FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

OCTOBER 1969

“Lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.¹’—Luke 21:28.

VOL XII NO. 10

Q)eaii S-e^ou/ ^PubMe/ts;

When we look back on the past year, it is evident that Jehovah’s rich blessing has been on his people everywhere. Particularly were we thrilled by the news that, when the "Peace on Earth” assemblies Concluded in Europe, the grand total of over 103,000 persons had been baptized world wide during the past service year. 29,730 of these were immersed in the United States. Perhaps you are one of them. If so, we rejoice with you.

But why did you get baptized? Because you had dedicated yourself to Jehovah; you had made a decision that you truly wanted to be Jehovah’s possession and that you wanted to do his will forever, isn’t that so? You made this decision because you had learned the truth from the Bible. Perhaps one of Jehovah’s witnesses placed Bible literature with you when calling from house to house. Regular home Bible studies no doubt helped, during which you actually read together from the Bible and from the Society’s publications. And attendance at congregation meetings did much to convince you that you had really found the truth. Now it is your privilege to help others in the same way, and Jehovah will bless you as you do that.

If at all possible, share regularly in the house-to-house work, to give everyone possible the opportunity to hear the Kingdom good news. We also encourage you to make it your goal to conduct at least one home Bilile study each week. It is not difficult, and it is one of the finest ways to help others to come to know and love Jehovah. You will probably want to start your study in the Truth book. If you can cover a chapter each week, do that. But not everyone can move along at that pace, and it is usually not wise to go so fast that you fail to read the paragraphs. Whether you discuss one paragraph at a time, or several, we suggest that you always read together all the paragraphs in the book. With some persons you will be able to cover the entire book

must be others like me who are not happy serving a false god, who don't even know they are serving a false god. And, most of all, thank Jehovah God for directing your feet-to my door.” Yes, today many are changing and accepting the truth. We want to continue helping them, don’t we?

¹ Last October we obtained 211,706 new subscriptions. Wouldn’t, it be fine if we were able to obtain an even greater number this year so that the message of truth could go into even more homes regularly? It is suggested that publishers have as their goal the obtaining of at least one new subscription, regular pioneers five, and special pioneers eight.

• ⁵ From where will most new subscriptions come? In Paul's day, he stated: “I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house.” So today, “from house to house” is the main avenue of finding interested persons.—Acts 20: 20. ‘

• ⁶ Oh, yes, witnessing to relatives and friends is also a fine means of obtaining subscriptions. We don’t want to forget ones with whom we study either, do we? Too, it may be they have some friends who would like to subscribe. Why not inquire?

' Gift, subscriptions have had very favorable results. A sister sent a gift subscription to a very busy man, the vice-president of an electronics firm tor which she worked. In appreciation he wrote: “I would like to express my appreciation for your thoughtfulness in placing me on the subscription list I have already received a couple of issues and found them very interesting.” The publisher states: “I hesitated for a long time in sending him magazines since he was such a busy man and had so much reading to keep up with. Thank you for en-

{Continuei on page 3, col. 3)

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 5

Theme: “Time Left Is Reduced.” (1 Cor. 7:29) Song 11.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.                                .

10 min: Branch letter.

15 min: “Time Left Is Reduced.” Question-and-answer coverage. Various points may be demonstrated.

13 min: What Have You Found Effective? (The week before this part, overseer will encourage publishers to have special issues with them for this meeting part.) Audience participation.

• Chairman asks audience what points in October 8 and 15 issues they found effective in making subscription offer and placing magazines. Various prepared publishers make short presentations, illustrating how points were effectively used. Experiences and the results of subscription campaign to date may also be incorporated into this part.

5 min: Accounts servant’s report. Encourage publishers to turn in new subscriptions promptly, with subscription slips neatly and legibly filled in. Remind publishers it is the subscription slip filled out by the publisher that is used at the Society’s headquarters to type up stencils for sending out magazines to subscribers. 12 min: Concluding comments. Cover “How Did We Do in August?” local report and Theocratic News items. Song 13.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 12

Theme: “Buying Out the Opportune Time.” (Eph. 5:16) Song 14.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

10 min: Question Box. Committee discusses material.

