Use 3- to 8-Minute Sermons

• ¹ Jehovah’s name is worthy to be praised. As Jehovah's servants, daily, by word and deed, we proudly sing the praises of our God. Let the world praise its gods. But as for us, “we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God for ever and ever.” —Mie. 4: 5,

• ² Devotion to the name must be proved. July offers opportunities to furnish that proof. Vacations may be spent in pioneer service and long, pleasant days filled with happy hours of praise in regular and unassigned territory. In deeds and spoken words have a full share in activities this month and then do not neglect to report.

• ² What is the offer for July? Three books with three booklets or with two magazines and one booklet on a contribution of in regular territory, and the alternate offer in unassigned territory of a subscription for The Watchtower and a book, on a contribution of $1.50. Especially in unassigned territory we shall want to use the older books in stock. Here will be a chance for many to receive the tine information in these older publications and, too, it will help to .reduce your stock of older books. Be sure to present the complete offer at each door.

Prepare Your Sermons

• ⁴ Whether our service will be in unassigned territory or in our regular territory, plan interesting three-to eight-minute talks to catch and hold the interest of people. Talk to one another about your sermons and presentations as you travel to the territory. Try them out on one another, and offer suggestions for improvement. And, of course, continue the training of less experienced publishers. Take them with you from house to house, on back-calls and Bible studies. Help them to see their privilege of walking in the name of Jehovah as a regular house-to-house publisher.

• ⁵ If special pioneers in unassigned territory would like assistance from nearby congregations that did not receive unassigned territory, arrangements may be worked out between the special pioneers and congregation servants. And, too, let us not forget our quota of two magazines per publisher per week. The vibrant message contained in The Watchtower and Awake! can mean life to those who read and heed it.

• ⁶ Keep the name of Jehovah before the people. Be diligent to praise the name at all times whether in unassigned territory or in your regular assignment. It is necessary, if you are to be found walking in Jehovah’s name now and in the days to come.

  More ?nd More New Subscriptions

  512,649 Received January—April

  Expansion is on I How thrilling it is to receive over a half million new subscriptions for The Watchtower and Awake! in the Brooklyn office alone! This is the first time in any campaign that the half-million mark was surpassed. And that is not the grand total world-wide! Additional tens of thousands of new subscriptions for magazines printed elsewhere, such as in Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, Japan, etc., are not included in the following chart.

  1954                      1953

  
  

  The Watchtower	From the United States	From Other Branches	Total	From the United States	From Other Branches	Total
  English	318,667	63,955	382,622	299,800	69,148	368,948
  Arabic	103	509	612	99	617	716
  Cebu-Visayan	17	745	762	18	702	720
  Greek	515	427	942	444	379	823
  I bo		501	501		417	417
  llocano	76	1,572	1,648	61	1,709	1,770
  Italian	1,736	2,782	4,518	1,485	2,387	3,872
  Polish	957	760	1,717	949	721	1,670
  Russian	382	322	704	344	283	627
  Slovak	289	89	378	230	77	307
  Spanish	8,492	18,971	27,463	8,937	13,166	22,103
  T agalog	32	634	666	27	762	789
  Twi		362	362		336	336
  Ukrainian	294	666	960	240	721	961
  Yoruba		995	995		887	887
  Mise. Lang’s	3,353		3,353	2,954		2,954
  Total	334,913	93,290	428,203	315,588	92,312	407,900
  Awake! English	65,272	20,785	76,057	60,108	22,092	82,200
  Greek	182	213	395	241	212	453
  Spanish	1,335	5,490	6,825	1,449	5,442	6,891
  Ukrainian	122	317	439	95	449	544
  Mise. Lang’s	730		730	683		683
  Total	57,641	26,805	84,446	62,576	28,195	90,771
  Campaign Total	392,554	120,095	512,649	378,164	120,507	498,671

  It is very encouraging to note that an additional 19,325 new Watchtower subscriptions were received from the United States publishers this year and also a 25 per cent increase in Spanish Watchtower subscriptions

  
  

  (Continued on page 3, col. 2)

  
  

Unassigned Territory Work

Special Offer May Be Used

• ¹ July and August will find many brothers throughout the United States busily working in unassigned territory. The purpose of working unassigned territory is to contact and assist interested persons with the view to building them up in the faith and helping them to organize their praise to Jehovah.

