FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

MARCH 1975          “| will say to Jehovah: *You are my refuge and my stronghold.’”—Ps. 91:2. VOL. XVIII NO. 3

^Kingdom ^Pubfelte/is:

Have you heard the latest news? Remember, back in July your congregation received a letter about the possibility of the Society’s buying much-needed property to house more members of the Bethel family. Well, the Society bought this property—the Towers Hotel building—on January 17. A picture of this large building appears on the first endsheet of the 1975 Yearbook. Eventually it may house some 1,000 members of the Bethel family.

In recent weeks the Bethel family has been delighted with letters from Brother Knorr about his zone visits while on an around-the-world trip with Brother F. W. Franz. In connection with these visits special meetings have been held. In Portugal, for example, the brothers had two large gatherings with a combined attendance of 46,870. Imagine the joy of the brothers there in being able to sing and pray publicly for the first time! Just three days before the first of those meetings, Jehovah’s Christian witnesses were granted legal recognition there.

From Brother Knorr’s reports we have learned that things are really moving ahead in many lands. In Germany, excavation has begun on a new Bethel home, and a recently purchased factory building is being cleaned and remodeled. Arrangements were made to enlarge the branches in Switzerland and Italy. And a new Bethel home, factory and office are being planned for Greece.

The brothers in Greece are very happy now that the government is allowing them to have public meetings. Brothers Franz and Knorr were overjoyed to be able to address a combined audience of 11,644 during five meetings held there.

Several other brothers from Brooklyn Bethel have been making zone visits in Africa and in South and Central America. It has been most encouraging to receive firsthand reports from these areas. During zone visits in January, the Chile branch dedicated a new print-

• ¹ How blessed we are to worship and serve a merciful God. (Ps. 145:8, 9) We live because He permitted the human race descended from Adam to come into existence and to benefit from His generous provisions for sustaining life in spite of their sinful condition. (Matt. 5:45; Luke 6:35, 36; Acts 17:24, 25) Jehovah God also mercifully provided the basis for liberating us from sin and death. —1 John 2:2.

• ² He “does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) Our imitating Jehovah’s merciful patience requires that we have real concern for the people in our territory, engaging in preaching, not merely as a routine, but with an earnest desire to give all an opportunity to hear the truth. This is certainly what we want to be doing in the month of March, do we not?

• ³ One way in which we can show merciful concern for others is by making good use of The Watchtower. That magazine can be instrumental in opening up people’s hearts to respond to the truth. Many need to have their faith in the dependability of God’s Word strengthened. The March 1 Watchtower, with its fine discussion on the inspiration and value of the Bible, is just what they need. Others are discouraged by the injustices they see. Would they not be built up by the Maren 15 Watchtower article “Life Free from Injustice—Is It Just a Dream?” You may also find the section “Insight on the News” helpful in arousing interest in what the Bible ery, and the Ecuador branch dedicated a new two-story addition.

Indeed, marvelous things are happening. May all of us continue to be faithful in helping many more people to benefit fully from Jehovah’s mercy.

Your brothers, Brooklyn Branch Office says about world events. What fine material we can point to in making the subscription offer! Because we deeply care about the people in our territory, we want to help them to see how beneficial it would be for them to receive the magazines on a subscription basis.

■* Because of our merciful concern for others, we should want to keep accurate and complete house-to-house records. This will enable us to make return visits, showing that we really care about those who have shown some interest. When making a return visit, you might start a Scriptural conversation, perhaps based on an article contained in a magazine you placed, and then offer a subscription. Even when no placements were made but interest was shown, on returning you could center your conversation on printed information that may be of interest to the householder and endeavor to start a Bible study.

⁵ We also want to have in mind encouraging as many as possible to be present for the Memorial of Christ’s death on March 27. It would be spiritually upbuilding for those in the territory to visit the Kingdom Hall that evening and have the opportunity to meditate on Jesus Christ’s role as a ransomer and on Jehovah’s great love for mankind. Being with us on that important occasion, they may be motivated to leave “Babylon the Great” and to show appreciation for God’s mercy toward them. You may wish to spend a day just inviting Bible students and other interested persons to attend the Memorial. And how good it would be if, as a result of your invitation, you would be able to welcome some of these interested persons at the Kingdom Hall.

