NOVEMBER 1982

Vol. 25, No. 11 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

NOVEMBER 1-7 How to start studies

• 1. Review methods discussed in Service Meeting.

• 2. What method do you use?

• 3. What publication do you prefer? Why?

NOVEMBER 8-14 Offering magazines

• 1. Points to highlight in the November 15 "Watchtower."

• 2. Points in current "Awake!"

• 3. Why offer subscription (s) to regular readers?

NOVEMBER 15-21 Working business territory

• 1. When might it be best to call?

• 2. Discuss brief presentation.

• 3. What literature would you offer? Why?

NOVEMBER 22-28

How can parents help children:

• 1. To prepare for magazine activity?

• 2. To share a Scriptural thought with householder?

• 3. To maintain proper conduct in field service?

NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 5 Offer “New World Translation" 1, To whom?

• 2. Show value of understandable language.

• 3. Demonstrate use of "Important Bible Words for Quick Reference."

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Happiness—How to Find It:

November 7: Pages 161 to 167 November 14: Pages 168 to 175 November 21: Pages 176 to 183 November 28: Pages 184 to End

• ¹ When we witness to people, offer literature, leave tracts and handbills, we are sowing seeds of Kingdom truth. Jesus described our work as similar to that of a farmer sowing seed. (Luke 8:5-8) It is our desire to sow seeds in the hearts of as many as possible. Is that not the way you feel about it?

• ² During the month of November we will continue to feature subscriptions to The Watchtower or Awake! magazine or to both. All will want to make good use of these publications as we zealously share in sowing seeds of truth.

• ³ Most of us spend a large portion of our service time in the house-to-house work and this is appropriate. We would like to speak with at least someone in each home. However, it is often necessary to call a second or third time to find someone at home. We may witness to others at their places of business or employment. Many publishers regularly engage in street work in an effort to contact still others. Our Kingdom Ministry has encouraged us to approach people working in their

  NEW PEAK OF 613,007 PUBUSHERS IN AUGUST!

  In reviewing the 1982 service year, we thank Jehovah by saying in the words of the psalmist: “You have crowned the year with your goodness.” (Ps. 65:11) Considering the many blessings showered upon us, including the new peaks in attendance at the Memorial in April and the district conventions this summer, what a fitting way to close the service year by reaching another publisher peak in August! It represents an 8.8-percent increase over last year’s average and it also exceeds our July peak by 7,193 publishers. Now we look forward to the details of the year’s field service report, not only for the United States but worldwide. Let us continue to show ourselves thankful for all of Jehovah’s goodness and loving-kindness to us.—Col. 3:15.

  
  

  A Meeting to Fortify Us Spiritually

  
  

^xPaul said that “solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) The congregation meetings supply solid spiritual food needed to fortify the mind and heart. Thus, the Scriptural command to ‘not forsake the gathering of ourselves together’ should not be minimized. There is good reason for us to obey this inspired direction. —Heb. 10:23-25.

² While you regularly attend all other congregation meetings and participate in them, enjoying and benefiting from these, never underestimate the value of the weekly Congregation Book Study. The fact that this is an organized meeting of a smaller group contributes to its spiritual value. It allows for greater individual participation. gardens or yards as well as to speak to deliverymen and repairmen. Ecclesiastes 11:6 encourages us to ‘sow our seed’ conscientiously because we can never tell where it will take root.

RETURN VISITS

⁴ The apostle Paul mentioned both planting and watering seeds of truth. (1 Cor. 3:6) This corresponds with Jesus’ command that we teach and make disciples of people. (Matt. 28:19, 20) So, we have a responsibility to call back on receptive individuals and endeavor to water and cultivate the seeds of truth. How can this be done?

⁵ To honest-hearted ones the Kingdom message is good news. The Kingdom will remedy their problems and provide for all of mankind’s needs. So when you call back, show them from the Bible what the Kingdom will accomplish. At the same time endeavor to become acquainted with their concerns and interests. It will help you to determine which of the Kingdom blessings may particular-(Continued on page 3, col. 2)

There is often more time for scriptures to be looked up, read and discussed. Newer ones and children find it easier to participate and they progress quickly as they gain confidence in expressing their faith. Comments made by mature publishers on the more weighty material help to strengthen and fortify all in attendance. The interchange of encouragement at the book study invigorates all who support it, and a closer bond of union results.—Prov. 27:17; Rom. 1:11, 12.

