OUR KINGDOM SERVICE

JANUARY 1981

Vol. 24, No. 1 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

JANUARY 5-11

How will a proper motive aid us:

• 1. In difficult territory? (Acts 18:

• 5, 6)

• 2. To maintain our joy in the field?

• 3. In making our message more appealing?

JANUARY 12-18

How do our motives affect:

• 1. The saving of lives? (Rom. 10: 10-15)      *

• 2. The importance of our warning message?

• 3. Our being zealous in preaching?

JANUARY 19-25

What do you suggest:

• 1. As a talking pojnt in current “Watchtower"?

• 2. As a way to develop magazine routes?

• 3. For follow-up- on magazine placements?

JANUARY 26-FEBRUARY 1

How do our manners:

• 1. Affect our impression on householders?

• 2. Indicate good training or the lack of it?

• 3. Add to a good personal appearance when witnessing?

AN ENCOURAGING REPORT

The October 1980 service report is mast             Compared with Octo

ber 1979, total publishers increased by 4.4 percent. We devoted 533,829 more hours, placed 292,415 more magazines, made 191,220 more return visits, conducted 30,130 more Bible studies and obtained 11,112 more new subscriptions. Truly we are grateful for Jehovah’s blessings upon our united efforts!

• ¹ Following his resurrection, Jesus gave his faithful disciples a far-reaching commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matt. 28: 19, 20.

• ² Jesus had already set a fine example for his disciples in teaching and disciple-making. Over 500 of them had the privilege of seeing or hearing the resurrected Jesus before he returned to heaven. (1 Cor. 15:6) Now it was the responsibility of those first-century Christians to carry on the disciplemaking work throughout the then-known world. But what about our day? We continue to follow vigorously Jesus’ example in going to the homes of people to teach them and make them true Christian disciples.

* IMPROVING OUR DISCIPLE-MAKING WORK

^s Since disciple-making has lifesaving benefits, we must be at it urgently in these last days. (John 17:3) Are you having a share in it? If not, would you like help in making return visits and conducting home Bible studies so as to

• ¹ “I never thought I could do it. Yet here it is 20 years later and I’m still having a share in it thanks to the training I received in the Theocratic School!” A share in what? The publisher quoted here was referring to the fine training and experience he received that enabled him to share successfully in the field activity. Indeed, many have expressed heartfelt appreciation for the benefits they received from participating in the Theocratic School. Those who attend and share regularly in the school program find that their comments at meetings are greatly improved, and their participation in the field service is far more effective. It has enabled both brothers and sisters to be able to ‘handle the word of truth aright.’—2 Tim. 2:15.

• ² Clearly, the Theocratic School is one of Jehovah’s generous provisions that he has made available through his organization to assist all of his people in becoming better qualified to proclaim the good news. However, in order to benefit fully from the progressive training the school offers, we should not view it as merely a 45-minute weekly teach honest-hearted people more of the truths from God’s Word? Such help is available right in your own congregation.

• ⁴ It is true that we no longer have a Bible study overseer in each congregation. But now the assignment of following up on the disciple-making activity in the congregation has been delegated to the congregation book study conductors, who are usually elders. These brothers have a keen interest in your activity. They would like to help you follow up on any placements or interest you may have found. They are desirous of helping you to start Bible studies with interested ones and even going with you on your studies. By availing yourself of their readiness to assist, you may enjoy this field of service for the first time, if you have not yet done so.

• ⁶ It is also good for book study conductors to know who in their group conducts Bible studies as well as who the students are. Congregation secretaries may provide each study conductor with the Bible study reports of the publish-

(Continued on page 3, col. 3)

meeting. If we all desire to get the most from the school, we will want to follow through on the suggestion to prepare in advance through home study. This includes Bible reading and necessary research so that we may constantly widen and ever deepen our knowledge and understanding of God’s purposes. (Rom. Ilr33) In this connection, an examination of the features of the current school program should enable each one of us to reevaluate the benefits and move us to take full advantage of them.

• ³ Those brothers giving assignment No. 1 have a fine opportunity to demonstrate the “art of teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:2) How can this best be accomplished? By isolating important points, illustrating them and making practical application of the material to local needs.

