FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

JULY 1971           “You will be witnesses of me ... to the most distant part of the earth.“—Acts 1: 8. VOL. XIV NO. 7

For years people all over the world have been saying. When will it stop? The price of everything is going up and up—food, clothing, carfare, and now postage. Of course, if you do not write letters, the rise in postage does not affect you. But if you are mailing out millions of magazines every month, in addition to thousands of letters, then it does affect you.

On July 1, 1971, throughout the whole world there will be a change in the postage rates. Already in the United States we have felt the effect of the change of first-class postage, and some changes have been made in the postage required for the mailing of magazines. In England the cost of mailing one individual copy of a magazine to a subscriber now is 4.8 cents per copy, which means that it will cost the Society $1.15 to mail r the 24 magazines in a year’s subscription. In Germany it will cost the Society 5.5 cents to mail any magazine out of Germany, or $1.32 simply for postage for a year’s subscription. Mailing a magazine to a subscriber in Germany itself would cost about half that much. Word was just received from South Africa that mailing individual copies of any of their South African editions of The Watchtower and Awake! to Europe, South America or Asia will now cost 9.8 cents per copy. From our main mailing centers such as the United States, Canada and Britain, sending an English copy of The Watchtower to a foreign subscriber will cost anywhere from 3 to 4.8 cents per copy.

In view of this, the Society has decided that it would be wise to make a change in tlie subscription rate in order to cover the cost of postage. Any subscriptions obtained by you during July will still be at the rate of $1 for a year. But beginning August 1, 1971, all new subscriptions and renewals for the Watchtower and Awake! magazines for one year will be $1.50. This

¹ Understanding originates with Jehovah, lie created man, not like unreasoning beasts, but in ids own image, able to take in knowledge, understand and use it wisely. We are especially interested in understanding his will and purpose, including the book of Revelation. Just recall the joy we had in studying together the “Mystery” book at our congregation book studies and how spiritually strengthened we were in feasting on the strong “meat” of the Word.

² But Daniel 11: 33 indicates something additional for those who now understand. It says, “And as regards those having insight among the people, they will impart understanding to the many.” Having these precious truths in our heads is not applies to all semimonthly editions in all parts of the world. Monthly editions will be 75 cents a year.

When bulk supplies are shipped out to congregations, postage will not be as expensive per copy as when mailing to individual subscribers, but the bulk-rate postage has gone up too. So beginning with August 1, 1971, the charge made to congregations for distributors’ copies will be four cents a copy, world wide, in all languages. Still, publishers will continue to offer the magazines to the public at five cents a copy, because we want to keep the price of the magazines within the reach of everyone world wide. No change will be made in the rate for pioneers.

If brothers prefer to get their copies through the congregation, they can obtain one copy over the magazine counter at four cents a copy. Getting your copies locally at four cents a copy will cost you only 9G cents a year. However, If you want your magazine mailed directly to your home and you renew your subscription after August 1, then the subscription rate will be $1.50. enough. Heart appreciation that motivates us to show loving concern for others Is included.

³ “But that is not the easiest bdok to place,” one might think. Possibly, but consider what a special pioneer writes concerning one woman : ‘Back-calls were made, additional literature was placed at each call, but for some reason we could not start a study. She read and enjoyed the “Mystery" book, but we realized she needed a basic knowledge of the truth. On one call we studied several paragraphs in the Truth book and she agreed we could return and continue. But it was the “Mystery" book that really moved her to see the difference between Jehovah’s witnesses and the churches. She

(Continued on page 2, col. 2)

The Watchtower and Awake! magazines are doing a wonderful work. As you will observe in the July 15 Watchtower, the printing of each issue will be 7,350,000. The July 8 Awake! will reach 7,050,000. We firmly believe that circulation of these magazines will continue to rise.

While the parcel-post rates on literature have gone up and so have freight rates, the Society does not intend to change the price of its bound books or Bibles. These will remain as they are.

We sincerely hope and pray that the grand witness that is to be given in these “last days” will continue to be given with zeal and earnestness to Jehovah’s praise.

We hope to see you at the assembly and that you will enjoy yourself immensely. We know that the program from the very first day will stimulate every one of us to press on in this marvelous work of declaring Jehovah’s name and preaching the kingdom of God.

Be assured of our warm love.

