JULY 1969

VOL. Xir NO. 7

■Luke 21:28.

FOR UNITEO STATES OF AMERICA

"Lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.”—

Qeait ^e^ow ^iMslias:

Another grand month of activity has passed already, and there are things we want to tell yon about.

We are happy to report that the refresher course for all our circuit and district servants has been successfully completed. It was really pleasurable to have them here, a different group during each week of May. In all, 365 brothers benefited from the course. And we of the Bethel Family had the chance to become better acquainted with these field representatives of -the Society.

Next came the influx of branch servants and assistants from all parts of the world. Many from Europe and Africa met in Belgium and then (raveled from there June 6 on a chartered plane. Soon after, brothers came from faraway places such as Australia, Japan and the Fiji Islands. Monday evening, .Tune !), after our Bethel Watchtower Study, Brother Knorr introduced all of them to us briefly. A few of the branch servants gave brief reports of the progress of the Kingdom work in their lands—work accomplished often in the face of frying conditions. What a thrilling program that was!

As these 133 branch representatives live with us here and attend special meetings right up to convention time, we are happy to be able to speak to them individually, hear their mature comments on the day's text each morning, and even visit them briefly in their rooms as time permits. To have them here in our midst is a foretaste of the approaching “Peace on Earth” International Assembly. At the assemblies during ■Tidy you too will have the opportunity to hear their experiences, because these are part of the program. This is another reason not to miss the grand feast that Jehovah is preparing for us all.

We cannot close without mentioning the fine results of our united ministry during May. Had you noted the report? Just think! 351,951 pub

someone who has been offered the book before but refused it, remember, you are now engaging him in conversation, and this was your first objective, wasn’t it? Now having his attention, you can tactfully and helpfully give additional fine reasons for obtaining it. Undoubtedly you are now better acquainted with the material in the book yourself and can present it with greater skill. And then there will he many who have never seen the book. Present it enthusiastically and forcefully, appreciating that honest-hearted ones have no time to lose if they are going to learn the truth, make progress to dedication and baptism and press on to maturity in the short time remaining.

• ¹ 1 low will you present the Truth book In the house-to-house work? You have many methods to choose from. Take into consideration your territory, your own ability and personality and be flexible as you talk to people. You may want to use the sermon “Religion That God Approves.” When using this sermon, some publishers were amazed to find how readily householders commented on the decline of respect for the churches when asked for their opinion. If you prefer, you may use “Grand Blessings from God Near at Hand” as discussed in the June Kingdom Ministry. Or, yon may decide to present the book directly, even reading a few sentences that you feel are striking. Our brothers have had success with a variety of presentations. Whatever you decide, “work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah” ’and you will be happy in that work.—Col. 3 : 23.

^s Have you been trying evening witnessing now that it stays light longer? A brother in Colorado who tried it says, “Recently I have been taking advantage of the afternoon and evening field service, and results have been beyond all expectations!”

(Continued on page 2, col. 2)

Happy because of being Jehovah's people.

(Note: Since all congregations will likely miss at least one service meeting during July because of the assemblies, we will leave it to the brothers locally to decide which service meetings should be scheduled for certain weeks. Congregation servants should feel free to make these adjustments.)

WEEK STARTING JULY 6

Theme: Find Happiness in Whole-souled Service. (Col. 3:23) Song 29.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

20 min: “Return to Jehovah While There Is Yet Time,” Talk. Give full consideration to material, in July 1, 1969, “Watchtower” article and suggestions given in “Kingdom Ministry” on how to use it. Encourage publishers really to make the necessary effort to reach those who have left and who might yet return. Can draw audience into discussion at times. Encourage brothers to study article in advance and bring “Watchtower” with them. Demonstrate how call might be made. Congregation servant can coordinate this work so that it will not turn out that many publishers will call on some and no publisher will call on others. 20 min: "What Makes You Happy?” Questions and answers. Apply assembly information to your congregation. Demonstrate points relative to offering “Truth” book that will be especially helpful to publishers in your congregation.

• 2 mtn: Accounts report.

13 min: Concluding comments. “How Did We Do in May?” Include congregation report for June. Song 58.

WEEK STARTING JULY 13

Theme: Preach in Favorable Season or Troublesome Season. (2 Tim. 4:2) Song 38,

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

20 min: “The Barrier of Fear.” Questions and answers. Spend proportionately more time on that which applies in your congregation. Chairman can inquire, in advance, for methods that have worked for some publishers in your territory in overcoming barrier of fear. Some of these methods, or points from article, might be demonstrated. Emphasize the need for using discernment and showing loving consideration toward those on whom we call.