³ Beginning the week of December 5 we will be studying portions of the book Man’s Salvation out of World Distress at Hand! at our Congregation Book Studies. By all means attend regularly and be prepared to participate.

(Continued on page 4, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 31

Song 27

7 min: Local announcements. Comment on subscription offer for November, encourage all to prepare well and to have a full share in the subscription campaign.

23 min: “Sowing and Cultivating Seeds of Truth.”

(15 min.) Question-and-answer consideration of article.

(8 min.) Demonstration following consideration of paragraph 6. Start demonstration with statement “May I show you how I found these scriptures in the Bible? It has been helpful to me and I believe it may be helpful to you too.” Consider one or two paragraphs from publication, such as new Live Forever book or from magazines offered. Read the paragraphs and the scriptures as outlined in paragraph 5.

10 min: Experiences starting studies. Call on brothers and sisters who conduct studies and do well in starting them. (Arrange with them ahead of time.) Ask them: Do you believe the Live Forever book will be effective and why? Do you find it best to ask the householder directly if he would like to have a Bible study or to introduce the study in an indirect manner? Do you have additional suggestions that you believe will be helpful to publishers who are endeavoring to start studies?

5 min: Encourage all to share in the field service on first Sunday of the month. Announce field service arrangements.

Song 58 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 7

Song 36

5 min: Local announcements and accounts report.

10 min: Talk by elder on what should be kept in mind in determining which congregation we will associate with. Review Question Box in March 1976 Our Kingdom Service. Point out advantages of attending meetings of congregation holding territory where one lives; why generally best to do so. Varying circumstances of individuals to be considered, and final decision responsibility of family head. He may get advice from elders before making decision, thus consider advantages and disadvantages. Elders encourage family head to ensure best spiritual interests of family. No reason to be critical of decision when made.

20 min: "A Meeting to Fortify Us Spiritually.” (15 min.) Question-and-answer coverage of article. As time permits read paragraphs and look up scriptures.

(5 min.) Call on two or three for comments on (1) how they prepare for the book study as individuals, (2) how they prepare as a family, (3) the advantages of preparing as they do.

10 min: Encourage all to share in magazine work on the second Saturday of month; announce field service arrangements. Draw attention to the November 15 issue of The Watchtower and particularly the articles “The Churches—Are They Nearing Their End?” and “Flee While There Is Yet Time!” Arrange for three brief and well-rehearsed magazine presentations featuring an article in the November 8 issue of Awake! or the November 15 issue of The Watchtower: One by a youngster in house-to-house work, one by an adult approaching a person on the street and one in a business establishment. Encourage all who show interest to subscribe to the magazines.

Song 63 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 14

Song 66

14 min: Local announcements and selected points from Announcements. Review article “Special Talks Starting in January”; draw attention particularly to suggestion in paragraph 5 on inviting interested persons.

15 min: Encouraging talk on subject “Those Weaknesses Can Be Overcome” from October 15, 1982, Watchtower, pages 8-11.

16 min: “Presenting the Good News—In Business Territory.” Questions and answers. As time permits have publishers relate their experiences while working business territory. Announce field service arrangements for the weekend and encourage full support.

Song 67 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 21

Song 1

7 min: Local announcements.

15 min: Use time for local needs or have an elder give a .talk on the article “The Spirit of the Christian Ministry,” encouraging wholehearted field service activity. (See the November 15, 1982, Watchtower.) Or, if appropriate in your congregation, give a talk on “What’s Happening in the Schools?” putting emphasis primarily on the need for fine conduct on the part of Christian students and what the parents can do. (See the May 8, 1982, Awake!)

10 min: Getting to Know Our Brothers. Interview parent, preferably one who has teenage children. When do you study with your children? Why then? How long do you study? Why? What do you study? Why? How do you prepare for field service with your children? Other comments on what parent has found helpful in aiding youngsters spiritually and rewards to parents for such efforts. Interview one or two youngsters, teenagers if possible. Ask how they have benefited from family study. Ask about a situation in school that turned out well. How was it that they knew how to handle it as they did? Was it something they learned from their parents? at the meetings? in an article they read? Ask them to relate the best field service experience they have had in the past year. Commend parents and children for their part in making advancement manifest. —2 Tim. 3:14-17; 1 Tim. 4:15, 16.

