Meetings for Field Service

FEBRUARY 5-11

Using the "Family Life" Book 1. Discuss points from Presenting the Good News (pars. 1-4) on how you might offer the "Family Life" book.

• 2. Have someone in the group demonstrate use of the current Topic for Conversation.

• 3. What additional ways have you found helpful to get people into a discussion of points in the book?

FEBRUARY 12-18 Working with One's Own Family 1. When offering "Family Life" book, why could it be beneficial to work with your marriage mate?

• 2. How can parents involve their children so that they enjoy working in the field service?

• 3. How can children profit from working with their parents?

FEBRUARY 19-25 Laying Groundwork for Return Visit

• 1. How can you lay the groundwork for a return visit on your first call?

• 2. What are some questions you might bring up for consideration on a return visit?

• 3. How do you determine which subject to select for a particular householder?

FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 4 Effective Use of House-to-House Record 1. What notations might you (Continued on page 8, col. 1)

• ¹ For centuries Christians have prayed, “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matt. 6:9, 10) We eagerly look forward to the many blessed changes God’s kingdom will bring following the “great tribulation.”

• ² But even now, since the installing of Jesus as God’s heavenly King in 1914, millions of persons have made changes in their lives to conform with the Kingdom’s direction. As more people take their stand for God’s kingdom by conforming their lives to its laws, God’s will is being accomplished more and more on earth. Happily, the time will soon come when all the opposers of that kingdom are vanquished.

• ³ Does your family indicate by its actions and way of life that it recognizes the headship of Christ, our heavenly King? If so, how can one tell? Families may vary considerably in many respects; individual preferences may differ. But if God’s Kingdom rule really does affect your family, there is one common denominator. You will be making every effort to follow the lead that Jesus gave, his way of life, his teachings, his service to Jehovah.

IN YOUR FAMILY LIFE

• ⁴ Since Christ’s rule is one of peace, should not peace be reflected in our families? Surely bickering,

  Do You Prepare as a Family?

  
  

• ¹ What are the benefits of a family’s reading the Bible together, or preparing together for meetings and for field service? As one young brother from Delaware put it: “We learned self-discipline, to sit still, and to study for a period of time. More important, we learned the value of personal study. We kept up with the weekly meetings, getting more out of the information than we ever would have on our own.”

• ² This young man later went into full-time service. His zeal and devotion in the field service, as well as that of many other young people like him, reflect favorably upon the parents for their efforts to prepare their children for a life of service to God.

FINDING THE TIME

• ³ What comes to your mind as a parent when family preparation is mentioned? Do you think: “As faultfinding and displays of temper should be rare, if they exist at all. (Eph. 4:26, 31, 32) Husbands, do the ways that you deal with your wives give evidence that you are subjects of the King, who is “mild-tempered and lowly in heart”? (Matt. 11:28-30) You wives, are your actions toward your husbands and your children an evidence of submission to Christ, who is your husbands’ head? (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:22, 23) You children, do you honor your parents in a way that shows that you are imitating Christ, who always does the will of his Father? (John 8:29) The answers to these questions indicate the extent to which your family is responding to Kingdom rule.

• ⁵ It takes time and effort to break away from worldly attitudes and patterns of speech. If even one member of the family makes the effort, there will be a blessing. When the husband sets a fine example, this encourages the wife to respond. And a submissive attitude on the part of the wife may encourage the husband to imitate the example of Christ, the one who is his head. Even the good example of children has helped parents to become subjects of God’s kingdom.

• ⁶ But how can .this be achieved? Spirituality on the part of family members is needed in order to make such changes. How is the (Continued on page 8, col. 3) valuable as it is, when will I find time for it?” Have you tried to make some time for it? How persistent have your efforts been? Each person’s situation is different. But it would be helpful to see what some are doing.

⁴ One family in New York takes advantage of the evening meal together to discuss spiritual matters. In different evenings, they discuss the day’s text together and- talk about points from the weekly Bible reading. At times they prepare for the service meeting or Theocratic School while at the supper table. In addition, they regularly schedule part of an evening each week for a systematic study of The Watchtower or some other publication. Of course, something has to go, so they limit their TV viewing. The mother, having more time with their son, works with him to pre-

(Continued on page 7, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 28

15 min: Song 13. General announcements. Discussion of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century brochure, pages 23, 24, on the “Practical Value of the ‘Good News’ to Your Community.” Invite well-qualified young readers, brothers or sisters, to read paragraphs. Then ask questions for audience to answer. Emphasize that Christianity is practical and that, when witnessing, we can use this material to help others to appreciate the “good news.”

