MAY 1969

VOL XII NO. 5

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

“Lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.”—Luke 21:28.

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Have you looked at the service report for March as yet? It shows a tiue new peak in publishers—21,079 over last year's average! How encouraging to see this fruitage from your efforts to help others grow in faith! What will April bring? Here at Bethel we already see evidence that it will be an outstanding month of praise to Jehovah.

On April 1, for the Memorial, 40,9013 were present at the 1S7 congregations in New York city. That is up 9 percent over last year. Total partakers dropped from 249 to 243. Memorial attendance in Toronto, we have been told, went up about 8 percent, to 7,971, with 82 partakers. Did you have many newly interested ones at the meeting with you that night too? Have they kept on attending?

Something else tells us that April is going to be an outstanding service month. You have been ordering a lot of magazines. Our printing in Brooklyn, even higher than last October, reached 18,474,190 copies in March. You are keeping us busy, and we are glad that you are.

The German branch too reports a huge production: 6,413,550 magazines were printed there in March, and that is nearly triple its monthly average of last year. All together, in the United States and the ten other printing branches, March saw-over 32,000,000 magazines come off the Society’s presses around the world. What a crowd of people can be reached with the good news through their pages!

We just checked to see how the subscription campaign is coming along, and the results are good. From January through March, 465,299 new subscriptions were obtained. Just 1,318 behind the same period last year, but renewals are far ahead; so many more people are subscribing again. While giving good attention to subscriptions, during those same months you also placed over a million bound books—nearly two and a half times the report for the same months last year. Just

¹ The Truth book is a great aid to us as we endeavor to keep faith growing by God’s Word among interested ones in our territory, isn’t it? One publisher commented on ‘'its clear and direct approach to people.” Another said: “I can’t hide my enthusiasm. It’s a wonderful study aid!”

- Most of us have now had experience in offering the Truth book in the house-to-house work and have found ways to make the offer appealing in a simple presentation. Feel free to present it’in the manner you find most effective. Help the householder to see that he needs to read the information presented.

• ³ Many publishers just open the book to the picture on page four and state: “As God-fearing people we are all interested in everlasting life. We would like to live under such fine conditions as are pictured here, wouldn’t we? [Permit answer.] This is what God has promised for obedient mankind. [Head scripture below picture.] But when will this be possible and what is required .of us? You can read the answers to these questions. This book -will show you where in your Bible the answers are recorded. It is yours for only 25c.”

• ⁴ Some publishers feature chapter titles. They say: “We have called because so many are asking the question, ‘Why has God permitted wickedness until our day?’ (Page 65) Likely you have wondered too.

think of it! Now we need to call back to encourage these people to read what they have and, if possible, we would like to study with them, wouldn’t we? Let’s give them all the opportunity.

Convention time is getting elose. We feel it here. Do you? Will you be in attendance on the very first day? You’ll be glad if you are.

We remember you in our prayers, Your brothers,

Bsookuyn Buanch Office The Bible answers that question and this book will show you where in your Bible the scriptures are . .

You may wish to feature the title “Why We Grow Old and Die” (page 27), “Where Are the Dead?” (page 34), “The Last Days . . (page 94), “How to Pray and Be Heard by God” (page 151), “Building a Sappy Family Life” (page 170) or others.

• ⁵ If you would like to use a Scriptural presentation before offering the book, you may find Psalm 37:10, 11 very appropriate. You may, of course, use any other appropriate Scripture text you wish.

• ⁶ Reports indicate that you are trying to offer the Truth book to everyone and are enjoying good results. One couple crossing the country on the bus sat and talked with different people during the trip and placed fifty Truth, books in three days. A brother who eats out a lot has been offering the Truth book to waitresses and found the majority very happy to receive it. .Many brothers keep the book, handy at their place of employment; others keep them conveniently located at home to offer to callers. Do your relatives and friends each have a copy?