• ⁴ Our Bible reading program and the highlights from tne Bible reading are very important features of the school. It is the responsibility of the school overseer, or of another qualified elder assigned by him, to give a brief, overall view of the assigned chapters and help the audience to appreciate why and (Continued on page 3, col. 1)

Meetings to HelpUsMakeDisciples

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 4

(Starting with this meeting, the service meeting will be limited to 45 minutes, not including songs and prayer. Please observe this adjustment in all future meetings.) Song 10

3 min: Local announcements. Include encouragement to read chapters 4 to 6 from Happiness book to be covered in talk next Sunday. 10 min: Elders can prepare locally or give a talk using “Questions from Readers” in the September 1, 1980, issue of The Watchtower. Draw points from “Insight on the News” on page 11.

17 min: “Does Sexual Morality Make Sense?” The following material is based on chapter 18 of the Youth book, pages 133-140. Elder with this part may assign to various youths beforehand questions and scriptures to be read. Certain paragraphs from the chapter are cited after the questions below, which should assist brothers in preparing comments. Please pose the following questions, have texts read and discussed as time permits. Encourage youths to participate fully in discussion. How do many people in the world feel about premarital sex? What are some effects? What does 1 Corinthians 6:18 say about fornication? (pars. 4-7) What is a sign of moral strength? Cite some Biblical examples, (pars. 8-11) What scriptures show that Jehovah condemns fornication and loose conduct? (1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Ps. 97:10) Why is God’s law on morality so beneficial for us now? Relate some problems youths are being faced with in school concerning this matter. What thought-provoking questions should youths ask themselves if wrong conduct seems appealing to them? (pars. 16, 17) What bad aftereffects result to those who give in to sexual immorality? Why does sexual morality make sense? (pars. 18-21) What examples do we have in the Bible to aid us to make a correct decision? (2 Sam. 13:1-19; Gen. 39:7-20) What relationship with Jehovah will a wise choice mean for us? (Eph. 5:3, 4; Phil. 4: 8) Our service to God is acceptable only if we present ourselves clean and undefiled. Such wholesome conduct results in a clean conscience. This approved condition enables youths to enjoy freedom of speech when sharing in the field activity.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News—^Offering the Watchtower Subscription.” Question-and-answer coverage of article. Include demonstration of suggested Topic for Conversation when covering paragraphs 3 and 4. Enthusiastically encourage congregation to share in offering subscriptions this weekend in the field service.

Song 89 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 11

Song 28

7 min: Introduction, accounts report. Suggest brothers review chapters 7 and 8 of Happiness book for Sunday’s talk.

20 min: “How the Theocratic School Is Benefiting Us.” (To be handled by school overseer) Question-and-answer discussion of material. Review each talk thoroughly so publishers will appreciate value ana see need of attending school regularly. Discuss feature of oral counsel being given after talks and the benefit of such to the students. Highlight positive trends noted in local Theocratic School, such as new students being enrolled, improved talks being given by students, increased appreciation by brothers in general. Possibly some suggestions can be given for improvement that school overseer could helpfully mention as time permits. (See Study 20 in School Guidebook, beginning on p. 100, “Counsel Builds Up.”)

18 min: Review talking points in the January 15, 1981, issue of The Watchtower that can be used in the field service. Prepare in advance to have different publishers comment on points they will use from the magazine. Encourage all to read magazine and bring it to the meeting. May want to demonstrate how one or two talking points can be incorporated in a magazine presentation. Have several experiences related showing what has been accomplished in offering subscription and/or magazines.

Song 33 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 18

Song 77

5 min: Introduction and Announcements. Suggest that brothers read chapters 9 and 10 in Happiness book to be covered in next Sunday’s public talk.

18 min: “Go Therefore and Make Disciples.” Discussion of article with appropriate questions. Include comments from one or two book study conductors on how they plan to assist publishers in the disciple-making work. Encourage publishers to seek to conduct Bible studies if they are not already doing so. Also, if some have too many return visits or studies, they should discuss this with their study conductor to see if others can assist in caring for them.

