April

Branch Letter

Dear Kingdom Publishers:

Brother Knorr along with Brother F. W. Franz returned safe and sound and gave us a fine report on their round-the-world zone trip.

Leaving Europe (we already told you about that part of the trip), they flew to Lebanon, where they met with only the elders, due to the ban on our work there. Witnessing is also difficult in Pakistan, the next stop. So imagine their joy when, with only 150 publishers in the whole country, 197 attended the Karachi assembly! In Bombay, India, a new assembly hall atop the branch home holds 400. But 948 showed up to pack out all corners of the home!

At Rangoon, Burma, riots in connection with the burial of U Thant resulted in cancellation of the hall for the assembly. But other arrangements were quickly made, and everyone rejoiced to see a peak attendance of 650. In Bangkok, Thailand, it was learned that, out of the country’s 605 publishers, 100 were baptized this past year.

Our traveling brothers then talked to 226 in Penang, Malaysia, to 431 at three separate meetings (in spite of the ban) in Singapore, to 2,175 at Djakarta, Indonesia, and to 1,736 in Sydney, Australia. At this latter gathering the talks were put on videotapes and later shown in Kingdom Halls across the country. In the Town Hall in Auckland, New Zealand, there were 2,866 present.

During the stop in Tahiti it was arranged for a new branch of the Society to be located there for that part of the Pacific. And from there it was on to assemblies in Hawaii, Los Angeles and Denver.

Total attendance to hear our traveling brothers was 167,496.

These wonderful reports from around the world only heighten our excitement here at Bethel as we contemplate the activity of the future in March, the Memorial and special talk; in April, the special magazines; in May, the distribution of Kingdom News No. 20; and then on to the grand series of summer district assemblies!

Your brothers,

BROOKLYN BRANCH OFFICE

Preach with Endurance and Joy

¹ When Jesus was on earth he wanted his followers to share with him in telling others the good news. Thus Luke 10:1 says: “The Lord designated seventy . . . and: sent them forth by twos in advance of him into every city and place to which he himself was going to come.” In verse 17 we learn one result of this preaching tour: “Then the seventy returned with joy.”

² Each one of us has had the pleasure of experiencing that same reward. There is true happiness in ‘declaring good news to the poor, preaching a release to the captives ‘and a recovery of sight to the blind, sending the crushed ones away with a release and preaching Jehovah’s acceptable year.’ (Luke 4:18, 19) Especially is this true in these days when so many thousands are listening and responding to what Jehovah has said.

³ However, the Bible does not promise the Christian that joy free of problems. No, a variety of difficulties is what we should expect, with happiness resulting if we endure. So, we have cultivated the thinking of the apostle Paul, who said: “When being reviled, we bless; when being persecuted, we bear up; when being defamed, we entreat.” (1 Cor. 4:12, 13) Other apostles also demonstrated the right view when they “went their way from before the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of [Jesus’] name.”​—Acts 5:41.

⁴ But perhaps direct persecution is not the problem you face now. Still, do you get opposition from members of your own family? (Matt. 10:21, 35, 36) Jehovah is pleased when we set for them a fine example in Christian conduct, and regular association with your larger ‘family’ in the truth will help you to succeed in this. (Mark 10:29, 30) If your relatives refuse to listen, you can always devote your preaching time to those in the territory who will listen. Jehovah can fill your life with a useful, productive service in many ways you never imagined.

⁵ Do you have health problems? Have the years slowed you down? If so, be realistic. What youth accomplishes in one way, you might accomplish through other means. The qualities and gifts your years of experience have developed might accomplish much in a field not open to others. Do you witness by letter, telephone, or informally? Do you study so as to participate in meetings, to answer others’ questions, and to build someone up with a word at the right time? If nothing else, do you support by your presence at meetings, by your smiles, by your prayers, those who can serve more actively than you? There are many ways for you to serve with endurance and joy.

