GjDjfOjrfrf^

DECEMBER 1972

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

“Say among the nations: ‘Jehovah himself has become king.' '*—Ps. 96:10.

VOL. XV NO. 12

QW ^PaWisliefts:

It has been a real joy for us here at the Brooklyn printing plant to work on the 7973 Yearbook. It brings us special pleasure because we know that you will greatly enjoy reading it and that it will do much good in helping persons with whom you are studying the Bible. Here in Brooklyn we are printing 952,500 copies of the English edition, and should you need more copies we will be glad to print an additional supply. We are also printing the Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and French editions, totaling 442,600. Germany is printing 152,000 Yearbooks in German and 35,000 in Dutch.

The first part of the Yearbookgives you an armchair tour of the progress of the Kingdom work in many parts of the world. Also delightful are the extended reports on five different countries. For example, the report from the British Isles will give you a real eye-opener as to the tremendous amount of work done in preaching the good news even in the early days of the Kingdom work there. And when you read about Ghana, you will be encouraged by the fearlessness on the part of our brothers in standing up for the truth in the face of opposition. The report from Japan will give you a picture of the careful organizing that has been involved in getting the good news of the Kingdom to every part of the country.

Brother Knorr, recently returned from a visit to Guatemala and Mexico, where he helped on arrangements for next year’s international assemblies there. You will be happy to know that work will soon begin on the building of a new branch building in Mexico.

We know that you are very much Interested in our Malawi brothers. The Society, as you know, has sent funds to help them. It is most

• ¹ We are on the move forward I Jesus foretold that “this good news of the kingdom” would be preached In all the inhabited earth for a witness, and that is what is now l>eing accomplished. In over 200 lands Jehovah has his Christian witnesses. It is true that the Devil has instigated vicious persecution against them. Scores of nations have tried to stop the preaching work. But this only accomplishes God’s will, the separating of people of all nations. Nothing In heaven or on earth can thwart the purpose of God. And, just thiuk, we are privileged to have a share in it by serving with His organization.

• ² How do we know what God’s will is? By studying the Bible with the help of God’s spirit and His theocratic organization. Yet most persons have never read much of the Bible, and the majority who have a Bible do not read it with understanding. One reason is the seventeenth-century language of some older translations. Appropriately, then, during December in the field service we will offer the easy-to-read, modern-language New World Translation. Reading this Bible has helped literally hundreds of thousands of persons to take in

practical to have the relief work cared for right there in Africa, as It would take a long time to ship clothing and other things from here to that part of the world. A report from the brothers in Zambia early in November tells that they have been able to ship in to the brothers from Malawi who are now at the Simla Misale camp over forty tons of supplies, including tarpaulins, blankets, clothing, food and other things that were supplied by the brothers in Zambia and South Africa.                              -

Here in Brooklyn we are privileged to have the Kingdom Ministry School in session again. Fifty students reported on November 5, and accurate knowledge of Jehovah and Christ Jesus and to move forward in God’s service, with eternal life in view. Remember, for those who desire it, the New World Translation is also available in large print for $5.

• ³ Of course, many persons today do not believe that the Bible really is God’s Word. In fact, it is commonly believed that such accounts in the Bible as Adam's sin and the Noachian flood are myths. But we know better. Why, the very reason for Jesus’ giving his life Is because Adam did sin. (Matt. 20:28) And, as for the Flood, Jesus and his apostle Peter referred to it as being just as real as the end of this present system of things. (Matt. 24: 37-39; 2 Pet. 3:5-7) People need to know that. So, along with the Bible, it is appropriate that we offer the book Is the Bible Really the Word of God? And if the householder does not take the Bible, we can offer just the 25-cent book.

* At times we find people who say they accept the Bible but are not interested in studying the Bible with the aid of some other book. In such a case, why not endeavor (Continued on page 2, col. 1) a total of about seventy-five were scheduled to begin school at the other three school locations in this country. The course is a new one, completely revised to bring it into line with the organizational changes that have taken place and with the needs of the congregations and the field. The new Kingdom Ministry School Course is written In outline style with large print. The students here are enthusiastic about the new course and appreciate the pleasant pace at which it proceeds.

May Jehovah bless all of you as we ever move forward unitedly under theocratic organization.

Your brothers, Brooklyn Branch Office

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 10 10 min: Song 16. Introduction, text and comments. Warmly encourage attendance at the congregation book study to benefit from fine material in the “Paradise—Theocracy” book.

