we find many hearing ears. The field for workers is vast.

The Branch here has much work, printing in various languages, and the modern Bethel home and printing facilities are a big help. We in the field can always be assured of help and understanding from the brothers in Bethel, who are always anxious to forward the work. Nothing is too much trouble for them. We appreciate it!

There has been growth in Jehovah’s citylike organization here in Africa too. The number of publishers has increased from an average of 5,506 in 1949 to 15,853 in December of 1958, and it is grand to know that one has had some small share in that increase. Other African lands formerly under the supervision of the South African office now have their own Branches.

Having started service in South Africa as a pioneer, I have had my turn on the district and circuit work, and at the time of writing this I am still enjoying the privilege of circuit work. About three years ago I married a sister in the truth whom I had known since 1925. She started pioneering in England, went to France for seven years, and served in London Bethel and in Dublin before coming to South Africa. She has proved to be a great aid to me in the work.

While in pioneer service I have not missed the assemblies of Jehovah’s people. Due to great kindness shown by a Witness and my uncle in Canada, I had the joy of attending the 1953 international assembly in New York. However, all my previous experiences were eclipsed by the blessing of being present at the Divine Will International Assembly last year, and for that unexpected provision I am very grateful. The good things enjoyed there were crowned for us when my wife went to Gilead as a member of the thirty-second class. This is something we both deeply appreciate.

Since the Assembly we have seen an even greater influx into the organization. The distribution of the Resolution tract has had a part in it, and the great expansion in the Society’s own building program indicates that provision is being made for many more who will yet respond to the good news.

Just what can I say to Jehovah for all his benefits to me? My heart is full. By the end of 1959, if Jehovah wills, I shall have been in the pioneer service for thirty years. Looking back, I recall my service in Britain, India, Burma, Ceylon, Aden, America, Canada, South Africa and Mauritius. There have been regular and special pioneering, circuit and district work, some work in the Branch in India, and then Gilead! I have been able to touch on only a few of the experiences I have enjoyed. But I can sum it all up by saying that Jehovah has been good! His organization is a glorious habitation! If you are contemplating pioneer service, do not hesitate. Be strong and courageous. Trust in Jehovah and prove that he is good.

When the Nile Failed to Rise

In his book Modern Discovery and the Bible, A. Rendle Short reports: “Famines in Egypt rarely last long. As everybody knows, agriculture in that country entirely depends on the Nile inundation. A very interesting discovery has been made, on the island of Elephantine, of a tablet to commemorate the fact that for seven successive years the Nile failed to rise. The exact date of this tablet cannot be ascertained, but an inscription has been discovered and published by Brugsch, as far as we can tell coinciding with the time of Joseph.”