The Republic of Georgia is home to warm, spiritually inclined people. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, an extraordinary period of theocratic growth ensued, followed by a period of severe persecution. The opposition has largely subsided, and a major milestone in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Georgia was reached on Saturday, April 6, 2013, when David Splane of the Governing Body delivered the dedication talk for a renovated and enlarged branch complex, an Assembly Hall, and a new Bible school facility for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers, as well as the School for Traveling Overseers and Their Wives. A total of 338 guests from 24 countries joined more than 800 Georgian Witnesses for the dedication program.

The following day, 15,200 enjoyed Brother Splane’s special talk by audio/​video tie-in to congregation meeting places throughout Georgia. This international event was very moving for many. One young brother said, “Now I know what the new world will be like.”