Finally, in 1961, the first missionaries of Jehovah’s Witnesses gained entry into the country.

By 1966 the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Zaire had risen to almost 4,000. On June 9 of that year the organization was officially registered with the government. From then on Jehovah’s Witnesses could preach publicly, meet together freely and organize assemblies for Christian fellowship and instruction. Missionaries could enter the country and give a hand with the work. Bible study aids were translated into the six major languages used in the country.

But this increased liberty was short-lived. On December 31, 1971, a law was passed requiring all but the three largest religious denominations to reintroduce their request for legal status. Any not legally recognized within three months were to be dissolved. Any persons practicing an unauthorized religion could be liable to heavy fines and from five to ten years in prison. Jehovah’s Witnesses reintroduced their request but the deadline date of March 31 came and no reply of recognition was received.

This restriction of religious freedom brought increased difficulties. No more could larger public gatherings be held. No longer could new missionaries freely enter the country. And in some places where the local authorities were misinformed by the religious leaders, the Witnesses suffered much persecution.