15 min: “Do You Get the Point?” Talk, based on article in June 1, 1969, “Watchtower.” Assign to a mature brother.

10 min: Branch letter. Congregation servant can decide how this is to be handled, doing so in harmony with material and local circumstances.

10 min: Concluding comments. Include "Theocratic News” and appropriate items from “Announcements.” Song 18.

WEEK STARTING JULY 20

No suggestions are being made for this service meeting for the reason mentioned in the note above. If most of the publishers will be attending an assembly this week, likely the meeting will not be held. Otherwise, transfer another meeting to this week.

WEEK STARTING JULY 27

Theme: “You Must Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.” (Matt. 22:39) Song 23.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

20 min: Presenting the Good News— “Loving Concern.” Questions and answers. Chairman should be sure to highlight the vital importance of back-call work now. Tie in forcefully with theme for service meeting. Demonstrate points in those paragraphs you feel apply especially to your congregation.

10 min; Question Box. A mature brother can discuss this material, enlarging on the principles involved.

12 min: Our Work for August. Chairman explains that offer for July continues through August. He can prepare for this by speaking, in advance, to publishers who have been successful in placing “Truth” books in July. Find out which sermons and presentations have been especially successful in your territory. If your congregation has been given unassigned territory to work, report on progress and outline plans for completing the work.

13 min: Concluding comments. Song 61.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 3

Theme: Stimulating Our Brothers by Our Own Zeal. (2 Cor. 9:2) Song 31.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

10 min: Talk on theme for month of August, “Stimulating Our Brothers by Our Own Zeal.” See August 1 “Watchtower.”

35 min: Blessings We Enjoyed at the 1969 International Assemblies. Congregation servant should outline this part in harmony with available capable brothers in local congregation. Should make assignments and give instructions before brothers leave for their assembly so those assigned can be prepared to report on certain days or certain parts of program. If brothers assigned know’ what is expected of them prior to their going to the assembly, their reports will be far more complete and interesting. They can then take appropriate notes. In fact, encourage all publishers to take notes. They can then contribute better to these discussions. Cover first half of assembly program at this service meeting and last half of assembly program on service meeting for week starting August 10.

10 min: Concluding comments. Song 48.

What Makes You Happy? (Conf’d) He tells of three houses where he had not been able to find anyone at home in four years at normal times during the day. However, he says, through evening witnessing “those people were found and two of them were very pleasant, accepted literature and agreed to a return call,” It took him three weeks to work two territories because the people were so receptive and asked so many questions during evening witnessing. Evening witnessing will undoubtedly put you in contact with many receptive persons who are seldom, if ever, found at home during the day.

⁶ July is assembly month. This is an additional cause for happiness. But, here again, work is involved. Are your plans for attending ineom-

MAY SERVICE REPORT

Av    Av Av Av

Pubs, Hrs.   B-C Bl.St. Mags.

Sp’l Pios.     955 150.1  66.3  7.8

Pios.       12,962 101.4 48.8  5.0

Vac. Pios.  5,973  85.8 32.4  2.6

Pubs. 332,061   10.8  5.2   .7

TOTAL 351,951

Public Meetings Held: 21,161

UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1969 356,057 Publishers

• ¹ Have you noticed that in some areas it is becoming more difficult to talk to people because they are fearful of strangers? This is not necessarily because we are Jehovah’s witnesses. They hesitate to open the door for anyone they do not know. What will help in these cases?

• ² It will help if we appreciate that they have good reason to be cautious. We ourselves are more Careful as violence and lawlessness increase. So, sometimes you may wish to acknowledge this when you have the opportunity to speak.

• ³ In homes where there are windows and the householder can plainly view you approaching and standing on the porch, your deportment, dress and bearing can help to identify you as one who need not be feared. All, young and old alike, should consistently deport themselves as Christian ministers.

• ⁴ If the barrier of fear exists even though the door is opened, what might your opening words be? It is usually best to identify yourself and your purpose immediately. One brother tells us he has had success in saying: “I am one of Jehovah’s witnesses, you know, a minister associated with the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. As you probably know, our purpose is to do good, not harm. In fact, I would appreciate your opinion on that very problem. Do you believe that there will ever come a time when you won’t have to fear when a stranger rings your doorbell?" No matter what the response, God's purpose to bring in righteous conditions can be discussed. In doing so we can respect their right to keep the door otdy partially open, the burglar chain attached or the screen door hasped. In fact, when the problem of fear is handled with empathy, it can often be turned to our advantage. We can show that the very existence of such fear is one of the evidences we are living in the “last days.”

