When the Branch Committee arrangement was introduced in 1976, the Governing Body appointed three brothers: Jack Johansson

One after the other, the missionaries were expelled until only Jack and Linda Johansson were left. Of this time, Jack says: “Those few months alone at the branch office were probably the most faith-testing and faith-strengthening time we have ever experienced in our missionary service. We were suspected of being spies for the American Central Intelligence Agency. Enemies of the government, including religious leaders, were being arrested and killed. Consequently, we knew we were in great danger. However, we saw that Jehovah’s protective hand was with us, and that strengthened our faith.”

Noé Mikouiza appealed to the prime minister, requesting that Jack and Linda be allowed to stay in the country. The request was denied; they had to leave.