15 mln: “Move Forward Unitedly.” Two publishers discuss article. Demonstrate how to present the literature offer. Discuss with audience what to do during holiday season when persons say they are busy.

25 min: Study December 1 “Watchtower” article “How Much Do You Care About People?” Read scriptures and paragraphs to the extent that time permits.

10 min: Concluding comments. Include comments on Branch Letter, appropriate Announcements, also brief reminders on local service arrangements. Song 117.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 17 10 min: Song 5. Introduction. Family discusses text; can be before, during or after meal. Might beneficially include brief comments on how the context helps us to understand the scripture, how the information affects our lives as individuals and as a family, etc.

10 min: Questions from Readers, from December 1, 1972, issue of “The Watchtower.” To be handled by an elder, preferably a married man. After brief introductory comments pointing out that we live in a morally depraved world and that w*e need to be on guard so as not to accept its corrupt standards, read the Questions from Readers material as published.

20 min: “Kingdom Ministry” insert. Cover material down to, but not including, the subheading “Parents Can Provide Fine Encouragement.” Questions and answers; audience participation. In reading paragraphs, group them, taking a full subheading at a time.

20 min: Choice portions of the new “Yearbook.” Group of three or four publishers share with one another some of the information they have

Move Forward Unitedly {ConVd) to start a study using just the Bible, looking up scriptures on a subject of interest? Possibly after a few weeks, when the person sees how much he is learning, he will want »to have a regular study with the use of a Bible study aid such as the Truth book.

• ⁵ We realize that without the Bible’s guidance people are heading for certain destruction, and we want to help them to benefit from Jehovah’s provisions. (John 3:16; 2 Pet. 3:9) We truly love Jehovah. We know that it is his will for all sorts of men to be saved, and we want to help them to gain salvation. (1 Tim. 2:3, 4; 4:16) So it is our privilege to share as fully as possible in the lifesaving work of Kingdom-preaching and disciplemaking.

• ⁶ It is vital that we all work wholeheartedly in this lifesaving read in the “1973 Yearbook.” Where appropriate, comment on how the material considered might beneficially atfect our lives.

Brief concluding remarks by chairman of the group, encouraging zealous participation in the field ministry. Comment on “Vacation Opportunities.” Song 13.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 24

12 min: Song 4. Introduction, text discussion with comments from audience. Include items from Theocratic News.

13 min: “More Good Things in the Ministry’ School.” Audience participation. Invite publishers to comment on why they enrolled in the School and how they have benefited from being enrolled; arrange in advance for at least one of these comments.

20 min: “Kingdom Ministry” insert, from subheading “Parents Can Provide Fine Encouragement” to the end. Could have group of persons who are now pioneers or who have been temporary pioneers discuss the material. Really cover well the printed material, reading at least a few of the key paragraphs. Can comment on future plans for temporary or regular pioneer service and invite others to share in such activity if their circumstances will permit.

15 min: Concluding comments by Bible study overseer. Tell congregation how many home Bible studies are being conducted, apart from those with members of their own immediate families. Encourage cooperation of the entire congregation in searching out persons who would like to have a home Bible study. If any publishers have a good prospect for a study but need help in developing it, the Bible study overseer will be glad to help them personally or will arrange for someone else to do so. Ask publishers to inform Bible study overseer of good prospects for whom they personally are unable to care. Include experiences enjoyed in making return visits and conducting Bible studies. Song 92.

activity, and we look to the elders in the congregation to set a fine example of zeal in the field ministry. When they unitedly take the lead, this has a beneficial effect on the rest of the congregation. When they display wholesome concern for the entire congregation, as well as zeal in promoting the work of Kingdom-preaching and disciplemaking, Jehovah’s blessing becomes manifest on the entire congregation as it unitedly moves forward.

• ⁷ What is your own attitude toward God’s organization? Are you moving forward unitedly with it? Do you take time to read and apply the wholesome counsel it regularly provides in abundance? When you do, you benefit greatly, don’t you? And, when you liberally share with others the good things you receive you are doubly blessed by Jehovah.—Prov. 11: 25.

