Meetings for Field Service

JANUARY 4-10

With current offer

• 1. Which book will you use?

• 2. What point will you feature?

JANUARY 11-17

When householders express themselves

• 1. Why should we listen?

• 2. How can we use their expressions?

JANUARY 18-24

Offering new tracts

• 1. Which one will you feature?

• 2. How can you arrange for a return visit?

JANUARY 25-31

In inclement weather, how can you

• 1. Still work from house-to-house?

• 2. Tactfully try to get invited in?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Religion That Has Real Value.

2 Tim. 3:1, 2, 5—A mere form of worship is not enough.

John 4:23—Religion that God approves.

• ¹ Psalm 126:6 speaks of sowing literal seed and says: “The one that without fail goes forth,... carrying along a bagful of seed, will without fail come in with a joyful cry, carrying along his sheaves.” At Ecclesiastes 11:6 the sower of seed is encouraged with the words: “In the morning sow your seed and until the evening do not let your hand rest; for you are not knowing where this will have success, either here or there, or whether both of them will alike be good.”

• ² When we share in the field ministry we, too, in effect carry a bagful of seed but of a spiritual kind. The effectiveness of our sowing spiritual seed is enhanced by literature that features the Kingdom good news. This literature discusses subjects of concern to many persons and shows how vital it is for them to learn about the Kingdom good news. Jehovah, through the faithful slave, has provided us with a fine supply of Bible literature to use in the work of sowing Kingdom seed during this time of the end.

AN ABUNDANT SUPPLY

• ³ In our field ministry during January, we will be featuring some of the older publications that have proved to be effective in helping people to grow spiritually, including Choosing, Commentary on James,

  Helping New Publishers

  
  

• ¹ Jehovah continues to bless his people by bringing in “the desirable things of all the nations.” (Hag. 2:7) Thus, many new ones are joining with us in true worship. Last service year saw an increase of over 45,000 new publishers in the United States. While we rejoice to see this increase, it is now our desire to help these become more effective “fishers of men” as they share with us in publishing the good news.—Mark 1:17.

• ² When can a Bible student be invited to join us in the field service? Before identifying himself publicly with Jehovah’s Witnesses, he must first meet the Scriptural and organizational requirements stated in the Our Ministry book on pages 98 and 99. The questions provided there will help you to determine whether the Bible student meets these requirements. If he qualifies, he may be invited to share in the public preaching work and report his field activity to the congregation.

• ³ New publishers may have zeal and “Eternal Purpose,” Evolution (old edition), Good News, Holy Spirit, Peace and Security (old edition), This Life, Truth, and World Government. You may offer any two of these publications for $1.00. Some may find it beneficial to offer four or more of these publications to those they meet in their ministry.

PREPARATION ESSENTIAL

• ⁴ Take a few minutes to review the contents of the older publications that are available to you for field service. You will find that This Life discusses such subjects as “Can You Talk with the Dead?” “How Did Old Age and Death Come About?” and “Why Many Now Living Have Opportunity Never to Die.”

• ⁵ Some may appreciate having a verse-by-verse commentary on the book of James, and this is available in the Commentary on James. In offering the Choosing book, you may find it effective to read the statement from the publishers on page 2: “Many sincere persons would like to find a way of life that brings peace and contentment now and assures the enjoyment of a secure future. This book has been published in the hope that it will aid honest-hearted ones to identify the truly superior (Continued on page 2, col. 3) enthusiasm but lack experience. Perhaps you can help them to begin having a part in the house-to-house work by offering a tract or the magazines, or you may ask them to read a scripture. Commend them for their effort and eagerness to share. Remind them of the apostle Paul’s encouragement for all to “press on to maturity.” (Heb. 6:1) Help them to do this.

MAKING PROGRESS

⁴ Just as children learn to walk by taking one step at a time, new publishers can be helped to make progress step-by-step. If you are training a new publisher, could you progressively help him to give the introduction at the door, to use the Topic for Conversation, and to present the regular literature offer? Is he ready now to begin referring to the Reasoning book, using questions to draw the householder into the conversation or to lay the basis for an effective return visit and eventual Bible study?

(Continued on page 2, col. 1)

1988 "Divine Justice" District Convention

• ¹ Although the term “justice” has legal associations, basically justice is closely linked to righteousness. The Supreme Judge and Statute-Giver, Jehovah God, “is a lover of righteousness and justice.” (Ps. 33:5) This guarantees that he will never abandon his loyal ones but will impartially accept all those fearing him and practicing righteousness and bestow his blessing on them. Since Jehovah’s wisdom is far superior to that of imperfect humans, man must humble himself to learn “the path of justice.” (Isa. 40:14) He must learn to conform his thinking to the standard of justice that Jehovah, the Creator, has revealed in his Word. Jehovah has always rightly required that those seeking his approval acquaint themselves with his standard of justice and follow it.