Your brothers, Brooklyn Branch Office

WEEK STARTING JULY 25

(Note: Ab mentioned in June “Kingdom Ministry,” since all congregations will likely miss one service meeting during July because of the assemblies, we will leave it to the brothers locally to decide which service meetings should be scheduled for certain weeks.)

WEEK STARTING JULY 11

See note above. If most of the publishers will be attending an assembly this week, likely the meeting will not be held. Otherwise, transfer another meeting to this week.

WEEK STARTING JULY 18

Theme: A Work for Those Who Understand. (Dan. 11:33) Song 53.

4 min: Introduction, text and comments.

15 min: Branch Letter. Questions and answers.

30 min: Blessings We Enjoyed at the “Divine Name” District Assembly. Congregation servant should outline this part. He should make assignments and give instructions before brothers leave for their assembly so those assigned can be prepared to report on certain days or certain parts of program. If brothers assigned know prior to their going to the assembly what is expected of them, their reports will be far more complete and interesting. They can then take appropriate notes. In fact, encourage all publishers to take notes. They can then contribute better to these discussions.

11 min: Concluding comments. Local report for June. “How Did We Do in May?” A few Theocratic News items. Song 97.

♦ Literature offer for July and August: “Mystery" book and a booklet (not the question booklet, but any booklet for general distribution to the public) on a contribution of 50 cents, or any other 50-cent publication in stock. September: Evolution book on a contribution of 25 cents.

♦ A supply of monthly report cards, magazine distributors' order blanks ana congregation field ministry charts is being sent out to each congregation. However, congregation servants should order regular pioneer supplies for the 1972 service year. Include 12 pink monthly report cards for each regular pioneer; also Weekly Record Sheets for those needing them. There is no need to order supplies for vacation pioneers, but be sure that you have application blanks on hand.

♦ Subscriptions may now be accepted for addresses in Spain in all languages. ♦ The Watch Tower Publications Index tor 1966 through 1970 will be ready early in July. Orders for it may be submitted after July 1. This is a cumulative index. It covers the Society’s publications for 1970 as well as including the entries from all the annual indexes back through 1966. Additionally, this Index provides a comprehensive key to the fine information contained in the complete volume of Aid to Bible Understanding (A-Z) being produced by the Society. In the Index there are over 10,000 subject entries and more than 120,000 scripture entries for the excellent material in Aid to Bible Understanding. You will find the Index very helpful in any research that you do with the Society’s publi

Theme: ‘That They Should Turn to God.’ (Acts 26:20) Song 98.

10 min: Introduction, text and comments. A study servant whose group has Kingdom Hall cleaning discusses with some of these brothers first the text and . then “Question Box” material.

15 min: “A Work for Those Who Understand.” Questions and answers. When paragraph 3, 4 or 5 is considered, get comments from brothers on what Is working best in local territory for placing “Mystery” book. Talk to some publishers beforehand so these comments will be practical and helpful for the field ministry.

10 min: ‘That They Should Turn to God.’ Talk.

12 min: "Presenting the Good News— The Value of Preparation.” Family group considers this article together. Different members of family make personal application of certain points to themselves. Father, of course, leads the discussion and mentions what he feels is good arrangement for family in following various suggestions given for preparation. If time permits, brief demonstrations may be presented on how one might prepare by himself in personal study and also now simple, helpful practice session can be held.

3 min: Accounts report.

10 min: Make brief concluding comments and include items from Announcements that apply to congregation. Then discuss major points in May 1, 1971, “Watchtower” article, "Rendering Our Best to Jehovah,” so meeting ends on encouraging Scriptural note. Song 114.

cations. The cost is $1 for congregation publishers, 50c for pioneers. The same prices now apply to the 1930-1960 Index. (Please do not order Aid to Bible Understanding until notified that it is available.)           -

♦ New Publications Available:

Saving the Human Race—In the Kingdom Way          —Italian

♦ Again Available in U.S.A.:

Basis for Belief in a New World

—Turkish

♦ Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

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

Man’s Rule About to Give Way to God's Rule     —English, Spanish

A Work for Those ...          ( Con t’d )

appreciated the understanding of the deep, solid, complicated portions of the Bible like Revelation that were studied. She began attending the Tuesday night study in the “Mystery" book, and has missed very few since. At the end of three months she Is our sister.’ It is obvious that the “Mystery" book is doing a needed work, not only within the congregation but in the field.

• ⁴ While we will want to feature the “Mystery" book, those who desire to do so may offer any other fiftycent publication the congregation may have in stock. Many persons

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 1  .

