A former high official who had taken his stand for true Christianity was arrested several times. Two of his sons disappeared, never to be seen again. This did not shatter his trust in the Giver of life, nor dim his wonderful hope of the resurrection and “the real life” ahead. He zealously preached to his fellow prisoners, starting several Bible studies. A former soldier especially showed great appreciation and made rapid progress. After a few months, that man began to share in the preaching work in prison. Hence, when the Witness was released, six Bible studies were turned over to the care of the former soldier. What a fine surprise it was for the former high official and the former soldier when, some years later, they met at a class of the Pioneer Service School arranged by Jehovah’s Witnesses for full-time preachers. Yes, the former soldier had also become a pioneer! The brother who taught him the truth could say, “I have lost my fleshly sons, but now I have gained a spiritual son.”

Elderly people are generally respected in Uganda, and Anna, well into her 60’s, used her opportunities by becoming a pioneer preacher. Instead of joining her neighbors in talking about miseries, she talked to them about good news during these turbulent times. Then she had the joy of attending a special school for pioneer ministers conducted in the neighboring land of Kenya. While there, she received mail from relatives urging her not to return to Uganda, as life was too dangerous and too difficult. One relative living in Kenya offered to house her and to look after her, but she told all that she had a message of comfort and hope of a better life, which people in Uganda needed. So she returned to Uganda.