INFORMANT

APRIL 1954             “Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name       BROOKLYN N Y

*                                forever and ever.”—Psalm 145:2, CB.                                  ’ ’ *

400,000 New Subscriptions?

¹ True to his promise, Jehovah, aS the great Shepherd, is now gathering the scattered sheep. He has commanded his Shepherd-Prince, Christ Jesus, to gather the sheep from all nations into the one fold. (Ezek. 34: 23, 24, AS) Serving under and with the Shepherd-Prince in the pastoral work is the “faithful and discreet slave,” along with the thousands of other sheep that have already been gathered. Not content just to be gathered themselves, they extend the invitation to others: “ ‘Come I’ And . . . take life’s water free.”—Rev. 22:17, NW.

² Faithfully, since 1879, The Watchtower has been used to announce Jehovah’s kingdom and promote the gathering work. During January and February the total of 183,127 new subscriptions were obtained in the United States, and each day throughout March thousands more have come into the office. The big question, “Shall we meet the quota of 400,000 for the campaign?” will be determined by our activity this month.

More House-to-House Work

³ Most of the new subscriptions will be obtained in house-to-house work. Spend the maximum number of hours in this service during April, presenting a year's subscription for The Watchtower for $1, with three of the older booklets you have in stock as the premium. Prepare a three- to eight-minute talk on a theme highlighted in the issue presented. It is very effective.

⁴ April concludes the 16th Watchtower campaign. Let each publisher, pioneer and congregation work to make it the greatest campaign month for new subscriptions. In addition to house-to-house work, make return calls where subscriptions are promised. Be one who shares fully In pastoral work with the Shepherd-Prince during April.

Memorial Activity

¹ On Saturday, April 17, after 6 p.m., Standard Time, the memorial of Christ’s death will be observed. The faithful remnant will be present and with them thousands of goodwill companions. On that occasion we shall witness a great demonstration of the extent to which the pastoral work has progressed. All persons of good will should be given personal invitations, wherever possible, and, where necessary, assisted to attend this most important event.

² Each congregation should make advance arrangements now for Memorial week activity. A special service meeting will be programed for that week and service arrangements clearly outlined. Saturday morning and afternoon house-to-house and store-to-store magazine work will be featured and Sunday’s public talk advertised.

³ At least a half hour before the Memorial service starts, the hall should be open and several publishers present to welcome all who attend. The speaker, in concluding the discourse, will highlight the importance of preaching and invite all present to share in Kingdom service the next day.

* Sunday will feature house-to-house witnessing, followed by a public talk and the Watchtower study in the afternoon or evening. Use the Kingdom Hall as the contact point. If it is not convenient for all to meet there, congregation book study locations may be used. A brief program may be arranged for Sunday morning. Arrange to be at the first door by 10 a.m. Encourage and help persons of good will to participate in field service with you. Explain the Importance of reporting and invite them to report the time that they spend in the preaching work.

Circuit Servant’s Activity

³ Congregations privileged to have (Continued on page j, col. 1)

Shall We Make It?

¹ If each one does his share and co-operates fully we can make the 20 per cent increase. The potential is present and Jehovah assures he will bless our faithful service. What we need to do is to aid all associated persons and those who are studying to share in the preaching work.

• ² To assist all servants, pioneers and publishers to co-ordinate their efforts in reaching the 20 per cent peak, the following suggestions are given. 1. A list of all who did not publish during March will be given to study conductors. They will see that these are given assistance at the beginning of April. All associated ONES SHOULD ARRANGE TO SHARE IN THE FIELD WORK BY THE 11TH AND PROMPTLY REPORT. 2. A list of those who have not preached by the 11th will be given to study conductors. This will let them know who still need assistance. Arrange TO TAKE PART AND ASSIST OTHERS TO SHARE IN THE FIELD WORK BY THE 18th. 3. If any have not reported by the 18th, congregation servants will notify study conductors. Special plans will be made to help them into the service during the remainder of the month. Use the training program throughout April and thereafter.

Start New Publishers

• ³ Thousands of persons have had home Bible studies for many months, and, in some eases, for several years, without publishing. Both study and service are necessary for life. Tactfully help these to start preaching this month and to continue right on into the new world.