- A year’s subscription for The Watchtower with one book, or three books with three booklets or with two magazines and one booklet, may be offered on a contribution of $1.50. Since these people are seldom called on, we suggest presenting the Watchtower subscription and book offer. Try to leave something at every

(Continued on page 2, col. 2)

Around the World with Jehovah’s Witnesses

Baptism

From all nations, peoples, kindreds and tongues, over 50,000 persons last year, an average of 139 each day, on learning and coming to appreciate the truth, symbolized their dedication by water baptism. This was done as Jesus commanded, at Matthew 28:19, NW.

At the New World Society Assembly in New York, the amazing number of 4,640 were immersed. (43, 44) This is the largest baptism on record to date. (Acts 2:41, NW) And it was not the only large baptism held last year for at the German assembly 2,843 symbolized. (160)

Is a long period of time required between the time one first hears the truth and one’s baptism? (Acts 8:2638, NW) On recognizing and appreciating that "this is the truth," in just a matter of weeks or a few months those who love Jehovah will delight to follow the example of the Lord Jesus by being baptized and then by diligently carrying out their dedication vows. One of these requirements is to share in the preaching work regularly. (90, 112, 113) That the truth is making rapid progress in Korea and that maturity is forthcoming, note that last year 236 of 417 preaching there took the forward step of water immersion. (82)

But to obey Jesus’ command more is required than just to understand what baptism means. Additionally, one must live a life in accord with the principles of Jehovah, to whom each one is dedicated. Gladly, as illustrated on pages 209 and 210, potential members of the New World society, on learning the truth, make whatever adjustments may be necessary before baptism and thereafter live in accord with God’s will as found in the Bible.

Special Subscription Insert Slips to Be Discontinued

When your present supply of experimental special subscription insert slips for distributors’ copies of The Watchtower and Awake! is exhausted, please do not request more. The slips are no longer being printed.

From the first of January through the month of May the Society has kept an accurate check on the number of special subscription slips sent in. Out of the 10,229,500 slips printed and distributed, only 990 persons used the slips to subscribe. That means one subscriber for every 103,329 slips.

While the experimental subscription slips undoubtedly acquainted many persons with subscription arrangements, once again the point is forcibly brought home to all Kingdom publishers: The only effective way to place literature and preach ‘the good news of the Kingdom' is by personal contact with people at their homes. God’s Word tells us to preach and it is the talking that brings results.

While Traveling

¹ Jehovah’s witnesses are travelers. Several times each year they make theocratic trips to circuit, district or national assemblies. Additionally, much traveling is done during regular witness work, as well as on vacations, etc. Have literature with you at all times, and keep it near at hand for ready use while traveling.

• ² When you stop to get gas the attendant will generally notice your bumper sign. Tactfully lead him into conversation by asking how far it is to the assembly city, explaining you must get there by a certain date as you are to attend a Christian assembly of Jehovah's witnesses. Ask him if he heard of the large assembly held at Yankee Stadium last year (most have), and point out to him that it was the largest Christian assembly held in modern times, with people coming from 96 different lands. The gathering amazed the world and proves that the Bible, when understood accurately, is not a divisive book, but one that unifies people of all nations. After a brief discussion, judged by the amount of time he has, you might offer the latest magazine and a booklet for ten cents.

• ³ Then, when stopping to eat, many times you will have opportunity to talk to the waitress or cashier, especially if they are not

Unassigned Territory . . .(Coat'd) home I If not a subscription and book, then some books or booklets and magazines. Generally, at least a tract can be left.