~ Just reading the Truth book has aided many sincere ones to gain faith in God's Word. A Catholic lady read the book and then told the sister who called: “When you first came I doubted whether you were teaching the truth or whether my church was, but now I know,” She left the church, is attending meetings and studying. An interested woman in California had been ‘on the fence’ for months. After reading the Truth book she promptly stopped attending mass and began attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall on her own. An interested man in Ohio took three days off from work to read the book. Then he told our

{Continued on. page 4, col. 1)

Keep faith growing by God’s Word.

y y&ut Satvice Meetings

WEEK STARTING MAY 4

Theme: “Preach the Word.” (2 Tim. 4:2) Song 6.

12 min: Introduction and welcome. Family or couple consider text and Branch Letter, making additional application of points to themselves.

10 min: Help New Publishers Continue. Discussion between overseer, assistant congregation servant and book study servant concerning how new publishers can be helped to continue in Jehovah's service. Suggestions given. Book study servant says he will discuss the matter with publisher who has been conducting the study and encourage him to help student have a share in the ministry early in the month and several times during the month if possible. See also suggestions in “Lamp" book on pages S3 and 84. Help new ones grow in love for Jehovah’s service.

20 min: Questions and answers on “The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life.” Demonstrate some short presentations appropriate in your territory.

3 min: Accounts report.

15 min: Concluding comments. Review points in “Convention Time Is Near.” Emphasize providing complete information on Room Request Form. Consider “How Did We Do in March?” and congregation report for April. Commend brothers for good activity. Entertain local experiences on placing the “Truth” book. Song 10.

.WEEK STARTING MAY 11

Theme: “Do All Things for God’s Glory-.” (1 Cor. 10:31) Song 9.

7 min: Introduction, welcome. Family group or couple consider text and personal convention arrangements, the city they plan to attend, sending in room request forms, volunteering to help with the assembly, etc.

13 min: Plan Now to Attend the International Assembly.

Chairman: Give talk (8 or 9 minutes) including high points from articles “Assemblies Are for Children Too!” and “Why Not Make It Your First Assembly?” in the February 15 and March 15 issues of “The Watchtower.” Encourage the brothers to begin to . finalize their plans now.

Audience participation: Ask audience for high points or other points that impressed them in the article entitled “Have You. Invited Your Marriage Mate?” in the May 1, 1969, ! issue of “The Watchtower.”

15 min: Starting New Studies.

Chairman: (3 min.) During September last year, we were offering “Truth” books in our territory. The report shows we placed 747,141 books that month, 823,976 in November and 630,094 in December. (Can use local figures too.) How many people who obtained a copy are we now studying with? Have you called back at least once on each “Truth” book placement to let the householder know he can have a free home Bible study and to offer to demonstrate it for him, as suggested on page four of the December “Kingdom Ministry”? If not, then this would be a good work for May.

Demonstration: (3 min.) Back-call on "Truth” book placement: Householder remembers book, read some, but it was some time ago. Publisher tells householder that w’e offer a free home Bible study program. It is a 24-hour course, one hour or more a week for six months, and the only requirement is that the householder prepare ahead of time. Publisher hands householder study folder, draws attention to questions that will be answered, and asks if he can step in for a few minutes to demonstrate. Householder expresses appreciation and invites publisher in.

Chairman: (2 min.) Encourage similar follow-up on all subscription placements.

When you cover the territory are you leaving a Bible study folder at each home whether the people are interested in our literature or not? Why not make it a personal and group goal in the congregation to see to it that one of these folders is left at each home in your territory?

Demonstration: (3 min.) Householder declines magazine offer. Publisher hands householder Bible study folder and says: ‘We would like you to know that we provide free home Bible studies for individuals and families in this neighborhood.’ Direct householder to a point or two in folder and offer to demonstrate study.

