Year Book of Jehovah's Witnesses - Watchtower Archive

Yearbook 81
tation placed upon the work by the government. The average
number of publishers during the year was 48, but a new
peak of 58 was reached in July. This includes the country's
one pioneer.
Since the Society is not recognized In Portugal, It is
extremely difficult to hold public meetings. However, a
series of lectures with the new outlines was begun in Juue
in Almada. Only persons of good will Interested In the
work were Invited, and an average of 56 attended Instead
of the usual 30 to 35. Two very joyful and well-attended
meetings were held to celebrate the Memorial; one in Lisbon
proper and one in Almada. The total attendance was 140,
with 6 partaking of the emblems. The small Lisbon hall
customarily holds only about 30, but 65 crowded into it
and the adjoining passageway.
Generally the Portuguese attend meetings quite regnlarly ;
so sometimes the publishers fall to appreciate the importance
of home Bible studies. This may account for the fact that
an avel'age of only 19 studies were held each month, although
this is well above the average of 10 the year before.
Of speclai significance to the Portuguese brethren was
the release of two Portugnese publications at the New
York convention. "Let God Be Tl'ue" will now be available
to' them and this will, without a doubt, have a favorable
effect upon the back-call and Bible-study work. Also, Cou1IseZ
on 7'heocratic O)'ganization in Portugnese will be a great
boon to the brethren in improving the organization of the
work. With these two wonderful helps the work In Portugal
has bright prospects.
Occasionally especially good interest Is located in the field.
One back-call made upon an American born lawyer and his
wife proved to be quite Interesting. Although born a Catholic
and not having any previous interest in the Bible, he took
great interest in "The Truth Shall Make You Free" which
had been obtained by his wife. When the back-call was
made he had read more than half of the book and had
made many notes and questions In the margin. The publisher
who made the back-call was given a two-hour cross-examination,
legal style!
On two occasions a young Interested couple from Gibraltar
visited the brethren and were greatly encouraged by the
companionship and instruction which they received. Although
all alone as a witness, the wife is now doing a little
publishing on her own.
We look forward to future reports from Portugal as the
tiny group of witnesses holds forth the truth to a nation
steeped in the darkness of Catholicism and denied the freedom
to get out from under Its pall.