' OUR ' KINGDOM MINISTRY

JANUARY 1984

Vol. 27. No 1 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

JANUARY 2-8 Dress and grooming 1. Why avoid a careless personal appearance?

2. What are the good effects of being presentable?

JANUARY 9-15 Positive Approach 1. Comment on positive points in current magazines and monthly offer.

2. How can a positive approach aid in making a return visit?

JANUARY 16-22 Working from house to house 1. What advantages may there be in getting invited in?

2. Why be discreet in accepting such an invitation?

JANUARY 23-29 Illustrations

• 1. What illustrations have you used effectively?

• 2. Why is discernment in selecting illustrations important?

Schedule for congregation studies in the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century: January 1: Pages 3 to 8* January 8: Pages 8 to 12 and 14 to 16’

(Omit page 13.)

January 15: Pages 16 to 22 January 22: Pages 23 to 28 (top) January 29: Pages 28 to 31 February 5: Page 13

• * To first subheading.

• • To subheading.

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

What Hope for a Happy Future?

John 17:3—Everlasting life is possible.

John 17:17—We can believe the Bible.

‘At 2 Timothy 1:13, 14 the apostle Paul admonished his fellow worker: “Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus. This fine trust guard through the holy spirit which is dwelling in us.” What is a trust? It is something of value that is committed to the care of a person who must eventually render an account. What was the trust mentioned by Paul? He identified it as “the pattern of healthful words” or what we today usually refer to as the truth. Obviously Paul wanted Timothy to have a deep appreciation for the truth. So he referred to it as a “fine trust.”

² Did Paul mean that the Christian trust consisted of just a knowledge of the truth? No, it included also the ministry associated with the truth. These “healthful words” needed to be preached both inside and outside of the congregation. Concerning such preaching, Paul said: “Preach the word, be at it urgently in favorable season, in troublesome season.” Then he added: “Do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.” (2 Tim. 4:2, 5) Christians today

• ¹ When you read the 1981/ Yearbook, you will be thrilled with the annual report on the worldwide activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses. What joy is ours just to see the tangible results of Jehovah’s rich blessing on the united efforts of his dedicated people during the 1983 service year!

• ² Long ago Isaiah spoke prophetically about our times and described what we are privileged to experience today. In words of praise to Jehovah he said: “You have made the nation populous; for it you have made the rejoicing great.” (Isa. 9:3) Then in that same verse he proceeded to highlight further the great rejoicing on the part of Jehovah’s people, saying: “They have rejoiced before you as with the rejoicing in the harvesttime, as those who are joyful when they divide up the spoil.” These words of Isaiah remind us of what Jesus said about a ready harvest and the need for workers in the field.—Matt. 9: 35-38.

• ³ The report shows that on an average 2,501,722 publishers were active throughout the year and that cherish both the knowledge and the ministry of the truth. They want to guard that Christian trust well.

EFFORT REQUIRED

• ³ Guarding our Christian trust is not easy. True, in some places you may find yourself preaching under advantageous circumstances. By all means exert yourself fully in such a good climate in order to reach as many people as possible. But in other territories, where the brothers preach under difficult circumstances, they are required to adjust to that situation. While encouraging and protecting one another, with God’s backing they see to it that the preaching and teaching work moves ahead. (Phil. 4:13) Our Christian trust must be guarded under all circumstances.

• ⁴ If we are truly interested in guarding our Christian trust, we will be serious about keeping up with the truth and will strive to use the best methods in presenting it to others. The thorough consideration we gave to the Live Forever book at the Congregation Book Study has been a real help. We now have a better appreciation of its contents and can thus more enthu-(Continued on page 8, col. 5) we reached a new peak of 2,652,323. Both of these figures represent a 7-percent increase over the 1982 service year. And just think —there was an influx of 161,896 newly baptized ministers of the Kingdom, a 17-percent increase over the preceding year!

• ⁴ Jehovah’s people have taken seriously the apostle Paul’s admonition always ‘to have plenty to do in the work of the Lord,’ and this is reflected in a 14-percent increase in total hours in field service. This time was well spent in effective witnessing as is indicated by other related increases. Total literature placements increased by 12 percent! Subscriptions soared by 28 percent! How thrilled we are to have had a share in this ministry of the good news and now to have a record of the results!

• ⁵ Much of the overall accomplishment in the field during the 1983 service year can be attributed to the fact that on an average there were 206,098 pioneer ministers reporting field service each month. This is a {Continued on page 8, col. 1}

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 1 Song 68

5 min: Appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry and local announcements. Offer brief suggestions for placing current magazines. Remind audience to bring Our Ministry and United in Worship books to next week’s Service Meeting.

25 min: “1984 ‘Kingdom Increase’ District Convention.’” Elder serving as the convention coordinator discusses insert with audience. Utilize question-and-answer method in highlighting key points that will directly affect local congregation. Read cited scriptures and be sure to have capable and well-prepared brother to read paragraphs 1, 6 and 8-11.

15 min: “Keep Guarding Our Christian Trust.” Talk, with some audience participation. Ask brothers why they personally feel (1) the truth and (2) the ministry are a fine trust.