⁰ The month of March will end with the timely special public talk “’Who Is Jehovah,’ so that All Should Worship Him?” This is cer-

(Continued on page 3, col. 3)

WEEK STARTING MARCH 9

10 min: Song 25. Comment on the merciful attitude of early Christians as shown in the preaching work—their concern for people and tnelr desire to honor God. (Rom. 9:1-3: 10:9-14; 2 Cor. 5:20; 1 Thess. 2:8)

18 min: "Imitate Our Merciful God.” Questions and answers. (If appropriate to your theme, use dally text.) Demonstrate subscription offer, one publisher using the first article in The Watchtower and another, "Insight on the News." 22 min: "Jehovah Will Not Desert His People." Consideration of 1975 yearbook, p. 71, par. 3. to p. 9-1. par. 2. Cannot cover every detail. An elder discusses the following material with a prepared panel on the platform. Emphasize points shown here In brackets, and highlight Jehovah's mercy to his people and our need to Imitate him. (1 Sam. 12:22) Can ask: (1) What unfulfilled expectation did some of God’s people have regarding 1914? (Pp. 72-74) (2) Disappointments about going to heaven In 1914 were very minor compared with what fulfilled expectation? (Pp. 74-76) [Jehovah mercifully upholds his people despite disappointments.] (3) How did Brother Russell view the future? (Pp. 76. 77) I Be steadfast.] (4) When and under what circumstances did C. T. Russell die? (Pp. 78, 79) (5) After Brother Russell’s death, what attitude did Brothers Macmillan. Rutherford and Van Amburgh display regarding the Kingdom-preaching work? (Pp. 79-81) [This Is not man s work, but God’s; our dedication is to him.] (6) What was the "Pastoral Work”? (Pp. 85, 86) (7) What was the V. D. M. arrangement, and what purpose did It serve In connection with public speakers? (Pp. 86, 87) [Jehovah always makes adequate spiritual provisions for his people.] (8) What was The Finished Mystery, and how did a few persons react to Its initial release? (Pp. 90. 91) (9) How were some congregations affected by the smooth talk of those who had abandoned true worship, but what flnallv happened to such opposers? (Pp. 92-94) (10) Did many forsake true Christianity during 1917 and 1918? (P. 94) [In the face of intense opposition and. persecution, Jehovah never will desert his people.]

10 min: Concluding comments. Share key thoughts from Branch Letter. Point out need to demonstrate mercy by zealous participation In field service. Encourage use of presentations learned. Song 41.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 16

10 min: Song 83. Have audience Identify the "faithful and discreet slave" and how that one provides food in due season. (Organization book. pp. 8-10) Illustrate benefits of considering the dally text regularly.

18 min: "The Refreshing Quality of Reasonableness.” Questions and answers. Encourage all to cultivate reasonableness at home. In the congregation and in their dally lives. Conclude with comments on Question Box. Help publishers to have the right attitude toward those publicly reproved. Repentant erring ones are brothers needing help and encouragement. They should not be looked down upon as persons to be shunned by the congregation. Point out that such counsel from "faithful and discreet slave" results In benefits.

20 min: Talk by an elder on "Anointing to a Heavenly Hope—How Is It Manifest?” (Watchtower, February 15, 1975) Briefly reemphasize point made In Introduction of meeting that anointed as a class make up "faithful and discreet slave."

12 min: Concluding comments. Discuss arrangements for Memorial and special talk: encourage all to review house-to-house records and Invite interested persons to attend. Song 97.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 23

Memorial. As to the service meeting, arrange what appears to be best locally.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 30

15 min: Song 117. Stimulating talk based on 1974 Watchtower, p. 121, par. 6: p. 123. par. 14, to p. 125, par. 23. Emphasize being concerned about all sorts of men.

