ONE JUDGE RENDERS A DECISION |
UN JUEZ TOMA UNA DECISIÓN |
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One case that stands out vividly in my mind took place in Honea Path, South Carolina. On that occasion two of our ministers who had been active for a number of years were arrested, and had been in jail for several days. The man who had charge of our divisional campaigns, Anton Koerber, was sent down there to visit the townsfolk, and also to appear in court in behalf of our ministers. |
Recuerdo vívidamente un caso que tuvo lugar en Honea Path, Carolina del Sur. En aquella ocasión, dos de nuestros ministros activos por unos cuantos años habían sido arrestados y llevaban varios días en prisión. El hombre encargado de nuestras “campañas de divisiones”, Anton Koerber, fue enviado allí para visitar a los lugareños y para hablar en el juicio a favor de ellos. |
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He organized a group of about forty cars, with an average of four people to each, so it represented about 160 workers. On the way down to Honea Path for a radius of about twenty miles they covered all the small towns and isolated houses. When they finally reached the central county courthouse in time for the trial at two o'clock in the afternoon, they found a large number of citizens gathered around outside the building; and as they came on the scene the townsfolk began to mumble and point to them. The Witnesses knew then that these people were waiting for them. Just as the doors were opened and they were about to enter the courthouse, they found that there were two lines of men with clubs and guns, standing at the entrance in a very menacing manner, as much as to say, "We dare you to come in here." |
Organizó un grupo de cuarenta automóviles, con un promedio de cuatro personas en cada uno, de modo que eran más de 160 trabajadores. Por el camino hacia Honea Path, cubrieron todos los pueblecitos y las casas aisladas en un radio de unos 30 km. Cuando al fin llegaron a los juzgados a tiempo para el juicio, a las dos de la tarde, se encontraron con un gran número de ciudadanos que rodeaban el edificio. En cuanto aparecieron los predicadores, la multitud comenzó a señalarlos y a murmurar. Con eso, los Testigos se dieron cuenta de que esa gente los estaba esperando. En cuanto se abrieron las puertas y se dispusieron a entrar, descubrieron que de pie a la entrada había dos filas de hombres con palos y armas de fuego y de aspecto muy desafiante, como diciendo: “A ver si se atreven a pasar.” |
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Koerber looked at McLamb, who was the presiding minister of Greensboro, North Carolina, at that time, and one of the captains of the group. "McLamb," he said, "I'm going in there; I have to. I'm scheduled to attend the trial. You had better wait out here so that if anything happens you can get some assistance. "No," McLamb said, "I'm going in with you; and — " |
Koerber miró a McLamb, quien era el
ministro presidente de la congregación de Greensboro, Carolina
del Norte, y uno de los capitanes del grupo. |
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So in they started, side by side. The crowd lined up before the entrance glowered at them, but did not raise a hand or club against them. |
Así que pasaron juntos. La chusma amontonada en la entrada los miró con cara de pocos amigos, pero no levantaron ni una mano ni un garrote contra ellos. |
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Koerber and McLamb went into the courtroom. The place was packed with townsfolk — our people couldn't even get into the courthouse. No one knew what to expect, but when the trial opened to our surprise and relief the judge permitted an extensive defense, allowing our people to speak freely. He asked a number of questions himself and finally dismissed the defendants with an apology. When they were released and came outside all the inhabitants of the town were waiting for them. Apparently they were as amazed as our people had been because they began to ask questions, and just about took all of the Bible literature that had not been disposed of in the campaign on the way into town. |
Koerber y McLamb lograron entrar al juzgado. El edificio estaba tan abarrotado de lugareños que los nuestros no podían acceder a la sala del juicio. Nadie sabía qué esperar, pero cuando comenzó el proceso, para nuestra sorpresa y alivio, el juez les permitió una larga defensa, dejándoles que hablaran con libertad. Él mismo formuló algunas preguntas, y finalmente despidió a los acusados con una disculpa. Una vez liberados, se encontraron al salir que la gente del pueblo los estaba esperando. Al parecer, estaban tan sorprendidos como ellos, ya que empezaron a hacer preguntas y se quedaron con todas las publicaciones bíblicas que no habíamos dejado durante la campaña de camino hasta allí. |
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Those who were there say they will never forget the scene as they returned home just at dusk. As they put their headlights on, one could see the stream of cars, at least a mile or so, and all of Jehovah's witnesses singing songs of thanksgiving and praise for a wonderful day in the Lord's service and for the victory he had given them for holding fast to their worship. That was typical of the joy and the zeal manifested by all those who had part in these divisional campaigns. |
Los que estuvieron presentes aseguran que nunca olvidarán la escena del regreso a casa al anochecer. Cuando encendieron los faros de sus vehículos, se podía ver una hilera de automóviles de casi dos kilómetros, y todos los testigos de Jehová entonando cánticos de agradecimiento y alabanza por aquel día maravilloso al servicio del Señor, y por la victoria que les había otorgado por mantenerse firmes en su adoración. Eso era típico del gozo y el celo que manifestaban todos los que participaban en aquellas “campañas de divisiones”. |
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