Theocratic News

◆ There are now 18 Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Halls in use for circuit assemblies in this country, with one more under construction. The average seating capacity for each auditorium is about 1,500, although for a few it is above 2,000. Most have areas that can be used for overflow, and these increase total seating capacity considerably. Some have separate cafeterias and Kingdom Halls.

◆ A year ago Hong Kong had 307 publishers, but this January a new peak of 423 reported there.

◆ The brothers in India (4,494 publishers) enjoyed 11 district assemblies with a total attendance of 6,363, and 235 baptized.

◆ Ten years ago France had about 21,750 publishers. Now, with their latest peak, they have reached 61,029. Brothers are rejoicing, to be able to offer “The Watchtower” since the ban on it has been lifted.

◆ Mexico, since 1968, has about doubled the number of its publishers, with 73,916 now reporting field service. Baptisms are running 1,593 ahead of last year.