DECEMBER 1971

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

You will be witnesses of me ... to the most distant part of the earth.’’—Acts 1: 8. VOL. XlV NO. 12

^Dea/t ‘EFeCfow ^PuWiskefts:

More Gilead students have arrived. We wish you could have been with us on October 18 when these ninetyeight brothers and sisters of the 52nd class were introduced to the Bethel family. They are serious-minded and enthusiastic, with a variety of backgrounds, having come from Denmark, Germany, Malagasy Republic, Puerto Rico and from many sections of the United States and Canada. Along with other studies they are learning Portuguese, Spanish, French and Japanese.

It is too early to give you a report on how many ‘Know Jehovah’ books were placed during November, but the Brooklyn plant has shipped out over 1,700,000 copies. Now, during the month of December we have a wonderful follow-up offer for the people, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Don’t forget, besides English, this delightful Bible translation is printed in Dutch, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish for those reading those languages. And remember, too, for only $5 a large-print edition is available in English for those who prefer it.

We are also pleased to announce that a new Bible study folder is being printed—20,000,000 of them! These are being shipped free of charge with your Yearbooks. Order more when you need them. Printing of the earlier study folders has been discontinued.

This new folder gives a very fine witness concerning Jehovah himself, and it tells the reader about the new ‘Know Jehovah’ book. It also outlines the Bible study arrangement in such a way that you can use any book you may choose.

Be sure to leave the folder when householders do not take other literature. Also leave it where no one is at home. It is like leaving your footprints behind. But not in mailboxes, for that is against postal regulations. Let them know that Jehovah’s witnesses have called again 1

Be assured of our love, Brooklyn Branch Office

ule for Bible reading each week, could you make it your resolve to try to keep pace during December? This would mean reading Jeremiah 38 to 52, only 15 chapters. If we allowed about five minutes a day to read half a chapter, that would keep us nicely abreast of this fascinating material. And since there is so much power in the Word of Jehovah, it will motivate us from the heart to be witnesses of Jehovah’s Messiah everywhere.

• ⁵ Yes, reading and studying the Bible give us the, ^courage to be witnesses of^x Jehovah’s Messiah in these momentous days. December offers us a splendid opportunity to share the Bible with everyone whose heart is inclined toward righteousness, for we will be using the New World Translation in all the languages in which it appears, together with the book Is the Bible Really the Word of God?, for a $1.25 contribution. What an excellent combination ! Also, many of us in our own personal study and research have been thrilled with the value of The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of Hie Greek Scriptures. This translation’lias opened up new vistas of understanding and depth of appreciation for Jehovah’s Word. Those of us who are acquainted with individuals who are very much interested in a study of the Bible and who enjoy it may want to introduce The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures to them.

• ⁶ As you receive this issue of Kingdom Ministry, surely you are rejoicing in the series of talks currently being delivered on the new book, “The Nations Shall Know that Y AmJehovalt”—How? Are not these 'Talks stimulating our appreciation for Jehovah and motivating us to share these truths about his name and his will with others before it is too late? Take advantage of opportunities to pass on this infor-(Continued on page 3, col. 2)

Everywhere be witnesses of Jehovah’s Messrah.           *

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 5

Theme: Urgently Teaching the Good News. (1 Cor. 9:16) Song 25.

7 min: Introduction, text and comments, also Theocratic News.

20 min: Talk and audience discussion on “Teacher, Teaching” from “Aid” book, pp. 1579, 1580. Highlight appropriate points from “Teachers in the Christian Congregation” and “How all Christians should be teachers.” Show that we should be at this work urgently, teaching effectively. Be sure to encourage each one to bring “Aid” book to service meeting this month and prepare to comment during discussions based on material from “Aid” book. Family preparation before each meeting will enable all to share.

15 min: “Our Principal Textbook.” Question-and-answer coverage. Demonstrate appropriate points.

3 min: Accounts report.

15 min: Concluding comments. Include fitting points from “ ‘Preach the Word’—Where and Why?” November 15, 1971, “Watchtower.” End meeting on spiritual note. Song 89.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 12

Theme: “Happy Is the People Whose God IS Jehovah!” (Ps. 144:15) Song 29.

