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OUR KINGDOM SERVICE

JUNE 1980

Vol. 23, No. 6 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

JUNE 2-8

Witnessing to All We Meet

• 1. How do you approach people on the street?

• 2. How would you start a conversation with a person at work?

• 3. How could you use magazines while on vacation or traveling to the convention?

JUNE 9-15

Using the “Choosing" Book

• 1. What points do you feature in your presentations?

• 2. Why develop these points when following up interest?

• 3. How can the book be used to help young people?

JUNE 16-22

Using Magazines

• 1. Why read the magazines before offering them in the field?

• 2. What have you enjoyed in the current issues?

• 3. Discuss points in “Awake!" feature, “Have You Ever Wondered . . . ?"

JUNE 23-29

Group Witnessing

• 1. What are the benefits of group witnessing?

• 2. How can children in the group be assisted?

• 3. What should be done with the group's house-to-house records?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

God's Promise of Something New.

—2 Pet. 3:13; Isa. 65:17.

• ¹ Spiritual balance is a desirable Christian quality. Being balanced means we are able to weigh or compare the relative weight, force, importance or value of something. With balance, we can avoid the pitfalls, extremes and mistakes that adversely affect our service to Jehovah. It comes as a result of acquiring the wisdom taught by Bible principles. (Prov. 2:10-15; 3:5, 6) Study and application of such principles help us to develop “perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) A person who has acquired good spiritual balance as a Christian strives to demonstrate moderation, modesty, patience, selfcontrol, discernment, faithfulness, endurance and dependability in all that he does. Such a person usually gets more done, finds greater joy in his service and will endure despite difficulty. All of us do well to cultivate this fine quality.

STRIVING FOR BALANCE

• ² We often find individuals involved in secular work to the point where they maintain only a token share in field service. What is the purpose of secular work? (1 Tim. 5:8) What would give evidence that we have become unbalanced?

  Benefits of Group Witnessing

  
  

• ¹ Do you often work alone in field service? Very few of us do. It is more encouraging to have someone either working with us at the door or working in the same territory. As one publisher remarked: “Just knowing that there is someone close by helps.” Starting out in field service with a happy group makes service all the more enjoyable.

• ² Group witnessing is not new. Luke chapter 10 relates to us the joy that the disciples experienced when working together. It should be noted that before sending out the 70, Jesus first gave them instructions. From his example we see why it is good, in most cases, to meet together prior to going out in field service.—Luke 10:1-16.

• ³ Recently in Our Kingdom Service there was a series of articles explaining the importance of helping one another. Are we still putting these fine suggestions into (Luke 12:18-21) What is the proper viewpoint? (Matt. 6:31-33) How can we keep a balance between secular and spiritual responsibilities?—! Tim. 6:6-8; Heb. 13:5, 15.

• ³ Today’s society puts much emphasis on entertainment and personal pleasure. If not careful, we too could be affected by this influence and become excessively involved in such pursuits. Is it wrong to enjoy ourselves? (Eccl. 3:12, 13) When have we gone too far? (2 Tim. 3:4) What principles can help us decide what type or amount of entertainment is appropriate?—Phil. 4:8; 1 Tim. 4:8; Eph. 5:15, 16; Luke 8:14.

• ⁴ Many problems are being experienced in caring for the spiritual and physical needs of the family. A father may be very active in preaching the good news while his children’s conduct is poor at the Kingdom Hall. Or a wife who is meticulously concerned about the physical appearance of her home shows only a minimal regard for the spiritual needs of her family. What two basic responsibilities are involved? (Eph. 6:4; Rom. 10:10) Why should concern for the spiritual interests of the family rate high on the list of priorities?

(Continued on page 3, col. 2)

practice? As an “association of brothers,” we all want to help one another. (1 Pet. 2:17) Reports show that in many congregations there is a good response to the special arrangements for field service on the first Sunday of the month. Some elders say that this arrangement has drawn the congregation closer together. Where morning meetings are held, some publishers bring their lunch and then go out in field service before returning home. We are happy to receive these fine reports. They should encourage all of us to continue taking advantage of local arrangements for group witnessing.

⁴ Meeting together for field service and working with the group give us the opportunity to work with new publishers as well as those who are more experienced. Elders and ministerial servants can get better acquainted with the (Continued on page 2, col. 2)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JUNE 1

18 mln: Song 9. Convention coordinator reviews information from previous letters, as well as appropriate information on pages 31 and 32 of the May 15, 1980, Watchtower on the "Divine Love” District Convention. Also Announcements.