• ⁴ Shall we reach the 20 per cent increase and have 167,959 preaching? It depends upon each one of us. Let us work hard, each one publish, aid others and pray to Jehovah to grant this rich increase. The Society awaits your report card showing “We Made It I”

  April to Be a FULL MONTH of Theocratic Activity

  
  

Around the World with Jehovah’s Witnesses

More Ministers

During the service year of 1953 a grand total of 519,982 different individuals had a part in Kingdom service. Virtually all 143 lands reported marvelous increases. Consider below a few examples of theocratic increase and how these came about.

In Costa Rica a woman was continually heard to add to her daily rosary prayer: “Lord, save us from ‘los atala-yas’ ” (as Jehovah’s witnesses have been dubbed there). Her prayer was sincere and having a proper heart condition she accepted the truth brought to her by one engaged in pastoral work to become one of the 519,982 proclaimerg of good news. (129)

Have you talked the truth to your relatives and made an effort to assist them in Kingdom service? A brother in the Sudan neglected to do so himself, but now will heartily recommend that you never say about your relatives, “I’ll just let them find out for themselves. They wouldn’t listen to me anyway.” (146) Try to help them understand the truth. Maybe they; will listen and even start preaching with you during April.

Do you conduct one or more home Bible studies? Have you assisted the individuals to join in the preaching work? Do not wait for them to say, “Brother, I would like to go out preaching with you.’’ (165) On hearing and learning the truth, the other sheep gladly respond to share in Kingdom service. Within three weeks from starting to study a young man in Australia asked to go out witnessing. (89, 90) Why not ask and help the one you are studying with to join in the ministry this month?

Public Meetings

Through the medium of public meetings many persons have become acquainted with the truth. It is an effective means of advertising the Kingdom and, as illustrated in the 1954 “Yearbook,” they may profitably be held at locations in addition to the Kingdom Hall.

In the Philippine Islands a congregation arranged to witness in unassigned territory Among the blessings that resulted was 400 attending a public meeting requested by the mayor. (232, 233) Another interesting experience was enjoyed by a group working unassigned territory in Mexico. (199, 200)

During the delivery of a public talk in the Gold Coast, a church bell rang. After the talk a person inquired why the church uses a bell. Read the answer on page 163 and also the effect one public talk may have on a person of good will, even an ardent Catholic. Brothers, are you thoroughly preparing your public talks?

Theaters, halls and other locations are often made available to us free for public lectures, when the owner understands the purpose of our work. A special pioneer had such an experience in El Salvador and a few days later gave an open-air talk in the public cemetery, with 400 in attendance. (148)

Who are Jehovah’s witnesses? So interested to find out were people in an isolated section of Costa Rica that some walked ten miles to hear the talk. The hall was not large enough to accommodate all desiring to listen. To learn what happened see pages 129 and 130.

When Evasive Answers Are Encountered

• ¹ Often in presenting the message to householders we are confronted with stock answers developed to evade salesmen. Realizing householders do not always immediately understand the purpose of our call, we tactfully endeavor to Overcome the barriers they raise by making known the importance of our visit as ministers.

• ² For example, after the initial introduction and presentation they might say, “I’m sorry, but not this time.” To answer this objection we might reply, “I should like to explain that I am a minister. This work is not commercial. Its purpose is to help people learn of God’s kingdom and how essential it is that we understand God’s requirements to live under the Kingdom rule. It has brought great comfort to me to learn of the Kingdom and I would be happy to discuss It with you for a few moments.” Then quickly go into your three- to eight-minute talk, stressing the importance of gaining accurate knowledge of God’s kingdom and pointing out the value of the literature as a Bible study aid.

• ³ Sometimes, after a three- to eightminute talk has been given, we are

The Holy Bible in Braille

Now available on loan to blind persons are the following volumes of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures:

Hebrew Scriptures

Volume 1 Genesis

3 Numbers—Deuteronomy

4 Joshua—Ruth

5 1 and 2 Samuel

6 1 and 2 Kings .

7 1 and 2 Chronicles

8 Ezra—Job

9 Psalms

• 10 Proverbs—Song of Solomon

• 11 Isaiah

• 12 Jeremiah

• 13 Lamentations—Ezekiel

• 14 Daniel—Malachi

Greek Scriptures

Volume 1 Matthew—Mark

2 Luke—John

3 Acts—Romans

4 1 Corinthians—Titus

5 Philemon—Revelation

To receive one of these volumes, write the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc., at 117 Adams Street, Brooklyn 1, N. Y. Print your name and address clearly and specify which volume you would like. You told, “Not this time," for the householder has obtained literature previously. In this case you might say, “You know, of course, my reason for calling is based on the urgency of our times. God's Word clearly indicates a message of vital importance about his Kingdom would be preached in the last days, as we read at Matthew 24:14 [open Bible and read it]. In view of the fact that we are living in the last days, it is vitally important for all persons to give God’s message serious consideration.” Then find out what publications they have, encourage study, and, if the householder is receptive, make return calls.

