JULY 1975

VOL. XVIII NO. 7

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

"I will say to Jehovah: *You are my refuge and my stronghold.' ”—Ps. 91:2.

(Dealt ^Kingdom ^PtibHislieits-.

When one thinks of the United States, one thinks of an Englishspeaking country, and, of course, it is. But, interestingly, there are more than 36,000 publishers in our Spanish congregations too. We ship a tremendous amount of literature from Brooklyn to Spanish congregations all over this country, and, next to the English, the quantity of Spanish literature far exceeds anything else. You will be interested in knowing too that we have quite a few French and Italian congregations in the country, and a lot of literature in these languages is placed, not only by publishers who speak French or Italian, but by others when they meet people who would appreciate it. In addition to this, we ship out quite a bit of German, Greek and Portuguese literature. And the brothers who write the invoices here are amazed at the large quantities of Japanese and Chinese literature that continually go out for use in the field. These eight are the principal languages, other than English, that are used in the United States right now. It certainly is good to know that people coming from other countries are being reached and provided with literature in their own tongue.

Everyone has heard about recent events in Vietnam. A few of our Vietnamese brothers and sisters were able to leave as refugees and have come to America. Brothers in this country offered to sponsor them, and we understand that all of them have been cared for. Others, of course, remain in Vietnam. We are now trying to get into the camps housing those who left their country as refugees, to present these people with Bible literature or at least to give them talks. We have loving concern for these people who speak other languages.

You will be interested in knowing that Brother M. G. Henschel is on a trip to serve the branches in the northern part of Europe.

• ¹ Nothing can be more important than preserving a good relationship with Jehovah and our brothers. Meetings play a vital role in doing that. Now, more so than ever, ‘gathering ourselves together’ is a custom we cannot afford to forsake. —Heb. 10:25.

• ² A good relationship with Jehovah depends on the way we worship him. Mere passive worship has never been acceptable. Every requirement of pure worship involves “earnest effort.” (2 Pet. 1: 5) Attending meetings is one of the ways we make that effort.

• ³ Our meetings are designed to teach us about Jehovah and to help us to understand his will more clearly. It pleases him when we take a keen interest in learning. Faithfully returning to weekly meetings can be likened to an often-repeated petition to Jehovah, saying, “Instruct me ... in your way.” (Ps. 27:11) When all assume the role of humble learners before him, it is his good pleasure to reveal himself intimately for our blessing.

* Our verbal expression in meetings constitutes a “public declaration of our hope” and this is pleasing to him. (Heb. 10:23; 13:16) The never-ending study of his marvelous qualities shows him our desire to imitate them in our own lives. He has visited Iceland, Ireland and England, and in all of these countries the Kingdom work is progressing nicely. Things are changing in Ireland. Many now have an ear to hear. Regardless of the language, the nationality, the location, Jehovah’s people are very much interested in getting the good news preached everywhere.

We hope that you are going to have an excellent time at the convention, if you have not already attended one, and may Jehovah’s rich blessing go with all of you.

Your brothers, Brooklyn Branch Office (Eph. 5:1) This effort to “draw close to God” through meetings elicits his goodwill aild helps to establish firmly the basis for an enduring friendship.—Jas. 4:8.

⁵ Meetings also draw us close to our brothers. The wholesome atmosphere is conducive to the ways of peace. Minds are filled with godly thoughts that produce a unifying display of the fruits of God’s spirit. Strong ties with others are readily formed when reverence before Jehovah minimizes feelings of personal importance. A sharing of common interests dispells distrust ordinarily separating those from differing backgrounds. Our very presence is a gesture inviting friendship. An effort to share with others what we have learned confirms our love for them and our desire to see them obtain Jehovah’s blessing.

⁰ As we increase the number of acquaintances among our brothers, we are rewarded with a greater appreciation for the “entire association” of brothers around the world. (1 Pet. 5:9) The better we get to know them, the stronger our confidence becomes in their love for us. When difficulties threaten, we feel no dread, knowing that our brothers care and will do all they can to help us. In times of stress, these bonds help the weak to be strong and all to endure hardship. (Eccl. 4:11, 12) Each one’s faith is made more firm by the constant “interchange of encouragement.” (Rom. 1:11, 12) What other provision has contributed so much to the joy and unity of Jehovah’s people?