Theme: Declare Jehovah’s Name in All the Earth. (Ex. 9:16) Song 4.

• 5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

10 min: Placing the “Mystery” Book. Enthusiastic and encouraging report on how “Mystery” book campaign is going. Let publishers know how many placements have been made, how many studies have been started, which presentations have proved to be most effective in local territory; maybe a brief instructive experience can be related, if time permits.

15 min: "Making Advancement in Your Ministry.” Questions and answers. Chairman will make appropriate comments occasionally to emphasize certain major points and to make the discussion stimulating.

15 min: "Relief from Depression.” Consider material in May 1, 1971, "Watchtower.” Possibly a member of the committee and one or two other brothers can discuss how beneficial these Scriptural thoughts are for all in congregation.

15 min: Cover necessary concluding comments and then close meeting with discussion of theme for the month of August, "Declare Jehovah’s Name in All the Earth.” Show why Jehovah’s name must be declared, what Jehovah has done toward making his name known, how we can share and why it is a great privilege. See August 1, 1970, “Watchtower.” Song 107.

having home Bible studies may not have heard about these books and they may want copies of some to ‘ ** complete their personal libraries. Remember, too, that thousands of new studies have been started with interested persons who have made progress since we offered the “Mystery" book last July and these should have the opportunity to obtain it.

• ⁵ The April Kingdom Ministry of last year on page two contained two suggestions for presenting the “Mystery" book. This might be reviewed for ideas that you could use. Simplicity was stressed. Read again the suggestions on page eight of the February Kingdom Ministry of this year for ideas on starting studies with the “Good News" booklet.

• ⁶ To understand means to see a thing as a united whole, or to see a matter in its related parts. Thus each publisher should see himself as a part of an organization of hundreds of thousands of wise and understanding ones contributing to a great shout of praise to the One who gave us the book of Revelation and who has now opened its meaning to appreciative ones. Our zeal for and devotion to this work will surely be instrumental in putting ' others on the road to becoming wise and understanding.

  Making Advancement in Your Ministry

  
  

• ¹ Working for Jehovah is a joy. And that joy grows if we continue to make advancement. The apostle Paul urged Timothy: “Ponder over tllese things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all persons.” (1 Tim. 4:15) We, too, can make advancement. And we will do so if we do as Paul advised Timothy, that is, if we ponder over the things in God’s Word and become absorbed in applying what it says.

• ² In every congregation there is much work to be done, and there is a need for willing workers. Do you make yourself available? It would be a fine thing to do. This does not mean trying to maneuver tilings so that you become more prominent in the congregation. It means going out of your way to do things for your brothers and sisters, encouraging them, working with them in the field service, building them up spiritually. It means offering help, if possible, when there is extra work to be done at the Kingdom Hall. It includes fulfilling the assignments given you in connection with the meetings, and doing so, not to amuse or entertain the audience, but to upbuild the congregation in a spiritual way. The desire to do these things, and the ability \to do them well, result from diligent

  That They Should Turn to God'

  
  

• ¹ Explaining his ministry, the apostle Paul said to King Agrippa: “To the nations I went bringing the message that they should repent and turn to God.” (Acts 2G: 20) Paul showed intense concern for people of all kinds, urging them to turn to God. We all should have that same concern, shouldn’t we?

• ² People cannot call on Jehovah if they have not heard about him. They need someone to preach to them, and that is why we engage in the field ministry—in all Its various forms. (Rom. 10:13, 14) When we call on them from house to house, we direct their attention to what God says in his Word. We do the same thing in Incidental witnessing. And by placing Bible literature we also endeavor to turn them to God. But, In most cases, these earlier contacts with the truth need to be followed up by a home Bible study If they really are going to become praisers of Jehovah.

• ³ In. some territories it is not at . all difficult to start Bible studies, J while In other areas people do not respond as favorably. Regardless of whether your offer of a home Bible study is accepted or not, it is good study of the Bible and applying it in one’s own life. Are you making that kind of advancement?

• ³ The pioneer work is another marvelous privilege that is open to many. Are you a pioneer? Is pioneering a goal toward which you are working? It is not something to do only if you have nothing else that fills your time. It is a work for those who value their time and discipline themselves to use it well. Being a good pioneer is not merely a matter of reporting a certain amount of work in the field service. The qualifications for a good pioneer are the same as those for a fine congregation publisher; only, the one who pioneers is in position to devote more time to the actual field ministry. Both should cultivate a genuine love for the ministry and a deep concern for the people in the territory. Both should feel motivated to use every opportunity to help sincere ones to know Jehovah and his wonderful purposes. Both should be constantly alert to ways to improve their field ministry. Both should be keenly aware of the importance of leading morally clean lives and manifesting the fruitage of the spirit in everything that they do. Are you making advancement in these ways?

