OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

JANUARY 1985

Vol. 28, No. 1

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 6

Working with young ones in field service

• 1. When would it be good for families to work together?

• 2. How can those without children help large families?

• 3. What can be done to encourage young ones to speak at the door?

JANUARY 7-13

Store-to-store work

• 1. Why should we witness to store owners?

• 2. When should we make our approach?

• 3. How lengthy should our presentation be?

JANUARY 14-20 Return visits 1. What is our objective in making return visits?

• 2. When should we prepare for a return visit?

• 3. Why is it wise to call again soon?

JANUARY 21-27

House-to-house record

• 1. How valuable can a house-to-house record be?

• 2. Discuss how to use “Symbols” on form.

• 3. What may we include under the “Remarks" section?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Are We Facing Armageddon?

Rev. 16:14, 16—Armageddon —God’s war, not man’s.

Rev. 21:1, 4—A trouble-free “new earth” to follow.

• ¹ What an honor to bear the name Jehovah’s Witnesses! We rejoice to know Jehovah and to be recognized by him as individuals who respect his name and obey his laws. Are we not proud to be among the relatively few persons on earth who have taken their stand on the side of the Greatest Personage of the universe?

• ² To bear God’s name worthily, we must show we understand clearly what that name involves. For one thing, we acknowledge Jehovah as the Great Purposer. What he says comes to pass. (Isa. 55:11) The Bible shows his objectives have always been fully accomplished. Hence, we have absolute confidence that his purposes for the future will be fully realized. To demonstrate our confidence, we should use our lives in support of his arrangements. This confirms our faith and assures us of his blessing.—Matt. 7:21.

• ³ Bearing Jehovah’s name also means recognizing and loving his qualities. When we hear his name we think of his mercy, graciousness, patience, loving-kindness, and truth. (Ex. 34:6) Primarily he is a

  Following Up the Interest We Find

  
  

• ¹ When giving final instructions to his faithful followers, Jesus said: “Go . . . make disciples . . . teaching them.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) With these words Jesus impressed upon his disciples that they were to do a teaching work. This would necessitate making return visits on people to cultivate their interest.

HOW IS THIS DONE?

• ² Some brothers have found it difficult to engage in this feature of the preaching work. Sometimes it is because of uncertainty about the approach to use when calling back. However, it is not that difficult. Usually it is best to start planning what you will say on a return visit immediately after you conclude your first visit. Write down points that interested the householder. This will give you a common ground on which to build. Call back within a few days if possible. If weeks go by, the householder’s interest may cool and will be more difficult to rekindle. Keep your presentation simple, clear, and to the point. Use the Bible to back up what you say. Avoid controversial subjects. Highlight the appealing aspects of the Kingdom message.

God of love. Jesus said he made Jehovah’s name known to his followers. Why? So that they could experience God’s love. (John 17:26) So, bearing His name worthily includes imitating Jesus and manifesting his qualities in our lives.—John 13:35.

EFFECTS OF

BEARING HIS NAME WORTHILY

• ⁴ When we serve Jehovah whole-souled, positive effects are observable to others. They see us as happy, fearless people united in true worship in all countries. We are free from addictive drugs and immoral practices. Our families and marriages are, for the most part, happy as a result of applying Scriptural principles. Many employers prefer to have Jehovah’s Witnesses work for them because they are honest and do not steal, cheat, or lie. Many have made public statements commending us because they see we are different from others in the world. (See w83 6/1 p. 10; w83 10/1 p. 7; p8110/8 p. 14.) Our Christian conduct draws sincere people to Jehovah.

• ⁵ But the greatest testimony to (Continued on page 2, col. 1)

• ³ Your presentation should not be one-sided. Success often depends on getting the householder involved. Use viewpoint questions to learn what he is thinking. This enables you to do meaningful teaching.

AVAILABLE HELP

• ⁴ Of course, some of us need help in developing our teaching ability on return visits. Such help is usually available. Almost all of us know someone who is capable in witnessing on return visits. The service overseer is anxious to share what he has found to be successful. Your study conductor may be able to assist. Ask him if he can accompany you on some of your calls. Or, perhaps it is just a matter of getting help in preparing what to say. These experienced publishers can show you what methods they have used to get good results. Remember Jesus took time to teach his disciples. They were instructed by him prior to their setting out to preach. (Matt. 10:5-15; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6) Instructions similar to those provided by Jesus are available through Jehovah’s organization today.

