FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

MAY 1971           ••You will be witnesses of me ... to the most distant part of the earth.”—Acts 1: 8.          ^{x,v NO}- ⁵

Qeait ^PuMights:

All of you hard workers in the field throughout the United States keep those of us at Bethel very excited. Our excitement is one of joy and we wonder what to expect next. You have produced five new publisher peaks so far this service year, with March hitting 409,413! Our mail is flooded with requests for a share in the vacation pioneer work. We have sent out over 35,000 appointments for April. And the Initial printing of April’s special Watchtower and Awake! magazines is over ten million copies in English alone. It certainly should prove to be a marvelous month for witnessing. Of course, we are always anxious to see what that report will be.

There are a few other interesting figures that we saw when cheeking \ over things in the office. So far this I service year 110 more congregations have been inaugurated in the United States. There are now 69 congregations in Chicago, 96 in Los Angeles, 30 in Miami, and here in New York city we have 209. Everywhere you turn, things are growing fast. Right now we have at least 5,605 congregations in the United States. It is no wonder that we are working day and night at the factory keeping all of you supplied with literature.

Now in just a little while the “Divine Name” Assembly will begin, and this will be a five-day assembly. The Society must have something very important for us, because they have arranged for us to gather together for five days. Be sure to bring all of your family and those with whom you are studying. By all means try to make arrangements for them to get to the convention.

At Watchtower Farm things are moving ahead well. They have just about finished the new printing plant. The people from whom we are buying printing presses failed to send us the presses on time because of strikes and a lack of raw materials. However, we are using the plant right now for a carpenter, electric and plumbing shop and sleeping quarters for those working

• ¹ Of which bound book have you placed the most in recent years? Is it the Truth book? For many of us it is. When the Truth book was released at the “Good News for All Nations” District Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1968, its first printing amounted to 1,500,000 copies. Today, in 1971, this outstanding Bible study aid is being printed and distributed in 67 languages and the latest figures indicate that 35,000,000 copies have been printed. That is about one copy for every 100 persons in the world. And the Truth book is a publication you enjoy offering in the ministry, isn’t it? —because it is easy to understand, it considers practical subjects and on the new Bethel home that we have started to construct. So the building is in full use while we are waiting for our presses.

If you are passing by Watchtower Farm, which is near Pine Bush, New York, you will see a lot of activity. You may find it convenient to drive by when going to the Yankee Stadium assembly or homeward.

So, as we said, there is a lot of excitement. It keeps us very happy here. The Bethel Family is delighted with their privileges of service, and we are glad to be doing so much to help our brothers in the United States and throughout the world. Like you, we are looking forward to the assemblies this summer, and some of us will see some of you at the “Divine Name” Assemblies.

May Jehovah’s rich blessing go with you as all of us press on with the work of preaching during these delightful days, using all means to keep “healthy in faith.”

Your brothers, Brooklyn Branch Office P.S.: Just received New York city’s Memorial report for 209 congregations. 50,361 attended. Isn’t that something—a 13.5-percent increase! 258 partook.

it is such a fine publication to use in the Bible study work.

• ² During May it will be our pleasure to offer the Truth book to the people in our territory, our friends, relatives and acquaintances as we seek to help them to grow healthy in the faith needed in these critical days. Offer it to persons who subscribed for The Watchtower and Awake! Encourage them to obtain, read and study a copy of the Truth book. They will be greatly benefited if they do.

• ³ You may continue using the same Scriptural presentation we used during the Watchtower campaign if you wish. (See the December 1970 Kingdom Ministry, page 2.) Or, you may present the Truth book in some other way if you wish. If you are having good success with the theme “The Government That Will Solve Man’s Problems,” you will find that this ties in nicely with Chapter 12 in the Truth book, “Righteous Rule Makes Earth a Paradise.” Notice how the first few sentences in the chapter tie in with your theme.

