OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

NOVEMBER 1985

Vol. 28. No. 11

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

NOVEMBER 4-10 Enthusiasm

• 1. What produces it?

• 2. Why is it important in the ministry?

• 3. How is it demonstrated?

NOVEMBER 11-17 Be a Good Listener

• 1. Why is it important?

• 2. What can you learn?

• 3. How can you use householder’s comments?

NOVEMBER 18-24 Holiday Witnessing 1. Why have a positive attitude? 2. What might you say in your introduction?

3. Why is discernment especially important?

NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1 Your Witnessing Bag 1. What equipment should you carry?

• 2. Why should it be neat and orderly?

• 3. Why should your Bible be in good condition?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Security—Now and in the Future.

Prov. 1:33—Applying Jehovah’s counsel brings security.

Isa. 11:9—Earth-wide security promised.

• ¹ How long have you maintained your zeal in preaching the good news? Five years, ten, or even longer? Some brothers have preached twenty, thirty, or more years and are still going strong. What is it that has kept them from tiring out? How can we keep pace with Jehovah’s organization and the work that he is ‘speeding up in its own time’?—Isa. 60:22.

REFLECT JEHOVAH'S ZEAL

• ² Those who engage in Kingdom service properly view themselves as God’s fellow workers. (1 Cor. 3:9) They see his zeal for righteousness and imitate it. Jehovah first announced the good news thousands of years ago, and he has zealously followed through to see that it is declared by his people. (Gal. 3:8) Even at this late date in human history, Jehovah has not lost interest in his Kingdom purpose. Rather, “the very zeal of Jehovah” is bringing about all that he has promised, including the foretold international Kingdom witness.—Isa. 9:7; Matt. 24:14.

• ³ No matter how long we have been preaching, we can maintain godlike zeal by keeping Kingdom

  WHAT CAUSE FOR REJOICING!

  A NEW PEAK OF 723,220 PUBLISHERS IN AUGUST

  With heartfelt gratitude, we join the psalmist in saying: “Praise Jah, you people! Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good." (Ps. 106:1) During August, thousands more Joined Jehovah's worshipers in unitedly saying, “Praise Jah”! The total of publishers was 27,533 more than reported last April. How glad we are, also, that a new peak of 37,220 regular pioneers was reached. This is 610 more than in May! Truly we see In this Jehovah's blessing upon his organized people. Having rested our hope on a living God, let us continue working hard and exerting ourselves in the ministry.— 1 Tim. 4:10.

  
  

  Making Our Advancement Manifest

  
  

• ¹ How do you feel when you hear someone comment for the first time at the Watchtower Study or when he delivers his first talk in the Theocratic’MIrnstry School? Are you not encouraged by seeing his advancement? What about your own spiritual advancement? Has it been evident to you and to others? Are you keeping pace with the growth of Jehovah’s organization today? We do not want to be- like those of whom Paul said: (‘‘You again need someone to teach~~vou from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God.”](Heb. 5:12) How can we ‘make jout Advancement manifest to all persons’?—1 Tim. 4:15.

PROGRESS IN TEACHING AND CONDUCT

• ² Paul told Timothy, “Pay constant attention to yourself and to truths fresh in our mind. By studying the Bible, we absorb its spirit, which is Jehovah’s spirit. This will keep us aglow with zeal for preaching his message.—Rom. 12:11, 12; Eph. 5:1.

CLOSELY CONSIDER JESUS

• ⁴ Jehovah provided in his Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect example of a zealous minister. Jesus maintained his zeal right to the painful but triumphant end of his earthly life. Hebrews 12:2, 3 points out one thing that helped Jesus to remain firm. It was the reward that was set before him. Is not your zeal renewed when you consider the bright hope that Jehovah has set before you? Remember, it is not how long we have been zealous but our enduring to the end that will bring us the happy reward of eternal life.—Matt. 24:13.

• ⁵ The doing of Jehovah’s work can in itself intensify our zeal. Consider Jesus’ example as related in John chapter 4. He got tired out. He needed rest, food, and drink. The disciples went into the village for food, but when they returned, their mas-

(Continued on page 2, col. 1)

your teaching.” (1 Tim. 4:16) The Service Meeting has been instructing us in improving our teaching abilities. It has featured articles from Our Kingdom Ministry on how to _ teach at home Bible studies, when making return visits, and in the house-to-house ministry. Are we applying 'this counsel, developing our skill in all, features of service? —Prov. 22:29. '

³ The Theocratic Ministry School offers excellent pointers to help us present the good news to others. Do you view it as Jehovah’s provision for your spiritual advancement? By participating in the Theocratic Ministry School, you will improve your effectiveness in the preaching work and set a good example for others. —See School Guidebook, pages 8, 9.

