We have very little literature. Brother Trumpi and others are translating and copying Russian literature, and that is how we are spiritually feeding and supporting one another.

THE NEED FOR QUALITY TRANSLATION

From 1929 several issues of The Watch Tower contained announcements about the need for qualified translators with knowledge of both English and Russian. For example, the Russian Watch Tower of March 1930 contained this announcement: “A qualified, dedicated brother with knowledge of English and fluency in Russian is needed to translate from English to Russian.”

Jehovah saw the need, and translators were found in various countries. One such translator was Aleksandr Forstman, who in 1931 was already sending to world headquarters, through the Denmark branch office in Copenhagen, articles translated into Russian. Brother Forstman was an enthusiastic translator who lived in Latvia. Well-educated and fluent in both English and Russian, he was capable of translating Bible literature quickly. At first he devoted only a few hours each week to translation, since he did secular work to support his unbelieving wife and child. In December 1932, Brother Forstman became a full-time translator. During his service he translated tracts, booklets, and books. He died in 1942.

The brothers had a keen interest in making high-quality Russian translations of the publications available, believing that the Kingdom work would soon be legalized in Russia. William Dey, overseer of the Northern European Office, wrote in a letter to Brother Rutherford: “When Russia opens up, which surely must soon take place, it would be good to have a worthy translation of our publications to offer to the population of 180 million.”

Bible literature was translated into Russian under the direction of the Latvia branch office.

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For nearly ten years, Aleksandr Forstman translated tracts, booklets, and books into Russian