During the preceding year, the group at Saint-André applied to become a congregation. The application read: “At the end of June 1963, there will be 12 baptized publishers, with the possibility of 5 or 6 new publishers in the next two months. The brothers are conducting 30 Bible studies.” The application was approved, and two brothers took care of the congregation​—Jean Nasseau as congregation servant, or presiding overseer, and Lucien Véchot as his assistant. Both had been in the truth for less than two years.

Eight congregations have since been formed in the territory originally cared for by the group at Saint-André.

In December 1963, the group applied to become a congregation. There were 16 Kingdom publishers, 8 of whom were baptized, and they averaged 22.5 hours a month in field service. David and his assistant alone conducted 38 Bible studies! When the circuit overseer visited that same month, he gave the public talk to an audience of 53.

Also assigned to Le Port were special pioneers Christian and Josette Bonnecaze. Christian had been baptized in French Guiana and came to Réunion in the early 1960’s. Single at the time, he was the only member of his family in the truth. Brother Souris kindly moved into another house to make room for Christian and Josette in the house where the meetings were held. In time, however, the congregation grew so much that this couple had to move out as well!

Despite the clergy-inspired prejudice, the brothers’ zeal and God’s blessing resulted in a zealous congregation in Le Port, and the hall was soon filled to overflowing. Often, in fact, more listened from outside than from inside. Chairs were placed in every possible spot, even on the platform, and a row of children sat on the edge of the platform facing the audience. Eventually, the brothers built a fine Kingdom Hall, and today, the area boasts six congregations.