Demonstration: (2 min.) Mother and daughter call at home where no one is in. Youth leaves handbill. Mother hands her study folder to leave also, explaining why we want everyone in our territory to know of Bible study offer and why she has put her name and phone number neatly on folder. Daughter slips it under door.

Chairman: (2 min.) Encourage publishers to offer study on initial call also. Explain how this can be done.

15 min: “Social Events Need Christian Moderation.” Upbuilding talk on high points of article in May 1, 1969, “Watchtower.”

10 min: Concluding announcements. Remind publishers of our desire to make disciples and to be on the watch for interested ones while sharing in all features of service.

Encourage family studies. One parent writes: “I started all five of my children in the ‘Truth’ book the week after the assembly. They have all responded so well; we always go over our hour. It has really kindled their Interest.” Song 8.

WEEK STARTING MAY 18

Theme: Use Dedicated Time Wisely. Song 70.

15 min: Introduction, text, comments. By questions and answers consider “Do You Remember?” in May 1. 1969, issue of “The Watchtower.” This will be a good test of memory and study habits of congregation. Encourage regular reading of “The Watehtower.” 12 min: Answering Common Objections. Choose ahead of time objections commonly met in territory. Possibly, “I have my own religion,” “I’m busy,” “I’m not interested,” etc. Include, “Oh, I can’t study today.” (See "Presenting the Good News.”) Ask audience how they handle these. Consider one at a time as time permits.

20 min: “Have You Studied with Them for Six Months?” Questions and answers. Encourage brothers to have students read article entitled "Have You Been Studying for Six Months?” in May 15, 1969, “Watchtower.”

13 min: Concluding comments. Encourage publishers to witness to relatives, friends and neighbors and try to study with them. See March “Kingdom Ministry,” page three, “Whom Can You Help?” If available, include local experiences about helping interested ones progress. Consider “Question Box.” Song 68.

WEEK STARTING MAY 25

Arrange locally to cover congregation's needs.

Encourage vacation pioneering this summer. Also prepare congregation for field service activity Sunday, offering "New World Translation” and a booklet for $1.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 1

Theme: Reaping Spiritually What We Have Sown. (Gal. 6:8) Song 71.

5 min: Introduction, text, comments. 10 min: Talk on theme "Reaping Spiritually What We Have Sow’n.” See June 1, 1969, "Watchtower.” 15 min: Offer the Bible to All.

Ask audience for expressions on why householders in local territory need a copy of “New World Translation,” even though they may already have a copy of the Bible. Comment also on valuable features of “New World Translation.”

Demonstrate presentation and Bible study offer.

Presentation could be given from the ‘concordance,’ or “Important Bible Words for Quick Reference,” as outlined in November 1968 “Kingdom Ministry,” page two. Or sermon could feature Proverbs 4:5, 7: “Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire, acquire understanding.” Emphasize the need to understand the Bible when reading it.

18 min: Questions from Readers. Consider as many of the following as time will allow. Call on audience to see how much of the answer they remember. Thereafter chairman or selected ones in audience may give short comment highlighting the answer appearing in “The Watchtower.”

How is it possible for one to grieve the holy spirit, since it is not a person? (“Watchtower,” 7/1/68, page 415) In view of what is recorded at Matthew ^:44, is it wrong to pray for Armageddon to come? (“Watchtower,” 8/1/68, page 479) Is it proper for a Christian who is engaged to be married to break off that engagement? (“Watchtower,” 10/1/68, page 606) What is the attitude of Jehovah’s witnesses toward the use of tobacco? ("Watchtower,” 2/15/69, page 126) 12 min: Concluding comments. Song 24.

MARCH SERVICE REPORT

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs. B-C Bi.St. Mags.

Sp’l Pios.     943 145.6 70.2  8.6

Pios.       12,233  101.7 49.7  4.8

Vac. Pios. 4,262  86.5 34.2  2.7

Pubs. 327,329   10.9   5.7   .7

TOTAL 344,767

Public Meetings Held: 25,651

UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1969 356,057 Publishers

HOW DID WE DO IN MARCH?