• ⁴ If some individuals already have a copy of the Truth book, feel free to offer other publications of the Society, such as the Word of God or Evolution book, or The Watchtower and Awake! But especially try to start a study. Sometimes all it takes is an expression of pleasure over the fact that the householder has a copy and then a kindly inquiry : ‘May I show you something in the book that was very interesting to me?’ Then you can read them a paragraph or two on a subject that particularly appeals to you. You can look up the scriptures cited, to show how these provide further enlightenment on the subject. One sister, when observing that the householder has learned a new point, will often say: ‘Isn’t It interesting! Would you like to read (Continued on page 3, col. 3)

  
  
  

Use all means to keep “healthy in faith.

y yput Service Meeting* \

WEEK STARTING MAY 9

Theme: Help Others to Build a Healthy Faith. Song 12.

10 min: Introduction. Text, Branch Letter and Theocratic News. Family discussion after evening meal. Father quizzes family on what they remember about the foregoing.

10 min: “The Truth Book Can Help to Build a Healthy Faith.’’ Questions and answers.

15 min: Offering the “Truth” Book. (1) Demonstrate and discuss three or more brief presentations. (See suggestions below.) (2) After each demonstration ask audience why they thought presentation was effective. (3) Ask one making presentation to comment on why he (or she) handled things as he did.

Arrange ahead of time with three able publishers so three different presentations are given. One might use the Scriptural presentation and theme “The Government That Will Solve Man’s Problems,” featured during the “Watchtower” campaign. (See December “Kingdom Ministry,” page 2.) One, without reading from the Bible, might offer the book direct, just featuring its contents. One might offer to demonstrate the Bible study arrangement and then offer the book if study arrangement is refused.

15 min: “Getting God’s Viewpoint on Marriage.”

(2 min.) Chairman: Briefly describe the situation outlined in the February 8. 1971, “Awake!” page 13. (A young girl became pregnant. They lived together without the benefit of marriage, having several children. The man refused to marry her.)

(8 min.) Ask congregation what Scriptural principles apply. With the use of the concordance some may be able to find the scriptures they refer to, such as verses forbidding loose conduct and fornication. Show the responsibility of parents to look after their children, tne need to legalize marriage, live a clean moral life, etc.

Chairman can then relate briefly the story and the outcome Jehovah gave because this woman followed the counsel of God’s Word.

(5 min.) Ask what members of congregation can do—husbands, wives and children—to contribute to happiness and spiritual strength of other members of the family.

10 min: Concluding comments. Accounts report. Song 34.

WEEK STARTING MAY 16

Theme: ‘Go ... teach.’—Matt. 28:19, 20. Song 50.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

• 12 min: Presenting the Good News. Questions and answers. Stress need for regular house-to-house work to fin<L interested ones.

• 13 min: Starting Studies. Chairman: Read paragraph 4 in article “The Truth Book Can Help to Build a Healthy Faith.” Demonstrate suggestion. Then ask audience what they like about this approach.

You may wish to ask for experiences of publishers who have had success in starting studies. Encourage the brothers to prepare and practice together various ways to start studies.

15 min: Help Interested Ones and Ones Newly Associated to Appreciate God's Organization. Audience participation: Where are the basic organization instructions for Jehovah’s Christian witnesses recorded? (Ps. 119: 105) Whom has Jehovah appointed to be head of the Christian congregation? (Eph. 1:22, 23) Who is it Jesus has appointed “over all his belongings” here on earth? (Matt. 24:45, 47) What assignment of work have the anointed been given? (Acts 1:8) Give a Scriptural reason for the “other sheep” to give the remnant their full support. (Rev. 7:15; Matt. 25:40) Who make up the governing body today? Who made up the governing body in the first century? (Acts 15:2, 6, 23) On what does the governing body base its decisions? (Acts 15:15, 28) Why is it important to keep in close contact with Jehovah’s visible organization? How have we benefited from close contact with Jehovah’s visible organization? (For further information see the "Lamp” book, Chapter 2.)

