Meanwhile, the existing branch office in Barmen, Germany, was crowded, and the city faced the imminent threat of invasion from neighboring France. The Bible Students located a building complex in Magdeburg that seemed perfect for their printing operations. On June 19, the brothers finished packing up the printing equipment and other furnishings and moved to the new Bethel in Magdeburg. The very day after world headquarters was notified that the move was complete, newspapers announced that France had taken possession of the city of Barmen. The brothers saw the move as evidence of Jehovah’s blessing and protection.