⁴ The fact that we are ministers, that the message is of utmost importance, that we want to help people learn Bible truths and that we are anxious to discuss the Scriptures and their application today will aid persons of good will to put aside their indifference and misunderstandings of our work. When practical use the Bible at the door and reply to objections and evasions in a positive manner. While God's ministers do not wrangle at the door, they do endeavor to leave each householder with a clear understanding of their purpose in calling.

may show a first and second choice so if one volume is loaned out the other can be sent to you. A volume may be kept three weeks, after which it must be mailed back to the Society. Please follow return mailing instructions found on the inside front cover of each volume. They may be returned to the Society free of postage. There is no charge for the loan of these volumes.

The Society also has in Braille the booklet Can You Live Forever in Happiness on Earth f It is available on loan to blind persons for a period of two weeks.

UNITED STATES QUOTA FOR 1954 153,962 Publishers

Monthly Field Service Report

February Report

A sr     Air     A ar

Pubs. Hrs'. B-C Bl. St.

Sp’l Pios. 165  143.8  57.3

Pioneers 5,690   92.0  32.0

Cong. Pubs. 145,791    9.6   3.4

Total Pubs. 151,646

Public Meetings Held: 8,431 February Subscriptions: 88,788 Total Campaign Subscriptions

to Date: 183,127

From Home Bible Student to Publisher

SCENE I (4 mm.) Talk on aiding good-will persons having Bible studies to gain life by helping them become preachers. Each month there were, on the average, 87,858 home Bible studies conducted in the United States during 1953, but only an increase of 13,340 in average number of publishers. Locally, in our congregation there were _____

home Bible studies and____new pub

lishers. Many are yet to be started in service.

SCENE II (4 min.) Publisher interrupts: “How can they be started?” Discussion ensues with speaker making helpful suggestions. While conducting studies highlight service as material lends itself and explain the privilege and responsibility of preaching. Relate experiences and joys of service. Take good-will person to congregation book study and Kingdom Hall meetings. Many are willing and desirous of joining in the preaching, needing only the conductor’s invitation and assistance. Upon expressing desire to see how it can be done, publisher is invited by speaker to look in on Brother Progressive concluding weekly study in “Let God Be True” with Mr. Sincere.

SCENE III (4 min.) Mr. Sincere reads last paragraph in chapter “A Ransom in Exchange for Many” and comments that lesson helped him understand the subject for the first time. Brother Progressive alertly ties this in with service, pointing out how fortunate they are to understand such important things. Many do not and must be helped, for the ransom is for many. “It is our privilege to tell them by going to their homes as I’m planning to do this Sunday morning,” he continues. “Wouldn’t you like to come with me?” Mr. Sincere replies that from studying the Bible he knows preaching is necessary, but, not knowing exactly what to say, he is a little frightened. Brother Progressive says he will do the talking and Mr. Sincere can go along to see how it is done, considering it part of his Bible education. Mr. Sincere agrees to go. Definite arrangements are made to pick him up Sunday morning.

SCENE IV (8 min.) Before going to the first door, Brother Progressive briefly reviews offer and points made at contact point for more effective preaching. At the door he introduces himself and companion and then presents offer, using three- to eightminute talk. The householder accepts offer and Progressive then gives householder an invitation to public talk. Mr. Sincere speaks up to comment how interesting the talks are. On leaving, Brother Progressive remarks how helpful Mr. Sincere’s comment was and then arranges for him to extend handbill invitation at next door. He is enthused to have part and expresses joy of going along in the service and appreciation for being invited. He wonders if it will ever be possible for him to do as well as Brother Progressive. Being assured that with training it will, the two proceed to next door, with new publisher eager to learn more about preaching work.