(Continued on page 7, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 30

Song 3

10 min: Theocratic News, local announcements, and encouragement to support field service activity on the first Sunday of the new year.

10 min: "1985 District Convention Arrangements.” Convention coordinator, consider first half of insert through subheading entitled “What You Should Do.” Handle by means of questions and answers.

16 min: “The Honor of Bearing Jehovah’s Name.” Question-and-answer coverage of material. On paragraphs 7 and 8 have brief demonstrations presenting Watchtower subscription, using new Topic for Conversation.

9 min: “The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever." Talk on value of brochure, calling for experiences of any who have used it successfully in field ministry.

Song 76 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 6

Song 66

s 10 min: Selected Announcements and local announcements, including field service arrangements and accounts report.

20 mln: “1985 District Convention Arrangements.” Convention coordinator, consider last half of material in insert, beginning with subheading “Dormitories.” Handle by means of questions and answers.

15 min: “Family Communication —How Can It Be Improved?” Talk from the January 8, 1985, Awake! Speaker can highlight points that may be used in placing January 8 Awake!

Song 181 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 13

Song 198

5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: Review highlights of 1985 Yearbook. Pick out experiences that reflect growth of work and how Bible principles have changed the lives of some who have now taken their stand on Jehovah’s side.

25 min: “Following Up the Interest We Find.” Talk and discussion of article with audience. Demonstrate briefly what may be said on return visits. Emphasize prompt follow-up to achieve best results. Include experiences from audience of good results from prompt follow-up and preparation before calling back.

Song 92 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 20

Song 90

10 min: Local announcements and talk on “Be Stabilized in the Faith.” Build up enthusiasm for circuit assembly and the value of attending each session.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News —In Business Territory.” Question-and-answer discussion preferably by service overseer, encouraging greater participation in reaching business people in territory. Have experienced publishers give demonstrations of what may be said in approaching storekeepers.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Experiences from audience on obtaining subscriptions and in following up interest. Encourage field service on fourth Saturday.

Song 126 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 27

Song 68

10 min: Local announcements. Outline local arrangements for midweek and weekend field service. Encourage support for service arrangements on first Sunday in month.

20 min: “Are You Available to Help Where Needed?” Talk, with audience participation on paragraphs 4-8. An elder can offer appropriate suggestions in harmony with what is said in paragraphs 5 and 6. In paragraph 7 emphasize the need to discuss plans with elders before writing to the Society about serving where the need is greater.

15 min: “Abound in Love to One Another.” Talk based on 1 Thessalonians 3:12, showing that with rapid growth of organization there is great need to be concerned for one another. Extend hospitality so as to get to know one another better. (Rom. 12:13) Do some need help in field service? Could you offer to help them? Look for opportunities to assist older ones in loving ways; mothers with children who may need help in caring for their children so that they may share in the field service; some who are spiritually low and need to be strengthened, and so forth. Commend brothers for what they are doing and recommend that they keep on abounding in love toward one another. (Material in chapter 17 of United in Worship book may be helpful in preparing talk.)

Song 82 and concluding prayer.

Jehovah’s Name           (Cont’d)

our respect for Jehovah’s name is our preaching the good news of his Kingdom. Encouraging reports from all over the world show that God’s people are zealously sharing in this preaching work. More and more are reaching out for auxiliary and regular pioneer service. Have you experienced the joy of such service? If not, could you do so sometime during this year? What a fine opportunity this provides to speak to a greater number of people about God’s name and purpose.

• ⁶ Do not feel disheartened if your circumstances prevent you from doing as much as others who are physically stronger and less encumbered. Jehovah’s name is honored when each person does the best he can with what he has. The spirit of wholeheartedness in preaching shows that we appreciate God’s love and that we desire to honor him.