(Continued on page 2, col. 2)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 3

Song 31

12 min: Appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry and local announcements. Consider “What Cause for Rejoicing!” and comment on local August report. Encourage all to share in magazine work this Saturday.

18 min: “Maintaining Our Zeal in the Ministry.” Questions and answers. Interview one or two who have set a fine example in maintaining zeal over the years. What has encouraged them to remain zealous in Kingdom service?

15 min: “Presenting the Good News —With a Positive Attitude.” Questions and answers. Demonstrate how a positive attitude in the face of difficulties can produce positive results. Use local situation. What negative attitudes should be avoided, and why? Highlight importance of working all the congregation’s assigned territory, even though some sections may not seem to be as fruitful as others or perhaps involve traveling greater distances or present other inconveniences.

Song 66 and concluding prayer.

Maintaining Zeal           (Cont’d)

ter no longer appeared to be hungry or tired. What had refreshed him and renewed his energy? It was the fine experience he was enjoying in God’s service.

CURRENT OFFER

• ⁶ During November we will feature the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and an older book, such as Peace and Security. Though we often meet people who are opposed, slow to respond, or just indifferent toward God and the Bible, we must not let this discourage us. Our lively and zealous presentation may help some of these to see the effect God’s Word has on those who take it to heart. (Heb. 4:12) Let them know that we will be pleased to study God’s energizing Word with them so that they, too, can “keep living” and “declare the works of Jah.”—Ps. 118:15-17.

• ⁷ We are confident that as we maintain our zeal in the ministry, Jehovah, the source of godly zeal, will richly bless our united effort in the ministry during the month of November.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 10

Song 126

• 8 min: Local announcements and accounts report.

20 min: “Meeting the Challenge of Apartment Witnessing.” Questions and answers on paragraphs 1 through 24 of insert.

17 min: “Making Our Advancement Manifest.” Enthusiastic talk with some audience participation. Following paragraph 4, briefly interview publisher who has made good spiritual progress. Highlight individual responsibility to make advancement.

Song 191 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 17

Song 115

8 min: Local announcements. Inform congregation of arrangements for holiday witnessing on November 28. Review talking points from magazines to be featured on that day.

20 min: “Meeting the Challenge of Apartment Witnessing.” Talk by service overseer covering paragraphs 25 through 43. Comment on charts. Make local application.

17 min: “Make Good Use of Reasoning From the Scriptures." Questions and answers. Discuss how this new publication will be helpful in local territory.

Song 173 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 24

Song 84

10 min: Local announcements and Theocratic News. Encourage support for field service on first Sunday of the month.

20 min: Presentation of December Literature Offer. Call attention to information in “Use New Creation Book and New Tract During December” and in first two paragraphs of July 24, 1985, letter to all congregations. Suggest and demonstrate several brief presentations that would be appropriate for local territory. Encourage all to pick up ample supply of Creation books and Kingdom News No. 33 for use in field service on Sunday.

15 min: “Do You Show Godlike Kindness?” Talk based on article in September 15, 1985, Watchtower, pages 10-12.

Song 156 and concluding prayer.

service? (See Our Ministry, chapter 9.) Brothers in the congregation can demonstrate advancement by reaching out for the “fine work”6f~a ministerial servant or an elder. —1 Tim. 3:1, 13.

• ⁶ What are some of the things we can do to reach out and mate our advancement^manifest? Everyone can strive Wmanifest the fruitage of_the spirit to a greater degree, (G§1. 5:22, 23) Also, it ls important •to" attend .meetings regularly, be zealous proclaimers of the good news, and seek to be cK/ aid and encouragement to other members of the congregation. Are you exerting ? yourself in these areas?

• ⁷ A steady flow of newone§. to the mountain of Jehovah’s house necessitates spiritual growth on the part of^aD of us. (Isa. 2:2,3; 60:22) The end of this system draws near! The need for mature ones to take hold of responsibility has never been greater! Therefore, ("ponder over these things; be absorbe<Lm them, that your advancement may be manifest to all persons.”—1 Tim. 4: 13-15.

Copyright © 1985 by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., and Internationa] 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., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201.                             Printed in U.S.A.