12 min: Introduction, text and comments, and handling of Branch Letter by warm family discussion at supper table. Family members respond enthusiastically.

15 min: Presenting the Good News. Question-and-answer coverage and demonstration of appropriate points on paragraphs 3, 5 and 6.

18 min: Talk and audience discussion of “Happinesses,” “Aid” book, pp. 711, 712. Feature primarily “The Source of Happiness,” “Christ’s Counsel on Happiness,” and “Take Delight in Jehovah.” Speaker should make practi

¹Have you received your copy of the 1972 Yearbook as yet? It is made up in a new style this year. We believe that once you pick it up and begin reading you will not want to stop until you have completed everything up to the section containing the daily texts. How faith-strengthening and how heartwarming are 'the accounts of the wonderful ways in which JeEibyairjs using modern-day men and" women~Kf‘~'faiTh'......In

-the lives of faithful servants of Jehovah, both past and present, we can see our brothers overcoming the very satfig" prutfisins and obsta-'make us even "more determined to press on faithfully in Jehovah’s service? (1 Cor. 10:13) Truly, each Yearbook is another marvelous'pro-cal application to fit needs of congregation, reviewing main points in conclusion.

15 min: Concluding comments. Include some points on progress of campaign with Bible and/or experiences this month. Highlight main ideas from “Are You Happy With Your Life?” September 22, 1971, “Awake!,” pp. 3-5. Song 24.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 19

Each congregation should plan its own spiritually upbuilding service meeting for this week. Announce arrangements for witnessing over holiday weekends.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 26

Theme: Praising Jehovah Day by Day. (Ps. 96:2) Song 28.

8 min: Introduction, text and comments, and any announcements for the evening.

10 min: Discussion of the “Question Box” material.

12 min: “Your Part in the Ministry School.” Talk and question-and-answer coverage by school servant. 15 min: Helping Others to Appreciate the Bible’s Value. Demonstrate and then discuss the value of the following presentation designed for use during the “Watchtower” campaign. The presentation will serve as a “springboard” to lead into the first article of the magazine (issues of January to April). Be sure that the demonstration is brief, to the point (not wordy), hence can easily be copied by others.

Theme: Benefits of Living by Bible Teachings.

“[After greeting:] I’ve been talking briefly to your neighbors about something that has greatly helped me. I think you will agree that we live in times when we face many problems. Often we wonder what decisions to

habit to see that all of their Bible students get a copy have found that it helps them to make more rapid progress ill (leveioping''a.ppre~ciauon 'for .Jehovah’s visible^ organization. ■Why'“ndf^^F'a'cbpy along to each Bible student and show him all its features, including the daily texts and comments? Explain the benefits of considering the Scripture text and Watchtower comment for each day. Reading with your Bible student from the "Lamp” book, pages 67-69, which highlights the benefits of personal and. jointly study, will undoubtedly help him to appreciate the value of this provision. When it is used daily, it helps....one to grow ^iri ^p^iT/fiation^for..,^!!^ Wisdom in Jehovah’s Word. As the information' is thoughtfully considered and applied throughout the day, such application contributes greatly toward building Christian personalities.

³ When honest-hearted ones read the Yearbook they cannot help but be greatly impressed by the fact make. Is there any way to be sure? Note what the Bible says here in Psalm 119:165. [Read verse, letting householder see it.] Will the Bible really do that—light our way and show us what course to take in these confusing times? We could never know unless we tried it out, isn’t that right? To help persons to do that, this magazine is published. [Draw attention to first article and comment on points made at beginning.]”

Let the brothers say what they like about the presentation and how it might be adapted to the local territory. Discuss how to direct attention to our free home Bible study service. 15 min: Concluding comments. Include some helpful thoughts from article “When to Be as a Babe,” October 1, 1971, “Watchtower,” pp. 605-607. Song 58.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 2

Theme: Serve Jehovah with a Complete Heart. (1 Chron. 28:9) Song 70.

5 min: Introduction, text and comments.

10 min: Talk on theme for the month. See March 1, 1971, “Watchtower.”

10 min: Mature brother gives talk on “What About Dating?,” October 1, 1971, “Watchtower,” pp. 593-595.

12 min: “A Marvelous Provision.” Question-and-answer coverage. Also select and comment on a portion of “Yearbook” report you found especially impressive.