⁶ April is the last month of this Watchtower campaign. Do you have plans for following up all subscription prospects you have located in the previous three months? It would be good for each family to talk this over and to schedule the needed time so that all such calls, including any involving expired magazine subscriptions, can be made before the month ends. The Bible study overseer can help by being certain that all expiration slips have been distributed to the publishers. Have those with whom you have conducted home Bible studies received their three free copies of the April 15 Watchtower?

⁷ Has your congregation scheduled the two special talks, “Why Look to God as Your Refuge?” and “Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?” for late in April or early in May? Be sure you are acquainted with the dates they will be given in your congregation so you can invite interested ones to be there with you. These talks contain information that will surely help those who attended the Memorial and the special talk on March 30. Invite them to be there on these two occasions also.

⁸ Has your secular employment been affected by the economic slowdown? We hear that some brothers have decided to temporary pioneer, now that they are employed fewer hours. The elders will gladly give immediate attention to your application if you find that you can share in this privilege for a month or so. Loss of employment usually causes hardships, but sharing more fully in field service can bring much joy.

⁹ April should be a month of great activity for Jehovah’s people. There is much work that needs to be done. Young and old, new and seasoned publishers, should share unreservedly. Preaching and teaching should occupy a large part of our time and attention these days. What a privilege to share in this work! Jehovah will richly bless all those who put forth the effort to preach with endurance and joy no matter what the conditions.

[Blurb on page 1]

Preach Despite Being Spectacles Through Persecution.

Your Service Meetings

WEEK STARTING APRIL 13

12 min: Song 91. Discuss 1 Corinthians 4:9. (Watchtower, 4/1/74, pp. 215, 216) Then ask audience: What attitude should we take toward opposers? (Acts 7:59, 60) What good often results from opposition? (Luke 21:12, 13) Is persecution a cause for feeling shame or fear ? (1 Pet. 4:16; Matt. 10:28)

15 min: “Preach with Endurance and Joy.” Questions and answers. With paragraph 6 include demonstration of how to offer special April 15 Watchtower and April 22 Awake! Also, report on Watchtower campaign.

18 min: ‘No Weapon Formed Against You Will Succeed.’ Enthusiastic, encouraging talk on 1975 Yearbook, page 94, paragraph 3, to page 119, paragraph 1. Can read excerpts and pose occasional questions for audience. Though can’t cover every point, tell the story. Emphasize that ‘no weapon formed against Jehovah’s people will succeed,’ so should not fear persecution. (Isa. 54:17) On pages cited, highlight the following: (1) Courageously, God’s people waged a counteroffensive against clergy-inspired opposition by distributing the first issues of Kingdom News. (Pp. 97, 98) (2) Severe persecution was endured by Bible Students, and they were “cautious as serpents” (Matt. 10:16) when The Finished Mystery and certain other Christian publications were banned. (Pp. 98-101) (3) Brother Rutherford and other principal servants of the Watch Tower Society were arrested on false charge of sedition. Show nature of court trial and its outcome, citing fulfillment of Revelation 11:3-7, 10. (Pp. 103-109) (4) Bible Students were optimistic despite ‘Babylonish captivity,’ continuing to witness and meet. Imprisoned brothers also held meetings and preached, with good results. (Pp. 109-112) (5) At annual meeting In 1919, confidence was expressed by reelecting Brother Rutherford president. (Pp. 113-115) (6) An outstanding witness resulted from work with the petition to release these imprisoned brothers. Released March 26, 1919, and completely exonerated later. (Pp. 115-119) (7) Emphasize that in 1918 and 1919, with God’s aid, Jehovah’s people endured great hardships and ‘no weapon formed against them prospered.’ (P. 119) Similarly, we can be confident that Jehovah will help His people to endure persecution today.

15 min: Concluding comments. Comment briefly on congregation accounts. Then talk on material in pages 185-187 of Organization book; present in an encouraging manner. Song 87.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 20

Serving Jehovah in Youth

10 min: Song 73. Warmly show how congregation appreciates youths in midst. Give encouraging report on number of young ones in congregation, number conducting studies, making return visits, number having shared as temporary pioneers and how they make fine contribution to congregation in other ways. (Refer to 2 Kings 5:1-19.)

