• Lands of the Former Yugoslavia
    2009 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

    • A STIRRING INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

      Jehovah’s Witnesses in Yugoslavia had never yet experienced the joy of hosting an international convention. Imagine their excitement when in 1991 the Governing Body announced that one of the “Lovers of Freedom” international conventions was to be held in Zagreb, Croatia!

      However, there were problems. Ever since Croatia had declared its independence from Yugoslavia, war clouds had been gathering. Would it be wise to hold a convention? The safety of both foreign and local delegates was paramount. After much prayer and deliberation, the brothers decided to go ahead with preparations for the convention.

      Theodore Jaracz, a member of the Governing Body, traveled to Croatia a few weeks before the convention to assist with its organization. Because all other public events in Zagreb had been canceled, public interest was focused on what was to go on in Dinamo Stadium. As the time for the convention drew near, the situation in the country continued to destabilize. Daily our brothers weighed the risks, raising the same question over and over again​—Should the preparations continue, or should the convention be canceled? The brothers persistently petitioned Jehovah in prayer, asking for his guidance. Amazingly, the political climate stabilized, and they were able to hold the convention from August 16-18, 1991.

      One cannot imagine a greater contrast. While the surrounding countries teetered on the brink of violent hostilities, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Croatia were welcoming thousands of guests to the “Lovers of Godly Freedom” international convention.b As many locals were fleeing the country, brothers and sisters from 15 countries were gathering together in love and freedom. Large groups arrived by air from the United States, Canada, and other Western countries. Because of the military situation, the airport in Zagreb was closed and aircraft had to land in Ljubljana, Slovenia. From there the delegates traveled by bus to Zagreb. The courage of the visiting brothers was a fine witness to the populace, and their presence was an invaluable source of encouragement to the local brothers. The largest group​—about 3,000 delegates—​came from Italy. It felt as if their warm affection and exuberance set the convention on fire.​—1 Thess. 5:19.

      It was especially faith strengthening to host five members of the Governing Body. To this day many fondly recall the talks given by Carey Barber, Lloyd Barry, Milton Henschel, Theodore Jaracz, and Lyman Swingle. Undeterred by the turbulent times, these brothers, with their many years of experience, boldly entered the country to fortify the brothers with upbuilding talks.

      Because of the political unrest, the authorities feared ethnic clashes between delegates from different parts of Yugoslavia. How relieved they were to see them not only gathering together peacefully but also displaying warm, brotherly affection. With each passing day, the number of policemen present decreased.

      This memorable convention demonstrated that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a true international brotherhood. Reflecting on this would help the brothers maintain unity during the trials that lay ahead. The buses taking the Serbian and Macedonian delegates home were among the last vehicles allowed to return through the checkpoint between Croatia and Serbia. After our brothers headed safely across the border, it was closed. Many say it was at this time that war began.