on the way. Some may wish to visit Switzerland and Italy while in Europe. At the moment no visas are required for these countries of those with American passports. It is our suggestion that passports be obtained early. (United States application forms may be obtained from the Department of State, Passport Division, Washington 25, D.C., or through the clerk of a United States District Court.) The conventioners can arrange their schedules to please themselves. A similar convention program will be put on in each country.

Other European assemblies will be held during the late summer. The week end following Rotterdam’s, there will be an assembly in Germany; the meeting place has not yet been secured. Thereafter conventions will be held on week ends in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Austria, all of which the president of the Society and some traveling companions are to attend, by Jehovah’s grace. Convention dates for each country will be announced later. After such announcement you may, if you are interested in attending assemblies in any of these countries, write to the Society’s branch office in the country regarding accommodations. This will be a big year for assemblies of the Lord’s servants in Europe. In other parts of the world there will be district assemblies, and it is hoped that all of Jehovah’s witnesses will this year be able to arrange their affairs to attend at least the nearest assembly, to enjoy a “feast of fat things” that the Lord will surely pour out upon his people. Now is the time to make the plans, especially for the European gatherings.

A Modern “Job” Maintaining Integrity

● About six years ago my wife and children started studying the Watchtower publications. At that time I had to go to the hospital for an operation, having cancer of the face. About three years ago I began to take an interest too. I know now that everything happens for good to them that love the Lord. While I was in the hospital this past year I tried to turn my remaining time to profit, as instructed at Luke 9:23. Some of the patients and nurses called me preacher and some called me Job. Job having been a preacher of righteousness, I felt honored in all my suffering to be put by them in his class. I have had 49 operations, losing my right eye, nose, roof of mouth, upper gums, teeth, lip, in fact, nearly all of my face is gone. On April 18, 1950, I was released from the Veteran’s Hospital near Atlanta, Georgia, a well man. I have a new face—plastic. I feel like it will last until Jehovah sees fit to make me another one. All the praise goes to him. As for me and my house, we will praise Him yet more and more.—M. H., Alabama.

Surprise from a Clergyman

● This morning I was preaching the gospel from house to house in a blizzard. At the third door I was able to place a Bible study aid. Returning down the street, the lady who had taken the book came out and said that her vicar had just arrived and would I come in? Now for it, I thought! But to my surprise he gave me a real welcome and said that he had just looked through the book I had left with the lady and was greatly impressed by the title and the numerous Scripture citations. He said moreover, “I admire you people who come in all weathers in order to do this work, and the more I read about you, the more I feel the uselessness of material things and the need of God’s kingdom.” He concluded by asking, “What books have you got for me in your bag?” The result was that I was able to obtain subscriptions for both The Watchtower and the Awake! magazine with very little effort.—J. W., England.