OFFER SUBSCRIPTIONS

• ⁷ A tremendous aid to us in making Jehovah’s name known to others is the Watchtower magazine. For the past 105 years it has been used to announce Jehovah’s Kingdom. It is a powerful instrument that we can use during January and February. During these months we will offer the subscription for The Watchtower for $4. We could also offer a subscription for both The Watchtower and Awake! for 88. Emphasize the value of the Scriptural knowledge in these magazines as you present them. Your enthusiasm may move spiritually inclined ones to subscribe.

• ⁸ Those who do subscribe or take individual copies can learn more about Jehovah and hopefully they too will eventually have the honor of bearing Jehovah’s name.—Rom. 10:13.

Copyright © 1984 by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., and International Bible Students Association. 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.S.A.

• ¹ Our goal in this wicked “time of the end” is to be able to say, as did faithful King David, “Judge me, O Jehovah, for I myself have walked in my own integrity,” and “as for me, in my integrity I shall walk.” (Ps. 26:1, 11) Truly this quality is vitally necessary now in view of the critical times in which we are living. What a joy it is to know that integrity keepers have the assurance of Jehovah’s help and protection during this time as promised at Proverbs 2:7, “Fok those walking in integrity he is a shield.” (Compare Proverbs 10:9; 14:32.) In view of this, how can we individually resolve to build and also walk in our integrity in practical ways so that we can say as did Job, “Until I expire I shall not take away my integrity from myself”? (Job 27:5) One excellent provision to assist us in maintaining our integrity is our forthcoming 1985 “Integrity Keepers” Convention. Last summer there was an all-time peak attendance of 1,159,898 in the contiguous United States. What a blessing it will be this summer to be in attendance with even more of our brothers and sisters at well over 100 conventions in this country.

• ² By now your congregation has received a letter from the Society, dated December 10, 1984, informing you of the convention you are assigned to attend. By cooperating with these arrangements, the congregations will help the convention organization in its efforts to provide sufficient seats and food for everyone. To assist you in making the necessary arrangements, the information that follows is being provided. As you make your plans to be in attendance, lovingly include others who need assistance, especially newly interested ones, so they can attend every session as well. (Gal. 6:10) The program will start at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.

ROOMING ARRANGEMENTS

• ³ You should make your own rooming arrangements directly with the hotel or motel by using the information provided by the convention through your congregation. In most cases you will pay a great deal less than the regular rates charged by the hotel or motel, since the convention has negotiated for a large number of good quality rooms. 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 1984 your congregation should have received a list of hotels and motels in the convention city that are cooperating closely with the Society’s rooming arrangement. It shows the address of the facility, its agreed-upon rates, and the phone number to be used in making your reservations.

• ⁴ WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: As soon as your congregation receives the list of hotels and motels that the convention organization provides, you should IMMEDIATELY phone the hotel or motel of your choice, identifying yourself as one of 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 the deposit 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 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 for other dele-

gates who need accommodations. The convention Rooming Department will monitor the arrangement and, through the congregation, will provide additional information 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.

• ⁵ 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.

• ⁶ 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. 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 are unable to care for themselves, or cannot be cared for 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 the form 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.

• ⁷ Private home accommodations listed by the convention are usually set aside for those who have limited funds and 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 for delegates to presume upon the hospitality of our brothers by expecting to be accommodated 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.

• ⁸ DELEGATES ATTENDING FROM OUTSIDE THE ASSIGNED AREA: To reduce travel, district conventions are arranged at many locations. In nearly every case, the location assigned for you to attend is the one nearest to 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 for some reason you will be attending a location other than the one assigned, you may ask the convention coordinator in your congregation for the address of the convention headquarters where you will attend. He will find these addresses listed on the back of the Special Needs Room Request Form. Unless 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.

• ⁹ YOUR COOPERATION NEEDED: The smoothness and the success with which this rooming arrangement functions depend 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 can cause a major breakdown in negotiations. The same is true if a number of delegates choose to make their own arrangements with facilities not listed because they have not cooperated with the convention rooming arrangement. As an example, a motel across the street from the convention site may not lower its rates, possibly even raising them for the convention, and so the convention Rooming Department advises the motel management that the motel will not be put on the list and thus will not get our business. However, if brothers go ahead and accept these higher rates and fill this motel, even though it is not listed, then that motel may never lower its rates. In turn, the management of other motels or hotels may be encouraged to hold out for higher prices. The conventions are working to save all our brothers as much expense as possible, and so it is in the best interest of all for everyone to cooperate fully with the Society’s 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

• ¹⁰ As shown in the accompanying chart, sign language translation will be provided only at 16 specific convention cities. (No provision 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 the arrangements and help them to attend where the sign language provision is made by the Society.