15 min: Can We Spend More Time in the Ministry? .

(2 min.) Chairman encourages spending maximum time in ministry offering subscription so as to give the greatest possible witness. Thorough preparation and time in ministry essential. (“Lamp” book, page 77)

(3 min.) Two publishers, "Mature” and “No Subs,” discuss their part in campaign. “Mature” has obtained some subscriptions, has good prospects. “No Subs” has had no results, and states, ‘I don’t seem able to get a subscription? “Mature” invites “No Subs” to work a few doors with him Sunday.

(2 min.) Pantomime scene. “Mature” and “Nd Subs” work a few doors together and this is a source of encouragement to “No Subs.” Thereafter they separate and work individual doors, for twice as much accom-glished in this way. At the end of one our. let’s listen in on their discussion.

(3 min.) “No Subs” says: ‘I think I’ll go home. I haven't placed a sub. It seems no one is really interested.' “Mature” encourages him to work longer. Aids “No Subs” to appreciate that the more time spent in service the more opportunity to find interested persons. “No Subs” agrees to continue.

(3 min.) First pantomime “No Subs” obtaining a subscription. Thereafter he elatedly tells “Mature” of his pleasure in aiding householder who manifested fine interest. He is thankful the extra time was spent in service. “Mature” has a couple of subscription-promise calls to make. “No Subs” asks if he can go along.

troduction stressing theme, conductor speaks only as necessary to keep discussion moving. References in literature may be assigned ahead, not to be read, but explained in own words. May or may not have these as panel on stage. But entire audience encouraged to share; panel may be called on after audience comments. Bring in wide section of audience, who may be asked to read scriptures and comment or not, as they wish. (1) How was mankind sold into slavery? (w65, p. 719) (2) How was man absolutely helpless? (im, p. 225) (3) Describe God’s love in the matter. (He was not obliged to provide; adhered to own law in making provision; principle of ‘soul for soul’ later included in law to Israel; gave most beloved one. Deut. 19:21; John 3:16) (4) Describe Christ's love. (Phil. 2:5-8) (5) Explain how Jesus kept holiness, perfection, proving integrity and falsity of Satan’s charge. (w65, p. 722. pars. 52, 53) (6) If we exercise faith, do we earn righteousness? (w65, p. 721, par. 50; p, 722, par. 54) (7) How could one man provide ransom for many? (im, p. 233; w65, p. 721, pars, 45, 46) (8) What was force that moved Jesus to do God's will in giving his life? (Ps. 40:8; John 8:29; Prov. 8:30, 31) (9) Did God show appreciation of Christ’s obedience and sacrifice? How? (Phil. 2:9-11) (10) What appreciation and loving-kindness does God show toward (a) faithful anointed brothers of Christ? (1 Pet. 1:3, 4; 2 Pet. 1:4); (b) faithful “great crowd”? (Rev. 7:15-17) (II) How should we respond in appreciation of marvelous loving-kindness of Jehovah and Christ? (ms, p. 412) Last point may be discussed as brief conclusion by conductor.

15 min: Concluding comments. Cover offer for November. Publisher demonstrates how October sermon can be adapted for use in offering the book. Also demonstrate how Bible-study folder can be used in starting a study. Song 57.

AUGUST SERVICE REPORT

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Fobs. Hrs. B-C BL St. Mavs.

Sp’l Pios.     956 144.1  60.8  6.7

Pios.       13,513  96.1  40.8  4.2

Vac. Pios.  9,368  84.7 24.1  1.3

Pubs,     335,309   11.3   5.0   .6

TOTAL 359,146

Public Meetings Held: 24,875

UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1969 356,057 Publishers

HOW DID WE DO IN AUGUST?