• ⁸ We do need one another. There

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 31

15 min: Song 44. Introduction, text and comments. Talk on new’ yeartext and how it should affect our personal lives. (See yb73 pp. 260, 261.) Invite audience to share in reading scriptures.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News.” Cover article with audience participation. Have two demonstrations of how to engage householders in conversation on the theme “Getting to Know God” and how subscription offer can • be tied In with presentation. Get ** suggestions from audience as to vari- _f ous things they will be doing and why. If some want to use a presentation ?. that is different from what is dem- » onstrated, they should feel free to do so. Encourage publishers to use what > w'orks in their territory.

10 min: Consider “Question Box,” and % have accounts report read.           >

15 min: Why Go from House-to- ' House. To be handled by field overseer. After brief introductory remarks about the field service activities of the. *!• congregation for the past month, invite -audience to comment on the following » points: (1) How important is the work-described at Mark 13:10? (2) How does our house-to-house work benefit those to whom we witness? (3) What effect does repeated coverage of the territory have on the people? (4) Why do we w’ork our territory with various literature offers? (5) How does regular participation in the house-to-house work affect our own spiritual lives? (6) How does it help to accomplish Jehovah’s will in connection with his name? Have one or two brief experiences, if time permits, showing the blessings that are enjoyed In this ' feature of the field ministry. Encourage publishers, where possible, to share in the house-to-house work every week. Persons with limited health may be able to call at only a few doors; others may be able to devote several hours. Ask for comments from individuals as to when they personally engage in house-to-house activity. When do they find people at home? Discuss congregation arrangements for house-to-house witnessing. Song 10.     _________________________

is a variety of abilities that persons in each congregation have, so no one should feel that what he does is not needed or is not worth while. The Bible appropriately likens the congregation to a human body, all the members of which are vital. (1 Cor. 12:19-26) So, the important thing is not that we be able to do what others do, but rather that we use whatever capabilities we do have in Jehovah’s service. At the same time, take note of the fine qualities your fellow workers have. Let them know that you appreciate their love, their willingness, their endurance. Thank Jehovah, too, for the privilege of serving alongside these who are precious in His eyes. Thus, we will be drawn ever closer together, and we will continue to move forward unitedly toward God’s new order, which is now O so very near!

Can You Share More Fully in Kingdom-preaching?

AS DEVOTED servants of Jehovah God we should view people of the world with pity and compassion. That is what our Exemplar Jesus Christ did. When observing crowds of Israelites who were “skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd,” “he felt pity for them.”—Matt. 9:36.

Similarly, the inner feelings of the apostle Paul were stirred toward fellow Israelites who persisted in unbelief. “I have great grief and unceasing pain in my heart,” wrote Paul to the Romans. “For I could wish that I myself were separated as the cursed one from the Christ in behalf of my brothers, my relatives according to the flesh." —Rom. 9:2, 3.

Are you, like Paul, deeply concerned about the people in your territory? Does it pain you to see that most of them, by disregarding God’s Word, are endangering their future life prospects and even now harming themselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually? Are you moved to do everything you possibly can to aid them to gain an accurate knowledge of the truth? Does the needy spiritual condition of fellow humans prompt you to seek ways to share more fully in Kingdom-preaching?

Consider Your Circumstances

Because of their deep love for Jehovah and for their fellowmen, many have expanded their participation in Kingdom-preaching by taking up the regular or temporary pioneer service. Have you thought about the possibility of doing so yourself?

Many dedicated servants of Jehovah God would very much like to pioneer. But their circumstances simply do not permit them to do so. And, of course, Jehovah God does not require that his people spend all their waking hours in work. Rest and refreshment are definitely needed. That is why Jesus Christ on one occasion said to his disciples: “Come, you yourselves, privately into a lonely place and rest up a bit.”—Mark 6:31.

Nevertheless, we do well to consider how we are spending our time and the possibility of enlarging our share in Kingdom-preaching. Our prayer, like that of Moses, should be: “Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in.” (Ps. 90:12) Yes, we should want Jehovah God to help us to value, estimate and appraise our days so as to use them in the best way possible.

All of us should ask ourselves: Does the way I use my time show that I firmly believe that we are living in the “final part” of the “last days” and that every reasonable effort should be made to reach honest-hearted ones before it is too late? (Mic. 4:1) Should I adjust my view of material things so that I can be content with less? Could I reduce the number of hours I spend in secular work so as to share more fully in preaching the good news, possibly as a pioneer? Am I using up more time in entertainment and relaxation than I should? How much of this time could I spend more beneficially in the vital work of Kingdom-preaching?

