FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

FEBRUARY 1975       "| will say to Jehovah: ‘You are my refuge and my stronghold/”—Ps. 91:2. VOL. XVIII NO. 2

^Kingdom ^PubCislie/tS:

The Bethel family is really having many blessings. Every morning at the breakfast table we have been reading from the new Yearbook, and thoroughly enjoying it. Besides that, in connection with our family study on Monday evening, we are all having the privilege of benefiting from the study material provided for elders who attend the Kingdom Ministry School.

Already work is under way here in preparation for the special activity in April. We have had a peek at the material for the special issue of Awake! for April 8. It features the timely subject “The Answer to Mankind’s Problems.” And the April 15 issue of The Watchtower will carry the special public talk that is to be given on March 30 on the subject “ ‘Who Is Jehovah,’ so that All Should Worship Him?” Both of these magazines are to be given wide distribution.

A special distribution is planned in connection with the April 15 issue of The Watchtower. Many people with whom we conduct Bible studies will have heard the public talk and may wish they could share the information with others. The Society would like to make a gift of three free copies of that issue of The Watchtower to each individual or household with whom a Bible study is being conducted, with the encouragement for them to give those magazines to other persons who they believe will read them. You do not need to order these additional copies of the magazines for those with whom you conduct Bible studies; the Society will consign them. But be sure to order extra copies for your own use in the field service.

It is a pleasure for us here at Bethel to be working alongside you as we all continue to make advancement in our service to God.

Be assured of our warm Christian love.

Your brothers, Brooklyn Branch Office

• ¹ Jehovah’s organization is on the move. This is evident in many ways: Its understanding of God’s Word grows brighter year by year. The way the congregations function has been brought into closer conformity with the Scriptures. And, as foretold in *he Bible, the rate of ingathering of new disciples has been tremendously accelerated; another new peak, 554,257 publishers, reported in the United States in November!—Isa. 60:17, 22.

• ² What about us as individuals? Are we moving ahead with the organization? It surely is what all of us want to do. (1 Tim. 4:15) If we are newly associated, this means reaching forward toward Christian maturity. “Maturity” comes from a Greek word that means full-grown, complete. It involves acceptance of the full range of Christian truth. It means no longer holding back in any way with respect to pure worship. It also involves experience, that is, learning “to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) Those who are mature are not always asking someone else to make decisions that they should be making for themselves. (Gal. 6:5) But does this mean that a mature person has all the answers? No. A mature person continues to learn and to apply God’s Word. Thus maturity, instead of marking the end of progress, makes it easier to move ahead with Jehovah’s organization.

From a spiritual point of view, are you on the move with your brothers and sisters throughout the earth? In many respects, no doubt, you are. But are there areas in your life needing further attention, such as personal study and commenting at meetings? What about the matter of making greater application of Jehovah’s Word in the day-to-day affairs of life? This is something that offers opportunities for progress for all of us, isn’t it?

• ⁴ Can you also see evidence of progress in your personal field service? All who have continued to share in it over a period of time with reliance on Jehovah can see such advancement. But perhaps you discern that there are more forward steps that you personally could take. For example, do you actually use the Scriptures in your field service when appropriate? During the Watchtower campaign you will find helpful in this regard the prominently featured scripture in the first article of each issue of The Watchtower.

• ⁵ If you are sharing in the house-to-house service, is there still room for advancement? Well, are you calling back to instruct those who, in some way, manifest interest in the good news? Rarely does anyone simply read a piece of literature that has been placed with him and, without any personal help, begin attending meetings and sharing in the field service. Rather, is it not necessary to return and regularly visit the individual to help him to progress to spiritual maturity? We encourage you, with full reliance on Jehovah, to share regularly in this work. Perhaps you are making return visits on your placements and expired-subscription slips. Do you also study with interested persons? This should be our goal. It is not difficult. More than anything else, it requires a willingness to be used by Jehovah in this manner, coupled with preparation.