Song 51 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 8

Song 89

8 min: Local announcements and accounts report.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News—With a Positive Approach.” Question-and-answer discussion. In connection with paragraphs 4 and 5 have a few experienced publishers, from their seats, comment on what they have done, or heard others do, to make their presentations more positive and thus eliminate negatives. These should be assigned in advance. 15 min: “New Book to Be Used for

• ¹ During the week of February 12 we will start to use the new book United in Worship of the Only True God at our Congregation Book Studies. It will provide the basis for very stimulating and practical discussions.

• ³ As is true of most of our books, , there are answers to the majority of “'the study questions right in the paragraphs. But in this book there are additional questions in smaller type <at the end of certain paragraphs, to / “be answered with the help of cited scriptures. It is recommended that the one who reads the paragraphs for the group also read these questions. If they are read at a moderate pace, this will afford opportunity for those in attendance to consider how they might answer them. Then, in harmony with the instructions at the bottom of the page, the conductor will ask those questions, one at a time, inviting comments from the group. Some in attendance who have

Congregation Study.” Question-and-answer coverage preferably by Congregation Book Study conductor with good teaching ability. Include brief discussion between two book study conductors who desire to encourage thorough advance preparation, including looking up the scriptures. —See Our Ministry book, pages 74-6.

7 min: Consider October Service Report from Our Kingdom Ministry. HoW did congregation do last month? Encourage magazine activity on second Saturday of the month. Bring Our Ministry book for next week’s Service Meeting.

Song 102 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 15

Song 55

5 min: Local announcements.

10 min: Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry. Talk based on pages 77-81.

15 min: “Improving Our Teaching Ability—By Effective Use of Illustrations.” Question-and-answer discussion. Paragraphs 4-6 can be covered in discussion between Theocratic Ministry School overseer and a capable publisher, drawing points from Study 34 in School Guidebook. They should apply points to teaching on Bible studies with Live Forever or United in Worship book.

15 min: "1984 Yearbook Highlights Worldwide Increase.” Enthusiastic brief introduction based on first paragraph, pointing to increases as basis for rejoicing. Discuss remainder of article with audience, using questionquick minds or many years of experience in the truth may quickly volunteer to comment on these points. But it would be a fine thing if the conductor would also give loving encouragement to others to share^

³ Excellent Scripture citation^ are included with the study material’. Do not skip over them. To the extent that time permits, have them read and invite comments on how they apply to the materia] underHiscus-sion. Sometimes several comments may be desired. As pointed out in the first chapter of the book, learning to reason on questions effectively in the light of the Scriptures can contribute to one’s development of God-oriented thinking ability and discernment/(Prov. 5:1, 2; Phil. 1: 9-11) These are important abilities for us as Christians.

THOROUGH PREPARATION NEEDED

‘ This book has been so designed (Continued on page 7, col. 1) and-answer method. Commend brothers for zealous participation in Kingdom service and encourage all to read Yearbook personally or in family groups. Remind brothers to bring School brochure for next week’s Service Meeting.

Song 110 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 22 Song 67

5 min: Local announcements.

30 min: Neutrality Toward Political Affairs. Consideration of material in the School brochure, pages 12-16, under the subject of “Flag Salute, Anthems and Voting.” Have a well-prepared, qualified elder handle this. It is important for us to have our Scriptural position on these issues clearly in mind. Consider the openihg portion of this section of the brochure by means of a talk. Jesus’ example and his teachings set the pattern for all Christians, including youths. Consider the significance of John 6:15; 17:16 and 18:36. Also, consider what the textbooks say about the neutral position of early Christians.

Allow sufficient time to discuss the material under the subheadings “The Flag Salute,” “National Anthems and School Songs,” and “Elective Offices and Positions." Draw attention to the sound Scriptural basis for not saluting and not singing in connection with patriotic services. Help the brothers to reason on whether it is Scriptur-ally proper to stand or not to stand for patriotic services on certain occasions. Reason with the brothers as to why it is appropriate that Witness youths keep free from school politics. Loyalty to God’s organization is shown by such conformity. Highlight such matters in the discussion. The material, after the opening talk, could be handled principally by questions and answers.

10 min: Encourage participation in magazine work on the fourth Saturday. Suggest talking points with two 30- 60-second presentations.

Song 105 and concluding prayer.

OCTOBER SERVICE REPORT

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

Spl Pios.     349 130.7 102.6 52.4

Pios.       26.126  86.8  55.3 31.6

Aux. Pios.  44,753  59.8 40.9  17.0

Pubs.     569,852    9.0   7.6   3.5

TOTAL 643,080

. Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,426

During October another new peak in the total number of regular pioneers was reached. Another commendable feature of the report is that so many enrolled as suxillary pioneers. Compared with October a year ago, 38,028 more publishers reported. Let us continue to make the most of our ministry.—Rom. 11:13.

Our Kingdom Ministry (USPS 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201.                     Printed in U.SJL

1984 “Kingdom Increase” District Convention

“The little one himself will become a thousand ...”

