With such a large response, it would be possible to assign these volunteers to three different Bulgarian cities: Kazanlak, Sandanski, and Silistra. Circuit overseers in Bulgaria invited local pioneers and publishers to support the campaign too. Eventually, 382 volunteers were zealously preaching in territories that had seldom been reached with the good news.

Brothers from nearby congregations were sent out in advance to arrange for accommodations. They rented apartments and booked inexpensive hotels. These local brothers worked tirelessly to help the arriving volunteers to get settled and then to care for their needs. In all three cities, places to meet were rented. Arrangements were made for the congregation meetings to be conducted by the visiting brothers. It was exciting to see that in places where not even one Witness lived, 50 publishers were meeting to praise Jehovah.

The zeal of those who came from other countries for the campaign was overwhelming. During the summer season, the temperature in Bulgaria can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit [40°C]. However, nothing could stop these zealous brothers and sisters. Silistra, a city on the Danube River with more than 50,000 inhabitants, was given a thorough witness within the first three weeks. Consequently, the brothers extended their efforts to nearby villages, even reaching Tutrakan, 35 miles [55 km] west of Silistra. They usually began their ministry by 9:30 a.m. After a lunch break, they often continued until 7:00 p.m. or later. Similarly, because of the overwhelming zeal of these volunteers, the campaign in Kazanlak and Sandanski extended into neighboring villages and cities.

What Was Achieved?

An outstanding witness was given during these seven weeks. As was said in the days of the apostles, the inhabitants of these cities could say, ‘You have filled our city with your teaching.’ (Acts 5:28) The participating Witnesses placed some 50,000 magazines and started 482 Bible studies. Happily, as of September 1, 2009, a congregation was formed in Silistra, and there are groups in Kazanlak and in Sandanski. It is heartwarming to see individuals who heard the good news for the first time during this campaign making fine spiritual progress.

In Kazanlak, a Bulgarian brother named Orlin, who had come from Italy for the campaign, was walking back to his accommodations after field service. On his way, Orlin witnessed to two young men sitting on a park bench. He placed a copy of the Bible Teach book with them and arranged for a return visit the next day. On that visit, Orlin started a Bible study with Svetomir that was continued the very next day. In nine days, Orlin studied with Svetomir eight times. Svetomir commented: “Two days before I met you, I prayed to God for help to get to know him. And I promised that if he would help me, I would dedicate my life to him.” After Orlin returned to Italy, the local brothers continued to study with Svetomir, and he is making the truth his own.