DECEMBER, 1961

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

“In unity I shall set them, like a flock in the pen.”—Mic. 2:12.

VOL. IV NO. 12

Help Men to Security During God's War

• ¹ In .spite of man’s search for security, comparatively few are prepared for the approaching war of Armageddon. Now, of all times, they need help.

Bible Distribution

• ² To help men find security by listening to Jehovah, this month, for the first time, we will all offer just the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, with a free booklet, for $1. While prepared to drop down to two magazines if necessary, we want to help householders see the importance of having a Bible they can understand. After giving a well-prepared sermon suited to the territory, we can acknowledge that most of us have a Bible whose familiar language We love. However, ancient versions use words that are often hard to understand. We can illustrate this with an example or two previously selected from the chart in the October 15 Watchtower.

³ The effectiveness of showing householders how the New World Translation brings clear understanding is proved by the experience of a publisher who was told: “I don’t know about these modern translations. They change the Bible. Anyway, I love the beautiful language of the King James Version.” Replied the publisher: “So do I love it, and we have by no means discarded It. But, tell me, when we read the Bible, do we read it for its literary beauty or to get instruction?” The householder admitted that we read to get instruction. However, when asked the meaning of “publican” and “centurion” the objector did not know. After being enlightened by the New World Translation’s use of “tax collector” and “army officer,” the householder agreed that it does not change the Bible but simply makes it understandable. A copy was placed and a study was begun immediately. This joy of placing the Bible and starting new studies in the “Good News" or “Look!” booklet can be yours if you prepare well. Preparation makes the difference.

10-Percent Increase

⁴ Jehovah’s ministers have sown much seed and faithfully watered it in anticipation of the promised increase. (1 Gor. 3:6) In December we will exert ourselves vigorously to realize an increase of 10 percent, which is a reasonable goal. Servants and study conductors, talk with publishers who conduct Bible studies and help them to encourage the new ones to start in service. Simple but effective presentations are outlined under “Presenting the Good News.” Teach new ones a simple Bible pres-

• ¹ As a result of the response of many publishers and pioneers to the call to serve where the need is great, splendid progress has been made since 1957. Today many congregations flourish in formerly unassigned territory, or where an isolated group existed, or where a congregation was in dire need of servants or qualified publishers to work territory. Response has been good on the part ? OFFER FOR DECEMBER | | “New World Translation of the Holy? } Scriptures,” and one booklet, for $1.5 | THEME FOR DECEMBER | (Helping Men to Security During God’sj

J

of publishers and pioneers, and Jehovah’s blessing is manifest upon the arrangement.

• ² Have you wondered just, what can be and has been done in an area as a result of this arrangement? One of many examples that could be cited is this one: In 1956 there was one publisher for every 815 persons in the United States. In 1961 it is one for 653. In 1956 entation. Help them find the joy of putting knowledge to work by asking them to join you in offering the Bible.

⁵ The assistant congregation servant will provide study conductors with a weekly list of ministers who have not yet reported in December. By receiving the list at each service meeting, conductors will be in position to extend loving aid over- the weekend. By reporting on December 3, or at least by December 10, mature publishers will shorten the lists of those not out early in December and thereby aid the servants. How good it would be to see 273,549 publishers active this month, and 273,-(Continued, on page 4, col. 3)

Mississippi had 1-1,906 and in 1961 it was 1-1,119. Yes, while there was a drop during that five-year period of 162 for the country, there was a drop of 787 for Mississippi. Much of the progress in Mississippi came because publishers and pioneers moved in, co-operated and worked hard with local publishers, and made adjustments to remain in the area where help was needed. Truly, Jehovah blessed their efforts.

• ³ Where is help now needed? With the current ratio for this country at one publisher for 653 persons, note the ratio for states needing particular assistance : Rhode Island, 1-1,244; Mississippi, 1-1,119; Tennessee, 1-1,091; South Carolina, 1-1,058; Maine, 1-1,054; Massachusetts, 11,047; Kentucky, 1-1,041; Louisiana, 1-977; South Dakota, 1-941; Utah, 1-926. From circuit servants, isolated groups and small congregations letters are constantly received asking the Society, ‘If at all possible, send us help’ in the form of publishers, pioneers and servants.

• ⁴ Have you seriously considered (Continued on page 3, col. 1)

  -k                      Spread the “word of life.”                     *

  
  
  
  
  

FIRST MEETING IN DECEMBER

Theme: Helping Men to Security During God’s War.

