In 1952 Sister Lydia Pedro came to American Samoa to visit relatives, telling them about the good news. As a result of this trip, her cousin, Uaealesi (Wallace) Pedro, learned the truth.

A YOUNG MAN TAKES HIS STAND FOR THE TRUTH

The arrival of the missionaries was what stimulated Wallace Pedro to progress in the truth. He tells us his experience: “At the time the missionaries arrived, I could see the need to associate with Jehovah’s people. There were only seven of us who attended the meetings held at the missionary home. On April 30, 1955, I became the first person to be baptized in American Samoa. My family was not very pleased with this, especially when I became very active in the preaching work.

“One day when I returned from the Congregation Book Study, I found my family in conference. The choice was put before me: Stop associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses or get out of the home! Even though I had one more year of high school left and had no means of financial support, my decision was firm for the truth. My family then disowned me and put me out with nothing but the clothes I was wearing! Jehovah lovingly provided a place for me to stay—the missionary home; and brothers in the United States sent me clothing.”

Wallace stayed with the missionaries for some time and finished his schooling; he then became a pioneer and later a special pioneer. He served up until about 1960 before immigrating to the United States. In 1979 Brother Pedro and his wife and four children went back to American Samoa. And what about his family who disowned him? One of his brothers, his sister and one of his nieces are Witnesses. Then, in 1980, at the age of 72, his mother was baptized! Even his father was studying the Bible before his death. This young man’s stand for Jehovah and the truth certainly brought him and his family blessings.