The Bible School on Langeland

In 1943, rumors were flying that the Witnesses in the United States and Britain had their own Bible schools. Since the brothers in Denmark had no direct contact with world headquarters because of the war, they, in good faith, set in motion plans for a school. They bought a house in attractive surroundings at Lohals, on the island of Langeland. There, with a view of the sea, they established their very own Bible school. For school supervisor, Simon Petersen from Bethel was selected. Two other brothers were teachers. One of them, Filip Hoffmann, was also from Bethel.

Monday, June 5, 1944, the first class began school. Each course lasted two weeks. Instruction was from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, with such subjects as Bible teachings, organization, preaching activity, arithmetic, and Danish. The afternoons were open for the students’ choice. They were free to study, go swimming, or stroll through the school’s pleasant surroundings. Weekends were devoted to the field ministry.

Although the school lasted only one summer, total enrollment rose to about 450 brothers and sisters. Actually, the school resulted from a misunderstanding. True, schools were to be established but not in this way. The following year, the Course in Theocratic Ministry (now Theocratic Ministry School) was introduced in all congregations.

Helping Former Concentration Camp Prisoners

On May 5, 1945, Denmark rejoiced. Liberation! That same day, a river barge packed with several hundred prisoners from the infamous concentration camp in Stutthof in what is today the northern part of Poland was stranded at the island of Møn. Among the prisoners were 15 of Jehovah’s Witnesses of five different nationalities. Within a few hours, their Danish brothers were on hand with food. Sadly, the relief arrived too late for a few. Disease and starvation had taken their toll; two Witnesses died soon after arrival. Clearly, the survivors had great need for kind attention. The branch took them under its wing.

They were housed in the Society’s building on Langeland. And under Brother and Sister Simon Petersen’s tender watchcare, the three brothers and ten sisters flourished physically, mentally, and spiritually. In time these refugees regained their strength and returned to their respective lands to resume the preaching work in their own languages​—German, Polish, Russian, Latvian, and Lithuanian.

[Pictures on page 104]

In 1944 this building on Langeland served as a Bible school

Filip Hoffmann, upper left, teacher at the Bible school, and Simon Petersen, front center, the school supervisor, with his wife, Else, at front left