The branch in South Africa has about 760 volunteers that live and work there. They were so happy to have us international visitors that they put on a show for us; singing and dancing in their native languages and dress. It was fabulous! Each department had a display outside their area and had made gifts like bookmarks and magnets for us to take. We also got to have lunch there. A buffet was served and we helped ourselves then sat with the Bethel family. The pictue of Corrine and Karie with the elderly sister is a special one. A record about that sister, Maria, is one of three single sisters that can be read about in the 2007 year book. She has been serving in the translation department for over 40 years at Bethel. Corrine and Katie really wanted to meet one of these single sisters and they were looking all over for them at the convention. So needless to say, they were really happy when she came over and sat down right at their table to eat! She speaks 11 different languages and was a real "fire ball." How encouraging that was for Katie and Corrine.

The paper that is used in South Africa is donated from the brothers in France, otherwise it could never be afforded. That is just another part of the evidence that we truly are a world wide brotherhood. The South Africa branch distributes literature to most of the countries in Africa. They have trucks for hauling the literature and supplies. Many borders have to be crossed that are manned by guards and police. It is a common custom for truckers to bribe the police so they don't have to wait a long time to be allowed to pass. Needless to say our brothers don't take part in illegal activities, so many times they wait for days sleeping in their trucks. We did hear though that there are some areas favorable to us. The brothers in charge have made a good witness with the authorities and the witnesses are trusted. So when a truck arrives in these areas they go to the head of the line and pass right thru without a search. One time a truck was stolen and the robbers came to the border so, they got in line. Well, the border patrol got suspicious because those trucks usually just go right thru. So, the police caught the robbers and the truck and literature was returned to the society!

We came away from our visit at Bethel feeling so moved by the love and hospitality of our spiritual family there.

(This little excert was written for you by the other 2 travellers: Stephen and Nellie.) :)