About eighteen months ago a nun on holiday from a convent got into conversation with a Witness who continued the contact by correspondence after the nun’s return to the convent. The nun saw the importance of what she was learning but could not think what she would do if she left her convent, since she was now aging. Shortly afterward she was given a medical checkup and moved to a Roman Catholic home for elderly ladies, just a few doors from the local congregation book study. Arrangements were made to help her study the Truth book. She quickly saw the need to be free from Babylon the Great, was immersed in March this year and now participates regularly in the ministry.

The circuit servant emphasized the importance of including in our prayers petitions that we be guided into contact with those of sheeplike inclinations. One enthusiastic new publisher adopted this procedure. Shortly afterward a person she did not know approached her in the shopping centre. Getting into conversation, she said: “I have often watched you, and I have noticed how relaxed and happy you seem to be, and your obvious peace of mind. I wish you would tell me how you can be that way in these times.” The questioner proved to be an ex-nun who, after many years in a convent, had obtained her release because she disliked the insincerity she saw.

The publisher did not hesitate to give a “reason for the hope” in her. A Bible study was started in the Truth book, with fruitful results. Although the student does not read English and there is no Bible-study aid available in Maltese, and progress is therefore slowed up, she is nonetheless regularly attending all congregation meetings.

We are particularly happy to say that about half of our publishers and associates were able to attend the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in either London, Rome or New York. What a source of strength and encouragement this has been for them!