AUGUST 1974

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

“Although the fig tree itself may not blossom, ... I will exult In Jehovah himself.”—Hah. 3:17, 18. VOL. XVII NO. 8

(-Dea/i ^eKlugdcin ^cPub{isfieAS:

For many months we all looked forward to this year’s series of “Divine Purpose” District Assemblies and the privilege of attending one of them. Now, as this letter goes to press, the majority of us are looking back on this thrilling experience, calling to mind the many blessings we there received. If you have not yet attended, we earnestly urge you to do so.

Early reports show that, at the first 25 assemblies held in 17 states from coast to coast, there was a peak attendance of 325,542 with 8,468 being baptized.

Among the many interesting reports brought back from these assemblies was the news item that Brother Knorr related during his closing comments at Jacksonville, Florida. He told how the Society had just arranged to purchase a new Wood-Hoe rotary printing press, to be delivered next year.

This press, much bigger than any we have now, is 61 feet long and weighs about 42 tons. It is unique in that it has three large printing cylinders, each 70 inches wide and over 4 feet in diameter. The 70-inch-wide web of paper travels through the press at 1,000 feet a minute—over 11 miles of paper an hour! At this speed the cylinders make 75 revolutions per minute, and with each revolution they print 768 pages, the equivalent of FOUR 192-page books per revolution. That is 18,000 complete pocket-size books an hour—150,000 books during each day’s regtdar shift! As they come off the press the pages are all collated and ready for sewing and binding.

You can just imagine how long and loud the Bethel family applauded at hearing this good news. We are sure you are just as eager as we are to see it in operation —a press capable of printing more than 40,000,000 books a year without overtime!

Your brothers, Brooklyn Branch Office

• ¹ “Seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Pet. 3:11) The need to act on this inspired admonition takes on ever-increasing urgency in this concluding period of the “last days.” Only those who are at peace with Jehovah, conducting themselves in harmony with his commands, can hope to survive the fastapproaching “great tribulation.” —2 Thess. 1:6-9; 2 Pet. 3:10-14.

• ² Appreciating this, we rejoice in seeing thousands upon thousands responding to the “good news of peace” and taking steps to gain an approved standing before Jehovah God. (Acts 10:36) Many of these have progressed to the point of themselves sharing the “good news of peace” with others. Here, in the United States, during the month of May, 92,532 more persons participated in this vital work than did last May. That is marvelous indeed when we consider the changes many of them had to make in their way of life in order to represent Jehovah, the God of peace. A tremendous witness was given, over 40 million copies of Kingdom News No. 18 being distributed.

• ³ The thrilling increases in the ranks of Kingdom proclaimers are an indication that many more sincere people are yet to be found. And it is heartwarming to observe that Jehovah’s people as a body are responding wholeheartedly to the need of such persons to become reconciled to God. Just think of it,

NOTICE!

The inserts are separate from the Kingdom Ministry’s. These inserts are to be held by the overseer and not to be distributed until the special service meetings early in September. of the 539,262 proclaimers of the “good news of peace,” 20,745 were regular pioneers. This was the largest number of regular pioneers to date. Might you be able to arrange your circumstances to join these pioneers?

• ⁴ During the month of August we will again have fine opportunities to aid others to seek peace. We can do so by distributing the Truth book, a publication that has certainly aided thousands to seek peace with Jehovah and, in fact, to continue pursuing it as his dedicated servants. Over 74 million copies of this publication have now been printed in 91 languages.

• ⁵ Even if you just recently started to proclaim the “good news of peace,” perhaps sharing in distributing the tracts, you will find it a pleasure to use the Truth book to aid others. This is a publication that you have studied. You know what it contains and what things particularly impressed you. Your sincere, enthusiastic expression about what you learned may be just what is needed to reach the hearts of truth seekers.