15 min: “What Gives Them Courage?” Talk on August 15, 1980, Watchtower article, along with audience participation. Highlight need for courage today as we carry on with our preaching and teaching activity. Show how we rely on Jehovah, not on our own strength, as we go from house to house and conduct Bible studies or even face persecution. If time permits, include experiences from local brothers or sisters who have overcome timidity and are now courageously preaching the good news and making return visits regularly.

7 mln: “An Encouraging Report.” Also, consider October Service Report and relate what was accomplished locally during that month, noting encouraging features.

Song 7 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 25

Song 36

6 min: Introduction and local announcements.

12 min: “Circuit Assemblies—Aid in Our Fight for the Faith.” Discuss article with audience participation. Allow time for one or two comments on points brothers enjoyed from current circuit assembly program. Encourage all to make plans to attend next assembly when dates are announced.

12 mln: Elders can prepare material needed for local consideration or cover material in September 1, 1980, Watchtower article, “Follow the Great Exemplar.”

15 min: Our Field Service in February. Briefly outline offer of any 192-page book. Mention which books are available locally. Include one or two prepared, brief comments from audience on talking points that will tie in with current Topic for Conversation; also experiences that will build appreciation for group witnessing. Encourage all to be in field service next Sunday, the first Sunday of February, if possible. Also suggest that everyone review chapters 11 to 13 of Happiness book for Sunday’s talk.

Song 48 and prayer.

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Congregation Meetings . . . (Cont’d) how the information is of value to the brothers. It will require more preparation on his part so as to make this practical. To the extent possible, some in the audience may be called on for comments that they have on points they learned from the Bible reading for that week. Are you personally benefiting by keeping up with the schedule of Bible reading each week? One aid in preparing our assignment is to look for scriptures that build appreciation, strengthen our families in some needed quality, or help us draw a lesson from examples in the narrative.—1 Tim. 4:13; Ps. 1: 1, 2.

• ⁵ Talk No. 2 is a Bible reading that benefits all, and especially our new and younger brothers. It has helped them make advancement in their public reading ability. Due to the training in the Theocratic School, many of our school-age youngsters have made remarkable advancement in their public school classes both in language as well as in speaking ability.—1 Tim. 4:15, 16.

“Talk No. 3 is to be given by our sisters. This assignment includes younger ones, whenever possible, and an assistant will be scheduled by the school overseer. Additional sisters may be used if desired to make various settings practical. Situations arising at home, in the field service, in the congregation and elsewhere may be used to make this portion practical, realistic and instructive for all present. Of course, the prime consideration should be directed to the material rather than the setting.

• ⁷ Talk No. 4 is to be given preferably by male students. This talk, presented to the entire audience, is based on various Watchtower and Awake! articles. The material should be truly informative and beneficial, aiding listeners to “make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine.”—1 Thess. 5:21.

• ⁸ A most helpful feature of the school will be the counsel given from the platform after each talk. This will help students to appreciate the points to work on for improvement. All can actually benefit from this provision by applying certain principles to their own efforts in speaking the truth and making disciples. (Phil. 3:16) Do we not always look to Jehovah for counsel? As the psalmist wrote: “With your counsel you will lead me.” (Ps. 73:24) By appreciating the counsel from the school overseer, which is offered in a kindly, encouraging way, students will continue to make advancement in their speaking ability. Therefore,

  • ¹ Back in ancient Israel, the annual assemblies were times of rejoicing and of spiritual encouragement and instruction. The same is true among Jehovah’s people today. What a relief it is to leave behind secular cares and pressures for two days to assemble together with our brothers for good association and v instruction! And how built up we are spiritually when the assembly seems so quickly to draw to its conclusion! It was good to see that over 931,000 attended the series of circuit assemblies from February through August 1980, a 3.6 percent increase over 1979.

  • ² During the past few months, most of us have had the privilege of attending a circuit assembly that had as its theme “Set Apart from the World.” Certainly the program aided us to see more clearly our position as true Christians. Yes, ^f‘the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one,” so as true servants of Jehovah, we need to fight actively against and resist the unclean conduct and contaminating spirit of Satan’s old system. (1 Pet. 4:3, 4; 1 John 5: 19) Only then can we continue to have Jehovah’s spirit and blessing.