• ¹ Do not those prophetic words of Isaiah thrill and inspire us? They surely do! Jehovah’s prophet went on to say that ‘the small one will become a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, shall speed it up in its own time.’ (Isa. 60:22) These are exciting times in view of the growth within Jehovah’s organization. Hence, the theme “Kingdom Increase” is most appropriate and sparks in us the desire to attend the 1984 district conventions. Last summer in the contiguous United States an all-time peak attendance of 1,124,070 was reached. Think of the privilege of being a part of the even larger attendance expected for over 100 “Kingdom Increase” District Conventions planned for this summer, and of hearing how Jehovah is speeding up the Kingdom work and about the share we each can have in it before the end comes. To assist you in making necessary arrangements to be in attendance, you will find a list of these conventions on page 6. The following information should help you to arrange to be there and to assist others, especially newly interested ones, to attend every session as well.—Gal. 6:10.

SELECTING YOUR CONVENTION

• ² Listed on page 6, in date order, is each convention city and the circuits (or portions thereof) assigned to attend each convention. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, you should attend the convention to which your circuit is assigned. Where two or more conventions are being held at the same location, you should attend on the dates shown for your circuit or portion thereof.

• ³ Those circuits in the chart marked with an asterisk (*) have some congregations located a little closer to another convention city, but it is preferred that you attend at the location indicated so as to prevent unnecessary crowding.

• ⁴ Where the chart indicates that a portion of a circuit, such as % or V₄, is assigned to a particular location, it simply means that those congregations in the part of the circuit closest to that convention should attend where indicated and the rest of the circuit should attend the convention closest to them, as shown elsewhere on the list.

ROOMING ARRANGEMENTS

• ⁵ You should make your own rooming arrangements directly with the hotel or motel by using the information that will be provided by the convention through your congregation. In most cases you will pay less than the regular rates charged by the hotel or motel, since the convention has negotiated for a large number of good quality rooms to be set aside for this purpose. These rooms will be assigned by the hotel or motel only to those identifying themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses or as delegates attending the Watchtower Convention. By the middle of December 1983, your congregation will have received a list of hotels and motels in the convention city that are cooperating closely with the Society’s rooming arrangement. It will show the address of the facility, its agreed-upon rates and the phone number to be used in making your reservations. PLEASE NOTE: The program will start at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.

• ⁶ WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: As SOOn as your congregation receives the list of hotels and motels from the convention organization you should IMMEDIATELY phone the hotel or motel of your choice, identifying yourself as one of

' OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, JANUARY 1984

Jehovah’s Witnesses or as a delegate attending the Watchtower Convention. Doing so will qualify you for the agreed-upon rates listed. One night’s deposit will be required at all locations to hold the room and should be sent directly to the hotel or motel as soon as you make your reservations. Do not make rooming arrangements you do not intend to keep. (Matt. 5:37) Motels or hotels are not obligated to hold the rooms or extend the special rates beyond the cutoff date without a deposit. If you find it necessary for good reason to cancel your accommodations, you should write or phone the hotel or motel directly, doing so as far in advance' as possible. This makes the room available to other delegates who need accommodations. The convention Rooming Department will monitor the arrangement and provide additional information through the congregation, such as which hotels or motels are filled after a month or two, as well as any additional ones it may find necessary to add to the list. If the hotel or motel you call first is filled, then call your next selection from the list, and so on.

• ⁷ DORMITORIES: A few conventions use school dormitories in order to accommodate all those attending. Usually congregations will receive information on these a month or so after the first hotel or motel listing. Those needing accommodations of this type should follow through in accord with the instructions on the list that is sent to the congregations by the convention.

• ⁸ SPECIAL NEEDS: Arrangements to care for those with special needs should be made by the congregation where these attend. Elders and others aware of such circumstances can lovingly extend help. This often involves taking others with them in their own group, for example, those in full-time service, the elderly, the infirm, the deaf or others who have the need. Also, they may care for such ones in other ways. (Acts 20:35; Jas. 2: 15-17; 1 John 3:17, 18) We are confident that loving concern will be shown to all who need our help. (2 Cor. 6:11-13; John 13:35; Gal. .6:10) However, the convention Rooming Department will endeavor to provide rooming accommodations for those with special needs who cannot be cared for by themselves or by those in the congregation where they attend. These may ask the convention coordinator in their congregation for a Special Needs Room Request Form, discussing their situation with him at that time. Those with special needs are the only ones that should use this form. They should fill it out and return it to the convention coordinator to be checked for completeness, accuracy and verification of circumstances. Even though the convention coordinator forwards it to the convention Rooming Department, the individual will be notified directly of the accommodations by the Rooming Department. This should be done well ahead of the convention. The publisher with special needs should NOT simply go to the convention and request a room when he arrives, because the convention Rooming Department needs the verification of the congregation’s convention coordinator.

• ⁹ Private home accommodations listed by the convention are usually set aside for those with limited funds who would experience real hardship if such accommodations were not available. They are not intended for those who want free or inexpensive rooms just to save money. Nor is it proper to presume upon the hospitality of our brothers by expecting them to accommodate delegates extra days so they can visit vacation spots or do other things before or after the convention. These rooms are for the convention period only.

