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FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

“Although the fig tree Itself may not blossom, ... I will exult in Jehovah himself.”—Hab. 3:17, 18. VOL. XVII NO. 3

^Kingdom ^PuMisite/iS:

During the past couple of weeks, we at Bethel have enjoyed some delightful reports about the final “Divine Victory” assemblies.

Despite the world’s mounting problems, Jehovah’s people were able to assemble in peace and without 'senollS diffidlil'ty?

Brother "Suiter was at one of the largest assemblies in Africa —at Lagos, ^Nigeria. jwh.ere.__65,279 gathered in the National Stadium to hear the public lecture. The largest of all the “Divine Victory” assefiffilies, however, was in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, "where.ihelat-tencfance reached, .197,442^

"AiTHougK" Brothers Henschel and Suiter were unable to get to the assembly in South Africa due to circumstances beyond their control, happily brothers on two chartered planes from Europe were delighted to get there. As required by law, separate assemblies were held in Johannesburg for the three mam racial gxoiips7 But for the finaT session it was possible__to

moye to the Banti Stadium, where segregatipiQaws do not apply. A crowd of 33,408 packed the stadium. “It wag indeed a beautiful sight for us in South Africa.” observed an eyewitness, “to see our African, Colored and European brothers all associated together in worship of Jehovah.”

Brother Knorr reported on all the South American assemblies, with fascinating details. In the ten lands visited, the Kingdom work is moving ahead marvelously with 239,000 attending and a grand to-

"“153 baptized. At Sao Paulo, Brazil, a huge sports stadium was packed during the assembly even though the brothers had to stand for some sessions because of heavy rain. The public meeting attendance there was 94.586.

Our brothers there are working hard. May all of us, too, continue to~ald others to get affirm hold on the real life while there"is yeTlime.

Your brothers, Brooklyn Branch Office

• ⁵ During March, is it possible for us to lean even more heavily on Jehovah? If we do this, marvelous benefits will flow to us daily. We will be able to harness our thoughts more effectively to spiritual matters. (1 John 5:14; Prov. 15:28) And when we think about the spiritual events taking place in March, our hearts should move us to share in them as fully as possible. For example, we are in the third month of the Watchtower campaign and every day we can make, or take advantage of, marvelous opportunities to publicize Jehovah’s name. In addition to regular house-to-house calls and return visits, have you tried obtaining subscriptions through informal witnessing? You may be pleasantly surprised at your success in this field of witnessing.

• ⁶ Study on our part helps us to develop an even more prayerful i attitude and a finer relationship with Jehovah. As we increase our knowledge and feel even closer to Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, unquestionably this will be a powerful aid in overcoming any obstacles we might experience in connection with our worship and in living our lives even as Jesus lived his life.—Mark 9:23.

• ⁷ Moreover, as the upbuilding information that we constantly receive sinks deeply into our hearts, surely we will be motivated to share as fully as possible in the field ministry.—Luke 6:45.

• ⁸ Undoubtedly one of the high points during March will be the special public talk on March 31, “Surviving on the Victorious Side at Har-Magedon.” Surely this will be a rewarding occasion for all of us. May Jehovah bless us as w’e continue to get a firm hold on the real life and aid others to do the same.

  Getting a Firm Hdd on the Real Life.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  i cases of children being taken from par-’ents in Germany; yb p. 125) (3) What can parents do now to prepare their children so that they will be able to stand firm under such trials? (yb p. 187, par. 3; p. 188, par. 5; p. 125, par. 1) What may happen when children are not so prepared? (yb p. 170, par. 4) (4) How has the Devil used the natural affection that one has for one’s own marriage mate in an effort to break a person down? (yb p. 183, par. 3; pp. 125, 126, 185, 186) (5) What can marriage mates do to help each other to stand firm in the face of such trials? (yb pp. 120, 121; p. 186, par. 2) (6) To endure such trials, how must we feel about our relationship with Jehovah? (Luke 10:27; Job 2:10) What conviction must we have as to God’s ability to reward those who prove faithful? (Heb. 11:6; Rom. 8:38, 39; yb p. 180, par. 4) We must mentally prepare ourselves so that if need be we too can encourage our loved ones to faithfulness in the face of death. We must not be found ignorant of Satan’s designs.—2 Cor. 2:11.

