Date: Friday, August 8, 1997

You may have heard that our magazines have been officially registered. Last week at our Service Meeting they announced that the Ministry of Printed Materials has officially registered our journals. Two copies of the registration letter were sent to each congregation and will help in dealing with the local authorities in each region. This all came about as a result of an attack by some of our opposers, who were able to get our magazines reclassified from "religious journals" which don't require registration to "mass media publications" which do. This resulted in several incidents of brothers and whole congregations having their literature seized and in some cases having fines imposed. Instead of fighting the unjust reclassification, the brothers decided to try to get our journals registered as mass media publications. This would mean they have the same status as Time or Newsweek. As of last week, that is how the government currently views our magazines.

It's certainly amazing how quickly things can change around here. Last month our magazines were banned and it looked as though our freedom of worship would be curtailed by the government. Now, with the bill having been vetoed and this registration coming through, the situation has again stabilized. Sometimes I feel like Jehovah isn't ready to have any real obstacles put in front of the work. In Russia right now, growth is still faster than ever, spirits are high; everyone is very thankful that we still have all the freedom that have been enjoyed over the past six years.

Love and Hugs
Veg and Lisa While
South African Bethel