• Ivory Coast
    1981 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

    • GILEAD GRADUATES ENTER

      In July 1951 Gabriel and Florence Paterson, graduates of Gilead’s 16th class, gained entry to the Ivory Coast, taking up residence with the Shooters. Gabriel, a native of the Gold Coast, years before had studied with Alfred Shooter, helping him to a knowledge of the truth. Their meeting in a foreign assignment was a reunion of great joy.

      Times were not easy for these young couples. Gabriel describes their accommodations:

      “On our arrival in Abidjan Alfred had made an extension of their one room with cardboard. He roofed it with tarred paper for a sleeping place for Florence and me. Under this paper-roofed shelter, we prepared our meals and ate together. When it rained we awoke as the water dripped in. We took shelter in a corner, making an effort not to disturb our hosts.”