• ¹⁰ DELEGATES ATTENDING FROM OUTSIDE THE ASSIGNED AREA: District conventions are arranged at many locations to reduce travel. In nearly every case, the location assigned for you to attend is the one nearest your congregation. Seating, literature, food orders, and so forth, are planned on the premise that the majority will attend the convention to which they are assigned. However, if a few for important reasons must attend a location other than the one assigned, they may ask the convention coordinator in their congregation for the address of the convention headquarters where they wish to attend. He will find these addresses listed on the back of the Special Needs Room Request Form. Unless these persons have special needs, they should not use the Special Needs Room Request Form. Rather, they should write to the convention headquarters where they wish to attend and request a copy of the hotel or motel listing for that location, sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope along with this request. Upon receipt of this listing of hotels and motels, they should proceed just as if they were using the list for their local area.

• ¹¹ YOUR COOPERATION APPRECIATED: The smoothness with which this rooming (arrangement functions depends largely on the cooperation of everyone involved. For instance, if a number of delegates run ahead and make reservations on their own before the congregation receives the list of facilities that are cooperating with the convention Rooming Department, it could cause a major breakdown in negotiations. Also, it could result in difficulties if a large number of delegates choose, for one reason or another, to make their own arrangements with facilities not listed jthat have not cooperated with the convention rooming arrangement. The listing is broad enough to give a choice of good quality accommodations and yet give preference to the hotels or motels that cooperate. Our aim with this rooming arrangement is to help delegates to be accommodated as comfortably and economically as possible, so they will be refreshed and fully able to enjoy the fine spiritual program.

SIGN LANGUAGE SESSIONS

• ¹² As shown in the accompanying chart, sign language translation will be provided only at 16 specific convention cities. (No provisions will be made at any other conventions for sign language.) We know this will prove to be a real blessing to those with this special need by providing good quality translating and larger groups with which to enjoy upbuilding fellowship. Those who are signers can do much to let the deaf in their congregation know of these arrangements and help them to attend where the sign language provision is made by the Society.

[NOTE TO THE BODY OF ELDERS: Upon receipt of this insert and the Recommended Lodging Locations list from the district convention committee, please announce at the next Service Meeting as well as at the following Watchtower Study the location and the dates assigned by the Society for the congregation. It would be good to underline on the circuit list the assigned convention city and the dates for the congregation and post that portion of the insert on the information board.

The elder serving as the convention coordinator should conduct the Service Meeting part covering this insert as scheduled, as well as handle other convention material and announcements on the meetings. When covering this insert, please read all cited scriptures and paragraphs 1, 6, 8-11. All elders will want to cooperate fully and offer suggestions to ensure the prompt, enthusiastic and effective handling of convention-related material.] -

1984 DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

JUNE 14-17:

Cicero, IL: Ill. 1, 11: Ind. 5’.

Greensboro, NC: N.C. 2, 6; S.C. ^l/₃l-A, 1-B, V.2; Va. >/₂2-A.

Greenville, SC: Ga. 'Ui', N.C. 3; Tenn. ²/₃5.

Jacksonville, FL: Fla. 3, ²/₃5, 12.

Los Angeles, CA (Japanese and sign language also): Calif. 4, 5, 6-A, 6-B, 7, 9, 17, 21, 24, 25-A, 31, 32, 36, 37, 38, 44, 47; U.S. Japanese.

Louisville, KY: Ind. 6; Ohio 6-A, 6-C.

Monroe, LA: La. 2, 6; Miss. V₃3-B, V₂4-A; Texas 12-A.

New Haven, CT: Conn. 1; N.Y. 14*. 16-A; R.I. 1-C.

Pine Bluff, AR: Ark. 2, 5’.

St. Louis, MO: Ill. >/₂6-B, 7; Mo. 1, 2, >/₂4, ³/₄5, 7.

St. Petersburg, FL: Fla. '/₃7, 9.

Springfield, IL: Ill. 3, 4, 6-A, V₂6-B; Mo. */₄5.

Tucson, AZ: Ariz. 3-A, 4, 5; N. Mex. V₄1.

Wheeling, WV: Pa. 7, 14; W. Va. 2-A, V₄3.

Wilmington, DE: N.Y. 22-B’; Pa. 1, 2’, 3, 6.

JUNE 21-24:

Augusta, GA: Ga. >/₃3, V₂8; S.C. V₃1-A, ³/₄2, ^l/₃3. Birmingham, AL: Ala. 1*, 2, 4, 5-A, ¹/₃6; Miss. */₃3-B.

Cicero, IL: Ill. 2, 13; Mich. 4-B.

Denver, CO: Colo. 1, 2, 3; N. Mex. 2-B.

Greenville, SC: Ga. >/₄8; N.C. 4; Tenn. */₄l.

Huntington, WV: Ohio ²/₃4, 6-B, 15"; Tenn. V₃5; W. Va. */₂3.

Louisville, KY: Ind. 2, 4; Ky. ²/₃3.

Madison, WI: Ill. 9-A; Iowa >/₂4; Wis. 2, V₂5.

Midland, TX: N. Mex. «/₄l; Texas ³/₄9, 18.

New Haven, CT: Conn. 2-A*, 2-B’, 3; N.Y.-3’.

North Fort Myers, FL: Fla. 6, 8.

Ogden, UT: Idaho 1-A’, ³/₄3; Nev. 2-A’; Utah 1, 2.

Pine Bluff, AR: Ark. 1, V₂4; Miss. 3-A’.

Pontiac, MI: Ind. 7-B; Mich. 1, 2, 3, 4-A’, 5, 6, 8, 9’, 10, 11, 12, 13’, 14; Ohio ²/₃5.