• 5 min: Welcome, text, comments.

10 min: Talk on “Helping Men to Security During God’s War.’’ (See “Watchtower,” October 15, 1960, pp. 617-631, and December 1, 1961, p. 727.) 17 min: Question-and-answer coverage of main article, “Help Men to Security During God’s War.”

22 min: New Sermon:

“The Bible—a True Guide.”

(2 min.) Chairman: December to be a big month for placing the “New World Translation” from house to house. Every publisher will want to place a copy of the new Bible in the homes of as many as possible. This can best be done by stimulating a desire for this new translation through use of a sermon on the Bible.

(10 min.) Chairman has sermon displayed before audience. (“Sermon Outlines,” page 2, 3A) Calls attention to simplicity of it and encourages all to follow discussion in own Bibles and make notes as audience discusses how to tie scriptures together effectively to emphasize theme.

“I’m making a brief call to encourage more Bible reading among people of all religions. In recent years new translations have created great interest in the Bible, and it continues to be the world’s best-selling book. Interest in the Bible has also been sharpened by recent world-shaking events of our day, causing many to turn to God’s Word for comfort and direction. So it would seem important to know more about the message the Bible holds for our day, don’t you think so? [Allow time for comment.] But perhaps you are like many others who say it is difficult to understand. And some sincerely ask how we can be sure it is a true guide at this time. Notice what one of the Bible writers had to say about this:

Bible writers inspired by God

—2 Pet. 1:20, 21 Fulfilled prophecy proves Bible account true     —John 14:29 or

Isa. 14:24 Understanding brings comfort and hope for future      —Rom. 15:4

“We need a solidly based hope in this troubled world, don’t we? That hope can be gained by better understanding of the Bible, and that’s the very purpose of this fresh, modern translation. With its easy-to-understand English, you will delight in reading this Bible. You may have this copy and the printed sermon in booklet form for just a dollar contribution. As you read the Bible sermon you will want to look up the many Scripture references cited. Note how easily you can find them in this Bible. [Show Bible books listed in order on page 7 and then alphabetical listing for ease in finding such on page 8.] Additional outstanding features you will enjoy are Important Bible Words for Quick Reference (page 1341) and various helpful maps. [Other features may be mentioned as time allows.] Just think, all this is yours in this fine Bible for just one dollar.”

(8 min.) Chairman encourages all in audience to follow closely in own Bible as well-prepared publisher demonstrates sermon, makes presentation, and starts study in booklet placed with Bible.

(2 min.) Chairman encourages united effort of congregation to make December an outstanding month by placing-many Bibles. Let us be well prepared and Confidently offer new Bible to all we meet.

• 6 min: Concluding comments. (Include remarks on slogan, based on Philippians 2:16, at bottom of page one.)

SECOND MEETING IN DECEMBER

5 min: Welcome, text, comments.

15 min: Talk on “Watchtower” article of October 15, 1961, “Bible Knowledge Made Plain Through Modern Translation.”

15 min: “Presenting the Good News.” Demonstrate points.

15 min: Have You Made Arrangements to Start New Ones in the Service? Talk by Bible study servant, emphasizing follow-through of points in November “Kingdom Ministry.” He could interview publishers who have followed the suggestion with good success, and encouraging “Yearbook” experiences could be cited, such as those on pages 214, 258 and 273.

10 mln: Concluding comments.

THIRD MEETING IN DECEMBER

5 min: Welcome, text, comments.

8 min: New World News and Announcements.

15 min: Question-and-answer discussion on “Lovingly Aid One Another to Make Back-Calls.”

22 min: Following Up Bible Placements.

Chairman: (2 min.) Bible campaign in December stirring up tremendous interest in Kingdom. Opens way for Bible studies as never before. Whether persons obtaining new Bible and booklet will use them to full advantage or not depends greatly upon each publisher. Accurate records of placements and immediate follow-up are keys to success in starting studies. Preparation also very important. Discussion of what to say on return call will help.

Discussion with Audience: (8 min.) Chairman briefly reviews with audience essentials for return visit: pQSi-tive attitude, warmth and friendliness, having in mind definite information to present and goal of starting study, theme, simplicity, tactfulness, enthusiasm, definite arrangements for future visits, etc., and the value of each. Then scriptures in sermon are looked up by various ones in audience and discussed. (“Sermon Outlines” provides basis for sermon—Section: “Bible” 3B, page 2.)

