1978 Yearbook
1978 Yearbook
1978 Yearbook
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1978
YEARBOOK
of Jehovah's Witnesses
Containing Report for the Service Year
of 1977
Also Daily Texts and Comments
Corporate Publishers
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
OF PENNSYLVANIA
WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
OF NEW YORK, INC.
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
124 Columbia Heights
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201, U.S.A.
Branch ofllces appear on last page
Made In the United States of America
1978
Jehovah's Witnesses
world wide are thankful to YEARBOOK
the Most High God of Jehovah's Witnesses
for the open door leading
to Kingdom Activity. "Happy are those hearing the word of God and
keeping it!" In saying those words, as we find
-1 Cor. 16:9. them recorded at Luke 11:28, Jesus may have
had in mind the similar words of Psalm 112: 1 :
"Happy is the 'man in fear of Jehovah, in whose
commandments he has taken very much delight."
Jesus himself was happy and took delight in obey-
.. . ing his Father's commandments, in hearing and
observing God's Word. Jehovah's obedient ser-
vants through the years have realized that the
keeping of J ehovah's law, his orders, command-
ments and judicial decisions brings a "large re-
INDEX OF COUNTRms ward." Today Jehovah's Witnesses are most
thankful for the privileges that come to them in
Pag e representing him. His word is always pleasant to
1977 Service Year Report, 216 Countries ,.,.,........................... 24
Acts of Jehovah's Witnesses in Modern Times in:
their ears and they are determined to keep it and
treasure it.-1 Tim. 1:11; 6:15; Ps. 19:7-11.
Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands 34
The Philippines , " ,......... ...................... ............. 78
The arrangement that Jehovah established
Spain , " 134 '
under the Mosaic law provided a shadow of good
things to come. (Heb. 10:1) Those who complied
Yeartext for 1978 260
with its requirements were blessed by Jehovah
Daily Texts and Comments , 261
and they looked forward to blessings in the future.
Most, though, reflected the attitude of our first
parents by taking an independent course and be-
coming disobedient to God's word. Though they
Copyright, 1977, by heard it with their ears, they did not keep it.
Watch T ower Bible and Tract Society of Penn sylvania (Heb. 3:18, 19) Jesus summed up their attitude
when he said t hat "with their ears they have
heard without response." (Matt. 13 :15; Isa. 6:10)
3
4 Yearbook
Yearbook 5
~epeatedly, Jehovah had reminded them of the listless, and so he warned them: "You must do what
vital need of hearing and keeping his word. For the word tells you, and not just listen to it and deceive
example, through his prophet, he said: "I, Jeho- yourselves." (Jas. 1:22, Jerusalem Bible) Only by
vah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit diligently studying the Word of God can one prove
¥ours<:lf, the One causing you to tread in the way oneself Christ's disciple. Those in the Macedonian city
m WhICh you should walk. 0 if only you would of Beroea did just that, and Luke described them as
being noble-minded, "Now the latter [Beroeans] were
actually pay attention to my commandments!" more noble- minded than those in Thessalonica, for
-Isa. 48:17, 18. they received the word with the greatest eagerness of
mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to
When .J<:sus appeared on earth, he established whether these things were so." They were students,
the Christian arrangement. He knew that only researchers. They wanted to know if the Hebrew
those adhermg to G.od's word could be truly happy. Scriptures backed up what they heard. They set a
In hIS prayer to hIS Father on his last night on good example for all to follow.-Acts 17:11.
Jehovah's Witnesses today follow this fine example.
earth, he said that the .taking in of knowledge of They are modern Beroeans, Bible students. At one
God and of Jesus Christ was necessary for one time, because of their intensive study of the Bible
who desire? to ~ave life. (John 17:3) The knowl- they were actually called "Bible Students." While
edge conta.med m the Bible is truly life giving. It they no longer use that as their name, having adopted
the Scriptural name Jehovah's Witnesses in 1931, they
can b~ relied on, SInce God himself caused it to still studiously interest themselves in "examining the
be written by l1!eans of his holy spirit. It is price- Scriptures daily." They are devoted to the work com-
less. Men,. as history shows, risked their lives to manded by Jesus of making disciples of people every-
translate It an~ to preserve it for our benefit. where and "teaching them to observe all the things"
that Jesus commanded. They keep Jehovah's Word
Today, Jehovah s WItnesses are dedicated to the and they preach it diligently on any and every ap-
task-~omehmes also at the risk of their Ilves->, propriate occasion, whether the occasion is convenient
of takmg that Word to people of every nation to themselves or not.-Matt. 28:19, 20; 2 Tim. 4:2.
and tongue. The organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is truly
Bible based. For the past one hundred years it has
. Nowadays, as in ancient Israel, many are in- been holding forth the word of life. It has not turned
different to the appeal of God's Word the Bible aside from the truth. Loyal ones have made no pre-
qthers sh~n it. or outrightly oppose its distribu~ tense of only believing the truth, but have made it
tion. But In doing so they are not happy' rather their own and actively advocated it, even though this
has made them objects of persecution. In doing so
they are glum. In spite of this, Jehov~h's ser~ they have become "a theatrical spectacle to the world,"
vants proceed with their pleasurable work of like the apostles who were charged with upsetting
upholding th.e Word of God. They; know that the inhabited earth because of their insistence on
more IS reqU1~ed than merely reading the Word. adhering to the Word of God.-1 Cor. 4:9; Acts 17:6.
As Jesus said m hIS revelation to John: "Happy is Jehovah's Witnesses are "steadfast, unmovable, al-
ways having plenty to do in the work of the Lord."
he w~o reads aloud and those who hear the words They have not watered down the truths of the Bible
of this prophecy, and who observe the thinzs as have Christendom's clergy who offer to people,
written in it."-Rev. 1:3. . b already "slumbering," a 'soft religion.' (l Cor. 15:58;
2 Cor. 11:14, 15) Christians know that what the world
A BmLE-BASED ORGANIZATION
has to offer is as tinsel, 'window dressing,' so they
keep their eyes, "not on the things seen, but on the
T~e. disciplt; James was concerned that his fellow things unseen. For the things seen are temporary
ChrIS~IanS might follow the wrong course of the [transitory], but the things unseen are everlasting."
IsraelItes and, after hearing the Word of God, become (2 Cor. 4:18) Some of the "things seen" may appear
desirable; they may haven 'sugar coating.' Men are
6 Yearbook Yearbook 7
tempted to look about and see what is available just in a worthless or vain way, thereby bringing reproach
for the asking. Jesus was presented with temptation on him and his name. Dire consequences would be
by means of "things seen." Satan asked him for but theirs for disobeying that command. (Ex..20:7) o
them Jehovah, through the mouth of JeremIah, said:
:r
one act of worship, and all the "kingdoms of the
world" would be his. Adamantly Jesus replied: "Go "I kept sending to you all my servants the prophets,
away, Satan! For it is written, 'It is Jehovah your daily getting up early and se!1ding .the~. BU~ they
God you must worship, and it is to him alone you did not listen to me and they did not Incline their ear,
must render sacred service.''' Jesus rightly recognized but they kept hardening their neck."-Jer. 7:25, 26.