15 min: To conclude program, congregation servant may wish to read paragraph five from article “The Truth Book Can Help to Build a Healthy Faith.” Then encourage publishers studying with others to appreciate urgency of work and need to help interested ones make progress. Concluding comments. Song 63.

WEEK STARTING MAY 23

Theme: Do Good to Those Related to Us in the Faith.—Gal 6:10. Song 52.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

10 min: How Can We Protect Ourselves? (2 min.) Chairman: Briefly describe the problem of pornography; available on newsstands, in offices, schools, etc. See January 22, 1971, “Awake!” on page 16.

(8 mln.) Ask audience for Scriptural reasons to stay away from such things. Also, how can we protect ourselves, our children and our brothers?

17 min: “Keep Strong Spiritually.” Questions and answers.

(5 min.) Audience participation. Get comments from parents on WHEN they study with their families, WHAT they study and HOW they make it interesting for all members of the family.

15 min: Standing Firm for Godly Principles in School.

(3 min.) Chairman discusses some situations that require a Christian in school to stand firm for godly principles. (Holiday celebrations, religious ceremonies, patriotic acts) Adhering to Christian principles results in a witness. (“1971 Yearbook,” page 228, 113) Good for parents to review matter with children.

(7 min.) Demonstration: Father and mother review situations that might arise to test integrity of children in school. (Consider also temptations from schoolmates to do bad.) Turning to “1971 Yearbook,” father snows how standing firm for godly principles serves as a witness. (Page 214, 113) Mother mentions that standing firm helps other Witness children. (Page 93, 1J4; page 94, ffl) Father draws attention to fact that good conduct is part of matter and leads to witness. (Page 175, 1J2) Children encouraged, determined.

(5 min.) Chairman shows that enduring trials makes one stronger and more determined to obey God. (Page 228, 113; page 306, 113) Consider local experiences and holidays coming up (Memorial Day) that require standing firm for godly principles.

13 min: Your Field Ministry. Talk using material from pages 70-77 of “Lamp” book highlighting seriousness of our commission. (Do not cover too much. Endeavor to reach hearts.) Concluding comments. Song 111.

WEEK STARTING MAY 30

This service meeting can be prepared in harmony with local needs. Feature the offer for June, “New World Translation” and “Is the Bible Really the Word of God?” for a contribution of $1.25. For suggestions on presenting the offer, see “Quick Presentations” on page 4 of the December 1970 “Kingdom Ministry.”

Consider Room Request Form and Application for Volunteer Service. (Pass out forms.) Review instructions for filling out rooming form. Remind brothers that if plans are changed after assignment is received, it is important to notify landlord and convention rooming department. While considering application for volunteer service some may want to fill It out and turn it over to the congregation servant after the meeting for forwarding to convention city. Consider Question Box. (This part can be scheduled for consideration earlier in May if congregation will be attending an early assembly.)

WEEK STARTING JUNE 6

Theme: Work with Counselors of the New Order Society. Song 102.

10 mln: Introduction, text and talk on / theme. See “The Watchtower” of Jur /, 1, 1971.                                     S

12 min: How Are Our Brothers Working in Africa? See reports in “The Watchtower,” February 15 and March 1, 1971, and “Awake!”, March 22, 1971. You may choose to use several brothers to give three or four short reports. Each can consider a different country, featuring certain experiences or activities of our brothers. (Be careful of timing.)

13 min: Working with Magazines to Spread the Good News.

Chairman: Report on how the congregation is doing and commend brothers for activity with magazines. Ask congregation to suggest occasions for presenting magazines: When offer is not taken, incidental witnessing, etc. Some carry them in pocket or purse and offer them when shopping, at gas station, on train or bus, to fellow employees, at school, to salesmen who call at the home, etc.

Encourage publishers always to carry magazines in the ministry and use them well. There is no objection to leaving an older magazine (just one, either “Watchtower” or “Awake!”) and a handbill where people are not home, especially if the magazine can be put under the door or through some open slot for receiving packages. Do not use mail receptacles. Extra magazines that are not current may be used in this way or given free to people who cannot afford to give a contribution. Good experiences have resulted from this.