• ³ As money may be scarce in some areas, literature can be exchanged for canned goods, fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, fowl, gasoline, etc. These products can either be used or exchanged for money later on.

Organizing for Work

• ⁴ On receiving an assignment, prepare for the work. Organize car groups and arrange for territory coverage. Select public meeting locations (parks, grange and community halls, private homes, etc.) and obtain blank or printed handbills. At service meetings review unassigned territory booklet instructions and discuss the work to be done.

• ⁵ It would be well to work populated centers first and then scattered rurals. Calls should be made on interested persons whose names very busy. If you can engage them in a brief discussion, do so. You might say: "Did you know that a man who lives 70 years spends approximately five years of that time doing nothing but eating? Food certainly is important, isn’t it? . . . I am just returning from a Christian assembly of Jehovah's witnesses. There I learned it takes more than material food to sustain life. Jesus said that we must be conscious of oui‘ spiritual need as well. I know that you are busy now* but I would like to give you this tract Life in a New World. It outlines the promises contained in the Bible for a better world. You will enjoy reading it.”

⁴ Another opportunity to witness, and probably in more detail, may come while stopping at night. After the manager has shown you to your room, you might approach him in this manner: "After viewing the beautiful and peaceful countryside today it seems hard to realize that there could be so much trouble, sorrow and suffering in the world. Have you ever wondered if permanent peace is attainable by man?” Then discuss with him God’s promise to create a new world of righteousness and offer the book “New Heavens and a New Earth" on the contribution of fifty cents. Three- to eight-minute sermons on Scriptural themes equip you to be ready for all these opportunities.

have been sent by the Society and studies should be started w’here possible. Answering their questions, taking them in service, organizing study groups, etc., will build them up for future organization.

• ⁶ When the assignment is completed, the names and addresses of all especially interested persons should be sent to the Society. It is preferred that these names be put on separate slips of paper, 3 Inches by 5 Inches, along with pertinent Information about each one. With these names you should send a report on the coverage of the territory, informing the Society of interest found and the prospects for development by pioneer aid. Experiences involving such things as the people's reactions to the message, hotv problems in the territory were overcome, outstanding interest found and the effect the work done in the past two years has had will be welcomed.

  YOUR SERVICE MEETING

  
  

  Be Sure to Attend

  
  

All Can Preach

SCENE I (3 min.) Conductor comments on purpose of training program and how all can be assisted to preach When assigned to work together, do so as often as possible by making adjustments in personal routine. Cooperation is essential for full benefits. Tact and encouragement will often be required on part of more experienced publisher to assist another, as will be noted in following demonstration. Willing calls on Need Assistance, whom he is assigned to aid.

SCENE II (12 min.) Willing begins by saying he wanted to stop by and arrange convenient working schedule, as suggested by circuit servant. Practical to get together in order to outline and agree on specific times and days to work together. Need Assistance likes training program, but doubts if he will be able to work with Willing. Does not feel capable of doing house-to-house -work and doubts if he ever could. Does not want to become burden to Willing and feels Willing could do more good by helping someone else. Willing tactfully replies none are capable in own strength. Must rely upon Jehovah’s direction. He makes provisions for his people that must not be shunned. When circuit servant discussed working together, Need Assistance raised no questions. Would be well now for them to follow through, for real happiness results from being obedient to direction and will of Jehovah and visible organization.

Need Assistance says he does not want to be untheocratic, but feels program good for others more capable but not for him. He is unable to express himself clearly at door, is easily discouraged, fears what people might say to him while preaching, etc. He would like to preach, but just does not feel he can. Willing uses Scriptural example of Moses, who, due to speech difficulties, felt that he was unqualified and unable to lead Israelite nation. Did he say, Impossible, it can’t be done? No! He relied on Jehovah’s direction. Jehovah assigned Aaron to assist Moses as his spokesman. Moses accepted assistance rendered by Aaron. Did not overlook Jehovah’s hand

Another Makes Adjustments to Pioneer

After carefully and prayerfully considering the invitation in the May Informant to pioneer a sister 71 years old made adjustments to take up this joyous service. In the letter of recommendation the congregation servant wrote: ‘This sister is 71 years of age. She is very zealous for the Kingdom work. Though living 13 miles from the Kingdom Hall, she regularly attends meetings. When she considered Jehovah’s call for full-time workers she said: “I will go.” ’ Are you making adjustments in order to pioneer?