Doing Pastoral Work

SCENE I (3 min.) Conductor talks on engaging in pastoral work with the Shepherd-Prince. Pastoral work includes caring for the sheep by training them. To do this we have to lead them step by step and not only show them, but actually help them to do the things we do. Even if we make an excellent presentation ourselves, we have not trained them. How would you like to sit down and have a music teacher play an hour of beautiful music and then turn and ask you, a novice, to do the same? Would she really be a teacher? Let us see how this idea works out in service.

SCENE II (4 min,) Publisher takes new person in work. She goes to door and makes very good presentation of “The Watchtower.” Good-will person listens, remarks how well publisher did in her presentation. Then publisher says: “It’s easy. How about you taking the next house?” Good-will person declines, not being capable or doing as publisher did.

SCENE III (4 min.) Publisher is called on by servant checking to see how she is progressing with good-will person. Publisher says she does not seem to succeed in getting good-will person or others to go on their own, even after a long time. Servant explains they must be trained step by step. Show them how to record results on House-to-House Record; give them a Scripture text to have ready to read when called for and, on conclusion of witness, have them give householder a handbill and invite him to attend talk, etc. As new ones progress, additional parts of the witness may be given to them, and before long they will be trained to effectively present the message alone.

SCENE IV (6 min,) Publisher again takes the good-will person into the service, after preparing her to read a scripture and to extend an invitation to the talk. At first home the good-will person is called upon at proper time to read the scripture. Going to next home publisher tells the good-will person she did fine and at next door may offer the handbill at conclusion of witness. This is done and on their way to the next door the good-will person expresses joy over being able to share in the preaching work. She wants to learn how to give a good, complete witness at the door and looks forward to the time when she will be able to go on her own.

SCENE V (2 min.) In conclusion conductor points out how results are obtained by this method. Remember, we are ministerial teachers training these people for the highest profession Let us take more care than the best music teacher would to see that they are given a foundation training, so they will stay in the service of God and become exemplary ministers to others seeking life.

Unassigned Territory to Be Worked

As a result of the unassigned territory campaigns of 1952 and 1953, most of the unassigned territory in the United States was worked. Thousands were privileged to become acquainted with the truth and over thirty new congregations were started. In 1954 the months of July and August will find us again busy calling on people in unassigned territory talking about the Kingdom.

There is still much work to be done in unassigned territory and all congregations are encouraged to share in the work this summer. With district assemblies arranged for all

1954 District Assemblies

Plan Four Days

¹ Assemblies always mean a special portion of Jehovah’s blessing. A well-planned program provides a feast abundantly spread. An unusual feature of the 1954 District Assemblies is that they are not three days as generally scheduled, but four. The additional day is Thursday, which means assemblies start one day earlier. The extra day will provide additional important counsel and instruction for the New World society. The time to be at a district assembly, then, is from Thursday morning through Sunday evening.

² These copiously supplied feasts are not only for publishers and their families, but also persons of good will. Include them in your plans this year. By seeing and hearing firsthand, and feeling directly the zeal, spirit and enthusiasm of the New World society, they will appreciate the unity and magnitude of its operation, as well as the devotion of true worshipers of Jehovah.

• ³ With this Informant a letter giving general assembly information, as well as the Room Request and Volunteer Service forms, is being sent to each congregation. You will find an assembly reasonably close to where you are located, so travel will not he much of a problem. Start thinking, talking, planning, saving and working toward attending.

• ⁴ Spanish-speaking brothers will be interested in knowing that there will be Spanish programs at the San Antonio assembly.

• ⁵ Do you debate whether or not to eat when hungry and food is available? Of course not, for food is necessary to sustain life. Spiritual food is even more important, so do not debate whether or not to attend a district assembly all four days this summer. Start arranging now and then when the time comes—attend.

to attend with limited travel, undoubtedly most congregations will be able to have as full a part in the work as they did in 1952. Remember, too, entire families may vacation pioneer for two, three or more weeks in unassigned territory as well as with a congregation.

With this Informant the Society Is sending a new unassigned territory book and an unassigned territory application. Look over the territory, make your selection and return the application by April 15. With all servants, pioneers and publishers supporting this campaign, thousands more in unassigned territory will be assisted this summer to learn of Jehovah’s new world.

Finding the Greater

Offer New Book and Booklet

• ¹ Christ Jesus was very careful to make his disciples aware that it is better to give than to receive. In discussing this matter, Paul pointed out that one manifestation of this was to aid those who are weaker, aiding them to find the greater happiness in giving.—Acts 20:35, NW.