  • ³ Keeping separate from the world requires a strong fight for the faith. So our new series of circuit assemblies, which begins in February, has the theme “Fight the Fine Fight of the Faith.” The new program will develop why a fight for the faith is so necessary those enrolled in the Theocratic School should realize that such counsel, and the spirit in which it is given, are governed by the fine principles of the Bible.—Prov. 19: 20; 2 Cor. 3:5,

  • ⁹ Our being in attendance regularly each week will help us grow in appreciation for this provision of spiritual education. When assigned talks, all students need to be dependable, fulfilling their assignments, so that it will not become necessary for the school overseer frequently to call for someone to substitute.

  • ¹⁰ Jehovah makes provision for his people to speak the truth clearly and understandably. In conversations with our families, our friends, at work and in the field activity, let us express ourselves in a way that will motivate others to fear God and keep his commandments. (Eccl. 12:9-14) To this end, we cannot afford to miss out on the benefits of the Theocratic School.

  
  

  Circuit Assemblies— Aid in Our Fight for the Faith

  
  

at this time and what is involved in this fight. As dedicated Christians, we cannot afford to become apathetic or negative in our attitude toward the worsening moral climate in the world. We need to heed the Scriptural warning regarding this condition. At the same time, we are admonished to fight hard for the faith.—1 Tim. 1:18; 6:12.

■* As you know, the Theocratic School schedule has been revised for 1981. In view of this, a model school will be conducted at the circuit assembly. It will be good for everyone to benefit from the district overseer’s counsel following each student’s presentation.

³ The assembly program will also point out the need to distribute zealously the timely message in our magazines and why we should act now on what we have heard in order to make our advancement manifest. There will also be a straightforward part on the program showing how to go on waging our Christian warfare. These provisions will strengthen us for our Christian fight. We need to protect our spirituality as the end of this system approaches. So be sure to attend the next assembly arranged for your circuit!

"Go . . . Make Disciples" (Cont’d) ers in his group in order to help the conductors in this regard.

⁶ Reports indicate a need for more to share in the disciplemaking activity. For example, during the 1979 service year, over seven million books were placed with people living in this country. The average number of Bible studies conducted each month came to 275,978. So if more share in following up on placements in the field, no doubt .many more home Bible studies can be started with the prospect of additional Christian disciples being made.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached: January 4:     Pages 7 to 15

January 11:     Pages 16  to 25*

January 18:    Pages 25* to 32*

January 25:     Pages 32* to 40

• To or from subheading.

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Why the Bible Was Written

1 Cor. 10:11—Sounds a warning. 2 Tim. 3:15—Makes wise for salvation.

Offering the “Watchtower" Subscription

• ¹ What effect can The Watchtower have upon honest-hearted persons? (John 10:14) A college student found copies of The Watchtower in the ladies lounge of the department store where she worked. Noticing an order, blank on one, she sent for a subscription. To the Witness who called on her she said: “I do love to read the Bible and since I found The Watchtower I enjoy reading it also.” While she had a strong desire to aid others, she felt that her college course really did not qualify her to do so. She now feels that she has something with which she can really help other people.

• ² Because we all recognize the powerful influence for good found m the pages of The Watchtower, we look forward to offering the subscription to lovers of truth and life. By reading the magazine, thousands of honest-hearted persons have come to know and love Jehovah. It has aided them to enjoy an ever-greater depth of appreciation for him and his purpose. We should plan to use all opportunities to present the good news * by offering subscriptions.

⁸ One of the foremost ways to acquaint others with the wonderful message of The Watchtower is by offering it from house to "house. Each of us may develop our presentation in a way that is adaptable to the local people and circumstances. However, some may enjoy using the following: “Hello, my name is----. I’m calling today on

people who love the Bible and believe that it has a timely message for mankind. Perhaps like many in your neighborhood you have a family Bible in your home. Have you ever wondered how the Bible can benefit you and your family today? [Let householder respond.] Notice what we are told at 1 Corinthians 10:11. [Read.] When public warning is given of an impending disaster, we do well to heed it. How much more so should we give attention to the divine warning found in the Bible, since life is involved. Don’t you agree? [Allow response.] Knowing that God may soon take action against the wicked, it would be wise on our part to listen. Second Timothy 3:15 comments on the good results to us. [Read.]” We can then offer the subscription, highlighting specific points of interest in the current issue. The January 15 issue will feature the material “Why Will. a Loving God Exact Vengeance?”