⁷ Many blessings have come to us because we have made the effort to preserve good relations with Jehovah and our brothers. Constant instruction has made us, religiously speaking, the best-informed people in the world. We know our God as we know a close (Continued on page 3, col. 2)__

WEEK STARTING JULY 13

10 mln: Song 5. Introduction, comment on Branch Letter.

15 min: "How Do You View Confidential Matters?" Talk, with audience participation by means of comments and reading of texts.

18 min: "Meetings Keep Us Together.” Questions and answers. Encourage those taking vacations to plan on attending some meetings In the locality they visit. Emphasize Importance of attending the district assembly, for any who have not yet done so.

17 min: Get to Know Your Brothers and Sisters. We can learn many upbuilding things about our brothers and sisters. Knowing these things can help us to appreciate fellow Christians more, drawing us closer; strengthens bond of unity.

Three or four selected in advance relate their background In the truth. May choose ones wno have recently moved Into congregation, having become Witnesses elsewhere, or ones who learned truth years ago. How did they come In contact with the truth? What especially caught their attention or impressed them? What help did they receive? Did they have to overcome a certain problem or attitude? Why are they now happy that they did?

Give warm encouragement to become acquainted with one another. Knowing our brothers allows us to benefit from their experience and Christian qualities. Concluding comments, including brief accounts report. Song 39.

WEEK STARTING JULY 20

Teaching That Reaches the Heart

17 min: Song 10. Introductory comments on meeting theme. Talk based on January 8. 1975. Awake! article “The Art of Persuasion." Cover material under subheadings "Logic a Basic Requirement" and “Apply the Golden Rule!" Some persons allow emotion to dominate their thinking. Aggressive tactics may win an argument, but the real objective, winning the individual, Is lost. Explain how application of the "Golden Rule" can help to change thinking of others. Offer suggestions on applying this In dealing with a common subject of discussion in your territory.

13 mln: "Presenting the Good News— With Warm Appeal from the Heart." Discuss with audience. Include experiences of some who have enjoyed good results by displaying warm sincerity In their preaching work.

20 min: Teaching Others to Appreciate God's Ways. Talk; do not just present facts but show how we can teach a new Person to reason on God's past and uture dealings.

Necessary to gain God’s viewpoint, recognizing that his ways are perfect, (is 92. 93: Isa. 40:14 : 55:9; Deut. 32:4) Persons should view his past acts In the light of what Is known of God’s qualities. (is 93-97; Deut. 9:5; Ezek. 33:11; Job 34:10. 12) We can be confident that his future dealings will be just, righteous. perfect, (is 100; w75 279. 280; 2 Pet. 3:9; John 5:30; Rev. 19:1. 2: Isa. 11:2-5) While we have yet much to learn about what Jehovah will do and whv, we can rest assured that his ways will be perfect.

10 min: Concluding comments. Comment on how Bible was designed to reveal the heart condition of those hearing Its message. (w75 148. par. 27: ad 1287, pars. 3-6) Ask all to bring Thousand Years book next week. Song 68.

WEEK STARTING JULY 27

10 min: Song 4. Introduction and brief remarks on Theocratic News and, if it applies to your congregation, the Question Box.

25 min: Scriptural discussion. Matthew Chapter 24—Extraordinary Prophecy That Has Meaning for Us. Audience discussion. May read selected brief portions from Thousand Years (ka} book.