⁰ When we think back on what our lives were before we learned the truth, we realize that, because we have responded to Jehovah’s loving encouragement, every one of us has certainly moved ahead. And we want to continue to do so, right on into his new order, now so near.

Maintain Christian Maturity by Constant Advancement.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 9

13 min: Song 105. Introductory comments based on article “Jehovah's Witnesses Move Ahead In Canada." from January 15 Watchtower. Include also brief comments about what Is being done locally. Invite those who are studying and who desire to start In field service to make that known; help will be provided. Tie In day’s text.

15 mln: Singing as a Part of Our Worship. Discuss January 1 Watchtower article “Expressing Appreciation in Song." Encourage all to snare In heartfelt congregation singing. Actually sing together a couple of stanzas of Song 110. 20 min: "A People on the Move." Questions and answers. With paragraph 4, demonstrate suggested presentation, including subscription offer. With paragraph 5? hive demonstration showing experienced publisher encouraging newer one to make return visits: they plan together what to do and what to say. 12 min: Concluding comments. Comment briefly on congregation accounts; commend congregation for generosity; tell them that details of report will be on information board. Encourage all to order special magazines for April, as discussed In Branch Letter. Comment also on fourth Item under Announcements. Ask audience: What did you learn this evening? Song 63.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 16 Aiding Unbelieving Relatives to Appreciate the Good News 15 min: Song 115. In Introductory remarks read and comment briefly on John 1:40, 41. Then discuss, with audience participation, the article "Loving Concern for Unbelieving Relatives.” 25 min: What Would You Do?

One or two publishers approach elder, saying that they want to help unbelieving relatives to learn the truth, but are not having much success. Elder suggests they get Ideas from audience, many of whom have had personal experience. (Cover the following points: in some cases present the problem in the form of a verv brief demonstration, and then ask for suggestions. Avoid making rules.) (1) When housewife becomes a Witness, what changes take place in the way she uses her time? Why might this cause resentment on part of husband? What can be done to keep mate from feeling left out? (Apply this alsq to situation when man accepts truth but not his wife.) (wTl pp. 204-208, 210) (2) If unbelieving husband does things that are unscrlptural, what might be the effect if wife scolded him. telling him that Jehovah does not approve of what he does? What might It be better to say when confronted with these situations? (w71 p. 207) (3) What suggestions do you nave as to how a believer might share the Bible's message with an unbelieving mate? (w71 pp. 208. 211) (4) What can young folks do to help unbelieving parents to appreciate the truth? (w71 p. 213; yl>71 p. 277 J3) (5) If a widow or a divorcee has teenage children when she learns the truth and they do not want to give up worldly habits and go to meetings, what can she do? (In commenting on use of Yearbook at home, mention briefly what text for today Is.) (w62 pp. 211. 212) (6) Perhaps you want to write a letter to an uncle or a cousin or someone else whom you have not seen for years to witness to him. What could you say? (7) What can be done to share the truth with grandchildren or nephews or nieces whose parents are not responsive to truth? (8) Which of the Society's publications might you first give to a relative whom you want to help? How do you determine this?

20 min: How Results Have Been Obtained.

Interview some in congregation who formerly were unbelieving relatives. Ask how they reacted to various efforts to witness to them. What was it that finally helped them to see the truth?

As time permits, relate (or have someone In audience relate) some of the following experiences: yb75 p. 8 J2; w71 p. 206; ybll p. 76 JI, p. 120 JI,

p. 228 1i2, p. 317 T2; j/b70 p. 146 J2,

p. 154 JI, p. 196 JI; yb69 p. 280 JI.

With each, emphasize the method used.

Encourage publishers to tell elders if unbelieving family members are ill for an extended period or are In the hospital; they might be encouraged by a show of Kindly Interest on the part of some In congregation.