20 min: Reach All Who Will Hear. Use an appropriate item from Theocratic News, also show what has been accomplished locally In preaching. Inform congregation about territory coverage and problems encountered (not-at-homes, dwellings where admittance is refused, limited territory, etc.). Interview capable publishers, asking them how they have been able to reach as many people as possible. (Keeping and following through on house-to-nouse record: calling at different times of day. Including evenings; using phone; writing letters; leaving older magazines: trying to talk to various family members: explaining work to doormen and superintendents. Stress being considerate. [Col. 4:6; 1 Pet. 3:15] Might relate one or two experiences to Illustrate good results.)

15 mln: Presenting the Good News. Questions and answers. Demonstrate how to lay basis for return visits.

10 min: Concluding comments. Briefly comment on congregation accounts: details may be posted on information board. Stress special distribution of the April 15 Watchtower. Those conducting Bible studies will receive from the Bible study overseer three free copies of that Issue tor each study reported. These magazines will not be counted as placements by the publisher. Encourage the students to give them, free of charge, to neighbors, relatives, friends or others. Unless already publishing, they need not turn in a field service report. If they desire, they may receive additional magazines at publisher rate. Song 34.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 6

How Can We Help One Another?

10 min: Song 85. Discuss effect of critical days on us. Whether new in the truth or not, all may face economic problems, sickness, discouragement, etc. There Is a need to help one another: It Is part of our worship. (Jas. 1:27) 15 min: "Be Concerned About New Brothers." Father reviews article with wife and teen-age children. Applies key points to local congregation. Asks: What problems may new ones face In our congregation? How might each one In the family encourage someone else? Why should we be considerate?

25 min: How Can We Help Our Brothers? Show vital role mercy plays In true worship. When seeing serious need of brothers, more required than merely expressing wish or even the faith that ’’things will work out all right." True

Sorshlp moves us to act on their behalf.

ead James 2:14-17 and then consider the following situations with the audience: (1) What could be done if a brother comes Into great material need for reasons beyond his control, such as being out of work for an extended period or having to meet unexpected medical expenses? (to 9/15/74, p. 570; Organization book, p. 149. par. 3) Show brothers how to avail themselves of governmental help. (Illustrate with relief measures for Malawian brothers In refugee camps. [yb75. p. 9] After leaving Malawi much of their clothing wore out, and many had no money to buy new things. South African brothers responded, mailing parcels to camps. This proved very costly, but brothers in South Africa were willing to bear cost themselves. Relief funds contributed by brothers world wide were used too. Also, you may relate how brothers In Germany shared scant bread rations, often ]ust crumbs. [yb74, p. 176] Would we be willing to do that?) (2) If one of our brothers is sick, how could we show mercy to him? (w 9/15/74, p. 570) Situations that could come up are: The mother may be In the hospital and the father mav be working. Who will care for the children? An elderly sister living by herself may get very sick. (3) In the event a publisher dies, how could members of the congregation assist the rest of the family? (ic 9/15/70. p. 576: also show ways to help those who are lonely, in need of work, etc. [Awake!, 2/8/69. pp. 11, 12]) (4) When pressure from workmates, relatives or former friends tends to dishearten our brothers, what encouragement could be offered? (w r 2/15/68. p. 119, under "Personal Visits," and w 9/1/68, pp. 529. 530. Might point out briefly how dally text could be used to give encouragement.)

10 min: Concluding comments. Mention benefits of being united and Interested In one another. We are living In critical days. (2 Tim. 3:1) Brothers In Rome appreciated need to be concerned about their Christian brothers. (Acts 28:15) Also, we need to keep busy In the field offering subscriptions. Song 64.

DECEMBER SERVICE REPORT

At. Av. Av. Av. Pubs. Hrs. R.V. Bi.St. Mags.