^G Of course, if people are really going to be helped to become pursuers of peace, they need to be instructed in God’s ways. It is encouraging, therefore, that now 37,000 more studies are being conducted on the average than last year. We surely want to be alert to every opportunity to start additional Bible studies. Some on whom you will be calling during the month of August may already have the Truth book. Why not help them to appreciate how beneficial it would be for them to have a Bible study in their home? Perhaps you could invite them to get their copy of the Truth book and then demonstrate the study method, using one or two paragraphs, if (Continued on page 8, col. 1)

-K            Dutifully Pursuing Peace in Jehovah’s Way.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 11

12 min: Song 50. Introduction, text and comments, also Branch Letter.

3 min: Accounts report.

15 min: “Pursuing Peace in Jehovah’s Way.” Audience participation.

20 min: “Handling Family Problems Successfully.” Discussion based on April 22, 1974, “Awake!” An elder might introduce this part, covering points on pages 3 to 5. Then several elders may continue discussion of pages 5 to 9 under “What Can a Wife Do?” Discussion should be on a positive note, highlighting scriptures and practical suggestions offered in article. Mention to congregation that April 22 “Awake!” will be discussed on next two service meetings.

10 min: Concluding comments. Discuss what can be done locally to encourage all interested persons to attend the special service meeting during the first week of September; be sure to notify all who attended the Memorial this past spring. Song 45.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 18

10 min: Song 60. Introduction, text and comments, Announcements.

10 min: “Are You Conscious of It?” Question-and-answer discussion of article. Also Question Box, briefly.

15 min: Keeping in Touch 'with Brothers in Times of Pressure. Talk.

(2 min.) Always important for God’s people to keep in touch with one another, but especially in times of pressure. Faithfulness under pressure provides witness. (Luke 21:12, 13)

(12 min.) We can benefit from the experiences of our brothers in China and Germany as recorded in “1974 Yearbook.” (Cover as time allow’s.)

Consider the personal methods they used to keep in touch and to look after one another, (“yb,” p. 52, par. 4; p. 139, par. 3)

Willingness to endanger life to keep in touch, (“yb,” p. 52, pars. 1, 2; p. 162, par. 3)

In times of pressure do not neglect spiritual needs, (“yb,” p. 54, par. 3; p. 139, par. 4)

Physical needs may need consideration also, (“yb,” p. 176, par. 4; p. 207, par. 3)

(1 min.) Pressures continue to mount due to nationalism, health problems, opposition within family, economic stress, and we need to apply these principles. By helping one another to keep in touch now, we prepare for future pressures.—Gal. 6:10.

15 min: “Handling Family Problems Successfully.” Discussion of pages 9 to 12 of April 22 “Awake!”—“What Husbands Can Do.” Elders continue discussion from previous week, covering questions or problems that can arise in families.

10 min: Concluding comments. Discuss: Have all persons with -whom w^re conduct studies, and all others "who have attended any meetings in recent months, been invited to the special service meeting during the first week of September? Remind elders to read article “Elders’ Meeting During Circuit Overseer’s Visit.” Song 44.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 25

12 min: Song 63. Introduction, text and comments, also Theocratic News.

12 min: Discussion of “Presenting the Good News—Through Christian Conduct and Dress.”

15 min: “Handling Family Problems Successfully.” In response to their request, one or two elders call on family of publishers recently baptized. Parents are having problems with children in school and at home and do not have background in truth as yet to handle situation. Elders review’ ■with them points under “What Can We Do w’ith Our Children?”, pages 13 to 16 of April 22 “Awake!”

10 min: The “Evolution” Book—September’s Offer.

(3 min.) Comment on value of book and W’ays it can be placed. (See August 1971 “Kingdom Ministry.”)