Theme: Need for Help In Understanding Bible

Private reading of Bible not enough

—Acts 8:30, 31

Bible for all, not just clergy or “wise”           —Matt. 11:25

Bible contains instruction for life

—Rom. 15:4

Purposes of Jehovah revealed

through Bible    —2 Tim. 3:16, 17

(gn page 5)

Publisher: (10 min.) Mature publisher demonstrates sermon. In friendly manner he greets householder and states he has returned to discuss further the value of Bible in offering a sure hope for the future. Many believe Bible is God’s Word and that it contains hope for future, but do not know where or how to locate texts expressing man’s sure hope for future. Situation much like that of Ethiopian eunuch encountered by Philip, in account at Acts 8:30, 31. Suggests householder get his Bible and read this. After this is read, publisher calls attention to need for guidance in understanding and willingness of Philip to help. Some, however, conclude Bible only for clergy or those possessing theological training. Refers householder to Jesus’ words at Matthew 11:25. Even those newly acquainted with Bible may gain understanding, as it was written for “our instruction,” and gives us hope. Calls attention to Romans 15:4 and reads it. Can have confidence in Bible, as it is inspired by God and ‘sets matters straight,’ as is explained at 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. Brings out “Good News” booklet and shows this scripture cited on page 5. Then calls attention to question on paragraph 4, page 4. He discusses this and reads it, and then goes on to paragraph 5.

Chairman: (2 min.) And so a Bible study is started. As simply as demonstrated, you can start a study. Some may have placed the “Look!” booklet and will want to refer to page 4, paragraph 5, to start the study. Whichever booklet has been placed, return quickly and start a study.

10 min: Concluding comments. (Include remarks on slogan, based on Joel 2:32, at bottom of page four.)

FOURTH MEETING IN DECEMBER

5 min: Welcome, text, comments.

20 min: Encouraging talk, following the reading of the pioneer letter.

12 min: Question-and-answer' coverage of “Congregation Organization” article, “Reporting Time Spent Preaching.'”

15 min: Report from magazine-territory servant on territory coverage and how more magazines could be placed. (He will visit with the congregation servant early in the month.) Also a short demonstration of Bible presentation.

8 min: Concluding comments.

FIFTH MEETING IN DECEMBER

5 min: Welcome, text, comments.

15 min: Question-and-answer coverage of article “Can You Serve Where Help Is Needed?” Experiences could also be worked in; see “Yearbook,” pp. 67, 158, 192.

15 min: Talk by school servant, covering new ministry school schedule and “Written Review Changes.”

15 min: Two enthusiastic study conductors discuss and demonstrate (1) what they will do this last weekend of December to make sure all publishers with their group have been out and reported (method: not “push,” but loving aid), (2) how to aid publishers to start new ones in the field ministry, (3) arrangements for Saturday and Sunday for all to share in the witnessing work, and (4) how many Bibles the congregation has placed this month. (Give bound-book report, assuming most are Bibles.)

10 mln: Concluding comments.

CONGREGATION

Reporting Time Spent Preaching

• ¹ What an inestimable privilege and honor it is to serve Jehovah I Likewise, reporting the time spent preaching is important. Recently, however, some problems have been observed in this connection. To illustrate: on occasion field service reports are turned in without any name. Additionally, some fail to report time, feeling that their one hour or so is too insignificant, and they reason that Jehovah knows what we do and so it is not too important to report that time. Still others are not accurate in their reporting, merely estimating their hours and placements. Moreover, some just forget to report and need helpful reminders. Why is reporting promptly and accurately so important? Because these reports assist the servants to give help to all in the congregation according to their individual needs; they enable the Society to plan its work and see that all have enough equipment to use in the ministry; and they supply the basis for the Yearbook reports, which are a source of encouragement to us all and which we all so much enjoy. Also, Jehovah is an orderly, systematic God, and we want to imitate him in this regard. —1 Cor. 14 : 33.

• ² Now that we have seen the importance of reporting promptly and accurately, the question arises, Who may report? Preaching and Teaching in Peace and Unity, paragraph 52, states: “Any person who is mor-

OCTOBER SERVICE REPORT

Av.     Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs.    B-C Bi.St. Mags.