⁴ What if some people in your territory are not very interested in the Bible? You may approach them in this way: “I’m calling out of concern for my neighbors. You probably feel the effects of worsening world conditions. Do you think that mankind will achieve something better in our lifetime? [Allow response.] Many Eeople do not. However, the oldest istory book available tells us that we are living in the ‘time of the end.’ In fact, God has provided us with a written warning. Notice what the Bible tells us at 1 Corinthians 10:11. [Read.] If we are to have a happy future, then we must listen to the warning message the Bible gives and then act upon it. This is encouraged at 2 Timothy 3:15. [Read.] We have found that The Watchtower has aided families the world over for more than 100 years to understand the Bible’s message and learn about a better future.”

⁶ Magazine routes also serve as a fine avenue for obtaining subscriptions. Those who regularly obtain the magazines have already shown interest in our journals and likely would appreciate getting them through the mail. Often, it is simply a matter of letting them know that they are available on a subscription basis.

⁸ A regular subscriber to The Watchtower who has been studying a little over a year writes: “I know this is the truth and my life has been changed. Now I am separate from the world and I look to Jehovah for all my answers. The truth has indeed set me free!” Such blessings and experiences can be ours by offering subscriptions.

• ⁷ Of course, we may meet some people who feel they cannot afford a subscription at the time we call, but they would like to rea4 the magazines. In some places the delivery of mail is so poor that people do not wish to subscribe for anything coming by mail. So we want to be sure to leave the single issues of the magazines with them. It is always good to take note of these individuals and call back, perhaps developing several such calls mto magazine routes.

• ⁸ Regardless of the avenue we might choose, we will enjoy much success and Jehovah’s blessing if we present the good news with sincerity and the firm conviction that The Watchtower contains what the person needs.

4                      .

• Literature offer for January: Watchtower subscription for $2.50. February and March: Any 192-page book (60c) in congregation stock. April and May: Watchtower subscription for $2.50.

• 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 Sunday, April 19, and special talk to be held on Sunday, April 5. 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 are being sent to congregations with the December statement. The special talk will be on the subject: “On Whose Promises Do You Rely?" 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.

4

• At circuit assemblies having the new program starting in February, district overseers will give the public talk “Facing the Future with Faith and Courage.” Starting in February, circuit overseers will give a public talk with the theme “Encourage One Another as the Day Draws Near.”

• New Publications Available:

Good News—to Make You Happy —Hiligaynon, Pangaslnan, Romanian

Lite Does Have a Purpose

—Croatian Making Your Family Life Happy

—Arabic, Greek, New Guinea Pidgin, Tagalog

• A recording of the Bible book To the Romans is now available in English on a single cassette at a cost of $2.00 each. Pioneers may order the cassette at a cost of $1.75. The two recordings released at the English district conventions this past summer are also available. These include The Good News According to Mark (2 cassettes), $3.00, congregation; $2.50, pioneer. Kingdom Melodies-I, $2.00, congregation; $1.75, pioneer. Cassettes should be ordered through the congregation on the regular Literature Order Blank, using the space provided. These cassettes will also be available with Braille labels for use by the blind.

• The Society now has available In grade-two English Braille the bookGod’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached. This nine-volume Fpublication may be obtained on a ree loan basis or purchased and kept permanently. A remittance of $9.00 should accompany orders if purchased. All orders for Braille items should be sent to the Society’s BRAILLE DESK and not Included on regular congregation literature orders. Braille publications should hot be stocked by the congregation.

OCTOBER SERVICE REPORT Ay.     Av.    Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs.    Mags. R.V. Bl.St.

Sp’l Pios.     551 125.6  98.9 47.9

Pios.       17,861  87.4  67.8 32.4

Aux. Pios.  21,626  59.8  47.9.19.2

Pubs.     517,895   8.4   8.4  3.6

TOTAL   557,933

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,200