FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

SEPTEMBER 1971 "You will ba witnesses of me . .. to the most distant part of the earth?*—Acts 1: 8. VOL. XIV NO. 9

Can QJou Say-.

‘^eiie ,9 cAm’?

There is a great amount of urgent work that needs to be done. Can you help?

Here at Brooklyn we have on hand orders for some 19 million bound books, and congregation orders for the publications released at the recent district assemblies have not yet even begun to arrive. To keep our brothers supplied with equipment for the vital ministry that they are performing, it is going to be necessary to have a second shift nights here at the factory during the months to come. But that is not all! There is much painting and other work that ought to be done at Bethel. Also, furniture and other items need to be made ] for the new residential and printing ; buildings that are under construc-' tion at Watchtower Earm. This is work that needs to be accomplished during the next twelve months.

Can you help out? I Joes your heart move you to say, “Here I am 1 Send me’’?

We would like to bring in a hundred or more strong, single brothers, between 18 and 45 years of age, as temporary workers for one year. We need carpenters and painters, along with many to work in printing, in the book bindery and in mailing operations. It has been possible to obtain housing accommodations for one hundred additional workers, near or in Bethel and these will soon be ready for use.

Are you a single brother who is healthy and willing to work hard to advance Kingdom interests? Would yon like to share in this special work for one year, not less? If so, please write a letter to the Office of the President right away expressing that willingness to serve at Bethel for a full year. The letter should 'also Include your name, address, date of baptism, your age, height and weight, and draft classification. State the kinds of secular work in _b which you have had experience, and * the amount of experience in each.

• ¹ What a fine spirit the recent district assemblies breathed! Did you feel that all the program features were designed and arranged so as to build up our spirituality?

• ² Were you also impressed with the knowledge that our ministry actually includes our total fife as a Christian? Were you not happy to know that we are performing vital features of the Christian ministry when we take good care of our families, teach our children, visit the sick or help needy or spiritually weak brothers and sisters? And that we should not feel discouraged when some have better success than others in various features of field service, but should rather rejoice, knowing we are members of a body, each member playing his important part?—1 Cor. 12:14-18.

• ³ Additionally, did you not rejoice in the ways provided to help the entire congregation to maintain strong spirituality as we approach the great tribulation and the attack by Gog of Magog?

• ⁴ Did you thrill as never before

Also, tel! us how soon you would be able to come, if invited. Please attach a photograph of yourself. Before the letter is mailed, you should give it to your congregation servant to sign if he recommends you for this service.

If you share in this special work, you will also benefit from the fine training that is enjoyed by all at Bethel, including the excellent evening program of reading, Bible research and lectures provided for all new members of the family. You wiil have the pleasure of associating with the Gilead students from many lands, as well as the rest of the Bethel family, some of whom have been in Jehovah’s service for forty years or more.

While here at Bethel you would with appreciation and zeal for the Divine Name as you listened to the assembly’s keynote talk? The spirit of RESPECT for Jehovah and those representing him should permeate the congregation.

• ⁵ Jehovah’s spirit was manifestly directing the assemblies. Did you notice that the appeal made throughout tlie program was in harmony with the 110th Psalm: “Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day of your military for<*e’’? (vs. 3) We serve the King, not through coercion, but because we love him and are moved by Jehovah’s spirit to do his will. And we want to magnify Jehovah’s name by good ministry to him in all our affairs of everyday life. Our heart’s desire is to help others know that Name.

• ⁶ If you fully captured the spirit of the assembly you no doubt reviewed your own spirit in your home life, in your secular work, in association with the brothers at meetings and elsewhere, your spirit toward the overseers in the congre-(Continued on page 3, col. 3) live under the same arrangements as regular members of the family, but you would be a temporary worker.

Please give this matter prayerful consideration. If you qualify and desire to offer your services, let us know as soon as possible, because in September and October we would like to start calling In those who will be sharing in this special, urgent work.

We are looking forward to seeing you and your helping us out in this urgent work, but not on the night shift. We will have you work daytime. Be assured of my love and best wishes.

Your brother,

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 12

Theme: Manifesting the Spirit of the Assemblies. (1 Thess. 5:23) Song 85.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

8 min: Book study servant delivers “Kingdom Ministry” to infirm publisher and discusses Theocratic News and a few points from U.S.A, report for July, also local August report.

18 min: “Did You Capture the Spirit of the Assembly?” Discuss with audience by questions and answers.