As you help new publishers to be regular in the ministry, each week if possible, invite them to come with^ you and share in magazine work.

15 min: Prepare according to local needs.

10 min: Concluding comments. Song 101.

• ¹ With increasing pressures on everyone during the last days of his old system of things, there is 'Un ever-continuing need for all of Jehovah’s people to stay strong spiritually—strong In their love for Jehovah, his service, his organization and their brothers. Another person cannot do this for us. We individually must put forth the effort.

• ² How often is it that the brothers have encouraged us in talks at the Kingdom Hall to be regular in personal study and family study? Perhaps one has visited your home to give practical help along this line. We appreciate this encouragement and assistance from our brothers. It is apparent that they desire to see us keep alive spiritually. While we know that the servants will continue to assist others in this way, could YOU help someone else to be more regular in personal or family, study ?

• ³ Some very helpful suggestions were given recently in The Watchtower to assist us in personal study. Have you read the articles “How Can You Find Joy in Personal Study?” and “Effective Use of Study Time Brings Joy,” which appeared in the January 15 and February 1, 1971, issues of The Watchtower? Are you applying the suggestions

Announcements

+ District assembly lapel cards In English and Spanish may be ordered by congregation servants. Lapel cards are 1c each; celluloid holders are 5c each. Lapel cards will not be available at the assembly.

♦ Group witnessing can be arranged for the world's Memorial Day, May 31. ♦ Regular pioneers desiring to serve as temporary special pioneers devoting a minimum of 150 hours a month to field service in unassigned territory for two or three months during the summer may write for further information. Two or more should be prepared to work together. In all cases a serviceable car will be required. The Society will provide some financial assistance.

♦ Literature offer: May: Truth book for 25c. June: New World Translation and Word of God book for $1.25. July and August: “Then Is Finished the Mystery of God" with one booklet for 50e. Other 50c books on hand may be used.

♦ New Publications Available:

"Make Sure of All Things; Hold Fast to What Is Fine"

—Dutch, Portuguese ♦ Again Available in U.S.A.:

Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine

Purpose               —Spanish

♦ It is suggested that, as much as possible, the congregations in New England should plan to attend the convention in New York city rather than Canada so as not to overcrowd the facilities there.

♦ A French-language assembly has been arranged in conjunction with the Jersey City Spanish-language assembly July 7-11. and benefiting from them? Perhaps you could read them with another publisher and help him to apply them and benefit from them too.

⁴ Many parents are now regularly conducting family studies and their families are growing stronger spiritually as a result. Is this true of your family? Have you read the article "Family Study a Blessing" in the February 15, 1971, Watchtower? If so, no doubt you found the suggestions given to be most helpful.

³ If your family still needs to get into this good routine, could you decide together as a family this week what time would be best? If some need to make adjustments in their schedule to make room for the family study, then this would be a wise thing to do. Sometimes parents have decided it would be well to have a short session, just twenty or thirty minutes. Then, as the family gets used to the schedule and interest grows, the study sessions can be lengthened when this is advisable.

⁰ Then there is the question: ‘What shall we study?’ Some families are reading the Bible together. Each takes his turn to read a paragraph. After each paragraph is read, the family is free to make comments or ask questions. Thus each member of the family has a part and is benefited greatly.

⁷ Some are studying a few paragraphs (or all of them) for the

MARCH SERVICE REPORT

Av.    Av    Av

Fobs.    Hrs.    B-C  Bl.St.

Sp'l Pios. 913 147.8 70.0 6.8 154.8 Pios.       15,324 104.7 48.9 4.6 113.5

Vac. Pios. 8.340  85.4 33.5  2.2

Pubs.     384,836   10.9  5.8   .6

TOTAL 409,413

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,505 UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1971 408,717 Publishers

HOW DID WE DO IN MARCH?