Meeting the Challenge of Apartment Witnessing

In the United States there are many congregations whose territory is comprised mainly or entirely of large and small apartment complexes. Some territories may include a wide variety of apartment buildings ranging from easily accessible housing projects to exclusive luxury apartments. Therefore, the points set out in this insert should be applied according to local circumstances. We feel confident that the information here presented will be helpful to all.

• ¹ The challenge has been made. The command has been issued. Can you “bear thorough witness to the good news”? (Acts 20:21, 24) It is imperative that you do so. Why? Because the time left for Kingdompreaching and disciple-making’ is reduce'dTTMatt. 24:14; 28:19, 20; 1 Cor. 7:29) This“challenge includes a type of territory that has a growing -potential—apartment, cooperative, and condominium buildings.

• ² With land values continually increasing, more and more apartment buildings are being constructed, and territory in some large metropolitan areas is fast changing from single-family dwellings to multifamily units. Almost oiw thirdx>f Jhe housing available in the United States is occupied by renters. In some of the larger cities, more than 50 percent of the total population lives in such accommodations. And herein lies our challenge: how to “bear thorough witness” to more than 57 million peovle that live in renter-occupied dwellings.

Positive Attitude Needed

• ³ If we were to shy away from witnessing in apartment buildings, many may nut he worked at all. In others, the coverage may not be thorough or effective. While admittedly this form of witnessing is not always easy, the main obstacle that often has to be overcome is a psychological one.

• ⁴ Keep in mind that apartment dwellers are usually just average working people who are like us in various respects. In many cases, they are young couples starting off in marriage who cannot afford to buy their own home and so choose apartment living. Whatever the circumstances, apartment dwellers . have _the_ same spiritual and emotional needs that other people have. Publishers who have overcome their initial reluctance and have gained experience in working apartments have found productive territory. In fact, many capable ministers really enjoy working apartment territory because of the positive results they get.

Why the Challenge?

• ⁵ Why is it becoming_more of-a challenge to witness to apartment dwellers? Listen to the comment of one superintendent with seven years of experience: “Due to the increase in crime and violence, the big concern today with my tenants js security.”

• ⁶ Particularly, newer buildings not only are locked but have doormen and/or closed-circuit television monitors for surveillance. This is especially true of condominium apartments, where each unit is owned by the resident. Some condominium residents may feel that our presence in their building raises questions about the security of their building.

• ⁷ To help us overcome any reluctance that we ourselves may have about apartment witnessing, we must remember that our motivations are noble. We do not seek to harm the people but, rather, to help them. Our visits jirttprompted by genuine and principled love for God and neighbor. We want to help apartment dwellers appreciate that fact and realize that they have nothing to fear from Jehovah’s Witnesses.—2 Cor. 2:17; Eph. 6:15.

If You Are Asked to Leave

• ⁸ But what if we are asked to leave a building by the superintendent or security personnel? It is usually best to comply immediately. Whenever possible, we want to avoid confrontation, with resulting threats of legal action and appeals to police./!/ the opportunity presents itself, we can tactfully and kindly_explain our presence to the inquirer./¹ Agree with his dilemma nf keeping his tenants happyand show that you are sympathetic to his problem of maintaining proper security,” /uggests one pioneer who has had much experience in apartment witnessing. In this way, permission to remain in the building may be granted. But if not, take your leave graciously.—Col. 4:6.

• ⁹ Remember, do not look upoiL the_superinten-dent, the doorman, or the security person as your enemy. They have a job to do, and in most cases they are not prejudiced against Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The doorman has instructions from the owners not to let anyone in/’ explains a superintendent of a 62-unit apartment house. C“The policy of some apartment houses is not to leL strangers in unless they have been invited by one of the tenants.” J

• ¹⁰ So we have to face the fact that there are some apartment building owners who have incorporated stipulations in their leases that allow_th^m to deter -mine who shall or who shall not call on their tenants. If the tenants are willing to let their landlords make such important decisions for them, then they place themselves under “community responsibility,” and we will not insist on making calls on them. This does not mean, however, that we stop trying to give a thorougiTwitness in such cases. How can we meet this challenge?

  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, NOVEMBER 1985

  
  

Know Your Territory

• ¹¹ As with all types of witnessing territory, it is a valuable aid to be familiar with the circumstances that exist in each building. Treat each apartment complex as a unique territory.