(7 min.) Ask for suggestions from audience on how' they have placed book or plan to present it this year, including some by children. (Have some comments planned in advance.) Include a brief demonstration of offer. 11 min: Concluding comments. Remind brothers that field service and Bible study reports for August should be turned in by Sunday. Outline any special arrangements for witnessing over holiday weekend. Encourage reminding all interested persons of special service meeting next w^reek. Mention that a second special meeting will be held the following w^reek; all who are already dedicated and baptized publishers are urged to make special effort to be present. Song 55.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 1 Special meeting for all newly interested ones.

25 min: Song 23. After the song, extend a warm welcome to all w’ho are present. Then proceed directly w’ith a discourse covering the material in paragraphs 1-7 of “A Letter from People Who Care,” found in the “Kingdom Ministry” insert. Include scriptures, as time permits, possibly inviting some in the audience to read them. To be handled by one of the elders.

15 min: Base this portion on material found in paragraphs 1-4 under the heading “A Time for Action” in “A Letter from People Who Care.” To be handled by qualified brother, an elder if possible. <1) Discuss value of having a home Bible study; explain that it is free of charge. Urge those W’ho are studying to be regular to get full benefit, also to prepare in advance. (2) Bible show’s that changes are needed in our lives in order to have an approved relationship with God. Encourage new ones not to let feeling of inability to make change hold them back. Appreciate loving help that Jehovah provides. Interview’ some now in congregation who at one time had personal problems or opposition that they thought they could not surmount but who did it so they could serve Jehovah; do this briefly. (3) Point out value of regular attendance at congregation meetings. Explain that no collections are ever taken; no dues; w’e are interested in helping people to know’ Jehovah and benefit from his loving provisions. Tell W’hat meetings the. congregation has, when and where. Mention subject of public talk for the W’eek. If any have questions, urge them to speak to others present this evening. 15 min: Two elders have earnest discussion, using Bible and basing comments on material in paragraphs 5-9 under the heading “A Time for Action” in “A Letter from People Who Care.” (1) Discuss why we engage in field service; how new’ ones are assisted to share. Help them to realize that no one is pushing them, but W’e are willing to help if they want to serve Jehovah. (2) From the Bible, discuss dedication and baptism. Point out its seriousness, but show’ that it is no guarantee of salvation. Emphasize seriousness of the times in w’hich w’e live; need to act. Conclude W’ith warm appeal to appreciate value of approved relationship w’ith God.

5 min: Concluding comments by the elder w’ho opened the meeting. Before the song, distribute to all unbaptized persons present w’ho are at least ten years of age a copy of the special letter dated September 1. If you do not have enough, be sure that at least one copy is provided for each household. (After the meeting, any extra copies may be distributed, on the basis of one per household, to baptized publishers in the audience; if very few’ are available, be sure to put one on the information board.) Encourage new’ ones to take, letter home, to read it carefully and to look up the scriptures. Help them to realize that, if they are really interested in being among those who will live in God’s new’ order, now’ is the time to take action. Assure them of loving concern of congregation.

Announce special meeting for next week; tell new’ly interested ones that w’e welcome them to attend. Song 119.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 8 Special meeting for all dedicated, baptized publishers.

10 min: Song 8. After the song, extend a warm welcome to all who are present. Then proceed directly to cover, as introductory comments, the points in paragraphs 1-3 of the letter in the “Kingdom Ministry” insert “To All Dedicated Servants of Jehovah.” 15 min: Two elders have earnest discussion, basing comments on material in insert under the heading “Discharging Our Responsibility Tow’ard the World of Mankind.” Study the material carefully, prepare well, so as to convey the balanced Scriptural view set out here, along with the note of urgency. Include brief comments on W’hat the congregation as a whole did during the past service year. Show how’ the report, and the meeting attendance last week, indicate w’ork yet to be done. Encourage publishers personally to speak to new’ ones who were present the preceding week, offering to be of help to them. In connection w’ith some paragraphs, brief interviews or local experiences may emphasize what is being done locally or w’hat local needs are.