Portland, ME: Maine 1; N.H. 1-B’, 1-C’.    .

St. Petersburg, FL: Fla. */₃5, 10’.

San Francisco, CA: Calif. 26, 34, 40.

Tacoma, WA: Oreg. 3, 7; Wash. 2, 5, 7, 8.

Tucson, AZ (sign language also): Ariz. 1, 2, 3-B. Wheeling, WV: Ohio 14; Pa. 8. ²/₃10-A, 10-B.

Wilmington, DE: N.J. 4’; Pa. 4, 5’, 9-A, 9-C, 11.

JUNE 28-JULY 1:

Baton Rouge, LA: La. 1-A, 1-C, 3; Miss. */₂4-A, 4-B*.

Beaumont, TX: La. 1-B; Texas 4, 12-B.

Cicero, IL (sign language also): Ill. 8, 10, 12.

Denver, CO (sign language also): Colo. 4, 5, 6; Nebr. */₃l-A;

Wyo. 2.

Green Bay, WI: Mich. 7; Wis. 3, */₂5.

Greensboro, NC: N.C. 5, 7’, 8.

Huntington, WV: Ky. V₃3; Ohio V₂2, 7, 16; W. Va. ²/₃l.

Landover, MD: D.C. 1; Md. 1, 3’. 4.

Macon, GA: Ala. V₃6; Ga. V₂1, 2. >/₄8.

Madison, WI: Iowa ‘/₂3; Minn. */₄8; Wis. 1, 4.

Mobile, AL: Ala. 3, 5-B; Miss. 1, V₃3-B.

North Fort Myers, FL: Fla. 1, ³/₄4, ²/₃7.

Portland, ME: Maine 2; N.H. 1-A’; Vt. V₄1-A.

Reno, NV: Calif. 23, 43-A; Oreg. 1-A.

Roanoke, VA: Va. V₂2-A, ‘/₂2-B, 4-A, 5; W. Va. V₃1, */₄3.

St. Petersburg, FL (sign language also): Fla. V₄4, 13.

San Francisco, CA: Calif. 12, 22, 39-B’, 42.

Springfield, MA: Conn. 2-C; Mass. 1, 5.

Tacoma, WA (sign language also): Oreg. 2, 4, ³/₂5-A, 5-B, 6; Wash. 1, 3-A’, >/₂4-A, 6.

Wichita, KS: Kans. V₃1, ²/₃2-A, 2-B. ²/₃3, 4; Mo. 6-B’, 8’;

Nebr. >/₃l-A; Okla. >/₄2, >/₄5.

Wilmington, DE: N.J. 3, 6; Pa. 13, 16.

JULY 5-8:

Baton Rouge, LA (sign language also): La. 4, 5.

Billings, MT: Idaho */₄3; Mont. 1’, 2; N. Dak. 1-A; Wyo. 1.

Chattanooga, TN: Ga. ³/,4; Tenn. ³/₄l, 4, 6.

Cicero, IL: Ill. 5, 9-B’; Ind. 1, 7-A.

Crownsville, MD (Korean only): Eastern U.S. Korean.

Hampton, VA: Va. ^l/₂2-B, 3, 6.

Houston, TX: Texas 1, ²/₃3, 11.

Landover, MD (sign language also): Md. 2, 5, 6; Va. 4-B; W. Va. 2-B.

Lincoln, NE (sign language also): Kans. ²/₃l, >/₃3; Mo. 3-A, 6-A; Nebr. */₃l-A, 1-B, 2, 3. ³/₄4; S. Dak. V₃1.

Long Island City, NY (Italian only): N.Y. 22-C-I. Louisville, KY (sign language also): Ind. 3; Ky. ³/₄l, 4. Macon, GA (sign language also): Ga. 5, 6, '/,7-B.

Oklahoma City, OK: Okla. 1, ³/₄2, 3, 4, ³/₄5.

Reno, NV: Calif. 14, 43-B.

Rochester, NY: N.Y. 8, 21, ²/₃22-A_

St. Paul, MN: Minn. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, >/₂8; N. Dak. 1-B;

S. Dak. ^a/₃l.

St. Petersburg, FL: Fla. 2.

Sag Antonio, TX (Spanish only): Texas 20-S, 21-S, 23-S.

San Francisco, CA (sign language also): Calif. 11, 13, 18, 25-B’.

Springfield, MA (sign language also): Mass. 4, 7-B; R.I. 1-A, 1-B.

Tallahassee, FL: Ala. >/₃6; Fla. 11’; Ga. V₂1, ³/₄7-B.

Vancouver, B.C., Canada (Korean only): Calif. */₃15-C-KO (N.W. U.S. Korean).

JULY 12-15:

Campbellville, Ont., Canada (Chinese only): Eastern U.S. Chinese.

Cicero, IL (Greek and Spanish only): Calif. 6-C-G; Ill. 14-S; Kans. 3-C-S; Ohio 17-S.

Des Moines, IA: Iowa 1, 2, V₂3, */₂4; Minn. */₄8; Mo. 3-B;

Nebr. */₄4.

Glens Falls, NY: N.Y. 16-B, */₃22-A, 24.

Hampton, VA: N.C. 1; Va. 1.

