OUR KINGDOM SERVICE

JANUARY 1980

Vol. 23, No. 1 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 6 The Subscription Offer

• 1. Review Topic for Conversation.

• 2. What introduction would be appropriate?

• 3. What material in January 1 "Watchtower" can be featured?

JANUARY 7-13 Informal Witnessing

• 1. Why is informal witnessing so important?

• 2. Where may informal witnessing be done?

• 3. What discretion should be exercised?

JANUARY 14-20

Using New Feature in "Awake!" 1. Review January 22 “Awake!" 2. Demonstration of short presentation by a young publisher.

3. Demonstration of longer presentation by a more experienced publisher.

JANUARY 21-27

Starting Conversations

• 1. What can help you in determining the householder's interest?

• 2. What subjects are of general interest in your territory and how can you develop them?

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3 Assisting Each Other in Field Service

• 1. How can we assist young ones to share in field service?

• 2. How can elderly and handicapped ones be helped?

• 3. Whom can you help? How? When?

  We Have What

  
  

  They Need!

  
  

  • ¹ For 100 years now. The Watchtower has been keeping watch in a spiritual way. It has been bringing its readers “comfort from the Scriptures” and reliable guidance that only God’s Word, the Bible, can provide. (Rom. 15:4; Ps. 119: 105) Most of us owe much of our own spiritual development and growth to The Watchtower. How grateful we are for the “food at the proper time” provided by the “faithful and discreet slave.” —Matt. 24:45.

  • ² Some observers have said, however, that people in general are no longer readers, particularly when it comes to religious material. This brings to mind the questions: What about The Watchtower? Is it relevant to many of the public? Does it meet their needs? In what ways can it help them?

  WHAT THE READERS SAY

  • ³ There is no doubt that The Watchtower does not appeal to many worldly people. On the other hand, hundreds of thousands of sincere people the world over have expressed appreciation for its help. A university student in Japan said: “What particularly strengthens my ¹

  
  

  Reaching All Who Will Hear

  
  

• ¹ Another not at home! Does that sound familiar? A circuit overseer reported working a territory in New York State where 75 percent of the people were not at home. Perhaps your territory is similar.

• ² How can these people be reached? Calling back will help, but often it is the same people who are not there. Something else is needed. Informal witnessing? Yes! The following experience shows its effectiveness.

• ³ A couple stopped in a supermarket. The sister started a conversation with the butcher, who quickly responded to her discussion on the new order. He wondered how such a thing could be. The sister’s husband joined the conversation and suggested they continue the discussion at the person’s home. He agreed, inviting them to stop by that very evening. They witnessed to the man and his wife on one subject, God’s purpose for the earth. It made such an impression that the next day this couple went to the Kingdom Hall. Now baptized, they are informally witnessing to many of their relatives. Could informal witnessing aid you in reaching more people?

faith are the clear explanations of Bible prophecies. I have been amazed by the stupendous depths of God’s wisdom that I have perceived through these wonderful articles.” A thankful young reader wrote: “When first introduced to The Watchtower, I was a disillusioned teen-ager. I felt insecure, had little communication with my parents, and was desperately in need of guidance. The Watchtower filled that need.”

• ⁴ Besides expressing appreciation in general, many are the comments on the practical and timely material in each issue. For example, a reader in South Africa wrote: “I want to tell you how much I enjoy and benefit from the articles on the Psalms. I have always found the Psalms hard to understand and am really grateful for these articles. I feel the same way about the articles on the Sermon on the Mount.” And note this interesting comment from a Jewish reader on the article “Something New About God’s Name”: “I grew up Jewish but never did I hear that name. You can’t imagine how thrilled I was to read the irrefutable evi-

(Continued on page 3, col. 2)

⁴ When witnessing informally to those you do not know the following suggestions may be helpful to you. Be friendly, warm and complimentary, and be sure your facial expressions reflect this friendliness. Pick a subject that is of interest to people in the community. You may offer some of the publications, or you may choose to share an appropriate scripture on the subject under consideration. If interest is aroused, you could suggest a further discussion at their home. If this does not interest them, wish them well and comment that it was nice to meet them.

³ During the winter months people are in a hurry to get out of the cold weather. Be alert. Use opportunities while indoors, waiting in lines at supermarkets, shopping plazas or other indoor areas. When warmer weather returns, people will be outside more, sitting in parks, window-shopping, working in their yards or just walking. Could you approach some of them? Take the initiative. Share the lifesaving message we have with as many as you can.