the test for what it was-a trick to get him to com- Finally Jehovah sent his heavenly Son. Jesus was
promise his sacred service and treasured relationship pained at the way God's name-people were acting. He
with his Father. To maintain our integrity, we must lived among the people of Israel and toward the cJos:
see temptations in the same light now.-Matt. 4:8-10; of his human life he summed up hIS feelmgs, saying;
1 John 2:15, 16. "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and
Well, look around. What is available? What does stoner of those sent forth to her-how often I wanted
Satan hold out as temptingly desirable? What is it to gather your children together in the manner .that
that should be shunned as something that could cause a hen gathers her brood of chicks under her wmg~,
Jehovah's Witnesses to desert their sacred service? but you people did not want it!" On behalf of hIS
Why, for one thing, running with the world. Some Father he said to religious opposers: "Look! Your
who are now Jehovah's Witnesses were once -very house is abandoned to you." (Luke 13:34, 35) They had
much wrapped up in the ways of the world. They had spurned both the Father and the Son. By what they
what they called a 'high time,' seemingly enjoying did to the Son they dishonored th.e Father:s name.
it. But one who becomes a Christian puts this way of Jesus recognized their despising of him and hIS F:ather
life in the past, as something to be despised. The and what his Father's name stood for, and In ap
apostle Peter said: "For the time that has passed by illustration he said that "a man" (Je.hovaW sent ~IS
is sufficient for you to have worked out the will of beloved son for an accounting, saY}l~g, They WIll
the nations when you proceeded in deeds of loose respect my son." But, though recog!1IZ}~g the :,on .as
conduct, lusts, excesses with wine, revelries, drinking heir, they said, "Come, let us kill him, And kill him
matches, and illegal idolatries."-l Pet. 4:3. they did!-Mark 12:1·11.
Former worldly associates may not understand why A remnant of Israel agreed to 'hear the word and
one who previously was satisfied with the "weak and keep it' and were accepted into the Christian congre-
beggarly elementary things" now concerns himself gation. Now, seeing how Israel had dIsrespected Je-
with hearing and doin~ the Word of God. So they hovah and his name, how would tpese followers. of
resent it, and close their ears to the message of life Christ act? Would they uphold God s na?1 e and give
that could have benefited them. Peter added: "Because to Jehovah an answer to the ~reat besml,rcher,. Satan
you do not continue running with them in this course the Devil? God had pleaded WIth Israel: Be WIse, my
to the same low sink of debauchery, they are puzzled son and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a
and go on speaking abusively of you." (1 Pet. 4:4; repiy to him that is taunting me." (Prov. 27:11) As it
Gal. 4:9) But see how many friends there are among has turned out only a remnant of those who took the
name "Christian" have given basis for such a reply, T.he
Jehovah's Witnesses that one acquires! One is no command not to sully the name of Jehovah applies WIth
longer interested in partying with the world, risking equal force to Jehovah's Witnesses today. And they are
the precious newly found relationship with Jehovah pleased to honor that name, to make It holy.. .
and His family.-Mark 10:30; 1 Pet. 1:22; Phil. 3:12-16. Today, almost universally, the God of the BIble IS
Over the centuries, all the way back to the time unknown to mankind. The name of God .IS not made
when Adam and Eve, at the urgings of the Tempter, holy. Rather, it is used vulgarly. The .B lble to sOJ!le
lost their happiness by rejecting the word of God is a myth, a 'good storybook' for ohltdren, but ~ts
and failing to keep it, the name of Jehovah has been prophecies are not taken seriously. Tho~e who happI}y
besmirched. Especially was this noticeable with respect study the Bible, accepting it, "just as It truthfully IS,
to those whom he chose to make his name-people, (Ex. as the word of God," are considered by these persons
6:7) God commanded them not to take up his name as 'old fogies.'-l Thess. 2:13.
8 Yearbook Yearbook 9
PROPER MOTIVATION nesses are engaged in the most profitable work in
. Faithf~l servants of God today, in the face of this all the earth. The benefits are outstanding. To have
dishonoring of the God of the universe, have gladly Jehovah's favor is most valuable. Yet sometimes they
taken up the Bible name Jehovah's Witnesses. Usa. 43: are enticed by material treasures. But wisely Jehovah's
10) Thelr purpose in life is to uphold that sacred name Witnesses prefer riches that endure, so they store up
ev~n though their a~sociation with that name may for themselves "treasures in heaven." Paul warned:
brmg to them ostracism by those who ostensibly are "The love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious
followers of Christ, yes, and from others. Their Master things, and by reaching out for this love some have
said: "If you love me, you will observe my command- been led astray from the faith and have stabbed them-
ments . . . If you observe my commandments, you selves all over with many pains ["spiked themselves
will remain in my love, just as I have observed the on many thorny griefs," New English Bible]."-Matt.
commandments of the Father and remain in his love." 6:19, 20; 1 Tim. 6:10.
(John 14:15; 15:10) It brought joy and happiness to Regrettably, materialism at times takes its toll among
Jesus to observe the commandments of his Father a few of Jehovah's Witnesses, blurring their vision.
and. he therefore said that "those hearing the word It has been said that materialism is anything that
of God and keeping it" would be happy.-Luke 11:28. stands between a person and his worship of Jehovah.
Jeh.ovah's Witnesses have found this happiness and So it need not necessarily be an expensive automobile,
real JOY in being properly motivated in their work of an ostentatious home or a large bank account. It could
bearing witness to Jesus and in preaching the good be anything that absorbs a person's time and attention
news of God's established kingdom. (Rev. 12:17) so that he neglects the worship due to Jehovah. What
Their motivation is not tainted with a- desire to be causes this lamentable situation to develop? Could it
"somebody." .W hile ministering to the splrltual needs be neglecting a study of God's Word, which is a "lamp"
of people, they refuse to accept adulation as Jesus to guide the servant's feet, and a "light" to his road-
also refused to do, or to assume titles. Let the titles way? (Ps, 119:105) Without such guidance one can
stay with those who seem to be so proud to bear easily become a prey to materialism. Materialism can
them. Rather, Jehovah's people are pleased to be creep in if one neglects that most important commu-
fellow servants with the one who "made himself of nication with the Hearer of prayer. Personal study of
no reputation."-PltiI. 2:7, Authorized Version. God's Word and constant communication with Jehovah
Peter warned of false teachers who would quietly deepen and strengthen one's personal relationship with
or privately "bring in destructive sects and ... disown Jehovah. David said: "I keep Yahweh before me al-
even th~ owner that bought them, bringing speedy ways, for with him at my right hand nothing can
destruction upon themselves." Peter's further warning shake me." -Ps. 16:8, JB.
was that others would follow them, thus causing the Because of being constant and steadfast as wit-
way of the truth to be spoken of abusively. (2 Pet. nesses of the Ruler of the universe, and by keeping
2:1, 2) There IS need to be on the alert so as not to themselves away from materialism, Jehovah's Wit-
fal~ into this subtle trap. Some actually do disown nesses have enjoyed many blessings during the past
their owner. Others do not go so far as to declare year. "The blessing of Jehovah-that is what makes
openly that they do not know their owner Christ rich, and he adds no pain [sorrow] with it." (Prov.
But by their actions, their speech and the' careless 10:22) True, some have taken the brunt of persecu-
way that they 'walk in the truth,' they in effect be- tion, but it is a fact of both theocratic and secular
come suspect as to their love of Christ. They ought history that persecution has failed to stop the procla-
~o take to heart Paul's words at 1 Corinthians 15:34: mation of God's Word. Persecution has not brought
Wake up to soberness in a righteous way and do pain or sorrow, so as to cause these Witnesses to
not practice sin, for some are without knowledge of lose faith. They have not been failures. They have
God ["seem not to know God at all," JB]. I am speaking had Jehovah's blessing and they have been made
to move you to shame." rich. Their boldness in serving God has called for his
protection, because they have continued in their firm,
SHUNNING MATERIALISM conscientious and fearless support of the truth. (1 Tim.