25 min: “How Does God’s Kingdom Affect Your Family?" Base Introductory comments on paragraphs 1-3. Then cover remaining paragraphs thoroughly; be sure to read scriptures and get comments as to what they should mean in our lives. When discussing paragraph 7, get comments from local publishers as to what they are doing to help other members of their own family in the field service. Emphasize that all who are truly disciples of Jesus Christ need to be conscientious about responding to the rule of God’s kingdom. Please make full use of what is printed in the article in Our Kingdom Service.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News —To Families.” After Introductory comments on paragraph 1, ask audience questions on paragraphs 2 and 3. Demonstrate presentation found in paragraph 4, but interrupt it at appropriate points and invite audience to comment on It, telling what they felt was effective, as well as suggestions for perhaps making the presentation more effective by fitting it to the specific householder. Cover remainder of article with questions. Stress that our objective in using the new book is to make disciples—if possible, involving entire families in Bible discussions.

5 min: Service arrangements should be made clear to all. Conclude with song 119 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 4

12 min: Song 16. General announcements, including brief accounts report. Cover Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century brochure, pages 25 and 26, “Their Worldwide Organization and Work.” Handled by talk, but involving audience by asking them questions. Tie in 1979 Yearbook, citing how many were baptized and how many Bible studies were conducted, and what the local congregation did to contribute to these figures.

18 min: Continue in brochure, pages 26-31, "Questions Often Asked About Them.” Have various family groups assigned In advance to consider selected questions that would be most appropriate for congregation’s territory. Discuss how these might be answered in the field service, or when interested persons ask questions. Emphasize that being equipped to answer questions is Important to disciple-making.

23 min: “Do You Prepare as a Family?" Elder discusses with family the value of reading the Bible together as a family, as well as preparing together for meetings and field service. Actually discuss the suggestions in the article. Have parent demonstrate how he could teach his child a simple presentation for the Family Life book; emphasize to the child that he should be interested in disciple-making, so he should take one of his parents or another publisher back to aid any who show interest. In connection with paragraph 10, have a youth In the audience raise his hand and ask, How can I have a family study when my parents are not In the truth? Discuss how he can be helped.

7 min: Mention the need of applying suggestions In the future to assist all In bearing much fruit and proving ourselves Christ's disciples in harmony with yeartext. Invite audience to read and study over Revelation 2 and 3 before next week’s meeting. Service announcements. Song 60 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 11

8 min: Song 3 and general announcements.

20 min: To Whom Shall We Go as Families? Present as talk and involve audience with questions outlined below; discuss scriptures as time permits.

Constant pressure is on families to turn them from serving Jehovah. Each family member's loyalty is being severely tested. Must have confidence in the direction and lead Jehovah provides through Christ. Discuss John 14:6. No S resent or future hope apart from od’s provision through Jesus.—Acts 4:12.

Early Christians faced similar tests of loyalty. When Jesus presented a difficult Scriptural truth, some turned away, but not Peter. (John 6:67-69) Do we have the same spirit? Why is it important for family members to feel like Peter?

What would we gain by turning away? Association with a loveless world, perhaps a few sensual thrills, a return to mind-darkening doctrines, a short aimless life filled with problems, a void to be filled by the demons. —2 Pet. 2:19-22; compare Luke 11: 24-26.

What do we have and keep by remaining under the headship of Christ? The benefits of Christ’s ransom, the Bible as a guide to our lives, a solid hope of a paradise earth, hope of resurrection of the dead, privilege of bearing the name of Jehovah, clear vision of the clear-cut difference between Jehovah’s organization and Satan’s, opportunities to share good news with others, a life of purpose and real hope.—John 14:19; 1 Pet. 3:18; Matt. 6:10; Isa. 43:10, 11; John 15:19.

To remain under Christ’s leadership, we need strong faith. How can each family member build faith to benefit ail in the family? (Rom. 10:17) Disciplemaking under the command of Jesus draws us together and strengthens our faith, as we help others the way we have been helped. (Matt. 28:19, 20) What else is required of our families in order to have Jehovah’s approval? —John 15:4, 10. (Stress unity and obedience.)

As families we want to stick close to Jehovah under the headship of Christ and those appointed to look after the flock. Show by daily conduct that we have the same appreciation expressed by Peter.—John 6:67-69.

25 min: “Hear What the Spirit Says to the Congregations:” To be handled by elder with fine teaching qualifications.

