Year Book of Jehovah's Witnesses - Watchtower Archive

196 Yearbook
by a new publisher. The attendance, 180! They packed out
three rooms and the hallway, and some listened through the
windows. Next morning 35 publishers responded to the call
to service. Each missionary had to team up with three or
four companions. This all helped to make an impression at
the homes. A company was Immediately organized, and has
increased to a peak of 60 publishers, 10.2 hours, 1.3 backcalls
and .3 Bible study.
"The next step was the service meeting. Here we began
to 'break In' several Japanese brethren as interpreters. The
Japanese-language demonstrations on Japanese service problems
have been greatly enjoyed. Attendance increased to
more than eighty, so we had to move from our home to a
larger place, a school provided by a person of good will in
the town. However, this in turn proved too small, and now
we are meeting on the lawn In front of the house. Up to
120 are attending the service meeting. Recently we commenced
the theocratic school. with more than 20 brothers
enrolled. The open-air setting for our meetings Is ideal for
the summer, for usually there is a refreshing breeze from
the sea and we can put our fans away. The open dome of
heaven is the best roof in Japan's summer.
"When the Korean shooting started, we were concerned
about our fellow missionaries there. But not for long. One
afternoon we found four of them on the same train as we
returned home from Witnessing. Two days later the other
four walked In the front gate, so that we could have a reunion
of eighteen of us from Gilead's eleventh class. The
new arrivals are also having a grand time in the service.
Many of our younger publishers have been on vacation
during the past two months, and these have spent much time
In helping the missionaries get Into the swing of Witnessing
In Japanese.
"The home Bible study has proved Its value as the pivot
point of the work. In August all 16 missionaries in Kobe
conducted 359 studies, or an average of 22 studies each.
Very often several families get together in one home for
the study. They are enthusiastic to learn about the truth
and Jehovah's organization."
LATVIA
What once was the country called Latvia is now
under the communistic rule of Russia. Years ago the
Society used to get reports through its branch office
there. Now word comes through to Brooklyn that there
are about 28 individuals who are interested in Bible