OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

NOVEMBER 1984

Vol. 27, No. 11

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4

When between calls in field service, what can you:

• 1. Pray about?

• 2. Think about?

• 3. Speak about with your companion worker?

NOVEMBER 5-11

When working from house to house:

• 1. How should children act?

• 2. Why should we not congregate?

• 3. How can you make notes inconspicuously?

NOVEMBER 12-18 How can these texts help us in our ministry?

• 1. Romans 12:18.

• 2. Proverbs 25:11.

• 3. Proverbs 15:13.

NOVEMBER 19-25

How can these texts help us in our ministry?

• 1. Proverbs 15:1, 4.

• 2. Proverbs 18:6.

• 3. Proverbs 26:20, 21.

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Will the Earth Be Destroyed in a Nuclear War?

Eccl. 1:4—The earth remains forever.

Prov. 2:20, 21—Righteous to live forever on earth.

Prov. 2:22—God will destroy the wicked.

• ¹ Millions of people today are concerned about survival, and with good reason. Food shortages, pollution, violence and many other lifethreatening conditions have caused men to be fearful of what the future holds. And yet, most people who are concerned about survival know little or nothing about an even greater danger. Jesus called it a “tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning.” (Matt. 24:21) Could there be a more urgent question facing humankind than that of SURVIVAL?

• ² What could be more timely in answering that most urgent question than our new book, Survival Into a New Earth? After announcing its release at the “Kingdom Increase” District Conventions this past summer, the speaker said: “Survival has become a major concern in our times. But what confronts mankind is far more awesome than a nuclear war. It is an accounting with the Creator himself. Astounding Bible prophecies show clearly that there will be survivors. ... This book has been published to help you to be among them.”

HELP FILL AN URGENT NEED

• ³ But more than publishing a book

  OUTSTANDING NEW PUBLISHER PEAK FOR AUGUST—690,830!

  What striking evidence of Jehovah’s goodness! Surely, this is another Indication of Jehovah’s favor in answering our prayers. Like the psalmist David, we say: “I will exalt you, 0 my God the King, and I will bless your name to time indefinite, even forever." (Ps. 145:1) The total of 690,830 publishers exceeds the July peak by 20,435. The 29,764 regular pioneers for August is a new peak. Truly, the 1984 service year has been an outstanding year of increase In many respects! May it be our determination to continue sowing bountifully, confident in the promise that we will reap bountifully.—2 Cor. 9:6.

  
  

  Help New Ones to Share in Kingdom Increase

  
  

• ¹ At this time of Kingdom increase we rejoice to see many new ones responding to the good news. As their knowledge and appreciation grow, they start attending meetings and soon want to share what they are learning with others as regular Kingdom publishers. This presents a challenge and an additional responsibility for those of us who already are experienced in field service. New ones need to be encouraged and trained to become effective in the ministry.

• ² In the United States during the first nine months of the 1984 service year 22,187 were baptized and a total of 10,625 more were added at the 117 “Kingdom Increase” District Conventions held during June, July and August. Are all these new ones being given personal assistance to help them become effective ministers?

TRAIN THEM FOR FIELD SERVICE

• ³ Helping new ones to become effective in the ministry is a matter of on survival is involved in filling the most urgent need of people. They must hear about it, obtain it, read and understand it, and then act on the vital information it contains. It was with this in mind that the convention speaker said: “The situation calls for urgent action on the part of all who are to survive.... This is a publication that is designed for our use in the field ministry, as well as for our own study.” Yes, brothers, ‘how will they hear without someone to preach?’ —Rom. 10:14.

• ⁴ Can you imagine anything more thrilling, more satisfying, than saving a life? But what if you could save your own life while rescuing another person? This would be even more rewarding.—1 Tim. 4:16.

• ⁵ How many lives will be saved as a result of people learning the truth with the aid of this new book? The answer depends to a great extent on the effort we put forth in distributing it and the effectiveness of our presentations. We are featuring it as our literature offer during November for a contribution of $1. The effort that is put forth in sharing this new book (Continued on page 3, col. 1) serious concern. So build on their initial enthusiasm and zeal and help them to become effective in the field. We do not want their initial enthusiasm and zeal to diminish, and this will not happen if we provide the training they need.

• ⁴ Training for the field service should start early. Encourage students to share what they have learned with relatives, neighbors, acquaintances and others they know. Let them know that only a few of those they speak to are likely to respond favorably to the good news. (Matt. 7: 13, 14) But at the same time, help them to appreciate the joy that comes to the invisible as well as visible parts of God’s organization when even one person listens.—Luke 15:10.

YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

• ⁵ Are you presently studying the Bible with someone? Is the person qualified to accompany you in the field

(Continued on page 2, col. 1}

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 4

Song 129

5 min: Announcements and local announcements.

20 min: “Feature Survival Book in November.” Talk by service overseer or other qualified elder. Help the publishers to present the Survival book effectively by highlighting talking points. Some may simply want to read the statement from “The Publishers” on page 2. Chapters 1 through 7 are especially designed for the public. Excerpts from the opening paragraphs of any of these chapters that blend with the Topic for Conversation could be read to a householder. Pictures such as those on pages 4 and 5, 33 or 41 could be featured. Paragraph 7 of chapter 1 could be used when we meet those who do not accept the Bible as authoritative. Offer the book not only in house-to-house work but also on return visits and to those studying.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News —With the November Magazines.” Discuss by use of questions. Have three short demonstrations by well-prepared publishers using the presentations in paragraphs 3-5. Go through the magazines with audience and discuss other talking points. Encourage support for magazine work on second Saturday, No-vembei^-10.

Song 126 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 11

Song 164

8 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report for October.

20 min: “Help New Ones to Share in Kingdom Increase.” Discuss by use of questions. After discussion of paragraph 5, have a brief demonstration of effective Witness helping new one prepare before going out in field service. Preparation should be for house-to-house witnessing using current Topic for Conversation.

17 min: “Training Our Children to Serve Jehovah.” Discussion between two family heads, preferably one with gradeschool children and the other with teenagers. After discussing the points in the

Help New Ones           (Cont’d)

service? Once he becomes an approved associate, encourage him to be regular in service each week. Before going out, take a few minutes to prepare. Rehearse the presentations you will use, if working with the magazines; or help him to make a meaningful contribution in a discussion of the regular literature offer. At first, he may wish simply to read one of the scriptures or make a brief comment during the discussion. But, little by little, as you give encouragement and training, he will gain confidence and learn to handle calls on his own. first two paragraphs, one father mentions a situation with children that requires special help from parents, such as flag ceremony at school (or some other current problem in your area). Invites audience to watch as he demonstrates how he assisted his grade-school children to cope with this matter. (Use information from Great Teacher and/or Bible Stories books.) As demonstration concludes, teenage child of other father comes on stage and asks father a question about observing national thanksgiving day this month. Father invites child to sit down and read last two paragraphs on page 21 of School brochure. Child gets point. Father points out that Society’s Index for 1966-70 refers us to fine article in November 8, 1969, Awake! with detailed information on the holiday. Suggests child read article and later let whole family know what he learns. Family heads conclude discussion, emphasizing need for all parents to take necessary steps to assist children with problems by . using publications provided.

Song 183 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 18

Song 99

12 mln: Local announcements. Discuss fourth Saturday magazine work, November 24. Review points from paragraph 5 of Presenting the Good News on how to feature the November 22 Awake! Discuss some talking points in December 1 Watchtower.

15 min: Question Box. Two brothers on platform discuss article. Tie in suggestions and counsel that would apply locally regarding Kingdom Hall security.

18 min: Arrange in accord with local needs, or give service talk on subject “Do Not Shrink Back.” (w84 10/1 p. 29) Song 190 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 25

Song 157

10 min: Local announcements. Discuss December literature offer briefly. Encourage support for field service on first Sunday of month.

• ⁶ Even after a new one has become regular in service, he still needs your help. Continue to manifest genuine interest in his spiritual progress. That progress includes developing the ability to teach others while he himself is still learning. Be generous and sincere in commending him for his progress. Let him see that you personally have experienced much joy in helping him make spiritual advancement. —1 Tim. 4:15, 16.

HELP OTHERS ALSO

• ⁷ There may be others in the congregation who, although not newly associated, have not received suffi

20 min: “Help Your Young Ones to Be Close to God.” Talk based on The Watchtower. (w84 8/1 pp. 5-7) Include experiences from article “A ‘Special Territory.’” (w84 7/15 p. 7) Encourage young publishers to view their classmates and teachers as their “special territory.” Entertain experiences from young publishers on what they have done in school to preach the good news of the Kingdom.