15 min: “They Appreciate Your Help.” Questions and answers.

20 min: Remember the Creator in Youth.

(1 min.) Chairman comments very briefly on Eccl. 12:1. showing that now is the time for young persons to serve Jehovah. Mention that this is a service meeting for youths and we want to hear from them. They face problems that we don’t. Can interview according to age groups. having a few publishers In each of three categories. about ages 7-10, 11-14, 15-18. Adjust this according to young ones available. Ask questions according to what will be most beneficial for congregation and agreeable with parents. Parents can, at home, review with their children questions assigned them ahead of time by chairman. Thereafter, careful advance rehearsal by chairman would be appropriate. He should be sure to hear, by advance rehearsal, what young ones have in mind.

(15 min.) (1) Studying for and attending school classes: What are some of the problems youths face today in attending school? What are some things you believe might be done to assist young people with these problems? What have you been doing or what do you plan to do in overcoming or solving these problems? How has the truth helped in these situations?

(2) Field service and meetings: What are some of the obstacles young people have in sharing fully in field service and meetings? What kind of help from congregation do you especially appreciate? What are your goals or plans for making improvement in field service and meeting attendance or participation? Why do some young persons have difficulty sitting quietly through an entire meeting? Why do you think some miss meetings, and what could be done to help them? What do you feel is improper or disturbing conduct in the Kingdom Hall, and how can those engaging in such be helped to improve?

(3) Association and recreation: What are some problems that young people in the truth encounter in filling their need for good association and recreation? What do you especially appreciate about your opportunities for association and recreation with those in the truth? What do you think you and others can do to help all of you benefit even more from time spent in association with others and in recreation?

(4 min.) Comment on Eccl. 11:9, 10. See 5/73 Kingdom Ministry, page 3, pars. 1-4. While young ones have special problems and needs, yet they are part of the congregation and need to work closely with it and support it. Parents and other adults can do much to assist.

15 min: Concluding comments. Distributing Kingdom News No. 20. Invite publishers to obtain supplies after the meeting. Comment on benefit of tract distribution, as discussed in Society’s letter of February 15. Discuss value of message in Kingdom News No. 20; may read some excerpts. Encourage publishers to read it carefully. Mention what elders have already done in arranging for congregation to have full share in distribution. Tell of territory arrangements and meetings for service. Explain what can be done if some have more tracts than they need and if some need more. Comment on importance of covering territory thoroughly and within allotted time of May 2-11. Show what part young ones can have in Kingdom News distribution. Distributing them under appropriate parental supervision is something they can enthusiastically share in. Older publishers want their help in getting this important work done well and on time! Invite any who have been studying, but have not yet shared in field service, to talk to an elder, if they would like to share in tract distribution. Song 55.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 27

12 min: Song 101. Discuss questions: Why do Jehovah’s witnesses say there is only one true religion? Do they not believe that there are good examples in all faiths? (Watchtower, 2/15/75, pp. 127, 128) Make discussion positive and upbuilding. Include day’s text and comments, if appropriate.

15 min: “Divine Sovereignty” District Assemblies. Discuss with audience Society’s letter. Spend time on that which applies to your congregation.

15 min: Helping Others to Know Jehovah.

(2 min.) Chairman shows it will be good to start now preparing ourselves to offer, during May, the book “The Nations Shall Know that I Am Jehovah”​—How? Each publisher can decide how he will present the book, depending on his ability and the territory.

(11 min.) What might be good introduction for our territory? What comments might be made on scriptures? What else might be said in describing book? How could Scriptural discussion be made very brief, if desired? Discuss with audience this presentation:

‘Lord’s Prayer’ might be used as basis for getting the householder’s attention. After the usual greeting might say: “Those who have a love for God and a respect for the Bible pray the Lord’s Prayer. [Read or quote Matt. 6:9, 10.] Do you think that has any meaning for us today? [Allow for comment.] The Bible itself indicates that it does. For example, Psalm 83:18 helps us to appreciate what it means to have His name sanctified, treated as holy, or cleared of reproach. [Read.] Yes, people everywhere will someday soon know that Jehovah is the Most High over all. This fact is especially made clear in the Bible book of Ezekiel, which is fully discussed in this book, ‘“The Nations Shall Know that I Am Jehovah”​—How?’ We leave it for 50 cents.”

