Among those whom she was able to help to a knowledge of the truth was Mary Girgis, who also became a special pioneer and whose life story appeared in The Watchtower of February 15, 1977. Mary lived in the historic city of Omdurman, the ancient capital of the Sudan. She had just been praying when Sister Caliopi first visited her in 1958. Sister Caliopi found a woman troubled about the fearsome beasts described in Revelation. What could these mean? The terrors of “hellfire” also upset her. She wondered if this could be God’s will. But her bigger question was, Where is the truth?

Sister Caliopi answered all these questions. Mary rejoiced to hear that Jesus is now King. But her husband, Ibrahim, told her, “Do not listen to this woman. She must be bad. When she fell off the bus the other day, people said, ‘It serves her right because she changed her religion.’”

In spite of this, Ibrahim still obtained the two books “Let God Be True” and “This Means Everlasting Life.” Soon after, when attending his Coptic church, Ibrahim stewed while listening to the priest berate men for allowing their wives to study and preach a different religion. It was easy to see whom the priest was talking about! Ibrahim quit the church. Now he and his family became targets of persecution. One day a stone came flying over the wall, hitting him and knocking the spectacles off his face but not seriously injuring him or his little boy in his arms!

In 1959 police accused Mary Girgis of going to houses with intent to steal. The matter came to court. Two prosecutors lined up against her, but of course, proof could not be established. The case was dismissed.

In another court case, priests brought accusations of Zionism. In court our sister magnified the name of Jehovah before the four judges. The presiding judge ruled in her favor saying, “Go, madam, to every place in Sudan, and preach as you want. The law of the country is on your side and will protect you.”

Sister Girgis and, until her death, Sister Caliopi have been outstanding examples for the younger ones. Over the years these two zealous sisters have helped many others.

[Picture on page 93]

Ingilizi Caliopi with Mary Girgis, in Khartoum, Sudan