• ¹² Do you know what type of people inhabit a certain apartment building? Does it cater to senior citizens? Singles or couples? Family groups? Are there large numbers of people of a certain ethnic background? Do low-income families live there or is it a building with elaborate security systems that can be afforded only by the wealthy? Just as we must be flexible in our introductions from door to door, so we need to be adaptable when working various types of apartment dwellings.

Gaining Entrance

• ¹³ There is no substitute for a personal, face-to-face discussion with an individual. This should be our first priority. Depending on the type of apartment building, one or two publishers may be able to gain entry simply by waiting in the lobby until a resident leaves or enters. In such cases, they often will hold the door for you so you can enter the building. Of course, this situation does not usually occur in high-security buildings or condominiums, but it is often the way to gain admittance to some buildings.

• ¹⁴ Frequently a publisher can use the intercom until he finds someone who will agree to the publisher coming in to see him personally. Again, depending on the kind of building it is and the local laws, the publisher could then proceed tn make other door-to-door calls after having gained admittance to the building. In some buildings it may be wise to leave the hallways after speaking to the one. who let you in and return to the intercom to try the nextcall. This would take more time, but in certain buildings you may avoid problems if you proceed in this way.

• ¹⁵ Carefully selecting appropriate times to work apartment buildings is important. In an increasing number of apartment houses, both husband and wife work, so few people are found during weekdays. Some apartment dwellers sleep late on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Hence, early. evenings are an excellent time to work such buildings, as are Saturday and Sunday afternoons. If publishers try to work these buildings during the mornings on weekends, they will often get people out of bed, with resulting complaints and confrontations.

• ¹⁶ Experience has shown that there is often better response in apartment buildings when a husband and wife work together or when a parent and child or two sisters work together. Much may depend on the local situation. Consider this when arranging to work in buildings where it has been difficult to get people to respond.

• ¹⁷ When entering an apartment building, do not loiter at the entrance. Do not hesitate. Rather, proceed purposefully to the elevator and to the floor that is to be worked. This tends to dispel the suspicions of those who may see you.

Appearance and Decorum Count

• ¹⁸ Are you neatly groomed and dressed in a manner befitting a minister of the good news? This is particularly essential in apartment buildings in order to eliminate unnecessary anxieties or questions. When witnessing to apartment dwellers, a pioneer made these observations about dress: (‘Surprisingly, if you are well dressed, people will listen to you. They will stop and give you an extra measure of attention.” )

• ¹⁹ Publishers having big, bulky briefcases make themselves conspicuous^ Commenting about what tenants may think when they see strangers toting large briefcases, a superintendent said: '(They may have robbery tools in their bags.”)Some publishers have found that it is better to have a less conspicuous case.

• ²⁰ On bad-weather days, be sure to clean_your shoes before entering. Those who have fo^clean the floors will appreciate that and not feel they have good reason to deny us entry.

• ²¹ Remember that sounds will echo in apartment buildings. So please be quiet, using only the necessary amount of volume in order to be comfortably heard by the householder. Two publishers working together should keep their voices low., since they may be overheard by householders. When speaking to one another, do so in a calm, moderate voice. This will avoid arousing suspicion.

Calling at the Doors

• ²² How do you knock on a door? If a publisher knocks in an unnecessarily loud and authoritative manner, the dweller might be frightened. Depending on the type of building, some publishers have found it best not to do every door in succession down a corridor. Rather, a couple of calls can be done in one end of the hallway, then publishers can move to the other end, back and forth, until the floor is worked.

• ²³ Before answering the door, many people will look through the peephole to see who is knocking. If you detect this, what can you do? One .sister experienced in apartment witnessing stated: (“Look directly at the peephole and immediately say._a warm greeting.”/ This lets the householder know that you know he is there. If the householder asks, “Who is it?” you can simply give your name and that of your companion. If this does not succeed in getting the householder to open the door, then identify yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

• ²⁴ “I like to stand so that I am clearly visible to the householder peering through his peephole rather than standing off to the side, out of the householder’s sight line,” suggests another publisher. (“I smile as though I am on camera. If I am working with my wife, ! let her be in full view, as this often quiets the anxieties of the householder when an unexpected knock comes at his door.” )

Avoid Confrontations

• ²⁵ If you meet an opposed householder who might be inclined to call the superintendent, it is best to leave that particular floor and return to it at another time. You may want to make note of the apartment number where the opposer lives and have this information put in the territory envelope so that in the future this can be worked last, just before leaving the building. In other cases, it would be best to leave the building entirely, in order to avoid a possible confrontation with the superintendent. If you can work along peacefully, without incident, you will have far better success.