(2 min.) Close with encouragement for all to devote sufficient time to presentation so as to approach people in territory with confidence.

18 min: Concluding comments. Discuss Question Box material with audience. Encourage full support for distribution of Kingdom News No. 20 and make any last-minute suggestions that will help the publishers to have a share. Emphasize short presentation. Mention brief points that might be used. Could have demonstration. Comment on any applicable Announcements. Song 56.

WEEK STARTING MAY 4

15 min: Song 105. In introductory remarks can use day’s text and comments. Branch Letter.

15 min: Questions from Readers. Watchtower issues of 10/1/74 (first and third) and 7/15/74. Talk and discuss with audience. Consider the questions most appropriate for your congregation or select other questions if felt more applicable to your congregation. Show how it is the Bible itself that gives the answer.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News​—By Using Questions to Arouse Interest.” Questions and answers. Might have demonstration showing how questions could arouse interest in Know Jehovah book.

15 min: Concluding comments. Include talk on May theme, “Evangelizing with Good News for All Mankind.” (Luke 2:10) (Watchtower, 6/1/74, pp. 335-340, paragraphs 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 12, 13, 27, 28) Song 110.

They Appreciate Your Help

¹ Jehovah God loves children. They play a part in His grand purpose, and throughout man’s history they have brought joy and fulfillment to the family arrangement. (Ps. 68:5; 127:3-5; 128:3-6) In imitation of his Father, Christ Jesus, too, had tender affection for young people. On one occasion when using a youngster as an example, “he put his arms around” the child. He did not view such’ show of kindness as unmanly. Later, Jesus found time to take some children into his arms and bless them. He enjoyed them, and helping them was a part of his ministry.​—Mark 9:36; 10:13-16.

² Having the same view as Jehovah God and his Son, how pleased we are to have children as part of the congregation. We want to see them grow up with a love for Jehovah and righteousness. The congregation is interested in seeing young ones progress in the truth so that their ‘advancement is manifest to all persons.’ (1 Tim. 4:15) How happy a congregation is when such ones grow up to serve in various fields of full-time service such as at Bethel, in pioneer and missionary work, or in other ways set fine examples for the congregation.

³ Of course, parents have the primary responsibility to help their children to be pleasing to Jehovah. Keeping in mind that their children are born without belief in God, though with a capacity to do so, will help. Good examples also help. As unbelieving husbands can be “won without a word through the conduct of their wives,” so children can become believers through being eyewitnesses of the godly conduct of their parents.​—1 Pet. 3:1, 2.

⁴ Initiative and foresight are required if parents are to watch out for the spiritual interests of their children. For example, parents who appreciate this, knowing that their children need association, do more than merely warn them against the results of bad association. They themselves set aside time to be with their children, and then they plan for association with children who also love Jehovah.

⁵ Raising children today is not easy. So, parents are usually pleased when the congregation as a whole takes a genuine interest in the young folks. They appreciate any help given. Even a word of acknowledgment that it takes time and effort to bring children to meetings and take them along in the field service is encouraging. So, too, is it encouraging to children when elders take a moment to talk to them and let them know how happy the congregation is to have them attend. Where effort and progress have been made, this can be mentioned. It may involve the field service, a student talk, a meeting comment, following along in the Bible, or having been quiet through the entire meeting.

⁶ Elders, with parental approval, can show young ones they are a part of the congregation by including them in its activities wherever possible. Some may be given assignments around the hall. These may be in connection with cleaning, straightening the chairs, passing out Kingdom Ministry and Ministry School assignments or other matters appropriate to their age and ability. They may be used on the platform to give talks in’ the Ministry School, to participate in demonstrations or to relate experiences.

