Year Book of Jehovah's Witnesses - Watchtower Archive

Yearbook
253
SOUTH-WEST AFRICA
In 1929, 1935 and 1942 pioneers from the Union made trips
through South-West Africa placing literature and arousing
considerable interest. But they did not stay to do the "feeding"
work, and hence the interest never took root. Now in
1950 four missionaries have gone into that territory-not
with the idea of making a quick trip through the territory
but to locate and help the Lord's "other sheep". Early in
1950 a missionary home was established at Windhoek,
which is the largest town and administrative center, with a
European population of 8,000.
This territory has undergone a rapid development in recent
years and the European is prosperous with plenty of
this world's goods. 'l'here are no poor people among them.
On the other hand the touchy problem of racial animosity
is noticeable and the native is sorely suppressed and not
permitted to rise above a certain level.
When the missionaries arrived in Windhoek they faced an
acute housing shortage that necessitated their living apart in
three different homes with no meeting place to which to invite
the good-will. This difficulty has now been overcome.
Soon after beginning their work the administration called
upon the missionaries for an explanation of their work relative
to licensing. The explanation satisfied them, together
with a letter supplied by the Society for that purpose, and no
further difficulty has been forthcoming.
The oPPosition to the ministry comes from so-called
"Protestantism". In the first few months over 2,200 books
and Bibles were placed, but the clergy, instead of welcoming
such a vast work of Bible education, showed their true
position by a series of attacks from the pulpit upon these
"foreign" missionaries. The church exercises much influence
over the people and they in turn changed their attitude to
one of opposition and many handed back the literature when
return visits were made. They were advised by the clergy
not even to discuss the matter with them. Truly the clergy
must bear the responsibility for the spiritual plight of the
people.
Situated on the outskirts of Windhoek is a large native
location home of approximately 9,000 persons of different
tribes. It is among these humble folk that the greatest progress
is being made. A German·speaking missionary has
undertaken to witness among these people and enjoys many
blessings seeing the Kingdom truth take hold. Five native
Witnesses were located living here who had moved up from
the Union. A company was organized among them and they
have proved themselves zealous publishers. Over 25 Bible