~here
is an old saying, 'All that glitters is not gold.' 3:15) They may have been "pressed in every way, but
ThIS also applies in a spiritual sense. Jehovah's Wit- not cramped beyond movement; . . • perplexed, but
10 Yearbook Yearbook 11
not absolutely with no way out; . .. persecuted, bu t In some ca ses the lo cal vill age 'headmen allowed
not left in the lurch; . . . thrown down, but not de- t hem to settle in their homes and begin recultivating
stroyed." Yes, they have been ' blessed in their spiritual t hei r lands, which had been lying fallow whil e our
paradise, blessed in the knowledge that their stead- brothers were in prison. However, in some cases the
fastness in 'keeping the word of God' earns them a unbelieving re latives of Witnesses had taken over their
place in God's favor. They have contributed to answe r- la nds and had begun cultivating them and these opp osed
ing Satan's challenge to God.-2 Cor. 4:8, 9; Provo our brothers' being allowed to return to their village
27:11. homes. They r eported the brothers to the police and
t o local political party officials, who have again ha-
MAINTAINING FAITH DESPITE PERSECUTION rassed our brothers over the party-card issue. Some
Some of Jehovah's Witnesses have to live and carry are still being held by the police without charge. Reli-
on their work of preaching the good news of the gious opposers have also added to the sufferings of
Kingdom under very trying conditions. Nevertheless, our brothers, telling some of them that they will not
despite persecution, intimidation and pressure to be allowed to settle in their homes until they join
compromise their faith, they keep their integrity. They other religions. Those Witnesses who were allowed to
take their stand against the Devil, "solid in the faith, settle in their homes and cultivate their fields have
knowing that the same things in the way of sufferings been tormented in some areas by Youth Leaguers and
are being accomplished in the entire association" of party officials when these thought that the brothers
their brothers in the world. They realize that enduro would have money from harvesting their crops t o buy
ance is necessary in order to inherit the promise; political cards.
therefore they, as fine soldiers of Christ Jesus, take So the year ended with a number of our brothers in
their part in suffering evil.- l Pet. 5:8, 9; 2 Tim. 2:3; Malawi still homeless and without employment, having
Heb.6:12. to move from place to place and eke out a living the
Satan is very angry at the continued faithful service best they could. We are pleased to report, however,
of God's witnesses in ad vertising the coming destruc- that it is still possible to aid them spiritually and
tion of this system of things and he uses his influence materially and that our Malawi brothers are extreme-
as the ruler of the world to have the work curtailed ly grateful to Jehovah and their brothers elsewhere
if not stopped. Hence it is not surprising that from for this loving assistance.
time to time he causes opposition that results in bans Those who must carryon under such adverse cir-
being placed on the work. During the year this occurred cumstances are not 'written off' by Jehovah. They are
in the Congo Republic and in Indonesia, and there are not f orgotten. They are as sured: "God is not unrigh-
r um blings in other places. This does not mean that teous [un just ] so as to forget your work and the love
J ehova h' s Witnesses in such places give up or quit. · you showed for his name." "I will by no means leave
No, they persist in doing what is fine, sowing with a you nor by any means forsake you ." And their broth-
view to the spi rit, and leaving the results to the Great ers remember them too in their daily petitions to the
Rewarder. (Gal. 6:8, 9) Jesus equipped his followers Hearer of prayer. When our brothers in other lands
to be prepared for exactly what has occurred in this suffer under persecution, we suffer with them. The
day and age, saying: "You will be objects of hatred Emphatic Diaglott says that "whether one member
by all people on account of my name; but he that has suffer, all the members sympathize." The "sympathy"
endur ed to the end is the one that will be saved. .. . has been shown not only by assisting them materially,
A disciple is not above his te ac her, nor a slave ab ove but also by 'taking up the slack' and 'putting on more
his lord.. .. Therefor e do n ot fe ar t hem."- Ma tt. 10: steam' in the preaching work.-Heb. 6:10; 13:5; 1 Cor.
22-26. 12:26.
At the beginnin g of the service year, hundreds of
our Malawi brothers were still in detention at Dzaleka , NATIONALISM
a camp in the north of the country, which had previous- Even where there is no ban, some of Jehovah's Wit-
ly been used f or political detainees. H owever , as t he nesses are plagued by nationalism. They are asked to
months went by, some were released. These br others elevate "Caesar" above God. This they cannot do, so
made their way back to their home villag es and town s. they are falsely branded as "antigovernment." But
What kind of reception awaited them ? this does not rob them of their joy, for they count it
12 Yearbook Yearbook 13
a privilege to be in the same category as Jesus, who, praisers of Jehovah bring great satisfaction of heart.
along with the apostles, said that where obedience to -Heb. 12:2; Neh. 8:10.
the State does not conflict with that owed to Jehovah,
then such obedience should be rendered, but that prior FORSAKING WORLDLY PRACTICES BRINGS JOY
allegiance rightly belongs to Jehovah.-Luke 20:25; In the world today, when things go wrong, the
Acts 4:19, 20; Rom. 13:1. temptation is to 'forget it all.' Many try to do this by
"Bullies" like to take advantage of children who using alcohol and drugs. The accelerated use of drugs
they feel have no recourse but to submit. But youths is becoming an alarming problem all over the world
among Jehovah's Witnesses also are happy in "hear- today. Doctors are at their wit's end at the prospect
ing the word of God and keeping it." (Luke 11:28) of having to deal with a nation of drug addicts. Every-
They have heeded the word of Jehovah, through one knows that the taking of drugs only increases
Moses, to meet together in the congregation along the problem. In this, Jehovah's Witnesses do not go
with their parents, "in order that they may listen along with the world's practice. They know what the
and in order that they may learn, as they must fear remedy is and they endeavor to educate the people in
Jehovah ... and take care to carry out all the words" their need of turning to Jehovah God and his Word,
of God's law. (Deut. 31:12) They have benefited from . the Bible, so that they may hear it and keep it.
the experience of the three faithful Hebrews on the Among Jehovah's Witnesses are some who formerly
plain of Dura (Dan. 3:18) and the firm decision of were victims of such vile practices, some having been
the early Christian followers of Jesus (Acts 5:29) and heavily involved in drug abuse. These were helped to
are therefore equipped to face such "bullies." 'make straight paths for their feet.' (Heb, 12:13;
An experience illustrates this. In Africa, a twelve- 1 Cor. 6:11) Now they have dedicated themselves to
year-old Witness conscientiously refused to sing the Jehovah through Christ and are declaring the good
national anthem. The annoyed headmaster pressed news of God's established kingdom. It happens oc-
him for a reason. Having 'heard the word' and being casionally that, by not remembering that "bad associa-
intent on "keeping it," the boy said that the anthem tions spoil useful habits," a person who had started
was a hymn of praise to a false god called Nationalism out in the right way in association with Jehovah's
and that his God, Jehovah, would be angry if he Witnesses returns to his bad habits. (1 Cor. 15:33) He
praised a false god. The headmaster, impressed by the soon learns that he is miserable and yearns for the
sincerity and conscientious determination of the lad, association of his brothers again. For example, in the
commented: "If you had told me that earlier, I would Philippines, a brother was engaged in witnessing
not have sent you out of the class, because one should activity on the streets and noticed a bearded young
not make fun of the true God." It is fine to see that man with a group of people. The young man looked
young publishers appreciate the privilege of properly somewhat familiar. It developed that he had formerly
representing their God. This also provides Jehovah been associated with Jehovah's Witnesses but had
With an additional answer to his reproacher. gotten in with the wrong crowd and was now on
What is it that motivates Jehovah's people, what- drugs. He expressed his disgust and said that he wanted
ever circumstance they may be in, to serve him? The to come back. Arrangements were made for a study
word they have heard and read commands them to with him and he is now encouraging some of his as-
be witnesses "to the most distant part of the earth." sociates to study too.
