A Day of Rejoicing

Jehovah's Witnesses in the Balkans will never forget July 23, 1999.  The series of "God's Prophetic Word" District Conventions was to be held simultaneously in Belgrade, Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Skopje, and Zagreb.  For some time  it was uncertain whether the convention could be held in Belgrade because during the NATO bombings, no public meetings were allowed.  How happy the brothers were at the prospect of being able to associate with one another after months of uncertainty!  However, reality surpassed their expectations.

On Friday afternoon a special announcement was made in all four convention cities.  The 13, 497 delegates were in silent anticipation of what was to come.  When the speaker finally released the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures in Croatian and Serbian and told the audience that the Macedonian translation was progressing well, the delegates  could no longer contain themselves. Thunderous applause did not allow the speaker  to finish the announcement.  At the Sarajevo convention, a sudden silence fell upon the audience, who were completely taken by surprise.  It was followed by prolonged applause. Tears of joy were running down many a cheek in Belgrade, and the speaker  was interrupted by repeated applause before he could finish making the announcement.  How very happy everybody was!  

This gift was made doubly treasurable by the fact that Jehovah's Witnesses had secured the printing rights for a Croatian as well as the Serbian Bible translation.  Thus, the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures in the same language. Furthermore, the Serbian Bible was printed in both Roman and Cyrillic fonts. 

Thankful for all the blessings and guidance received, Jehovah's people in the Balkans truly appreciate the words of David:  "Even though I walk in the valley of deep shadow, I fear nothing bad, for you [Jehovah] are with me."  Despite all the hardships they continue to face, they are determined to make "the joy of Jehovah their stronghold.' -Psalms 23:4; Nehemiah 8:10. 

Next time:Raising Children in a Foreign Land-The Challenges and the Rewards

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002