Brief introductory comments: Last month we discussed Inspired messages to congregations of Ephesus, Smyrna and Pergamum, and their application to congregations today. Emphasize how the messages to the congregations of Thyatlra, Sardis, Philadelphia and La-odicea are beneficial to congregations today, and als® to many families that make up these congregations.

(Invite all to open Bibles to Revelation chapter 2. Audience participation.) Who is the one with “eyes like a fiery flame” that is inspecting the congregations and their overseers? What was commendable about the Thyatlra congregation? (Rev. 2:18, 19) What kind of woman was Jezebel? What things did she teach? What was her attitude? What will happen in our day to those unrepentantly following a similar course? Can Jesus as head of the congregation today know of wrongdoing not apparent to others? (vss. 20-23) What are the “deep things of Satan”? How can we as individuals and families avoid getting to know these “deep things"? (vs. 24; “Finished Mystery’’ book, p. 148) What encouragement is given for us today, in verse 25? In what activity will faithful anointed ones share? What does their receiving “the morning star” mean? (vss. 26-28; fm, pp. 149-153)

Are we like the congregation In Sardis? How could people today appear to be alive but be dead? (3:1, 2) Of what do both congregations and families need to be mindful? Why? (vs. 3) Since the “outer garments” indicate one’s appearance as a Christian, what is required of us as Christians if we want the reward of everlasting life? (vss. 4-6)

Are we like the congregation in Philadelphia? Are we responding to the open door of Christian activity? How can we do so as families? (vs. 8) How has the "synagogue of Satan” done obeisance before the feet of the anointed? (vs. 9; fm, pp. 172-174) What rewards are promised the faithful anointed ones in Philadelphia? What does this indicate regarding faithful ones today? (vss. 10-13)

What was the problem with the congregation in Laodicea? What is the significance of being lukewarm? In what way could this happen to us today? (vss. 14-16) In what sense were the Laodlceans “miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked ? How could families be in that same state today? What remedy is prescribed for recovery? How can Christians make use of that remedy today? (vss. 17, 18) How are we encouraged to respond to Christ's discipline? (vs. 19)

Conclusion: Must be ever conscious that we are under inspection as congregations and families. Salvation does not come merely from claiming to be Jehovah’s Witnesses. Let us each pay attention to what the spirit says to the congregations.

7 min: Field service announcements and encouragement to apply year’s text in our lives. Song 33 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 18

5 min: Song 48 and general announcements.

30 min: What Are We Doing with What We Are Learning?

Work needs to be done on this part WELL IN ADVANCE. Many fine field points and points to help us in our everyday lives are covered in our service meeting, the, Theocratic School and the congregation book study each week. Are we using what we are learning? On this part, use 10 minutes for each of these meetings. Early In the month, assign one or two book study groups to cover each of the three meetings, picking different groups than were used the previous month, if possible. Ask them to be alert to use points gleaned from material discussed at these meet-(Continued on page 7, col. I)

Published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 117 Adams St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201 Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y. Printed in U.S.A.

2

ARE YOU PLANNING TO ATTEND THE "LIVING HOPE" DISTRICT ASSEMBLY THIS SUMMER?

A 11 of us have vivid memories of the “Victorious Faith” conventions of last summer. Are you ready now to attend one of the “Living Hope” assemblies in the summer of 1979? When you receive the February 1, 1979, Watchtower (English) you will notice on page 31 that over 90 “Living Hope” District Assemblies are being scheduled in the continental United States for the coming year. In order to assist you in making arrangements to attend, you will find listed below in date order each assembly city and the circuits recommended to attend each.

There are a number of cities where two or three assemblies are being held in succession and so we are recommending that the brothers in the circuits listed in the chart below attend during the particular week indicated, to the extent possible, to ensure adequate seating for everyone.

1979 U.S. DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES

JUNE 14-17:

Des Moines, Iowa: Iowa 1, ^2-A, 2-B, 3, 4; Mo. 3*.

Hampton, Va.: N.C. 1-A, y₂6-A, 6-B; Va. 1.

Jacksonville, Fla.: Fla. 3, 1/4,5, V2II, 12; Ga. %7.

Knoxville, Tenn.: Ga. %4; Ky. i/₃4; Tenn. 1, i/₂4, 5; W. Va. 1/4,1.

Lansing, Mich, (tentative): Mich. 6-A, 11B, 13.

Pontiac, Mich, (tentative): Ind. 7-B*; Mich. 1, 2, 5, 6-B*, 8, 10, 11-A, 12; Ohio 5*.

Savannah, Ga.: Ga. %3,1/^1; S.C. y,l, %3.

Tucson, Ariz.: Ariz. 2-A, 4; N.M. 1*.