25 min: Elder to cover as a discourse the material in insert under the heading “Preserving Fine Conduct.” Invite audience to read some of the scriptures. Convey the seriousness of the matter, but handle in such a manner that the audience is built up, feeling encouraged to move ahead.

10 min: Discuss arrangements for field service for the coming w’eek; encourage all to share to full extent that their circumstances permit; if any new ones desire to get started, encourage them to talk to one of the elders about it. Before the song, distribute to each dedicated and baptized publisher a copy of the letter “To All Dedicated Servants of Jehovah.” Any extra copies may be distributed, on the basis of one per household, to others who are present. Song 66.

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

2

To All Dedicated Servants of Jehovah

September 8, 1974

Dear Brothers:

Last week we had a thought-provoking special meeting with newly associated ones, did we not? Those who have shown interest in Jehovah and his grand purposes certainly were encouraged to think seriously and prayerfully about their standing with the Creator. Impressed upon them were the urgency of the times and the importance of their letting love for Jehovah move them to identify themselves on his side before the “great tribulation” strikes.

In view of the time, we, too, need to think seriously and prayerfully about our relationship with Jehovah God. It is not just a matter of looking forward with eager anticipation to the “great tribulation” and life in God’s new order. Continued effort is required in proving ourselves to be Jehovah’s devoted servants. The apostle Peter admonished: “Since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.” —2 Pet. 3:14.

As a people, we are heeding the apostle’s inspired counsel and are also aware of the need to continue making advancement in Christian living. But that is not necessarily the case with each individual professing to be a baptized disciple of Jesus Christ. So it is good for all of us, individually, to think seriously and prayerfully about what we are doing with our life in the concluding portion of the “last days.” Were the “great tribulation” to begin tomorrow, what would our standing before Jehovah be?

Discharging Our Responsibility

Toward the World of Mankind

Consider what you are doing in discharging your responsibility toward those who still are not approved servants of Jehovah. Their lives are in grave danger at the fast-approaching “great tribulation.” Are you responding to their urgent need for help? Are your circumstances such that you could make adjustments in your routine of life to enable you to share to a greater extent in the vital warning and rescue work that will be ending soon?

This does not mean that you should be pushing yourself to the very limit, spending absolutely no time for relaxation. Even Jesus Christ saw to it that his disciples got needed rest and refreshment. (Mark 6:31, 32) But the way you spend your time should reveal that the dominant desire of your heart is to prove yourself to be a loyal “fellow worker’ of Jehovah God, that you are putting yourself in a position to be used to the full by him in opening the hearts of your fellowmen to accept the truth.—1 Cor. 3:9; Acts 16:14.

In some cases, might discussions within the family circle lead to some family member’s having a fuller share in this final part of the preaching work? Perhaps by a pooling of resources and effort by family members, one of their number could serve as a regular pioneer or a temporary pioneer. Even if that were not possible because of family responsibilities, could such a combining of effort result in increased preaching and teaching as a family? Would this concluding period of the “last days” not be an appropriate time for intensified activity?

We do not want to have a charge of bloodguilt leveled against us because of having been indifferent to the critical situation of people in our territory. (Compare Ezekiel 3:17-19.) And this is not going to be the case with us as a body. Genuine love and concern for fellow humans will not allow us to render mere token service.

This is certainly no time to be distracted by a desire to get comfortably situated in the world or bv undue anxiety over making a living. (Matt. 13:22; Luke 21:34, 35; 1 Tim. 6:9, 10; 1 John 2:15-17) Because of having been commissioned to preach and to make disciples, true Christians have always had to put secular pursuits in a secondary place, devoting to preaching and teaching the time and effort that could otherwise rightly have been used to further material interests. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Should this not, then, be particularly the case in this concluding portion of the “time of the end”?

Our keeping secular work in its place, as a means to sustain ourselves in God’s service and to aid others in obtaining physical necessities, will protect us in the troublesome times that we will doubtless face in the near future. (Eph. 4: 28; 1 Tim. 6:6-8, 17-19) We may be called upon to share what little we have with brothers who may be in even great er need. Will we be eager and willing to do that?