12 min: Showing "Divine Love.” Encourage congregation to take advantage of informal witnessing while traveling to and from the convention. Is preparation important for Informal witnessing to be successful? Why? What literature would be good to take along? Demonstrate: (1) Witnessing to a gasoline station attendant and/or a waitress, (2) another situation appropriate for your area. (See the January, 1980, Our Kingdom Service for additional Information on Informal witnessing.)

22 min: “Keeping a Balanced View of Our Service." Discuss article with congregation highlighting principles in scriptures cited.

8 min: Review field service arrangements for the weekend. Song 27 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 8

8 min: Song 20 and local announcements.

20 min: Getting the Most from Our Bible Reading. (To be handled by school overseer.) Family group on stage discusses their study needs. All agree that they have been negligent about weekly Bible reading assignment. Different family members volunteer variety of excuses. The father acknowledges that all have busy schedules and need to be determined to stick with a practical weekly schedule. Second Timothy 3:16, 17 is read and the question is asked: How important is it for us to read the Bible? All agree that it has many far-reaching benefits and is well worth the time. How can we Include It In our schedule? A portion could be read at mealtimes. Eliminating Just one half-hour TV program a week might be enough. Any other suggestions by the family are discussed. (Chairman Interrupts to discuss with the audience sug-§estions they may have. Then asks au-lence how they have benefited from regular reading of the Bible. Comments from the audience could Include new things learned, such as greater appreciation for Bible truths, more insight Into the meaning by understanding the context, better clarification of Bible principles and their application, and so forth.) Family expresses their determination to keep up with the Bible reading, not just out of a sense of duty, but because it Is enjoyable and rewarding. It serves for their spiritual upbuilding.

15 min: Talk on article “Step Over Into Macedonia and Help.”

12 min: "A Good Report.” (Prov. 25: 25) (To be handled by the secretary.) Joy and encouragement were experienced when many new ones first joined the Christian faith. (Acts 4:1-4) We too are encouraged by their service reports. Our reports likewise bring praise. (1) What good results has the congregation experienced In helping those who attended the Memorial? What is still being done? (Inviting them to the district convention, and so forth.) (2) Discuss congregation report. Commend the congregation. Mention any problems congregation may be having in reporting field service. Select helpful Information found in Question Box of September, 1979, Our Kingdom Service.

5 mln: Song 42 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 15

10 mln: Song 49, local announcements and reading of accounts report.

25 mln: Philippians—A Book of Encouragement and Guidance for Christians. (Chairman should read entire book of Philippians In preparation, taking particular note of principles that would be most applicable to situations we face today. In discussion with congregation, encourage personal application. The following questions may be asked as time permits:) What are some of the more important things to which we should give attention? (1:9, 10) What reason do we have for joy even when others speak against the truth? (1:15-18) What can prayer accomplish? (1:19) What is a strong reason why we should not fear our enemies, while striving for unity with our brothers? (1:27, 28) What lasting benefit comes from humility? (2:5-11) Why Is It groper to give Jehovah credit for good ealth? (2:27) What is a balanced view to take toward our own progress in the truth and that of others? (3:16) When human governments make unreasonable demands of us, what is it good to remember? (3:20) Even though surrounded by anxiety, how can we be content and at peace in our hearts? (4:6, 7) We will surely prosper If we give attention to what qualities? (4:8)

Group Witnessing            (Cont’d)

brothers and sisters while working with them in the field. It affords a fine opportunity for all to share in encouraging one another.

• ⁵ Meeting with the group need not take much time. Usually groups can be organized and started out in service within 10 or 15 minutes. The service overseer should be alert to help brothers overcome problems with organizing the groups so that more time can be spent in the field.

• ⁶ Group witnessing can also be arranged during the week. Many of the sisters are taking advantage of this. Also, most of the pioneers are out in field service on weekdays. By working with the pioneers you will receive encouragement and, in turn, you can be encouraging to them. Youths, now that school will be closed for the summer, why don’t you plan on spending some of your vacation time sharing in this midweek group witnessing?

• ⁷ Some have commented that there is an increasing number of people that are not at home during the week. We encourage you to continue keeping accurate house-to-house records so that either you or those who engage in field service during evening hours or on weekends can try calling on the not-at-homes. With the coming of 18 min: “Presenting the Good News— With Magazines.” Questions and answers. Highlight our Scriptural responsibility to keep declaring the good news at every opportunity. Point up value of using The Watchtower and Awake! whenever possible. (As time permits. Include several brief and practical demonstrations on most effective ways magazines can be placed in varied situations in your local territory.)

