Because so many of the Witnesses had had to flee, the number of congregations in the country dropped from 108 to 89. Brazzaville now has 1,903 publishers in 23 congregations. Pointe-Noire has 1,949 publishers in 24 congregations.

It is now over 50 years since the book “The Truth Shall Make You Free” helped Etienne Nkounkou, Augustin Bayonne, and Timothée Miemounoua to learn the truth. During that time, thousands in Congo (Brazzaville) have followed their example of faith, and many more continue to do so, making future prospects look bright. More than 15,000 Bible studies are being conducted​—three and a half times the number of publishers! The Memorial attendance soared to 21,987 in 2003. At the end of the 2003 service year, 4,536 publishers, including 15 missionaries, were zealously working to help still others to learn the truth that will set them free.​—John 8:31, 32.