Wichita, Kans.: Kans. 1*, 2, 3, 4; Mo. 6*.

JUNE 21-24:

Amarillo, Tex.: N.M. 2-A, 3; Tex. 9, 10-A, 1/2IO-B, i/₂14.

Billings, Mont.: Ida. 1-C*; Mont. 1-B*, 2;

N.D. 2/₃i _; s.D. 1/3I; Utah 2*; Wyo. 1-A.

Dallas, Tex.: Okla. 1/4,4; Tex. 5*, 13, y₂14.

Denver, Colo.: Colo. 1, 3, 7; N.M. 2-B; Wyo. 1-B.

Greenville, S.C.: N.C. 3, 4; S.C. 1/4,3.

Hampton, Va.: Va. 3, 6*.

Landover, Md.: D.C. 1; Md. 1, 3; N.J. 7-C;

Pa. 9, i/₂10-A.

Lansing, Mich, (tentative): Mich. 3, 9.

Macon, Ga.: Ala. i/>6; Ga. 1/4,3, 5, 6, i/₃7.

OUR KINGDOM SERVICE, FEBRUARY 1979

Philadelphia, Pa.: N.J. 3, 4-A, 6, 7-B; Pa. 1, 2-A, 3*, 4, 5-A, 6, 11, 13.

Phoenix, Ariz.: Ariz. 1, 2-B, 3, 5-B; Utah

Portland, Me.: Me. 1,2; N.H. 1*; Vt. 1/₂1-A.

Providence, R.I.: Mass. 1-A, 4; R.I. 1.

St. Petersburg, Fla.: Fla. ^2 (St. Petersburg congregations), %9.

JUNE 28-JULY 1:

Dallas, Tex.: Tex. %3, 6, 12-A, 15.

Denver, Colo.: Colo. 2, 4, 5, 6; "Utah %1.

Greensboro, N.C.: N.C. 1-B, 2*, 5, i/₂6-A, 7; S.C. 1/₂1; Va. 2-B.

Greenville, S.C.: Ga. i/₃4, i/₂8; S.C. %1, 2.

Landover, Md.: Md. 2, 4, 5; Pa. 5-B, 5-C; Va. 4-B; W. Va. 2-B.

Macon, Ga.: Ga. 1, 2, y₃4, !/₂8.

Nashville, Tenn.: Ala. 1-A; Ind. 4-B*; Ky. 1, y_s4; Tenn. 2-B, y>4, 6.

Providence, R.I.: Mass. 1-B, 1-C, 2, 5.

Richfield, Ohio: Ohio 1, 10, 13, 15-B*; Pa. 7, 12-C, 14.

St. Petersburg, Fla.: Fla. 1^2, 7.

South Bend, Ind.: Ill. 1-C*, 5*, 12; Ind. 1;

Mich. 4.

Utica, N.Y.: N.Y. 3-A*, 6; Vt. 1/₂1-A.

JULY 5-8:

Baton Rouge, La.: La. 1, 4, 5; Miss. 4; Tex. %4.

Corvallis, Ore.: Cal. 43*; Ore. 4, 6; Wash. 3-A*.

Fresno, Cal. (Spanish only): S-5, S-ll, S-15.

Hollywood, Fla.: Fla. 1, i/₂4, 6, 8.

Inglewood, Cal. (Spanish only): S-4, S-9, S-20, S-23, S-28-B, S-32.

Lincoln, Neb.: Iowa %2-A; Neb. 1, 2, 3.

Milwaukee, Wis.: Ill. 3-A, 9, 11; Wis. 1.

New Haven, Conn.: Conn. 1-B, 2-A, 3; N.Y. 3-B.

Oklahoma City, Okla.: Okla. 1, 2, 3*, %4; Tex. i/₂10-B.

Richfield, Ohio: Ohio 3, 8, 11, 12, 14; Pa. 8*, 1/₂1O-A, 10-B.

St. Paul, Minn.: Minn. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; N.D. 1/3I; S.D. %1; Wis. %5.

San Francisco, Cal.: Cal. 11, 13, 15, 18, 22.

South Bend, Ind.: Ill. 2, 3-B*, 10*; Ind. 5, 7-A.

Tuscaloosa, Ala.: Ala. 1-B, 2, 4, 5*, i/->6;

Miss. i/₂2-B, 3-B*.

Utica, N.Y.: N.Y. %21, 22*.

JULY 12-15:

Biloxi, Miss.: Ala. 3; Fla. V^ll; La. 3*;

Miss. 1.