Then, too, we have no assurance that any of our material possessions will survive the "great tribulation.” Remember Lot. He lost his house and other material possessions and thereafter had to put up with the discomfort of living in a cave with his two daughters. (Gen. 19:2, 16, 24, 25, 30) We also may find things very uncomfortable for some time during and after the destruction of this ungodly system. Might our attaching undue importance to material things now cause us to complain then and contribute toward making things more unpleasant for us and others? (Compare Numbers 11:4-6, 10; 20: 3-5.) An even greater tragedy would be having heart appreciation for our relationship to Jehovah snuffed out by our being overly concerned about material possessions now and losing out on life, as did Lot’s wife.—Gen. 19:26.

Preserving Fine Conduct

Remaining spotless and unblemished is not limited to our making wise use of time and assets in discharging our responsibility to preach. (Acts 20:26, 27) Our personal conduct is also involved. (Matt. 5:14-16) Are we striving, as the apostle Paul did, to keep sinful inclinations in eheck? (1 Cor. 9:27) Are we making progress in cultivating the fruitage of God's spirit? (Gal. 5:16-18, 22-24) Do we appreciate that enmity, contention, division and envy are just as bad in Jehovah’s eyes as fornication, drunkenness and idolatry?—Gal. 5:19-21.

By far the majority of those dedicated to Jehovah God are preserving fine Christian conduct in a world that is rapidly becoming more degraded. We are also very much aware of our weaknesses, daily appealing to Jehovah for forgiveness of sin and striving hard to make improvement.—1 John 1:8-10.

But a few have allowed hatred to build up in their heart. They may refuse to speak to certain brothers and sisters, harboring grudges over minor offenses, real or imagined. They may ascribe bad motives to fellow⁷ believers, wrongly judging and condemning them. They may even carry on slanderous talk.—Gal. 5:13-15, 25, 26; Jas. 3:5-16; 4:11, 12.

Still others may try to get as close to the world’s ways as possible. They w’ant to show worldlings that we, too, can have "fun.” Such action may reveal itself in immodest dancing, heavy drinking and the like.—1 Pet. 4:1-5.

What does examination of your conduct indicate? If you see areas wherein you could make improvement and you really want to do so, you have reason to be happy. Why? Because it show’s that your heart is responding properly, motivating you in the right direction. On the other hand, you may recognize that your heart has set its affections on things other than spiritual interests. Or, you may have difficulty in getting along peacefully with others. In that ease, you w^rill want to work hard to adjust your thinking so that your situation does not wmrsen and the "great tribulation” find you spotted, blemished and at disunity with Jehovah God and his people.

What we have as Jehovah’s servants is something too precious to sacrifice now w’hen we are so close to the realization of our hope—life in God’s righteous new order. Would it not be foolish to allow ourselves to yield to temptation and to become practicers of sin? Would it not be tragic to lose out on life due to the pursuit of temporary material riches, compromise under pressure from the world, or developing an indifferent attitude toward the lifesaving preaching and disciple-making work?

Even now w^Te enjoy rich rewards from serving Jehovah. We have true friends who really care about us. While we still have problems, our situation is far better than it w^ras before w^re kneiv the truth. The wisdom contained in the Bible has enabled us to cope much better with the problems of life. Obedience to God’s Word has enabled us to get along better within the family and in our daily contacts with others. Has this not made life more pleasant for us? Really, what better w^Tay is there to live than as a devoted servant of Jehovah God? This in itself is something to guard jealously, along with the prospect of an eternitv of life in the fast-approaching New Order.—Mark 10:29, 30.