⁷ God’s people are like a large family. We all take an interest in others, including young ones. Parents may appreciate help in caring for children during the meetings and assistance in the field service. Let children know they are missed when absent from the Kingdom Hall. Tell them how new ones attending the Kingdom Hall appreciate their good example. Include families with young children when arranging for social occasions. Especially when the father is not in the truth should we be alert to help young ones. We are all interested in doing what we can to help youths to mature and shoulder their responsibility in Jehovah’s organization.

[Blurb on page 4]

Encourage Young Ones to Share in Kingdom Activity.

Announcements

◆ The Society now has a limited supply of the book Is This Life All There Is? in grade-two English Braille available on a loan basis. You may receive this 265-page, three-volume set free of charge by writing the Braille Desk. The set must be returned to the Braille Desk after completion of reading or study. These sets are not to be stocked by the congregation.

◆ The Know Jehovah book will be used at the congregation book studies beginning in June or when you complete the present book. It will be good to determine how many publishers will want new personal copies so that these can be Included when ordering.

◆ Literature offer for April: Watchtower subscription, with three booklets, for $1.50, or subscriptions for both The Watchtower and Awake!, with six booklets, for $3.00. May: “The Nations Shall Know that I Am Jehovah”​—How?, with a booklet, for 50 cents. June: New World Translation along with the book Is This Life All There Is?, for $1.25.

◆ Regular pioneers who were appointed on or before February 1, 1975, will be sent a meal ticket for use at a district assembly during this service year. These will be sent to the presiding overseer along with the monthly statement for May. Pioneers, be sure to bring your meal ticket to the assembly and treat it as cash; no replacements will be available.

◆ The April 22 issue of Awake! is built around the subject “Mental Health in a Mixed-up World.” The magazine provides much practical information that many people will be grateful to have and of course, directs them to the only lasting solution. If you would like to have an additional supply of this issue for your congregation, please order right away.

◆ On Saturday. April 12, the Bethel home and factory, including Watchtower Farm, will be closed for spring cleaning; so there will be no arrangement for tours or literature pickup on that day. However, magazine supplies may be picked up.

◆ Congregations with 75 or more publishers might stock one or two copies of the large-print Bible, Aid to Bible Understanding, Comprehensive Concordance, Byington’s translation, Kingdom Interlinear Translation. Diaglott, “Make Sure of All Things,” and “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial, the first four of which are cash items. Thus, if a publisher can place one of these and wants to make a call within a day or two he can do so. These should be ordered, however, only if you expect to be able to use them.

◆ New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures​—Danish

Human Plans Failing as God’s Purpose Succeeds​—Italian

◆ Publications Available Again:

Watch Tower Publications Index for 1961-1965, also for 1966-1970​—English

January Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs. R.V. Bi.St. Mags.

Sp’l Pios. 530 151.8 64.4 5.7 154.1

Pios. 21,038 97.0 37.6 3.0 100.3

Temp. Pios. 6,454 79.7 24.9 1.5 86.0

Pubs. 496,470 9.4 4.3  .5 14.0

TOTAL 524,492

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 6,280

UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1975

557,004 Publishers

How Did We Do in January?

While weather was difficult to cope with in various parts of the country, and there was the added problem of sickness, it was a pleasure to see 524,492 proclaimers of the Kingdom message out in January. This represents a 7.1 percent increase over January of last year. We obtained 122,536 new subscriptions and placed 624,130 books. What a joy to see so many accepting our Bible study aids, opening additional opportunities for us to make return visits and start Bible studies!

Suggested Presentation

The March 30 special public talk will be published in the April 15 Watchtower. This subject can beneficially be used as a basis for discussion.

Presenting the Good News​—By Using Questions to Arouse Interest

¹ The Great Teacher, Jesus, used questions to arouse interest and to make people think. (Matt. 17:25; 18:12; Mark 11:29, 30) Reading of such effective use of questions makes us want to copy Jesus’ use of them in our field service.