Corvallis, Ore.: Ore. 1, 2, 3, 5-B.

Fresno, Cal.: Cal. %8, 10; Nev. 1*.

Green Bay, Wis.: Mich. 7; Wis. 142, 3, i/₃5.

Hollywood, Fla. (Spanish only): S-12, S-16, S-26.

Milwaukee, Wis.: Ill. 1-A*, 1-B*, 8; Wis. %2, 4.

Pine Bluff, Ark.: Ark. 1, 2, 4-B; La. 2.

Pullman, Wash.: Ida. 1-A, 1-B, 2; Mont.

1-A; Ore. 5-A; Wash. 3-B*, 4*.

Rochester, N.Y.: N.Y. 7, 9, 1,421.

St. Louis, Mo.: Ill. 4, 6, 7; Mo. 1, 2, i/₂4-A, 4-B, 5, 7.

San Antonio, Tex.: Tex. 1, %3, 7, 8, %11.

San Francisco, Cal.: Cal. 12, 14, 19, 23, 34.

JULY 19-22:

Chicago, Ill. (Spanish only): S-21-A.

Cincinnati, Ohio: Ind. 2*, 4-A*; Ky. 2, y₃4; Ohio 2, 9, 15-A, 16.

Fresno, Cal.: Cal. 9, 29, 39.

Houston, Tex.: Tex. %4, %11, 12-B, 17.

Lakeland, Fla.: Fla. 1/^4, i/₃9, 10.

Memphis, Tenn.: Ark. 3, 4-A; Miss. 2-A, i/₂2-B, 3-A*; Mo. y₂4-A; Tenn. 2-A*, 3.

Niagara Falls, N.Y.: N.Y. 8, 13; Pa. 12-A, 12-B.

Puyallup, Wash.: Wash. 1-A, 6, 8.

Roanoke, Va.: Va. 2-A, 4-A, 5; W. Va. %1, 2-A*, 3.

San Antonio, Tex. (Spanish only): S-3, S-7, S-8, S-10, S-14, S-33.

San Francisco, Cal.: Cal. 26, 27, 40, 41, 42.

Springfield, Mass.: Conn. 2-B, 2-C; Mass. 3.

Woodburn, Ore. (Spanish only): S-19.

JULY 26-29:

Chicago, Ill. (Spanish only): S-21-B, S-31;

Mo. Spanish Circuit.

Cincinnati, Ohio: Ind. 3, 6; Ky. 3; Ohio 4*, 6, 7.

El Paso, Tex. (Spanish only): S-6, S-18, S-24, S-28-A.

/

Houston, Tex.: Tex. 2, y₃S, 16.

Inglewood, Cal.: Ariz. 5-A; Cal. 2, 6, 20, 30, 32, 33, 36, 37.

Lakeland, Fla.: Fla. %5, 13.

Puyallup, Wash.: Wash. 1-B, 2, 5.

Springfield, Mass.: Conn. 1-A; N.Y. 16*;

Vt. 1-B.

Willoughby, Ohio (Spanish only): S-13.

AUGUST 2-5:

Elmont, N.Y. (tentative) (Spanish and Portuguese only): S-l, S-2, S-17, S-22, S-25, S-27, S-29, S-30.

Inglewood, Cal. (Korean also): Cal. 1, 4, 7, 17, 21, 28, 38, 44, 46.

AUGUST 8-11 (Note: Wednesday through Saturday):

New York, N.Y. (Chinese only): Cal. and N.Y. Chinese congregations.

AUGUST 9-12:

E. Rutherford, N.J. (tentative): N.J. 2-A, 4-B, 5; Pa. 2-B.

Elmont, N.Y. (tentative) (Italian also): N.Y. 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 18-A, 19. ♦

Inglewood, Cal. (Japanese also): Cal. 3, 5, i/₂8, 16, 24, 25, 31, 35, 45, 47.

Long Island City, N.Y. (French only): Fla. congregation: Miami French; N.Y. congregations: Manhattan French, Queens French, West French; Pa. congregation: Philadelphia French.

AUGUST 16-19:

E. Rutherford, N.J. (tentative): N.J. 1, 2B, 7-A, 8.

Elmont, N.Y. (tentative) (Greek and Korean also): N.Y. 4, 5, 14, 15, 17, 18-B, 18-C, 23.

Long Island City, N.Y. (French only): Mass, congregation: Boston French; N.J. congregation: Newark French; N.Y. congregations: Bergen Street French, East French, Nyack French. a portion of a circuit attend a particular assembly, such as % or Vt, and so forth, it simply means that those living in the part of the circuit closest to that assembly would attend where indicated, but the rest of the circuit would attend another assembly closest to them as shown elsewhere on the list.