'—^Since justice is a divine quality, loyal Witnesses will want always to exercise it in balance with other Christian virtues, even as Micah j6; 8 admonishes ^“[Jehovah] has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to he modest in walking with your God?”J (See also Psalm 106:3.) Would you like to learn more about Jehovah’s standard of justice and how we all may conform to it so as to receive his smile of approval? To help us do this, arrangements have been made for many four-day “Divine Justice” District Conventions in the United States branch territory. Undoubtedly your efforts to attend and be instructed in divine justice will be richly rewarded.

ROOMING ARRANGEMENTS

• ³ During the announcement period of the Service Meeting for the week of January 3, the letter from the Society dated December 15,1987^-will be read, informing each congregation of the convention it is assigned to attend. Following this Service Meeting, the elders will post on the congregation’s information board the Recommended Lodging Locations list that has been received from the District Convention Committee. This list gives all the motels presently cooperating with the Society’s rooming arrangement. By cooperating with these arrangements, the congregations will help the convention organization in its efforts to provide sufficient seats, food, literature, and rooming accommodations for everyone. 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 1:20 p.m. on Thursday.

• ⁴ WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: As soon as your congregation posts the Recommended Lodging Locations list containing the addresses of the motels, their agreed-upon rates, and the phone numbers, you should IMMEDIATELY phone the motel of your choice, identify yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses! and as a delegate attending the Watchtower Convention, and make reservations. Doing so will qualify you for the rates listed, which in most cases have been greatly reduced since the convention has negotiated for a large number of rooms. One night’s DEPOSIT will be

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, JANUARY 1988

required at all locations in order to hold the room and should be sent directly to the motel AS SOON AS you make your reservations. Do not make reservations ^at more than one motel or at motels that

you do not intend to use. (Matt. 5:37) MOTELS ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO HOLD THE ROOMS OREXTEND THE SPECIAL RATES BEYOND THE CUTOFF DATE WITHOUT A DEPOSIT. If you must cancel your reservations, you should notify the motel directly, doing so as far in advance as possible. This makes the room available for other delegates. If the motel you call first is filled, calfyour next selection from the list, and so on. The convention Rooming Department will continue to provide the congregations with revised lists as long as necessary, deleting motels that have been filled and including additional motels until everyone has a room. Thus, if all the motels on a list are filled, please wait patiently for the next list, and you will be able to obtain a room.

• 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 motel listing. Those needing accommodations of this type should follow 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 the individual circumstances can lovingly extend help. This often involves publishers taking those in full-time service, the elderly, the infirm, the deaf, or perhaps others with them in their own group. Also, they may care for such ones in other ways. (Jas. 2:15-17; 1 John 3: 17,18) Of course, the convention Rooming Department will endeavor to provide rooming accommodations for publishers with special needs who are unable to care for themselves or who cannot be assisted by those from 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 fill out this form. It is to be returned to the convention coordinator and checked for completeness, accuracy, and verification of the circumstances that would qualify them for special needs consideration. This should be done well ahead of the convention. The convention coordinator 'then forwards the form to the convention Rooming Department and the individual will be notified directly about the accommodations. Those with special needs should NOT go to the convention and request a room when they arrive, because the convention Rooming Department needs the verification of the congregation’s convention coordinator.

• ⁷ Private home accommodations 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 intend-' ed for those who can afford motel rooms but 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 caiv visit vacation spots or do other things before or after the convention. These

rooms are for the convention period only. Those receiving such accommodations should see that they and their chil-vdren act respectfully toward the home of their host and do not damage anything or rummage through the possessions or private areas of the home.

• ⁸ DELEGATES ATTENDING FROM OUTSIDE THE ASSIGNED AREA: 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 convention other than the one assigned and need accommodations, please see vour congregation’s convention coordinator for the address of the convention headquarters where you desire to attend. These addresses are listed on the back of the Special Needs Room Request form. Then to that convention headquarters and request a copy of the motel listing for that location, sending along a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Upon receipt of this list, use it to make your reservation.

• ⁹ YOUR COOPERATION NEEDED: The smoothness and success with which this rooming arrangement functions dev¹

ceived, it is necessary to list the following requests:              ^,7-^ _b

• 1) Do not make reservations before the congregations receive the Rec-pjrP' ommended Lodging Locations list from the convention try to make reservations for the next year while attending the current convention.