The report shows a grand new peak in number of proclaimers of the good news! 344,767 publishers and pioneers shared in the field service during March. This truly is reason for rejoicing, because it means more prais-ers of our loving Father.

It is also fine to see the zeal reflected in the amount of time devoted to the field service. The 5,330,140 hours reported during March is nearly half a million more than for the preceding March. Keep up the good work!

Have You Studied with Them for Six Months?

• ¹ For many of us the answer is Yes. Many of us placed Truth books with interested people in September and got studies started in October of last year. May will be the eighth month we are studying with them. Others have been studying in the Truth book longer. Will we continue to study with these people or not? And why?

• ² Some of you have not completed the Truth book with your students. What will you do? First, analyze. Why have you not completed the Truth book? Is it due to lack of appreciation on the part of the student? Has he frequently missed studies? Does he fail to prepare his lesson? If so, the fact that the book has not been completed is not a sound reason for spending more than six months with such a person who lacks appreciation. It might be better to go to chapter fourteen, if this has not yet been studied; study it together and then terminate the study if the householder is not taking any positive action to associate regularly with the congregation.

• ³ Perhaps you feel you should continue the study you are conducting, although six months have passed. If so, what is the basis for your decision? Has the student begun to associate with the local congregation in a meaningful way? Or has he only come to the Kingdom Hall a few times out of curiosity, while continuing to attend one of the churches of Babylon the Great on a fairly regular basis? Has the householder demonstrated that he is

  Announcements

  
  

O Arrange for audit of congregation accounts during June.

May 30, “Memorial Day,” is a holiday for many. Overseers are encouraged to make good arrangements for group witnessing.

«$>The offer: May: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, for 25c. June: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and a booklet, for $1. July: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, for 25c.

O New publications available:

Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation?           —Spanish

Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the

Sons of God     —Dutch, Korean

From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained                  —Arable

“Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie"        —Korean,

Hiligaynon, Zulu “Let Your Name Be Sanctified" —Sesotho

"Singing and Accompanying yourselves with Music in Your Hearts" —Korean "This Good News of the Kingdom" —Icelandic, Korean "Look! I Am Making All Things New"               —Korean

Living in Hope of a Righteous New

Order        —Icelandic, Samoan

T4—“Awake from Sleep!" —Russian taking the truth to heart and has set his mind on serving Jehovah? How? If he formerly had images around the house, have these been removed? Or does the householder, while knowing that the doctrines of the churches are unscriptural, continue to show preference for attending their meetings instead of attending those of the congregation? What changes are taking place in his life? If positive action is not being taken by the householder, it is likely that the study should not be continued.

• ⁴ If you are planning to discontinue a particular study, it might be well to spend one or two study periods with the student having a heart-to-heart discussion about the things that have been learned and their significance and the urgency of the times, rather than going ahead with a regular study of additional material. In a kind way let the householder know that the decision is one that he has to make. But there is an urgency about our work and we have a responsibility before God to use our time to aid persons who truly want to serve him. If the householder is such a person and shows it by actions, then we will continue to offer help. If not, then we feel under obligation to spend our time calling on other individuals and giving them the same opportunity to become acquainted with the Bible and make a decision that for them too can mean life. It may be that when you talk frankly to some and they see that their six-month period is coining to

T8—The Trinity—Divtne Mystery or Pagan Myth?          —Russian

T9—The Sign of Christ’s Presence

—Russian TH—Which Is the Right Religion?

—Korean T12—Do You Believe in Evolution or the Bible?   —Korean, Russian

♦ Available again in U.S.A.:

Sermon Outlines          —French

<► Have all copies of the 1969 Yearbook been placed from the congregation stock? Why not get them off the shelves and place them with persons with whom you have Bible studies? They are an excellent means by which to acquaint them with Jehovah’s organization. (There are no additional copies available in Brooklyn.) ♦ Please order ' the assembly badge cards, celluloid holders and bumper signs on the regular Literature Order Blank.

