ne uoketell oio, keep assist- "works of the flesh ," will not in -
ing t hese wome n w ho ha ve striv- for give the guil t y one , especial- Once Pete r had used another herit his kingdom. (Gal. 5:19-21)
en side by sid e wi t h me in the ly if that one is humbly and of the "keys of the kingdom" to Such persons have no place in
good news.-Phil. 4:2, 3. sincerely repentant. True, un- unlock Kingdom opportunities heaven, nor will they fit in the
faithfulness on the part of one's to t he uncircu mcised, in 36 C.E., earthly realm of the Kingdom.
In the Christian congregation mate might be quite a humiliat- the way was open to carry the Accordingly, anyone who wants
today there may be a little ri- ing experience-that one 's mate Christian witness to all peoples, to remain in the clean congre-
valry, or a little feminine jeal- has looked elsewher e for plea- yes! "away to th e ends of the gation of God today must meet
ousy may surface, especially be- sure and satisfa ction. But many earth." (Acts 1:8, The New English His standards. God simply will
tween tho se who might have a lovin g wife a nd mother has Bible) Apparently, systematic not permit "leaven" to remain
similar endowments or advan- put up with a selfish or even an witnessing among the uncircum- as a corrupting influence among
tages. This seems to have been unfaithful husband for the sake cised Gentiles first got under h is holy peop le.-l Cor. 5:6-13.
the situation in the congrega- of her children. W 7/115, 16a way in Syri an Antioch, at that W 911525, 27b
Saturday, November 27 "key of the house of David. " It Tuesday, November 30 who has given in to grave sin
has kept alert to safeguard the displays a measure of spirit ual
Th is good news of the kingdom I s t here anyon e sic k amo ng you? weakness and a nee d for h elp.
will be preach ed in all the inhab-
earthly interests of God 's king- L et him call t he older men (or,
dom as pictured by the "house elde rs ] of the congregation t o h i m.
H e cou ld benefi t from t he
ited earth f or a w itness.- M att.
of Da vid." It welcomed in those and let t hem pray over hi m . . . pr ayers of faith of the elders.
24:14. They are in posit ion, also , to
whom the Master ch ose to make And t he prayer of fait h w ill make
World War I was a time of up the final me mbers of the rem- the indisposed one well , and Je- offer him Biblical cou nse l and
darkness such as humanity had nant of Kin gdom heirs. In 1935it hovah will raise him u p .- Jas. help him so t hat he can re-
never before experienced. It was began to welcome in the "other 5:14. 15. gain spiritual streng th. F ur t he r,
as if the powers of darkness had sheep" whom the Fine Shepherd some transgression s amount t o
prevailed . Even the worship of was pleased to bring together to In the case of grave sin, God sins against the congregat ion,
J ehov ah God was at a low ebb . form " one flock " with the Wisely advise s that a Christ ian for they bring reproach a nd sor-
It a ppea r ed as if the end had anointed rem n ant. It shut the 'confessing his sins' ought to ta ke
an additional ste p, even as th e row upon God 's people. T his
come -for the whole system of door on all the expelled apostates mak es it even more a ppropr iate
things on earth. Worshipers of and those wh o tried to sneak in disciple James wrote in a context
that evid ently refer s t o spiritual that such a sinner seek t he el-
the God of the Bible resigned to corrupt Jehovah's Witnesses. ders' help.-2 Cor. 2:10. W 9/1 5,
sickness involving sins. T h is ste p
themselves to that view of mat-
ters, as they became "objects
of hatred by all the nations."
(Matt. 24:9) However, they had
W 10/113, 14a
Monday, Novembe r 29
It is a means of great gain, this
is reasonable, for a Chr ist ian
Wednesday, December 1
.. . 6a
CANADA
-;
C
-, s
','
D
Pacific G
..r~!N"W'"
'.0 HAWAII H
. "01>
PHILIPPINES i--SA"AN
' ••••••••
~I
y~ ',.
.'au ••.•••.
.,~. =, "'~"
" 'r .' ~~~
'.,
K
loW.f
.."
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
• lillIAn
"' •..... ~,
~ ';' HEW.UAI'Cl
.}r-.
,...,.""""""'
''''::1;:-'1:.·
v, ,~CJ:Io'ON I••.•.••••
~- ~ ••,,- ..•..••
~(W
\.
~"".
~ •••••
......"
TOt:II .•••U
..""~"':'9''.,
. "'~"""'"
M
'''. :...:(\•.••.
"W~,~=~ '''Hm
TU.vt.OTU ••••OU"LAGO
Ocean N
~"
~nDONi,.,·
o
HOIfOlKISoI.MD • EASTER ISLAND
N
'0 D Q
26' 27 28 29 30
~~
•
31 D ~ ~
t U M ~ 38 39 .w 41 42 43 44 47 48
SOUTH
49
GEOIGIA
"" 50
S