TAPE RECORDINGS

• ¹¹ No provision will be made by the Society for recording the program or the dramas either on audio or on video tape. Any individuals who make personal recordings for their own use should do so in such a way that it will not disturb or distract others in attendance.

[NOTE TO THE BODY OF ELDERS: Upon receipt of the Society’s convention assignment letter for your congregation, dated December 10, 1984, and the Recommended Lodging Locations list from the district convention committee, please immediately read the letter at the next two meetings. Thereafter, please be sure to post the letter as well as the Recommended Lodging Locations list on the information board, leaving them there until the convention. Thus everyone will receive the information at the same time.

The elder serving as the convention coordinator should conduct the Service Meeting parts 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 any paragraphs that have particular application to your congregation. All elders will want to cooperate fully and offer suggestions to ensure the prompt, enthusiastic and effective handling of convention-related material.]

June 13-16, 1985: AMARILLO, TX, Civic Center Coliseum, 3rd & Buchanan Sts. BATON ROUGE, LA (Sign language also), Assembly Center, Louisiana State University. CICERO, IL, Hawthorqe Race Course, 35th & Cicero Ave. GREENVILLE, SC, Greenville Memorial Auditorium, 300 E. North St. JACKSONVILLE, FL, Memorial Coliseum, Gator Bowl Sports Complex. MONROE, LA, Civic Center Arena, Civic Center Expwy. NEW HAVEN, CT, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 275 S. Orange St. OGDEN, UT, Dee Events Center, 4600 South 1400 East. PONTIAC, MI, Sil-verdome, 1200 Featherstone. SAN DIEGO, CA, Jack Murphy Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd. TUCSON, AZ, Community Center, 260 S. Church. WHEELING, WV, Civic Center, Two 14th St.

June 20-23,1985: BIRMINGHAM, AL, Civic Center Coliseum, One Civic Center Plaza. CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Ra,ce Course, 35th & Cicero Ave. DENVER, CO, McNichols Sports Arena, 1635 Clay St. FRESNO, CA, Convention Center, 700 “M” St. GREENVILLE, SC, Greenville Memorial Auditorium, 300 E. North St. LANDOVER, MD, Capital Centre, Beltway Exit 15 E. or 17. MIDLAND, TX, Chaparral Center, Midland College, 3600 N. Garfield. MONROE, LA, Civic Center Arena, Civic Center Expwy. NEW HAVEN, CT, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 275 S. Orange St. OGDEN, UT, Dee Events Center, 4600 South 1400 East. RICHFIELD, OH, The Coliseum, 2923 Streetsboro Rd. ST. LOUIS, MO, The Arena, 5700 Oakland Ave. SOUTH BEND, IN, N.D.U. Athletic Center, Juniper Rd. TACOMA, WA, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. “D” St. TUCSON, AZ (Sign language also). Community Center, 260 S. Church. WEST PALM BEACH, FL, West Palm Beach Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. WHEELING, WV, Civic Center, Two 14th St. WICHITA, KS, Kansas Coliseum, 1-135 at 85th St. N.

June 27-30, 1985: CICERO, IL (Sign language also), Hawthorne Race Course, 35th & Cicero Ave. DENVER, CO (Sign language also), McNichols Sports Arena, 1635 Clay St. ERIE, PA, Convention Center Arena, 809 French St. FRESNO, CA, Convention Center, 700 “M” St. GREENSBORO, NC, Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Lee St. GREENVILLE, SC, Greenville Memorial Auditorium, 300 E. North St. LAN DOVER, MD, Capital Centre, Beltway Exit 15 E. or 17. MADISON, WI, Dane County Memorial Coliseum, John Nolen Dr. RICHFIELD, OH (Sign language also), The Coliseum, 2923 Streetsboro Rd. ROCHESTER, NY, Memorial Auditorium, 100 Exchange St. ST. LOUIS, MO, The Arena, 5700 Oakland Ave. ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 4001st St. S. SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave. SAVANNAH, GA, Civic Center Arena, Orleans Square. SOUTH BEND, IN, N.D.U. Athletic Center, Juniper Rd. TACOMA, WA (Spanish and sign language also), Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. “D” St. WEST PALM BEACH, FL, West Palm Beach Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. WHEELING, WV, Civic Center, Two 14th St

