• Highlights of the Past Year
    2002 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

    • MALAWI: Toward the end of the afternoon on Saturday, May 19, 2001, more than 2,200 Malawian Witnesses gathered with 200 visitors from 21 countries under a sunshade made of long poles of the eucalyptus tree, bamboo, and dried grass. In the fading light, it was not possible to see the words in the songbook for the concluding song. From the attractive platform, the song conductor led the audience in singing Song 56 in the typical African way​—without musical accompaniment and in four-part harmony. The audience did not need songbooks; they knew the words by heart. A wave of emotion swept the guests from other lands as they listened to these faithful servants of Jehovah, most of whom had been baptized for 40 years or more and had suffered severely for their faith.

      That morning when the brothers and sisters toured the new branch complex, they burst into spontaneous singing of Kingdom songs and waved to all they met along their tour route. Prior to this occasion, airport officials had agreed to play Kingdom Melodies Volume 1 over the airport public address system to welcome the international visitors. What a warm and theocratic welcome it had proved to be! The music is still being played at the airport.

      “Do You Show Yourself Thankful in Jehovah’s Service?” was the question posed by Sébastien Johnson, who was serving Malawi as zone overseer. As he examined Micah 6:6-8, Brother Johnson showed that Jehovah is not asking too much of us. The speaker encouraged reading the Bible every day and applying its wholesome principles. Guy Pierce of the Governing Body centered his dedication discourse on the theme “Exult and Rejoice in What Jehovah Is Creating.” Brother Pierce said: “Your activity and long history of faithful service have laid the foundation for the increase taking place today. Continue to do all you can in your sacred service to the Most High God, Jehovah.”

      On Sunday, May 20, at a stadium in Lilongwe, the 17,378 persons in attendance were reminded that the publisher figure in Malawi was about 30,000 when the ban was lifted in 1993. Today, there are almost 50,000 Witnesses in Malawi! Yes, the dedication of the newly built Bethel complex was truly a time to remember, a day of victory for Jehovah!d