Concluding comments. Ask audience: What did you learn this evening? How do you plan to use It? (Mention that when a subscription slip Is marked “Gift,'' the Society always sends a letter to the recipient to tell him who made the gift. Such subscriptions can be sent to others besides relatives.) Song 61.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 23

15 min: Song 78. In opening remarks, quote latter part of 1 John 5:4. Then ask audience to comment on these questions: What Is faith? What foundation must true faith have? How can we strengthen our faith? What reason is there for faith that God will bless our efforts to obtain material necessities? Why do we have faith that God’s promises concerning the New Order will really be fulfilled? (See Aid, pp. 561. 562: “Make Sure,” pp. 184-189. Bible or “Make Sure” may be used to answer questions.) Brief remark showing how day’s text contributes to our faith.

20 min: Zealously Declaring the Good News Despite Difficulties. Pose questions designed to promote discussion of 1975 Yearbook, pp. 53-71. Answers to be given from memory or brief notes by panel of brothers and sisters, who also relate Incidents reported in Yearbook as time permits. Cannot mention every detail, but cover the store and highlight points most likely to aid local congregation. On pages cited, can ask: (1) How did Brother Russell declare the good news on the public platform? Should Importance be attached to him as a man? (P. 54) (2) Recount one of Russell’s noted debates. Is debating a preferred way to present the good news? (Pp. 54-56) (3) What spirit did Jehovah's people display during early conventions? (Pp. 57, 58) (4) What was the "Photo-Drama of Creation" ? How did it prove to be an excellent way to declare the good news? (Pp. 58-60) (5) Who were the colporteurs, and how did Jehovah care for them? Did they face any difficulties? Tell us something about their activities In declaring the good news. (Pp. 61-64) (6) Difficulties experienced by Brother Russell Included what domestic problems? Were the Russells ever divorced? Did Mrs. Russell charge her husband with adultery? During such difficulties, how did Jehovah aid and use Brother Russell? Should we expect to be maligned? (Pp. 65-71)

15 min: "Opportunities That Are Open." Audience participation. Include some local experiences showing why, how and when some have shared In temporary pioneer service. Encourage temporary pioneering.

10 min: Concluding comments. Report on number of subscriptions obtained to date. Comment on fifth item under Announcements. Ask: What did you learn this evening? How do you plan to use It? Song 109.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 2

Develop Your Ability to Use the Bible 20 min: Song 20. Using the Bible Skillfully as a Family Head. Chairman: Discuss theme of entire meeting, using 2 Timothy 3:16.

Set scene for handling family problems. Mother tells father children seeking bad company. Children Indifferent.

Chairman asks audience for suggestions as to how It could be handled differently.

Father now proceeds, using Bible to instruct children's hearts. Has son read 1 Cor. 15:33 and explain. Asks why Jehovah gave principle. Do they know children who had difficulty due to bad associations? Children cite example. (Read together Genesis 34:1, 2.) Then father comments on 2 Timothy 2:22 and Jude 16. Father explains Jehovah’s commands for our good, a protection like a fence to keep harm away. Father builds appreciation for Jehovah’s loving care.

Chairman asks audience what may happen If parent reaches minds only and not hearts. When tempted, heart may lead in wrong course. (Jer. 17:9) But what happens If minds and hearts are unified when one Is tempted? There is little doubt that they will do Jehovah's will. To offer such specific Instruction requires preparation, using the Aid book. Watch Tower Publications Indexes, talking to others, such as elders, and perhaps those who have solved family problems successfully.

20 min: Presenting the Good News. Questions and answers. On paragraph 5 Invite audience to write the three headings and three scriptures on a slip of paper to cany in the Bible. Some may want to write In their Bibles. Allow time for this. Encourage them to do so neatly an excessively marked or messy Bible is not desirable for use in field service. Also take time to demonstrate what to do when householder changes subject. Publisher begins talking about Kingdom. Householder asks If God really cares about us. Chairman stops publisher and asks what he will do. Publisher states he has scripture on that subject noted down. While turning to it, he plans to ask householder what his own views are. Proceed with witness. Highlight benefits of marking scriptures under brief topics In Bible. 10 min: Using the Concordance In Your Bible Effectively. Chairman uses following texts or others he may select and has brothers try to find their location by using concordance in Bible. This can aid In finding them quickly. Chairman reads each text with audience, Isolates main word or words and together find It In concordance: Deut. 30:19 (Choose); Ps. 55:22 (Burden); Prov. 27:11 (Wise); Jonah 2:2 (Sheol; have audience look up “Hell” first): John 14:28 (Greater).

