OUR KINGDOM SERVICE

JULY 1979

Vol. 22, No. 7 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Meetings for Field Service JULY 2-8 Using the Special Issue

• 1. Have you had an encouraging experience already in placing the special issue of The Watchtower?

• 2. What have you found in the special issue that particularly appeals to those in your territory?

• 3. Discuss briefly paragraphs 4 and 5 under Presenting the Good News.

JULY 9-15 Having Definite Points in Mind to Talk About

• 1. Why is it more effective to have definite points to talk about at the doors? (In topic for conversation; in literature)

• 2. Why does this not prevent being adaptable when the householder introduces other ideas?

• 3. What points do you have in mind to talk about today?

JULY 16-22 House-to-House Witnessing

• 1. Why do Jehovah's Witnesses go from house to house?

• 2. Does calling at the homes of people without a prior invitation have Scriptural precedent? (Matt. 10:11-13; Acts 5:42)

JULY 23-29 Literature Placements a Means to an End: Disciple-making

• 1. Why do we place literature?

• 2. How do you have in mind using the literature offered today in starting a Bible study? TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Put Your Trust in Government by God.—Psalm 146.

• ¹ True Christians are noted for the love they show to one another. (John 13:34, 35) They help one another. We know this is essential if we are going to endure successfully the trials and temptations we face in this difficult time of the end and at the same time care for the commission Jehovah has given to us to preach the good news of the Kingdom and gather the remaining sheeplike ones. But we need to intensify our love for one another. We need to improve the help we give to one another. This is evident when we consider current needs within our worldwide association of brothers. Likely you see this need in your own congregation.

• ² In Jehovah’s organization there are zealous and effective praisers of Jehovah. Their faith is strong and they continue to endure despite economic, health or other factors. And they serve loyally, even though the end of this system has not come as soon as they may

  Special Issue of "The Watchtower'' to Feature 100th Anniversary

  
  

• ¹ One hundred years of continuous publication! In view of the great opposition experienced, is that not of itself powerful and convincing evidence of Jehovah’s blessing on the endeavors of his modern witnesses to announce the Kingdom message far and wide? The July 1, 1979, issue marks the beginning of the 101st year of publication of The Watchtower.

• ² Only 6,000 copies were printed of that first July 1879 issue of Zion’s Watch Tower, then printed monthly and only in English. From that small beginning, The Watchtower has grown over the years, both in number of copies printed and in spiritual stature. Millions have come to respect its reliability during the century of its publication in providing spiritual “food at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45) Even through two world wars, despite bans and opposition, it has not missed a single issue. Copies printed of each issue increased to 55,905 by 1929; 185,065 in 1939; 966,280 in 1949; 3,708,647 in 1959 and 6,641,483 in 1969. And in this anniversary year of 1979 no other religious publication comes anywhere near the distribution of The Watchtower, with over 9,200,000 have expected. But in our midst are new ones who have been added in the past few years. In addition, some who have been active in the preaching work in past years have become irregular or inactive in the service. Some of these have also let their appreciation for spiritual food wane to the point of attending only a few meetings or none at all. Often this is due to the influences of this world causing their love for Jehovah to become lukewarm or even celd.

LOVING ARRANGEMENTS TO HELP

• ³ What is needed? We need to HELP ONE ANOTHER! True, we have been giving some assistance. But doubtless you will agree, more definite arrangements can be made not only to provide the type of help needed but also to make sure this is given long enough to really benefit those who need it. Such assistance is so vital that we should not leave it to chance.

• ⁴ In coming months the theme (Continued on page 3, col. J)

copies on the average being printed of each issue in 82 languages.

• ³ In reading this July 1 special issue you will have a number of reasons for being enthusiastic in presenting it to the public. Articles in this special issue deal with how the world has changed during the past 100 years and how The Watchtower progressively has met the spiritual needs of those hungering for truth. One tells how The Watchtower is printed and distributed. Other articles show how, right from the beginning, The Watchtower has been a champion in exposing false teachings such as immortality of the human soul, Trinity, hellfire, and so forth, while highlighting Jehovah’s name and kingdom, and bringing comfort and encouragement through such basic truths as the ransom, resurrection of the dead and the second coming of Christ.

• ⁴ The two study articles discuss how we can prove we have the truth and how God guides his people today. They encourage us to remain steadfast in our adherence to the truth and loyal to our God Jehovah and his congregation, showing how we can successfully do this.

