When the company for which he worked assigned Brother Agodio Api to the port city of San Pedro in 1972, that city received its first Witness inhabitant. Brother Api found much interest, and wrote asking for special pioneers to be sent to help in caring for the spiritual needs of these persons. Finally, Samuel and Thelma Gilman made the day-long trip over rough, dirt roads, arriving around six o’clock in the evening. They were tired, covered with red dust, but happy to find their brother.

Shortly after their arrival, Brother Gilman was informed that in 20 minutes he was scheduled to give a talk to interested persons in town. So he quickly washed off the dust, changed clothes and was privileged to give encouragement to 39 persons whom Agodio had invited to come together for this special occasion. Special pioneers were soon sent into this area, and now there is a congregation of 30 publishers and three pioneers here.

On his recommendation, special pioneers, as they became available, would be assigned to follow up the interest, and eventually congregations would be established in the area.

One of the missionaries, Ryall Shipley, visited the northern towns of Ferkéssédougou and Korhogo. He reported that the field there seemed ripe for a spiritual harvest. Later special pioneers were assigned, and in both these towns there are now congregations of Witnesses.