15 min: Youths—Do Not Be Deceived. Talk and demonstration. As pointed out at “Kingdom Increase" District Conventions, young ones are special target of Satan. He picks on less experienced, seducing them as he did Eve. Deceives youth by enticements, allurements, temptations. Promotes idea youth are missing out on something. Cultivates selfish desire to ‘do own thing,’ decide for self what is good, bad. We must beware of his “crafty acts.” (Eph. 6:11, fnt) He makes ways of world, such as sexual immorality, smoking, drug abuse, association with nonbelievers and worldly entertainment, look attractive. Makes such appear harmless, as fruit on tree appeared to Eve. Jehovah makes provisions to protect youths from being deceived: Youth and Great Teacher books, School brochure, Awake! feature “Young People Ask,” meetings, assemblies, parents and elders. At this point introduce scene where teenage boy wanting to discuss a problem approaches an elder. His father will not let him participate in organized sports in school. He wants to know if it is really all that bad. Elder, in kind and understanding way, suggests that they speak to the father and set a time when they can review the information in chapter 16 of the Youth book. He shows boy the chapter and suggests he read it over beforehand. All agree. Conclude with comments on how much elders, parents and organization love our faithful young ministers. Our interest is in protecting them from Satan’s designs. (2 Cor. 11:3) Encourage youth and parents to use and be guided by the counsel from the discreet slave.

Song 221 and concluding prayer.

cient personal assistance so as to become effective teachers. Because of a lack of training, they may be missing much of the joy that comes from sharing the good news with others. Be alert to help them, too, especially those of you who are elders, pioneers or others who have more experience in the field.

• ⁸ Let us make the most of Kingdom increase by working not just to augment the number of publishers but also to develop their effectiveness in making more disciples. This is Jehovah’s way of ‘speeding up’ the gathering for salvation.—Isa. 60:22.

  Copyright C 1984 by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., and International Bible Students Association. Our Kingdom Ministry (USES 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201.                                 Printed in U.S.A.

  
  

Announcements

• Literature offer for November: Survival Into a New Earth, for a contribution of $1.00. December: The New World Translation along with any older 192-page book available, for contribution of $3.50, $4.00 or $4.50, depending on which Bible is offered. (See “Looking Ahead to the December Campaign With the Bible” on page 3 of September Our Kingdom Ministry.) The brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! may be offered for a contribution of 30C, especially to those with reading difficulties or where there are children. January and February: Watchtower subscription for contribution of $4.00. When subscription offer is refused we will offer Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever or Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century with two magazines for a contribution of 70c.

• 1985 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses: Publishers and pioneers, please order your Yearbooks through your congregation. Congregations should begin collecting requests for these Yearbooks now. Then on November 1, 1984, or as soon as possible thereafter, send this order to the Society using the regular Literature Order form (S-14). The Yearbooks will be available in English as well as Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish. Until the Yearbooks are available and shipments are made, these will appear as "Back Ordered” on congregation invoices. Congregations should order only the number of Yearbooks for which there are requests. Payment shoulfi not accompany the congregation order. The Yearbooks are controlled stock items and will be charged to the literature account at $1.50 each, which is the rate for publishers and the public. (See September Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4.) Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1,1984, may receive a free copy for which the congregation may request credit on the Remittance and Credit Request form (S-20). Pioneers may obtain additional copies at 75c each. (Note to presiding overseer: Please have announcement made to the congregation when the Yearbooks are received so that all who ordered can obtain their copies.)

• New Publications Available:

Aid to Bible Understanding, Volume 5 (Jer-Le)                 —German

Is the Bible Really the Word of God?

—Tahitian

(Continued on page it, col. 1}

Survival Book             (Cont’d)

with our neighbors, relatives, workmates, classmates or others may depend on a number of things, such as health, age, strength and family responsibilities. To a greater degree, it will depend on our love for others, along with the sense of urgency we feel about their survival.—2 Tim. 4:2a.

⁶ The effectiveness of our ministry often hinges on how well informed we are about the book being presented. By now we have had opportunity to read it through. Have we given thought to talking points, quotations or illustrations that would enhance our presentation? The chart on page 27 showing 1914 to be a marked year,

• ¹ As you look around the Kingdom Hall, take special note of the young brothers and sisters who make such a fine contribution to the spirit of the congregation. Are we not grateful that they have remembered their Grand Creator in the days of their youth? (Eccl. 12:1) Likely such exemplary young men and women are the result of much training and effort, and we need only to inquire of their parents to confirm this. What, though, is involved in training up a boy or a girl in the right way?—Prov. 22:6.