ROOMING: During April the Society will be sending a supply of Room Request forms to each congregation for obtaining hotel, motel and private home accommodations through the assembly organization. These Room Request forms will contain the rooming headquarters address for each assembly and other pertinent information needed for requesting rooms. Please fill out the Room Request form very carefully and give it to the Assembly Coordinator in your congregation. He will then check, sign and send it directly to the assembly city rooming address (NOT to the Society) no earlier than eight weeks ahead of the date of the assembly that you have selected. This will be in ample time for you to receive your rooming assignment prior to the assembly. If you receive a rooming assignment and later have to change your plans and cannot accept it, please send word immediately (1) to the name and address on your rooming assignment and (2) to the assembly rooming department so that the room may be reassigned.

TO THE BODY OF ELDERS: After receipt of this insert, we suggest that the elders meet briefly before the next service meeting to determine which city and dates your congregation is to attend by locating the circuit or portion thereof that your congregation is in as of the end of February on the above circuit list. Then please read the insert to the congregation at that service meeting and the next Watchtower study, announcing the city and dates recommended by the Society. Emphasize any points that would be helpful to the publishers and interested ones. There is no reason to read the entire chart to the congregation. Your congregation is in one of the circuits listed in the chart and the one reading the insert should read the dates and the assembly that the Society recommends you attend. Also, please underline on the above circuit list the recommended assembly city and dates your congregation is to attend and post the insert on the information board for the benefit of the congregation.

We look forward to seeing you and your family as well as your interested ones at this faith-strengthening “Living Hope” District Assembly this summer and know it will prove to be a rich spiritual blessing to all of you. Plan now to attend all four days so as to fully enjoy the fine program that has been arranged.

Do You Prepare as a Family? (Cont’d) pare for field service. Then he goes out with his father or mother, putting into application the things he has learned. Such family cooperation makes the best use of their limited time.

• ⁵ Another suggestion is to take a half hour after a meal, before the table is cleared, to cover at least a portion of the Bible reading for the week. All family members can take part, making it interesting and instructive.

WHAT SHOULD BE STUDIED

• ⁶ Obviously the needs of the family must be considered. Some may do their Bible reading, others prepare for the Watchtower study; still others make it a practice to study things that fit the particular needs of their families. One brother in his early twenties commented on the help his father gave him to prepare for field service, saying: “I can remember having a little black notebook with scriptures listed under certain subjects, like ‘Trinity.’ Dad would pretend to be a householder whose objections I would have to overcome. I also had to memorize the names of the books of the Bible, five at a time, between each Monday night study.”

• ⁷ Another brother who has been at Bethel for 10 years, and whose Meetings . . . Make Disciples (Cont’d) Ings. They may use such points In making a personal decision, in Informal witnessing, when going from house to house, on return visits or In any other way. We would like to hear their experiences on this program. This should not be a review of the meetings but should highlight how material from the meetings nas actually been used.

20 min: Serve Loyally—Do Not Give Up! Elder to discuss following material with audience. Scriptures should be included in the discussion.

What is loyalty? (Eph. 4:24) If you know that a member of the congregation Is guilty of serious wrongdoing, what should loyalty move you to do? (Lev. 5:1) If you heard a critical report about a brother, what would loyalty move you to do? (Ps. 50:20, 21; 1 Tim. 5:19) If there was an opportunity of making quite a bit of money, but it was at the possible risk of doing harm to our Christian brothers, what course would loyalty move us to take?—Prov. 28:20: 1 Tim. 6:9, 10.

What situations today could test the loyalty of young Christians? How was young Joseph able to resist the pressures and temptations to commit immorality? What do we learn by the expression “day after day” in connection with this temptation? How could similar situations come up at school? (Gen. 39:7-12) How could Eli’s sons have been a test to young Samuel’s loyalty? Could similar tests be exerted on young ones from within God’s congregation today?—1 Sam. 2:12-18.

Conclude with encouragement to make loyalty a part of our personality.—Eph. 4:24; 1 Thess. 2:10.

5 min: Service announcements. Song 65 and prayer. brother also served at Bethel, recalls that in his family his father always pointed them toward the prospect of full-time service. “So it was natural that we should want to come to Bethel,” he noted. The family study is still consistently held for the benefit of a younger brother remaining at home.

