Need for a Branch Office

The French Guiana branch office started operating in 1990 in a rented home at Montjoly, a town near the capital. David Moreau was appointed to serve as Branch Committee coordinator. While serving in Martinique since his graduation from Gilead School in 1981, he had frequently cared for assignments in French Guiana. With him on the Branch Committee were Jean-Daniel Michotte, Paul Chong Wing, and Eric Couzinet. Later, Christian Belotti was assigned to serve along with them. The congregations greatly appreciated receiving direction locally through mature brothers who were very familiar with their needs.

When the branch was formed, there was a ratio of 1 Kingdom publisher for every 173 persons in the country. The 660 publishers included 14 missionaries assigned to various parts of the country. The ongoing growth of publishers—in some years as high as 18 percent—made it necessary to look for more suitable office facilities. In 1992 the branch office was moved to Matoury, a short distance from Cayenne. Then in 1995 the Governing Body granted approval to construct a building better suited to our needs. Two years of work were required for the new complex to become a reality. What a great source of rejoicing it became to the brothers, and what an excellent witness was given!

[Pictures on page 252, 253]

Branch office and Bethel Home in French Guiana,