Make it your solemn determination to do your utmost to be found by Jehovah God "spotless and unblemished and in peace.” Exert yourself in helping others to gain salvation while there is yet time. Let your whole course of life testify to the fact that you are convinced that your relationship to Jehovah is the most important thing in your life. Live each day as if it wore your last. If you do this, you can rest assured that no matter wdien the "great tribulation” strikes, you w’ill not be caught unprepared and fall but will continue standing as an approved servant of Jehovah.—Rev. 7:14-17.

Your fellow⁷ servants,

• ¹ Of what? Of the importance of being on time in all your activities! Are you at the Kingdom Hall before the meetings start? Are you early enough at meetings to greet other brothers and interested persons warmly when they come, and to care for other responsibilities? Do you punctually keep your appointments? If you do, then you are a punctual person. Punctuality is a mark of loving consideration and thoughtfulness. It is an evidence of order in your life and is deeply appreciated by those with whom you associate.

• ² One way that a Christian can show his thoughtfulness is by being punctual for spiritual meals with the congregation. This shows respect for our Host, Jehovah God, and for his arrangements. What happens when we are even a few minutes late? Premeeting fellowship is missed. Also, we miss the opportunity to unite with our brothers in joyful singing that extols Jehovah’s name, tells of his wonderful works and encourages to faithfulness. We miss the grand and uplifting privilege of approaching Jehovah in prayer as a congregation of his people. Missing the first few minutes of a meeting is like picking up an article to read and starting with the fourth paragraph—we miss the setting, the introduction, and so our overall understanding and enjoyment of it are lessened. And if we are late in arriving at a meeting, not only do we miss vital information, we also distract our brothers who are on time, so they do not receive the full benefit of the program.

• ³ It is true that there may be times when, despite our care, we are late in arriving at a meeting. Public transportation may be delayed, or one’s own car may break down. A person who comes from a religiously divided household, or a mother who has small children to bring with her, may encounter unanticipated problems just when it is time to leave the house. If possible, rather than missing the whole meeting, it would be better to persevere and get to the hall to benefit from as much of the meeting as possible. Others in the congregation will understand; they too have unexpected problems in their lives. But in those cases where the circumstances are ones that we can control, let’s be sure that lack of good planning or indifference does not cause us to be persons who are frequent latecomers.

• ⁴ What an encouraging thing it is to the brothers to come to the meeting and find the elders and ministerial servants there ahead of time, waiting to greet them warmly and to welcome them! It fills us with a warm feeling for our brothers and deep appreciation for the theocratic family of which we are a part. So if you are an elder or a ministerial servant, keep in mind the wholesome example you can be by arriving early for the meetings.

• ⁵ Punctuality is also important when meeting for field service! If just six minutes are lost by ten publishers gathered for field service, in waiting for a tardy brother, it means one hour of field service lost that day.

• ⁶ Our work of making disciples requires punctuality on our part. When we are punctual, this instills confidence on the part of newly interested ones in the organization we represent. By being on time we demonstrate that we are persons of our word, letting our “Yes” mean “Yes,” and our “No” mean “No.”—Matt. 5:37.

• ⁷ Yes, it is wholesome to be conscious of the value of punctuality— how it affects us, what it says about our attitude toward others. What we do influences the lives of other people.

Announcements

O Literature offer for August: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, or other pocket-size book, for 25c. For September: Evolution book, for 25c, or other small or large book. For October: Azcake! subscription, with three booklets.

<> The October 8 issue of Awake! and the October 15 issue of The Watchtower will be special issues. Be sure to order early the extra copies you will need.

<> Each congregation will receive tw^ro Literature Inventory forms and should take an actual count of campaign literature at the end of August. Please do not include cash items such as the Aid book, the large-print Bible (bi8) and the Concordance in value of campaign literature in stock. We would appreciate your filling out the forms and returning the original to us no later than September 6. Keep the duplicate copy.