13 min: Encourage support of fourth Saturday magazine activity; announce field service arrangements. Draw attention to November 22 Awake! particularly the article “Young People Ask . . . What Future Is There for Any of Us?” Two brief demonstrations (one by adult; one by youth) featuring an article in the November 22 Awake! or December 1 Watchtower.

Song 64 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 28

Song 51

10 min: Local announcements. Review literature offer and Topic for Conversation, including scriptures, for month of December. Brief, well-prepared presentation of literature offer. Publisher should refer to last scripture in Topic for Conversation and then ' make offer, showing householder the value of the New World Translation and book being presented.

13 min: Positive and encouraging talk by elder on article “Beware of Self-Pity” from September 1977 'Watchtower, pages 547, 548. Highlight need to show interest in others. (May also use appropriate experiences from June 22, 1977, Awake! pages 4, 5.)

{Continued on page 4, col. 2)

¹ Christians are commanded to “love one another,” to be genuinely interested in others and their wellbeing. (John 13:34; Rom. 15:1, 2) While there is still “time favorable for it” we want to work what is good especially toward those who are related to us in the faith. (Gal. 6:10) The inspired counsel says not to “hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it.”—Prov. 3:27.

² In the Christian congregation there are fatherless boys, older ones, widows, the infirm, depressed, handicapped and others who have special needs. Immediate family members and other relatives should be primarily concerned with assisting these. In imitation of Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ, we should all show concern.—1 Tim. 5:4, 8; Ezek. 34:16; Matt 9:36.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

² What can we do to assist? In some cases a visit and a friendly conversation will lift up their spirits. Or, we may be able to provide a ride to the meetings, invite them to join us in the field ministry, or accompany us on a Bible study we conduct. An older sister or fatherless boy could be invited to our family study and/or a meal. All in the congregation can have a share in assisting those with special needs. Teenagers and children might assist by running errands, doing chores or shopping. Youngsters with only one parent in the truth can start by providing this assistance right at home. There are many ways in which we can and should show genuine Christian love.—Acts 9:39; 1 Pet. 4:8-10.

⁴ It is not unusual for those who are themselves in need to be among the first to respond to the needs of others. In fact, many have found ways they can help themselves. Self-help is a vital factor in a happy, productive Christian life. There are hundreds of pioneers who are physically ill, but they keep busy in the preaching work. Some full-time workers are blind, deaf or in wheelchairs. Many new pioneers being enrolled are older brothers and sisters, some of whom are ill and live alone. Instead of isolating themselves and focusing their attention inward with self-pity, they are optimistic and outgoing. They are intensely occupied in sharing the message of the Kingdom with others. (Acts 18:5) The same can be said for many fatherless boys who have entered the pioneer work, Bethel service or the missionary field. Of course, many of those with special needs are not in a position to undertake the full-time service. Nevertheless, the examples given underscore the spirit that all of us should have and the blessed results.—Mark 10: 28-30.

⁶ There are many things that any of us can do to keep happy and optimistic. We can regularly read the Bible, the magazines and other Society publications; listen to the Bible recordings on cassettes and let the truth fill our hearts; make telephone calls to sick or depressed individuals to encourage them. We can write letters and take the initiative in showing interest in others; set goals such as starting a Bible study or auxiliary pioneering; get to know the brothers better by inviting them over or visiting them. We can improve in our ministry as well as our teaching and speaking ability by enrolling in the Theocratic Ministry School. Brothers can reach out for the privilege of being a servant. (1 Tim. 3:1) The more we work at doing things for others, as well as ourselves, the happier we will be.—Acts 20:35.

⁶ All of us, regardless of personal needs, should clothe ourselves with love and humility. If we have special needs, we should guard against being overly self-conscious or allow pride to cause us to reject loving assistance from our brothers. If we are rendering assistance we should use good judgment and not embarrass or erode the self-respect or dignity of others. None of us should be guilty of abusing the generosity of our brothers or taking advantage of them. We should be positive in our attitude, reasonable, spiritual, rejoicing in our hope. (Phil. 4:4-9) The counsel to ‘love our brothers intensely from the heart’ applies to ALL Christians, because that is a very special need we ALL have. —1 Pet, 1:22.          _________

Seeds of Truth                (Cont'd)

ly appeal to them.—Matt. 10:7, 12, 13; 9:36.

