By 1985 the Kingdom work was flourishing in Congo. Construction of a new Bethel had begun on the land that had been purchased in 1980. About 60 foreign volunteers were on hand to help.

Construction of the new branch halted, and silence fell on the site that had been noisy with joyful activity. The foreign volunteers all had to leave the country, and the construction equipment was sold. About 20 local brothers stayed to guard the property.