(Acts 1:8) That word they delight to keep. It pleases The truth helped a person in Canada to make his
them to uphold Jehovah's sovereignty, to comfort mind over. He was trafficking in drugs illegally. A
mourning ones, to direct them to the only means of nationwide warrant was out for his arrest. For several
salvation. But underlying all of this is their love for years he evaded it. Then he started studying the Truth
Jehovah, based on the first commandment, and their book. His conscience, now educated by the Bible, caused
love for neighbor. (Matt. 22:37·39) And what is the him to turn himself in. His attorney tried to dissuade
reward they expect? The same reward that Jesus him, unsuccessfully. In the trial, when the judge noted
keenly anticipated: "For the joy that was set before his honesty and his complete rehabilitation achieved
him he endured a torture stake, despising Idisregard- through his association with Jehovah's Witnesses, he
ing] shame." Their joy in serving Jehovah is their gave him only a short suspended sentence. Now he is
strength. Rescuing persons of honest heart from the serving Jehovah, having given good attention to the
clutches of the evil one and assisting them to become Word, making his mind over, proving to himself the
14 Yea rbook Yearbook 15
good and acceptable and perfect will of God.-Rom. When t he priest and several vicars used inappropriate
12:2. lan guage but made no us e of the Bible, the father was
One cannot be in a close relationship with Jehovah annoyed . He attended a district as sembly, note d the
a nd act dishonestly. In Li beria a sister who worked in kindness of the brothers a nd their cleanliness and
an airline office was told by her employer to tell any ord er, and that they used th e Bible; so he decided to
caller that he was out. She declined, telling him that as sociate with Jehovah's Witnesses. He made tape
th is would not be honest, and her Bible-trained con- recordings of the meetings and plays these for persons
science would not permit her to lie. He became angry as king him why he quit the church.
and had her transferred to another department. Her When we make good use of the Bible, those we teach
hon esty was tested there too, for her new boss asked get the 'sense of the word' and start using it them-
her to cover up a shortage in his petty cash. She selves. A newly baptized brother had been a part of a
prayed to Jehovah that night and in the morning told group of young people completely engrossed in doing
him the same thing that she had related to her former the so-call ed "fun things of life." This included "shoot-
boss. Upset, he said no department would tolerate her ing drugs" and swallowing them, getting drunk, in fact,
attitude. But several days later he entrusted her with engaging in every form of immorality. A friend, study-
thousands of dollars. More importantly, her fine conduct ing with Jehovah's Witnesses, impressed him with the
moved a fellow .employee to join her in meeting atten- great changes in his life. He told him what started it
dance and field service. all. "He spoke to me from the Bible the things he was
learning about Jehovah's purposes," he says. An un-
LETTING THE BffiLE SPEAK happy, empty life for this seventeen-year-old became
In northeast Thailand a young sister worked as transformed into one filled with love for God and for
cashier in a barbershop. She refused to violate her neighbor. He now feels that he has eternal life before
conscience and accede to the owner's request that she him, a life filled with meaning and purpose.
make out false tax declarations, and as a result was
discharged. This freed her to enter the pioneer service. POSITION NOT Il\IPORTANT
Later, the owner looked her up and asked her to re - When a person gets a knowledge of the truth and
turn, as the cash register was always short. While re alizes that there is a short time in which to warn the
appreciating this acknowledgment of her honesty, she people of the coming great tr ibulati on and its battle
preferred to remain in her chosen full-time preaching of Har-Magedon, he often asks what he should do
work. She was truly happy because she heard the word about his secular occupation. In this regard, he should
with understanding and kept it, treasured it and acted consider his Christian responsibilities. If he is a married
upon it. The Bible was he r guide. man, th en he is obligated to provide for his family, and
As a result of the fact that Jehovah's Witnesses use this may require his cont inuing in his present occupa-
the Bible when they speak to people, whether in house- tion. (1 Tim. 5:8) Som e ha ve been able to expand their
to-house visits, in witnessing on the streets, or at home ' sha re in Kingdom ser vice without changing their
Bible studies, the organization progresses. In many secular employment. However, others have been able
countries today, the Bible is the sole piece of equipment to make a change in employment that allows them
that can be used, at least initially, in calling on people more time for proclaiming the truth to others. Many
at their homes. So Jehovah's Witnesses become pro- are able to do regular or auxiliary pioneer work by
ficient in its use, preaching the Word of God, having adjusting their hours of secular work. For example,
it at their "fingertips." That this is successful is at- in Japan during this past spring, for four months in a
tested to by a report from Belgium. There members of row the total of pioneers reporting was more than
a sincere family, fo rmerly a ctive attenders a t one of 10,000, over 25 percent of all publishers. and many of
Babylon's churches, are now studying because J eho- these were elders and other family heads who had ad -
vah's Witnesses made good use of the Bible. The father justed their regular employment in order to pioneer.
sa ng in the choir on Sunda ys. When oth er members of By careful planning and organization, housewives
the family accepted a Bible study, he was urged by the (with or without children) and young people, including
clergy and others to throw J ehovah's Witnesses out those just leaving school and those on vacation, can
wh en they came to the home. Instead, he appealed to enjoy precious privileges in the pioneer work, or other-
the priest to visit the fa mily and straighten th em out. wise r ea ch out for m ore hours of service. Others a ll
16 Yearbook Yea1'book 17
learning the truth have found themselves enslaved t o his house and offered The Watchtowm' t o him on a
time-consuming careers. Preferring to be slaves of God, subscription basis. He gladly subscribed and readily
they have made changes. In faith they have 'tested accepted the offer of a Bible study. As he progressed he
Jehovah,' and truly he has emptied out on them a dedicated his life to Jehovah and became an active
blessing beyond their fondest expectations.-MaI. 3:10; preacher of the word. Overjoyed, he visited his parents'
In France, a brother who formerly was a ballet dancer isolated home, shared his joy with the family of eight
decided to attend an operetta with a group of Wit- and assisted them also to make a dedication.
nesses. When he picked up the tickets at the box An experience from another South American country
office, there was a card in the envelope. It was from shows how the sowing of seed had success 'here and
the star actor, asking the brother to visit him during there.' A young girl started studying the Truth book
intermission. He kept the appointment and there re- that had been placed with her. Later she discontinued
newed acquaintance with one he had known many years the study, but, valuing the book, she sent it to her
before. The man had lost his wife and hoped to receive mother. The mother thought it would make a good
some comfort from him in view of their past friendship. present and gave it to her sister, who was going on a
The brother Inrormed him that he was now one of trip. The sister, however, stored it in a trunk in her
Jehovah's Witnesses and offered to study the Bible with son's home. There her daughter-in-law found it and
him. His study soon convinced him that his life as an studied it. Her husband threatened to burn it, so she
actor was shallow. He decided not to renew his contract sent it to a friend who, in turn, gave it to his sister.
to continue his twenty-year career on the stage. He soon What resulted from the seed sown and the much-
found other employment, but, more importantly, he is traveled book? The "friend" has dedicated his life to
now a faithful publisher of the Kingdom. Jehovah; the daughter-in-law is again studying and
This experience is similar to that of a professional looking forward to baptism. Yes, indeed, the book The
flamenco dancer in Spain. Her mother told her of an ·T rut h That Leads to Eternal Life continues to have a
interesting conversation she had with a lady at their tremendous circulation!
hotel about God and the Bible. The conversation was
continued with the dancer herself the next morning. "YOUTH" BOOK A BOON
It so affected her that she immediately started wit- Now the book Your Youth-Getting the Best out of It,
nessing to her troupe. Undaunted by insults andderi- released at the district assemblies in 1976, is coming
sion, she started studying, then attending meetings, into its own . The way that this book has been received
and finally made her dedication. She canceled her con- well illustrates the fact that when information that
tract. Thereafter, ' it took nine months before a steady meets ' the needs of the people is made available, it is
[ob was obtained, but her new employment allowed soon in great demand. To meet this demand there were
her freedom to serve Jehovah and in this she has been printed in Brooklyn and shipped during the service
richly blessed. .year 9,003,062 copies of the Youth book.