Sp’l Pios.     664  145.6 54.3  7.3

Pios.        6,023  96.6 33.9  5.1

Vac. Pios. 2,698  86.0 24.5  3.0

Pubs. 250,255   10.0  3.4   .6

TOTAL 259,640

Public Meetings Held: 24,540

UNITED STATES QUOTA FOR 1962 273,549 Publishers

Can You Serve?

moving to an area where help is needed? Whether pioneer, servant or congregation publisher, single or married, with or without family, have you prayerfully given it thought? Are you really needed where you are? If your territory is being covered frequently and if you could be replaced as a servant locally, prayerfully think on this matter and thereafter talk it over with your circuit or district servant or write the Society. Many of your brothers have answered the call and are enjoying wonderful experiences and blessings. Can and will you serve where help is needed?

ORGANIZATION

ally clean and who shows a sincere desire to serve Jehovah God may share with Jehovah’s witnesses in preaching tiie Kingdom message and may turn in a report as a congregation publisher even though he is not as yet baptized.” One who realizes what he is doing in witnessing and wants to enter his report with the congregation should be invited to do so. Explain to new publishers the reasons for reporting and invite them to make out their own reports.

• ³ Next, how can we train ourselves to report promptly and accurately? Some carry field service reports (S-4) in their Bible and record the figures at the end of each day. Each publisher should train himself to use this form regularly and turn it in each Sunday upon entering the Kingdom Hall. Study conductors can assist the publishers to form this helpful habit. In following through with the lists provided at the 1st and 15th of each month they can cheek with publishers listed and encourage them to see the importance of regularly and accurately reporting their time.

• ⁴ One more point that needs clarification is that we should not enter fractions of hours in the totals. Only round figures should be entered in the total figures of the field service report.

• ³ With loving attention to these matters many will undoubtedly appreciate the wisdom of forming the good habit of reporting promptly and accurately.

Announcements

◄►Czechoslovakia: It has become advisable to request that none of the Society’s publications be mailed to anyone in Czechoslovakia by individual publishers. Questions about helping interested persons in Czechoslovakia should be referred to the office of the president. If anyone is traveling to Czechoslovakia or any of the Eastern European countries, it would be appreciated if he would contact the Society at least two months before his departure.

Literature Offer, January through April: Subscription for The Watchtower, with three booklets, for $1. Congregations should consider their needs for increased supplies of magazines now and order accordingly.

♦ Please do not order bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! until a notice appears in Kingdom Ministry.

♦ New publications available:

From Paradise Lost to Paradise

Regained         —Siamese, Zulu

“Look! I Am Making All Things New”                —Bicolano

♦ Available again in U.S.A.:

From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained    —Hiligaynon-Visayan,

Tagalog

Lovingly Aid One Another to Make Back-Calls

• ¹ “Do you love me?” Jesus asked. Then “feed my little sheep.” It does not show sufficient love for the Owner of the “sheep” or for the “sheep” themselves simply to put some food within their reach and then leave them. No; real love is shown by giving much personal attention to such sheeplike persons, patiently making back-calls and conducting home Bible studies, regularly feeding them until they grow strong. Are you regularly sharing in this work? Are there others who need your help in order to participate more fully?

• ² There is no question about it, many are in need of loving aid to build up their back-call activity. The first step is to help them to see its importance as part of the work outlined in the Scriptures, perhaps using scriptures such as those found on page 139 in “Make Sure of All Things.” Then as they share in the house-to-house ministry, teach them to keep an accurate and complete House-to-House Record, because this lays a foundation for efficient back-calling. Plan together to call back on everyone who accepts literature or otherwise manifests interest. Yes, help your companion in service to show deep concern for the lives of the “sheep,” working hard to overcome objections and to build up their appreciation for the truth. Be sure to set aside time to do this follow-up work regularly each week.

• ³ When assisting someone else, remember, it is not enough simply to go together. Take time to explain how you plan your return call. Show-how you select the material you want to discuss, using the House-to-House Record as a guide. Mention the key points you plan to take up, how you intend to introduce the study and then to arrange for the next call. Always be sure to include your companion in your arrangements, so he can have a share. Having worked together once, do it again. Continue to render loving aid until he is regular in back-call work and is effectively conducting a study himself.

• ⁴ Who is there that needs your loving aid in back-call work? What about the members of your own family, the one with whom you are assigned in the training program, or other publishers with whom you are associated? Do all of them conduct home Bible studies? Do they ah make back-calls each week? If not, this is where your loving aid is needed.

  
  
  

Presentations for New Publishers Offering the Bible

• ¹ December will see many new publishers in the field service for the first time. Having a copy of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and appreciating its value, they will want to share in offering it to others. Also, young ministers who have not progressed to the point of being able to give three-to eight-minute sermons will want to go from house to house offering the new Bible. For the benefit of these, the following presentations have been arranged.