Sp’l Pios.       552 148.9 59.4 5.3

Pios.         20,914  94.5 35.6 2.9

Temp. Pios. 7,825  77.8 21.9 1.2

Pubs. 499,729   9.5  4.0  .5

TOTAL 529,020

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 6,405 UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1975 557,004 Publishers

HOW DID WE DO IN DECEMBER?

Good work was done! During December there were 1,132,293 bound books placed. That is more than two books for every publisher of the good news in this country. We were offering the New World Translation and Is This Life All There Is? You will be interested to know that, during the past year, 3.018,860 copies of the New World Translation in English were shipped from Brooklyn and, to date, 3,944,295 copies of the book Is This Life All There Is? have been shipped out. Many people are hungering for the truth.

• ¹ Reasonableness is certainly a most desirable quality. It is hard to work with someone who is unreasonable, stubborn, demanding, authoritative and critical. (Ezek. 34:4) But there is something truly refreshing about one who is considerate, understanding and does not insist on the letter of the law. Little wonder, then, that the Scriptures encourage all of us, not just elders, to manifest reasonableness. —Phil. 4:5; Titus 3:1, 2; Jas. 3:17.

• ² What will help us to be reasonable with our brothers? We should keep in mind that the Christian congregation is composed of people having different backgrounds, customs and ways of life. Regardless of their weaknesses, imperfections and the extent of their spiritual progress, they want to do God’s will. Our recognizing this will help us to be understanding and to give due consideration to their circumstances.

• ³ Brothers who are “reaching out” for the fine work of oversight in the Christian congregation should especially be concerned about setting an example in displaying fairness, moderation and forbearance, looking humanely and reasonably at their brothers’ abilities, problems and circumstances. (1 Tim. 3:1, 3) The reasonable person looks for the good in his brothers, seeking to commend and encourage. He does not quickly condemn others for minor failings. Nor does he make big issues over

  Announcements

  
  

♦ Brothers are not being considered for Bethel service until their draft lottery number Is listed, which Is usually In March of the calendar year in which they become nineteen years of age.

♦ Please be sure to enclose a Remittance and Credit Request form with every payment accompanying an order for cash items or subscriptions.

The special report card showing the attendance at the Lord’s Evening Meal should be sent to the Society by the presiding overseer immediately after that meeting.

♦ Literature offer for May: "The Nations Shall Know that I Am Jehovah" —Howt with a booklet, on a contribution of 50c. June: New World Translation along with the book 7s This Life All There Isf, on a contribution of $1.25.

♦ Kingdom News No. 20 will be distributed from May 2 through 11. These

Suggested Presentation

You may use as a subject the title of the opening article in The Watchtower or an item in the section “Insight on the News.” trifles and give people the impression that he is hard to please, that nothing really suits him. (Compare 1 Corinthians 9:12, 18-23; 1 Peter 2:18.) While encouraging others to progress, he recognizes that they have limitations, likes and dislikes.

■* When we consider the responsibilities of elders, we can see why reasonableness is one of the qualifications for elders. It is refreshing to the whole congregation. In handling matters as a judicial committee, reasonable elders take the individual into consideration. A major concern is to give Scriptural help designed to meet his needs so that he may recover from spiritual weakness. Manifesting reasonableness, the elders do not act like judges handing down verdicts without any consideration of mercy. Also, at other times, when giving counsel or distributing responsibilities in the congregation, they do not ignore circumstances and a person’s limitations. Basing their counsel on God’s Word, they appeal to their brothers’ love of right. They are also willing to listen to suggestions and to apply counsel that is given to them.

⁵ Truly, when the whole congregation strives to display reasonableness, this helps to make our service to God, not a burden, but a delight. (Matt. 11:28-30) May all of us continue to work hard in developing to a greater degree that refreshing quality of reasonableness.

will be consigned to congregations free of charge at the rate of 100 copies per publisher, including pioneers, based on the November 1974 congregation report. Special pioneers, circuit and district overseers will be sent their supply.

