How did Bible literature, for use at meetings and in the field ministry, get into the country at that time? During the late 1970’s, care for the Malawi field was transferred to the Zambia branch because Zambia has a common border with Malawi, whereas Zimbabwe does not. A number of literature depots in Zambia were strategically situated close to the Malawi border. Those very few brothers who had vehicles would drive into Zambia to collect large parcels of literature, which were then smuggled into Malawi. Because roadblocks were few in number during the earlier years of the ban, this method proved to be very successful.

Courageous Couriers

Although literature was brought into Malawi without much difficulty for a time, during the mid-1980’s the situation changed. Roadblocks began to appear in all parts of the country. The police became more vigilant in searching vehicles. No longer could the brothers use automobiles to ferry literature from the depots in Zambia. What could be done?

Bicycles were put to use more extensively. Cycling through the bush, the brothers were able to bypass roadblocks and border crossings. It took great courage and strong faith to serve as a courier. But their loyal service was clearly blessed by Jehovah God. Consider these experiences:

Letson Mlongoti was cycling through Lilongwe with a sack of magazines on the back of his bicycle. When he noticed that large crowds including policemen and Malawi Young Pioneers were lining the streets in anticipation of a visit by the president, he grew very nervous. Then, to his horror the sack fell open when he was going around a corner. The magazines spilled onto the ground in front of everyone! People quickly gathered around him. Our brother expected the worst. But he soon realized that they were only helping him to put the magazines back into his sack. Relieved, although a little shaken, he was soon on his way again, thanking Jehovah for blinding the eyes of the police and the Malawi Young Pioneers.

Fred Lameck Gwirize was carrying an important consignment of congregation mail. He was cycling fast down a hill near Kasungu when he saw ahead of him a roadblock manned by members of the Youth League. Before reaching it, he stopped, turned around, and quickly cycled in the opposite direction. The members of the Youth League called out for him to stop. “Where are you going?” they shouted. The courier replied, “I was going so fast down the hill, I missed my turn!” To his surprise, they accepted his explanation. He thanked Jehovah for protecting him.

But a number of these courageous brothers were caught and spent time in prison. Most of them were family men.

A Regular “Tourist”

Starting in 1987, regular visits were made to Malawi by Edward Finch, a member of the Zambia Branch Committee. Malawi was a popular tourist destination, and Brother Finch had a relative in Blantyre, so it was easy for him to enter the country for a “holiday.” When he was just 19 years old and was pioneering in Rhodesia, his home country, Ed Finch had joined Guido Otto on some of his trips into Malawi to stock up the McLuckies’ secret cellar. Now, having graduated from Gilead School, Brother Finch was assigned a further role in connection with Malawi.

His visits were prompted by concerns in the Zambia branch that not enough Bible literature was getting into Malawi. When Brother Finch met with the Country Committee, they were thrilled to have a foreign guest there to encourage them and provide further direction. A series of secret meetings were held with the Country Committee, the circuit and district overseers, and the couriers. Everyone was enthusiastic about doing his part to provide for the needs of the congregations. Literature that had become stockpiled in the Zambian depots close to the border of Malawi again flowed into Malawi on a regular basis.

Brother Finch, often with his wife, Linda, made many encouraging “tourist” trips into Malawi. He traveled the length and breadth of the country, not to sightsee, but to encourage and train as many brothers as possible. His visits were especially appreciated by those brothers who were taking the lead during the ban. They were grateful for the love and patience he showed when working along with them.

Assisting the Couriers

It was impossible, of course, for the couriers on their bicycles to reach all the congregations in Malawi. So a small pickup truck was purchased in 1988 and used extensively within the country to deliver literature. The drivers became familiar with areas where roadblocks were set up and discreetly avoided these. Other courageous brothers also offered their services. Among these was Victor Lulker, who served in the English congregation in Blantyre. Using his private car and at great personal risk, he often transported literature during the night to the secret depots around the country. Prior to 1972, Cyril Long, who is now in South Africa, gave similar assistance. He was also able to obtain much-needed medical supplies for our brothers, at discount rates from a favorable pharmacy.

An important factor in providing spiritual food was the approval given by the Society’s headquarters in Brooklyn to print magazines on Bible paper, books with soft covers, and Watchtower study articles in a special format that became known as mini-magazines. When Ed Finch secretly met with the couriers in April 1989 and told them about these new special editions of our literature, the couriers were moved to tears. How they appreciated Jehovah’s loving provisions! Now they would be able to carry twice as much literature as before.

This literature was easier to fold up and hide away. The mini-magazines could even be read openly on public transport. Nobody knew what they were! “The faithful and discreet slave” truly lived up to its commission to provide spiritual “food at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45-47) These precious “food” supplies helped Jehovah’s servants to maintain their integrity under adversity.

[Picture on page 202]

Couriers who risked their freedom to get spiritual food to their brothers