⁸ A 26-year-old brother from Minnesota recalls that his mother would study with him, and together they prepared for the meetings and field service. They hid their publications in the dried cereal boxes, knowing that the opposed father never ate dried cereal. Those secret study periods proved their worth as they prepared the son for full-time service both as a regular pioneer and at Bethel.

• ⁹ It is good to be flexible in these family study sessions. Also, it is beneficial to have a relaxed atmosphere, rather than a strict disciplined procedure. As one brother put it: “On our family study night our mother would prepare in advance some ‘treat’ and after we finished our study period we would enjoy this. Some time in the evening would also be used for a family game or for the family to sing together. We looked forward to our family study nights.”

INCLUDE OTHERS

• ¹⁰ Many brothers and sisters have no family members in the truth. It would be a kindness to invite such ones, where possible, to share with you in family Bible reading or in family preparation for meetings and field service. (Deut. 15: 7-11; Luke 6:38) Perhaps sometimes the family study can be held at the home of some older publisher who lives alone.

• ¹¹ Do not minimize the value of reading the Bible together and of preparation for meetings and field service within the family. When parents set a good example, not letting such periods of family Bible discussion be easily infringed upon by other interests, this impresses upon their children the vital importance of deep respect and appreciation for God’s Word. All of this works to Jehovah’s praise and to the blessings of those who prepare as a family.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Life Does Have a

Purpose:

February 4: Pages 38 to 47

February 11: Pages 48 to 56¹

February 18: Pages 56 to 64

February 25: Pages 65 to 71

Announcements

• Literature offer for February and March: The book Making Your Family Life Happy for 35c. For April: Watch-tower subscription for one year for $2.00, with 384- or 416-page book free to new subscribers. (Man’s Salvation out of World Distress at Hand! and "The Nations Shall Know that I Am Jehovah”—How! may be ordered from the Society. We have ample supplies.) • Reminder: Subscriptions along with the Weekly Subscriptions form (M-203) should be sent to Watchtower, Wallkill, N.Y. 12589. However, subscription money should be Included with magazine money remitted each month to the Society’s Brooklyn office.

• Please note the following price change for the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century: Pioneer, 2c; congregation, 8c; public, 10c. This is for a revised edition, with updated figures and a fresh set of questions answered on pages 26-31, and printed on quality paper.

• Pioneer rates for literature, magazines and subscriptions may be obtained only through the congregation.

• When new secretary appointments need to be made in between circuit overseer visits (a¹® for example, when a secretary moves to another cbngrega-tion or needs to be removed for one reason or another), this matter should be considered by the entire body of elders. The recommendation should be made to the Society and the service committee should sign the letter on behalf of the entire body of elders. In this way, things will be done uniformly and appropriate appointments can then be made. (Elders should reread the letter of April 12, 1978.)

• • The April 15 Watchtower and April 8 and 22 Awake! will have articles specially suitable for placing with the Subtle and for obtaining subscriptions.

e sure to place your order early for extra copies, including those that will be needed by auxiliary pioneers.

• • New Publications Available:

Making Your Family Life Happy

—Portuguese My Book of Bible Stories

—Portuguese Your Youth—Getting the Best out of It                —Greek, Thai

"Look! I Am Making All Things New”               —Korean

Unseen Spirits—Do They Help Us! Or Do They Harm Us?

—Danish, Dutch, German, Portuguese, Swahili "Singing and Accompanying Yourselves with Music in Your Hearts” —Greek

• • The Thai edition of Awake! Is now available as a monthly magazine. Subscriptions may be obtained.

• • Please be reminded that both new and renewal subscriptions obtained from unbaptized persons should be reported on your monthly field service report. This adjustment made July 1, 1977, was to help all to appreciate that renewal subscriptions are just as important as new ones. Of course, subscriptions for baptized persons would not be reported.

NOVEMBER SERVICE REPORT Av. Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs. R.V. Bl.St. Maqs.

Sp’l Pios.       642 125.2 41.5 4.3

Pios.         14,076  85.1 29.9 3.3

Aux. Pios.   19,485  59.4 15.8 1.3

Pubs.       495,681   8.9  3.3  .4

TOTAL 529,884

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 4,711

। the needed guidelines in the Bible. I These principles are discussed in ' this new book Making Your Fam; ily Life Happy. Notice the aspects of the subject that are discussed. [Show the table of contents.] The book also points to the lasting solution to mankind’s problems. No doubt you pray for it. You are acquainted with the Lord’s Prayer, aren’t you? [Quote Matthew 6:9, 10.] It is God’s will that his kingdom remove all wickedness from this earth. The final chapter of this book shows how the family life of all persons who now put their faith in God’s kingdom will be benefited. We are leaving this book for only 35 cents.”