• ⁵ Some have said that two brothers standing at the door make a householder, especially a lone woman, hesitate to open the door. A brother and his wife calling together, or an adult with a child, .often get a hearing ear more readily.

^sBut what about working in apartment buildings where there are no windows, only small peepholes? Admittedly, this is usually a greater obstacle. To be evasive, or just repeat your name when asked, “Who’s there?” often makes the householder more suspicious. After ringing the doorbell it is best to stand back from the door, thus indicating you do not have in mind gaining entrance. Try to stand in the light and in front of the peephole so you can- be clearly seen, even though you cannot see the householder. Identify yourself and your purpose and ask if it is convenient. to speak briefly. If the door is not opened, some brothers hold the magazines up so they can be seen through the peephole, and make a brief presentation. Sometimes the door opens just enough to receive the magazines and make the contribution. It is true that some refuse to respond, but we have given them the opportunity to hear the good news, and the responsibility now rests with them. Tracts or handbills can be slipped under the door with the invitation to read them. You might slip the Bible Study folder under the door, as some publishers have done, suggesting that it be read while yo.u wait. Ask if they want the book recommended there. In some instances you might decide that an older magazine can be left. Later you could call to see if it was enjoyed. Mature publishers find joy in witnessing even under such conditions. Preparation is essential. Appreciate that the obstacle is there and work out effective ways of getting the message through.

• ⁷ Jesus said this good news of the Kingdom would be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations. While there are barriers, often, with forethought, much can be done to overcome these. We can be sure Jehovah will bless our diligent efforts to cope with the barrier of fear.

  Announcements

  
  

Literature offer for July, August and September: Truth book on a contribution of 25c. If Truth book is not available, then ‘Impossible to Lie’ or Life Everlasting can be offered on a contribution of 50c with a free booklet. ♦ In working unassigned territory during the summer months, the literature offer is a year’s subscription for The Watchtower or Awake! for $1. If this is not accepted, then you might offer the ‘Impossible to Lie' book and the Truth book for 75c.

♦ Congregation servants should order regular pioneer supplies for the 1970 service year. Include 12 pink monthly report cards for each regular pioneer; also, Weekly Record Sheets for those needing them. There is no need to order supplies for vacation pioneers, but be sure that you have application blanks on hand.

♦ A new circuit assembly program is scheduled to begin in September. Don’t miss it.

♦ New pubheations available:

The Truth That Leads to Eternal

Life             —Danish, Greek,

Norwegian, Swedish

“Your Word. Is a Lamp to My Foot’*

—Dutch, Italian Man’s Rule About to Give Way to God’s Rule           —German

T8—Life in God’s New Order

—Russian

“Return to Jehovah While There Is Yet Time"

¹ Do you have in mind someone you would like to see return to Jehovah? Then you will be interested in the article with the above title. It appears in the July 1 Watch-totcer.

- Undoubtedly you are acquainted with someone who was with us for a time and then for some reason or another stopped associating. Maybe he was young. The “desires incidental to youth” were too strong and these enticed him back into the old world. Maybe he was a parent The burden of raising a family, working long hours to provide material necessities, became too heavy. Maybe he moved. Getting settled in a new locality took too long and it became easy to stay away. Maybe he did something wrong and his conscience is plaguing iiitts. Whatever the situation is, if he has stopped associating, the article can help him return.

• ³ Why not call on him and talk to him? Show him the article and read it with him. If you act quickly, you can likely get to him before the assembly. Discuss the information and invite him to come. If time is short, call him on the telephone, tell him about the article and extend the invitation. Or, if you have already had your assembly, call on him. tell him about the assembly and read the article with him. Maybe it will touch his heart. It is meant to. It is addressed directly to him.

• ⁴ So, ask yourself: Who is it that needs this? Then try to make sure that he gets it.

  ♦ Available again in U.S.A.:

  “Your Will Be Done on Earth"

  —Italian

  T4—“Awake from Sleep!" —Japanese

  T7—How Valuable Is the Bible?

  „         -           —Japanese

  T10—Man’s Only Hope for Peace

  —Japanese

  ♦ Out of stock in U.S.A.: "Preach the Word”

  
  

  “Look! I Am Making All Things New” —Afrikaans, Greek, Polish, Russian, Serbian God’s Way Is Love       —Polish

  Basis for Belief in a New World —French Living in Hope of a Righteous New Order              —Portuguese

  What Do the Scriptures Say About ‘Survival After Death’?

