For example, in São João da Ponte, in the state of Minas Gerais, the pioneers called on the religion teacher of the local school. After hearing the message, he ordered 50 copies of the book Your Youth​—Getting the Best Out Of It for his catechism class. Another teacher told the departing pioneers: “You should not be leaving, since you are doing such a fine work here. You are the only ones who can give a clear explanation of the Bible.”

Not everyone was pleased with this fine work. For instance, consider a letter published in a local newspaper (Diário de Montes Claros) under the front-page headline “Priest Accused of Inciting to Violence and of Discrimination.” The letter said: “In church, [the priest] has the custom of denouncing persons who follow other sects and religions, even though the local clergy do not provide adequate Catholic and Christian guidance on the Gospel for the faithful. In the Mass, he has attacked ministers of Jehovah’s Witnesses who are in town, although they do not treat Catholics badly.” Not showing such hostility, the article’s writer (a theologian) attended the Bible talk presented by the pioneers and brought along other interested ones. All of them enjoyed the meeting.

Clergy Influence Affects Harvest

A group of Kingdom publishers of the Arpoador Congregation in Rio de Janeiro volunteered to spend two weeks preaching in several towns in the state of Minas Gerais, about 125 miles [200 km] away. To their delight they found the local people most hospitable and kind. The men had the custom of lifting their hats every time God or his name, Jehovah, was mentioned. Because of their reverence for God, however, they were easily influenced by the clergy.

In one town the priest advised the people not to listen to Jehovah’s Witnesses or attend the meeting they were planning to hold. He also scheduled a special Mass at the same time as the meeting, and the Mass was broadcast full blast over the loudspeaker outside his church. In spite of his efforts, however, 29 local residents attended the meeting, in addition to the visitors.

A neighboring town was totally different. There the priest told the people to listen when the Witnesses called. The result was that 168 attended the first meeting. Later, he told them to pay attention to how Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Memorial because, as he said, “they do it the proper way.” During the two weeks of Kingdom-preaching work in that area, 1,014 books and 1,052 magazines and brochures were placed.

Continued Efforts Brought Blessings

A month later 34 Kingdom publishers returned to care for the Bible studies started during the first visit. The Christian elder taking the lead wrote: “It was thrilling to see the interested people welcome us with thanks and tears of joy in their eyes.” One sister recalls that a woman approached her and other Witnesses in a luncheonette “pleading, with tears in her eyes, for us to come and study with her.” Another lady studied three times during the week the Witnesses were there. Each time, she had her lesson prepared and was waiting for the study. The lady said that she had begun to pray to the true God, Jehovah. “In my heart this is what I have always been waiting for,” she added.

Later, two pioneers [female] were assigned to care for the interest in that area. As in the first century C.E., “those who were rightly disposed for everlasting life became believers.” (Acts 13:48) And like the Samaritan woman to whom Jesus gave a witness at Jacob’s fountain, they began to talk to others about what they learned. (John 4:5-30) Today the 2 pioneers have 6 others serving with them, and an average of 20 people attend the weekly meetings.

Enthusiastic about the success of this special work, 29 publishers of the Arpoador Congregation went to preach in the town of Mutum, about 300 miles [500 km] away. “The reception was really outstanding,” said the elder directing the group. “Most people listened with such attentiveness and interest that 170 Bible studies were started, and we feel that many of them will continue.” In two weeks the publishers preached an average of 90 hours each and placed nearly 1,100 pieces of literature with the people. A peak of 181 attended the public talks given by the brothers.