⁶ Witnessing informally to those (Continued on page 2, col. 3)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 30 10 min: Song 69 and appropriate items from Announcements. Encourage congregation to read chapters 1-4 In Choosing book to prepare for this week's public talk.

13 min: Audience discussion of “We Have What They Need!” Highlight other articles In past year’s magazines that were well liked In territory. Can display copies to refresh memory If desired.

20 min: Developing a Presentation for the Subscription Offer. Consider the following points with the audience and ask for suggestions: (1) Review Topic for Conversation, “God's Promise of Something New," and possible scriptures: 2 Peter 3:13: Revelation 21:4, 5. (2) Ask audience what subject matter would tie In with above and is of concern to people in territory. (High cost of living, crime, some recent news items or local happenings, and so forth) (3) Review January 1 issue of The Watchtower. What articles or points tie In well with Topic for Conversation?

Chairman sums up key points of presentation and encourages all to prepare at home what they will say and to give full support to special weekend field service.

12 min: Enthusiastic talk on yeartext and its application, based on article “Speaking Jehovah’s Word with Boldness” in December 15 issue of The Watchtower.

5 min: Song 93 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 6 Theme: Reaching All Who Will Hear. 10 min: Song 82. Welcome and local announcements, including accounts report. Remind congregation to read chapters 5 and 6 of Choosing book for the public talk. Also bring January 8 Awake! for next week’s meeting. Also bring Yearbook to next week’s meeting. 20 min: “Reaching All Who Will Hear.” Question-and-answer coverage of article. Then have three demonstrations of Informal witnessing. (1) Walting in line at a check-out counter. (2) passing someone on the street, (3) a neighbor. As time permits, ask audience for further suggestions.

15 min: Those Who Benefited from Informal Witnessing. Two Interviews: (1) One or two who came Into contact with truth by means of informal witnessing. Have them relate their personal experience. (2) Individuals In congregation who do particularly well In Informal witnessing. Have them relate how they do It and what type of ?eop!c they approach. Why is it elective? Why do they enjoy this avenue of service?

10 min: Review key points learned in preceding two parts. Ask audience what points would be practical In the local community. Mention to audience that In last meeting of the month some may relate experiences they had In using these suggestions. Encourage all to engage In Informal witnessing at all opportunities.

5 min: Song 79 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 13 10 min: Song 96 and local announcements. Remind congregation to read chapters 7 and 8 of Choosing book for this week’s public talk.

20 min: “New Feature In Awake! Designed to Aid Us in the Field.”

(10 min.) Talk covering article. Look for the various features mentioned In article, using January 8 issue.

(10 mln.) Demonstrations: (1) A young publisher. After Introductory remarks, say: “I have something here that I think you will be Interested in." Then, take out magazine, open to Sage 3 and read to householder both le feature heading and the article title. At this point, the magazines can be offered. Chairman comments on simplicity of presentation, and encourages parents to help young ones prepare for it. (2) A more experienced publisher. Begin as above, but after reading the heading and title, pause briefly and say: "Notice what it says here. ' and read the first paragraph. Then ask the first question In bold type and Invite the householder to comment. Summarize by reading the paragraph under the question and then offer the magazines. Chairman directs attention of audience to other questions In bold type. These can also be discussed If sufficient Interest Is shown. The quoted scriptures can be brought in, or cited ones can be read from the Bible.

20 min: Highlights of first 32 pages of 1980 Yearbook. Elder draws attention to what appears on page 2. Then briefly develops aspects of hope covered on pages 3-7. Invites audience to comment on Interesting and encouraging points they found on pages 8-32. 10 min: Remind congregation of field service arrangements. Song 102 and closing prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 20

10 min: Song 115 and local announcements. Encourage congregation to read chapters 9 to 11 of Choosing book for this week's public talk.

15 min: Consider local needs, or discuss the article “Wise Counsel Protects Against Crime” In October 22. 1979. Awake!, emphasizing the six scriptures highlighted.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News —By Showing Personal Interest In Others (Part I).” Talk, to help audience appreciate that our objective in field service Is not solely literature placements. but reaching people, understanding their problems and needs, and using the Bible to show what can be done to help and how the Kingdom provides the solution.

• 15 min: What Would You Say to This Householder? Chairman arranges for the following three realistic situations:

• (1) Housewife wearing apron and with mop in hand comes to door.

• (2) Man comes to door with newspaper in hand.

• (3) A teen-ager comes to door.

With each scene, have publisher approach door and as soon as householder appears, stop the action and ask audience for suggestions on ways to handle the situation with householder. Then, the publisher demonstrates a prepared approach.