• ⁵ Wouldn’t it be good if we could make it our goal to speak with as many family groups as possible during the month of February? Have this in mind as you lay the groundwork for your return visit. When the discussion is concluding on your first call, you might say: “Since we are interested in discussing the Bible with families, I would like to return at a time when the rest of your family is at home to continue our discussion. [Ask what time is convenient to call.] In the meantime, you may want to look over the book, and when I return we can discuss the chapter that most appeals to you and your family.”

• ⁶ We are sure you agree that this new book will be very helpful to the families in your territory. Already we have received numerous letters of appreciation for the fine counsel contained in the book. One man exclaimed: “As my wife arid I progress through its pages, our family life continues to improve.” Very likely you had similar feelings as you read the book.

• ⁷ So, as you endeavor to make disciples, think in terms of aiding entire families. Help them to see the value of the Kingdom message so that they can share together in the blessings of the future.—Rev. 21:4.

  To Families

  • ¹ Families that apply Bible principles and that build their lives around God’s kingdom have found that their problems are reduced, if not solved, and happiness is achieved. Isn’t this a grand message to bring to the families in your territory during the month of February, using the book Making Your Family Life Happy^{2 3 4}?

  • ² How are we going to do this? By directing their attention to God’s Word, which sets out the principles for happy family life. Family life is on the minds of people. Be willing to talk about it. Show them how the new book can help them. But also point out that the problems of family life will never be completely solved until God’s kingdom removes all wickedness from the earth. That is what people are praying for when they say the Lord’s Prayer, but most of them don’t realize it. (Matt. 6:9, 10) The final chapter of the book on family life can help them to appreciate this truth.

  • ³ Of course, when you talk to people about the problems of family life, you will want to be tactful. Avoid giving the impression that you think the householder is having problems in his family. It would be better to refer to the problem as one that society in general is having.

  • ⁴ You might start off in this manner: “I’m calling to share with you some information about a problem that affects much of the world today. It involves family life. All of us want our family to be happy, but we know that many families are not really happy. What do you feel would help people to find greater happiness in their family life? [Let them answer.] Don’t you agree that it would be beneficial to listen to what the Creator of the family says? He sets out Meetings for Field Service (Cont’d) make regarding an interested person? How can these various observations be of real value on the return visit?

  • 2. Why is it good not to postpone making your various notations regarding an interested person?

  • 3. How do you determine the best time to make a return call?

  
  

Kingdom Affect Your Family? (Cont d) spirituality of your family? Could there be improvement? The Kingdom rule provides the finest in practical education from the Scriptures. How may we benefit most fully from it? Really, it is by your family’s making an effort to read and study together, and to prepare for meetings and service. Parents need to encourage their children to pay close attention at meetings and to participate. When a family does these things, the beneficial results can soon be seen.

AS TO FIELD SERVICE

• ⁷ Just as Christ’s followers were commissioned to preach the good news of the Kingdom, so Christians in our time show they are loyal advocates of the Kingdom by preaching. Do the members of your family make an effort to help one another to serve in the field as disciples of Christ? How many in your family could be publishers? Appreciating the reality of the Kingdom, we want to help all, especially those close to us, to enjoy eternally the privilege of rendering Jehovah sacred service. —Rev. 7:14, 15.

• ⁸ Consider the example of the family of Philip mentioned in Acts 21:8, 9. Philip is here called “the evangelizer,” which indicates he must have been very active in sharing the good news with others. But Philip was not content to serve God by himself. He must have done much to build up the spirituality of his household and to encourage his family to share in honoring Jehovah, for the account tells us of his four virgin daughters who “prophesied.” So the question is, Are you fathers, like Philip, taking the lead in the service and helping others in your family to enjoy a share in this service?

• ⁹ Certainly if we accept Jehovah’s kingdom as a reality, we will want to speak about it to others. What a fine thing when we make it our goal, as a family, to accept the direction of the Kingdom in our lives. Not only does it bring blessings to us now in a happy, united way of life, but it also provides a wonderful and secure hope for the future. As we look forward to the yet future blessings that the rule of Christ will bring for our family, we can pray with confidence: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” And by Jehovah’s undeserved kindness we will have the assurance that not only our families but also others whom we help may live to see God’s will accomplished world wide.

8

¹

To subheading.

²

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

God's Kingdom Is the Solution.

³

Coricern about family life; applying Bible counsel can improve our lives.

⁴

Only God's kingdom can lastingly solve our problems. —Matt. 6:9, 10.