• ⁴ One’s responding to the call to serve where the need is greater can to make sure that people know about it. Who knows? It may start them thinking, and perhaps they will agree to study when another Witness calls.

• ⁴ Recognizing the value of home Bible studies in the work of making disciples, we all do well to seek to improve our effectiveness in starting studies. Many suggestions have been offered in Kingdom Ministry. Some may suit you better than others. One approach may be better for a certain situation than another. But they all require practice. If we have learned various methods, we can be versatile. Perhaps we can l>enefi-cially work on involving the householder in conversation, asking timely questions and then learning to listen to what he says. This may stimulate his interest, opening the way for a study. To improve your effectiveness in starting home Bible studies, do you ever practice your presentation on another member of your family or another publisher and discuss it together?

• ⁵ Perhaps you have never conducted a Bible study. You may often have thought that you would like to, but you wondered whether you could also be evidence of advancement. Not everyone can make such a move, but many have done so. They were able to shake loose from some of the restraints that material interests imposed on what they could do in Jehovah’s service. They moved to the territory of a congregation that needed help on the servant body, or that was looking for aid in covering its territory with the good news. Some have been able to use their abilities to help to build Kingdom Halls in these areas. The resulting blessings have brought much joy to their hearts.

• ⁵ Of course, serving where the need is greater may not require making a move. There may be areas right within your congregation’s territory that have not been worked for a long time. Why not check with the magazine-territory servant and find out what the situation is.

• ⁶ Truly, all of us can move ahead. Some are able to move out into new fields of service—as pioneers, missionaries or Bethel family members. And, if they qualify, they should be encouraged to do so. But, whether we can take up such work or not, we can learn to make better use of our time. We can take fuller advantage of the opportunities that are open to us in the field ministry and within the congregation. We can study God’s Word more diligently and seek to apply It more fully in our own lives. If we ponder over these things and become absorbed in them, advancement will not be a rare event, but a regular part of our lives.

really do it. Here is a suggestion: Go to someone in the congregation who does conduct Bible studies and has had success in aiding others to become praisers of Jehovah. Ask that publisher if you can go along with him a few times to observe how he handles his studies. This will enable you to benefit from his experience. Then, with faith that Jehovah will help you, offer your own services to the people on whom you call. Let them know that you would be glad to conduct a regular Bible study with them free of charge.

⁰ Even if you do not yet feel qualified to conduct a study, you can still let people know about the free home Bible study arrangement. Then, if you find someone who shows interest in a study, take along another publisher who has had experience in conducting studies. The Bible study servant or your book study servant will be happy to arrange fof someone to go with you on the return call. In this way we can effectively work together in both finding and feeding these sheeplike I ones.

The Value of Preparation

• ¹ Do you remember a recent public talk that you listened to during which the hour just flew by? How about a student talk in the Theocratic Ministry School that gripped your attention? We all have enjoyed such presentations. But, to be that effective, do you know what they all had to have in common? That’s right— preparation!

• ² To be effective in any feature of the ministry, preparation is vital. Even those favored with unusual natural ability need to prepare in order to avoid rambling or failing to get quickly to the point. In many instances the amount of time granted us by the householder is very limited. How satisfying it is to present the truth with telling effect,' using choice words to convey the precious truth with conviction. Often this leads to an extended testimony then and there, but, if not, possibly you will put across a point that will not be forgotten by the householder and might cause him to listen much more attentively the next time.

• ³ Preparation shows respect. On the platform it shows respect for the audience, and on the doorstep it shows respect for the householder who agrees to listen. At all times it shows respect for Jehovah, whom we represent.

• ⁴ We enjoy very much the freedom of choice we have in what we will present and how we will present it at the doors. But because of the uncertainty of what might develop, does this mean less preparation? No, it really requires more preparation in order to be ready for various situations.

• ⁵ How and when can we prepare? Some preparation can be done in the quiet of your home in personal study. The Scriptural presentation can be gone over privately. Determine where questions can be asked to involve the householder. Then discussion and practice sessions can be held within the family circle. One of the best ways for a servant or mature publisher to aid a new one is to ask, “May I stop by your home and show you how I prepare?” If the mature one accepts the responsibility for teaching the new one and just lovingly shows how he goes about preparing, there need be no embarrassment in a discussion and practice session.