5 min: Song 20 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 27

10 mln: Song 64 and local announcements. Read the Question Box.

15 min: “Are You the Only Member of Your Family In the Truth?" Question-and-answer discussion of article. Show what good such publishers are doing and how they are coping with their situation. Highlight now others can come to their aid and why their good example Is appreciated. Suggest we all get to know who In congregation are In this category and see individually how we can offer help and encouragement to them.

8 mln: What Are Your Children Learning? A father (and mother If desired) considers with two or three young children Story 69 in My Book of Bible Btories about the little Israelite girl In Syria. Highlight how she was serving Jehovah all alone in a foreign land, yet she was moved to witness boldly concerning Jehovah and his true prophet. Help children apply what is learned. How can this be related to their witnessing to schoolmates and teachers? How can this help them in their taking their stand regarding holiday celebrations and birthday parties In school, and so forth ?

17 min: How Have Our Meetings Helped Us? Review of points learned at meetings. Include following points as time permits (using some prepared publishers): (1) What opportunities have you found suitable for informal witnessing and what experiences have you enjoyed? (2) How can we show personal Interest In people we speak to in our territory? (3) Ask for any experience in using the new feature in Awake!, “Have You Ever Wondered . . . ?” or other field experiences. (4) Efforts that have been made or could be made to help other members of the congregation. (5) Points learned from Choosing book and public talks based on the book.

10 mln: Briefly review offer for February and encourage all to support special arrangement for field service this Sunday. Song 108 and prayer.

Reaching All                 (Conf d)

you know such as neighbors, relatives, workmates, and so forth, often brings good results. Most likely, your good conduct has already been doing some witnessing. Since you already know something about what interests them, use this as your topic of conversation.

• ⁷ A few reminders: Be considerate. It is often not wise to talk to a person if you are holding others up. Keep in mind that loyalty should be shown to your employer regarding time. It is usually best to establish one basic point that the person can remember and take home with him. Endeavor to have literature available. Practice your approach with members of your family.

• ⁸ All of us have a love for people and want to help them. (2 Cor. 1:3, 4) Will you endeavor to reach more of them by engaging in informal witnessing? By all means do!

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

January 6: Pages 5 to 10

January 13: Pages 11 to 18¹

January 20: Pages 18 to 25

January 27: Pages 26 to 33¹

Announcements

• The offer for January: Watchtower subscription for $2.50 with one of the following books as a free gift: Great Teacher, Holy Spirit, World Government, Man's Salvation or Word of God. The secretary and those handling literature and accounts should check the October 1979 issue of Our Kingdom Service on how to request credit for free books given with subscriptions. February and March: Any of the 50-cent books in congregation stock except Choosing, Commentary on James, Family Life, Truth, or School Guidebook. During the month of March some publishers and pioneers may wish to offer From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained on a contribution of 75c. A supply of this book may be ordered from Brooklyn. We suggest you order according to what you feel the congregation will be able to place during March. April: Watchtower subscription for $2.50 with three booklets given free to new subscribers.

• Once every three months the secretary should continue to supply study conductors with written lists of Individuals needing attention in the book study groups as suggested at the elders' meeting In the last series of circuit assemblies. This Information should be available to the service overseer when he visits the study groups.

• Prepare for Memorial and special talk: Please order Memorial Invitations and special talk handbills now so that your congregation will receive them well In advance of the Memorial celebration on Monday, March 31, 1980. and special talk to be held on Sunday, April 6. 1980. Memorial Invitations may be ordered In lots of 250, 500 and 1.000, using the special blue Memorial Invitation Order Form. The special talk handbill should be ordered on the yellow Special Talk Handbill Order. Two copies of each form will be sent to congregations with the December statement. The special talk will be on the subject: “Coping with Life’s Anxieties.” PLEASE DO NOT REMIT WITH YOUR ORDER. The Invitations and handbills will be charged to your congregation’s literature account. Payment for these should be Included with the amount of money remitted for literature. Please do not list payment for Invitations and handbills separately on the remittance form.

• New Publications Available:

Commentary on the Letter of James

—German, Italian Life Does Have a Purpose

—Chinese, Thai

Study Questions for the book Is This Life All There 1st

—German, Portuguese Study Questions for the book Is the Bible Really the Word of Godt

—Portuguese

• At circuit assemblies having the new program, starting on February 3. 1930. district overseers will give the public talk “To Whom Does the Obedience of the People Belong?” Starting in February, circuit overseers will give a public talk with the theme “How Purposeful Is Your Life?”

OCTOBER SERVICE REPORT

Av.     Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs.    Magi. R.V. Bl.St.