July 4-7,1985: ALBANY, GA, Albany Civic Center, 100 West Oglethorpe Ave. BEAUMONT, TX, Civic Center Assembly Hall, 701 Main St. BILLINGS, MT, Yellowstone Metra, Hwy. #10. CHATTANOOGA, TN, U.T.C. Arena, Douglas & E. 5th St. CICERO, IL (Spanish only), Hawthorne Race Course, 35th & Cicero Ave. DULUTH, MN, Duluth ArenaAuditorium, 350 South 5th Ave. W. FRESNO, CA (Spanish only). Convention Center, 700 “M” St. GREENSBORO, NC, Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Lee St. HAMPTON, VA, Hampton Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr. LANDOVER, MD (Sign language also), Capital Centre, Beltway Exit 15 E. or 17. LOS ANGELES, CA (Sign language also), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave. LOUISVILLE, KY, Coliseum, Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center. MADISON, WI, Dane County Memorial Coliseum, John Nolen Dr. MONROE, LA, Civic Center Arena, Civic Center Expwy. OKLA

HOMA CITY, OK, Myriad, One Myriad Gardens. RICHFIELD, OH, The Coliseum, 2923 Streetsboro Rd. ROCHESTER, NY, Memorial Auditorium, 100 Exchange St. ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S. SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave. SAVANNAH, GA, Civic Center Arena, Orleans Square. WEST PALM BEACH, FL, West Palm Beach Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

July 11-14, 1985: AI.BANY, GA (Sign language also), Albany Civic Center, 100 West Oglethorpe Ave. BISMARCK, ND, Bismarck Civic Center Arena, 6th & Sweet Sts. CHATTANOOGA, TN, U.T.C. Arena, Douglas & E. 5th St. DULUTH, MN, Duluth Arena-Auditorium, 350 South 5th Ave. W. EL PASO, TX (Spanish only), Special Events Center, Baltimore at Mesa. FT. WORTH, TX, Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum, One Amon Carter Sq. FRESNO, CA (Spanish only), Convention Center, 700 “M” St. HAMPTON, VA, Hampton Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr. LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (French only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 44-17 Greenpoint Ave. LOS ANGELES, CA (Spanish only), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave. LOUISVILLE, KY (Sign language also), Coliseum, Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center. MOBILE, AL, Municipal Auditorium, 401 Auditorium Dr. MONTREAL, P.Q. (Chinese, Greek, Italian, Korean, and Portuguese also), Olympic Stadium, Pie IX Blvd. & Sherbrooke St. PHILADELPHIA, PA, Veterans Stadium, S. Broad & Pattison Ave. PROVIDENCE, RI, Providence Civic Center, One LaSalle Sq. RENO, NV, Centennial Coliseum, 4590 S. Virginia St. ST. PETERSBURG, FL (Sign language also), Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S. SAN FRANCISCO. CA (Sign language also), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave. SPRINGFIELD, IL, Convention Center Arena, One Convention Center Plaza.

July 18-21,1985: BILOXI, MS, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, 3800 W. Beach Blvd. CHARLESTON, WV, Charleston Civic Center Coliseum, 200 Civic Center Dr. DES MOINES, IA, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 833 5th Ave. FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (French only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 20850 Griffin Rd. FT. WORTH, TX (Sign language also), Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum, One Amon Carter Sq. GREEN BAY, WI, Memorial Arena, 1901 S. Oneida St. HIALEAH, FL (Spanish only), Hialeah Park Race Track, E. 32nd St. at E. 2nd Ave. LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (French only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 44-17 Greenpoint Ave. PROVIDENCE, RI, Providence Civic Center, One LaSalle Sq. RENO, NV, Centennial Coliseum, 4590 S. Virginia St. ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S. SAN ANTONIO, TX (Spanish only), Convention Center Arena, S. Alamo & Market Sts. SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean also), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