² When placing single copies of the magazines, many find it very practical to pose a question about one of the articles. Having captured the interest of the individual, then you can go on to call attention to the article and present the magazines. But be prepared to follow through on whatever subject you raised by your question, either with a further comment on the matter, or by pointing out a specific point in the article being presented.

³ Some brothers, too, have had success using the following question, or a variation of it, and you may find it helpful to you. After briefly introducing themselves, they ask, “If you had the power to overcome just one of the problems in the world, which one would it be?” Then, after getting the answer, they refer to a scripture that deals with it. For instance, if the answer is, “I would do away with the corrupt governments,” the householder is directed to Daniel 2:44 to show that arrangements have already been made by God to set up a kingdom that will do away with corrupt governments.

⁴ In offering the Know Jehovah book, we might say: “In the Bible book of Ezekiel there is an important statement that is repeated 62 times for emphasis and that has meaning for today. Would you like to know what that statement is?” (Pause for reply.) Then, read the title of the book. (See kj, page 32.) Even when offering the Watchtower subscription, you may find it effective to ask questions on an appropriate article to arouse interest; or you may wish to use a question that can be answered by the scripture that appears prominently in the first article of each issue during the campaign.

⁵ A word of caution, though, in regard to using questions: They should not be used to embarrass people. You may want to suggest possible answers to your question. Or, if your householder hesitates to reply, you may just continue to talk.

⁶ At first you may find it difficult to use questions, but continue trying. Even if at first you are not successful, you will find that in time you become experienced and effective in their use. They are often helpful to get a conversation going and to draw the householder out that you know his viewpoint better, and are able to build on what interests him.

⁷ You may find it very helpful to discuss with others in the congregation the use of questions to arouse interest. If you find something that is particularly helpful to you, then pass it on to others so that they too will benefit. The effective use of questions can improve the quality of your field service and stimulate interesting discussions.

Theocratic News

◆ There are now 18 Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Halls in use for circuit assemblies in this country, with one more under construction. The average seating capacity for each auditorium is about 1,500, although for a few it is above 2,000. Most have areas that can be used for overflow, and these increase total seating capacity considerably. Some have separate cafeterias and Kingdom Halls.

◆ A year ago Hong Kong had 307 publishers, but this January a new peak of 423 reported there.

◆ The brothers in India (4,494 publishers) enjoyed 11 district assemblies with a total attendance of 6,363, and 235 baptized.

◆ Ten years ago France had about 21,750 publishers. Now, with their latest peak, they have reached 61,029. Brothers are rejoicing, to be able to offer “The Watchtower” since the ban on it has been lifted.

◆ Mexico, since 1968, has about doubled the number of its publishers, with 73,916 now reporting field service. Baptisms are running 1,593 ahead of last year.

Question Box

● Are new attenders at our meetings welcome to comment even though their lives are not in harmony with Bible principles?

When people show an interest in the truth, we are happy to invite them to our meetings, knowing they will benefit in many ways. Some, by attending just one meeting, through listening and observation, have become convinced that ‘God is with us.’ We do not inquire into their personal lives before extending such invitations.

Nor do we need to make such inquiry before allowing them to comment. Participation is a part of our educational arrangement, so if a new person raised his hand, we would not refuse to acknowledge it. He would no doubt benefit by sharing, and his participation would probably also encourage others.​—Heb. 10:24, 25.

What of those newly associated who are tobacco users or who have some immorality in their background? Well, would not the above reasoning still apply as long as they conducted themselves in a decorous and respectable manner? Commenting does not make them members of the congregation. They are newcomers and learning. Very likely, as have others in the past, they will make improvement, clean up their lives and make progress toward dedication and baptism. We cannot expect that when they first begin attending they will be completely free of all wrongdoing.

The elders, however, and especially the one conducting, must be alert to watch for any notorious persons who might try to sneak into the congregation to do harm, even as Jude warned. So, in general, nonbaptized, newly interested ones may be called upon to comment, if raising the hand.