14 min: “Presenting the Good News— By Friendly Conversation.” Chairman asks one or two questions on paragraph one, then demonstrates suggestions in paragraphs two and three. Concludes very briefly with high points of paragraph four.

15 min: Concluding comments. Discuss Branch Letter, emphasizing its contents. Include some comments on theme to close meeting on note of spirituality. Song 104.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 19

Theme: Increasing Our Spirituality. (1 Cor. 2:12, 13) Song 15.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

13 min: Our Conduct Reflects on God’s Name. (Discussion group of several servants and parents) We know Jehovah’s witnesses are all “letters” being observed by all men. They view all Jehovah’s witnesses according to the conduct of those they happen to observe. Thus God’s name is exalted or reproached by what we do. New ones at meetings or assemblies judge us by our courtesy, consideration, orderliness. How are we doing in our congregation meetings? It is good to be there at start, if possible, and beneficial and respectful to stay through closing song and prayer. God has high regard for spiritual food he has arranged for us at meetings, and his “eyes” are upon us for good. (1 Pet. 3:12) Dlsorderliness, restlessness, moving about and talking during meetings reflect thoughtlessness, may even be manifestations of disrespect. To help children have proper respect and viewpoint, parents should sit with them at meetings. Basically, proper training begins at home. Only way children will develop respect and realize way God views them is by being trained in proper conduct and deep respect for family and home. This every parent should do, for “a boy let on the loose will be causing his mother shame.” (Prov. 29:15) Jehovah’s people certainly want their children, rather, to bring honor to parents, thus honor to. God. (Some points may be made as to recent district assembly, with ways we can make conduct even more respectful between now and coming circuit and district assemblies.)

15 min: “Why Have the Miraculous Gifts of the Spirit Ceased?” Talk based on article in August 15, 1971, “Watchtower.”

17 mln: “Increasing Spirituality in the Congregation.” Questions and answers.

10 min: Concluding comments. Include Announcements from page three that apply to congregation. Song 9.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 26

Theme: “From Infancy You Have Known the Holy Writings.” (2 Tim. 3:15) Song 73.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

14 min: Do You Have a Training Program Specially Designed for Your Children? (Discussion between several servants and parents) Depending upon the ages of the children in the family, parents need to use discernment in •bringing up their children in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.’ (Eph. 6:4) Nevertheless, basic things are needed in any program, regardless of age. Discuss four basic ways education is imparted, as outlined under "Education” in “Aid to Bible Understanding,” page 487. Discuss how parental training in Israel provides parallels for today's parents. See page 312 of “Aid,” paragraph six. Stress need to have regular study of the Bible with children at home, specially adapted to their needs. Use all provisions of Jehovah’s organization to give assistance.

13 min: Parents Help Children Starting School. (Demonstration)

(3 min.) Chairman: September is month most children start back to school. Often there will be new teachers, new classrooms, new situations to cope with in getting started back to school. Parents may find it advisable to accompany their children or arrange to speak with the teacher or principal at an early opportunity. Arrangements can be made to have children excused from participation in flag salute, holiday programs, etc.

(8 min.) Father goes with young son and daughter to see principal of school. Makes known that family are Jehovah’s witnesses. While children want to cooperate fully in school program of education, certain exercises may conflict with religious beliefs. Discusses flag salute, singing patriotic songs, holiday programs. Children share in discussion appropriately too, giving evidence of good training and conviction on these matters. Principal asks few questions to get clarification on certain matters. Father gives brief witness and places copies of ’’Evolution” and “Word of God” books with principal.

(2 min.) Chairman: Point out benefits of helping children in this way to get off to good start in school. Coaching them in advance on how to handle these delicate problems at school will help them to face issues courageously and be obedient as well as respectful servants of Jehovah. Even if school has already started, parents can still do this.

18 min: Presenting Subscriptions for “Awake!” in October. The special issue of “Awake!” will feature the subject “Relief from Today’s Pressures—How?” There are so many pressures bearing down on people today, and thus it will not be difficult to get a conversation going about this common problem. All should be Interested in finding relief, both now and in the future when God’s kingdom will fully remove the causes of these pressures. With this in mind, you may find the presentation used during the “Watchtower” campaign earlier this year to be effective. The theme of this was “The Government That Will Solve Man’s Problems.” (For a full review, see 12/70 “Kingdom Ministry/ page 2.)

Rev. 21:3, 4—God’s kingdom to do away with sorrow, sickness and death.

Dan. 2:44—God’s kingdom to crush all kingdoms that have oppressed mankind.