• ²⁶ A frequent complaint of superintendents (and some tenants) is that literature is left outside the apartment doors. “In almost every instance,” a brother writes, “where our brothers and sisters have requested permission to work in the building, it was granted as long as they didn’t leave literature around. The reason is simply that it means more work for the superintendent to pick up the literature that ends up on the floor.” Hence, if you leave tracts or handbills in doors of not-at-home apartments, care should be taken to insert the material completely under the door—entirely out of sight.

• ²⁷ In summary, many apartment buildings can be worked in the usual manner if we choose the right time and exercise discretion and tactfulness.

If Admittance Is Refused

• ²⁸ But suppose you are refused admittance to the building by the superintendent. What can be done? Ask for a mailing list of the tenants. Seek permission to leave literature at regular intervals in the lobby or laundry room or to post an announcement on their information board about our Bible study program, with information as to who can be contacted. In some apartment buildings, the use of closed-circuit television has been permitted for announcements of our congregation meetings and Bible study programs.

• ²⁹ The above suggestions do work. Note the observations of one circuit overseer: “About 80 to 85 percent of all security buildings that previously had barred our entrance granted some kind of concession when managers were contacted.”

• ³⁰ The following are additional suggestions on how to meet the challenge of witnessing in security buildings:

□ USE OF INTERCOM

• ³¹ The intercom in the lobby can be used to make personal contact with individual apartment dwellers. Use a brief introduction that includes a request to speak personally with the resident. If he does not invite you to his apartment, ask if he could meet you in the lobby. Practice with other publishers beforehand not only what you will say but how and in what tone you will say it.

□ STREET WITNESSING

• ³² Street work in front of or in the immediate vicinity of the apartment building is effective if residents of the building use public transportation to go to and from work. Arrange to do your street witnessing during morning and afternoon hours when people generally go to work and return home. Of course, if the majority of people in the apartment building use their cars to go to work, street work outside the building may have limited, if any, effect.

□ TELEPHONE WITNESSING

• ³³ It may be possible to get names of residents from the directory in the lobby of an apartment building. Then the telephone directory can be consulted to determine their telephone numbers. Where this is not possible, there is usually a directory in the local library that lists the names of occupants of every home and apartment in the municipality. The names can be copied down and then telephone numbers determined from the telephone directory. Once names and telephone numbers are obtained, telephone territories may be organized under the direction of the service overseer.

• ³⁴ As in all forms of our witnessing activity, it is important to keep complete and accurate records. Before a telephone call is made, you already have the person’s name, address, and telephone number, so this can be recorded. Leave room for notations as to the householder’s interests and background, also

WITNESSING IN APARTMENT DWELLINGS

• • Knock gently but firmly

• • Keep voice at moderate level

• • Make friendly introduction, giving name

• • Get to spiritual point quickly

• • Make literature offer, but do not insist

• • Pave way for another d iscussion the matters discussed during the first and subsequent calls.

• ³⁵ Make calls only during reasonable hours. Do not let the phone ring incessantly. Just a few rings would appear to be sufficient, since in most apartments the person is not that far away from the telephone.

• ³⁶ Since the person at the other end of the telephone cannot see us, we need to personalize our call as much as possible. How? First, introduce yourself by your first and last name, not simply by your first name. It adds more dignity to our message if we use our complete name. Second, use the householder’s name frequently during the conversation. Third, make sure you sound pleasant and cheerful, though always dignified. Fourth, speak slowly and articulate clearly, more so than you would normally. Fifth, be brief and mention the Bible early in the conversation, perhaps in the first few sentences. If they think you are a salesman, clear it up right away with something like, “We are not on any membership drive nor are we soliciting funds, but our motive is love for God and neighbor.”

• ³⁷ Since you cannot see the householder’s face to read a reaction, try to learn to detect voice reaction so as to know where to direct your discussion.

• ³⁸ When approaching the conclusion of the conversation, it is good to have in mind a question for the householder to think about or something to say which could lead to returning a call or a personal visit. Most people tend to shy away from committing themselves to having a stranger visit them, so a conclusion similar to this seems to work very well: “It has been so pleasant to speak with you. You have some interesting views of life, and your sincere interest in the Bible is commendable. We visit some of the neighbors in your building, and perhaps on occasion we can stop by to see if you are home and get to meet you personally.”