SHARE REGULARLY

⁶ Usually it is best to schedule time regularly for making return visits and endeavoring to start studies. Many are making it a practice to share regularly in the house-to-house work on Sunday. Most have found it best to make their re > urn visits soon after the initial contact. Have you ever made a return visit within a few days, while the interest is still strong? This can be very effective.

Special Talks Starting in January

¹ Starting January 1, 1983, a series of five special talks will be given based on the new book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. By all means be present to enjoy each of these talks and bring interested ones with you.

• ² The titles of the talks and the chapters to be covered are as follows:

1—“Talcing in Knowledge of God and Christ” (Chap. 1-6)

2—“Life Now and in the Hereafter” (Chap. 7-12)

3—“God’s Government and Your Future” (Chap. 13-18)

4—“A Paradise Earth—When and for Whom?” (Chap. 19-24)

5—“What Is Required for Life Everlasting?” (Chap. 25-30)

• ³ The talks will be 45 minutes long. Well-qualified speakers should be used. The material should be properly outlined and presented, not as a summary or a book review, but, as a discourse. There will be no need to read paragraphs from the book, but attention should be drawn to illustrations which fit the material, and should be suitably applied to fit the audience. It will be necessary for each speaker to prepare welt Presentation of the material should be carefully thought out. While developing the main ideas in the chapters assigned, the speaker should clearly emphasize the subject theme. (See Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook, pages 135-158 and 168-171.)

• ⁴ Speakers can be exchanged with nearby congregations so a speaker may give his talk in more than one congregation if desired. To facilitate this, the dates for beginning the series of talks can be staggered and dates adjusted as needed due to circuit assemblies or the visit of the circuit overseer. Where necessary the talks can run into the month of February.

• ⁵ Invite interested persons to hear these talks with you. Often our mentioning the subject material for the week will help them see the benefit of attending. The talks will help all of us to get better acquainted with the new publication and present it effectively in the field ministry.

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Earth's Future—Secure!

Luke 21:26—Many fear for earth's future.

Ps. 119:90—God's sure promise gives hope.

In Business Territory

• ¹ It is reported that the business territory of many congregations is worked infrequently. In some cases business territory has not been worked for years. Is this the situation in your congregation? What can be done?

• ² Many congregations have business establishments throughout their territory. Some are included as a part of the regular house-to-house territories. Hence, publishers may need to be reminded that they are to call also on the business establishments when they work the territory. If some business places are not open or you observe that they are too busy when the territory is first worked, note it down so that calls can be made later at a suitable time.

• ³ Where there are large business sections, it would be well to have separate business territories for such areas. These can be worked by qualified publishers on a regular basis, just as residential areas are covered.

Meeting to Fortify            (C ant’d)

PREPARATION

• ⁴ Regular preparation for the book study and participation in it strengthens us spiritually. (1 Cor. 16:13) Meetings become more interesting and encouraging when we have a part in them. The result is greater joy, satisfaction and spiritual growth. Our participation also serves to encourage and fortify our brothers.

• ⁵ To prepare for the book study, each family can best make their own arrangements according to the needs and circumstances. In some families each member individually prepares for the study. Some study a few paragraphs each day as they travel to and from work. To help their children, parents remind and encourage them to prepare for the study. Some families find it beneficial to set aside time to prepare the entire lesson together.

CONDUCTOR AND READER

^c So that all in attendance may receive the greatest benefits from the book study the conductor must be well prepared. (1 Tim. 4:15, 16) Also, since approximately half of the study hour is devoted to reading the paragraphs, a good reader should be assigned beforehand. He should understand the material well and read with appropriate emphasis and clarity. (See Our Kingdom Service, June 1980, page 4, Question Box.)

⁷ In the September issue of Our

• ⁴ If large sections of business territory cannot be cared for by the congregation, elders should discuss this with the circuit overseer. He can coordinate the efforts of other congregations in the city to get the territory worked by qualified publishers and pioneers.