8 min: Announcements for week by congregation servant and “A . Few Suggestions.”

15 min: Family head (preferably one of the “older men”) handles material in “Aid” book, pp. 564, 565, on “Christ Jesus and the Christian Family Unit,” by question-and-answer method. Be sure to emphasize how good oversight of family and fine cooperation by various members thereof help us successfully to praise JehoVah. Song 74. that the ministry is carried on in the same way as in the first century C.E. They will also observe the many evidences that Jehovah is directing this work and how he is richly blessing his people today. “ "

⁴ The Yearbook is also of great value in aiding interested ones to appreciate the field ministry and the part they can have in it. You may want to explain that activity in the field ministry is reported to the local congregation and then to the branch, and finally to the Society’s headquarters. If Bible students have progressed to the point where they are qualified to participate in field service, they can be shown how they may have the joy of contributing their part no matter how insignificant it may seem to them. It takes single grains of sand to make up the seashore and single drops of water to make up the mighty oceans. Help them to appreciate that during December they, too, can have a share in the tremendous witness being given throughout the earth by Jehovah’s faithful servants.

^xAs you ifiay have noticed from the new Theocratic Ministry School schedule, a wealth of information will be covered during the 1972 calendar year. Why? To help us to become better servants of Jehovah God now. Also, to prepare us for life in the new system of things. Surely, if at all possible, you will want to be present for each session of the school to receive education that simply cannot be had anywhere else.

• ² If you have read the instructions on the new school schedule, you doubtless noted a number of changes. These should make the school more enjoyable and beneficial for all of us.

• ³ As you prepare your talks, you will find that there is an abundance of excellent material. How much of it should you try to cover? Of course, it often is not possible to covei’ every point. Do not sacrifice good teaching methods. But we ought to discuss more than an isolated sentence or two, and we should not always use only the “milk” of the word and skip over the “meat.” Come to. grips with material that will be truly informative to the congregation. There are fine points that aid us to understand certain scriptures more clearly, and we all want to benefit from these.

• ⁴ It is all right to use field service settings where appropriate. But sisters may at times find that a field service setting would greatly limit their coverage of the material. In that case it would be much better to have the assistant take the part of a person who has a background in the truth. The presentation could then take the form of a discussion with another member of the family or another publisher. And if you

OCTOBER SERVICE REPORT

Av Av Av Av Pubs. Hrs. B-C Bi.St. Mags.

Sp’l Pios. 885 145.0 64.7  6.2

Pios. 15,426  98.9 43.5  3.9

Vac. Pios. 12,443  81.9 30.0  1.8

Pubs. 389,648   10.2   5.1  0.6

TOTAL 418,402

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,553 UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1972

443,182 Publishers

HOW DID WE DO IN OCTOBER?

A new peak in publishers, the first in our service year—this is the good news we have to share with you, brothers! Yes, 418,402 engaged in the field ministry during October. The report underscores your determination: On with the marking work of the King’s secretary! Your good work also resulted in 159,909 subscriptions being obtained. “Awake!” will now be coming regularly into many more homes. It helps people to see the religious abominations of Christendom. May many new subscribers become righteously disposed, enabling us to satisfy their spiritual need. want to have your Aid book (or other textbook) in your hand as you discuss the material from it, there is nd objection to your doing so.

• ⁵ Even when we are not scheduled to give a talk, preparation for the school is beneficial. It helps us to impress the information more deeply upon our minds and hearts. True, not everyone is able to spend the same amount of time in advance preparation. But we can all do some.

• ⁶ As an aid in learning, you may also find it helpful to have your book open to the material being discussed by each speaker. When a particularly helpful or interesting point is made, find it in the publication and underscore it. This may help to impress it on your mind, facilitate your finding it in the future and, in the case of the instruction talk, make it easier for you to participate in the oral review.

• ⁷ The Theocratic Ministry School indeed has much to offer us in the months ahead. How fine it will be to listen to the informative, encouraging talks! Additionally, we can be certain of Jehovah’s blessing as we share to the extent possible in making each session of the school an hour of spiritual refreshment.

Our Principal Textbook         (Cont’d)

mation. In those cases where the householder already has the New World Translation, we encourage you to offer the new book, together with a booklet, for 50 cents.