10 min: Concluding comments. Ask audience to name benefits of using Bible Itself In field service, also when counseling children. Song 89.

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.

Loving Concern for Unbelieving Relatives

¹ Among the 297,872 who were baptized last year, many were the relatives of persons who had earlier become Jehovah’s witnesses. There is no question about it, people usually listen much more readily to someone they know than to a stranger who comes to their door. Are we taking full advantage of that fact to help our relatives?

- Who is there to consider? Certainly those in our own households; also parents and children who no longer live in the same house. And what about grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and others? Perhaps you recall that among Jesus’ apostles were three—the sons of Zebedee and the son of Alphaeus—who evidently were his cousins. Obviously he had witnessed to them.

• ³ But maybe you have tried to share the good news with your relatives and had little success. Similarly, Jesus’ brothers were "not exercising faith in him” even three years after his baptism. (John 7:5) Yet Jesus did not quit trying to help them. Evidently it was to his half brother James that Jesus appeared even after his resurrection, and with good results. (1 Cor. 15:7; Jas. 1:1) Not everyone will respond favorably, to be sure. But is it possible that further efforts to aid certain ones of your relatives would bear good fruit?

• ⁴ There are many ways to go about it. Letters can be written; personal visits might be made. Making available the Society’s literature that discusses points of interest to them is beneficial. Gift subscriptions for The Watchtower and Awake! could be sent. Sometimes direct Bible discussions are what are needed. On the other (Continued on page 4, col. 3)

NOVEMBER SERVICE REPORT

Av Av Av Av Pit!. Hrs’. H.V. BI.St. Magt.

Sp'l Pios.       567 147.9 55.3 5.3

Pios.         21,044  96.5 32.7 2.9

Temp. Pios. 13,443  75.4 18.2 1.1

Pubs. 519,203  10.9  3.7  .4

TOTAL 554,257

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 5,825

UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1975 557,004 Publishers

HOW DID WE DO IN NOVEMBER?

In addition to reaching a fine new peak In publishers during November, the grand total of 5.825 were baptized. This brings the total Immersed this service year to 15,000. Last year for the same period of time there were 14,025. Thus we are enjoying a 7-percent increase in the number baptized so far this service year. How thrilling it is for all of us to be having a share in Kingdom-preaching and the disciplemaking work!

¹ There is a fine spirit among Jehovah’s people, a willingness to serve. (Ps. 110:3) So it is not unusual to hear someone ask, What opportunities are there for me to enlarge my service to Jehovah?

- There are many opportunities, involving every aspect of our Christian lives. We cannot cover them all here, but let’s briefly discuss the field service, which is a vital part of our worship. We all know that we are to serve Jehovah whole-souled, but, of course, we as souls differ one from the other. (Luke 10:25-27) Not all have the same health and strength; nor do all have the same family responsibilities. Nevertheless, a willing heart will move us to share as fully as our circumstances permit in preaching the good news to others. It is good to consider personally and prayerfully the opportunities that are open.

³ Last year, in the United States, on an average, 15,880 reported each month as temporary pioneers. Were you one of them? Could you be this year? What about during March, April or May, when much special activity is planned? Could you do it at vacation time? To qualify, you must be baptized and have a reputation for good Chris-

Announcements

Literature offer for March and April: Watchtoioer subscription, with three booklets, for $1.50, or subscriptions for both The Watchtower and Awake.', with six booklets, for $3.00.

♦ On Saturday, April 12, the Bethel home and factory will be closed for spring cleaning; so there will be no arrangement for tours on that day.