(Continued on page 2, col. 3)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples ■

Note: No service meeting Is being planned for the week of July 15 to allow an open week for attending a district convention. This open week can be shifted to the actual week you attend a district convention In June, July or August. The program during the week you attend a convention should be transferred to the week of July 15. The week of July 22 is set aside for reviewing the highlights of things learned at the district convention. This program may be shifted to the appropriate week.

WEEK STARTING JULY 1

Theme: Helping One Another.

7 min: Introduction. Song 19 and general announcements.

18 min: “We Need to Help One Another!” Talk, with audience participation. Discuss three-point goal for coming months. Clearly show Scriptural responsibility to help one another. Get comments on how we can participate and benefit by sharing in this arrangement.

15 min: “Special Issue of The Watchtower to Feature 100th Anniversary.” Question-and-answer discussion with audience. Get expressions from brothers and sisters on how they have benefited from The Watchtower since learning the truth.

15 min: "Presenting the Good News.” Discuss with audience suggested presentations. Ask for comments on how the publishers have used verses In Psalm 146 while witnessing in local territory.

5 min: Song 45 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 8

Theme: Youths, Have a Real Purpose In Life!

10 min: Introduction. Song 48 and local announcements. Including announcements on page 4 that apply: also accounts report.

25 min: Life with a Purpose Is Not Boring. Elder discusses with group of young folks practical points from chapter 9 of Youth book, "Are You Bored at Home?” (See also w76 9/1 p. 519.) Not only at home, but are you bored at meetings, in field service, at school? Why? What is remedy? The following questions may be used or adapted In conducting the discussion: (1) What natural factors in growing up contribute to being bored at times? (2) How does one’s own attitude determine to a large extent whether one becomes bored or not? (3) What can you do personally to improve the spirit in your home? (4) When you get assignments at home, at school or otherwise, why Is It helpful to see how such assignments may affect your life now and in the future? To relieve boredom, why can it make a difference if you do things for others? (Phil. 2:3, 4) (5) Why does preparing for and commenting at meetings help to make them more interesting? (6) How will keeping in mind the reasons why we share in the preaching work help you have joy in the service? (7) Why is the complaint, "There’s nothing to do,” not a valid one? (8) Why are endurance and faith important in conquering boredom? Elder concludes with admonition to youth in congregation to fight boredom by being active in Jehovah’s service, including also commendation for what Is being done by young ones to serve Jehovah and keep strong in faith despite the allures of this world and problems “incidental to youth.”—2 Tim. 2:22.

20 min: Experiences of Christian youth who have a purpose in life. Brief Introduction, using main points in w75 8/1 p. 463. By briefly relating the experiences in the following issues of The Watchtower and Awake!, show how each youth had as his or her goal in life the pleasing of Jehovah by decisive action and zealous service: (1) g71 4/8 p. 23 H, 5 (2 experiences): (2) w71 6/15 p. 368 J6; (3) w75 3/15 p. 185 J7; (4) w73 3/15 pp. 187, 188 (fest experience) ; (5) w75 7/15 p. 440 (2 experiences); (6) w76 5/15 p. 292 UI; (7) w76 10/1 p. 588. (All experiences need not be used. Select those that might be most beneficial and encouraging to your congregation. You may wish to Include several experiences of youths in your congregation or have some of the young publishers relate the experiences above.) Conclude by inviting all youths, as well as others in the congregation, to give full support to service arrangements.

5 min: Song 52 and prayer.

‘/ WEEK STARTING JULY 15

Week for attending district convention. (See note at top of page.)

WEEK STARTING JULY 22

Week for reviewing highlights of things learned at district convention. (See note at top of page.) Assignments of book study groups to report on certain days of the convention should be made as mentioned under “Announcements” in June 1979 Our Kingdom Service.

WEEK STARTING JULY 29

Theme: Helping One Another Produce Good Fruitage.

7 min: Song 49 and local announcements.

15 min: “Helping One Another (Part I): In the Field.” Service overseer will explain to and discuss with congregation how the practical suggestions for helping one another in the field service will be implemented in the book study groups.

18 min: Planting Seed with Hope that Much of It Will Fall on Good Soil. Read and discuss each verse of Jesus’ parable at Matthew 13:18-23, with emphasis on how we want our hearts personally to prove to be good soil, as we also preach the “word of the kingdom” with the hope that many more will hear the word, get the sense of it and produce good fruitage. (See w76 4/1 pp. 220-222; or p. 108, 109.) 1. Read verses 18, 19: What Is the seed sown? Why is it said to be sown in the heart? Who are represented by the one where seed was sown alongside the road?