After prayerfully considering your circumstances, you may find that, with some adjustments, you could enroll as a regular or, at least, a temporary pioneer. Should that be the case, set a date for yourself as to when you might start, and work toward that goal, looking to Jehovah to bless your efforts.

A brother in Hawaii who was encouraged to do this by a traveling overseer writes: “My question was, When should I start pioneering and resign from my civil service job? One thing I knew—the longer I stayed with my secular job, the harder it would be for me to quit due to increased benefits and pay. I set a goal in my mind to resign from my job and enter the pioneer work on October 1,1966. How quickly that date rolled around and before I knew it I was in the pioneer work.” Today this brother is serving as a special pioneer.

Drain Encouragement from the

Example of Others

After considering the possibility of your becoming a pioneer, you may wonder whether you would be able to continue as such. The example of others can in that case prove to be both helpful and encouraging to you.

Think about pioneers who have served faithfully for many years. As you hear or read their experiences in the Yearbook and The Watchtower, reflect on the joys they have had and continue to have. Consider their circumstances and why they have been able to make the best of them. If you know pioneers whose circumstances are not too different from your own, talk to them about how they got started and what has enabled them to continue.

The circuit overseer will also be happy to answer your questions about pioneering. And he is certainly in a fine position to do so. From experience he knows what it means to pioneer. He has also worked with many pioneel's, likely including some who, before pioneering, had reservations very similar to yours.

The elders in your congregation, whether they are pioneers or not, can aid you. Usually being married men with children, they have had to balance family and congregational responsibilities in order to take a zealous lead in Kingdom-preaching and disciplemaking. By talking to them, you may be able to see how some of the things they have done to care for their responsibilities could help you to arrange your affairs to pioneer. Moreover, elders are able to provide suggestions based on experience in working with pioneers or even their own experience as temporary pioneers. So do not hesitate to speak to them about any problems you feel could hinder you from doing well in the pioneer work.

When Elders and Ministerial Servants

Choose Pioneering

Of course, not all elders and ministerial servants are able to pioneer. But when those who are able to pioneer do enter the regular or temporary pioneer work themselves, this serves as an added encouragement to all in the congregation to exert themselves vigorously in Kingdom-preaching. That is why elders and ministerial servants should be concerned that their words and actions in no way minimize the importance of exerting ourselves to get the witness work accomplished during the “final part” of the “last days.” Manifestly they would not be able to encourage others to have a fuller share in the Kingdom-preaching and disciplemaking work if they were not making the best use of their own circumstances.

The effect of a good example set by elders and ministerial servants is well illustrated by what happened in recent years in one congregation in Portugal. The brothers serving on the committee were concerned that few took up the pioneer ministry. Even during months of special activity rarely did any brothers or sisters apply for temporary pioneer service. The committee talked the matter over and decided that the best results would probably be obtained by their setting an example as temporary pioneers themselves during the month of April. This they did, even though not one of them had a vacation period. They worked out a schedule for evenings and weekends that allowed them to meet the hour requirement, even though the ban on the work in Portugal makes this harder to achieve. Last year they were delighted when several publishers imitated their example and served as temporary pioneers. This year all those serving in the congregation in an appointed capacity took up temporary pioneer service during April. This really stirred the congregation to activity. About one fourth of the publishers were moved to participate in the temporary pioneer work.

Similarly, when all serving in appointed capacities in the Ikot Eyo Congregation of Nigeria, Africa, took the lead in the pioneer ministry, forty-one of the fifty-nine baptized publishers enrolled as temporary pioneers. As a result the congregation attained a new peak in publishers. Also the Bible study work showed marked improvement.

One of the reasons for the large number of pioneers in Japan—one out of every four publishers—is the outstanding example set by elders, many of whom are pioneers. A number of these elders, being in position to do so, have relinquished good jobs to pioneer.

One gave up a high position at the Hitachi Electrical Works in order to make time to pioneer. The supervisor of a section of a car manufacturing plant gave up his remunerative job in order to serve as a pioneer. An elder in the Kyoto Ukyo Congregation had been trained in the United States for a high position in the architectural department of his firm. But he gave up this opportunity in order to serve as a pioneer with part-time secular work.