♦ Regular pioneers desiring to serve as temporary special pioneers, devoting a minimum of 150 hours a month to field service In Isolated territory for two or three months during the summer, may write for further information. Each assignment Is organized for a team of two. Before writing to the Society, arrangements should be made for a partner (give partner’s name when writing) and a car that is in good condition. Some financial assistance will be provided by the Society.

♦ New Publications Available:

Is This Life All There Isf

—Spanish "Singing and Accompanying Yourselves with Music in Your Hearts"

—Cebuano. Iloko

♦ Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

Man's Rule About to Give Way to God's Rule             —Korean

The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years       —Korean, Norwegian

When All Nations Collide, Head On, with God              —Korean

Be Concerned

About New Brothers

• ¹ As dedicated servants of Jehovah we are obligated to “work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Gal. 6:10) To do that, we must know our brothers. In view of the great increases being experienced, this may require putting forth extraordinary effort to ‘widen out’ in our love so that new ones will not feel neglected.—2 Cor. 6:11.

• ² We should give thoughtful consideration to what new ones in our midst might be facing. Some may find themselves in a divided household, perhaps being subjected to ridicule and abuse. Former friends may have turned against them. Because of such things, these new ones may feel discouraged and lonely. If we know what they are up against, we can encourage them and make them feel wanted and appreciated.

• ³ Jesus Christ said of those who had taken up the yoke of discipleship: “No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news who will not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields.” (Mark 10:29, 30) Individually we

(Continued on page 4, col. 1)

Imitate Our Merciful God (Cont’d) tainly a subject that should be widely advertised in our territory. Also, we want to be sure to encourage those who attended the Memorial to be present, do we not? If need be, why not arrange to pick them up?

• ⁷ With so much activity ahead, could you perhaps arrange to be a temporary pioneer? How many of you who will have school vacation would like to enjoy this privilege of service in March or April? If you can share in temporary pioneer service, talk to the presiding overseer and he will gladly furnish you with an application. Even if you are unable to pioneer, why not put forth a special effort to devote as much time in field service as your circumstances reasonably allow?

• ⁸ Jehovah God has truly set an outstanding example in showing mercy. Surely, in the months ahead, we want to be found imitating him. May our depth of concern for people and our faithful efforts in their behalf help many to come to know Jehovah as his obedient servants.

  
  
  

Without Prejudgment

• ¹ All people are entitled to hear the “good news.” Jesus Christ died, not for just a few, but “for all.” (2 Cor. 5:14) We should be careful, therefore, not to prejudge people, thinking that it would be a waste of time to revisit them.

• ² True, there are people who may accept literature simply as a kind gesture. However, regardless of the attitude they might have on the initial call, we do not know the inclinations of their hearts nor can we be sure of the effect the literature may have on them. We may have seen and talked to the individual only once. So would it not be sad if our prejudgment caused a person to lose valuable time in getting started on the way to life?

• ³ Deep concern for fellow humans will also cause us to take note of people who manifest some interest in the Bible but accept no literature. When some interest is shown you can lay the basis for a return visit. Before leaving, you could mention that you would like to talk to the householder again, sharing additional points from the Bible with him. Try to determine what might be a good subject to talk about when you return. You could also find out when it would be best to call back. After you leave the house, note that information on your house-to-house record. To prepare yourself for the return visit, you could select scriptures from Sermon Outlines, a magazine article or a chapter from one of the books. You may need to make a number of calls to stimulate the householder’s interest sufficiently to want to study the Bible with you.

• ⁴ While not all our efforts may bear fruit, we can rest assured that Jehovah is pleased with our imitating his concern for mankind. Moreover, at times the completely unexpected happens. Take the case of a woman in Martinique. During a period of some four and a half years she refused to listen to the Witnesses. When a sister who had often been turned away called with Kingdom News, the woman said: “I already told you so many times that I am not interested at all.” Replied the sister: “It is just to give you this tract that is being distributed world wide. It is very important. Please take it.” The woman did accept the tract. Concerned about the apparently “opposed” woman, the sister was anxious to find out what effect the tract might have had on her and returned two weeks later. Imagine her delight when, after being invited into the home, the woman agreed to have a Bible study. Now this woman is a zealous publisher. She often tells the sister: “If I had only known, I would have accepted it long ago. I lost so much time.”