• ² “Good morning. My name is---.

I am making brief calls on those who love God and would like to have a better knowledge of his Word. Many people say they do not understand their Bible and have longed for an easy-to-read translation in the English spoken today. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures fills this need. This copy is yours on a contribution of only one dollar. With it we are giving free a copy of this Biblestudy booklet.”

• ³ “Hello. My name is -----. My

purpose in calling is to encourage people of all religions to do more Bible reading. Almost everyone would like to spend more time reading the Bible. Some say they do not read the Bible more because they do not understand it. This New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is in modern English such as

• ¹ The Theocratic Ministry School schedule for 1962 provides several new and helpful arrangements for the written review, primarily as to the grading of papers.

• ² The school servant will read the questions and answers as soon as the thirty-minute review is finished and each student will check his own answers either right or wrong. This can be a stimulating discussion, with some audience participation, enlarging somewhat on the more difficult points as time permits.

• ³ The student may wish to write in answers to questions not completed and correct answers that are wrong. He may put a question mark we use today. This complete Bible is yours for only one dollar. With the Bible we are giving a copy of this printed sermon in booklet form.”

• ⁴ “Good morning. My name is----.

I am engaged in a Bible educational work and am very happy to find you at home. For years multitudes of people have wanted a modern translation of the Bible in the English used today. I am pleased to introduce to you this Bible translation. [Show it.] It is the result of more than ten years’ effort in Bible translating. It is the complete Bible in easy-to-understand modern English. I am happy to leave this copy with you for just one dollar and with it give you a copy of this Biblestudy booklet.”

• ⁵ Experienced publishers starting new ones in the field service will want to acquaint them with these simple but so-effective presentations. Also, parents will want to acquaint their children who do not give three-to eight-minute sermons with these presentations so that young and old in years and the truth can all have a share in house-to-house distribution of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

• ⁶ Start early in the month of December offering the Bible to the people in your territory. How many can you place from house to house, at work, with relatives and on back-calls? During December, why not carry one with you all the time and be ready to place it with a booklet.

in the margin opposite any point not clear to him and hand his paper to the school servant to be checked and returned the following week.

• ⁴ All in the congregation are urged to participate in the written review and to make an effort to volunteer one answer during the oral review the following week, perhaps an answer that was missed on the written review.

• ⁵ While the school servant will still have an interest in covering for the congregation the points of the ■written review that may not be touched on in the talks, he should never lose sight of his primary concern, which is to encourage the use

NEW WORLD NEWS

+ In Gibraltar the police, under religious pressure, refused to renew residence permits for special pioneers. The congregation continues to preach and, stimulated by the opposition, reported new peak of 23 publishers in September.

♦ New Bethel home and branch office dedicated in Lima, Peru, on October 21; 424 assembled expressed appreciation for new facilities.

$ Branch office in British Honduras withstood hurricane. Many homeless persons temporarily quartered there. Most brothers in Belize and Stann Creek lost homes; some seriously injured; one brother lost two children. Society sending aid.

District assembly, with 1,183 attending and 51 baptized, enjoyed in Dominican Republic in September. F. W. Franz served the assembly.

♦ Kingdom Ministry School students in Trinidad writes “We all have-a better understanding. That love is practical knowledge in action was made clear. From 68 years to 24 years of age, all were truly brothers and sisters.”

♦ New publisher peaks in August reported from branches in Africa, South America, Near East, the Orient and Pacific Islands.

Help Men to Security        (Cant’d)

549 Bibles placed in the United States too! May your congregation be able to note on its report “We Made It!” for the 10-percent Increase.

Special Opportunities

³ On December 25 each congregation will have morning and afternoon meetings for service. Publishers should offer the Bible on this day just like all other days in December. Many young publishers, as well as housewives and seasonal workers, will enjoy a rich blessing by vacation pioneering for two weeks or more in December. You will find this month one of opportunity and happiness by accepting God’s invitation : Help men find security during God’s war.

of teaching techniques. Therefore, in counseling students qualities of teaching should be emphasized rather than the number of points covered.

⁶ The number participating can be determined from the number of question sheets distributed; however, no record of an average grade will be kept. With this arrangement, no one need hesitate to be present and participate, thus sharing in the blessings to be had through this provision of instruction.

* Help others “get away safe” by starting Bible studies. X-

Published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 117 Adams St., Brooklyn 1, N.Y. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y. Printed in U.S.A.

4