What a grand way to conclude the 1969 service year! Yes, having returned from the upbuilding and stimulating “Peace on Earth” assemblies, we have been blessed by Jehovah with a new all-time peak of 359,146 publishers, surpassing April’s high of 357,851, and a new peak in regular pioneers, the ranks swelling from 13,299 up to 13,513! The total of 9,368 vacation pioneers is a new peak for the month of August. Our combined efforts in the field resulted in our placing the amazing number of 936,913 bound books, which I is 112,937 more than any other month! How abundantly Jehovah is blessing our efforts to find and care for honest-hearted ones in the little time that remains!

• ¹ The conductor of a congregation book study Is a teacher. A teacher has a prepared .course and must' know exactly what he wants conveyed to the minds and hearts of those in his group when the study is completed. To do this it is imperative that he understand the answer to the questions and the application of scriptures so that they are applied in a meaningful way to shed light on the thirjgs studied. He cannot do this properly without thorough preparation.

• ² The introduction to the study can be very brief. If a new chapter is being started, it may be necessary to mention only the subject of the preceding chapter and of the one to be studied. In any case, only two or three points need be mentioned, just to pick up the thread of thought. I Or the introduction may be in the form of two or three questions on some main points of the preceding lesson, questions that can be answered in a few words. For the conductor to ask, “Who will tell us what we learned last week?” or to give a synopsis of the entire lesson himself, generally results in

Announcements

♦ Please do not order bound volumes and the Watch Tower Publications Index for 1989 until a date is announced in Kingdom Ministry.

♦ In the new book Aid, to Bible Understanding, on page 25, in the right-hand column, the second paragraph, the fifteenth line of type should actually be the third line from the end of that paragraph. You may want to mark that in your copy of the book. ♦ When writing the Society about serving where the need is greater, please be sure to supply all the information mentioned on page 194 of the "Lamp” book. This will be helpful to th® Society in replying to your inquiry. ♦ Literature Offer for October: Awake! subscription and three booklets for $1. November: Truth book for 25c. December: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and one booklet for $1. Please anticipate congregation needs and submit your order as soon as possible.

♦ New publications available:

Is the Bible Really the Word of God?

—Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian. Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish

"Then Is Finished the Mystery of God"                  —English

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life             —Iloko, Tagalog

Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the Sons of God           —Chinese

The Approaching Peace of 1,000 Years —French, Italian. Portuguese, Spanish

"Singing and Accompanying Yourselves with Music in Your Hearts”

—Finnish Living in Hope of a Righteous New Order                 —Turkish

“This Good News of the Kingdom”

—Gun

♦ Available again in U.S.A.:

"Preach the Word”

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

—Greek a lengthy talk that fails to hold the attention of the group. Keep in mind that the brothers came to study fresh material, not to rehash last week’s lesson.

The congregation book study is essentially a Bible study, isn’t it? It is vital that scriptures be well considered and understood. If a cited passage is long but contains points to be brought out, a suggested way of handling it is to have each one read a few verses. This keeps all alert and interested in what is being done. After the reading, comments as to the application may be made. In some cases the conductor may wish to assign a capable publisher to sum up or epitomize a long Scripture passage.

• ⁴ The book study servant’s objective is to get all in attendance to (1) think clearly on the material being considered and (2) make some expression. It may be necessary in some instances to show newer ones how to prepare for the study, underlining key points, making marks in the margin, etc. Keep before those in attendance the objective of getting key points and principles well

♦ The costs for the are shown below:

Is the Bible ... Word of God? 'Finished Mystery’

♦ in answer to many inquiries, when magazines are left where persons are not at home, as suggested in the June 1969 Kingdom Ministry, these may be counted as placements.