An elder who entered the regular pioneer work in Hawaii relates the following:

“Being a presiding overseer and trying to help others to become pioneers, I often thought about the importance of taking the lead myself in the pioneer work. Careful planning of my finances indicated that it was possible. My decision was further prompted by a desire to help more to pioneer and aid the people in the community to learn the truth. Having four children who were growing up, I was deeply concerned with their future. I had a good paying job as a crane operator. In June of 1967 I made the decision to give up this job and join my wife in the pioneer work.”

Has Jehovah blessed this father and his family since his entering the pioneer work? The results speak for themselves. In the congregation where they are serving, about one out of every seven associated is a regular or a special pioneer. Meeting attendance stands at about 150 percent of the number of publishers.

Regarding his own family blessings, this brother remarks: “My youngest child will be a senior in September and will become a regular pioneer when school begins. This will make six pioneers in our family, including our oldest daughter, who pioneers with her husband in another congregation. With the whole family putting Kingdom interests first in our lives, it serves as a protection and brings great joy to us.”

Parents Can Provide Fine Encouragement

As the example of elders and ministerial servants has a real impact on the congregation, so the example of parents in making good use of their opportunities to declare the “good news” has a wholesome effect on their children. When the emphasis in the home is, not on material things, but on spiritual matters, this does much to build up a burning desire in children to advance Kingdom interests.

Commenting on the effect of the good attitude manifested by parents toward pioneering, an elder in Nigeria says: “Parents have deep respect for pioneers, particularly special pioneers and circuit overseers. This has resulted in many young ones developing a similar respect for the pioneer service, which they have come to view as a most desirable work.”

A circuit overseer in the same country reports a typical example of a family effort to promote pioneering within the family: “A fifteen-year-old sister said at the Itire circuit assembly that her parents consider her pioneering as part of the family’s responsibilities. In drawing up the family’s schedule of activities, they include her activity.” Were she to fail to meet the pioneer requirements, this young sister would view that as failing the family. “Hence,” she says, “there is every encouragement for me to measure up to the pioneer requirements.”

In the Philippines similar family efforts have been put forth. Though having little themselves, and often with large families, many parents there are willing to have their children assist at home and pioneer rather than have them get a full-time job to help carry the financial burden of the family. One young pioneer sister from Quezon City writes: “I come from a large family of nine children but my parents prefer to have me be a pioneer. In order to help them I work in the home—washing and ironing clothes, cooking meals and sewing dresses.”

In the same country a husband and wife have been serving as special pioneers for more than fifteen years while raising a family of nine children. Not all families could do that, but this household found that family cooperation made it possible for them. The father remarks: “We taught our children how to work while they were still young. My oldest son was able to care for our farmland with the help of his sisters. Our daughters learned how to support themselves as market vendors. We also helped them to appreciate the pioneer work so' that today five of my daughters are working as regular pioneers and my youngest son has served as a temporary pioneer.”

This brother and sister saw good results not only in their family but also in their preaching and disciple-making activities. They have been instrumental in the formation of one new congregation and in helping six other congregations to make progress. They have been able to aid thirty-five sheeplike persons to learn the truth.

If you are a parent, are you, by word and example, encouraging your children to pioneer? If you are a youth, are you responding appreciatively to the encouragement being given you? Is it your desire to add to the joy of your parents by exerting yourself in the pioneer ministry? Has your love for Jehovah and for fellow humans grown to the point where you want to spend as much time as possible in Kingdompreaching?

Seize the Opportunities Open to You

Regardless of your present circumstances, always consider how you might be able to expand your future share in Kingdompreaching. As long as your circumstances can change on this side of the “great tribulation,” look at pioneering as a possible goal. Then, if circumstances do change, freeing you to be a regular or a temporary pioneer, you will be prepared in mind and heart to make the best use of the opportunities before you. Many brothers and sisters have done just that.

One brother in Portugal had the opportunity to sell his share in a business partnership and become a pioneer. He seized the opportunity and invested his money in ways that guaranteed a regular income sufficient to care for his family of two children as well as his mother and thus entered pioneer service. He has not regretted that decision. He writes: “I always had much to do as a businessman. But as a pioneer I am even busier. In contrast, though, I am unquestionably much happier and healthier. When working as a businessman, I came home many times completely exhausted mentally, worn out and irritable. My nerves were bad and I took tranquilizers. Now that I am a pioneer, I come home very tired physically some days, but truly happy and content mentally. Why, since becoming a pioneer, I have never taken another tranquilizer! It is true that we now live a more modest life, but the life we live is so much richer. And spiritually speaking, well, there is just no comparison.”