Legal Notice

Brothers expecting to appear before draft boards or hearing officers of the Department of Justice may write to H. C. Covington, 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn 1, New York, for helpful suggestions on procedure. in matter. (Ex. 4:10-16) After a period of time elapsed Moses was able to represent Jehovah effectively before his people

Present-day training program should be viewed in similar spirit. It will help Need Assistance in becoming a qualified preacher of good news, if he responds to provision. Need Assistance thanks Willing for Scriptural encouragement. He does want to become a good preacher of the good news and will appreciate patient assistance of Willing. The two then sit down and plan a working schedule permitting them to -work together several times each week.

SCENE III (3 min.) Jehovah knows what his people need and when. Now is the time for more and more to become better preachers, to care for the great gathering work. Through the training program all can be assisted to preach and enjoy many New World society blessings.

“Make Sure of All Things”

2nd Week:

Blood Transfusion (pages 47-48) Demonstration: One of Jehovah’s witnesses in need of an operation explains to his doctor why he cannot Scripturally undergo a blood transfusion.

4th Week:

Born Again (pages 48-50) Discussion: One of the newer publishers does not understand what it means to be “born again’’ and inquires of one of the mature publishers, who explains Scriptural meaning by following material outlined.

New Cost List

Two new Cost List booklets are being sent to each congregation with this Informant. It is important that the congregation servant and the stock servant carefully study the instructions that appear in the first few pages on how to order. A copy of the booklet is also now being sent to pioneers working unassigned territory. All other pioneers will receive a copy of the new booklet with their yearly supplies sent out in August.

• ¹ If you did not attend the Boston, the Cincinnati or the Richmond district assembly, then surely you will want to attend one of the other fourteen assemblies to be held in the United States during July and August. A splendid program providing four days of ‘food in due season’ awaits you. There is still time to make plans and to attend. Write to the city of your choice for rooming accommodations, if you have not already done so. If by chance you do not receive your accommodations through the mail, they will be held for you at the assembly city rooming department.

• ² In addition to attending an assembly, enjoy an additional part of assembly activities by volunteering to help. Much assistance will be needed by each department at all assemblies. You can make the task lighter by offering your assistance. So why not send your Volunteer Service application slip to the assembly city where you will attend, designating on it what you can and would like to do?

• ³ While there is much to be done around the assembly, do not lose sight of the importance of field service. Arrangements have been made for field service at each assembly city. Take advantage of all opportunities to engage in house-to-house work as well as to share in street advertising with magazines, placards and handbills. Four days give us a wonderful opportunity to accomplish a great witness in the assembly city.

• ⁴ Bumper signs, lapel cards and holders are now available. If you have not ordered from the Society what you need, please do so at once. Utilize these additional ways of advertising assemblies going to, at and returning from the district assembly.

Take Flight to the

Service Year

and Unassigned Territory Work End with August!

¹A world destruction impends! Warning must be given! Where is the place of safety? Certainly not in any part of this doomed world's systems. Jesus warned to take flight to the mountains for safety. (Luke 21:20,21; Matt. 24:15,16, W) It is in the new-world theocratic system of things where Jehovah keeps his New World society safe. Members of that New World society now want to warn others to flee this doomed world’s system of things and to help them find safety in Jehovah’s new-world system of things.

Mountains for Safety

• ² August will mark the final month of the service year. Lovingly aid others to take flight to God's prescribed place of safety by continuing to offer three books with three booklets or with two magazines and one booklet, on a $1.50 contribution. Placements and interest should be noted for return calls, with the view of developing home Bible studies. Help train others when engaged in any feature of service.

