SIERRA LEONE: Many of those embracing pure worship experience opposition from family members, even as Jesus foretold. (Matt. 10:32-39) Such was the case with Jonathan, who grew up in a rural area in Sierra Leone. His forefathers had been juju priests for four generations, and he was being groomed to carry on in the same line of work. But as Jonathan began to study with Jehovah’s Witnesses he learned that, not “medicine” or animal sacrifices, but serving Jehovah in the way outlined in the Bible is what brings God’s favor. When he made it known that he would not follow the family profession, bitter opposition ensued. His family refused to let him attend school. When he went to Christian meetings, they would not feed him, saying: “Let God feed you!” Jonathan did not go hungry. He remained firm for what is right and was baptized. He also taught himself to read and write. In time, his mother too accepted the truth, and he serves as a regular pioneer.

A missionary reports that an 18-year-old girl began to study the Bible and attend congregation meetings. Soon her mother opposed what she was doing. (Matt. 10:36, 37) The girl was expelled from the house and told to go live with those with whom she studied the Bible. At the same time her mother accused her to a military official in the city, complaining that her daughter spent all her time studying and running to meetings instead of working at home. However, the official to whom she complained was also interested in the Bible and was being visited by Jehovah’s Witnesses. He asked the mother if she had chased her daughter out to be a thief or a prostitute like many others of her age. “Otherwise, do not hinder her Christian activities,” he said. “I officially authorize her today to attend all meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses and to continue her studies of the Bible. I condemn your unchristian action of chasing her from home. We are here to apply the law, and there is freedom of religion.” The girl returned home and continues to make progress in the truth.