  13 min: Concluding comments. Include material in Question Box. Also, ascertain if any children in congregation have had good experiences in field ministry or otherwise. If so, interview several of them. Song 8.

  WEEK STARTING MARCH 24

  8 min: Song 20. Introduction, text and comments.

  12 min: Informal Witnessing. Talk based on “Presenting the Good News —Informally.” In introduction ask how many came into truth through informal witnessing. Demonstrate points in paragraph 3. Entertain experiences.

  15 min: “Showing Intense Love for One Another.” Question-and-answer coverage. Arrange several realistic demonstrations.

  15 min: Maintaining Spiritual Strength in Prison. Audience discussion. Relate selected experiences from “1974 Yearbook” as time permits.

  (1) Does one’s ability to stand firm under intense persecution depend on physical health, or what? (yb p. 176, par. 3; p. 207, par. 3) (2) What are the things that make us spiritually strong? (Draw from audience: Prayer. Study of God’s Word. Association with brothers. Preaching.) (yb p. 176, par. 4; p. 210, par. 2; pp. 170, 171) (3) How have our brothers availed themselves of the privilege of prayer when in prison? (w63 p. 439; w65 p. 763; yb p. 185, par. 2) (4) Where can we obtain literature for study when in prison or in a concentration camp? (yb pp. 191-194, p. 198, par. 5, to p. 199, par. 3) (5) How can a person fulfill this need to study God’s Word if no literature is available? (w65 pp. 761, 762; yb p. 191, par. 4; p. 164, par. 4) (6) How has Jehovah filled the need of imprisoned brothers for association with fellow Christians? (yb pp. 193, 194; p. 183, par. 2) (7) In what ways is it possible for a brother or a sister in prison to preach to others? (yb pp. 128, 129, 190, 191) Our brothers in the concentration camps in Nazi Germany continually drew on the 124th Psalm. Read in conclusion.

  10 min: Concluding comments. Include some thoughts on preparing new ones for field ministry during April. What is being done to prepare them? Discuss local arrangements. Urge all to prepare for next week’s part, “Identi

  
  

WEEK STARTING MARCH 10 12 min: Sons' 1. Introduction, text, comments and Theocratic News. Also, include accounts report.

15 min: “Get a Firm Hold on the Real Life.” Questions and answers.

23 min: How Real Is Jehovah to You? Develop by questions and answers, with brief opening and concluding remarks by chairman: Do you feel close to Jehovah? As close as you do to a very dear relative or friend? even closer? We should strive to develop our relationship with our God by drawing closer to him each day. If Jehovah is real to us, then even though we may be in dire straits we can maintain integrity by fully relying on him.—Ps 86:7.

Jehovah is real to those who base their faith on accurate knowledge. (Heb. 11:1, 2, 6; Rom. 1:20; John 4:24) Jehovah is real to those who know his qualities. Review page 266 of “Make Sure.” We draw close to Jehovah when we imitate his qualities. (Eph. 4:32-5:1) This requires a knowledge of His Word. (John 17:3; Prov. 2:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Jehovah is real to those w’ho experience his dealings with them. (Heb. 11:17-38) Regular communication with Jehovah through prayer will draw us closer to him as we thoughtfully observe the way he answers our prayers and blesses our efforts in his service. (Ps. 65:2; Phil. 4:6, 7) We. will be blessed as we cultivate the habit of relying fully on Jehovah. (Phil. 4:13) Then, as we work with him in his service, we can meditate on his goodness manifest in so many ways. (1 Thess. 5:17, 18; Eph. 5:20; 1 Pet. 4:7) By our obeying his commands and by daily meditating on his ways, Jehovah will be real to us. (Ps. 37:30, 31; 1:1-3)

10 min: Concluding comments. Include experiences on getting subscriptions. How has congregation done so far? Offer suggestions to build support for subscription activity. Encourage all to study Chapter 7 in “Peace and Security” book for next week’s part. Be sure to bring book to meeting. Song 24.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 17 12 min: Song 2. Introduction, text, comments and Branch Letter.

