• Jehovah’s Witnesses—1994 Yearbook Report
    1994 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

    • Poland

      The same month, on November 28, another branch was dedicated, this one in Nadarzyn, near Warsaw, Poland. Theodore Jaracz, of the Governing Body, who was on hand for the occasion, declared: “This dedication is truly historic. . . . It is the first new branch constructed and now being dedicated in territory formerly known as ‘behind the Iron Curtain.’ But that so-called Iron Curtain could not prevent the onward march of Jehovah’s organization! And the evidence of it is right here!”

      Some of the guests had personally waited decades for this occasion. Among them were Witnesses who had faithfully served Jehovah, despite severe trials, for 45, 50, or more years. A number of these had carried out Bethel work underground for more than 40 years. Their hearts were deeply moved as Zygfryd Adach, coordinator of the Branch Committee, said: “Beloved, you were going to great pains to share in the work of God’s organization in distributing spiritual food during hard times, even exceptionally hard. After years in prison, you often willingly offered to continue the work. Sometimes this was repeated four or five times and even more. All of us remember that time, so with absolute conviction we quote the words at Psalm 124: ‘Had it not been that Jehovah proved to be for us when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up even alive . . . Blessed be Jehovah, who has not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is like a bird that is escaped from the trap of baiters. The trap is broken, and we ourselves have escaped.’”​—Ps. 124:2-7.

      When announcement was made that a branch was to be built, the response was spontaneous. Congregations brought in coal and wood, refrigerators, food supplies, and tools. Brothers and sisters qualified in various trades and professions eagerly volunteered their services. There were older ones who had spent years in prison. Numerous young ones, too, offered themselves willingly. International servants came from ten countries. Again and again, the hearts of the workers were thrilled as they saw evidence of Jehovah’s direction and blessing. A “stop work” order from the Commune Council was reversed. Seemingly unobtainable supplies were made available. In just two years and six months after receiving the construction permit, the site of a despoiled motel was transformed into an attractive complex of buildings for the Poland branch.