<> Out of stock in U.S.A.:

What Do the Scriptures Say About “Survival After Death"? —English “Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie" (Pocket edition)

—French

“Your Will Be Done on Earth"

—German Authorized (King James) Version (Watchtower edition, thumb-indexed)                 —English an end, they will see the need to take hold of themselves and go along to the Kingdom Hall. In such a case we would, of course, continue the study.

• ⁵ A special pioneer completed a study of the Truth book with a woman in January. Although this special pioneer had very few studjes, she clearly outlined to the woman why she would not be continuing the Study, How delighted the pioneer was to receive a phone call from the student later in the week, informing her that she had sent in her church resignation and she would be at the Kingdom Hall on Sunday. She was there and now the study is being continued. What a happy outcome!

• ⁶ In other cases, although the six months have ended, there is no question about the course we are going to follow. These people are coming to the Kingdom Hall. They are regularly associating and making progress. We will, of course, continue to study with them and help them progress on to maturity.

• ⁷ We appreciate the urgency of the work we are doing. When individuals show by their actions that they want to do Jehovah’s will, we will continue to aid them. Where substantial progress is not seen, then, rather than continuing the study, we do well to spend that time each week trying to find and help Someone who is sincerely interested in doing something about the truth.

Convention Time Is Near

We know you are excited about the international assembly, just as we are. How mucli we all look forward to this grand gathering and the rich spiritual things Jehovah will provide! While preparing to attend, there are some matters that need your attention now and we are glad to provide this reminder.

• Rooms: Please make your request for rooms on the form provided by the Society. Send it to the assembly city at the address on the form six or seven weeks before the assembly begins. (The Society will not operate facilities for trailers or tents.)

• • Have you finalized your transportation arrangements?

• • Are you helping new publishers and interested ones make arrangements to attend?

• • Can you help in one of the assembly departments? Have you given your volunteer service form to the overseer?

• • Overseers: Please order lapel cards and holders now. (Lapel cards (Continued on page col. 3)

  
  
  

Conducting Studies Regularly

’■Many Bible study servants have observed that a large number of studies are conducted irregularly. Can this pattern be changed? It is likely that in many cases it can be. As Kingdom publishers, you appreciate the urgency of the times and you put forth considerable effort to be on hand for the study, don't you? How often is it, though, that students forget their appointments or get busy with something else? Sometimes sickness is a problem. But how can it be handled if the student has forgotten or is inclined to let something else interfere?

• ² One publisher says: “Well, since we are here perhaps we could just take fifteen minutes and cover a paragraph or two.” In the majority of eases householders have agreed. In fact, when fifteen minutes have passed and the publisher comments that the time is up and the study can be concluded if the householder wishes, the householder often changes his mind and suggests that the study continue. Even if the study is concluded after an abbreviated session, the interested one has been benefited by getting some spiritual feeding and he is further impressed with the importance of regular study.

• ³ If you find that an interested The Truth That Leads to Life (Cont’d) brother: ‘I learned more in three days than I have learned in my whole life,’ and he promptly began attending meetings. The husband of one of our sisters, who previously had little interest in religion, took the book to read during his noon hour and then began staying up late at night reading it because he found it so impressive. Many interested persons have been-placing the book with others—like the man in Ohio who obtained the book from a brother in his shop and in the following two weeks placed nine Truth books and two Bibles with his friends.

• ⁸ Since the Truth book was released last July, the Society’s factory in Brooklyn has printed over 12 million copies. It is now available in Brooklyn in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Afrikaans and Chinese. We know it will keep faith growing by God’s Word. one simply cannot have the study as planned, it is often good to suggest another time the same week. While this may call for you to adjust your schedule, it will impress the student with the importance of taking in the life-giving knowledge regularly.