• 2. Read verses 20, 21: Who are represented by the ones where seed was sown upon the rocky places? How do they receive the word, out what causes them to stumble?

• 3. Read verse 22: Who are represented by the ones where seed was sown among the thorns? What makes them unfruitful? Why is this a warning even to Christians who are now producing fruitage ?

• 4. Read verse 23: What is it that makes one’s heart “fine soil”? (Contrast with three previous conditions.) Why is it important not only to hear the word but also to get the sense of it? Define good fruitage that is produced. Why did Jesus show that one would produce a hundredfold, another sixty, and still another thirty? (or p. 109)

Conclude with encouragement to share to the fullest extent of our circumstances in sowing seeds of the Kingdom, hoping that many will fall on good soil.

14 min: How Can We Use What We Have Learned? Review of practical things learned at the service meetings in July. Suggest that brother handling this part meet In advance with a group of brothers and sisters to talk over specific things that have benefited them; these points can be shared with the congregation. This part should be well thought out so that It will be of real value. They can tell how they have used or plan to use the suggestions given.

6 min: Encourage all to support the special day for house-to-house witnessing on Sunday. Song 68 and prayer. Special Issue                  (Cant’d)

⁵ If you have not already done so, why not set out immediately to read this issue from cover to cover. Select interesting points that you would like to use in speaking with others about it, and thus prepare yourself for a full share in field service during the month of July. If you will be attending one of the “Living Hope” District Conventions during July and August, you will have additional opportunities to speak with others about Jehovah’s kingdom, using this special issue.

• ⁶ You may have enough copies of the special issue to continue offering it during the entire month of July. If so, you may want to introduce it along with the July 15 issue when it arrives. The July 15 issue features the experience of a sister who was imprisoned in China on and off during 20 years because she resumed preaching the good news of the Kingdom each time she was released. The study articles provide Scriptural encouragement to sustain you in the vital work of searching out deserving ones from house to house.

• ⁷ May we show our appreciation for the abundant blessings that Jehovah has given his people during the past 100 years by continued faithful service and by zealously sharing our hope with others.

APRIL SERVICE REPORT

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,740

WELL DONE!

The service report for April was excellent! An all-time peak of 51,008 auxiliary pioneers! The total in hours surpassed last April by more than a million! There were also excellent increases in placements, Bible studies and the number baptized. This fine effort gives cause to rejoice. Keep up the good work!

Need to Help               (Cont’d)

“We Need to Help One Another!” will be stressed on the meetings in various ways. Three particular ways of giving help will be highlighted: (1) By more definite arrangements in the book study groups for experienced publishers to help those who want and need assistance in the disciple-making work. (2) By setting aside the first Sunday of each month for a special effort in the house-to-house work, with encouragement for all in the congregation to participate. (3) By strengthening the shepherding work and improving the quality of teaching in order to build faith and spirituality. Combined with this will be many opportunities for all publishers, brothers and sisters alike, to give encouragement and assistance. All of this is designed to HELP ONE ANOTHER!

COMPANIONS IN SERVICE

• ⁵ If you are just starting in the preaching work; if you are finding it a little difficult to speak effectively at the doors; or if you are becoming a little discouraged and are slowing down in your service, we believe you will welcome the assistance of an experienced companion in the service. Paul admonished: “And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another.” Then pointing to the future, he adds: “And all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) That day is very near! We need to be ‘incited to love and fine works’ all the more so now. We believe all of Jehovah’s servants see the need to cooperate in making more definite arrangements for HELPING ONE ANOTHER! (The article on page 3, the first in a series, gives details on how these arrangements can be made.)

FIRST SUNDAY FOR SERVICE

• ⁶ By having the first Sunday of each month set aside for a special effort in the house-to-house work, everyone can plan accordingly. (Of course, there will be other days for service as before.) You may be a sister with an unbelieving mate. Would he be willing for you to devote two or more hours at least one Sunday a month in service? All members of the family may be willing to cooperate to make this possible. Other publishers may have different circumstances of a pressing nature that prevent them from going but every Sunday, but advance preparation may make it possible to spend at least one Sunday each month in field service.

  Helping One Another (Part I): In the Field

  
  

• ¹ In the modern-day history of Jehovah’s people, the preaching of the good news from house to house has obviously had Jehovah’s blessing. It has greatly facilitated the carrying out of the commission given by Jesus to his disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them . . . teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matt. 28:19, 20.