15 min: Proof We Are Living in the “Last Days.” All in congregation should bring their copies of the “Peace and Security” book -with them for consideration of the material in Chapter 7. Chairman is to highlight four points listed in paragraph 4, then quickly cover information on point 1 in paragraphs 5-12. Chairman will propound appropriate questions on point 2, as developed in paragraphs 13-27, giving special attention to information on pages 82 and 83. Regarding point 3, apply Matthew 24:34. Also, ask study question on paragraph 29. What is the final signal, referred to in point 4? (Pars. 30, 31; 1 Thess. 5:2, 3; Luke 21:34, 35)

20 min: Satanic Pressure on Family Ties—Test of Integrity. Audience discussion. Relate selected experiences from “1974 Yearbook” as time permits.

(1) When the Devil tried to break Job’s integrity, after destroying his property, what attack did he use next? (Job 1:18, 19) (2) Has he done anything like that in our day? (yb pp. 186-190, 119-121, 123) (Note: 860 known fying the Modern ‘Faithful and Discreet Slave’ Class.” Read pages 182-187 of “Life Everlasting” and Chapter 17 in “Thousand Years” book and bring both books to meeting next week. Encourage temporary pioneering during April. Song 7.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 31

10 min: Song 18. Introduction, text and comments.

25 min: Identifying the Modern “Faithful and Discreet Slave” Class.

If we are to prove ourselves loyal to Jehovah and his organization in spite of increasing pressures and obstacles to our worship, necessary to cooperate with and serve under direction of “faithful and discreet slave,” to whom ‘all the Master’s belongings’ have been entrusted. Thus vital to identify modern “slave” class.

(17 min.) Chairman to read Matthew 24:45-47. Ask audience to identify that “slave” today. Make sure following points are covered: (1) Noteworthy that Matthew 24:46 shows “slave” found providing food upon Master’s return. Explain. (ka pp. 342-347) (2) Historical evidence clear that at time of Christ’s second coming, in 1914, only one organization -was feeding people spiritual food “at the proper time” and had its “identifying marks.” (w62, pp. 760, 761) (3) Scriptural credentials of “slave” strong. (w60, pp. 437, 438) (4) “Slave” not one person, but all the members of spirit-begotten ones on earth as class at any given time, (ka pp. 340, 341; li p. 183) “Slave” class provides food for individual members of anointed, the “domestics.” (li pp. 183-185) (5) Slave now enjoys new position; appointed over all Christ’s earthly belongings (Matt. 24:47), all the spiritual things that belong to him here on earth in connection with his established heavenly kingdom, (ka pp.. 353-357) (6) As in first century, certain members of slave class selected to be governing body, which, directed by holy spirit, makes appointments of overseers and ministerial servants. (Acts 14:23; w71, pp. 755-762)

(8 min.) Get observations of audience on following points: How can we show we are deeply convinced that this is Jehovah’s organization and that no man, but Christ Jesus, is the appointed Head of it? How can we daily work with “slave” class, Christ’s “brothers,” yet on earth, loyally and willingly sharing in giving final witness? In w^That tvays do we see need of Jehovah’s organization and wisdom of cooperating with it and its appointed elders and ministerial servants?

10 min: “Getting Ready for the Memorial.” Questions and answers.

15 min: Concluding comments. Build up appreciation and enthusiasm for the Memorial on Sunday. Review local arrangements and encourage all to support them fully for outstanding activity. Song 47.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 7

(Please make up your own service meeting.)

Suggestions: If you like, you may use one or more of the. following suggestions: Offer thoughts on gift subscriptions, following through on all subscription promises, developing interest cultivated through the Memorial, and so forth.

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.

Informally

• ¹ Many now faithfully serving Jehovah first learned of his purposes through informal witnessing. You may know of persons who have successfully aided family members into the truth. Others have thoughtfully spoken to friends, business acquaintances, fellow workers, teachers, schoolmates, visitors, neighbors, fellow travelers, and so on, thereby planting seeds of truth that took root in fine soil.—Luke 8:15.

• ² A major advantage of informal witnessing is the congenial, relaxed atmosphere in which it can be done. Much can be accomplished during a friendly discussion under favorable circumstances. In fact, it is possible in this way to reach persons who may never have heard the good news at their doors. Even a brief contact, such as that made on a bus, a train, an airplane, or in a waiting room, may stimulate a person’s interest to the point where the next Witness who calls will get a hearing ear.—Prov. 15:7; Eccl. 11: 6.

• ³ Some find it best when witnessing informally to make brief statements that will arouse a person’s curiosity and that may cause the person to ask questions about our message and work. Or, we may ask questions to stimulate a person’s thinking, and then show the Bible’s answer. As always, there is a need to be discreet and tactful.