• ³⁹ Depending on their response, we may offer literature and ask when a convenient time would be to call by with it. Or we could wait until we meet them face to face.

• ⁴⁰ When interest is located, it is better to meet the householder personally after the first or second phone call, rather than making repeated phone calls. This is done by using the buzzer at their apartment building and saying that we would like to introduce ourselves and say hello. The fewer words spoken on the intercom, the better.

• ⁴¹ Telephone witnessing can bring good results as this experience shows:

A man living in a controlled-access building responded to a pioneer's telephone call by saying: “This may sound funny, but I have just experienced some problems in my life and was wondering just before you phoned if there really is a God and if he cares at all about mankind." An appointment was made to visit him, and there were good prospects for a Bible study.

Meet the Challenge Successfully

• ⁴² Our commission is to “bear thorough witness to the good news,” seeking to reach all sorts of persons with the Kingdom message. Good results are being obtained in many places, highlighting the fact that many righteously disposed persons live in apartment dwellings. By our not shying away from apartment witnessing or just skimming the surface, we are both bearing thorough witness and helping ourselves be ‘free from the blood of all men.’—Acts 20: 24, 26.

• ⁴³ Therefore, since apartment territory is increasing, will you face the challenge optimistically and make the necessary adjustments to meet the need? By doing so, you will not fail to discharge your God-given commission to preach the good news and make disciples of people in your territory, including apartment dwellers.

WHAT TO DO WHEN . . .

superintendent asks you to leave .....

householder gets upset at your visit ...

householder refuses offer ...........

superintendent refuses access........

householder or superintendent

threatens to call police .........

A WISE PUBLISHER WILL . . .

briefly and kindly explain purpose of visit. If superintendent still insists that you leave, do so quietly, respecting his responsibility

remain calm, terminate visit, and move to another floor or leave building

not insist but leave on positive, friendly note enlist his help in contacting householders by other means or at other times

not make an issue but demonstrate that the person has nothing to fear from jehovah's Witnesses

Announcements

• Literature offer for November: New World Translation and Peace and Security or any other older 192-page book for a contribution of $4.50. December: Life —How Did It Get Here! By Evolution or by Creation! for a contribution of $2.50. Kingdom News No. 33 will also be distributed. It may be used to introduce the book offer, left where no one is at home, or given free of charge to any who wish to read it. January and February: Watchtower subscription for a contribution of $4.00. Where subscription is not obtained, two magazines and a copy of the brochure The Government That Will Bring Paradise will be offered for a contribution of 70c.

• Selective Service regulations require that all men register for the draft when reaching 18 years of age. All of those required to do so should take care of the matter promptly, viewing it as a Christian's obligation to the superior authorities. Elders will want to have this in mind when young brothers are nearing the age of 18 and give them appropriate reminders. Questions as to the young Christian’s responsibilities in this regard may be answered by the elders.

• The book "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial" is now available, for purchase only, in grade-two English Braille. It is in seven volumes, each bound in a durable vinyl cover, at $45.00 for the set. You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth is available in grade-one French Braille. It is available on loan or may be purchased for $5.00. To order these Braille publications, please send a separate order to the Society’s BRAILLE DESK, giving the name and address of the person who will use the publications. Include remittance for purchase. Do not include with congregation orders for printed literature.

As a reminder to those who have received Braille publications on a loan basis: If the publications sire no longer being used, we would appreciate having them returned to the Society's Braille Desk so that others may use them. For further information regarding matter for the blind, please see the Cost List, pages 14, 19, and 20.

• The large-print edition of The Watchtower is now available in Japanese. For directions on how to order, see Announcements in September Our Kingdom Ministry.

• New Publications Available:

Life—How Did It Get Here! By Evolution or by Creation! —Danish, Finnish, German

Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry

—Arabic

Sing Praises to Jehovah (Small size)

—Korean

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! —Welsh The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever     —Hungarian, Portuguese

The Government That Will Bring Paradise —Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Iloko, Portuguese

The Path of Divine Truth Leading to Liberation               —Urdu

• New Cassette Recordings Available: Judges, Ruth (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)

—Japanese

• ¹ “Do you wish that you personally could reason more effectively from the Scriptures? Are there questions that you encounter in your ministry and that you find difficult to handle effectively? Would you appreciate some help with these in order to assist honest-hearted ones in your area to recognize the truth?” If your answer was yes to these questions posed by the speaker at the “Integrity Keepers” Convention, we are sure that you were thrilled at the announcement that the Society has produced a new handbook for the field ministry, Reasoning From the Scriptures. Since its release, have you been making full use of this fine instrument to ‘reason, explain, and prove’ from the Scriptures what you teach?—Acts 17:2, 3.