4> Do you have a copy of Sermon Outlines in your Bible for use In Held service? We recommend that you do so. The Society has an ample supply. They are 5 cents each.

♦ The March 1 issue of The Watchtower is a special one. the entire magazine featuring the subject •‘The Bible —a Book from God or from Man?” It you can use additional copies for distribution, please order them now.

♦ It Is pleasure to report that the ban on the Watchtower magazine has now been lifted in France. Subscriptions In all languages for persons In France may be sent to the Society in the regular manner.

Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Pocket Edition (b!24)

—English

From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained            —Arabic, Italian

Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook —Portuguese

Three copies of the new Watchtower Cost List have been sent to each congregation. Presiding overseers, field overseers, as well as those caring for literature and accounts should carefully read the revised Information regarding “Cash Items” in paragraphs 21 and 22. tian conduct. You should also have plans made that will enable you to devote 100 hours to the field service during the month, or 75 hours for the month if you plan to pioneer for two weeks. To enroll, simply ask one of the local elders for an application. With good planning, you will find temporary pioneering to be spiritually refreshing! We encourage you to do it often.

⁴ Thousands are able to pioneer month after month, devoting 1,200 hours to the field service during the year, and, of course, the regular pioneer service is open to them. Did you know that in Japan, over 25 percent of all our brothers and sisters are in some branch of the pioneer service every month? In Hawaii, 17 percent. Are there more of us for whom whole-souled service might include being a pioneer? If you will be graduating from high school in a few months, now is the time to start thinking about what you are going to do afterward. Study carefully what the Organization book says about regular pioneer service. Personally assess the prospects. Talk to your circuit overseer and others who are making a success of pioneering. Then, if you realize that this is an opportunity that can be yours, take hold of it, looking to Jehovah to bless your efforts.

³ Of course, some who wish that they could pioneer may not be able to do so. But could they set aside 30, 40 or 50 hours each month for field service? Then why not seize hold of the opportunity to share to that extent in the grand work that Jehovah has given us to do?

⁰ Some have inquired about opportunities for special pioneer service. What does this involve? It is open to those who are already regular pioneers, ones who are able to move to any territory where they might be assigned. Much of the need is for brothers and married couples in the colder north-central states. They agree to devote 150 hours to the field service each month, and, since their work is to develop interest in seldom-worked territory, they need to be effective in conducting Bible studies. If you are in position to share in this (Continued on page 4, col. 1)

Suggested Presentation

You may use as a subject the title of the opening article in The Watchtower. Read the scripture prominently featured in that article.

Making Use of the Bible

’ One of the things that was so striking about the ministry of Jesus ana his apostles was their constant use of the Scriptures. (John 7:16; Acts 17:2) Wisely we too endeavor to copy this example. But, on a personal basis, are you able to use the Bible as effectively as you would like? Aside from personal or family study, how can we get better acquainted with the Bible?

• ² One way is to use it more during our meetings. For example, during the public talk, do you personally look up the scriptures mentioned by the speaker? If you do, and read them as he does, they will make a more lasting impression on your mind. Also, if you do something to aid in locating again key scriptures that you believe will be helpful at a later time, you will improve your ability to make use of the Bible. You may find it helpful to make some notes on a slip of paper to keep in your Bible. Or, during the meeting you may want to circle a verse number or perhaps neatly underline a key word that conveys the basic idea of the scripture so you will be able to find it again.

• ³ It is not difficult to use the Bible when making return visits. You could begin your presentation by mentioning that you have an interesting point to bring to the householder’s attention and ask if he has his Bible handy. You may choose to read from the book you left with him, looking up the scriptures together even if quoted. Doing this initially will build confidence in the publication.

5           Thal Are Open (Contfd')

service, you may make that known to your circuit overseer.