July 25-28, 1985: FT. WORTH, TX, Will Rogers Memorial Arena, One Amon Carter Sq. HIALEAH, FL (Spanish only), Hialeah Park Race Track, E. 32nd St. at E. 2nd Ave. HOUSTON, TX, Astrodome, Loop 610 at Kirby Dr. KNOXVILLE, TN, Civic Auditorium, 500 Church Ave. S.E. LINCOLN, NE (Sign language also), Devaney Sports Center, 16th & Military. RENO, NV, Centennial Coliseum, 4590 S. Virginia St. SAN ANTONIO, TX (Spanish only), Convention Center Arena, S. Alamo & Market Sts. SPRINGFIELD, MA (Sign language also), Civic Center, 1277 Main St.

August 1-4, 1985: ELMONT, NY (Spanish only), Belmont Park Race Track, Hempstead Tpk. at Cross Island Pkwy. RENO, NV, Centennial Coliseum, 4590 S. Virginia St.

August 8-11, 1985: ELMONT, NY, Belmont Park Race Track, Hempstead Tpk. at Cross Island Pkwy.

August 15-18, 1985: ELMONT, NY (Sign language also), Belmont Park Race Track, Hempstead Tpk. at Cross Island Pkwy.

August 22-25, 1985: ELMONT, NY, Belmont Park Race Track, Hempstead Tpk. at Cross Island Pkwy.

Announcements

• • Literature offer for January and February: Watchtower subscription for one year for a contribution of S4.00. Sixmonth subscriptions are $2.00. If subscription is not taken, offer two magazines and a brochure for 70e, or one brochure and one Watchtower magazine for 50e. March and April: Any of the older pocket-size books for a contribution of $1.00. (See December km for titles.)

• • At circuit assemblies having the new program starting in February, district overseers will give the public talk “Basis for Faith in an Unbelieving World.” Starting in February, circuit overseers will give a public talk with the theme “Prayers That Are Heard by God.”

• • "Good News in a Violent World” is the title of the special public talk to be presented in all congregations on April 14. Congregations attending a circuit assembly or having the visit of the circuit overseer on that date will present the special talk on the following week. The talk should not be given before April 14.

• • New Publications Available:

"All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial”            —Japanese

Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry

—Thai

Survival Into a New Earth —Finnish, Japanese

United in Worship of the Only True God —Cebuano, Iloko, Tagalog

Bible Topics for Discussion —Thai Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

—Inuktitut

Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Question of Blood                 —Thai

School and Jehovah’s Witnesses

—Italian

The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever       —Finnish, Japanese

Kingdom News No. 30  —Vietnamese

• New Cassette Recordings Available:

The Good News According to Luke (set of three; congregation and public: $4.50; pioneers: $3.75) —Portuguese

To the Hebrews, The Letter of James (single cassette; congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)

—Portuguese

Interest                    (Cont’d)

• ⁵ Practical suggestions for our reference are provided also in the Our Ministry book. For example, note what fine guidelines are contained on pages 88 and 89. Just reading the four paragraphs under the heading “Making Return Visits” should encourage us.

• ⁶ Another fine aid is the book Make Sure of All Things. There are 123 principal subjects, with additional related subjects, to draw on. Two methods of using the material are given in paragraphs 1 and 2 on page 8. Suggestions are given for using the material if the discussion time is either limited or lengthy. Paragraph 3

  Are You Available to Help Where Needed?

  
  

• ¹ Highlighting the need for more Christian ministers, Jesus said, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” While this was true in Jesus’ day, there is an even greater need now in this time of the end. Therefore, in obedience to Jesus’ command, we “beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”—Matt. 9:37, 38.

HELP NEEDED

• ² While we are far along into the harvest, it is not yet completed. Jehovah God continues to bless our ministry with fine increases in the field, and it is a challenge to train the new ones. (Matt. 28:20) Most congregations in this country are covering their assigned territory regularly, but a few still need help. There are some territories not currently assigned to any congregations. There is still an urgent need for more workers.