Even this brother’s twelve-year-old daughter has noticed the difference. She says: “Before when Daddy would come home from work late and tired, we hardly saw him. He would just eat and go to bed without speaking hardly a word to us. Now, Daddy spends more time with us and we really like that. Most of all, we enjoy the family Bible study Daddy regularly has with us now.”

As in many other parts of the world, brothers and sisters in Korea have also done well in taking advantage of opportunities to be regular or temporary pioneers. In that land 1,810 of the 14,754 proclaimers of the “good news” are pioneers; that is one out of every eight. They do not allow themselves to be discouraged by the bitterly cold winters. Instead, the cold month of January usually sees a peak in the number of temporary pioneers. Why? Because most of the classrooms are unheated and so schools are closed due to the severe cold weather, freeing schoolchildren and teachers for the temporary pioneer work. Having the help of older children at home, housewives are also given opportunity to increase their preaching activity as temporary pioneers.

Do you make similar use of your opportunities? If you have a vacation in December or January, could you make plans to pioneer then? If on school vacation, could you assist your mother with some of the work at home and thus possibly open the way for her to share with you in the temporary pioneer work?

Certainly as all of us keep mindful of increasing our share in Kingdom-preaching because of our love for Jehovah and fellowmen, much will yet be accomplished in aiding honest-hearted ones to take their stand for true worship.

• • More Good Things if

• ¹ Did you notice that the Theocratic Ministry School program for 1973 features something new? With i the exception of times when written reviews are scheduled, each week there will be a talk based on Biblical or modern-day life experiences. Will it not be encouraging to hear how others overcame problems similar to ours and continued to find delight in Jehovah’s service?

• ² If you are scheduled to give one of these new talks, try to capture the spirit of the experience, make it live and show how we personally can benefit from it. You do not have to use every detail of the experience, but focus attention primarily on points that develop the assigned theme. While it is not required in each case, you may wish to build the presentation involving a modern-day experience around an appropriate scripture. In relating such experiences be alert and watch for opportunities to involve your assistant.

• ³ As you recall from the schedule for 1972, tlie Bible reading assignments were shorter than previously. Many brothers took advantage of this to develop meaningful introductions and conclusions that really highlighted the value of the material. And opportunities were utilized to make explanatory comments during the course of their reading. .    ⁴ This coming year the reading

assignments will again be comparatively short. So, we encourage you to make good use of the available time to present helpful clarifying information or to show how the scriptures being  read personally

benefit us. As you know, many fine points  can be  found by doing

SEPTEMBER SERVICE REPORT

At. Av. Av. Av. Pubs.    Hrs. R.V. Bl.St. Mags.

Sp'l Pios.     906 143.2 56.1  5.0

Pios.        14,785  92.2 37.1  3.2

Temp. Pios. 5,362  82.9 26.4  1.4

Pubs.      400,096    9.6  4.6   .5

TOTAL 421,149

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,190 UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1973

460,063 Publishers

HOW DID WE DO IN SEPTEMBER?

Continued fine efforts were put forth in the field ministry during September to search out interested ones by the house-to-house ministry and to help sheeplike ones to learn the truth by means of regular Bible studies. Isn’t it encouraging to know that 5,770,237 hours were spent In various features of the field ministry and that well over 8 million Bibles, books, booklets and magazines were placed with the public!

The total of 421,149 proclalmers of the good news is an increase of 12,804 over last September, when 408,345 reported field service activity.

the Ministry School

research with the aid of the Watch Tower Publications Indexes.

• ⁵ Those of you who are younger in years can also make your assignments more meaningful by doing research. Talk to your parents or the school overseer to get suggestions on how scriptures can be explained briefly. Then when giving your talks, make practical application of scriptures used, doing so in your own words. But, of course, be careful not to make it appear that you are counseling older, experienced ones in the audience.

• ⁶ The school overseer and other elders who may give counsel can also contribute much in helping us to get the most benefit from the School. Counsel on speech qualities can be beneficial, but it does not always have to be extensive. A few well-chosen remarks on the application of suggestions on speech counsel in the School Guidebook may suffice. Of course, where necessary, private counsel can always be given on points the student may

Announcements

♦ The literature offer for December is the New World Translation and the book Is the Bible Really the Word of God? for $1.25.