  —Portuguese ♦ We have a good supply of the Bible study folder, “Would You Like to Understand the Bible?" Congregations needing a supply may order up to 50 copies per publisher.

  
  

  ♦ The public talk to be given by circuit servants starting September 1 is “ ‘The Appointed Times of the Nations’ Have Run Out.” At circuit assemblies, district servants will give the public talk “True Worship versus The False.”

  
  
  
  
  

  Loving Concern

  • ¹ Regarding one who is now a servant in another congregation an assistant congregation servant said, “After first placing- literature with him, I had to make eleven calls before finding him at home.” Why such persistence? It was not just persistence. It was loving concern. The man had shown a small measure of interest and now there was the possibility of getting him on the road to everlasting life.

  • ² The back-call work gives us many opportunities to demonstrate this loving concern. This field of the ministry, fitting between the house-to-house work and the Bible study work, deserves our serious attention. There is evidence that publishers find a great deal of interest in the house-to-house work that is never developed. It is like a farmer who continually plants but never cultivates. A comparison of the large amount of literature placed in some congregations, with the small number of back-calls reported, makes it clear that many of us are not following through to develop that initial interest into regular home Bible studies. Why is this so?

  • ³ Some publishers feel incapable. They believe that making a back-call requires a great deal more than just giving a simple sermon at the door and presenting the literature. Also, they are afraid that questions will be raised that they will be unable to answer.

  • ⁴ Those feeling this way should remember that the householder did show interest in the truth and thus was favorably inclined. We should optimistically expect a friendly reception. Having in mind the subject in which he was interested will allow us to prepare additional information. Then, too, if other questions come up. "Make Sure" can be of help, or we can say we will be glad to search out the answer and come again. We can also take with us an experienced publisher who has been successful in turning back-calls into home Bible studies.

  • ⁵ Additionally, good use of the Truth book will make the back-call

  
  

ter acquainted with it, thus able to use it skillfully under various circumstances. One brother who had been assigned to give one of the public talks in the series based on the Truth book last fall was helped to appreciate this a short time later on a back-call. His talk had included materia! from chapter fourteen, “How to Identify the True Religion." To the interested lady he said: “Let’s see, this chapter lists five points that will help you identify the true religion. I remember they were written in italics. You look in this copy of the book and I’ll use this one. The first one appears on page 123 and after reading this one we can find the others together. Anyone acquainted with these five identifying marks of the true religion can apply them to any religion in order to test it.” This is just one example of how the material in the Truth book can be used to make the back-call work easy and effective.

⁶ Your back-calls will be successful when the householder begins to develop confidence and trust in you. This can be accomplished by (1) your genuine interest in him, by (2) the truths you help him understand and by (3) your reliability. Let us enlarge further on these three thoughts. The reason he is somewhat interested in the truth is very likely because he has some righteous inclinations. Thus he responds when you show unselfish concern about his eternal welfare. The Scriptural truths you teach draw him closer to Jehovah and thus a common bond begins to develop. Keeping your appointments shows you to be truly reliable and wins his respect. His gaining confidence and trust in you will increase his interest in the God you worship.

' The brother mentioned in our opening paragraph called ,back eleven times before he contacted the interested person. What a blessing now to realize that that person has progressed so as to be used on the servant body! We, too, will enjoy many blessings in the back-call work as we show persistence and

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Australia reports more baptized in eight months than in all of last service year. Attendance at ” Watchtower” study is now at 11 0 percent,

♦ ' In April, Ghana saw 20 percent of its 12,678 publishers in the full-time preaching work.

♦ For the first time, Nigeria passed the 50,000 mark in publishers, for a 23-per-cent increase. 109,370 attended the Memorial.

♦ Luxembourg exceeded 500 publishers for the first time; 513 reported—a 13-percent increase. Publishers averaged over ten hours each.

♦ In France 32,171 reported, making o 21-percent increase. This is some 2,200 more than the previous high. Publishers averaged 12.2 hours and 14.1 magazines each.

♦ Gibraltar, for the first time, had 38 publishers reporting, a 20-percent increase. Each averaged 11.3 hours in the ministry.

A new all-time peak for Mexico! The 42,802 publishers reporting in April represent a 22-percent increase.

♦ British Honduras reached its first peak of publishers since April 1966; 396 reported—o 1 3-percent increase.

*             Enjoy happy association at the assemblies.             4-

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.

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