• ³ There is also a great need to strengthen some congregations spiritually. Elders, ministerial servants, strong Christian families, and pioneers could be used in a number of congregations. When willing workers of this type are added to a congregation, the brothers are strengthened, and expansion is often the result.

HOW CAN THESE NEEDS BE FILLED?

• ⁴ First, in the congregations needing help, it would be good for the elders to analyze the circumstances. What are the local needs? What can those now in the congregations do to fill these needs? Could some increase their activity in the field service? Could more serve as auxiliary or regular pioneers? Are also notes: “Not only will its subheadings offer you a ready-to-use outline, but the wide selection of scriptures quoted will make it possible for you to have variety and freshness in your presentation.”

• ⁷ So there is every reason to be positive in following up the interest we find in our preaching work, even if we have only limited experience. The important thing is that we care about others. Jehovah’s organization today has provided literature and experienced publishers for our training. When we find sincere persons who are “sighing and groaning” over the bad things they see, our love should move us to return and help them.—Ezek. 9:4-6. the baptized brothers reaching out and being used to their full potential? Is it possible for the elders and ministerial servants to set an even better example in zeal for the ministry? Would more warm, loving encouragement and commendation stir some in the congregations to greater activity?

• ⁵ Next, talk to the circuit overseer about the situation. He may have meaningful suggestions as to what can be done within the congregation to meet local needs. Or he may know of other congregations or pioneers in the circuit who could render help. If so, he can put them in contact with you. Where no assistance is available within the circuit, the circuit overseer or the local elders may write to the Society outlining the circumstances and needs.

• ⁶ If your congregation is covering its territory often or if there are sufficient elders, ministerial servants, or pioneers to care for the local needs, could some make themselves available to help elsewhere? Individuals and family groups would do well to review their own spiritual gifts, assets, and potential. Would it be possible to take a temporary assignment to work unassigned territory or perhaps move to help a congregation permanently where the workers are few?

• ⁷ To those who can take a temporary assignment or make a permanent move, it is recommended that they write a letter to the Society, making known their availability. Such a letter should be given to the Congregation Service Committee so they may add their recommendation and mail it to the Society.—See Our Ministry, pages 112, 113 and Our Kingdom Ministry of May 1982, page 7, paragraph 7.

• ⁸ Before moving, it is very wise to count the cost. (Luke 14:28) Remember, in most areas where help is needed the towns are small, secular work is often scarce, and you may not always have others to work with in service. You may have frequent parts on meetings, and the quality of meetings may not be what you are used to. A sincere desire to help and an intense love for your brothers are essential. An appreciation of what it means to be selfsacrificing is a must. Do you qualify? The need is there! Are you available?—Isa. 6:8.

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS

  
  

In Business Territory

• ¹ The account at Acts 17:17 says that Paul “began to reason in the synagogue with the Jews and the other people who worshiped God and every day in the marketplace with those who happened to be on hand.” His preaching in the marketplace and in other locations clearly demonstrated his heartfelt desire to reach people with the Kingdom hope, wherever they could be found. This was true even when the circumstances seemed less than favorable. For example, his preaching in the marketplace, in the account referred to above, resulted in his being led to the Areopagus where he made a marvelous defense of his faith. On that occasion many, including Dionysius, a judge, were moved to embrace Christianity.—Acts 17:15-34.

• ² Can we expect similar results when preaching to those in business territory? Yes! In fact one sister who called on the owner of a restaurant with the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! sparked his interest in the truth, resulting in a regular Bible study at his restaurant.

• ³ Yet, in spite of the success that many have had in this feature of the ministry, some publishers are inclined to feel that witnessing to storekeepers would be extremely difficult. One publisher who took this view said, “I expected that the response would be negative. However, to my surprise, their reaction to the Kingdom message was just the opposite! They were genuinely polite and friendly and almost always accepted the magazines.” Yes, those who have shared in working business territory speak of it as a fruitful work that brings blessings.