O The elders in each congregation should arrange to meet together early in September. Any recommendations for new appointments should then be sent to the Society using the S-2 form. Presiding overseers should send in their report for the service year on the S-10 form at the same time, also the new S-9 form regarding elders to attend the Kingdom Ministry School. All these forms are being sent to congregations with the July literature statement. (See Organization book, page 67, and August 1973 Kingdom Ministry.)

O It is requested that, on the next literature order for the congregation, presiding overseers order twelve monthly Congregation Report cards and other forms needed for the 1975 service year.

(Continued on page 8, col. 2)

Elders’ Meeting During Circuit Overseer’s Visit

• ¹ Some questions have arisen as to the circuit overseer’s role in connection with the elders’ meeting. This meeting should be just as carefully and thoughtfully planned by the presiding overseer, who acts as chairman of such meeting, as the regular elders’ meetings held quarterly. If the visit coincides with the time for one of the quarterly meetings, or is near that time, the presiding overseer may deem it appropriate to combine these into one meeting.

• ² The Organization book, pages 82 to 86, deals with the circuit overseer’s visit with the congregation, including this special meeting. On pages 64 to 67, it also shows the need to prepare properly for these important meetings. The book mentions a number of matters that beneficially could be considered, but there are undoubtedly other matters that the local body of elders realize need attention, and each elder should let the chairman know, orally or in writing, well in advance of the meeting, if possible, what items he believes deserve discussion. Based thereon, the chairman should prepare a schedule, allowing time for each subject, and planning for a meeting that will not be unduly long.

• ³ The circuit overseer, based on his review of the condition .of the congregation with the presiding overseer on his arrival, may also suggest questions for discussion at the meeting. Also, if the meeting is near the close of his visit, since he will have had opportunity to observe the condition of the congregation and may have some additional valuable suggestions to make, the chairman can ask him to mention these.

• ⁴ Generally the circuit overseer has many years of experience in Jehovah’s organization. And since he, as a specially appointed traveling elder, spends much time in such meetings in different congregations, he is in position to pass on to the elders helpful examples and things learned. So the elders should avail themselves of his experience.—Rom. 1:12.

MAY SERVICE REPORT

Av    Av    Av

Pubs.    Hrs’.   R.V.  Bi.St.

Sp’I Pios.     617 148.4 55.5  5.1

Pios.        20,745 101.5 34.9  3.1

Temp. Pios. 15,730  81.1 21.7  1.4

Pubs.      502,170  11.9  4.2   .5

TOTAL  539,262

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 7,542

UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1974

483,438 Publishers

Through Christian Conduct and Dress

• ¹ As representatives of Jehovah, his Christian witnesses are often in the public view. We are a people very closely observed by the world in general, and most persons in the world readily recognize that Jehovah’s witnesses are different. But what makes us different?

• ² We are different because we have separated ourselves from the world. We no longer indulge in its “works of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:19-21) We do not share the materialistic ambitions and unchristian jesting so popular with this old system. Rather, our outlook is spiritual— at least it should be. And as spiritual men and women we should seek never to be identified with the old world in any way—whether by appearance, dress, speech or conduct.

• ³ In all these things we should always reflect Christian modesty and separateness from the old system. Most brothers and sisters therefore consider very carefully what clothing they will wear when going into the field service, making sure that it is well arranged, modest according to Bible standards, and not ignoring what is viewed as appropriate according to local custom. (1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Cor. 2: 12) Also they are careful to see that what they wear is clean and neat and that their book bags are in good condition. In this way their appearance will not detract from the message they bear.

• ⁴ Our conduct is very important, too. Of course, there is a time and place for recreation and other things besides field service, but when engaging in the field service our conduct should be exemplary. The preaching of the good news is serious work. We reflect joy in our work, but if we were joking and making a lot of unnecessary noise when going from house to house, people might not take seriously what we say; at least they would feel we certainly were not serious about our work as Christians.

  Pursuing Peace               {Cont’d)

  time permits. Others may have discontinued their studies due to vacation periods. Might special efforts to call on them result in renewing such studies?