(1) Since Matt. 24 applied in period up to 70 C.E., how do we know ft has application now? (Prophecy of Rev. 6:1-8. written after 70 C.E., parallels Matt. 24:6-8 and shews it has future application.) (is 122-128) Jerusalem’s destruction was not worst catastrophe In hlstorv. (Matt. 24:21: ka 304, par. 28: w75 274, par. 10) "All the tribes of the earth” were not Involved In 70 C.E. (Matt. 24:30; w75 273, par. 5) (2) Is the warning In vs. 23 merely repeating vss. 4, 5? (Applied after Jerusalem's end, not before.) (Matt. 24:20-22; ka 320. pars. 58, 59) Disciples had no need to be misled, for presence would not be revealed to just a select few. (Matt. 24:24-27; ka 320, 321. pars. 60. 61) (3) How have heavens been darkened In our time? (Is a time of gloom, with no bright outlook for men In general.) (Matt. 24:29; ka 324. par. 68) Heavens no longer seem benign, but contain dangers. (ka 325, par. 70: w75 276, par. 18) (4) Has "sign of the Son of man" (Matt. 24:30) already occurred since 1914? (This Is not the "sign" of Jesus' presence: Matt. 24:3) Applies to "coming" at end of system, (ka 327, par. 74) (5) How Is period of Jesus' presence like "days of Noah”? (Matt. 24:37) (Presence extends over period of time.) (ka 333. par. 5) Jesus was not emphasizing violence that was before Flood, but faithlessness and absorption In dally affairs by majority of people. (Matt. 24:38. 39: ka 334. par. 6) (6) Why did Jesus not give us a specific date for finale of the system? (This allows us to prove whether we have faith and are zealous for the work God has given us.) (Matt. 24:43. 44)

15 min: Preparing to offer the book God's Kingdom ot a Thousand Years Has Approached. Preparation helps us to be much more effective. A brief presentation that Includes the reading of an appropriate scripture directly from the Bible usually gets best results: may help you reach the heart of a sincere person in search of the truth. After introducing yourself, you could say: "God’s approaching kingdom Is the main theme of the entire Bible.” Thereafter, vou could make any one of the following statements: “Jesus said that those who sincerely appreciate spiritual things will be richly blessed by that kingdom. [Read Matt. 5:3.] . . ." “Jesus taught his followers to make this kingdom the most Important thing In their lives. [Read Matt. 6:33.] . . ." “Jesus described this hope as a treasure worth more than anything else we could possess. [Read Matt. 13:44.1 . . Then, offer the book, perhaps calling attention to the purpose for which it is dedicated as mentioned on page 5. Other suggested presentations can be found In the October 1973 Kingdom Ministry. Review and demonstrate one or two that might be used effectively in your territory. Encourage all to share In distribution during August.

10 mln: Concluding comments. Song 13.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 3

15 mln: Song 14. Introduction. Talk on "Presiding In a Fine Manner." Show how this is a desirable quality in those seeking to qualify as elders as well as in all husbands and fathers.

30 min: Review of the "Divine Sovereignty” Assembly. (Note: Congregations attending early in July can schedule this on an earlier meeting, adjusting the program as necessary.) Follow the outline suggested under Announcements In the June Kingdom Ministry. Participants should be prepared In advance to offer specific, upbuilding Information.

15 min: “Salvation Belongs to Jehovah.” Discussion of 1975 Yearbook, p. 168, par. 2. through p. 190, par. 4. Have a few publishers prepared to relate in their own words points from the material. Do not stress the violence experienced by God’s people. Rather, point out that we must realistically acknowledge that Satan does stir up persecution. Nevertheless, Christians can have confidence that God will deliver his servants because “salvation belongs to Jehovah." (Ps. 3:8)

(1) As shown in the booklet Loyalty, why do Jehovah’s witnesses refuse to salute the Hag? (Pp. 168, 169) (2) What were Kingdom Schools, and why and for how long did they function? (Pp. 170-172). (3) Why could May 3. 1943. well be' called a “field day" for Jehovah’s witnesses In their legal fight? (Pp. 179. 180) (4) What did violent foes do during the 1939 Madison Square Garden convention, and what was the outcome? (Pp. 180-182) (5) How did the 1940 mob violence at Connersville, Indiana, give evidence that Jehovah aids his people when persecuted? (Pp. 186-188) (6) What experience did Jehovah’s witnesses have at the hands of persecutors at Winnsboro. Texas, In 1942? (Pp. 188190) (7) How can Christians endure brutal persecution? (P. 190) Concluding comments. Song 31.