♦ Orders for copies of the 1970 Yearbook and calendar in English may be placed starting November 13. Orders for the Yearbook in Spanish and German along with the calendar available in Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese. Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish may be submitted two weeks later. Pioneers and publishers will please order Yearbook copies and calendars through the congregation. Yearbook copies will be available at 50c and the calendar at 25c each. Pioneers on the list before July 1, 1969, may receive a free Yearbook by making request of their literature servant. This will be included in the congregation order, and, later, credit may be requested for the pioneer’s copy. Pioneers may obtain additional copies of the Yearbook at 15c each. ♦ At the congregation book study we will begin to use the new book "Then Is Finished the Mystery of God” during the first week of December. No study questions are yet available, but the Society will prepare them and you will be notified when they maybe ordered. If, for some reason, you do not have the printed study questions by December 1, your book study servant may make up fitting questions for use. If you complete the "Babylon” book before December, then use the remaining weeks to review it, or you may study together some Watchtower material that is particularly appropriate to the needs of your group. in mind for present and future use. Make it a goal to give comments with the least amount of help from the book, looking up as much as possible while commenting. Talk about points at other times during the week so as to get, not only knowledge, but also understanding.

• ⁵ The conclusion can be very helpful if properly handled. Again, do not always ask, “What did we learn tonight?” or give a synopsis. Bather, have four or five well-chosen, leading questions that deal with major points. It is good to have these well

(Continued, on page 4, col. 2)

“Time Left Is Reduced”         (Cont’d)

couraging the giving of gift subscriptions.”

• ⁸ Calling back on persons with whom we place special issues, those whose names are on explred-sub-scription slips and those who promise to subscribe when you call back will also result in many new subscriptions. And any who desire to do so may offer subscriptions for The Watchtower and Awake! for $2, leaving six free booklets.

• ⁹ The October 8 Awake! on “Law and Order” and the October 15 Watchtower, with the subject "The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years,” are very timely issues, aren’t they? Are there" people anywhere that are not interested in these subjects? It is suggested that each congregation arrange for someone to call at the police headquarters and all law-enforcement agencies, as well as visiting judges, lawyers, etc., with the special issues. A brothei' in Illinois who called at the police station writes: "We found the Chief of Police in his office, along with two other officers. The result—15 minutes spent in discussing problems of today, four books and six magazines placed. A back-call was arranged for at the home of one of the officers."

• ¹⁰ In addition to sharing in magazine activity and offering two magazines if the subscription offer is not taken, many of us during this special month may be able to call at a few homes each week on our way to the congregation book study and other meetings. Whether walking or driving, if we start a little early, we will have opportunity to work some homes or to talk to people on the street. If each of us placed two additional magazines a week this way, it would mean about 700,000 more magazines each week!

• ¹¹ October "will go by quickly as we keep busy in Jehovah’s joyful service. At the end of the month we will be thirty-one days closer to the end of this wicked system of things I While there is yet time, let us do all we can!

  
  
  
  
  
  

  NEWS

  
  

  territory, some sisters have found it wiser to use that of the overseer or some other brother who has agreed to pass along information about those who may call or write.

  ¹ Further illustrating the practical value of the folder, another publisher writes: “I called on a iiouse where no one was at home. I left the folder "Would You Like to Understand the Bible?' Returning at a later date, I called on this house again and the lady invited me in. She asked if I was the one that had left the folder. I explained the purpose of our visit and showed her the Truth book. She didn't take it but she asked for a subscription for Awake! After a few more calls a Bible study was started.”

  ⁵ The above experiences are only a few of many received at the Society’s office pointing out how magazine work, not only provides people with good news that they can read concerning the Kingdom, but can open the door for Bible studies. While we would like to make October the finest month of magazine activity to date and the greatest subscription month to date, let’s also be Bible-study conscious, fully appreciating that this is a most effective means of aiding others to learn the truth.

  Conductor Preparation          (COHt’d)

  thought out and written down, instead of repeating questions from the book. This will cause the participants to think instead of repeating answers already given to questions during the study.

  ® If the material studied is a commentary-style discussion, verse by verse, such as in. the “Babylon” book, a fine method of review is this: Ask all to close their books and open their Bibles to the verses covered in the discussion, for example, Revelation 17:15-18 (covered on pages 599-603 of the book). Then let various ones comment on each verse. This reminds all that they are actually learning what is In the Bible, so that they can go right through the verses explaining them.