The report for March is excellent! It was another month marked with new peaks. Outstanding was the report of 409,413 publishers! That represents a 10.2-percent increase over last year’s average, and an increase of 34,535 publishers since last March. Isn't that thrilling!

It is apparent that you were busy during the month gathering together the newly interested ones for the special public talk and the Memorial, because back-calls went up to a new peak of 3,333,634. That is 490,843 more than the preceding month, and it is a fine indication of the loving interest that you have in these sheeplike persons.

And what success was had In obtaining subscriptions? It was the 'best March' ever, with 230,301 new subscriptions. As a result, good spiritual food will be supplied regularly to many more households.

For all these evidences of Jehovah’s blessing on the work, we join with you in giving Jehovah thanks!

Watchtower study or the book study so that all in the family will understand the material and can have part in the congregation meetings. Some find that variety in the study is good and so spend twenty minutes preparing a few paragraphs for the Watchtower study, twenty minutes or so studying the Truth book or other appropriate publication and twenty minutes or so discussing or practicing presentations for the field service. Would this be a good arrangement for your family?

⁸ To encourage research and increase interest in personal study, some parents are encouraging their children to select a subject they are interested in from the Watch Tower Publications Index, read the article referred to in the Index and then give a brief report on it to the family. It may be that your son will choose to read an article on boats or animals, or that your daughter (Continued on page 4, col. 2)

The Truth Book Con Help .., (Cont'd) another paragraph or two?’ Perhaps you can have success in getting a Bible study started by following such a simple procedure too.

⁸ There have been occasions where publishers have completed a study of the Truth book with interested people in less than six months. You may have experienced this too. The 1911 yearbook, on page 207, mentions a lady from Mexico who came in contact with the truth through a gift subscription for The Watchtower. Learning of the circuit assembly, she traveled some distance to attend. The district servant and his wife noted her sincere interest and her desire to help the people in her small village to learn the truth. Because this interested person would be in the city only a short time and then would be flying back to her village in the mountains, an intensive study program was arranged for her. During the week they studied for thirty hours. The Truth book was completed, and when the interested woman returned to her isolated village she was better prepared to help others. In fact, the Yearbook reported that she was conducting eight studies and that fifteen of these were attending the Watchtower study being conducted in that isolated area.

⁸ Isn’t an experience like that encouraging? And doesn’t it motivate you to urge interested ones to study the Truth book and then to begin to act on what they learn from God’s Word? As we all have a full share in the field ministry during May we are confident that Jehovah will bless us in our efforts to use the Truth book to help others build a healthy faith.

Are You Locating More?

• ¹ It is a pleasure to report that Bible study activity is on the upswing. During the months of January through March you brothers succeeded in starting and conducting 35,040 more studies than you reported in December. At the end of March you were conducting 25,766 more studies than you were during March a year ago. Many congregations now are averaging one or more studies per publisher. We all rejoice to see these evidences of Jehovah’s blessing on our efforts.

• ² It is true, of course, that many who obtain literature do not respond favorably to our offer of the study arrangement. We often find that the hearts of these people are on other things and, as we learned from our study of the March 1 Watchtower, It Is the heart that motivates them as well as us.

• ³ There are many things that cause people to change their thinking and their desires, however. It may be the death of a close friend or relative, or a change in one’s financial situation or personal circumstances. It may be your regular visits in the ministry. Many are becoming disgusted with this old system of things. .Yes, many people are changing their thinking and changing their desires, and we want to be on hand at the appropriate time to help them and to direct their minds and hearts to Jehovah’s Word and his new system of things, don’t we? This is one reason for us to continue to have as full and regular a share in the house-to-house work as possible. In the house-to-house work we are keeping God's Word before the people and we are watching for those upon whom God’s Word makes a favorable impression so as to motivate them to righteousness. We plant and water the seeds of truth and look to Jehovah to make it grow.—1 Cor. 3: 6.