Sp'l Pios.      712 130.8 107.6 43.5

Pios.       15,770  86.8  70.6 33.1

Aux. Pios.  17,945  60.7  47.8 19.2

Pubs.     500,176   8.4   8.6  3.6

TOTAL 534,603

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,951

¹What a blessing it is when we find entire families serving Jehovah together! However, not all are in such a happy condition. Many of our brothers and sisters are the only ones in their family serving Jehovah. Certainly they are to be commended for the fine example of faithfulness and endurance they show.—2 Thess. 1:4.

PARENTS

⁸ In your congregation do you have sisters who nave children but whose husbands are not in the truth, or are even opposed? One mother wrote: “I have to be the breadwinner—I have to shop, clean, cook, sew, and listen to my children’s problems,” in addition to getting the entire family to meetings and into the service. Yes, such fine examples truly deserve our commendation and our help.

• ³ What can be done to help? Some younger publishers have especially befriended the children in these divided homes in order to provide good companionship. Experienced publishers have assisted by conducting Bible studies with the children and by helping them get out in the service regularly. One family made themselves available to help a sister whose husband was not in the truth. Later, this family kindly included the sister’s husband in some theocratic social activities. Eventually the husband agreed to a Bible study and became a dedicated, baptized publisher.

YOUNGER PUBLISHERS

• ⁴ Many of our teen-age or younger publishers are the only ones of their families in the truth. In spite of strict family tradition and intense pressure to pursue higher education, one young Oriental brother stood firm in his determination to pioneer. By his fine example, his younger sister also

What They Need!           (Cont’d)

dence in this most recent article. I cannot wait to get my hands on more copies.”

• ⁵ So, back to the questions: Is it relevant to many of the public? Does it meet their needs? The answer is a definite Yes! Indeed, in the pages of The Watchtower we have what they need, and we have every reason to be positive in recommending it to others.

• ⁸ This month, we will be offering the subscription, along with a free book, on a $2.50 contribution. (See Announcements for details.) Also, accepted the truth and both of them are now pioneering.

³ Young publishers whose parents are not in the truth often need help and guidance, both spiritual and physical. Many older ones have kindly helped by taking a personal interest in these younger ones, becoming spiritual fathers and mothers to them, as it were. Concerning one young Bible student, a family wrote: “She was encouraged to pray, to use Bible principles in her life and to be more respectful and patient with her parents.” The family assisted her to attend an international convention and she is now progressing toward baptism.

ELDERLY OR HANDICAPPED

⁸ Those who are elderly or handicapped are very much appreciated in the congregation even though they may be limited in their preaching activity. If you are one of these, we want to assure you that your determination and loyal service is faith strengthening to us. —Prov. 16:31.

• ⁷ Many older or handicapped persons nave spent their youth and vigor in Jehovah’s service, and now they may be alone. Certainly we do not want to overlook them now. Just spending a little time with them may be greatly appreciated. Too, it may be that we can help them with shopping and chores, or to get to meetings and out in field service. One family assisted an elderly widow whose only child died. While they provided comfort, they also gave personal help in handling legal matters.

• ⁸ If you are the only member of your household in the truth, be assured of our loving concern for your spiritual welfare. Working and associating with you results in mutual encouragement, and we thank Jehovah for the good work you are doing.—1 Thess. 1:2, 3.

you will be pleased to know that the January issues of The Watchtower will feature scriptures set off by themselves, or set in a box, so that they can be used easily in the field. Among them will be 2 Peter 3:13 and Revelation 21:4, which point to “God’s Promise of Something New.” Endeavor to help as many as possible to see that they, too, need The Watchtower.

By Showing Persona! Interest in Others (Part I)

• ¹ When introducing ourselves at the door, we should always take the feelings of others into consideration. Without a doubt, people can sense whether we are interested in them as persons or if we just have some other objectives in mind, such as getting through our sermon or making literature placements. Obviously, to gain the householders’ attention and interest, we need to show a sincere personal interest in them.

• ² How do we do this? Basically it is by finding their interest and building on it. One way this can be done is by being observant. As we approach a house, what do we look for? Are there children’s toys or bicycles? Is the yard well groomed, with no litter? Is there new paint on the house? Are there many locks on the door? Do you see something that possibly indicates their religion? Are there stickers or slogans on the door or the car that reveal something?

• ³ We may not always draw the right conclusion from these outward signs. However, what we observe may help to influence the initial direction that our conversation takes as we endeavor to establish a point of mutual interest. Remember, too, a little commendation often goes a long way with people. A kind word about their

New Feature

Designed to Aid

¹ “Have You Ever Wondered . . . ?” That is the heading of a new feature in Awake!, starting January 8. It takes the place of what formerly appeared as “The Bible’s View, and, with few exceptions, it will appear on pages three and four of each magazine.