Hialeah, FL (Spanish only): Fla. 14-S, 15-S, 16-S, 18-S.

Houston, TX: Texas ²/₃7, 8, 17.

Long Island City, NY (French only): N.Y. V₂20-A-F (French congregations: Stamford, Conn.; Boston, Mass.; Jersey City, N.J.; Brooklyn, N.Y., Central; Brooklyn, N.Y., South; Manhattan, N.Y.; Nyack, N.Y.).

Louisville, KY: Ky. 2; Ohio 9.

Memphis, TN: Ark. */₂4; Miss. 2’; Mo. V₂4; Tenn. 2’.

Miami, FL (French only): Fla. 17-F.

Natick, MA (Portuguese only): Mass. 7-A-T.

Pullman, WA: Idaho 1-B, 2; Oreg. '/₂5-A; Wash. 3-B, ^l/₂4-A, 4-B.

Reno, NV: Nev. 1; Oreg. 1-B, 1-C.

Rochester, NY: N.Y. 7, 9-A, '/₂9-B, >/₂13.

San Antonio, TX (Spanish only): Texas 19-S, 22-S, 26-S, 27-B-S 27-C-S

San Diego, CA: Calif. 1, 2’, 3’, 16’, 20, 28’, 30’, 33, 35, 45’, 46’; Nev. 2-B.

San Francisco, CA: Calif. 10, 19, 29, 39-A’.

Savannah, GA: Ga. ²/₃3, 7-A’; S.C. V₃1-A, ²/₃3.

Springfield, MA: Mais. 2, 3.

JULY 19-22:

Amarillo, TX: Kans. V32-A’; N. Mex. 2-A*, 3; Texas ^l/<9, 10.

El Paso, TX (Spanish only): Ariz. 6-S; Colo. 7-S; Texas 24-S 25-S 27-A-S.

Erie, PA: N.Y. >/₂9-B, V₂13; Ohio V₂13-B; Pa. 9-B*, V3IO-A, 12.

Glens Falls, NY: N.Y. 6; Vt. %1-A, 1-B.

Houston, TX: Texas 2, 16.

Long Island City, NY (French only): N.Y. V₂20-A-F (French congregations: Chicago, Ill.; Elizabeth, N.J.; Newark, N.J.; Brooklyn, N.Y., East; Brooklyn, N.Y., West; Queens, N.Y.; Philadelphia, Pa.).

Los Angeles, CA (Chinese and Spanish only): Calif. 48-S, 49-S, 50-S, 51-S, 52-S, 53-S, 54-S, 55-S, 56-S, 57-S, 58-S; Western U.S. Chinese.

Los Angeles, CA (Korean only): Calif. ²/al5-C-KO.

Memphis, TN: Ark. 3; Ky. »/₄l; Tenn. 3.

Richfield, OH: Ohio 1, */₃5, 8, 11, 13-A, »/₂13-B.

Salem, OR (Spanish only): Wash. 9-S.

San Francisco, CA: Calif. 8*. 15, 27, 41.

JULY 26-29:   ‘

Ft. Worth, TX: Texas >/₃3, V₃7, 15.

Richfield, OH (sign language ^Iso): Ohio V₂2, 3, Vs4, 10, 12.

AUGUST 2-5:

Elmont, NY (Spanish only): Mass. 6-S; N.J. 9-S, 10-S; N.Y. 25-S, 26-S, 27-S, 28-S; Pa. 15-S.

Ft. Worth, TX (sign language also): Texas 5, 6.

AUGUST 9-12:

Elmont, NY: N.J. 1; N.Y. 1, 4, 10, 20-B, 23.

Ft. Worth, TX: Texas 12-C, 13, 14.

AUGUST 16-19;

Elmont, NY (sign language also): N.J. 5; N.Y. 2, 5, 15, 18, 19.

AUGUST 23-26:

Elmont, NY: N.J. 2, 8; N.Y. 11. 12. 17.

Announcements

• Literature offer for January and February: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, for contribution of $2.50. March: Any two of the following books for a contribution of $1.00: Choosing, Commentary on James, "Eternal Purpose,” Evolution, Holy Spirit, This Life and World Government. April and May: The Watchtower subscription for one year for a" contribution of $3.50. Six-month subscriptions are $2.00 each.

• Presiding overseer should arrange to have new MEDICAL ALERT cards distributed at beginning of first Service Meeting in January. Brother handling announcements can give brief reminders concerning its use as expressed in letter dated July 20, 1980. Post letter on information board for a week or two and then return if to congregation file for future reference. Brothers are encouraged to fill out card promptly, having it properly signed, witnessed and dated.

• At circuit assemblies having the new program starting in February, district overseers will give the public talk “Why Submit to God’s Rulership Now?" Starting in February, circuit overseers will give a public talk with the theme “God’s Purpose for Earth and Man."

• “Will You Escape This World’s Destiny?" is the title of the special public talk to be presented in all congregations on April 1. Congregations attending a circuit assembly or having the visit of the circuit overseer on that date will present the special talk on April 8. The talk should not be given before April 1. • Regular pioneers on the list since September 1, 1983, and all special pioneers are to be given a free copy of the small, edition of the new songbook, Sing Praises to Jehovah. Congregations providing free copies to pioneers may request credit on the monthly Remittance and Credit Request form.