Ps. 37:10, 11—God’s kingdom to destroy the wicked one and provide abundance of peace.

You need use only one of the above texts. The first could be applied to illness, pollution, or similar problems. The second, to oppression or injustice, etc. The third, to lawlessness or violence, both on the local as well as on the international scene. Make your presentation simple, yet meaningful and adaptable to the person with whom you are talking. It will be easy to tie in your presentation with the special “Awake!” and the offer of the year’s subscription for $1.50.

10 min: Concluding comments. Express appreciation for good work of children in congregation. In conclusion, chairman asks accounts servant to comment briefly, from his seat, on highlights of article “Helping the Office with Subscriptions.” Song 80.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 3

Theme: Make Known the God to Be Worshiped. (John 4:22) Song 57.

7 mln: Introduction, text and comments. Also include Question Box.

8 min: Talk on theme for month, ₄ (See Nov. 15, 1970, issue of “The*. Watchtower.”)                     L

10 min: Talking Points on Special Issue of “Awake!” Magazine-territory servant has group on platform and review’s with them brief but meaningful points from magazine which they will use in presenting it to the public.

25 min: “Perfection—What Does It Really Mean?” (“Watchtower,” August 15, 1971) Audience discussion, using questions below. (Balance it out so that all parts receive the necessary coverage. Watch timing.) (a) What question often arises with regard to Adam and Eve as being perfect, yet sinning? (b) If, say, a shirt or a suit w’ore out after a reasonable length of time, would that mean it was imperfect? (c) What is the definition of “perfect,” and who sets the standards as to what is perfect, in the case of a shirt? (d) What, then, does the word “perfection” mean? (e) Who is the final judge of w’hat is perfect, as to mankind and the earth, and why? (f) Would it have been necessary for the first human pair to be incapable of sinning in order to be perfect? Why not? (g) Someone may say, ‘If Adam and Eve had been perfect, then they should have chosen only the right way. They should not have been able to choose the bad.’ What answ’er could be given? (Jas. 1:14, 15) (h) Will humans when perfect be able to perform any skillful work without learning and practicing it? (Compare Luke 2:52) (i) Will perfection eliminate all problems and the challenge of living? (j) What will perfection remove that troubles mankind today? (Rev. 21:3-5: 1 Cor. 15:25, 26)

10 min: Concluding comments. Comment on slogan at bottom of page 4. Song 72.

• ¹ How Is the spirit of your conI gregatlon? If the individual members as a whole have a cooperative, warm and loving spirit, then the overall spirit or dominant feeling or attitude of the congregation will be very fine. It will be a real pleasure to be associated with the con-

gregatlon, and there will be zeal and appreciation for the ministry.

• ² At our recent district assemblies we were all impressed with the need to grow spiritually, but particularly were the overseers or “older men” admonished to ‘pay attention to themselves and all the flock, . . . to shepherd the congregation.’ (Acts 20: 28) This applies to all the “older men” and is admonition that should be implemented right away, each “older man” feeling keenly the need to adjust his schedule in order to do his part In shepherding the flock. The congregation servant can give general coordination so that all will be reached with the needed help and encouragement, but the Important thing is for each “older man” to be alert to the needs of the various members and to render this with loving concern.

• ³ The overseers In calling on members of the congregation are interested, not only in what is being done In the field ministry, but primarily in how the brothers are doing in keeping their appreciation for Jehovah strong, in building up love for one another, in seeing that they have joy in the ministry and in attending the meetings. None should feel that something must be wrong just because one of the overseers visits his home.

• ⁴ How should overseers go about making these shepherding visits? Why not go as one would visit a dear friend or fleshly brother. Go

JULY SERVICE REPORT

Av     Av Av Av

Pubs. Hrs.    B-C Bl.St. Mags.

Sp’l Pios.     973 109.7 46.1  5.2

Pios.       15,501   81.4 36.3  4.0

Vac. Pios.  4,466  81.7 25.8  1.6

Pubs. 382,620    8.9  4.4   .6

TOTAL 403,560

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 10,918

UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1971 408,717 Publishers

HOW DID WE DO IN JULY?

