“Divine Victory” International Assembly

In November 1972, Brother Knorr visited Cyprus in connection with plans for the “Divine Victory” International Assemblies. Tours of the Bible lands were being arranged along with the conventions. To our delight, Cyprus was to be included, and an international convention was to be held in the capital, Nicosia, in July 1973.

We immediately made efforts to secure a stadium or other suitable location for the convention, but we had no success, mainly because officials and businessmen feared the reaction of the Church. So we decided to use property surrounding a large Kingdom Hall in Trachonas. The Society already owned a plot of land across from the Kingdom Hall, and we were able to rent adjoining land. It was quite an undertaking for us to build an overhead covering of bamboo canes for the entire area, to shelter delegates from the heat. Daily, in heat of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit [40° C.], our brothers and sisters worked to accomplish the task.

One of the biggest problems, however, was to get sufficient water to care for the convention’s needs. The winter prior to the assembly had seen little rainfall, and water was being rationed to three days a week. What could be done? A brother whose home was next to the Kingdom Hall had a well in his garden. He was willing to let the brothers use it, but no water had been taken from the well for some time. How much would it yield? Brothers cleaned it out, installed a pump, and then waited with bated breath to see the result. An ample supply of water began to flow! But was it suitable to drink? Tests were made. The result: 100 percent suitable! It seemed like a modern-day miracle. How grateful we were to Jehovah for this solution to a major problem!

Because of increased activity around the Kingdom Hall, opposers soon became aware that something special was taking place. Then, before daybreak one morning, the brother whose house adjoined the Kingdom Hall was awakened because his bedroom became illuminated by flames. A stack of bamboo canes was burning fiercely on the site. Arson! Our enemies were on the warpath again. From then on, greater precautions were taken to assure security.

The Society had requested that, for the benefit of the many visitors who would come to the island and who would not understand the Greek language, skits be prepared to depict local customs and the life of the inhabitants of the island. Each morning from 8:00 to 9:30, before the regular convention program, these informative skits were presented and were much enjoyed by all who were present. There were also tours to historic places associated with the Bible record.

Having an international convention in Cyprus was an exciting and upbuilding experience for the local brothers. It afforded them opportunity to associate personally with Witnesses of many nationalities. This helped to broaden their awareness of the international brotherhood. Furthermore, the publicity that resulted from opposition by the Orthodox Church in connection with this convention helped more people in Cyprus to be keenly aware of the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

[Pictures on page 100]

International convention under bamboo covering, in Nicosia, in 1973