• ⁴ We hope you will enjoy good success in your efforts to conduct studies regularly and make disciples.

Question

• How can we help those planning to be baptized this summer?

Many publishers are now having home Bible studies with individuals who are regularly attending the congregation meetings and sharing in the field ministry. These earnest students of the Bible have left Babylon the Great and are leading upright, moral lives in harmony with the Scriptures. With many the matter of dedication and baptism has come up, and it is necessary for them to take these important steps in order to have Jehovah's approval.

Encourage individuals who are seriously considering dedication and baptism to be diligent to finish a study or a careful reading of the books "Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie” and ''Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the Sons of God.” Let them know also of the procedure the organization follows in having the overseer review portions of the book "Your Word Is a Lamp to My Foot” with prospective baptismal candidates. The overseer should see to it that these candidates for baptism obtain a copy from the literature servant so that they can review the information to be covered and acquaint themselves with what the Scriptures have to say. This also allows the student to speak with the one with whom he studies if some matters are not clear.

Those planning to be baptized should make this known to the overseer. The overseer or another mature brother whom he may appoint will need to arrange for convenient and ample time to review the information on pages 7-40 of the "Lamp" book with baptismal candidates. (Usually 3 or more sessions.) The overseer will conduct at least one of the sessions himself. Many overseers will desire to conduct all of them. The overseer should be sure that the candidate understands the basic Bible teachings outlined, is qualified to make an acceptable dedication and be baptized and that he has made up his mind unconditionally to serve Jehovah faithfully. This is a weighty responsibility resting on the shoulders of the overseer. So, serious and prayerful thought and assistance need to be given to each one wanting to be baptized. Now is the time to assist individuals to prepare themselves if they are planning to get baptized this summer.                          •

THEOCRATIC NEWS

Publishers in Erie, Pennsylvania, placed close to a thousand "Evolution” books with teachers in their territory, with one copy accepted for each school library. ♦ Cuba’s January report shows new peak of publishers, averaging 14.4 hours, 8 back-calls and 1.1 Bible studies.

♦ Four new congregations in Dahomey. New peak of 1,520 publishers, also peak in pioneers.

♦ Ninety baptized in Mozambique in first six months of this year, more than in all of last service year. Two new congregations formed.

♦ Lebanon enjoys new peak of 1,064 publishers. Circuit of 485 reports 713 attend assembly.

♦ Japanese special issue of “Awake!”, “Is It Later than You Think?" publicized on Japan's nationwide T.V. show. Over 300,000 magazines placed that month.

Philippines reports 45,771 publishers; 10 percent report as pioneers.

♦ Togo reports 1,045 publishers—a 28-percent increase. At district assembly attended by 2,673, 162 baptized.

Use of the “Lamp" Book

In April we began to use the book “Your Word Is a Lamp to My Foot’’ in the Theocratic Ministry School as a basis for instruction talks. It will be beneficial for all of us to review it.

However, it should be kept in mind that the book itself is made available only to those who have made known to the congregation overseer that they have dedicated themselves to Jehovah God anti want to be baptized. It is not meant for distribution to newly interested Bible students or even to- those who may report as publishers but are not yet taking definite steps to. prepare for Christian baptism.

Nevertheless, it is a fine thing for all to be present at the School so that they can personally benefit from the talks that are given.

* Help one another start new studies in the “Truth” book. ^1 2

Published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 117 Adams St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201 Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y. Printed In U.S.A.

4

¹

Convention Time Is Near (Cont’d) are 1c each and badge holders are 5c each.) None will be available at the assembly.

• Order bumper signs for those desiring them and be sure to specify the city they will attend. The cost is 10c each.

²

Pioneers: Bring your cafeteria ticket. Treat it as cash. Replacements will not be available.

Now is the time to finalize your plans and to make the necessary arrangements to be at the assembly. We look forward to being with all of you there.