We had the joy of seeing 10,918 new brothers and sisters baptized in the United States during July. The total thus far this year is 40,091—nearly 10 percent of our total publishers. How fine to see that so many taking up the field service appreciate the Importance of their personal relationship with Jehovah! And the end is ^f not yet, for 289,318 Bible studies were being conducted with others who also show a desire to enjoy Jehovah’s approval. out of love to see and converse with them about the things you enjoy talking about most—the good things in Jehovah’s word and his love for us. There is no need to bring up any known problem, unless this is serious and needs immediate attention. If a problem exists, usually this is mentioned by the brother or sister visited otdy after confidence is built up. If the servant is one who reads the Bible and the Society’s publications regularly, he will have his mind full of Scriptural things to talk about. Just taking the time to read over a portion of the Bible together (perhaps that assigned for the week in the ministry school) or an article in the magazines, will prove to be very encouraging and upbuilding.

• ⁵ Sometimes the spirit of complaint is encountered or a tendency to gossip about others of our brothers. Skillful and positive counsel from the Scriptures will help to set matters straight, and yet it is hoped that the ones visited will feel refreshed rather than scolded. One visit may not bring spirituality up to the desired level, but as various overseers keep calling much good will be accomplished, and as the spiritual health of each member keeps improving, the spirit of the whole congregation will remain at a good healthy level.

* When can this shepherding work be done? Each “older man" must select the times he can best make (Continued on page 4, col. 2)

Announcements

♦ Literature offer for September: Evolution book, 25c. For October: Awake,.' subscription and three booklets for $1.50. (Publishers may remit $1.40 during campaign.) For November: Truth book, 25c.

♦ Congregation accounts should be audited soon after September 1.

♦ We are happy to report that most unassigned territory was assigned to congregations for working this summer. Special efforts should be made in September to complete the assignments. Thereafter, please submit the requested report.

♦ New publications available:

“Then Is Finished the Mystery of God”                 —Finnish

♦ The Society is currently mailing out three copies of a revised Watchtower Cost List to each congregation. Answers to most questions regarding literature are readily available in this booklet. To keep your copy up-to-date, pencil in the announcements as listed In Kingdom Ministry each month. We recommend that the congregation servant discuss the appropriate paragraphs of this booklet with the literature servant, magazine-territory servant and the accounts servant. All previous copies of this booklet should now be destroyed.

HELPING THE OFFICE WITH SUBSCRIPTIONS

During subscription campaigns the subscription office receives over 10,000 new subscriptions dally. What can the publishers do to help the office process these subscriptions? PRINT all information when filling out subscription slips. What can the accounts servant do to help? He can verify that local zip codes are correct.

In cities with more than one zip code a postal directory can be obtained from your local post office. You may request to be placed on their mailing list so that each time a revised directory is published you will receive a copy. In other cities and towns with only one zip code a list of zip codes in your area may be obtained by contacting your local post office. Accounts servants can use this information to check the zip codes, and if they are correct CIRCLE THE ZIP CODE on the subscription slip IN RED. Publishers should not do this but only accounts servants after checking the zip code for accuracy.

We look forward to another successful subscription campaign in October. Following the above suggestions will help the office to give you the best possible service in processing subscriptions.

Did You Capture the Spirit. . . ? (Cant’d) gation, your spirit in your field service and toward those in the congregation who are sick or in need of help. Actually, we are all prompted to search our hearts.

• ⁷ It certainly is fine to be living in this time when the same spirit is manifested among God’s people that motivated the early Christian congregation. They were not striving merely to make a record of some kind. Likewise today, the appeal is genuine, heartfelt.

^s If you captured the spirit of the assembly you cannot help but be happy. You will want others to share this happiness. You will have the true evangelizing spirit, which reaches out to all persons at all times without regard to hours spent. You will be performing a willing ministry, from the heart. Make advancement by reading the new Bible study aids to make that spirit strong in you.

• ⁸ During September we can look forward to spreading the fine spirit engendered by the assemblies. We can help our brothers and, with the use of the book Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation? we can see many others made happy by coming to a knowledge of the true God.

  
  
  

By Friendly Conversation

¹What is it about effective presentations that makes them effective? When yon think about it, often it is not a matter of having some spectacular lineup of thoughts and scriptures, but merely using simple introductions and ideas with which we are all familiar and doing so with sincerity and adaptability. It involves getting the people to talk with us, rather than endeavoring to preach a sermon. We have the best message in the world, and the most attractive to honest-hearted ones. Ry just conversing with them, we are more apt to reach their heart. But there is no reason for concern when some do not show a favorable response. Just show a willingness to share the good news with all, letting each one decide whether he will accept or not.