• ⁰ Preparing to serve Jehovah in the field is a joy. We are all busy and may find it difficult to set aside the time we would like, but even a few minutes here and there will make for marvelous improvement. On a day when one cannot be in the field, it is a pleasure to pick up the Bible and review a Scriptural presentation, silently or aloud. It keeps us service-minded.

• ⁷ Some brothers keep a little looseleaf notebook with brief outlines of their favorite sermons, common objections found in their territories and ways of overcoming them, also Kingdom Ministry suggestions for starting home Bible studies. It can be kept in your witnessing case. Do you?

• ⁸ The apostle Paul asked the brothers to pray for him, “that ability to speak may be given me with the opening of my mouth, with all freeness of speech to make known the sacred secret of the good news.” (Eph. 6:19) We, too, have need for that same ability to speak. Preparation Is valuable to that end.

MAY SERVICE REPORT

Av    Av Av Av

Pubs. Hrs*. B-C Bl.St. Mags.

Sp’l Pios. 887 146.1  65.6  6.7

Pios.       15,214 101.4 44.9  4.5

Vac. Pios. 8,495  84.5 32.1  2.2

Pubs.     389,614   10.8  5.4   .6

TOTAL 414,210

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 4,549

UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1971 408,717 Publishers

HOW DID WE DO IN MAY?

Another excellent report! It is marvelous to see, after reaching the outstanding peak of 416,789 publishers in April, the fine total of 414,210 publishers reporting in May, just 2,579 less. Truly consistent and loving service!

Interest in our Bible study aids continues to be shown in the territory, too. May of last year and this year were book months. This year we placed 753,542 books, 117,951 more than last May.

And that you were interested in helping those with whom literature was placed is shown in that 339,912 studies were conducted, which is 30,899 more than we conducted last May.

So, the work continues its steady, forward movement that we so much enjoy observing. Truly a grand witness was given in May as you brothers kept on showing yourselves willing to be used by Jehovah.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ In four months London, Ohio, congregation built up studies from 4 to 21 —using suggestions in "Kingdom Ministry." Gilroy, California, North Spanish Unit, increased studies from 50 to 100.’ ' ♦ Sierra Leone happy to report over 1,000 publishers for first time.

♦ Recent Malawi Congress Party meeting resolved that Witnesses will be carefully watched. Brothers report that Party has started thorough search for Society’s literature. For first time over 20,000 publishers in service.

♦ Circuit assembly in Morocco attended by 318; only 211 publishers in country. ♦ Papua advises plans for extensions to branch buildings government approved.

• ♦ Tahiti’s 161 publishers report 327 at circuit assembly with 6 baptized.

• ♦ Japan reports 28 new cities opened up by pioneers. First time Japan had more than 1,000 vacation pioneers.

• ♦ One Guyanese circuit assembly attended by 815; only 1,111 publishers and 3 circuits in country.

Question d3ox

• What can each one of us do to keep the Kingdom Hall clean?

The Kingdom Hall is the center for pure worship in the community. When it is kept clean and attractive inside and out, it can serve to represent a Jehovah and his organization in p // fine way. All associated with the co* gregation can help.                   { \

Usually the congregation servant '* works out a schedule for the various congregation book study groups to take turns in cleaning the hall. It is helpful if there is a list of things that need to be done each week. When your study group’s turn comes, be sure to do your part. But what about at other times?

There may be some things you can do to help each week. In some congregations younger publishers working together after each meeting pick up things on the floor and straighten the chairs. In some congregations a family group has taken on this responsibility. The result is, of course, that the appearance of the hall is always very fine.

Parents do well to teach their children to pick up things that fall on the floor, and they ought to see that their children are not responsible for writing on chairs or walls, or defacing the property in any way. Kingdom Hall cleaning can be a very enjoyable time. It offers a good opportunity for parents to train children to accept responsibility and to show appreciation for Jehovah’s place of worship.

Does the outside of your Kingdom Hall need attention? Is the shrubbery kept well and the grass cut? Be alert at all times to things needing attention. Our faithfulness in looking after the Kingdom Hall gives evidence of our love for Jehovah and our desire that his place of worship be a good witness in the community.

*            Plan to attend each session of the assembly.            * *

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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