• ² Jesus set the example in training his disciples. He not only taught them about the Kingdom and other Bible truths, but he also instructed them in the most effective ways of preaching this good news to others. He sent them out by twos. (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1) This undoubtedly provided companionship and encouragement, but we can be sure that they learned from each other, too, as they responded wholeheartedly to the Master’s invitation to go forth and preach that the kingdom of the heavens was at hand.

• ³ And what joy they had working together! Luke 10:17 tells us that “the seventy returned with joy,

BUILDING FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY

• ⁷ Jesus said to Peter: “Strengthen your brothers”; “feed my lambs.” Later Peter admonished elders: “Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly . . . becoming examples to the flock.” (Luke 22:32; John 21:15; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3) Some elders do well in shepherding, but there is a need for more specialized help, more specific application of Jehovah’s Word in building faith and spirituality. This requires discernment and warm consideration. And when elders and ministerial servants receive parts on the meetings, such are excellent times to strengthen faith. Make local application. Be enthusiastic. Be encouraging. And practice what you preach, by being right out there in the field working with the publishers. Example always means more than words.

• ⁸ As we get help, it is expected that we will become more experienced and effective ourselves. We will become stronger in faith and determination to serve Jehovah. This will put us in an excellent position to help still others. Let us therefore fully support the arrangements made to HELP ONE ANOTHER that we might continue to serve Jehovah faithfully while helping our brother or sister to do the same. Precious lives are involved! saying: ‘Lord, even the demons are made subject to us by the use of your name.’ ” But Jesus corrected their thinking by saying: “Do not rejoice over this, that the spirits are made subject to you, but rejoice because your names have been inscribed in the heavens.” (Luke 10:20) Yes, the reason for preaching is not to draw attention to ourselves by spectacular feats but to save lives, our own and those to whom we preach.—1 Tim. 4:16.

• ⁴ While the situation in our territory may be somewhat different today, nevertheless, the basic instructions are still applicable as to what we preach as well as the need for searching out deserving ones even in the face of opposition. And today, as in Jesus’ day, new disciples still need loving assistance so as to share effectively in the preaching and disciple-making work.

• ⁵ Are you one who has much experience in preaching the good news and who might assist another who desires help? Or would you like an experienced publisher to work with you for a few weeks to share with you practical ways of improving your disciple-making work? We invite you to speak with your study conductor or the service overseer about your willingness to share, either to give or receive assistance. (More details will be given on how these arrangements can be made in book study groups in the August Our Kingdom Service.)

• ⁸ As you begin to work with your companion in the service, you might first get together to look over what you might use effectively as a topic for conversation in your territory. Practice sessions are helpful. Typical situations at the door can be simulated. This will give you experience and fix in your mind definite points to talk about. Good preparation does much to reduce doubts about one’s ability to speak and the fear of not knowing what to say. Thus, a strong desire builds up to tell out what you have in your heart, knowing that you are sharing in a life-saving work.

• ⁷ Going to the doors together provides opportunity to put right into practice things learned. Experience is gained. Confidence is built up. Joy in Jehovah’s service results. And when interested ones are found, this brings great happiness. Arrangements are made to return and feed these “sheep.” If some are not interested, despite

(Continued on page 4, col. 1)

Using the Special Issue in Disciple-making

• ¹ In presenting the special July 1 issue of The Watchtower, the following suggested presentations may be helpful to you.

• ² If circumstances are such that only a brief presentation can be made, after introducing yourself and your service partner, you might say: “We’ve stopped by just briefly to bring you a most interesting special issue of The Watchtower. For one hundred years now this magazine has been published. And one of the articles in this centennial issue shows how it has come to have the respect of millions of truth-seekers around the world, in that it has had the courage to speak the truth on controversial religious teachings. Regardless of your religious background, I’m sure you would be interested in reading this and the other articles. This special issue is yours along with this copy of Awake! for a contribution of just 20c.”

• ³ If you can give a more extended witness, you may be able to use some or all of the thoughts below based on Psalm 146. You might say: “How good to find you at home at this time because we have volunteered some of our time and effort to share some good news with you. Most of the news we get today is bad news, isn’t it so? [Allow person to answer.] Sad to say, much of the bad news today has to do with the failures of governments to provide basic human needs for those who depend on them. Therefore, when we learn about a government that has God’s backing and that will without fail bring in conditions of peace and prosperity for all mankind, wouldn’t you say that is really good news? [Pause for comment.] Did you ever think of God’s kingdom that we pray for in the Lord’s Prayer as a real government that

Port I                        (Cont’d)

our good efforts, this does not discourage us. Not everyone listened to Jesus, and no one could improve on his methods. (Matt. 13:58) So there is no reason to be disturbed if some turn a deaf ear or even speak harsh words at times. We go along to the next house looking for the “sheep,” not taking anything said in a personal way.