• ⁷ Now, for a few, minutes, think about those wfth whom you might be able to place the Bible or one of the new books this month. Why not make a list? If you write down the names of these folks and then call on them as early as possible during the month, it may be surprising to see what can be accomplished during December. And since we really want to help these people, you might want to take a few moments with other members of your family to practice how to approach various householders and interested ones in your territory. This will sharpen your ability to present the offer and your desire to share in the field ministry.

• ⁸ If it is possible to get some persons started in the actual field ministry this month, especially those who have been studying the Bible for a number of months and who qualify as well as show a desire to share in presenting the good news, why not do so at this time. What a blessing this will mean for them and for those who listen to them! Indeed, our principal textbook, the Bible, is an influence for good in our lives.

A Few Suggestions

Would you like to try some of the suggestions that various traveling representatives of the Society have used recently in getting subscriptions foi' the magazines? Listed here are five that you may find useful.

• 1. Have a positive approach, drawing attention to the specific contents of the magazines you are presenting.

• 2. Try offering both subscriptions instead of one. One circuit servant reported that he obtained nine subscriptions in just one day by doing this.

• 3. You may find it useful to say that The Watchtower has been published for over 90 years. Obviously, it is quite experienced in presenting spiritual food at the right time.

• 4. Some have taken the time to (Continued on page 4, col. 2)

Announcements

♦ Literature offer for December: New World Translation with Is the Bible Really the Word of God? for $1.25. Also, you may offer Kingdom Interlinear for $2.00. Where householder has the New World Translation, we encourage you to offer “The Nations Shall Know that I Am Jehovah”—How? along with a booklet, for 50 cents. For January through April: Watchtower subscription, with three booklets, for $1.50. Awake! may be offered also.

♦ New Publications Available:

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life —Luganda, Vietnamese “Look! I Am Making All Things New” (revised)         —French

The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years               —Zulu

Saving the Human Race—in the Kingdom Way       —Cinyanja

Living in Hope of a Righteous New Order          —Ogoni Tahitian

“Singing and Accompanying Yourselves with Music in Your Hearts”

—Swahili

♦ Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained                 —Turkish

♦ After December 21, congregations may begin ordering the 1971 bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! They are available in English, Dutch, French. German, Portuguese and Spanish. Volumes are $2.50 each. No pioneer rates.

♦ The public talk that will be given by circuit servants starting in February is entitled “A Close Look at the Churches.” It includes the use of colored slides from over twenty countries. The presentation is one that is pointed and heart-searching. By all means, urge all who have shown any interest in the truth to be present. And do not miss it yourself! Also beginning in February, there is a forceful new public talk to be given at circuit assemblies, on the subject “Are You ‘Marked’ for Survival?”

♦ Can you use the world’s holiday season to increase your praise to Jehovah? If your circumstances permit, why not be a vacation pioneer or arrange to spend some full days in field service? Congregation servants can make special arrangements for witnessing for the holidays. It is a good time for field service, since so many people are at home.

Within Our Sphere of Influence

• ¹ How much influence do you have? Perhaps more than you realize. Each one of us has a certain group of relatives, business acquaintances, fellow workers, schoolmates and neighbors who know us well because of our association with them over a period of time. These individuals are really within our sphere of influence and they will likely be more receptive to the Kingdom message when it is presented by someone they already know than by a stranger calling at their doors. Thus we can use our “influence” for good by tactfully taking advantage of opportunities to speak with them about the Bible and even by making opportunities to do this.

• ² Possibly you have tried witnessing to relatives or acquaintances in the past and have found it somewhat difficult, even discouraging. If this has been your experience, perhaps you can improve your methods so as to become more effective. Of course, it is good to realize that not all will be interested the first time you approach them. However, if you are tactful, in the future there will likely be many other opportunities to converse with them about Jehovah’s purposes.

• ³ A friendly conversation with anyone provides a fine basis for a witness, since the person is already in a favorable frame of mind. To maintain this, we need to exercise tact and discernment, being sensitive to the attitude of the individual. Sometimes a question will turn a conversation to a subject that will make it easy for us to show what the future holds for this system of things. We can then contrast this with Jehovah’s righteous new order. For example, we can ask: “Do you think the East and the West will ever get together and solve their differences?” “Do you think world conditions will continue to deteriorate?” “Why is there so much trouble in the earth today?” Or, “Why do we all feel so much pressure upon us?”