7 mln: Song 33 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 22

12 mln: Song 14, Theocratic News, Question Box and local announcements. 15 min: "Benefits of Group Witnessing.” Questions and answers. Also Include comments from audience as to why they enjoy group witnessing.

10 min: "Beware of Imputing Wrong Motives to Others.” A warm, kind talk given by an elder. Material taken from April 1, 1980, Watchtower, pages 12-15.

18 mln: Interviews on how some came into the truth. Use variety showing how the truth has appeal to (1) younger ones, (2) older folks, (3) family groups, and (4) one whose mate did not approve of associating with the Witnesses. If needed, see Watch Tower Publications Index, under heading “Field Service” (experiences).

5 min: Song 56 and prayer.

the summer months, would it not be good to make definite arrangements for evening group witnessing? Some of the elders and the ministerial servants may be able to meet with the group on an evening that would be convenient for the congregation. Since evenings generally seem to be the best time to find people at home, service overseers should explore this possibility.

• ⁸ We want to reach as many people as possible with the good news while there is still time available. So, where conditions permit, some publishers may wish to work alone. In other areas, going to the doors alone may not be advisable. Or, a married couple working together may be more effective in talking to people. Also, when young ones are in the group, it may be wise to have an adult publisher work with each child. In every case good judgment coupled with a desire to accomplish the most good should govern the arrangements we make.

• ⁹ We wish to commend all of you for the fine work that you have been doing in the preaching activity. We are seeing good increases in the number of new ones sharing in the work and this makes us all happy. May Jehovah continue to “send out workers into his harvest.”—Luke 10:2.

  "Step Over info Macedonia and Help"

  
  

¹Most of us are familiar with the above-quoted words and the circumstances that surround them. (Acts 16:6-10) Paul and Barnabas loved people. Their willingness to give of themselves was evident by their actions. We see that same willingness among Jehovah’s servants today. (Ps. 110:3) Many of you have moved into congregations so that you can help in working seldom-covered territories and be a source of encouragement. We are sure that, like Paul and Barnabas, those who have done this have been richly blessed.

• ² We should not think that moving to serve where the need is greater is only for elders and pioneers. Oftentimes the Society receives letters from circuit overseers and congregations requesting families to move in to add support, as well as help in working territory.

• ³ The right motive is most important in deciding to make a move to serve where the need is greater. Our reason for moving should be one of wanting to be of help. A brother, who with his wife and son has spent many years serving in congregations needing help, commented that it is often necessary to lower your living standards. “Don’t try to change the congregation to suit your personal likes,” he said, “but work with it, relying on Jehovah for work, housing, and so forth. Be willing to accept what He provides.” Good suggestions!

• ⁴ Also keep in mind that in most areas where help is needed, secular work is often scarce, the cost of housing and other basic necessities may be expensive or weather conditions could be extreme. Much prayerful thought should be given before moving. Count the cost. (Luke 14:28) It is important to turn to Jehovah, as a family, asking for his direction and guidance. And it will be important for each member of the family to support the arrangement. Are you willing to make sacrifices and adjustments in your lives?

• ⁵ What should you do if you decide to move to a new congregation? First, review what is stated in the Organization book on pages 134 and 135. Then write a letter and give it to the service committee. They, in turn, will send it to the Society.

• ⁶ In addition to what is mentioned in the Organization book, please let the Society know if you have in mind a certain part of the country where you would like to serve. We will send you names and addresses so you may obtain additional information you need by writing directly to the congregation (s). It might be mentioned that Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington have a limited need.

• ⁷ There are a number of foreign language congregations that have needs. If you can speak another language and are in a position to move, please correspond with the Society, as indicated in paragraph four, and tell us which languages you speak.

• ⁸ With the remainiii^ time of this old system running out, how good it is if we can be of help to our brothers and other honest-hearted people who are still thirsting for the truth. Our prayers are with you in this important matter. May Jehovah provide his guidance as we all work in boldly preaching the good news.—Acts 4:29.

Balanced View               (Cont’d)

(1 Tim. 3:4, 5; Prov. 10:1) What good benefits result when parents are well balanced?—Prov. 24:3, 4.