APRIL SERVICE REPORT Av. Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs. R.V. Bi.St. Mags.

Sp'l Pios.       536 148.5 60.7 5.8

Pios.        20,302 102.3 38.7 3.2

Temp. Pios. 17,942  79.8 23.9 1.3

Pubs.       501,670   9.8  4.3  .5

TOTAL 540,450

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,357 UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1975 557,004 Publishers

HOW DID WE DO IN APRIL?

How wonderful to learn of the excellent number attending the Memorial this year—1,248.641 In the United States! That is 66,529 more than the previous peak attendance of 1974. Partakers were 4,610—down 97, or 2 percent, compared to last year. Our hope for the many new ones who attended Memorial Is that they will continue to show appreciation for God's mercy toward them.

Also, there were 20,205 more publishers than last April, Though not a new peak. It is a fine Increase. Total subscriptions during the four-month Watchtower campaign came to 485,299. Bv making return visits on subscribers, likely many new Bible studies can be started.

• ¹ In outlining the qualifications for an overseer, the Bible says that one way he is to be exemplary is in “presiding over his own household in a fine manner.” That is reasonable, for if he “does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he take care of God's congregation?” (1 Tim. 3: 4, 5) Of course, all Christian fathers, whether overseers or not, should sense the need to preside over their families in a fine manner. What is involved?

• ² With regard to his wife, it certainly would mean being a kind and loving husband. (Eph. 5:25, 28, 33) When dealt with in that manner, a wife—even an unbeliever —likely will respond with cooperation and affection. Yet, in certain households, a wife may oppose her husband or follow an immoral course. (Matt. 10:36) Does that mean that he is failing to preside in a fine manner? If the husband genuinely is applying to the best of his ability God’s counsel for husbands, his wife’s choosing a course of badness need not be understood as a failure on his part. (Jer. 3:20; Ezek. 16:8, 20) For any husband, though, to be presiding in a fine manner, it should be evident that he is doing his best to apply God's counsel.

• ² We can appreciate that a father who is presiding in a fine manner exerts himself to guide and care for his children. Much time and attention are involved in properly instructing them, aiding them both

Announcements

♦ Literature offer for July: “Eternal Purpose" book. for\25c. August: God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached, for 50c. September: Evolution book, for 25c.

Beginning In September, circuit overseers will give the public talk "Precious to God Are the Loyal Ones." District overseers will speak on the subject "How the Kingdom of God Affects You."

With the July statements, all congregations will be sent the presiding overseer's yearly report form as well as forms needed for use In submitting new recommendations for appointments.

♦ New Publications Available:

Is This Life AU There Isf

—Norwegian

God’s “Eternal Purpose" Now Triumphing for Man’s Good —Spanish

♦ Available Again in U.S.A.:

From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained         —Portuguese, Thal

"Your Will Be Done on Earth"

—Spanish

♦ Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

1975 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

—French, Korean

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life

—Romanian, Russian The Watchtower and Awake! bound

volumes for 1974         —French to love and fear Jehovah and to conduct themselves in an upright way. (Ps. 78:5-7; 34:11; Eph. 6:4) He cannot be neglecting them because he is more interested in working with or helping other people, or because he feels that his children will automatically “come out all right.”

⁴ But what if, despite his fine efforts, a son or a daughter commits a wrong act or goes completely wayward? It does not necessarily mean that the father is at fault. Some of Jehovah’s spirit sons rebelled and so did his first two children on earth. And we definitely know that Jehovah was not negligent. So if a family member of an overseer does take a bad course, the question is, To what extent does the father bear responsibility? Perhaps, when the parents learned the truth, the youngster was already a teen-ager and never did become a believer. Has the father done all that reasonably could be expected of a Christian family head? If so, the delinquency of one or more members would not necessarily disqualify him from being an overseer.

What praise goes to Jehovah when Christian family heads have success in presiding in a fine manner, resulting in “having believing children that [are] not under a charge of debauchery nor unruly”! (Titus 1:6) These sons and daughters are a blessing from Jehovah and they contribute to blessing Him.—Ps. 127:3-5.