Getting Ready for Memorial (Conn’d) tions for additional attendants, chairs, the emblems, proper ventilation and appropriate announcements. Since the Memorial will be the only meeting that day, you may want to have the Watchtower study at another time during the week. (Of course, all Memorial celebrations should begin after 7:00 p.m., daylight saving time.) Arrangements can be made for field service that Sunday, with special emphasis on inviting and bringing interested persons to the Memorial. With a special effort on the part of everyone we should have a fine attendance indeed.

• ⁴ Jehovah’s witnesses as a group are truly the happiest, most friendly people on earth. Yet on this We should avoid wasting time with those not sincerely interested.—Matt. 7:6.

⁴ We can casually mention to workmates or persons we meet every day what we have learned at meetings, at assemblies, in personal study, and so forth. Over a period of time these seeds of truth may take root and grow, even if the person is indifferent at first.

⁵ When witnessing informally to persons we have never met before, some find it helpful to engage in casual conversation with the individual for a few minutes, initially, to establish a rapport, or friendly spirit of communication. This can then be used as a “platform” from which to build a friendly discussion of God’s Word.

^G To be successful it is good to plan ahead for your informal witnessing by having with you one or more small books, such as Truth or Peace and Security, also magazines or booklets. In that way you have something to leave with the person to read, now that you have stimulated his interest.

⁷ As world conditions worsen, producing more and more anxiety among mankind, we have great joy in comforting those who are “sighing and groaning.” (Ezek. 9:4) Too, as we get closer to the “great tribulation,” informal witnessing may become one of the main preaching methods at our disposal. Why not develop ability in this work now?

special occasion it is well to plan in advance so that new ones in attendance feel so welcome that they will want to attend our meetings regularly. All of us can give more than the usual attention to welcoming newcomers, since some could easily be overlooked when so many are present. Why not plan to greet as many new ones as possible, engaging them in friendly conversation? If no one is studying with them, perhaps a study could be arranged. Such kindness may be instrumental in aiding more to make fine spiritual progress in the coming months.

⁵ May Jehovah’s rich blessings be upon our efforts individually and congregationally to get ready for the Memorial.

♦ The West Congregation of Albuquerque, New Mexico, started 18 studies as a result of distribution of Kingdom News No. 16, and all 18 studies continue as of this date.

<y For the first time Hong Kong exceeded 300 publishers, with 301 reporting in December. This was their sixth peak in a row. Congregation publishers averaged 18.6 hours, 21.4 magazines, 7.6 return visits and .9 studies.

Indonesia reports their seventh successive peak, with 3,297 publishers in December.

Five-day “Divine Victory” Assembly held in Nairobi, Kenya, with 209 baptized and 4,588 in attendance. Visitors from U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe and other parts of Africa. Excellent local publicity in papers and on TV.

♦ Mauritius passed the 300 mark for the first time, with 306 publishers reporting in December.

Malaysia reports that their December activity was the best ever, with new peaks in almost every feature of service. The number of publishers (296) represented a 17-percent increase.

<j> For the first time Israel reports 200 publishers. Special month of activity included "Divine Victory" Assembly, December 6-8, and distribution of Kingdom News No. 16 the last ten days of the month.

♦ Newfoundland reports 35 congregations and 1,000 publishers for the first time in history.

By the end of December, the Philippines reported 5,553 baptized thus far this service year—up 2,393 from same time last year.

Question $ox

• What publications should one read before baptism?

Page 18 of the “Organization” book states that one contemplating baptism will be greatly aided by personally reading the recent publications of the Society in addition to the book he is currently studying. Please observe that no publications are named. It is left up to the local elders to recommend what they believe will be of most help to the individual. Some, in addition to studying the “Truth” book, would be benefited most by absorbing the principles of Christian living set out in the “Peace and Security” book. A person who has been plagued with doubts about the authenticity of the Bible would be benefited by the “Word of God” book. In some cases the elders might recommend the ‘Impossible to Lie’ or the “Life Everlasting” book. It is not a matter of setting out as required reading so many books, but of helping individuals to grow spiritually. That is why this same page in the “Organization” book says: “The elders of the congregation with which you are associated will gladly make recommendations to you of material that will be most helpful.”

Aid Interested Persons to Attend the Memorial.

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