Year Book of Jehovah's Witnesses - Watchtower Archive

Yearbook 273
to the prison to keep the prisoners alive. If it were
not for the brethren looking after those in prison,
it would not be long until they would perish. It was
possible during the year to send some food packages
into Yugoslavia from the outside, and this has been of
some assistance.
Reports come through that the brethren rejoice in the
etrort they have put forth and the share they are having
in the vindication of Jehovah's holy name. They realize
that they are still under the protection of the Lord, and this
by his grace. They are determined to stand fast and sing
his praises. There are many more people in Yugoslavia who
want to hear the truth, and Jehovah's witnesses there have
indicated that in the year to come they want to gather them
together. We heard that 150 were baptized during the year.
As to the number actually preaching the gospel, it is hard
to say; but we are quite certain that more than 400 individuals
have taken a stand for the truth and are preaching the
good news as they have opportunity. J!'or figures that have
been compiled concerning the work in Yugoslavia you can
see the chart in the front of the book. While these brethren
have an interest in our prayers, we rejoice with them in
their faithfulness to the Most High God, Jehovah.
IT IS ENDURANCE THAT COUNTS
Having read the reports of the brethren in different
parts of the earth, we can only conclude that it is
endurance that counts. It is certainly true that "Jehovah
knows those who belong to him", and he has
blessed them richly. (2 Tim. 2: 19, NW) He has protected
them and has shielded them from the enemy.
Why all this? So that the gospel of the Kingdom might
be preached in all the world. Even though many of
Jehovah's witnesses are in concentration camps and
prisons, even though bonds are put about them and
they are forbidden to preach the gospel to those with
ears to hear, these servants of Jehovah will continue
to endure until their work is complete. When an individual
knows what he is working for and appreciates
that he may go through a few years of suffering and
trial but that in the end the new world of righteousness
will bring him all the blessings of life, he considers
it all joy.