• ³ With the close of August this summer’s unassigned territory work will terminate. Make every effort to cover your assignment thoroughly. At the end of August be sure to send the Society a report of what was accomplished and the names and addresses of especially interested persons.

• ⁴ Magazine distribution should continue to command our attention. Have you been keeping up with the quota of placing at least two magazines each week? Being magazine conscious at all times will enable you to not only meet but also surpass the quota.

• ⁵ There must be no letup in our preaching activity. Flight to Jehovah’s new-world system of things for safety is imperative. In love for our imperiled neighbor and fellow man. let us help as many as we can to flee without further delay to the mountains for safety, Jehovah’s New World society.

  1955 Conventions

  
  

CONGREGATION ORGANIZATION

Inquiry is made from time to time as to when and where the 1955 European conventions will be held. It appears now that the convention in London will be held from July 27-31 ; in Paris from August 3-7; in Italy from August 5-7; in Germany from August 10-14; and in Sweden from August 17-21.

In the United States we plan to have five assemblies. At the moment it appears that the New York assembly will be July 20-24. As soon as other information is available, it will be announced.

UNITED STATES QUOTA FOR 1954 153,962 Publishers

Monthly Field Service Report

Total Pubs. 157,217 Public Meetings Held: 11,542

Do Not Neglect to Report!

While July and August witli assemblies, unassigned territory and vacations will lie busy, fast-moving months, do not neglect to report your field service. In past years many, because of being away from their home congregation during this period, have not arranged to turn in their reports. If necessary, send your report slips to the congregation servant by mail just before the end of the month. Do not become an irregular publisher because you have neglected to report.

Public Relations Servant

¹ In each circuit the Society has appointed a brother to care for publicity in connection with the circuit activities of Jehovah’s witnesses. He is known as the “Public Relations Servant,” since it is his duty to maintain good relations with the various news channels in publicizing assemblies and other special events in the circuit. When handled discreetly the newspapers, radio and other media for disseminating information can be used to a very good advantage in acquainting the people with the important activities of Jehovah's witnesses.

• ² Primarily the public relations servant will be concerned with assembly publicity. When circuit or district assemblies are announced, he should contact the newspapers within the circuit and keep them posted with pertinent information on the assemblies. He may request the assistance of certain brothers in the congregations in connection with such publicity. Congregations should co-operate. At circuit assemblies he should release important data regarding the assembly, its purpose, what is to be presented on the program, speakers who will participate, etc. He will work closely with and under the supervision of the circuit servant in caring for his duties. A memorandum entitled “Suggestions on Theocratic Public Relations” has been prepared for public relations servants, and this should be consulted frequently in caring for public relations work.

• ³ In addition to publicizing assemblies, the public relations servant can assist in directing publicity in connection with dedication of Kingdom Halls, special programs, etc. Each congregation is responsible for local publicity and should be alert to use all opportunities to publicize the theocratic activities locally, but the public relations servant can offer suggestions and be of much assistance to the various congregations in his circuit in handling and improving publicity. The servants should feel free to consult him on local publicity.

• ⁴ In handling his duties the public relations servant should use the spirit of a sound mind at all times. Controversial material and discussions should be avoided wherever possible. He should have in mind that tlie information he provides for public consumption will usually be widely distributed. Hence, he should not only make it interesting and alive, but factual. The Society does not recommend paid advertising. If releases are submitted as important news regarding activities of the community and if interviews are planned in order to be interesting and educational to the people in general, most newspapers and radio stations will consent to cover the activities free. Much depends on the contact made by the public relations servant as to the response the editors and program directors make.

• ⁵ Jehovah has commissioned us to preach the good news of the Kingdom in all the world for the purpose of a witness. The other sheep must learn of the New World society and come into it for safety. The public relations servant can add much to the proclamation of the good news by diligently caring for his duties.

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

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