• ⁴ Elders, especially the service overseer, should encourage experienced publishers to work business territory. Those who participate should endeavor to be brief and to the point when contacting business people since their time may be limited. Many have found it practical to

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Making Your Family Life Happy:

January 6: Review chapters 6-10

January 13: Pages 146 to 155¹

January 20: Pages 155¹ to 160

January 27: Pages 161 to 168¹ call at times when the stores or offices are not so crowded, such as in the morning when the stores open or perhaps during the middle of the week instead of during busy shopping periods. One sister writes: “We entered the stores or businesses when no customers were present and quickly showed the current magazines or the brochure. The interest was such that we had placed all our magazines within two blocks.”

WHAT SHOULD WE SAY?

• ⁵ It is appropriate to ask for the manager or the person in charge. Using a simple approach, explain the reason for calling. For example, after introducing yourself, you could say, “Since it is often very difficult to find business people at home, we are making this effort to contact you here. In the latest issue of.The Watchtower there is this article entitled [give title] that contains information that personally affects you. We know you will enjoy reading this article as well as the others. We offer it along with Awake! for a contribution of only 40 cents.”

• ⁶ One pioneer brother periodically places magazines with the local police department. Imagine his reaction when the police, after having accepted the April 22,1984, issue of Awake!, contacted him and requested 500 copies! They planned to use the article “My Child Is Missing!” in connection with fingerprinting the children in their town. However, it did not end there. When the police department of a nearby community heard of the article, they contacted another pioneer brother and requested 400 copies of the same issue of Awake!

• ⁷ Witnessing in business territory affords us an opportunity to reach persons who are rarely contacted in the door-to-door work. So be alert to such opportunities. Fine results have come from working business territory!

OCTOBER SERVICE REPORT

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,228

The total number of regular pioneers reporting for October Is a new peak, surpassing the outstanding previous peak reached in September by 1,231.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Argentina reports a new peak of 50,786 publishers In September with 11.1 average hours In field service. Also they reached a new peak of 58,967 home Bible studies.

• * In Australia, a record number of 142 regular pioneers were enrolled to start In September—an all-time peak. Their regular pioneer figure of 1,434 Is the 21st consecutive peak and is 376 over the regular pioneer figure of a year ago.

• * Brazil started the new service year with a new peak of 162,026 publishers and an all-time peak of 154,287 Bible studies.

• * Curacao reported a new peak of 1,076 publishers in September and a new peak of 37 regular pioneers.

• * Guadeloupe started the new service year with a peak of 3,553 publishers, giving them a publisher-to-population ratio of 1 to 92. There were 4,023 studies conducted during the month.

• ♦ Haiti had a new peak of 3,712 publishers, with peaks In return visits (27,579) and Bible studies (5,342).

• ♦ In September, Japan reached another peak, 93,015 publishers. Of these, 40 percent were in some form of the pioneer work. During July, August, and September the publishers covered 403 towns and villages in unassigned territory.

• ♦ Other branches making a good start In the new service year with publisher peaks for September Include Liberia (1,195) and Hong Kong (1,215).

• ♦ Ireland started the new service year off with a new peak of 2,355 publishers; they averaged 11.1 hours in field service.

• ♦ The branch in Italy reports a new peak of 118,319 publishers in September; also a peak of 2,050 new regular pioneers enrolled during the month for a total of 7,542.

• * Mexico began the new year with a peak of 153,743 publishers and a new peak of 211,091 Bible studies.

Be Stabilized in the Faith

• ¹ As insecurity increases in the world around us, it is urgent that we become and remain stabilized in the faith. (Isa. 57:20, 21; 1 John 5:4) Accordingly, it is most fitting that the circuit assembly program beginning in February 1985 will develop the theme “Be Stabilized in the Faith.”—Col. 2:7.

• ² This new program will highlight the need for all to become steadfast, mature Christians. It will help us appreciate just what is required to maintain balance as Christians living in the midst of the world but being no part of it. (John 17:14) None of us can afford to miss this pointed and practical program. —Matt. 24:45.

• ³ Begin early to make your plans to attend. As soon as the dates and location for your assembly are announced, arrange your affairs so that you can be present both days. Encourage Bible students to come with you. Everyone attending is sure to be rewarded spiritually and strengthened to stand “solid in the faith.”—1 Pet. 5:9.

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¹

To or from subheading.