• ² Why the change? It is done in order to reach persons who think they have little or no interest in religion or the Bible. In many parts of the world, anything that is labeled “Bible” tends to close the people’s mind. Of course, the new feature will still direct attention to the Bible, though usually not at the beginning of the article. We do not want to insist that the person agree that he is interested in the Bible before he starts to consider the subject.

• ³ The articles will cover subjects well-mannered children, or a comment on the fine way they care for their property may appeal to the householder and help you gain a hearing ear better than might any amount of “preaching.”

• ⁴ Keep in mind that men, women and youths have different interests. For example, older men and women often find the economy their chief concern. Working people traditionally base their interest on their career and personal attainment. Mothers are generally interested in the home, children and babies, as well as the affairs that anguish the heart—death, illness, accidents, community tragedies, crime. Youths want to know why they are here, where they are going and what the future holds.

• ⁵ A traveling overseer observed: “Those who are effective in their work (in the field) are not always those who are simply using techniques of one kind or another. They are publishers who show a love for people, reflect friendliness and a desire to help and encourage. Their calls are not directed solely at placing literature but getting acquainted and being interested in the people they meet, their problems, daily life and families.”

⁸ Can you show greater love for your neighbors by demonstrating a sincere personal interest in those you meet in the field?—Mark 12: 30, 31.

in “Awake!”

Us in the Field

♦ A government decree, dated January 3, 1979, banned the work of Jehovah's Witnesses in Paraguay. This past October our brothers appealed the matter to the Supreme Court, but as yet no judicial decision has been handed down. ♦ Fine reports have been received from the worldwide field indicating that the 1980 service year got off to a good start. There were 15 countries that reported new, all-time publisher peaks during the month of September.

A GOOD REPORT!

It Is a pleasure to see that Jehovah's blessing has been on our work in the United States during the 1979 service year. Eveiy month, on the average, there were 521,370 publishers sharing in Jehovah's service, which represents an increase of about 1.5 percent. We had a peak of 533,781 publishers. And there was a 29-percent increase in auxiliary pioneers!

At the close of the service year, there were 7,464 congregations in operation, 19 more than last year. We saw increases in book and magazine placements. We spent more hours in the field service, made more return visits and conducted more home Bible studies. A total of 26,958 were baptized. A good report indeed! And, with you we |om in praising Jehovah, who gives the increase. —1 Cor. 3:6, 7.

Box

0 When a congregation Judicial committee, after hearing charges and considering the evidence in the case, reaches the conclusion that the accused person should be disfellowshiped, how should they deal with him?

It will be appropriate for the committee to speak with him and let him know that their decision is that he should be disfellowshiped from the congregation. They should ask him if he intends to appeal. He may do this if he believes a serious error in Judgment was committed. In the event that he wishes to appeal, announcement of the disfellowshlping decision would be held In abeyance. In that case the person should be told that he will be allowed one week's time to make his appeal in writing to the Judicial committee giving his reasons. When such written appeal Is received, the body of elders should arrange for an appeal committee to rehear the case within a week whenever possible. They may use local elders or elders from nearby congregations: these should be men who are experienced and qualified. If a traveling overseer can conveniently participate, or suggest who might serve on the appeal committee, it would be good. The elders may wish to telephone the branch office for counsel on forming an appeal committee. However, this usually is unnecessary.

On the other hand, if the accused person does not Indicate that he wishes to appeal, the Judicial committee will draw up an appropriate brief announcement to be read to the congregation. Additionally, they should explain to the accused person the need for repentance and what other steps he can take toward being reinstated in due time. This would be both helpful and kind, with the hope that he will change his ways, and with time qualify to return to Jehovah’s organization. —2 Cor. 2:6, 7.

4

¹

To subheading.

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

God's Promise of Something New.

—2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:4, 5. that people at the doors will be willing to discuss and that can be developed Scripturally. They will always feature the heading mentioned along with an appropriate article title. For example: “Have You Ever Wondered . . . Will People Ever Stop Hurting One Another?” The articles will be written in a down-to-earth, conversational style; they will be set in a distinctive typeface. There will be certain questions, each set in a line by itself in bold type. Bible texts will be quoted. AU of this will help to make these articles in the Awake! magazine an effective means of Teaching more persons with the good news. We invite you to get acquainted with this new feature and begin to use it in the field service right away.