, This wonderful instrument provided by Jehovah
SOWING SEED through his "faithful and discreet slave" is greatly
"In the morning sow your seed and until the eve- appreciated by young and old alike. When the book
ning do not let your hand rest; for you are not knowing was released at the district assembly in Brazil, a
where this will have success, either here or there, or seventeen-year-old remarked: "Our greatest pleasure
whether both of them will alike be good." (Eccl, 11: 6) was to see your interest in us. This book was the finest
This proved to be true in Chile. Back in 1936 two present I received in all my life. I am grateful to Je-
publishers followed the train route to Bolivia on foot. hovah .and to you for giving us this book."
They stopped at an isolated home for some water. They Young pioneers in England reported that while they
"paid" for it with a copy of The Harp of God. Twelve had experienced difficulty in house-to-house witnessing
years later, the son of the recipients, then twenty-four, where older people would often 'brush them off,' they
found 'this treasure. For the next eight years; though could choose young people to approach in street wit-
unable to locate Jehovah's Witnesses, he studied and nessing and get good results, with great encourage'
restudied the Harp, with ever-increasing appreciation. ment to themselves.
Some time later one of Jehovah's Witnesses called at In Trinidad a sister accompanied her husband to a
18 Yearbook Ye a rbook 19
dinner. During t he evening a prominent member of a INFORMAL WITNESSING
non-Christ ian f ait h asked her if Jehovah's Witnesses Many who are now re gular proclaimers of the King-
had any trouble with juvenile delin quency. She sai d dom message beca me acquainted with the truth as a
it was rare, but if there we re an instance it would be result of informal witnessing. Such witnessing, whether
handled in accord with Bible principles. She mentioned oral or written, cont inues t o be an im portant means of
the new Youth book, its purpose and its price. Im- r ea ching truth-hungr y people. An experien ce fro m
pressed, he said that in view of the poverty in that P or tu gal ill ustr ate s this. F amily pro blems cause d a
area, and the probability that many youths might not pion eer's field service t o be inter r upted. She read in the
be able to afford even the small amount asked, he newspap er a bout a woman who had lost a close rela-
wanted to contribute $100 so t hat this fine book could t ive. Th is woma n n eeded comfo r t, so sh e wrote her a
be distributed among the youths. friendly letter, offeri ng comfor t and hope in God's
A report from the Netherlands shows how young promises. She did not ex pect to receive a r eply. But
publishers can bring this valuable book to the attention seven months later t his com plete stranger t elephoned
of their classmates. A fifteen-year-old sister showed the her, belatedly expressing her appreciation for t he letter.
book to two of her classmates. One immediately asked She sa id that, on re ceiving it, she had made up her
for a copy. Our sister, "just in case," took three extra mind that the next time one of J ehovah's Witnesses
copies to school. All four copies were placed and the called at her door she would listen. Now she was calling
girls got busy reading them during recess. Others, to invite the pioneer sister t o be present at her baptism
noticing this and seeing the contents of the book, asked the following Sunday! An informal witness can be
for copies themselves. Our young sister was asked to given t o one's unbelieving ma te or others in the family,
relate her experience at a circuit assembly. Four other to one's neighbor 'over the back fence, ' to one's fellow
young publishers decided to follow her lead and in a employee or fellow school student, or when traveling.
shor t time placed twenty books in their classes. There are the well-known Scriptural examples of Jesus'
In Barbados a Witness schoolteacher was asked to wit nessing to the Samaritan woman at the well, and of
be chairman of a prize-giving committee. As prizes the the evangelist Philip's witnessing to the Ethiopian
committee wanted to give books. The chairman sug- official in his chariot.
gested the Youth book. The committee found its con-
tents and price most acceptable. Some fifty books were B RANCH COMMITTE E MEE'l'INGS
given as prizes and each committee member obtained E arl y in the service year, th e Governing Body ar -
one for himself. r anged for th e branch coordina t or s and other members
of t he Branch Committees t o attend, durin g October
SE RVING W HERE THE NEED I S GREAT and Novem ber (1976), a ser ies of meetings at the
Publishers in various parts of the world are still Brooklyn headquarters t o consider various features of
responding to the 'Macedonian call.' Wishing to use the bran ch activities and Kin gdom service in general.
their time, efforts, abilities and resources to the best The meetings proved to be infor mative and valua ble.
advantage, and, with the field already being well cared The discus sion was of assistance to the Governing
for where they lived, they made themselves available Body in getting a clearer picture of the work being
to go where the need is greater. These have been doing car ried on world wide by J ehovah's Witness es, and to
a marvelous work. In many cases, they have had to det ermine how the he a dquarters could give further
learn a new language. In view of the increases in pub- directi on and guidance to t he var ious branches.
lisher s, many have been of invaluable assistance in All-day sessions were held (with the exception of
ser ving as elders in congr ega ti ons. They have estab- Saturday afternoons and Sundays). In a ddition to the
lished new congregations and have assisted in the lectu res an d questi on-and-answer sessions, t ours were
const ruct ion of Kin gdom Halls. Some serve as circuit
over seers and Branch Committee members. In many made th ro ug h the Bethe l home and factories, and a
places they are the backbone of the organization. One very enjoyable trip to Watchtower F arms, one hun dred
of such "volunteers" said that he could not thank Je- mil es nor thwest of Brooklyn, was arr a nged.
hovah enough for the privileges that he and his family As this report is being mad e, arrangements are
enjoy in being so used. He express ed it: "Our life ha s being com plet ed to bring many more members of the
real m eaning now." Br anch Committees t o schoo l at Brooklyn so that
20 Yearbook Yearbook 21
greater attention can be given to the needs of each in- ing presses so as to keep up with the demand for books
dividual branch. and magazines. Additionally, to care more effectively
for the increased work, a computer system was installed
ZONE VISITS in the bookkeeping department.
Also, during the service year, members of the Govern- Along with the expansion of branch facilities there
ing Body and others made zone trips to all the branches. was a continuous construction of Kingdom Halls world
There were rewarding discussions with members of wide..This was because new congregations were formed
the Branch Committees, as well as with district and and because facilities became inadequate due to in-
circuit overseers and other full-time servants. This en- creased attendance.
abled the members of the Governing Body to obtain
firsthand information as to the condition of each branch BLESSINGS OF THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES
and to discuss any problems that may have existed. At the "Joyful Workers" District Assemblies the
Arrangements were made, too, for the visitor to speak brothers were thankful for a provision made whereby
to large gatherings of the brothers and interested ones. they could be assisted in dealing with doctors and hos-
For the first time arrangements were made for all the pitals with respect to the blood-transfusion problem.
missionaries, with few exceptions, to be brought to There was released the new booklet Jehovah's Wit·
the branch to meet with the visiting brother and to nesses and the Question of Blood, and those present
share in a general get-together with him and other were informed that each congregation would be re-
members of the branch Bethel family. The meetings ceiving a sufficient supply of the booklet so that every
with these missionaries were mutually encouraging doctor, hospital administrator, nurse and lawyer could
and beneficial. be supplied with a copy. The brothers have been look-
Over the years the missionaries have done valiant ing forward with keen anticipation to a special catp.-
service in their foreign assignments and this is greatly palgn to place a copy of the booklet and a brochure In
appreciated by God's people everywhere. They have had the hands of each of such persons, including each pub-
Jehovah's blessing on their unsparing work, and have lisher's personal physician. .