• 2) Do not make reservations with motels not on thp listZoH accept higher price for a listea" motel than what is quoted on the list.

• 3) Do not make reservations aV^ more than one motel, and after arriv-^w? ing, check each one and then take%A> the best one, canceling the others, w'?'

• 4) Do not reserve rooms for others without giving names and sending the deposits for each room immediately.

• 5) Do not put more people in the room than the law and the management allow.

• 6) Do not check in before 1:00 p.m. or so, which generally is motel policy. (You may check in after the program that day since your deposit guarantees your room.)

• 7) Do not cook or bgat food in the room unless it has'aKitchenette for that purpose.

.   8) Do not get fond nn floor,

beds, or towels.

• 9) Do not allow children in hallways, elevators, or swimming pools id without, proper supervision.

  arrangement. Thus, we are asking everyone to cooperate with the Society’s rooming arrangement so as to avoid major difficulties in our negotiations Because a number of complaints have been re-

  
  

pends on the cooperation of everyone ¹⁰ ^uch abuses are selfish and unloy-involved. (Compare Genesis 6:220 Un- ing- They not only make it difficult to less everyone cooperates by using ONLY negotiate for good rates at the motels the motels on the list, the Society may also bring reproach on Jehovah’s have to discontinue the present rooming' name^hji organization. The convention organization is working hard to save our brothers as much expense as possible, so it is in the best interests of all for everyone to cooperate fully with the Society’s rooming arrangement. The listing

⁵ k fa.

is broad enough tn give a choice of good-quality aeenmmndatinns and yet give preference to the motels that cooperate. Our aim with this 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.

SIMPLIFIED FOOD SERVICE AT THE 1988 CONVENTIONS

• ¹¹ As you know, the Society further simplified the food service arrangement at the district conventions last summer by eliminating hot foods₍tgnd^> serving only cold food items along with hot and cold beverages. A similar food service arrangement is planned for 1988. This greatly eased the work load and allowed more attention to be given to the spiritual aspects of the convention, with the

  workers being able to enjoy more of the __{ary 3 and post on the} information board program. (Ex. 12:16b; Deut. 31:12; ^a^ythe Recommended Lodging Locations pp. 375, 574; compare Luke 10:38-42y _list. _(N0 ONE, INCLUDING THE EL-^The adjusted menu was well received by DERS, SHOULD MAKE ANY MOTEL' • those in attendance and although some- RESERVATIONS BEFORE THIS SER-^hat limited, it provided sufficient suste- VICE MEETING.) Please read the askance for the morning andnooniDerio^^signment letter again at your next meet-(Compare MatthewUf4UL4-20J For eyg- j_ng and then post it on the information

  
  

ning meals everyone was free to make his own arrangements.             **

• ¹² The Society appreciates very much have been giving to the food service ar-rangements at the district conventions over the years. This has made it possible to rent gooey buildings (gnp care for the convention expenses. It has also enabled you to remain at the convention site dur-ing the short noon break and to be present, on time and refreshed, for the more " important spiritual program-

SIGN LANGUAGE SESSIONS

• ¹³ As you will note in the February 15, 1988, Watchtower, 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 should let the d^a?.f in their eon gregations know of the arrangements and help them to attend where the sign language provision is made by the Soci-

[NOTE TO THE BODY OF ELDERS: Please read the Society’s convention assignment letter for your congregation, dated December 15, 1987, at your Service Meeting during the week of Janu-board. In this way all the congregations will receive the information the same week.

The elder serving as the convention coordinator should conduct the first of the Service Meeting parts that cover this insert, as well as handle other convention-related material and announcements on future meetings. All elders will want to cooperate fully to ensure the prompt, enthusiastic, and effective handling of convention-related material.]

Announcements

• Literature offer for January and February: Any two of the older pocket-size books the congregation has in stock for a contribution of $1.00. May include Choosing, Commentary on James, “Eternal Purpose,” Evolution (old edition), Good News, Holy Spirit, Peace and Security (old edition), This Life, Truth, and World Government. (Congregations may request credit for books obtained by publishers and pioneers for the January and February offer. During this camp«Cgn| only, the rate for regular and special bia-l neers for the pocket-size books is 304. For congregation publishers and auxiliary pioneers, the rate is 50c each.) March: Life—How Did It Get Heref By Evolution or by Creation! for a contribution of $2.50. Small-size books are $1.25. April: Watchtower subscription.

• Starting in February the new public talk for circuit overseers will be “Persevering in Fine Works Brings Rewards."