• New Publications Available: Happiness—How to Find It

—Hungarian United in Worship of the Only True God ' —Finnish, Japanese Watch Tower Publications Index, 19761980                   —Spanish

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth —Cebuano, Igbo, Iloko, Papiamento Apply Yourself to Reading and Writing                   —French

Good News for All Nations—Japanese Is There a God Who Cares?

—Konkani (Kanarese Script), Vietnamese

Kingdom News No. 32    —Chinese,

Japanese, Korean

¹ In our teaching work, how can we help people to grasp mentally the spiritual truths from God’s Word? How can individuals be helped to benefit from pointed counsel being studied? How can we help people to meditate deeply on spiritual things and be motivated in their minds and hearts? One way is this: Effective use of verbal illustrations—using familiar examples to make matters more easily understood.

IMITATE JESUS

¹ Jesus was the master Teacher. A close examination of his teaching methods reveals that often he used illustrations to rebuke opposers (Mark 12:12, -17), to counsel his disciples (Matt. 18:1-6; Luke 22: 24-27; John 13:3-17) and to determine the attitude of those listening to him. (Matt. 13:10-15; John 6: 48-69) However, it seems apparent that the chief aim of Jesus' illustrations was to teach concerning the Kingdom. (Matt. 13:31-35) Some of Jesus’ illustrations were very short, just a sentence or two. Others were longer.

• ⁵ For example, when Peter asked Jesus how many times a brother should be forgiven, did Jesus answer immediately by counseling Peter that he should not keep account of the injury but be loving, merciful and forgiving? No. Rather, Jesus related a simple illustration about a slave who owed a large sum of money to a king. (Matt. 18:21-35) The lesson was made to stand out clearly by contrasting two courses of action. And the conclusion made a direct personal application. What was the effect of this illustration? Even today our hearts are touched when we read and understand its powerful message urging us to be forgiving.—See United, in Worship, page 134, paragraph 9.

PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS

• ⁴ But how does one acquire skill and experience in using illustrations? First, review the material in the Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook on “Fitting Illustrations,” pages 168-71. In paragraph 8 on page 169 the Guidebook says: “An illustration should be easily visualized, with not too many elements presented at one time. It should be pointed and concrete.” When assignments are prepared for the Theocratic Ministry School, thoughtful consideration can be given to developing illustrations that are appropriate to the material and to the audience.

• ⁵ The ability to use good illustrations comes from being alert to circumstances around us daily. For example, on a very hot day, how refreshing is a tall, cool glass of water! But of what spiritual aspects can this refreshment remind us? Jehovah’s mercy? the waters of truth that we bring to others? the precious association of our brothers? and so forth.

• ⁶ Much can be learned from observing how the Society’s publications use illustrations, and on occasion we may repeat some of these with good effect. For example, on pages 32 and 33 of the Live Forever book there is a simple illustration about a man on the wrong road who is examining a map. His need for humbly accepting proper direction is compared to the need of sincere people to accept Jehovah’s direction and align their lives with his Word. On page 36 of the Live Forever book the impossibility of a meat chopper being assembled by having its parts shaken in a washtub well illustrates how the existence of an orderly universe required an intelligent Creator. Remember, simple illustrations are best. Jesus used little things to explain big things', things easy to understand to explain deep spiritual truths.—Matt. 13:44; 23:24; 24:32, 33.

• ⁷ A word of caution: If an illustration is complicated, in bad taste or just does not fit the situation, it should not be used. But if we work at it, we can develop the art of using effective illustrations. They can help us to teach the deep truths of God’s Word and motivate honest-hearted ones to serve Jehovah.

  New Book              (Cont’dl

  that we can cover a full chapter each week, but the conductor will need to plan carefully the pace of coverage. In chapters where many scriptures are cited, he should select in advance the ones to be read; and then he may simply invite brief comments on others. The opening paragraphs a chapter usually do not require as much time as the later ones where more of the “meat" is found. Pages where questions for

  
  

  discussion art included at the end of a paragraph may need more time than others. If corpments-aro kept brief on simpler paragraphs, you will riot be rushed in the discussion of portions that require more thought.

  • ⁵ At the eng of each chapter are review questions. These should be of help to conductors. But be careful that comments are not superficial. Encourage participants to put into, their owj^jggds some of the specific points'discussed during the study.

  
  

  • ⁶ We urge all to prepare for the book study in advance, taking time to look up the_scriptures. This will enable everyone to contribute and get the most out of the study. May our discussions based on this book, with its erpphasis on points _taken from the Bible itself, draw us closer together in united worship. Above all, may^-they build up our appreciation for Jehovah as the only true God, the Universal Sovereign, and the loving Father of all his children.

  
  

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS ]

  
  

With a Positive Approach

• ¹ A positive mental attitude contributes greatly to a happy and productive ministry. When we preach the good news, whether from house to house, on the streets or elsewhere, we should do so expecting to meet with success. We should approach each person, assuming that he is sheeplike at heart or will at least listen to the Kingdom message. When Jesus sent out his disciples, he offered this counsel: “Wherever you enter into a house say first, ‘May this house have peace.’” (Luke 10: 5, 6) They were not to prejudge as to whether “a friend of peace" was in the house or not. A positive approach! How may we display such a positive attitude in our field ministry?