The offer for January through April will be a year’s subscription for The Watchtower, with one of the bound books copyrighted in 1961 or earlier, for $1.50. Subscriptions for both The Watchtower and Awake! may be offered, with two of the older bound books, for $3.00. Reimbursement of indiviaual publishers and of congregations for such books given free with new subscriptions will be handled in the same manner as during October. The Society still has on hand a sizable stock of What Has Religion Done for Mankind? and “New Heavens and a New Earth.” There is a more limited supply of You May Survive Armageddon into God’s New World and “Your Will Be Done on Earth.” Congregations may order these. We encourage you to use such books as premiums witn new subscriptions until all of them are in the hands of the public. Then we will again give a premium of three booklets. ♦ The January 1 issue of The Watchtower, with which we will begin our 1973 Watchtower subscription campaign, contains especially fine material on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and how it should affect us today. The principal article title is “Get a Firm Hold on the Real Life.” We encourage you to obtain an extra supply, as many as you can use, and then offer them enthusiastically. Now is the time to place your order for extra copies.

♦ In correspondence to the Society regarding congregation matters, please be certain that the name of the city and the congregation name are shown. In this regard, please see page 86 of the School Guidebook and page 147 of Qualified to Be Ministers.

♦ It is requested that, during December, the elders review the situation of any pioneers in the congregation and send reports to the Society in those cases specified on the Personal Qualifications Report (Form S-326). Order number needed. See what is stated on beneficially work on for improvement. It is not necessary in each case to announce whether a certain point is being marked “G,” “I” or “\V.” The school overseer may frequently find it more beneficial to use most of the two minutes allotted to him after each student talk to direct attention to some outstanding point from the material assigned for use in the talk itself. By drawing attention to its practical value, it will be more deeply impressed on the audience. So, when preparing for the School, he may find it helpful to pick out from each assignment one point that will be particularly beneficial to the audience

(Continued on page 8, col. 2)

Vacation Opportunities

• ¹ Many congregations in the United States have territory that does not get worked at least once each year. Generally such territory is rural and requires considerable travel to work. This past summer a number of pioneers and publishers assisted In covering such unworked congregation territory during their vacation, or on the way to or returning from an'assembly.

• ² While you may not be able to spend two or three months working in nnassigned territory, as some do, you may be able to spend a few days or possibly a week or more of your vacation next summer helping a congregation to cover some of its unworked territories.

• ³ If you want to assist in covering unworked congregation territory next summer, why not begin making plans now? Information will be supplied later on in Kingdom Ministry as to how you can find out which congregations need help.

pages 66 and 67 of the Organization book. Where there is only one elder and he is a pioneer, the circuit overseer can submit the report when he visits the congregation.

♦ After December 21, 1972, congregations may submit orders for the 1972 bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! These will be available in English, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish. Volumes are $2.50 each. There are no pioneer rates. Some have inquired regarding older bound volumes for libraries. We have the following stock available in English only: 2.000 1970 Awake.', 17,000 1971 Watchtower and 26.000 1971 Aibake! volumes. We suggest ordering these with your current bound volume order. We will fill orders for older volumes as long as they last.

♦ The new public talk to be given by the circuit overseers starting in February includes eighty color slides on the very timely subject "Assemble All the More as the End Draws Near!" ♦ Regular and special pioneers who take one of the tours outside the United States and Canada next summer will not be required to reach the hour goal for that month.

♦ Regular pioneer report cards (S-200) that are needed by the regular pioneers are to be ordered by the presiding overseer.           ■

Presentations for the “Watchtower” Campaign

• ¹ What is more important than for people to get to know who Jehovah is? How fitting, then, that (luring the 1973 Watchtower subscription campaign each issue of The Watchtower will contain an article that In some way is designed to help people to get to know God. It is also suggested that, in our discussions witli householders, we feature the theme “Getting to Know God.’’

• ² Surely we could not wish for a better theme, one closer to our hearts. Having truly come to know Jehovah God, we love him and we~ want others to know who he and liow good he is. do' we not? Tie' deserves to be known for his fine qualities and for ids many works, past, present and future. And does not everlasting life depend upon our taking in knowledge of him and of his Son?—Jolm 17: 3.