• ⁸ Yes, there is a need to HELP ONE ANOTHER in the field. This is the Christian spirit. We all have a gift or potential for lending a helping hand in some way to assist our fellow praisers of Jehovah. will soon provide a completely righteous rule for humans living right here on earth? [Pause for possible reply.] You probably will appreciate what the inspired psalmist wrote at Psalm 146:5 and 6. [Read.] Also please note that verses 8 and 9 speak of a physical healing for the people and a promise to care for the needs of disadvantaged ones. [Point out key words in these verses.] And then in verse 10, note that all this will be done by Jehovah as King and that his rulership will last forever. Isn’t that encouraging? And isn’t it truly good news?¹’

• ⁴ At this point introduce the subscription offer: "The Watchtower is the foremost magazine published today that announces Jehovah’s kingdom. And do you know that, beginning with this July 1 issue, The Watchtower is beginning its second century of publication? That’s right, the first issue was published in July of 1879, and we are taking the opportunity this month to offer to our neighbors a year’s subscription to The Watchtower for just $2.00. New subscribers are receiving a copy of this 192-page Bible study aid free. We would like you to be included with those who will be receiving the next 24 issues of The Watchtower through the mail.”

• ⁵ You may vary this presentation by referring to the contents of the special issue or by citing a particular statement of interest. Also some of you may wish to combine a subscription to Awake! at the same time (for $4.00), giving the new subscriber two pocket-size books free. If the subscription offer is not accepted, offer the two magazines for 20c.

• ⁶ If possible, rehearse your presentations with your companion in service or some other publisher. Be well prepared for the special field work during July.

Peter said: “In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness expressed in various ways.” —1 Pet. 4:10.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Is This Life All There Is?:

July 1: Pages 5 to 12¹

July 8: Pages 12 to 18¹

July 15: Pages 18 to 26¹

July 22: Pages 26 to 35¹

July 29: Pages 35 to 43¹

Announcements

• Literature offer for July: Watchtower subscription for $2.00 with pocket-size book given free to new subscribers. Some may wish to offer subscriptions to the Watchtower and AwakeI for $4.00. with two pocket-size books. August: My Book of Bible Stories for $2.00. September: New tract along with two latest magazines and revised brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century for 25c. October: Awake! subscription for $2.50 with pocket-size book given free to new subscribers.

• When publishers move and will be associated with a different congregation, it is a loving kindness to advise the new congregation so that there will be no delay In welcoming them and otherwise rendering assistance as needed. The secretary can be sure to follow through on this as soon as he learns that publishers will be moving. In connection with his report on the congregation, the circuit overseer will continue to inquire about this at the time of his visit.

• Starting in September the circuit overseers will be giving a slide presentation entitled: “The Bible—A Book for This Generation.” District overseers will be speaking on the topic: "Whose Disciple Are You?”

• When the service overseer is selected by the body of elders during the circuit overseer’s visit, the congregation can be Informed without first awaiting the return of the form on which new appointments are made. The elders decide who will fill this position just as they decide who will serve as Watchtower conductor and school overseer.

• So that congregations can make suitable arrangements for the Memorial celebration next year, the date will be Monday, March 31, 1980, after sundown.

• • New Publications Available:

Good News—to Make You Happy

—Serbian Unseen Spirits—Do They Help Us? Or Do They Harm Us? —Korean Watch Tower Publications Index for 1977                  —French

• • Available Again in U.S.A.:

Is the Bible Really the Word of God?

—Korean Organization for Kingdom-preaching and Disciple-making —Korean Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook —Korean

C^aeition.

• What is the correct way to count meeting attendance?

All adults should be counted. And how old should children be In order to be counted? A definite age has not been set. Rather, if the attendant believes that a child is benefiting and learning from the meeting, even to a limited extent, he should be counted. So, while young children may not pay the very best attention all through the meeting, if they nonetheless benefit and learn something, they should be counted. (Neh. 8:2) Parents are truly wise when they teaeh their children to pay attention rather than provide coloring books or other things that hinder children from listening and learning.

At assemblies, if persons are able to hear the program and are benefiting to some extent from it, they should be counted, even though not seated. Of course, all are encouraged to take seats and enjoy the program to the full, showing proper respect for what is being presented from the platform.

It is suggested that the count be taken during the last half of the meeting.

4

¹

To subheading or chapter heading.