• ² We can bring happiness to others during May by presenting, the new book “New Heavens and a New Earth" and the booklet After Armageddon—God's New World, on a contribution of 50 cents. Being familiar with the contents of this book, through personal and group study, will aid in making easy and varied presentations. The title of the book and various chapter themes may be used as a basis for developing three-to eight-minute talks.

• ³ More experienced publishers will continue taking new and less mature ones In the house-to-house work and training them to be effective preachers of the good news. Their training

Happiness in Giving

can be carried right on into the back-call and home Bible study service when making return visits upon those who obtain the new-book-and-booklet offer and those who subscribed for The Watchtower during the campaign.

Continue Using Magazines

• ⁴ With the 16th annual Watchtower campaign coming to an end in April, do not ease up on magazine distribution. From now on let each congregation have as a quota the placing of at least two magazines per publisher a week. By regularly engaging in Magazine Day activities each publisher will meet or exceed his quota of two magazines each week. Present the latest copies of The Watchtower and Awake! together in house-to-house magazine

Publications Now Available

Basis for Belief in a New World

—Japanese

Can You Live Forever in Happiness on Earth? —Croatian, Norwegian work and store-to-store work, on a contribution of 10 cents.

• ⁵ Increased activity will mean increased happiness on our part as we continue to give of the spiritual means at our command. Assist and encourage all associated with the congregation and persons being studied with to share in the happiness of giving. Take Jesus’ words to heart by giving much and you will find the greater happiness.

“Make Sure of All Things”

2nd week:

Armageddon (pages 24-27) Discourse by mature brother.

4th week:

Baptism (pages 27-30)

Discussion following home Bible study with good-will person interested in baptism. Develop definition, origin, examples, purpose and meaning after coming of Christ.

Memorial Activity       (Cant’d)

the circuit servant during the week of Memorial will have their service meeting on Tuesday evening, as scheduled in the letter from the Society. The only change will be the servants’ meeting and the talk to the congregation, which will be held Thursday or Friday evening instead of Saturday.

Remember Memorial Report Card

• ⁶ The Society is enclosing the Memorial Report Card with this Informant. It should be filled out and mailed to the Society immediately following the public meeting on Sunday, April 18. Congregation book study conductors will please keep a record of those who engage in house-to-house work between the 1st and the 18th and inform the congregation servant so he can report on the card the total number of house-to-house publishers during this period. This will include those who participate in house-to-house work alone or who share in giving the witness while accompanying another for training. Work toward the goal of 100 per cent or “Every Publisher a Regular House-to-House Preacher of Good News!” by the 18th of April.

CONGREGATION

Welcoming Strangers

• ¹ As more and more of the other sheep are found, new faces will appear at organized meetings. These persons of good will should be made to feel welcome. They will not be acquainted with God’s people as a group and will observe very intently what goes on. Their first impression should be a good one. For that reason all should know how to treat strangers when they come to meetings.

• ² The congregation book study location often serves as the first contact the stranger has with Jehovah’s visible organization. A friendly, receptive spirit should be displayed by the brothers at the study. After the conductor is introduced to the stranger, he should acquaint the group with the newcomer and also aid the person of good will to feel at ease and to know that he is welcome. An interesting, friendly, informal study will serve as an added inducement for the stranger to come again.

• ³ When attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall the stranger should be made to feel welcome and at home. Servants and publishers will take the initiative to greet newcomers, introduce the stranger to others,

ORGANIZATION

point out things of interest at the Kingdom Hall, such as the yeartext, library, stock room where literature can be obtained, the advertising department, etc. Love is further shown by sitting with the stranger during the meeting, sharing songbook, Informant, The Watchtower, etc., telling him of other meetings and inviting him to return. If such an atmosphere of welcome prevails, the stranger will feel like returning again and partaking of the lifegiving knowledge dispensed at meetings. A stranger should be a stranger only once and that only on his first visit.

• ⁴ Special occasions, such as the visit of the circuit servant or at Memorial time, afford an excellent opportunity to put into practice a warm Christian welcome. Many persons of good will attend these meetings. They should be properly welcomed to these as to all other meetings. Several mature publishers might be specially assigned by the congregation servant to be on the watch for strangers and to welcome them. An all-out effort should be made to aid the stranger to associate himself regularly. It is necessary to become a strong, active worshiper of Jehovah.

★ Every Publisher a Regular House-to-House Preacher of Good News! *

4