“PEACE ON EARTH” ASSEMBLIES

And what blessings 1969 had in store! With the help of the generous contributions of the brothers throughout the world, many of the missionaries were privileged to attend one of the “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies in Europe or America. What a joy! In addition to the missionaries, more than 50 of the local Witnesses attended assemblies in Paris, Nuremberg and New York. The three special pioneers then serving in The Gambia went to an assembly in London, England. All conventioners returned refreshed and strengthened for the work ahead.

Of course, many could not leave Senegal to attend one of the larger assemblies in 1969. So, the “Peace on Earth” District Assembly held in Dakar from December 25 to 28 had special import for them. Thirteen newly dedicated persons stood up to answer “Oui” to the two questions posed during the baptismal talk.

AN EXCEPTIONAL GATHERING

The year 1970 concluded with something special to the praise of Jehovah​—an exceptional assembly from December 1 to 4. For Senegalese Christians, this “Men of Goodwill” District Assembly proved to be the most important event up to that point. How thankful we were that Jehovah and his visible organization had so lovingly arranged the visit of 140 brothers and sisters from the United States and Canada! Their presence transformed the small oasis of the Dakar Congregation into a larger garden and gave the assembly a truly international flavor.

A special effort was made to give the visiting brothers a taste of the real Africa. They were accommodated in African-style “huts” with thatched roofs. Also, a special program was prepared, mainly by the local missionaries, to make the life and scenes of Africa unfold before our visitors’ eyes right at the assembly hall. A market scene in Senegal, the witnessing work here, many customs, local songs and dances​—all of these were part of the special program.

This was a never-to-be-forgotten assembly, exceptional in so many ways. Twenty-five candidates presented themselves for baptism, which was more than had ever been immersed in Senegal during a whole year up to that time!

An event that certainly contributed to this increase was the “Divine Victory” International Assembly, the most refreshing event of 1973. About 100 visiting brothers from distant lands stimulated us by their presence. The peak attendance was 510, the highest ever up till then, and 23 individuals were baptized. Those in attendance made the firm resolution to share in Jehovah’s victory by staying faithful.