had great success in bringing many people to a knowl- All were also thrilled to receive, as releases at the
edge of the truth. assembly, the two new pocket-size books Life Does
Have a Purpose and Our Incoming World Government
One of the branch coordinators remarked that the -God's Kingdom. Both books will be very fine aids to
zone visits are long remembered. He and other co- Jehovah's Witnesses in paying close attention to the
ordinators commented on the humility shown by the Scriptures and in making such information available
brothers serving as zone overseers as they endeavor to others.
to aid the branches to take a more positive view of There were also some other surprises at the assembly.
the work. Each zone overseer endeavors to imitate the These had to do with congregation organization, and
example of Jesus as a servant to his brothers. this was more fully explained in an insert printed with
EXPANSION Our Kingdom Service. As shown therein, to give better
care to the records and files of the congregation, a
There were other blessings during the year indicative permanent secretary will now be appointed. Thus there
of the forward expansion of the work. In order to keep will always be someone on hand familiar with such
up with the orders for literature from the field, so details. This secretary will also handle all correspon-
much needed to feed persons hungering for the truth, dence in behalf of the congregation, compile the field
a number of branches have enlarged their facilities. service reports and keep the Publisher's Record cards.
Others are in the process of expanding their facilities Further, each congregation will now have a Watch-
or their operations. Among these are Australia, Brazil, tower study conductor and a Theocratic School over-
Colombia, France, Greece, Japan, Kenya, New Caledo- seer, each of whom will serve continuously. They may
nia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the designate other elders to assist them or to substitute
Netherlands, Venezuela and Zambia. All of this is an for them from time to time.
indication of Jehovah's blessings upon his servants who Another significant adjustment is the arrangement
are intent on "hearing the word of God and keeping it." for the care of judicial matters. Instead of these being
In the United States, arrangements were made for cared for by a stated committee of three (consisting
the Brooklyn factory to obtain two offset rotary print- of the presiding overseer, field overseer and Bible study
22 Yearbook Yearbook 23
overseer as in the past), the body of elders will hence- territories, pioneers are needed, as was mentioned in
fo r th select, whenever there is a ne ed, elders whom the closing announcem ent at the district assemblie s.
they deem most suitable and Scriptur ally capable of Even in the United States, in order to dev elop the
handling a judicial matter as it arises. The body of Kin gdom work in territory that is seldom visited,
elders will basically make use of elders experienced in there is a need for regular pioneers and special pio-
such matters. neers. To that end, beginning in December 1977, Pio-
As the greatest Educator, Jehovah assuredly cares ne er Service Schools are being organized in the United
for his servants insofar as their training and teaching States. The course is for a two-week period. The text-
is concerned. He furnishes the highest form of educa- book used is entitled Shin ing as Illuminators in the
tion-education that reaches the hearts of his children, World.
education that is solidly based on an accurate knowl- The Entrant's School at Brooklyn Bethel is for the
edge of him and of his Son, Christ Jesus. To this end benefit of all who become members of the Bethel
he has provided schooling arrangements wh ereby all family. It has functioned well during the year. Period-
of Jehovah's Witnesses can grow in understanding and ically a group of new members embark upon a course
in love. In addition to the Theocratic School in all the of Bible reading and study that continues for an
congregations, there is the Gilead School, which is entire year. Studies and lectures are shared by each
operated by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society such group, these being conducted by older members
of New York, Inc., as a part of its religious activity. of the Bethel family. Thereby an excellent ground-
During the year a total of 51 students of the sixty- work of Bible knowledge and appreciation of God's
second and sixty-third classes of the Watchtower Bible dealings with humankind is imparted to these students.
School of Gilead were trained for religious, missionary Not to be overlooked as a regular provislori for edu-
service. These students, assigned to various countries cation of Jehovah's people are the CIrcuit and district
where the need is great, were equipped to go and make assemblies. Much research and study are put into the
disciples of people in many lands, teaching them to preparing of programs for these assemblies. It is
observe the Word of God, and thus be in a position to truly amazing how Jehovah's spirit interacts upon his
enjoy life in God's new order. people, so that information and suggestions for these
programs, after being given prayerful consideration
KINGDOM MINISTRY AND PIONEER SCHOOLS by the brothers at headquarters, result in presentations
Most of the elders of congregations world wide had that are most timely and practical. Thus, for example,
attended the Kingdom Ministry School, but since the there were expressions received from the brothers in
time they attended there have been a number of or- many lands in appreciation for the blessings received
ganizational changes. So they, as well as elders who at t he "Joyful Workers" District Assemblies. Just in
had not had the opportunity to attend, welcomed the the continental North American field there was a total
announcement at the district assemblies that there attendance of 1,060,747, and 8,563 symbolized their
would be an opportunity for all elders-whether they dedication by water immersion.
have previously attended or not-to receive instruction Jehovah also rewarded his congregation in the 1977
in a new revised course. This is a greatly abbreviated service year in that f or the first time there were
course. Initially all the traveling overseers have the gathered together over five million persons to celebrate
opportunity of attending. A new textbook, "Pay Atten- the Memorial of Christ's death. Many persons of
tion to Yourselves and to All the Flock," has been honest heart, who lear ned of the truth through reading
prepared. Following the course, each elder is per- the publications pr oduced by the Society and who at-
tended the celebration, indicated that for the first time
mitted to retain his copy for future benefit in caring they understood the purpose of the celebration.
for his responsibilities as an overseer. In Honduras where there are just 3,300 publisher s,
Even though Jehovah's Witnesses have been very th ese made a special effort t o invite all interested one s
busy in preaching the good news of God's kingdom far in t he country to t he Memorial celebra ti on. Th e reward
and wide, there are territories that have not been for their effort was an attendance of over 15,000! In
reached. In some countries there are large towns and order to accommodate the crowds, some of the con -
cities that have so far not had the opportunity of gregations h ad up t o t en or more celebrations in their
"hearing the word of God." In order to reach these territ or y.
24 25
1977 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES WORLD · WIDE
Leiter and number following each eountry's namo indleates the eountry's location on endsheet maps. Nos. 1·25 front and nos. 26·50 back cndsllcet.