WHEN TO USE REASONING BOOK

• ² When preparing for the house-to-house ministry, it is especially appropriate to consider some of the excellent introductions in the opening section. Can you use one of these or adapt one to fit your local circumstances? No doubt giving some thought to the suggestions will help you take a fresh approach. Also, while actually engaged in house-to-house work, you may realize that your introduction is not arousing interest. Between calls, why not refer to the Reasoning book for ideas? Or a number of householders may have stopped the conversation with the same reply. Referring to the section starting on page 15 may help you turn a seeminglyThSurmount-able wall into an open door for further discussion.

• ³ When making a return visit or

Album of Hebrew Scriptures—Volume 1, Genests to Ruth (set of 20 cassettes in album; congregation and public: $32.00; pioneers: $21.00)

—Japanese

• 1986 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses; Publishers and pioneers, please order your Yearbooks through your congregation. Congregations should begin collecting requests for these Yearbooks now. Then on November 1, 1985, or as soon as possible thereafter, send this order to the Society using the regular Literature Order form (S-14). The Yearbooks will be available in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish. Until the Yearbooks are available and shipments are made, these will appear as "Back Ordered” on congregation invoices. Congregations should order only the number of Yearbooks for which there are requests. Payment should not accompany the congregaconducting a Bible study, you may find that the person +ias difficulty understanding or appreciating a point. Efe may still have questions. The Reasoning book contains~hun-dreds of specific questions and many word illustrations that may assist you in reaching the heart of the inquirer. For example, note the illustration on page 429 showing why Jehovah has permitted wickedness.

¹ The Reasoning book can also help you explain what changes a Bible student may need to make in his life in order to please Jehovah. For example, a couple may be living together, though not legally married. Scriptural reasoning on this is provided on pages 248 and 249. Or a Bible student may have difficulty in stopping the use of tobacco or the use of drugs. Under the main heading “Drugs,” our new handbook reviews many facts about these harmful habits and points out strong Scriptural reasons why Christians avoid such.

⁵ In our spiritual warfare, the Reasoning book can help us wield “the sword of the spirit” in a powerful way to free captive ones from deeply entrenched Babylonish doctrines and reasonings. (Eph. 6:17; 2 Cor. 10:4, 5) But even the most powerful weapon is useless if fK soldier does not know how to use it orTIoes not carry it. Thus, as it was in the days of Moses, we soldiers of Christ must ‘equip ourselves before Jehovah for_the. war.’ (Num. 32: 20, 21; 2 Tim. 2:3) May all of us make full use of Reasoning From the Scriptures and thus be always equipped to defend and advance the

I good news.

tion order. The Yearbooks are controlled stock items and will be charged to the literature account at $1.00 each, which is the rate for publishers and the public. (See the Cost List, paragraphs 22-24.) Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1, 1985, may receive a free copy for which the congregation may request credit on the Remittance and Credit Request form (S-20). Pioneers may obtain additional copies at 50c each. (Note to secretary: Please have announcement made to the congregation when the Yearbooks are received so that all who ordered can obtain their copies.)

• Congregations may now begin ordering the publication True Peace and Security —How Can You Find It! for the special campaign in April and May of 1986, as announced at the “Integrity Keepers” Convention this past summer. Until this item is ready for shipment, it will appear as “Back Ordered” on congregation invoices.

With a Positive Attitude

• ¹ As bearers of the Kingdom good news, we need to develop and maintain a positive attitude toward our ministry. Why? Because this world, under Satan’s influence, is intent on making it difficult for us to do God’s will. That is why Paul encouraged Christians to have “the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (Rom. 15:5) Although faced with much opposition, he always maintained a positive attitude. He spoke with confidence, basing his expressions on the authority of God’s Word. (Matt. 7: 28, 29) He did not hesitate to seize every opportunity to share the Kingdom hope with others. He spiritually strengthened those around him, encouraging them to follow his steps closely. Can we display the same positive attitude toward our preaching work today?

• ² At times we may develop negative feelings about our assigned territory because it appears to be unfruitful. To hold back from preaching would show an uncaring attitude. Even though Jesus knew that very few would respond favorably to the good news, he still “felt pity” for those to whom he preached. As he boldly persisted in preaching, he instructed his disciples to petition the Father to send out more “workers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:36-38) Jesus’ outlook was always optimistic. He was determined to help those around him.

