Soon the brothers found a workshop in the center of Zagreb, Croatia. They transformed it into a beautiful Kingdom Hall that seated about 160 and added a small office to it for printing literature. This Kingdom Hall was also used for assemblies and conventions and was put to use in 1957 when the first convention was held for Witnesses from all parts of Yugoslavia. A few years later, the brothers purchased a house in the center of Zagreb on Kamaufova Street, which was used by the Bethel family until 1998.

BETTER ORGANIZATION SPURS SPIRITUAL GROWTH

In 1960, traveling overseers were assigned to help and encourage the congregations. Some brothers were invited to serve as “weekend” circuit overseers. These brothers willingly used their days off from work to travel and encourage the brothers and to promote unity in those early days.

“For about one year, I served with my wife as a weekend circuit overseer,” recalls Henrik Kovačić, a member of the Branch Committee in Croatia, “and later as a full-time traveling overseer. The brothers lived in very poor conditions, and we often stayed in places without running water or flush toilets. But the brothers showed great appreciation for our visits and displayed extraordinary love and hospitality. They regularly gave up their bed for us and provided us with a meal, though they themselves had so little. In some congregations, so as not to be a burden, we stayed in a different home every night.”

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‘Are People Allowed to Talk About Soccer?’

HENRIK KOVAČIĆ

BORN 1944

BAPTIZED 1962

PROFILE He served as a weekend traveling overseer in 1973, and then from 1974 to 1976, he was assigned as a full-time traveling overseer. He is now a member of the Croatia Branch Committee.

WE NEVER knew whether we would return home from the ministry. The police often arrested and interrogated us. Misconceptions were common.

One time at the police station, I was told that we were allowed to speak about God only at places registered for that purpose and not on streets or from house to house. Like Nehemiah, I said a quick prayer to ask Jehovah to help me find the right words. Then I asked the investigator, “Are people here allowed to talk about soccer only in the stadium or in other places as well?” He answered that people can talk about soccer in any place. I replied: “Surely, then, you can also talk about God anywhere, not only in a church or in a place of worship.” Though we were interrogated for five hours, my partner and I were set free.

When looking back on 40 years of service, my wife, Ana, and I can say that we would not exchange it for anything in the world. Together we have had the privilege of helping nearly 70 people learn the truth. Every assignment Jehovah has in store for us can only enrich our lives.