For the “Joyful Praisers” District Convention in August 1995, the Witnesses secured a large stadium in the heart of Luanda. The brothers replaced a large portion of the wooden seating, applied a fresh coat of paint, and made repairs to the water system. How would the public respond to the invitation to attend? The answer was overwhelming! The first weekend, the crowd spilled out onto the football field and filled all the space under the bleachers. The delegates were thrilled to learn that 40,035 had attended. The following weekend, another 33,119 came. A total of 1,089 were baptized.

Since there were fewer than 26,000 of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the entire country, where had all these people come from? They were Angolans who were showing interest in the Biblical message being taught by Jehovah’s Witnesses. A reporter from a news agency in Luanda said: “Something never seen before is happening here in the Coqueiros Stadium. About 60,000 people of all social levels are here attending the district convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is really notable; men, women, children, and old people all gathered together . . . listening to encouragement to praise their God, Jehovah.”

Those who observed the delegates arriving were impressed by the fact that despite their limited resources, the delegates were all neat and clean. During sessions, everyone was attentive. It seemed that the only ones walking around were attendants who were taking the count. A vice-minister of the government who attended the entire Sunday morning session remarked: “I am amazed! What a difference between the people inside this stadium and those outside. I am impressed by the practical value of your program. Congratulations!”

[Pictures on page 134]

“Joyful Praisers” District Convention attended by 73,154 in Luanda