  ⁷ May the month of August find us putting forth zealous efforts in aiding others to seek peace with Jehovah. At the same time may we continue to pursue peace ourselves, demonstrating in our attitude, words and actions that we are fully devoted to Jehovah and his righteous ways.

  
  

  Announcements              {Cant’d)

  O New Publications Available:

  New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures               —French

  Bible                 —Vietnamese

  Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

  From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained                   —Thai

  O The permanent addresses for receiving literature, magazines and Society mail should not be changed to correspond with the rotation of the elders and ministerial servants.

  <> If you still have at home copies of Kingdom News that were not distributed during the campaign, we encourage vou to make good use of them. When householders do not accept other literature, hand them one of these tracts.

  
  

• ⁵ Oftentimes, we have opportunities to do informal witnessing. But have you ever found that you held back from giving a helpful witness to someone, perhaps because you felt that your conduct and appearance at the time did not recommend you as one of Jehovah’s witnesses? This is something to consider, isn’t it? We are servants of Jehovah all the time, not just a few hours each month. And people observe what we do all the time, not just when we are in the field service. Whether shopping, going to and from work, attending a wedding or a reception, going to school or in other daily activities, we are observed. Yes, people have their eyes on Jehovah’s servants. If our dress at times when we are not in the field service were immodest or in imitation of some worldly fad, do you think that people who observe us would be inclined to accept us as genuine Christians when we called on them to discuss the Bible?

• ⁶ Therefore it is good to remember at all times who we are—Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. Let us help people to realize that we are real Christians, separated from this old system, not only by what we preach but also by good appearance and fine conduct at all times. —1 Pet. 2:12.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

• ♦ The Woodland Congregation in Cleveland, Ohio, with 76 publishers had 66 temporary pioneers in Aprill

• ♦ Brazil's magazine placements rose 65 percent over the same period last year, 888,598 being placed in one month!

• ♦ Publishers baptized in Canada so far this service year reached 3,658—65 percent ahead of last year’s pace.

• ♦ The second floor of Ecuador’s branch addition has been poured. Pillars are being erected; roof to be put on soon. ♦ Indonesia has 12th consecutive peak, with 3,602 reporting service in May.

• ♦ Finland’s publishers go over 13,000 (13,042)—13 percent ahead of last May.

• ♦ Ghana has 5th consecutive publisher peak, with 19,095 reporting.

Qkeilion (Sox

• AVhat factors determine when congregation meetings will be held?

While there is no set pattern of meeting times to be adhered to, why we have our meetings at a certain time is in some respects more important than when they are held. Some questions for the congregation to consider in regard to meeting times are: How many other congregations must use the same Kingdom Hall, so, what choice of times is available? At what times will new ones most likely attend? What are the work and school schedules locally? What is our motive in wanting meetings at a certain time? Are we willing to put some personal preference aside so as to benefit the congregation as a whole?

Consider what the apostle Paul said: “All things are lawful; but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful; but not all things build up. Bet each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.” (1 Cor. 10:23, 24) In harmony with this principle, the elders, when considering possible meeting times to recommend to the congregation, might ask themselves: Will such an arrangement prove advantageous spiritually to the congregation and to new ones, aiding them to be present for the meetings? W^rill such a schedule really aid us to put Kingdom interests first, or, rather, will Kingdom interests be neglected?

After considering the factors involved and the recommendations of the elders, it is up to each congregation to decide their meeting times locally. As outlined in the “Organization” book, page 103, par. 3, the congregation would “choose times that are convenient for the majority of the members of the congregation.” Those whose schedules conflict with meeting times are pleased to make adjustments so as not to neglect their spiritual interests. If several congregations meet in the same Kingdom Hall, then meeting times ■will have to be worked out between them in a loving, Christian way.

The time for congregation book studies within a congregation may vary according to the circumstances of those who make up a book study group.

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