The need to rebuild in the wake of this disaster prompted the brothers at the Hawaii branch office to rethink carefully how the work in Guam and Micronesia was being administered. After prayerful consideration, they discerned that a branch office in Guam would probably provide closer supervision of the work in Micronesia. Therefore, recommendations and plans for a new branch office were submitted to the Governing Body, and these were approved. The new branch would oversee the Kingdom-preaching work in Guam and in all the island districts of Micronesia. A modern building with six bedrooms, an office, a large Kingdom Hall seating 400 persons, and facilities for some printing was designed. This project proved be a major undertaking and was not as readily accomplished as had originally been expected.

Guam Branch Construction​—Hot and Humid

A prime parcel of land, convenient and centrally located, was purchased. Construction began in January 1978. From among the Witnesses in Hawaii and the continental United States came carpenters, plumbers, painters, architects, electricians, and a civil engineer. Many on this volunteer work staff possessed superb building skills. The work got off to a good start.

However, the stress of performing construction labor in the exhausting tropical heat and humidity of Guam in the midst of crowded living conditions began taking its toll. Work demands often resulted in the neglect of meetings and field service over extended periods of time.

The brothers at the Hawaii branch recommended that to alleviate stress, greater emphasis and attention should be focused on the spirituality of those working on the project. This served to improve the overall spirit. To their credit, the volunteers made considerable sacrifices to stick with the work. These brothers and sisters who labored together, often under a very hot sun, displayed a real willingness to exert themselves unstintingly. Jehovah God blessed their faithfulness and endurance with the successful completion of a lovely new branch facility, splendidly landscaped and situated in a tropical, rural setting. On April 20, 1980, Brother Milton Henschel of the Governing Body, during his zone visit to Guam, dedicated the new building to the pure worship of Jehovah.

On May 1, 1980, the Guam branch began operation, giving able oversight to the islands of Micronesia and Guam. Nathaniel Miller of the Hawaii Branch Committee, who had traveled extensively throughout these island districts while it was supervised by Hawaii, was appointed as Branch Committee coordinator of the newly organized Guam branch. Hideo Sumida and Arthur White, also former members of the Hawaii Branch Committee, were transferred from Hawaii to complete the Guam Branch Committee.

[Picture on page 105]

Guam branch office and Kingdom Hall was dedicated April 20, 1980. Guam oversees the preaching work in the 2,000 islands of Micronesia