  ⁷ If the conductor has a real interest in the study and those attending, he will prepare so that the study will be instructive and. at the same time, warm, lively and interesting.

  
  

Do They Know?

• ¹ A publisher from Florida writes: “I looked forward to an interesting day of magazine activity. That morning we covered one block and placed many magazines. At one home the man accepted the magazines and stated he always read them. We called back several times and both the man and his wife were receptive and every call seemed to be more interesting. A Bible study was started and they thoroughly enjoyed the refreshing waters of truth. After several studies Larry said that, if he bad known about our Bible study arrangement, he would have asked for one much earlier. He had thought our work consisted of just placing magazines. This forcefully brought to my mind the admonition to call on all with whom we place literature and offer the opportunity for a Bible study.”

• ² Is there some way we can let those we meet on magazine day know of our desire to help them understand the Bible? Yes, there is. The Bible-study folder outlines our Bible-study program very well and many fine studies have been started by those who have been using it in magazine work. Why not put the folder to work for you by leaving one with each set of magazines placed? Some have obtained good results by taking a few Truth books with them in magazine activity and being alert to place these along with the current magazines whenever the householder shows more than the usual interest. Once the Truth book is in his hands it is not difficult to consider briefly the folder with him and start a study.

• ³ Some publishers have found it helpful to put their name, address and phone number on the folder. A letter from Washington states; “During Saturday morning field service I placed a. set of magazines with a young gentleman. On the following Monday I received a phone call from him. He said this folder told him he could understand the Bible and he wanted to know how. So I arranged to call back with a brother that very evening.” A Bible study was started and is progressing nicely. Instead of putting their own name and address on the folder when working in certain types of

THEOCRATIC NEWS

$ Meeting attendance in U.S.A, shows fine increase. “Watchtower" study attendance now up to 101.6 percent compared to 95 percent in 1968 service year, service meeting attendance 86.8 percent compared to 81.3 percent, Theocratic Ministry School attendance 87.5 percent compared to 81.9 percent, and book study attendance 90.7 percent compared to 87.2 percent.

♦ None of our brothers lost their life or were injured as a result of the storm "Camille." Brothers outside of the storm area immediately supplied their basic needs.

♦ Japanese "Truth" book used in field for first time; 81,081 placed, making an average of 45 each for special pioneers, 31 for regular and vacation pioneers, and 4.5 per publisher.

♦ Italy reports eleventh consecutive peak of publishers, in July, with 15,346 reporting—25 percent over last year's average. Back-calls up 28,000 and Bible studies up 2,500 over same month last year. ♦ Reports of many new publisher peaks in July come from Africa, South America, the islands and the Orient.

• What factors should receive consideration in dividing: existing: congregations to form new ones?

Many factors must be considered, such as the size of the Kingdom Hall and of the congregation, number of brothers qualified to be servants, travel distance, financial obligations, and other matters pertinent to local needs.

The suggested minimum number of regular publishers for a new unit is 75, and preferably 80, which is a good number for starting a congregation. Generally with that number of publishers there are sufficient qualified brothers to handle servant responsibilities and meeting parts, financial obligations, etc. If a division is made prematurely, the increased load of responsibility on a few can be discouraging.

Where Kingdom Halls are small and crowded before reaching approximately 160 regular publishers, some committees have asked what can be done. Perhaps more suitable facilities can be rented or a congregation-owned hall enlarged. If there seems to be no practical solution and there are sufficient qualified brothers, and no financial problems, the committee or the circuit servant may recommend a division to the Society, stating the facts. In some cases it may be that a new congregation can be formed by taking some publishers from one or more adjacent congregations.

Where travel distance is great or there is a lack of transportation, there may be advantages to forming a new congregation even though there will not be 75 or 80 regular publishers in each. Here again, the circumstances may be taken up with the Society. (See "Lamp" book, pages 152-156, and January 1963 "Kingdom Ministry.”)

*                   Special activity with special issues.

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

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