1977 Ratio, 1977 % Inc. 1976 1977 Av. Av. Memoria l
Pealt One Pub- Av. over Av . No . Plo. N o. of Total Bible Atten-
Country Population Pubs. lIsher to : Pubs. 1976 P u bs. Bptzd, Pubs. Congs. Hours Studies dance
Abu Dhabi (H-23) 235,662 9 26,185 8 8 1 322 2 37
Af ghanistan (G-24) 16,560.000 6 2,760,000 5 -38' 8 1 965 1 13
Alaska (A-49) 420,000 1,2~8 347 1,164 -3' 1,196 70 89 22 186,267 548 2,753
Algeria (H-17 ) 16,776,000 838,800 17 17 3 3 1,079 17 34
American Samoa (N·40) 30,000 71 423 62 -27* 85 2 5 1 12 ,430 54 168
Andorra (F-17) 32,500 81 401 70 15 61 7 5 1 10,149 31 142
Anguilla (J-10) 6,524 14 466 12 -8* 13 3 1 2,950 7 36
Antigua (J-10) 70,794 208 340 189 15 164 9 15 4 36,573 150 546
Argentina (P-9) 25,050,000 31,846 787 29,111 -9" 32,079 1,072 748 612 2,493,704 18,781 58,575
Aruba (K-9) 62,288 354 176 332 -2' 338 11 9 5 46,394 211 1,002
Australia (M-31) 13,987,600 28,960 483 28,078 1 27,936 1,330 1,816 527 4;778,969 11,263 56,823
Austria (E-18) 7,521,800 12,613 596 12,349 1 12,172 557 626 214 1,924,439 5,826 22,409
Azores (G-14) 292,20 0 272 1,074 254 14 223 61 26 12 58,154 252 715
Bahamas (H.8l 210,000 504 417 463 -6' 492 36 19 8 68,992 426 1,697
Bahrain (H-2 3 216,000 2 108,000 2 Ne w 41 4
Bangladesh (B ·28) 80,000,000 1 80,000,000 1 1 11 1
Barbados (J-10) 254,000 1,314 193 1,220 5 1,159 77 55 16 164,735 742 2,908
BeI~lum (E-17) 9,754,576 19,126 510 18,180
Bel ze (J-7) 130,000 589 221 542
-4"
-3·
18,870
557
832
40
761
51
281
14
2,686,629
117,486 6'~31 37,034
2,043
Benin (K-17) 2,700,000 1,113 2,426 975 -44' 1,733 10 15 72 85,472 301 2,158
Bequla (J-10) 5,400 25 216 22 -4' 23 1 1 3,250 13 50
Bermuda (G-9 ) 60,000 218 275 210 4 202 17 13 4 35,787 162 484
Bhutan ~-28) 1,304,774 1 1,304,774 1 New 3
Bolivia ( -9) 4,687 ,718 2,466 1,901 2,2~g 5 2,133 251 364 62 674,366 2,433 8,864
Bonaire (K-9 ) 8,983 31 290 -3· 30 1 2 1 6,620 34 95
Botswana (0-19 ) 661,000 275 2,404 249 ·6 ' 266 14 23 11 61,222 251 879
Brazil (M-11) 114,000,000 106,254 1,073 102,50 3 1 101,298 8,051 4,488 1, 990 13,543,567 65,748 296,322
British Isles ( D-16) 54,640,200 77,593 704 75,136 -2· 76,694 3,527 4,086 1,108 11,001,459 33,901 153,227
Burma (B-29) 31,170,000 846 36,844 816 -1':' 823 39 166 62 290,912 791 2,061
Burundi (L-20) 4,000,000 173 23,121 146 -2" 149 19 4 4 23,043 132 207
Cameroon (L-18 ) 6,500,000 ' 12,085 538 11,44 9 -4" 11,886 740 5 411 735,430 7,3 45 13,855
Canad a (D-4) 22,660 ,000 63,090 359 60,940 1 60,573 2,307 3,156 1,033 8,819,565 25,016 120,958
cana r I sl ands (H -15) 1,322,861 1,247 1, 061 1,163 8 1 ,075 126 83 25 214,687 745 2,74 9
V
Cape e r de R ef' (J-14)
Carrlacou (K-9
350,00 0
8,50 0
80
31
4,375
274
68
27
28
13
53
24
18
1
17
4
4
1
32,422
6,424
203
29
430
64
Ca yman Islands (J-8) 15,000 21 714 17 -19' 21 1 2 1 2,742 18 58
Central Afr. Emp. (K-19) 2,000,000 1,072 1,866 887 -20* 1,112 38 76 48 134,40 3 536 1,925
Chad ~J-19) 3,870,000 155 24,968 131 3 127 11 34 11 61,132 232 579
Chile P-9) 10 ,656,000 16,078 663 15,339 -4· 15,947 1,601 940 278 2,355 ,676 14,352 46,013
Colombia (L-8) 25,176,752 16,310 1,544 15,696 1 15,608 1,138 959 277 2,734,104 15,554 62,490
Comoro Islands (N- 22) 306,000 3 102,00 0 2 100 1 1 1 923 3
Con~o (L-18)
Coo Islands (P-41)
1,300,120
18,937
l,6 gg 808
344
1,305
51
-19"
21
1,6~ 18
8
88
4
43
2
148,429
9,672
805
38
2,402
197
Costa Rica (K-7 ) 2,234 ,000 5,249 426 4,832 3 4,698 402 186 109 681,856 3,729 14,402
Cu racao (K-9) 156 ,209 711 220 691 6 649 58 47 7 142,097 920 1, 916
Cyprus (G-20 ) 650,000 851 764 830 1 824 32 31 12 106,045 247 1,365
Denma rk (D-18) 5,089,411 13,992 364 13,426 -3' 13,89~ 331 657 234 1,702,546 3,89~ 23,168
Djibouti (K-21 ) 125,000 6 20,833 4 -20* 1 267 21
Dominica (J-10) 70,302 199 353 188 -7* 203 18 17 8 38,660 96 524
Dominican R ep. (J-9 ) 4,977,701 6,503 765 6,324 -1" 6,395 299 535 113 1,294,741 7,758 23,729
Dubal (H-22) 206,861 21 9,851 6 -14' 7 349 2
Ecuador (L-8?- . 6,729,999 5,716 1,177 5,400 ·5 " 5,712 483 446 105 1,077,403 5,595 23,094
EI Salvador J -7) 4,290,037 6,055 709 5,768 2 5,632 681 342 118 1,059,835 6,O~g 20,263
E~atorlal Guinea (Ir18) 285,000 17 16,765 16 -36· 25 1 3,307 57
Et lopla (K- 21) 27,000 ,000 1,824 14,803 1,811 · 1,809 · 85 136 50 367,290 2,174 4,974
26 Yearboo k Yearbook 27
1977 Ratio. 1977 % I n c. 1976 1977 Av. Av. Mem or ia l
Pea k On e Pub- Av . ove r Av . No . Pio. N o. of Total B Ible At ten-
Cou n t r y Population Pubs. Ush er t o : Pubs. 1976 Pubs. Bptzd, Pubs. Congs, Hours S tudies dance
Faro e Isl ands (C-16) 41.575 74 562 67 -8" 73 14 4 12.193 27 125
F IJI (N-38l 588.068 621 947 590 -1" 594 58 65 23 137.367 582 1.992
Finland (B-20) 4.733.000 13. 131 360 12.592 -2" 12. 908 432 879 251 1.844.933 5.221 20.905
Fra nce &E-17) 52,988.000 67.549 784 64,546 2 63.428 4.582 2,249 1.194 9,305.816 32.444 123 .774
French u ta na (K-11) 45.0 00 230 196 218 12 194 19 13 3 41.980 261 678
Gabon (L-18) 975.000 339 2.876 306 305 20 15 11 42.687 259 690
Gambia (K-15 ) 493.000 11 44.818 10 67 6 4 1 4.324 19 32
Germany. F. R. (E-18) 59.660.000 100.213 595 97.760 -1" 98.648 3.194 3.213 1.398 12 .684.570 31.814 162.458
Ghana (K-17)
Gibraltar (G-16)
10.053.350 22.508
31.000 85
447
365
21,531
81
-1"
-2"
21.776
83
1, 19 i 1 . 17~ 433
1
3,652.404
11.120
19.117
35
70.797
168
Gilbert Islands (!.r39) 54.500 2 27.250 2 2 1 108 4 30
Greece (F-19) 9.000.000 18,843 478 18,712 1 18,571 455 811 454 2,750.799 6.578 31.887
Greenland ~A-12) 49.719 82 606 76 -11" 85 3 22 8 19.459 41 143