* One circuit servant observed that, in many cases, it was the publishers who showed ‘continued effort and sheer determination’ who, with Jehovah’s blessing, succeeded in getting Bible studies started. Many are finding that rehearsing and practicing how they will handle things has increased their effectiveness in getting new studies started. Have you been following the good suggestions presented on Saturday evening at your circuit assembly and on page 8 of the February Kingdom Ministry? It may be that your preparing in advance in this way will help you to get a study started too.

⁵ During the week of the circuit servant’s visit the circuit servant and his pioneer wife, if he is married, have as a goal starting two or more home Bible studies and turning these over to publishers and pioneers in the congregation. Would you be willing to follow through and regularly conduct one of these studies? Tell the circuit servant of your willingness. With the efforts of the pioneer wife of a circuit servant to start studies, and the conscientious follow-through of the zealous publishers who regularly conducted the studies turned over to them, thirty persons in one circuit are now publishing.

^a When interest is located and studies are started, keep in mind the fine suggestions given on page 2 of the January Kingdom Ministry to aid us to protect these interested ones, strengthen their hearts and ‘keep Bible studies going.’

⁷ As you put forth an effort to start new Bible studies, pray that Jehovah will bless you In your efforts. Work with others who are having success in the work. Endeavor to make progress. Continue to exert yourselves vigorously. Yes, “let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out”—Gal. 6:9.

Keep Strong Spiritually (Cont’d) will choose an article on sewing. But you can be sure that the reading and research will be beneficial and equip them for research on more vital subjects in the future.

⁹ Will it Ite with you and your family as Jehovah said of Abraham? He taught ‘his sons and his household so that they should keep Jehovah’s way.’ (Gen. 18:19) Keep yourselves strong spiritually now. If you do, then, with Jehovah’s blessing, you and your family have the happy prospect of being alive together and strong spiritually in Jehovah’s new system of things too.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ 288 stations in 48 states are broadcasting Society's prerecorded radio program "All Scripture Is Beneficial."

♦ Alaska had new peak of 835 publishers despite 55°-below-zero temperatures.

♦ South Africa had new peak of 22,278 publishers.

♦ Australia and New Zealand are moving ahead: Australia with a 22,582-publisher peak, and New Zealand with 5,582—up 5 percent from last year.

♦ Bahamas had new peak of 425; publishers averaging almost 7 back-calls.

♦ Burma's three district assemblies attended by 1,012, with 54 baptized.

♦ Good reports from Europe: Belgium enjoyed new high of 13,844 publishers. Netherlands had an all-time high of 19,475. Luxembourg again had a new peak—570. Ireland, with its third consecutive peak, had 1,029 publishers.

♦ Consecutive publisher peaks continue for other lands: Colombia had its eighth peak, with 7,726 publishers—19 percent above last February. Peru had its fifth, with 4,852—a 21-percent increase. Dominican Republic's peak of 3,824 is their ninth peak in a row. Publishers averaged 7.2 back-calls and 1.1 studies.

♦ Pakistan reports 15-percent increase, with peak of 173 publishers.

♦ Laos too enjoys peak of 24 publishers, a 20-percent increase.

♦ Korea reports its fourth peak this year —12,905 publishers.

(Question. J-box

• When assigned rooms by the convention rooming department, what should you do if you cannot accept the assignment?

When rooming assignments are made for the convention the householder is advised of the name, address and date of arrival of the ones assigned and you are likewise advised of the name and address of the householder. Many householders purchase linens, fix up the rooms, rearrange their own families for sleeping, etc., for those coming, and they have a right to expect them to be there. If for some good reason you have to change your plans and cannot accept the assignment, then you must advise the householder as well as the convention rooming department of this. Otherwise, since Christians are true to their word, you would actually owe the householder the money for the room if you had not informed him of the change in plans in advance.

Does the same principle hold true in regard to accepting volunteer service assignments?

Yes. Christians are honest in all things, and it is only proper to advise the volunteer service department if plans have to be changed and you are unable to fulfill your assignment.

Which assembly will you attend?

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

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