• The special public talk for the 1988 Memorial season will be given worldwide on Sunday, April 10,1988. The subject of this talk will be “Why Live by Bible Standards?” An outline will be provided soon. Those congregations having the visit of the circuit overseer, a circuit assembly, or a Sunday special assembly day scheduled that week will have the special talk the following week. No congregation should have the special talk before April 10.

• Selective Service regulations require, that all men register when reaching 18¹ 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.

• As announced at the “Trust in Jehovah" District Convention last summer, 16 new public talk outlines have been prepared. As soon as these are received, they should be assigned to qualified speakers and scheduled to be given in the congregations.

• New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—1987 Edition (Deluxe; DLbim with marginal references); available in black or maroon

—French My Book of Bible Stories —Ukrainian Watch Tower Publications Index

1981-1985    —French, Portuguese

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth                 —Persian

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

—Haitian Creole Tract No. 13 —Hungarian, Romanian Tract No. 14     —Chinese, Croatian,

Dutch, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish New Cassette Recordings Available: Jeremiah, Lamentations (set of four; congregation and public: $6.00; pioneers: $5.00)           —English

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Solomon (set of two; congregation

and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)

—French

Jehovah Delivers Those Calling Upon His Name—Drama (single cassette; congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)            —French

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

January 3: Pages 91 to 94

January 10: Pages 95 to 98, par. 8

January 17: Pages 98, par. 9 to 102

January 24: Pages 103 to 105, par. 5

January 31: Pages 106, par. 6 to 110

that have been asked about Jehovah’s Witnesses. ?         ___

• ⁶ There is a need far’individuaTancp family study in order to be both spiritually strong and wen equipped for the field service. How are you doing in this?\Do you prepare for congregation meetings? Do you prepare for the field ministry in an effort to be as effective as possible? Are you reading your copy of Reasoning From the Scriptures! Have you been using it in the field service?

• ⁷ Use the Watch Tower Publica- <• tian's tncev          to flnd answers •

to your own questions andthoso presented to you by persons you meet in the field service. EJders will find the ⁴ Index to be a most valuable tool to ‘ use in locating information that is encouraging and appropriate for those who come to them seeking spiritual assistance.

/ ⁸ Second Timothy 2:15 counsels: “Do yoim utmost to present yourself ‘approwc^toGod, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright,’* Tb~do this we all need to studying¹ apply what we learn. _A

Do Not Let Your Hand Rest

• ¹ The 1988 Yearbook report gives us reason to rejoice greatly as we reflect on the spiritual prosperity of Jehovah’s people everywhere. At the same time it shows that there is still “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.” —1 Cor. 15:58.

• ² In this country alone, a total of 1,778,066 attended the Memorial on April 12, 1987, and 13,562 were baptized at the “Trust in Jehovah" District Conventions. Since this fruitage was brought about in part by a diligent, systematic coverage of territory, should we not continue giving our territory thorough coverage during the 1988 service year? Our labors will not be in vain.

INCREASED EFFORTS TO COVER SELDOM-WORKED TERRITORY

• ³ If your congregation has seldom-worked territory, you may request one of these as a personal territory assignment. Your requesting such may allow the congregation to cover areas that are not often worked.

• ⁴ Additionally, in such congregations elders can make appropriate group arrangements to cover the seldom-worked territory. It may be that publishers could take along a lunch and spend a whole day working (Continued on page 8, col. 2)

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS ________________________________________________________________/

  
  

To Everyone

• ¹ As Jesus Christ preached he showed intense interest In reaching as many people as possible. (Mark 6:34; John 4:7, 40, 41) We too must try to reach as many people as we can. Lives are at stake—theirs and ours. (1 Tim. 4:16) We want to help others to come to know Jehovah so that they too can call on his name to be saved.—Acts 2:21.

• ² A common problem many of us face, whether working in urban or rural territory, is locating those who are not at home when we first call. Have you tried to call later the same day? Many have had good success in doing so. Or try calling on a different day. Those persistently not at home might be reached by means of a letter. In working urban territory, take the initiative to speak with those you see in the hallways and lobbies of apartment houses or on the sidewalk. If your conversation must be brief, you may find it beneficial to present at least one of the four new tracts: Why You Can Trust the Bible, What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe?, Life in a Peaceful New World, and What Hope for Dead Loved Ones?