• ⁶ From time to time, some find it difficult to maintain the initiative necessary to share regularly and wholeheartedly in field service. When they do participate, to some extent they may feel that they are forcing themselves. Thereafter they may tend to become discouraged ana frustrated because of what seems to be a serious lack in themselves. Is it something unusual for a Christian to sometimes lack initiative to do the work assigned? (Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:19, 20) Is a need to force ourselves necessarily a sign of failure? (1 Cor. 9:16, 26, 27) Our service to Jehovah is acceptable if our motive is right. (Col. 3:23, 24) It is appropriate to ask Jehovah for his spirit to help us develop greater initiative to act in harmony with his will.—1 John 5:14.

• ⁶ The key to good balance lies in viewing ourselves honestly, expecting neither too much nor too little. We are balanced when our service is commensurate with our abilities, circumstances and opportunities, rather than judged in comparison with what others do. When we detect a lack in ourselves, a desire to please Jehovah should prompt us to do better. Satisfaction and peace of mind are the result of an inward assurance that we are pleasing Jehovah.

Announcements

® Literature offer for June: Choosing book on contribution of 50c. For July: Watchtower subscription for $2.50 with three 32-page booklets given free to new subscribers. August: Two 50-cent books for $1.00. For September: Tract and a 50-cent book. (For book offers during August and September do not use Commentary on James, Family Life, Truth or School Guidebook. If your congregation has any of the 384-page books In stock, make a special effort to place them.)

• You may order the 1979 Watch Tower Publications Index immediately. The cost is 25c each. Individuals please order through congregation.

• Please note the following price changes that take effect June 1, 1980.

Annual, paperback Watch Tower Publications Index for the years 1976, 1977. 1978 From 10c to 25c

Brown, hardcover Watch Tower Publications Index for 1961-1965

From 50c to $1.00

TO THE CONGREGATION SECRETARY : Please study carefully the information on the inventory form that will be sent to each congregation with the May statement. All paper-covered Indexes up to and Including 1974 should be deleted from the Progressive Inventory of Literature and removed from stock on June 1. 1980, AFTER AN ACTUAL COUNT IS TAKEN. List only the quantities of the Indexes affected by the price Increase and those to be removed from stock.

• In preparation for the dramas to be presented at the “Divine Love” District Conventions, it is suggested that all read the following Bible accounts: Genesis chapters 22; 25:19-34 ; 26:3427:40; 1 Samuel chapters 21. 22 and 26; 2 Samuel chapters 11. 12, 15-18 and 24;

1 Kings chapter 1; 2 Chronicles chapters 17-20.

• Due to the rising cost of paper and postage, as of June 1 It will be necessary to charge $2.00 a thousand for handbills.

• All regular and special pioneers on the list for six months at the time of the district convention may receive $14.00 worth of convention tickets and any free releases by showing their Pioneer Identification and Assignment card to a designated cashier and the bookroom respectively. Those in circuit, district and Bethel service have received a 1980 Convention Identification card for this purpose.

• Congregations will schedule a 30-mlnute review of things learned at the district convention. This meeting will be held the week following the convention your congregation is scheduled to attend as outlined in the 2/80 Our Kingdom Service insert. Each congregation book study should be assigned a specific day (or days) of the convention, being ready to highlight beneficial things learned.

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

June 1: Pages 168¹ to 174¹ June 8: Pages 174¹ to 180 June 15: Pages 181 to 190 June 22: Review pages 5 to 96 June 29: Review pages 97 to 190

With Magazines

• ¹ The Christian congregation has been assigned the responsibility of spreading the good news “to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) From its inception, all members were taught and trained with a view to sharing in that work. They all rejoiced when the success of their efforts was reported. “The word of Jehovah went on growing and spreading.” “The word of Jehovah went on being carried throughout the whole country.” “All those inhabiting the district of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” “In a mighty way the word of Jehovah kept growing and prevailing.”—Acts 12:24; 13:49; 19: 10, 20.

• ² As members of the modern Christian congregation, our assignment has not changed. It is still God’s will that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) We have a responsibility to ‘handle the word of truth aright’ by spreading it far and wide, making it available to as many as possible. With the help of Jehovah’s spirit, the honest-hearted ones will be gathered. Today, we rejoice to report that the word of truth is being carried “to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The Watchtower and Awake! are playing a large and vital role in getting that done.

MAGAZINES SPREAD THE TRUTH QUICKLY

• ³ A key to success is being able to speak the word “at the right time for it.” (Prov. 25:11) Most people are not inclined to pause and listen when we call, but a magazine left in the home might later be available at just “the right time.”