• ³ In more and more homes, both husband and wife work full time to maintain their preferred standard of living or simply to make ends meet. Often no one is at home when we call. A positive attitude may prompt us to consider making adjustments in our schedule to allow for better results. Have you considered scheduling some time for evening witnessing? Some have had excellent results by calling shortly after the evening meal when house

Schedule for congregation studies in the book United in Worship of the Only True God:

November 3: Pages 18, (5) to 22, par. 6

November 10: Pages 23, par. 7 to 26, (2)

November 17: Pages 26, (3) to 30, par. 4

November 24: Pages 31, par. 5 to 33, (4)

Numbers in parentheses refer to questions within the text. holders are usually relaxed and in a more receptive frame of mind.

BEING POSITIVE WITH OTHERS

¹ Much joy can be obtained by working with others in the ministry. This is especially true when our conversation reflects a positive attitude. Voicing negative feelings invariably causes discouragement. For example, in the time of ancient Israel, ten faithless spies gave “a bad report” that caused the hearts of the entire nation to melt in fearfulness. (Num. 13:32-14:3) In contrast, Solomon wrote: “A report that is good makes the bones fat.” (Prov. 15:30) Relating experiences that highlight good. things serves to strengthen others, motivating them toward continued zealous service.

• ⁵ Are we at times prone to minimize the extent of a person’s interest, even when we have had a good Scriptural conversation? Some may feel pessimistic about going back, thinking that the interest was not sufficient or genuine. Never forget that “the word of God is alive and exerts power.” (Heb. 4:12) Our brothers have related countless experiences in which sincere individuals have been profoundly impressed by some simple statement or by reading only one article in a magazine. With that possibility in view, we should be determined to follow up properly any interest we find.

• ⁶ Jesus maintained a positive attitude because he was totally convinced that he had the truth that could set men free. (John 8:32) He fully accomplished his ministry despite all obstacles, including the disbelief of others, apathy, and even persecution. The marvelous results he achieved, along with his assurance to be with us always, should give us the determination we need to press forward with a positive attitude, knowing that with Jehovah’s help we, too, can fully accomplish our ministry. —Matt. 28:20; 2 Tim. 4:5.

AUGUST SERVICE REPORT

	Pubs.	Av. Hrs.	Av. Mags.	Av. R.V.	Av. Bl.St.
Sp'l Pios.	198	124.9	87.7	49.7	5.4
Pios.	37,220	62.3	35.6	23.5	3.0
Aux. Pios.	34,567	60.0	32.5	16.0	1.4
Pubs.	651,235	9.9	7.4	3.6	0.4

TOTAL 723,220 Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,303

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Bahamas reported their district convention was attended by 1,668, and 25 were baptized. They had a peak of 725 publishers.

e The African land of Gabon saw an alltime peak of 498 publishers In May, a 14-percent increase. There was a new peak of 932 Bible studies, and the publishers averaged 14.6 hours in the field.

♦ Guatemala reports a 13-percent increase in publishers, with an all-time peak of 7,978 reporting In June. They also conducted a new peak of 8,802 Bible studies.

* New Caledonia had a peak of 705 publishers in June, a 19-percent Increase. Studies have increased by 40 percent to 963.

♦ Puerto Rico had their ninth peak for the service year with 20,183 reporting in June.

♦ The number of publishers reporting In Switzerland for June increased by 7 percent over last year’s average. They had a new peak of 13,013.

♦ Zaire reported a new peak of 34,941 total publishers for June. The 3,432 auxiliary pioneers there contributed well to the activity In the field.

Use New Creation Book and New Tract

During December

During the month of December, we will be offering the new book Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? In order to effect a wide distribution, many publishers may wish to make a rather direct presentation, using the attractive new tract Kingdom News No. 33 as a means of introducing the book.

After an appropriate greeting and introduction of yourself, show the new tract and call attention to a brief statement or an expression that you think will stimulate the person’s interest. Then offer the book for the contribution of $2.50. If the person does not accept the offer but would like to read the tract more carefully, you may leave it as a gift. Or it can be left where no one iS-gThome.

Less experienced publishers as well as the younger children should find it quite easy to offer the Creation book from house to house. This would also be a good time to invite qualified new ones to start out in field service, offering this beautiful new book. Be sure also to continue offering it informally on every appropriate occasion.

8