• ³ How might we feature this theme in our field ministry? We could begin with some reference to world or local conditions. Or we cbuid ran attention to^-problems such as many families have. Then we imjjlit asK: 'Is tins the way life is meant to be? [Let householder reply.] To answer that in a satisfying way we really need to take God into account. In fact, we need to know liis purpose for man. That is one reason why Jesus Christ came to earth. The things that Jesus taught originated with his Father. [Read John 8:28, 29.] So, Jesus himself is not God, is he? But Jesus helps us to know God and His purpose for us. Jesus shows how God makes it possible for us to find satisfaction in living now. He also shows that, very soon, God is going to clean wickedness out of this earth and make it a wonderful place in which to live. These things are of Interest to all of us, and they are discussed in this January 1 issue of The Watchtower, in tlie article “Get a Firm Hold on the Real Life.” ’ Direct attention to some points of interest in the article, and then enthusiastically offer a subscription for a year.

• ⁴ Or you might say something like this: ‘My name is ------. I’m a

  minister, one of Jehovah’s witnesses. I know you weren’t expecting me, so I'll be brief. Have you ever wondered whether it is possible to get to know God better? [Let householder comment.] To many people, God is very far away. As for the things that God has said he is going to do, they feel these will never happen in their lifetime. But note what the Bible says here at 2 Peter 3:9. [Read.] So, what does this tell us about God? [Walt for comment.] If we appreciate the reason for his patience, we won’t miss its purpose. We will use the opportunity we have to get to know his will for us. That is why The Watchtower is published.’

  ⁰ In presenting the good news, do ■so in a warm and friendly way and endeavor to draw the householder out with questib'bS Only If lie Irt'ely expresses TilnlSCIT will you get to know his thinking well enough so that you can discern what direction your further remarks should take. And after he has expressed himself and sees that you are interested in his viewpoint, he may be more willing to listen to what you have to say.

  ⁸ We have the most important message being preached today. We have ever so many reasons for preaching it and so we want to make the best possible use of all our opportunities. Feel free to use more scriptures where householders are ready to listen; then, if they do not take any literature, at least they will have had a witness. Of course, the nature and length of your discussion will depend ou the circumstances.

  More Good Things in School (Coilt'd) and that he can comment on if it is not covered extensively by the student. If the student does cover the point well, there is no need for the school overseer to do it again. But his simply expressing appreciation for how it was handled will help to impress it on the minds of those in the audience.

  ⁷ Truly, if we all prepare well for our assignments in the School, everyone will reap the greatest benefit from the many good things provided.

  
  

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ A family of six in Youngstown, Ohio, was able to put a total of almost 700 hours in the field ministry during July. Two daughters served in • Illinois as temporary special pioneers. The father' and mother, regular pioneers, and their other two daughters worked in Kentucky. ♦ Two of five circuit assemblies scheduled for Solomon Islands were attended by a total of 1,471.

The Finland branch reports the pouring of concrete for their new extension to the branch building.

♦ In October, brothers in Japan were able to begin printing magazines on their own presses at the new factory in Numazu. The office reported new peaks of 14,525 publishers and 1,987 regular pioneers in September. This is their 62nd successive publisher peak. The increase was 334 publishers over August, one of the biggest in a single month.

▼ Two district assemblies were held in Kenya branch territory. One at Mombasa was attended by 2,161, with 134 baptized. The other assembly, at Kampala, Uganda, was attended by 728, with 34 baptized from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania.

Question

• Should the presiding overseer serve as a book study conductor?

This is something to be worked out by the local body of elders, with consideration for the individual involved. Where possible, book study conductors should be elders, as pointed out on page 81 of the ••Organization” book. Ministerial servants may be used on a substitute basis if there are not enough elders to care for all the book study groups.

In a large congregation where there are more than enough elders to care for all the book study groups, it may not be necessary for the presiding overseer to serve as a book study conductor. However, if there are not enough elders to care for all the groups, it would be beneficial for the presiding overseer to serve as a book study conductor. If he is the only elder regularly attending a certain book study, then, of course, it is to be expected that he will be the study conductor. When he visits the other book study groups once or twice a year, depending on the needs of the individual groups, the one serving as his assistant can take care of the book study in his absence.

It should not be necessary for the presiding overseer to spend extended periods of time visiting groups that nave elders as conductors, since the elders should be well qualified as teachers and otherwise be able to care properly for the needs of the group. However, in certain cases it may be advisable to spend several weeks visiting groups where ministerial servants are conducting the study on a substitute basis, in harmony with what Is stated on page 71, paragraph 2, of the "Organization” book.

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