His long, lonely stay ended on March 25, 1947, when the first graduates of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead arrived. You can imagine his joy when Jehovah finally answered his prayers for more workers for the harvest. (Matthew 9:37, 38) Brother Lindal continued his service in Iceland until he returned to Canada in 1953.

More Workers for the Harvest

The missionaries who came in 1947 were two Danish brothers. More missionaries arrived two years later. As they continued the preaching work together with a few friends who had moved to Iceland, thousands of publications were distributed. Most Icelanders are avid readers, but not many responded to the good news. After 27 years of planting and watering, the patient brothers began to see the fruits of their labor. In 1956 seven new ones took their stand for the Kingdom and dedicated their lives to Jehovah.

In Reyðarfjörður we meet the 12 publishers of the youngest congregation in Iceland. No Witnesses lived in this area until a missionary home was established in the latter part of 1988. Kjell and Iiris, a Swedish missionary couple who have served in Iceland since 1963, are assigned to work among the 15,000 people in this rural area. Many live in small fishing villages along the coastline, stretching about 300 miles [500 km].

Kjell relates: “There is no doubt that Jehovah has richly blessed the Kingdom work in this part of Iceland. On January 1, 1993, a congregation was formed, and we are conducting many good Bible studies with individuals who are making fine progress. Though the means of transportation has changed since Brother Lindal traveled on horseback, it is not always easy to drive over the mountain passes on icy roads during the dark winter months, even with a four-wheel-drive jeep. Once, it was blown off an icy road and rolled over two or three times down a slope. How happy we were to escape without injury!”

After 30 years in Iceland, Iiris says: “Over the years many have come from other countries to help. Though most have had to leave for various reasons, they have certainly had a great share in the planting and watering work. We are glad that we are able to stay, since we now have the privilege of seeing the harvest coming in. Jehovah is speeding up his work here also.”

Much of the increase has come because new ones witness to their workmates. Atli learned the truth from the missionaries and started talking to others in the construction company where he worked.