“PEACE ON EARTH” ASSEMBLIES

During the following months, missionaries left to attend the “Peace on Earth” assemblies in their respective countries. When they returned they helped to organize the finest assembly Ivory Coast had up until then. Not only was the attendance of 929 good, and the number of 78 baptized outstanding, but the program was received with exceptional enthusiasm. The dramas particularly were enjoyed.

The principal highlight of 1970, however, was the “Men of Goodwill” District Assembly held in Abidjan during December. For the first time delegates attended from countries as far away as the United States. They came on tours arranged by the Society. Among the visitors was F. W. Franz, then vice-president of the Watch Tower Society. The local brothers were especially happy to be able to speak with someone of the Governing Body, since the great majority of the brothers had come into the truth quite recently and had never met anyone with the true Christian hope of heavenly life. The Ivory Coast has never had anyone partake of the Memorial emblems in symbol of that hope.

Due to the elections being held in the country prior to the assembly, advertising of the assembly had been restricted. Also, since the authorities decided to repair the Cultural Center where the assembly was to have been held, the assembly site was changed at the last minute to the Boxing Club. Yet, despite these difficulties, 1,003 attended the public talk! Portions of the Bible drama and short extracts of the assembly were shown on the national television network.