Some of that literature found its way into the hands of Heni Heni Nioki, a witch doctor from the Koiari tribe. After that, the Bible truths he learned lay dormant in his heart, waiting for Jehovah’s Witnesses to return and water what had been planted.​—1 Cor. 3:6.

Among those who took their stand for the truth were Raho and Konio Rakatani, Oda Sioni, Geua Nioki, and her husband, Heni Heni, who had obtained literature from the crew of the Lightbearer 16 years earlier. Soon a group of about 30 interested ones was coming to Heni Heni’s home for regular meetings.

[Picture on page 78]

The first local publishers, left to right: Bobogi Naiori, Heni Heni Nioki, Raho Rakatani, and Oda Sioni