- In September we are presenting the Evolution book. You will find it easy to involve others in a conversation about the good things it contains and then present tile book so that the details can be studied. One does not have to be a scientist and argue on the level of the scholars in order to tell confidently how Jehovah created man and all other living things. How loving Jehovah has been in creating the earth as man’s home, with the climate, food, and other, resources being just right for his survival and happiness! Rather than looking forward merely to death and nonexistence, which is the only future the evolution theory leaves for man, those acting with insight have the grand and trustworthy hope of living in a cleansed earth, and not just for a short time, but forever.

³ Do you have some difficulty getting the conversation started? Whether in tlie actual door-to-door work, or incidental witnessing, comments on crime, pollution, problems of youth,’ family, government, war, conditions in the churches or among church members, particularly anything of local interest that touches on a person’s life, can bg used to start conversations, even the weather. Questions can be used very effectively to get the opinion of the listener, and see how he is thinking and responding. This may lead to placing literature. You may be able to get a Bible study started. If this is not possible on the first occasion, perhaps arrangements can be made to return and further the discussion. If not, there is no reason to be discouraged, but there can be satisfaction that you were able to give the witness to another in an effort to locate the Lord's “sheep.” As you keep preaching, taking advantage of every opportunity, your skill in presenting the good news simply and yet effectively will increase, and your joy in Jehovah’s service will steadily increase too. And, if you do have success in getting a Bible study started, what a thrill it will be to conduct this regularly.

¹ So, in the final analysis, it is not a matter of mastering a complex sermon or having something spectacular to say at the doors, but simply and sincerely presenting the best of news involving God’s kingdom. How we love to talk about this! Of course, we want to have some definite ideas in mind in going to the people and that is -why it is good to do some preparing in advance. Practice sessions will help. Talk over what you plan to say with others in the family or congregation. Get their suggestions. Practice with one another, having in mind local conditions in the territory. Then just thoroughly enjoy talking to others about the good things in your heart.

Increasing Spirituality . . . (Cont'd) visits to the homes of the publishers. He might choose to reduce his field service one Sunday a month in order to make several visits. Evenings are probably the best time. Saturday morning or afternoon may be convenient, or one call might be made after each period of field service. Each one’s circumstances are different, but with genuine concern and love for the brothers, the “older men’’ will arrange the time within their busy schedules to visit all in the flock because of their love for their brothers. They will do this even though at times they may not be able to spend quite as much time in the field ministry. And do we not appreciate what they do for us as shepherds of the flock? We certainly do!

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ A pioneer in Ecuador discovered an untouched territory—the international airport—and placed 74 books. Territory remains new as different passengers pass through daily en route to other cities.

♦ France started 7 new congregations during June; ’‘Watchtower” study attendance now 108 percent of publishers.

♦ While in Japan Brother Knorr spoke to 5,362 persons in Yokohama and ta 750 in Okinawa. While he visited the branch office in Manila, Philippines, a meeting was arranged and he spoke to 17,076. On his way home, he spoke to 189 persons in Guam, dedicated a Kingdom Hall in Ponape and spoke to 3,915 in Honolulu.

♦ Twenty-three new congregations formed in Zambia so far this service year. Publishers up 6,000 from same time a year ago; Bible studies up II 2,000.

[c^'ueition. (/Sox

• What is the Society’s position on large, organized groups of brothers attending assemblies in distant lands?

The Society tries to arrange district assemblies for the convenience of brothers in each country. Thus it is not necessary for publishers to travel great distances to attend an assembly. When convention facilities are arranged, they are for the convenience of those whom the Society expects to attend. If greater numbers of witnesses attend than are planned for, _f then the facilities are overcrowded and this inconveniences the convention ers of that locality.

Occasionally the Society does arrange for international assemblies, and announces these well in advance. Then facilities are obtained to take care of any large overseas groups that might be coming. If at such time the Society thinks it advisable to encourage some brothers to travel to a different land the Society will do so. This is because of the witness that can be given and for the encouragement of the brothers they meet with in another land. In these instances the Society gives the congregations detailed information on Society stationery and the travel is handled by the Society.

If a congregation or individuals receive correspondence from a travel agency encouraging them to travel with a group to some foreign country, saying it is to attend a convention of Jehovah’s witnesses, this is very likely a business promotional scheme of tlie travel agency. Please do not write to the Society about travel agency arrangements because the Society is not involved and does not have any knowledge of such arrangements.

If any brothers wish to travel from one country to another, that is their personal business, not the Society's. Of course, under those circumstances they have to arrange their own transportation and they cannot expect the branch offices of the Society to take care of them as the Society does when it arranges for travel to assemblies in other countries.

Rejoice in the “varieties of ministries.”

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

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