In a setting of breathtaking beauty on the western slopes of the Andes Mountains lies the small village of Pallatanga. It was here that Maruja Granizo first came in contact with the truth 24 years ago when her sister visited her. She was impressed by what was said about ‘the end of the world.’ But she did not react as favorably when told that God’s name is Jehovah. Nevertheless, she still wanted to learn more about spiritual things. So she asked the local priest about the condition of the dead and the resurrection. The priest scornfully brushed her question aside by replying that the only kind of people who believed in the resurrection were those who had nightmares from eating too much. But that sarcastic remark did not dampen her interest.

Her sister later returned with Nancy Dávila, a young sister from Machala. Nancy had such a kind and loving manner that Maruja was moved to say to herself: ‘This is the kind of friend I want for my children.’ Among Maruja’s first questions were, “Where are the dead? And is there a resurrection?” Maruja recalls that on receiving the answer that the dead are unconscious in the grave and awaiting a resurrection, she was so overjoyed she wanted to tell this newfound truth to everyone. (Eccl. 9:5; John 5:28, 29) So she asked Nancy to accompany her in visiting her neighbors up in the mountains.

But, as was true in other areas, the priest was like a king in these villages. So while they were on their way to visit Maruja’s native village deep in the mountains, the priest’s orders had evidently preceded them. At one home they were greeted by a large sign scrawled with obscene words.

At another home, a relative remarked: “The priest says that those who go about preaching should be killed with sticks and stones.” Maruja replied: “If you kill us, then who will go to prison​—you or the priest?”

“We will,” answered the relative.

“But think about your children,” reasoned Maruja. “Who will care for them when you go to jail? The priest doesn’t worry about whom he orders to be killed, since he is not the one who will have to answer for it. We are not dogs. If we are killed, then someone is going to press charges and you will have to answer for it.”

A Record of Endurance

After a two-month stay in Pallatanga, Nancy had to return to Machala, and Maruja was again left alone with her four children and elderly mother. Yet, she felt an urgent need to associate with Jehovah’s people. So she went to Riobamba to look for the Witnesses. There she was able to attend a circuit assembly and get baptized.

For some time she traveled to Riobamba for association whenever she had the money. Later, in spite of the neighbors’ threats to harm the Witnesses or even kill them, the brothers from Riobamba began assisting her to witness in Pallatanga.

Things came to a head one day when the brothers from Riobamba made plans to show one of the Society’s films in the Pallatanga town square. All was quiet until the first mention of the name Jehovah. Suddenly the people began to shout: “Maruja Granizo had better get out of here, or we will not be responsible for her life!” Someone tore down the sheet that had been hung up as a screen for the projection. Church bells began to ring frantically, and people started coming out of their homes with sticks and rocks in hand. So the brothers quickly gathered up their equipment and got on board the bus to leave town. As the bus started up the road a head count was taken, and it was noticed that one of the Witnesses, Julio Santos, was missing! Had he been caught by the mob?

Suddenly they saw a large man running toward the bus, leading the mob, throwing stones, and shouting: “Give it to them with sticks and stones!” It was Julio! The mob had somehow got between him and the bus, so in a desperate scheme of self-preservation, Julio pretended that he was one of them. When he caught up with the bus, he jumped on board, and away they went toward Riobamba.

Maruja and her family had also got on the bus for safety’s sake. But outside the village, they got off and started toward home. How were they going to make it? The mob was searching for them. A number of times they had to hide as the mob ran by. Finally late at night they arrived safely at home.

What has been the result of 24 years of endurance in this isolated territory? First of all, the priest that had caused so much trouble in Pallatanga was thrown out 20 years later by the same townspeople, who accused him of immorality and stealing. Little by little the people have become very receptive to the Bible’s message. Though there is still only a small isolated group here, Maruja herself now conducts 11 Bible studies.

[Picture on page 227]

Maruja Granizo, left, with her grandchildren and daughter-in-law