Meetings Keep Us Together (Cont’d) friend, appreciating all the good things about him that have won our respect. Cultivating the fruits of his spirit in our lives has brought deep personal satisfaction as well as an assured hope for the future. With so many evidences of his goodwill, we have proof that Jehovah really does care for us.—1 Pet. 5:7.

⁸ We are happy when we are with our brothers, secure in the company of those genuinely at peace. No more are we drained by tension and competition that accompany the pursuit of selfish interests. We can warmly welcome new ones, showing genuine hospitality. From our own experience, we can testify that love is indeed “a perfect bond of union.”—Col. 3:14.

⁰ Besides the regular meetings that we enjoy each week, many of us will be refreshed by one of the “Divine Sovereignty” assemblies during July. Anticipating the blessings to be enjoyed, who would

How Do You View Confidential Matters?

• ¹ As Christians we have many fine things that we can enjoy discussing—Scriptural points, experiences, conventions. Still, the Bible shows that some self-control is necessary regarding what we talk about. (Ps. 34:13; Prov. 10:19) We would not, for example, want to be slanderously spreading harmful talk or be one who indiscriminately tells everything he hears.—Prov. 20:19.

• ² We are open and honest people, not suspiciously secretive. But some matters are confidential and we should not discuss them without authorization. This may not be easy, for we might be tempted with the impulse to share with a friend a confidential matter we learned. Also, it takes discipline not to try to pry confidential information from others.—Judg. 16: 15-17.

• ⁸ What are some areas where this is so? Family: In the confidence of your family you may learn of a family member’s weakness or private plans. Yet, husband, wife and children should not publicly converse about everything that happens or is planned in the family. (Ps. 50:20) One aspect of family love is that one’s family members are trustworthy. This is something that parents can help children to learn. Employment: Revealing your employer’s business details or plans could cause him financial harm. Congregation: Elders maintain confidence about problems they handle, for if someone confided in an elder about a spiritual or family problem and he talked about it publicly, others might hesitate to seek help from any elder. (Jas. 5:13-16) Even if, out of curiosity, his wife or child asked, an elder should not reveal confidential congregational matters. Thus he avoids burdening his family with keeping confidence on such congregation matters. (Watchtower, April 1, 1971, pp. 222-224)

• ⁴ Having this view of confidential matters, we can concentrate on speech that is upbuilding, helpful. —Prov. 25:9; 16:13.

think of not attending? Do you not feel grateful to Jehovah for these abundant spiritual provisions at a time when we have such a great need? When do we feel closer to him and our brothers than we do at meetings? How fitting that we conclude every meeting with a prayer of heartfelt thanks, then go home “joyful and feeling good at heart.”—2 Chron. 7:10.

With Warm Appeal from the Heart

¹A conversation that is open, honest, sincere, straightforward, we call a “heart-to-heart” talk. When each one is convinced that the other is sincere, there is a wholesome interchange. (Rom. 1:12) Good communication and better relations result because the heart responds to a warm appeal that is genuine. Inner emotions are touched, favorably influencing thoughts and actions. Sharing the good news with such a warm appeal is an ideal goal.

² Reaching another’s heart depends largely on what is in your own heart. Ask yourself: Is my motive one of love, an unselfish interest in others? When I call at a home, am I there because I want to be, not just because I feel it is my duty? (1 Cor. 9:16) Do I feel a desire to help people? Is my attitude one of joy? Others are quick to sense our motives, and this profoundly affects their response to what we say.

• ³ Your manner of approach is also important. It is a reflection of your feelings. A householder’s opinion of the good news may be formed primarily on his impression of you as an individual. What kind of person does your manner show you to be?