SPEAK WITH CONVICTION

• ² One way is to speak the truth with conviction. We are preaching, not just another religion, but the truth that leads to life! We know what the future holds. We know the reasons for man’s present dilemma and what honest-hearted ones must do to learn the solution. This conviction will help us speak like the apostles, whose boldness even their enemies had to acknowledge. Note Acts 4:13, which says: “When they beheld the outspokenness of Peter and John, . . . they began to recognize about them that they used to be with Jesus.”

• ³ Some publishers may feel they are not qualified to preach the good news. They may think they never will become effective and experienced publishers. They may regard making return visits or conducting Bible studies as something beyond their abilities. However, such negative thinking is counterproductive. Notice how Jehovah corrected Jeremiah’s thinking and encouraged him. (Jer. 1:7) So take a positive approach towards the preaching work, imitate the prophets and the apostles, and you, too, can become more effective in proclaiming the good news.

Yearbook                (Cont’d)

19-percent increase, or more than 33,000 additional pioneers, over last year. Great potential for continued increases is seen in the total of 1,797,112 home Bible studies reported, a 13-percent increase over 1982. No doubt many of those now studying are well on their way to becoming new praisers of Jehovah.

⁶ There were 514,920 more persons attending the Memorial celebration in 1983, making a total of 6,767,707—an 8-percent increase over 1982. What fine potential for further increase is seen in these figures!

• ⁴ Our manner of expressing ourselves has much to do with reaching the hearts of those who listen. Negative expressions prompt negative replies and so they do not reach a person’s heart or motivate him. Better results will likely be achieved with more positive statements such as: “I am sure you see the value of learning more about the Bible.” Or: "I would like to leave this publication with you. It is an excellent Bible study aid and will certainly be of value to you and your family."

STRESS POSITIVE INFORMATION

• ⁵ In witnessing, we often comment on the world’s problems. But it is usually best to switch quickly to God’s solution and to a description of the blessings that will replace the troubles we see today. For example, the title of the book being offered this month is You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. A positive title! The scriptures for the Topic for Conversation also present a positive view, namely: “Everlasting life is possible” and “We can believe the Bible." With such statements our presentation of the good news will take on an optimistic tone. If time permits, we could read paragraph 14 on page 14 as we offer the Live Forever book this month. It will add to our positive approach. Similarly, when we offer the magazines, we should look for positive statements that will help the person at the door to see that our message is truly good news.

• ⁶ Presenting the good news with a positive approach will also result in personal benefits. It will increase our joy in the field ministry. We will view each person as a potential Bible student, someone who needs the truth. We will not be discouraged when people are unresponsive or when they speak in an unkindly manner. What a blessing it is to have an accurate knowledge of the truth that can set one free. We certainly want to present it in a positive way.

• ⁷ Does not this encouraging report on last year’s activity move you to want to continue doing all that you can in Kingdom service during the current 1984 service year? How very appropriate our 1984 yeartext as taken from Philip-pians 1:14: “Speak the word of God fearlessly”! Many of us may, indeed, be faced with trialsome situations in carrying out our ministry during 1984, but that was also the situation with many of our brothers scattered throughout the world during 1983. Still, Jehovah did not allow trialsome seasons to slow down his work, and this is clearly

Christian Trust           (Cont’d)

siastically recommend it to others during January. Listening closely to demonstrations and experiences presented at the Service Meeting will help prepare us for the field ministry. Discussing with others the contents of the book and how to present it in the field will likewise aid in making our ministry more effective.

• ⁵ Have you had the joy of conducting a home Bible study in the Live Forever book? If so, have you noticed how quickly the interested ones learn and how they readily act on what they learn? One sister writes: “Having just returned home from our ‘Kingdom Unity’ District Convention, my heart is filled to overflowing. I just had to write and share my joy with you. I had the privilege of seeing three of my Bible students symbolize their dedication by water baptism.” Then she commented that the Live Forever book had hastened their progress toward dedication and baptism. Others have made similar comments.

CONTINUE TO GUARD OUR TRUST

• ⁶ Accepting the Christian trust is one thing. Continuing to guard it is quite another. Undoubtedly that is why Paul also wrote Timothy: “Continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from what persons you learned them.” (2 Tim. 3:14) At 2 Peter 1:5-8 we find similar exhortation.

• ⁷ We certainly want to ‘continue in the things we learned.’ We have no desire to become “inactive or unfruitful.” We want to guard jealously “the pattern of healthful words” and the ministry of the truth that has been committed to our care. Our goal is to render a satisfactory account for this “fine trust” that Jehovah has so generously placed in our possession. Let us look to him for the wisdom and spiritual strength that will make this possible.

evident from the compiled report.

• ⁸ Speaking further about Jehovah’s blessing upon his modern-day spiritual nation, Isaiah said: “You have added to the nation; O Jehovah, you have added to the nation; you have glorified yourself. You have extended afar all the borders of the land.” (Isa. 26:15) To what extent Jehovah will continue to increase the blessings upon his people this side of the great tribulation, we do not know. But certainly it is the desire of each one of us to be able to receive news of the “final report” and rejoice for having had a share in the work assigned.

8