• ⁵ We never know what might develop. Response may not be very enthusiastic on the initial call. Yet that can change. Something we said may cause the householder to think, or a point in the literature placed may stimulate his interest. Our genuinely friendly way may impress him. However, neglect due to our prejudgment could cause interest to diminish. That is why we have good reason to be diligent in our follow-up work, demonstrating our being in full harmony with Jehovah’s desire that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” —1 Tim. 2:4.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Cyclone Tracy virtually wiped ou» n win, Australia, late in December, b^{1 2 3 4 5}.

160 brothers there are safe. T-e e being well cared for, though aim all of them lost their homes. The K ngdom Hall was damaged but is still standing and in use.

♦ Two district assemblies held in Kenya, with total attendance of 3,288, and 117 baptized. There are 1,560 Kingdom pro-claimers in that land. John Booth of the Governing Body spoke at the Nairobi assembly, attended by delegates from fifteen countries.

▼ Nigeria reports a peak of 104,530 publishers. Nineteen district assemblies there attended by 256,852, with 6,034 baptized.

♦ Brazil reached a new peak of 98,144 publishers. Thus the number of Kingdom preachers has nearly tripled in ten years. Their 25 assemblies were attended by 184,817, with 7,131 baptized.

♦ Brothers in Greece rejoice that they can now hold circuit assemblies in public places. Recent assemblies attended by 1,000 to 1,400. New peak of 17,563 publishers in December adds to their joy.

Question

• Are repentant wrongdoers "placed" or "put on” public or private reproof as If placed on probation?

No. A reproof is a congregational expression of disapproval occasioned by a serious wrongdoing that could have led to the dlsfellowshiping of one of Its baptized members If he had been unrepentant. (1 Tim. 5:20: Titus 1:10-13) Once that expression of disapproval Is made, the reproof Is complete. The Individual does not enter a period of continued reprimand and so is not under reproof, "put on probation” as It were.

Why, then, are restrictions In effect? Serious sin committed by a member of the congregation manifests spiritual weakness on his part. As a person who Is physically 111 may be restricted from eating certain foods or from engaging In certain activities until his condition shows marked Improvement, so a person who Is spiritually weak may be relieved of certain responsibilities In the congregation until there is evidence of his regaining spiritual strength. The restrictions are to a large extent Intended to help the repentant wrongdoer recover from spiritual weakness and to Impress upon him the Importance of respecting God's holiness.—Gal. 6:7-9; see or, p. 167.

If a brother who has recently been reproved moves to another congregation. It Is advisable to Inform the elders of that congregation as to any restrictions that may oe in effect. This will enable the elders in his new congregation to continue supervising the restoration of his privileges and to aid him toward full spiritual recovery. Of course, no announcement of such previous reproof is made In the new congregation. At ail times elders should Imitate the merciful way in which Jehovah dealt with his people ^ven when discipline was needed. —Isa. 63:7-9.

Look for Ways to Help Your Brothers.

4

¹

About New Brothers         (Cont’d)

might ask ourselves: Am I widening out in my concern for the brothers, including new ones, so that they feel they have gained a loving brother or sister, father or mother, son or daughter? Do

²

make them welcome in my home

³

as I would my dearest fleshly rel

⁴

atives? To the extent that my circumstances allow, am I becoming more aware of occasions when I might share my assets with those in real need?

⁵

Of course, being viewed by others as a close brother or sister, father or mother, son or daughter does not come automatically. We must demonstrate that we truly are such, not taking undue advantage of Christian hospitality and not always expecting to be on the receiving end. (2 Thess. 3:10-12) Rather, may all of us continue to “practice giving” of ourselves, our time, energies and assets, and thus experience a happiness greater than that which results from receiving.—Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35.