Grenada ( -lO) 100.000 307 326 278 -2" 283 16 26 5 55.626 242 628
Guadeloupe (J-10) 324.000 2.649 122 2,535 3 2.470 175 55 36 339.569 1.834 6.650
-
Gu am (G-36) 98.580 117 843 102 -6" 108 15 1 27.082 97 336
Guatemala (J-7) 5.626.273 5.211 1.080 5.079 3 4.940 421 265 80 856.569 4.654 ]6.597
Guinea (K-15) 5.143.284 249 20.656 2lO -S" 228 14 69 15 110.364 459 713
Guinea-Biss au (K-15) 517.000 4 129.250 3 -40" 5 2 1 3.400 56 41
Guyana (K-lO) 740,000 1.380 536 1.327 -3" 1. 367 57 180 33 308,796 1,186 3.516
Haiti (J-9) 5.000.000 3,700 1.351 3,407 -2" 3.492 251 260 73 693.851 4.319 17.805
HawaU (K-45) 865.000 4,803 180 4.653 -2" 4.750 211 730 58 1.159.909 4.410 11.226
Honduras (K-7) 2,656 ,948 3. 243 819 5 3.013 372 277 67 720,872 4.236 15.297
Hong Kong (C-31) 4.500.000 691 6.512 3·1j3 21 530 100 132 9 231,518 897 1,367
274
Iceland (B-15) 220,918 154 1.4 35 144 -6" 154 7 11 3 25.230 87
4.449 488 530 267 1,028.781 3,233 11,388
Indi a g -25) 610,000.000 4,7~ 128.964 4.5~ 2
34 2 12 1 18.983 76 92
Iran ( -23) 32.000.000 524.590 44
Iraq (G-22) 9,498.362 20 474.918 16 16 3 1 1 2,081 6 32
Ireland (D-16 ) 4.580.000 1,874 2.444 1,745 -2" 1 .774 96 304 66 519.338 814 3,350
Israel (G-21) 4.763,000 261 18.249 250 -5" 262 8 17 5 44,110 142 483
Italy (F-18) 56.014 ,166 66.315 845 63.896 12 57.255 8.289 3, 6~~ 1.222 11.547;190 44. 388 147,341
Ivory Coast (K-16 ) 6,670,000 1.207 5,52 6 1.168 4 1.127 135 41 259.735 1.538 3.865
J amai ca (J-8) 2.100.000 6.506 323 6.277 -2" 6,383 323 227 169 845.984 4,382 17.843
Japan (B -36) 36.180 4. 76~ 10,195 947 15.176.223 55.813 87.497
111.969. 603 41, 6~~ 2. 685 40,176 11
47 2 1 5.461 32 142
J or da n (H-21 ) 2.560.0 00 39.385 54 15
K en ya (L-21) 14 ,000.000 1. 972 7, 099 1.929 3 1.868 204 240 90 551,797 2,052 5.584
Korea (B-35 ) 36,436.000 29,361 1,241 27,655 -12" 31.393 1.418 2,376 509 4,579,918 16.962 54,620
Kosrae (J-38) 3.989 21 190 18 N ew 4 1 3,589 25 122
Kuwait (H-22 ) 990.000 20 49,500 17 17 1 1.263 7 49
Lebanon (G-21) 3,213.000 1,800 1.785 1.663 5 1 .591 144 85 45 256.446 973 3.380
L es otho (P-20) 1.181.900 599 1.973 568 -9" 622 51 50 25 124.668 451 2.936
Li beria (K-16) 1,300,000 1,00~ 1.288 979 -4' 1,020 64 106 23 246.071 1.244 3,517
LIbya (H-19) 2.440 .000 610.000 3 200 1 184 1 8
Liech ten st ei n (E-18) 24,169 21 1,1 51 19 -5' 20 2 1 3,522 18 54
Lux em bou r g (E-17) 424,677 831 511 799 799 53 58 18 141.087 504 1,709
New Zealand (R-35) 3,140 ,100 7,089 443 6,606 -4 " 6,903 282 376 116 987,987 3,144 14,624
NicaraZua (K-7) 2,200,000 3,432 641 3,282 4 3,144 318 227 63 627,092 3,732 10,985
Niger J-18) 2,870,000 69 41,594 53 53 4 23 6 36,348 102 110
Nigeria (K-18) 79,758,969 104,973 760 99,163 ..g. 107,924 5,248 5,106 2,097 15 ,953,016 69,794 248,271
Niue (0-40) 3,969 18 221 14 17 12 1 1,163 15 114
Panama~K..g) 1 ,700,000 3,030 561 2,927 2,931 306 206 68 557,800 3,346 9,253
Papua ( -34 ) 739,200 723 1,022 681 680 46 55 34 129,304 620 2,305
paragu:?-i (0-10) 2 ,646,000 1,505 1,758 1,439 6 1,363 161 142 47 304,441 1,162 3,500
Peru ( -8) 16,000,000 12,655 1,264 12,011 5 11,465 1,231 1,243 254 2,650,893 12,645 38,695
Philippines (E-32) 42,000,000 69,205 607 65,381 -11' 73,223 2,825 5,782 1,952 10,503,159 25,822 166,256
Ponape (J-37) 19,262 94 205 77 -10' 86 1 11 1 19,425 69 223
Portugal (F-16) 9,000,000 , 20,335 443 18,708 8 17,319 1,836 784 355 2,630,914 15,043 47,787
Puerto Rico (J-9) 3,030,000 16,761 181 16,402 1 16,161 878 518 227 2,280,838 10,722 41,991
Reunion (0-23) 479,600 523 917 503 2 491 66 25 10 84 ,561 361 1,280
Rhodesia (N-20) 6,740,800 12,429 542 11,592 -4. 12,127 735 621 527 1,917,089 8,025 33 ,811
St. Lucia (J-10) 107, 000 293 365 271 4 261 9 18 5 45,927 242 744
St. Martin (J-10) 10,423 65 160 51 31 39 3 4 1 8,636 49 179
St. Pierre & Miquelon (E-10) 6,200 4 1,550 3 50 2 1 2 1 2,793 7 13
St. Vincent (J-10) 95,000 150 833 130 -9 ' 143 9 14 3 31,033 112 346
Salpan (F-36) 14,335 23 623 20 -17 · 24 8 1 13,477 39 63
~
~.
. V·, .o·~~-·i'l·"
K.'): c.. ·
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~~~~ .
. good news in the Philippines had a powerful impact on
the people of Manila. The lecture became a topic of
conversation among all kinds of people. Also, the litera-
ture distributed, and the talk itself, planted seeds of
truth and gave a mighty witness, a fitting start to
1I:'i1n~~.r--:
,,~S
.' tJ' the history of Jehovah's people in the Philippines.
C:I . O ' Tacloban
,Slbalom. ISOLATED CONTACTS IN THE 1920'S
. Bacol b LEYTE~ Siargao Following Brother Russell's visit, the next repre-
(j
'Ce
~OL ~
U
~Ti;gbiIa~ ~Uri,
«
Island
sentative of the Society to come to the Philippines
was Brother H. Tinney. In 1922 or 1923 he left Van-
couver, British Columbia, Canada, to do missionary
work in the Philippines. After serving here diligently for
Sulu -rV'Buenavista about a year, distributing much literature andorga-
DiPOIO~A . . nizing a Bible study class in Manila, he was forced to
• Cagayan
Sea Oxamls' de Oro return to Canada due to ill health. The Bible study class
was continued by Filipinos and the interest thereby gen-
.Q
a MINDANAO
• L\
erated evidently continued to grow. How do we know?
Colaba" • ''U\
Well, by the mid-1920's a person named Petronilo Sala-
Makilala DtiYao zar .was regularly receiving literature from the Soci-
ety's headquarters in New York and was distributing
it. Weekly Bible classes were held at his home on San
Marcelino Street, Manila, and an outdoor sign identified
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