• ⁴ A warm smile suggests a pleasant friend, while a stern look causes apprehension. Confidence is respected, but an overconfident, overbearing attitude repels. The ear will hear a businesslike tone of voice but is more likely to listen to one that is warm, inviting. A person will open up more freely in a conversational chat than he will in a formal discussion. Many times a less fluent person will achieve better results than someone eloquent. Why? Because, even though not especially fluent, he may speak sincerely from the heart. Sincerity

Suggested Presentation

God has not forgotten or abandoned his purpose.—2 Pet. 3:9. We can be sure of its fulfillment soon.—2 Pet. 3:13. of heart contributes toward a free flow of Jehovah’s spirit. A modest, well-groomed appearance adds dignity and encourages respect.

• ⁵ Good- manners identify you as a thoughtful, sensitive person. A high regard for the feelings of others is universally appreciated. If your knock awakens a daytime sleeper, a sincere apology may result in a kindly reception. Someone truly inconvenienced by your call will think more highly of the good news if you tactfully suggest a visit at a later time. Willingness to be an attentive listener may give you more opportunities to speak effectively than would be open to one who monopolizes the conversation. Giving a sympathetic ear to a personal problem may lead to an extended witness. Thoughtfully remembering to close a screen door or a gate tells the householder that you are concerned about his interests.

° Discernment in choosing the theme of your presentation can also add to the warmth of your appeal. With so much that is bad, everyone yearns to hear good news. An important aspect of our commission is to spread good news of hope. Recall that Jesus emphasized good news, saying that he had been anointed to “declare good news to the poor.” (Luke 4: 17-21) You may want to try a cheerful presentation that highlights the marvelous prospects for endless life and peace. Perhaps you will find that you can reach another’s heart quickly with reassuring words that describe how he and his loved ones can realistically hope to enjoy good health and happiness in a secure future, provided he shows faith in God’s promises.

⁷ Of course, many have allowed bad influences to harden their hearts to such a degree that the word of truth cannot take root. (Luke 8:5, 12) Let this not discourage us. Rather, let us be like the “good man” Jesus described who “brings forth good out of the good treasure of his heart.” (Luke 6:45) Our efforts to do that in the disciple-making work will be rewarded with many more sheeplike hearts touched by the good news.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Response to the good news has been great among the foreign-speaking population in the United States. The largest group is Spanish, with 549 congregations in 24 states. They have 24 circuits. There were 74 new Spanish congregations formed last year and 41 have already been started this year. There are 768 regular pioneers working in Spanish-speaking territories. Additionally, there are nine French, two Chinese, two Italian, two Portuguese, one Korean and one Greek congregation taking care of the population speaking those languages.

♦ In April, Haiti reached a new peak of 3,587 publishers. Memorial attendance was 14,880—more than 400 percent the number of publishers.

♦ A report of field-service activity was received for the first time from Timor, an island about 400 miles northwest of Australia. A special pioneer couple moved there to core for the island, whose inhabitants speak primarily Chinese and Tetum.

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• What can be done when meeting attendance exceeds the seating capacity of the Kingdom Hall but the congregation is not yet in position to divide?

Many congregations have experienced a rapid influx of new ones with the result that seating accommodations have become Inadequate, especially at Sunday meetings. Formation of another congregation may not be necessary in every case to remedy the problem. Experience has shown that prematurely dividing of a congregation can have a discouraging effect. The following are some guidelines that the elders can consider:

Where a large congregation is to be divided, it is recommended that the new congregation have 75 or 80 regular publishers available before being formed. Also, sufficient qualified brothers should be available to care for responsibilities of oversight. If only the Sunday meetings are overcrowded, the congregation could consider having two public meetings and two Watchtower studies. The congregation could be divided up by book study groups to attend the different meetings. The same brother could give both public talks, with a different Watchtower study conductor for each group. This would alleviate crowding in the Kingdom Hall and still allow the congregation to have good experience to draw on for service meeting parts and Ministry School assignments. Later, when the congregation grows larger, consideration could be given to forming a new one.

Where a large number of publishers live In another town and considerable travel Is Involved In getting to the meetings, or other local extenuating circumstances exist, the forming of a new congregation may be advisable even though Its size may not be what is recommended above. In such cases the body of elders can write requesting a Congregation Information Letter, which provides further details.

* Are You Acquainted with Everyone in Your Congregation? >

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