• ⁷ Be realistic in your planning. In view of the world’s present economic situation, those who are special pioneers usually need savings on which they can draw or some manner of income that will not be very time-consuming, to supplement the modest monthly allowance of $50 (plus a maximum of $15 for travel), which is provided by the Society on request. Those who need to do regular secular work to support themselves may

• ⁴ If the householder does not know how to find scriptures in his Bible, why not help him? Show him the alphabetical index of Bible books and the use of the bold-faced chapter numbers with smaller verse numbers. If the householder is reluctant to use the Bible, or other circumstances make it advisable, simply discuss the subject, paraphrasing the scriptures.

• ⁵ But what can you do when the householder asks a question not answered by your presentation? If you reply by first asking how he feels about it, this will give you time to locate an appropriate scripture. Some publishers have a copy of Sermon Outlines fastened in the back of their Bible and refer to it when answering questions. If you do not have one, why not obtain a copy and see if it does not aid you as well. Certain questions usually arise more frequently than others. Preparation for these might include marking down, either in personal study or at a meeting, scriptures that you would like to use in answer. With each text, note clearly the subject involved. Some publishers do this in a notebook, on a slip of paper carried in the Bible or on the front or back endsheet of their Bible. If it will help you, you may want to do that with the following: “God is not dead—2 Pet. 3:9”; “World conditions—2 Tim. 3:1-5”; “Sickness—Rev. 21:4,” etc. Then, whenever these topics come up, you will have a fitting scripture.

• ⁶ It will not be difficult to make good use of your Bible in the eld service if you make good use of it at meetings and in your personal study.—1 Tim. 4:16.

also volunteer to serve in these areas where there is specially great need, but they may decide that it would be better to do so as regular pioneers or as congregation publishers.

• ⁸ There is still preaching and disciple-making work to be done, and the time is limited. But the opportunities open are varied. What could be a greater privilege than serving as witnesses for the Sovereign of the universe and as publicity agents for his grand Messianic kingdom? Now is the time to take full advantage of the opportunities within your reach.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

$ A little over two years ago Italy had 25,000 publishers. Now it has 45,8661 * The 746 publishers in Burma rejoiced in having at their two “Divine Purpose”

Assemblies an attendance of 1,031.

⁷ In November 1970, Haiti reported a peak of 2,083 publishers. Now, 3,183.

C^uedtion (J3ox

’ To what extent may ministerial servants be assigned to care for parts on the platform In congregation meetings?

There are many things that they can be Invited to do. depending on local needs and their personal ability. Some who do well on the platform may be assigned as chairmen at public meetings. Any who are fluent readers, having good pronunciation and sense stress, may be Invited to read at the Watchtower study. Ministerial servants may present appropriate portions on sendee meetings. Certain ones who have cultivated good ability as teachers from the platform may be asked to give instruction talks. Those who demonstrate notable teaching ability and who can hold the Interest of an audience for longer talks may be Invited to give public talks in their home congregation; and even In other congregations, if specific request is made for them to do so.

Of course, one's being a ministerial servant does not automatically qualify one for these assignments. Much depends on the abilities that he has cultivated and the needs of the local congregation.

It is beneficial to have a variety of brothers serve the congregation from the platform, where this is possible. But quality of Instruction should not be unduly sacrificed in doing so. Nevertheless, the fact is that many ministerial servants are line speakers and it would be appropriate to make good use of their abilities on the meetings.

Unbelieving Relatives          (Cont’d)

hand, in dealing with an unbelieving husband, the apostle Peter recommended, not a lot of arguments to prove that he is wrong, but fine conduct together with ’ deep respect” on the part of the wife. —1 Pet. 3:1, 2.

• ⁵ In like manner, when other publishers visit the home, in some cases it is better not to start preaching, but just to be friendly, to get acquainted. It may be possible to relate experiences without making the other person feel that he is being preached to. Of course, if questions are asked, answer them. Use discernment, and when you feel it is appropriate, whether on the first visit or later, offer to study regularly with the unbeliever.

• ⁶ Think about the possibilities. Discuss these with others. And pray for Jehovah’s direction as you seek to locate, among the relatives of those already in the congregation, others whose hearts will respond to the good news.

Aid Your Relatives to Put Faith in Jehovah.

4