STREET AND STORE-TO-STORE WORK

• ³ Sharing in street work may help you to reach individuals ordinarily not at home when we call. When approaching people, it is beneficial to be friendly and direct as you endeavor to start a conversation. Posing a brief, pointed question may help you to arouse interest. You will likely find it easiest to approach those who are not moving along hurriedly. Some have had success in walking a few steps with a person as they briefly present the magazines. If the street is crowded, some have found it practical to speak to those on the fringes of the crowd. Store-to-store work may help you to reach proprietors and employees who are often missed when we call at their homes. Thoughtfully try to call at a

OCTOBER SERVICE REPORT

Av.     Av.    Av.

Pubs.   Hrs.   Mag's.  R.V. Bl.St.

Sp'IPios. 258 128.8 100.8 53.8 5.6

Pios.      59,330  85.1  46.0 28.2

Aux. Pios. 44,318  59.8  34.2 16.4

Pubs. 652,304   9.8   7.2 3.7 0.4

TOTAL 756,210

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,096 time when there are few customers in the store.—km 5/85 p. 8.

• ⁴ When in street work and store-to-store work, do not feel that you are limited to presenting magazines. Books and brochures can also be offered. One successful publisher begins the conversation by asking, “Have you seen our latest book?” Another simply says, “I have something that I would like to show you.”

• ⁵ How can interest found in street and store-to-store work be further cultivated? Many have had success in asking interested ones for their address so that they can speak to them further at a more convenient time. If you find that they do not live in your territory, the call can be referred to the appropriate congregation. The presiding overseer in your congregation will be happy to assist you in this regard.

'^{1 2 3 4 5 6 7} It is Jehovah’s will that all be given an opportunity to hear the truth. “Let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” (Rev. 22:17} When we make a sincere effort to contact all persons, we show that we love others as Jehovah does.—John 3:16.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ On Saturday, October 3, 1987, the annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania was held at the Jersey City Assembly Hall with 4,390 in attendance. Reports were heard concerning the work in Alaska, Canada, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, and the United States. All were enthused by the positive information presented relative to Kingdom increase.

• ♦ Barbados reported that 3,361 attended their convention and 50 were baptized. Attendance was more than double their peak of 1,598 publishers. The convention in St. Lucia was attended by 803, also over double their peak of 340 publishers.

• ♦ Britain reached a new peak of 109,624 publishers in August, an 8-percent increase over last year’s average.

• ♦ Dominican Republic had a new peak of 10,403 publishers in August and their eighth consecutive peak in regular pioneers.

• ♦ Two district conventions held in Haiti were attended by 10,131 and 215 were baptized. Their peak of publishers was 4,894.

• ♦ India reported new peaks of 8,077 publishers and 5,594 Bible studies for August.

• ♦ Mexico reached their 46th consecutive publisher peak with 222,168 publishers reporting in August. Their Memorial attendance was outstanding with 957,081 present.

• ♦ During August the Philippines reached an all-time peak of 14,445 regular pioneers. This was an increase of 33 percent for the service year.

• ♦ Puerto Rico reported a new peak of 22,468 publishers in August. Their six district conventions were attended by 43,077 and 362 were baptized.

8

¹

Hand Rest                 (Cont’d)

distant portions of the congregation’s territory. Why not make it a goal to cover as many of these territories as possible this year?

²

If your congregation regularly covers all its territory, on a temporary basis you may have the opportunity to assist congregations in other areas in the coverage of their territory. During the past service year 120 groups of publishers did so, resulting in many promising return visits and Bible studies. The presiding overseer of one congregation receiving such help stated that 14 publishers “did in ten days what the congregation would do in one month.” Can you assist in such a way this year?

³

There are also those who could request to work one or more of the approximately 240 unassigned territories in the United States. While many served in this way last year, not all these territories were worked. Consequently, we invite you to apply for an assignment this year and increase your share in ‘declaring abroad the kingdom of God.’—Luke 9:60.

⁴

Finally, there are those who plan to serve where the need is greater. If that is your desire, we encourage you to discuss the matter with the elders in your congregation. You will also want to review what was written on

⁵

page 7 of the January 1985 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry.

SHARE IN SOWING KINGDOM SEED

⁶

Any who would like to assist a congregation in the coverage of its territory or work unassigned territory should review the Society’s letter dated January 1, 1988, on this subject. Please keep in mind that, if at all possible, you should be willing to work territory at least 1,200 miles inland from either the east coast or the west coast of the United States.

⁷

We have every reason to put our hand to the plow of increased activity and look to the things ahead. (Luke 9:62) Remember, we do not know from where further increase will come. (Eccl. 11:6) Therefore, like Philip, let us place ourselves as willing instruments in the hands of Jehovah and his organization, prepared to sow Kingdom seed wherever it is necessary before the end comes.—Acts 8:26, 27; Matt. 28:20.