• ⁴ These and other questions may direct the conversation toward the Bible answer; they may also help us to determine what the other person is thinking. Thus we can tailor our presentations according to the attitude of individuals, making the necessary adjustments or perhaps even discontinuing our efforts entirely for the time being, depending upon the response we get.

• ⁵ Another method that many have found successful is to get others to ask us questions. Even here, though, we must discern whether merely to answer the questions without further comment or to elaborate, perhaps even explaining the Bible’s teaching on related matters.

• ⁶ On occasion, you might ask if your acquaintance had a good weekend, and when he has commented, you might mention a circuit or district assembly or some other meeting you attended that weekend and something of interest you learned that might stir his curiosity—perhaps a point from the public talk or something you learned from your Bible reading. Did you enjoy some thought-provoking observation at a recent meeting? or have an interesting experience in the field ministry? Then why not comment on it briefly? Possibly this will evoke some comment or question from your companion. If the approach does not arouse interest, another approach or renewed efforts at a later time may prove successful.

• ⁷ By using the influence we have with others in the right way and at the right times, we may be able to stir up in them a desire for the truth. What a joy to use our influence on others for their blessing so they may share with us the hope of everlasting life!

A Few Suggestions           (Cowfd)

add up the exact number of Scriptural references in one issue of The Watchtower. In many cases there are over 150. Yes, what is presented in The Watchtower is solidly founded in the Bible.

5. If you meet a busy person at the door, you can give him an option. He might want to take just the two latest copies for 10 cents or he might want a subscription for just $1.50 a year so that one of the magazines will conveniently come to his home on a regular basis.

Likely some of these thoughts will prove helpful to you as they have to others. We sincerely hope so.

THEOCRATIC HEWS

^Following suggestion from “Kingdom Ministry," brothers in Ashland, Oregon, placed 83 books during registration at Southern Oregon College.

<^ln “Evolution” book campaign, Japan's publishers placed more than 100,000 books for first time. Six missionaries opening up new territory placed 478. Pioneers averaged 24 books each, and publishers 4.

♦ Ethiopia passes 600-publisher mark for first time. Publishers averaged 23.6 hours and 11.1 back-calls.

<0* Kenya reports that total attendance at their two assemblies came to 3,605 —the best yet. Baptized were 138. ^Bolivia's 1,362 publishers happy as new congregation is formed and a second missionary home established in Santa Cruz. ^Surinam rejoices that 1,384 persons joined in assembly and 38 were baptized.

Sweden reports 71 baptized, double same month last year.

Viceland’s 135 publishers had 245 assemble with them at recent assembly.

(c^uedtion AI„

• How can we help those who have been inactive for a long period of time to requalify as publishers of the good news?

Each year circuit servants report that a number of publishers have fallen into inactivity. Often it is because these folks have allowed the pressures and anxieties of this system of things to encroach upon their worship of Jehovah, causing them to slow down. When individuals slow down and stop associating with us at meetings and in the field ministry, there is evidence of serious spiritual weakness. If you encounter such a person, urge him to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall again. In some cases, where there is evidence that the person wants to serve Jehovah again, he might be helped by having a home Bible study, or perhaps using appropriate “Watchtower” articles, to build him up in faith.—Jas. 2:14; Heb. 5:12-14; 10:23-25.

Because the “older men” in the congregations are especially concerned for the safety and needs of the flock, they are willing to take the necessary time for friendly visits to build up inactive ones through spiritual discussions, provided the inactive ones show a sincere desire to return to the flock of God. When the root cause of the problem is ascertained, the needed spiritual help can be given. They ought to be encouraged to study Jehovah’s Word regularly, both personally and as a family group.—Isa. 32:2; John 21:15-17.

If someone has been inactive and has not associated with the congregation for a long time, it would be reasonable to expect that the inactive one should meet the basic requirements outlined on page 108 of the “Lamp” book, which includes fairly consistent attendance at the congregational meetings and an earnest desire to be a minister of the good news, before being considered as a publisher once again.

#           When you fl-each, endeavor to reach the heart.           #

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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