• ⁴ A college student was impressed by an article he read in Awake! A return visit the next week resulted in his attendance at a circuit assembly then in progress and the starting . of_a Bible study(One woman slammed the “door in the face of a Witness, but later her husband, who was receptive, accepted two magazines from that same Witness. On a return visit, the woman answered the door, humbly apologized, asked many questions and right away agreed to a Bible study.] A brother left' some magazines in a car he sold and the new owner later contacted him to learn more about

what he hadreadjwhile riding ’tfie'TTain, Someone came across two copies of the magazines. After reading them he wrote for both subscriptions and later _began_tn.

study. [Another person explained that sne had visited many different religions to find out what the Bible teaches about hell. Her questions were finally answered one day in a store where she accidentally picked up a sheet of paper torn from an Awake! magazine. An elderly person found a Watchtower in a stack of newspapers and thereafter searched at great length until she located Witnesses who were ^ble to tell her more.

⁶ Much thought is given to the contents of the magazines with emphasis on providing information that is Scripturallv based, relevant to the times and practical for cur ‘rent needs. As an example^ the TtB'sWhns been featuring “Have You Ever Wondered . . . ?” This feature in the June 8 issue deals with the subject, “Is Faith in God Realistic in Our Modern World?” wHileTIie June 22 issue answers the question, “Can Young Folks Find Security Today?” Expanded printing capabilities have made it possible to enhance the appeal of the magazines" to the eye as well 'as the mind. Discussions of a wide^-range—Of Bible-related subjects offer something of spiritual value to people of all walks of life.

⁶ Appreciating what the magazines can do in helping us fulfill our God-given assignment, should we not look for ways to get more of them into the hands of people who may be searching for the truth? Ut is certainly^- appropriate^-to carry them with us in all features of service, offering them to anyone who .might be inclined to read them. ^Placing a subscription may help someone cultivate a growing interest in the Bible-Many publishers have found that" appreciative readers will readily take new issues of_fhe magazines on a regular basis.VThose^ whio~em~ "joy doing street work or calling on business people with the magazines report that a friendly, tactful approach elicits good response and results in many placements. TheTmagazlnes are especially helpful in starting conversations in informal witnessing. \By carrying a supply whenTraveling to the district conventions, you may enjoy many rewarding experiences by offering them to business people

ORDER SEPTEMBER TRACT NOW

The literature offer for September will feature a new "Kingdom News” tract along with a book. Tn past campaigns the Society has printed and snipped tracts at no charge to the congregations. However, due to drastic increases in paper and shipping costs, and the expense of obtaining new printing equipment, it is not possible for us to subsidize the tract distribution this year. Therefore, the congregations are being asked to contribute $3.60 per 1200 tracts. Please determine your needs and order in lots of 1200 using the S-14 Literature Order Blank. Your order should be in Brooklyn by June 6, 1980.

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• What should be kept in mind to insure good reading at congregation meetings and who should be used to read from the Society's publications at such meetings?

Those assigned to do public reading from the Society's publications such as The Watchtower, Commentary on James, Our Kingdom Service, and so forth, at congregation meetings should manifest the needed qualities of good readers. These qualities include proper emphasis, sufficient volume, well-placed pauses, correct pronunciation, and so forth. (See Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook, pages 30 and 31.) Effective reading on behalf of a group is necessary. Otherwise, those listening will miss the full import of what is being read and will fail to act upon the information. For these reasons those who are assigned to read at congregation meetings should take to heart the apostle Paul’s words at 1 Timothy 4:13: '"Continue applying yourself to public .reading, to exhortation, to teaching.''

Elders, ministerial servants and other qualified, baptized brothers should be used when such are available. If no baptized brother in the congregation is able to read in such a way as to benefit spiritually those in attendance, the one presiding may read the paragraphs himself or sisters who read well may be used. Also please see Question Box In the July, 1977, Our Kingdom Service.

- MARCH SERVICE REPORT

Av.     Av.    Av. Av.

Pubs.  Hrs.    Mags.  R.V. Bl.St.

Sp’l Pios.     626 127.3  82.8 49.5 5.0

Pios.       16,602  85.6  60.1 34.6 3.6

-Aux. Pios. 14,636  60.6  41.1 20.6 1.8

Pubs.     514,830   8.4   8.1  4.0  .5

TOTAL    546,694

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,877

4

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To or from subheading.

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⁷ Who knows how many more sincere people will hear the message and eventually declare, “It is the truth!” (Isa. 43:9) If we do the best we can, none can complain that they failed to hear because there was no one to preach. (Rom. 10:14) Our joy of accomplishment will be even greater if we can help get copies of the magazines into otherwise inaccessible places where their pages can convey the truth “at the right time” and in a manner that will reach honest hearts.