• ² Of course, each family head should arrange for a regular family study that includes the children. This is part of providing in a spiritual way for ‘those who are our own? (1 Tim. 5:8) Effort should be made to involve even the very young ones with an occasional simple question on a point they can grasp. A parent may report up to one hour each week when studying with his or her undedicated children. (See om p.104 par. 1.) But obviously more is needed to “train up” our children than a weekly Bible study. There is the day-by-day inculcating of Bible principles and the building of appreciation for Jehovah and his Son. This requires much time and effort on the part of both God-fearing parents. Though this time is not reported as field service, it surely counts toward gaining God’s approval and everlasting life.—Deut. 6: 6, 7; Eph. 6:4.

PROVIDING SPECIAL HELP

• ³ Although it is necessary to teach our children the “primary doctrine,” there are times when children need specialized help due to circumstances that arise in their lives. (Compare Hebrews 6:1, 2.) When difficult situations, problems and tests confront them in school, in the neighborhood or even in the congregation, parents must give their children spiritual direction and training in addition to the family Bible study. At times the study itself can be tailored to fit a particular along with quotations on page 29 indicating how historians view that year, would appeal to persons concerned about survival. Anticipation for what is required to get the “mark” needed for survival could be raised by discussing the picture on page 95. —Compare Ezekiel 9:4, 6.

• ⁷ The chapter titles will stir the interest of thinking persons. Titles such as “What Will Become of Planet Earth?”, “How Long Will the Present System Last?”, “Act Wisely in the Face of Calamity” and “The Countdown Nears Its Zero Hour!” are among the interest-catching subjects dealt with in the book. Try putting the book into the householder’s hands and ask him which chapter titles interest problem at hand. For example, what if a young child is experiencing pressure to engage in the flag-salute ceremony at school? There is excellent material parents can use in chapter 34 of Listening to the Great Teacher, as well as story 77 in My Book of Bible Stories or the information on pages 12-16 of the School brochure. Or it may be very tempting for young children to share in birthday or holiday parties at school. Why not discuss with them chapter 30 in the Great Teacher book or pages 17-21 of the School brochure? These publications are specially useful in teaching and for drawing out what is in the heart of our young ones. —Prov. 20:5; w81 11/1 p. 14; g81 4/8 p. 10.

• ⁴ Older children and teenagers are often drawn to school sports and other extracurricular activities. If this becomes a problem, you may wish to use the fine material in chapter 16 of Your Youth—Getting the Best out of It. There is also helpful information on pages 22 and 23 of the brochure School and Jehovah’s Witnesses. The loose moral atmosphere prevalent today also presents our children with tests involving alcohol, drugs and immoral sex. Have you parents taken the initiative to discuss chapters 14, 15 and 18 of the Youth book with your children? These topics are also covered in the School brochure.

• ⁵ Surely all of us want our children to serve Jehovah. They need to develop a relationship with Jehovah that will see them through these critical days and on into God’s new system of things. Jehovah’s organization has lovingly provided us with valuable aids to accomplish this. Make full use of the School brochure, the Great Teacher, Bible Stories and Youth books to provide your child with the training he or she needs. Then may it be your experience that “even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.”—Prov. 22:6.

him most. Those who have tried this with our other publications often found that they got good results.

DO NOT BE DETERRED

• ⁸ We all applauded the final comments of the convention speaker when he said: “While there is yet time, may we all seize the opportunity to aid many more to become part of this growing throng of happy Witnesses. .. . When he destroys this wicked world, then, by God’s undeserved kindness, may we be among the survivors into his glorious ‘new earth’!” Let us then seize the opportunity to aid many more by having a full share in distributing the Survival book during November.

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS X______________________________________________________________________/

  
  

With the November Magazines

• ¹ Ponder these questions: Why has our generation seen such an increase in violence? Why does widespread prejudice exist in an “age of enlightenment"? By what means will prejudice be totally eliminated? Why is it becoming increasingly difficult for men and nations to agree on anything? What priceless inheritance is available to all, and how can we make sure it is not lost? Do you have an open mind? What are the advantages of having an open mind and the disadvantages of a closed mind? These are a few of the questions that will be answered in the November issues of The Watchtower and Awake!

- Just thinking on the questions propounded should convince us that the November magazines contain information vitally needed by everyone who longs for a better world. The articles are informative and sure to give honest-hearted ones much to think about. So what can we say in order to convince the people in our territory that we have something for them that is essential for their future happiness?