• ⁶ When have you found it best to call on local business establishments? Some have found an early hour on Saturday morning to be a good time, whereas others find it advantageous to call later in the day when they are not so busy or on a weekday when owners are not so occupied.

^c Those working in business territories should be neatly attired. It is best to keep presentations brief. Some explain that they are calling because businessmen are not usually at home when we call. Use magazines, the current literature offer or tracts. The offer or approach may be varied according to the circumstances.

• ⁷ Could your congregation do more to work its business territory? Qualified publishers might be trained to share in this activity. Elders! Can you organize this work so that the good news is presented regularly in all business territory?

Meetings . . . Make Disciples (Cont’d) 15 min: “Doing Good to Those With Special Needs.” Question-and-answer coverage of article. Read paragraphs and look up scriptures as time permits.

7 min: Encourage full support of first Sunday by sharing in house-to-house activity. Announce arrangements for weekend field service.

Song 9 and prayer.

Kingdom Ministry, we received direction as to proper dress when attending the book study. It said: “When attending the book study, it would be appropriate to dress as when attending the regular meetings at the Kingdom Hall.”

FJELD SERVICE

• ⁸ Wholehearted participation in the ministry is a safeguard for us and strengthens us spiritually. (Rom. 12:11) Our study and participation in meetings produce a desire and zeal to share what we have learned with others. Hence, the location for the book study is usually used as a meeting place for field service.

• ⁹ Keep fortified by regularly preparing for and attendi’ig ALL congregation meetings. Your participation will strengthen you.

  Announcements

  • Literature offer for November: Subscription for The Watchtower or Awake! or for both magazines. Cost is §3.50 per year for semimonthly magazines, $2.00 for six-month subscriptions and $2.00 per year for monthly magazines. (There is no sixmonth subscription for monthly magazines.) December: The New World Translation and any 192-page book for $3.75. January and February: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, tor $2.50.

  • 1983 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses: Publishers and pioneers please order your Yearbooks through your congregation. Congregations should begin accepting orders for these Yearbooks now. Then on the dates here listed, or as soon as possible thereafter, send this order to the Society using the regular Literature Order form (S-14). November 15,1982: English; December 15, 1982: French, Greek, Italian, Spanish; February 15, 1983: Dutch, Finnish, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese. Congregations should order only the number of Yearbooks for which there are requests. Payment should not accompany the congregation order. The Yearbooks will ne charged to the literature account at $1.00 each, which is the rate for publishers and the public. Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1, 1982, may receive a free copy for which the congregation may request credit on the Remittance and Credit Request (S-20). Pioneers may obtain additional copies at 25c each. (Note to secretary: Please have announced to the congregation when the Yearbooks are received so that all who ordered can obtain their copies.)

  • In addition to the languages announced in Our Kingdom Ministry for August 1982, the 1983 calendars will also be available in Danish, Dutch, Finnish, and Swedish. These can be ordered by the congregation using the Literature Order form (S-14).

  • The Society has a stock of Yearbooks for 1975, 1977 and 1979. Congregations may order these according to local needs.

  O You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth is now available in grade-two English Braille. This four-volume publication may be purchased or obtained on a loan basis and returned in six months. A remittance of $5.00 should accompany all orders if purchased. Also, the name and address of the individual that will receive the publication should be included. All orders for Braille items should be sent to the Society's BRAILLE DESK, and not included along with Literature Orders for printed publications. Braille material should not be stocked by the congregation.

  0 New Publications Available: “Let Your Kingdom Come”

  —Finnish, Gujarati, Malayalam Good News—To Make You Happy

  —Sinhalese

  You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth             —Afrikaans

  Watch Tower Publications Index for

  1981                   —English

  The Path of Divine Truth Leading to Liberation —Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil

  Bible Topics for Discussion

  —Gujarati Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

  —Finnish, Italian

  
  

AUGUST SERVICE REPORT Av     Av Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs.    Mags. R.V. Bl.St.

Sp’l Pios. 295 128.3  87.7 50.5

Pios. 20,626  63.6  41.7 24.8

Aux. Pios. 21,313  60.0  37.4 16.7

Pubs. 570,773   8.9   7.5  3.5

TOTAL 613,007 Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 455

4