• ³ In presenting the November 8, 1984, Awake!, after giving your name, you might say, “Some have noticed that prejudice is still a major problem in our society, despite the well-meaning efforts of governments and individuals. Many have had a problem with this in one way or another. This issue of Awake! presents a balanced view of the subject and shares some real-life experiences of those who were helped by the Bible to overcome their prejudices.” Or, if a young person comes to the door, you may prefer to feature the article “Is there Anything I Can Watch on TV?” in the series “Young People Ask . . . ”

¹ The cover of the November 15, 1984, Watchtower highlights the question: “Our Critical Times—Is There a Cure?” In presenting this issue, you could say, “I am sure you will agree that any reasonable person would like to live in a world of peace and security. And yet, why is it that people and nations seem to find it increasingly difficult to agree on anything? This issue of The Watchtower shows how the Bible predicted this situation and, better still, it reveals God’s sure remedy.”

• ⁵ “An Open or a Closed Mind—Which Do You Have?” is the first in a three-part series of articles in the November 22,1984, Awake! To stimulate the householder’s interest, you might state the following: “We live in an age when many people pride themselves on being open-minded, willing to accept differing points of view. And yet, evidence shows that just about everyone has his mind closed to one or more subjects at one time or another. What are the advantages of having an open mind? I think you will enjoy the comprehensive discussion of this subject in this issue of Awake!”

• ⁶ Of course, with any of the magazines referred to, you may prefer to feature an article other than what has been suggested above. The important thing to remember is to keep the presentation simple and get directly to the point. Too much time spent on a long introduction may result in the door being closed before you are able to talk about the article you planned to present. This would also be true if you are making your presentation through a closed door, a situation becoming increasingly common in areas where people are fearful of opening doors to strangers.

• ⁷ For over 100 years now Jehovah’s people have received ‘Scriptural comfort’ through the magazines published by the Society. (Rom. 15:4) With this time of the end rapidly drawing to a close, do we not want to increase our efforts,to get the magazines into the hands of as many people as possible? Surely we do! We want to reflect Jehovah’s thinking, for “he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) Nowhere else on earth do we find publications like The Watchtower and Awake! that are exclusively devoted to proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom and to honoring Jehovah’s great name. Let us use them to the full.

AUGUST SERVICE REPORT

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

Sp’iPios, 239 126.9 88.9 53.7

Pios. 29,764   63.6 39.9 24.9

Aux. Pios. 27,274   60.2 36.3 17.0

Pubs. 633,553    9.3   7.4   3.5

TOTAL 690,830

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,710

Question Box

• How can we give attention to Kingdom Hall security?

In view of these critical times we need to use sound judgment in regard to Kingdom Hall security. Just as we take precautions in seeing that our homes are safe and secure, we should likewise do with our Kingdom Halls. It is the responsibility of the elders to see that each Kingdom Hal) has adequate security. This need is evident as we see more vandalism and theft being reported at halls in various places.

Basic to good security would be the careful closing and locking of all doors, gates and windows after each use of the Kingdom Hall. Responsible, reliable brothers should be in charge of such security arrangements each time the hall is used. This should include times when the hall is used for some purpose other than regular congregation meetings, such as a wedding or when cleaning.

If a Kingdom Hall has a parking area, it is suggested that such be well lighted at appropriate times. This will reduce vandalism to automobiles and possible injury or harm to brothers and sisters when leaving the hall. Some congregations have found it advisable to have brothers alternating as attendants outside the hall during meetings in order to check on parked cars to prevent theft and vandalism.

Some congregations find it necessary to lock doors during meetings. In those extreme cases where this is deemed necessary, reliable attendants should be at the door at all times to monitor those entering the hall. The body of elders should determine what measures are appropriate in accord with local laws governing public meeting places. If such an arrangement is instituted, the congregation should be made aware of this beforehand so they will know the Kingdom Hall entrance will be kept locked.

We want the brothers and newly interested ones to feel secure when attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall and we want to protect the property from vandalism and theft. So the elders in each congregation should consider the circumstances that prevail locally and then act in harmony with such in order to protect property and help to ensure the safety of those at the meetings.

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

November 4: Pages 70 to 76

November 11: Pages 77 to 84^{1 2} November 18: Pages 84² to 92² November 25: Pages 92² to 106²

* To or from subheading.

4

¹

Announcements           (Cant'd)

Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry

—Chinese, Iloko, Tagalog

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth         —Croatian, Icelandic,

Indonesian

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

—Albanian, Dinka, Gilbertese, Idem a From Kurukshetra to Armageddon—And Your Survival            —French

²

New Cassette Recordings Available:

Judges, Ruth (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00: pioneers: $2.50)

—English

My Book of Bible Stories (four cassettes in album; congregation and public: 88.00; pioneers: $6.00) —Greek

• Available Again in U.S.A:

"This Good News of the Kingdom"

—Cambodian