April

Branch Letter

Dear Kingdom Publishers:

Since the earthquakes in Guatemala many calls have been received at Brooklyn about our brothers there. Though the tremors were severe, we are thankful to Jehovah that not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses has been reported killed. A number of injuries were sustained, such as broken arms, and the injured are being given attention.

Damage to property has been great. Many brothers’ homes have been damaged and several Kingdom Halls made of adobe were knocked down. The Society’s branch building was not damaged.

Food, water, clothing and fuel were immediately taken to Guatemala City by the brothers from El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Supplies have also been taken in from Mexico. Funds were sent in from El Salvador and Brooklyn, where the Society maintains a fund for disaster relief work. As needs are reported, appropriate relief will be sent to the stricken areas.

Here in Brooklyn it has been exciting to receive reports about work in starting studies with the booklets. Among them, a circuit overseer in Florida wrote: “The new booklets are going like hot cakes. . . . One sister started six new studies during the week of our visit.” In New Jersey a circuit overseer reports that during one week the congregation he visited began 27 new studies and the following week the next congregation started 24 new studies.

The presses have been busy here. Over ten million booklets were produced in the first printing. Since then, the orders have been so numerous that we’re now on the fifth printing, which will bring the total up to eighteen million!

Publishers report that it is very easy to start conversations using the warm appeal and convincing logic featured in the booklets. Haven’t you found that to be so? Many have said that the booklets can be used quite effectively to stir interest where response in the past has been minimal. We are all happy to have these new instruments that help us to be more successful. May your blessings be many as you continue using these new booklets to make disciples.

Your brothers,

BROOKLYN BRANCH OFFICE

Manifest Your Appreciation

¹ When you genuinely appreciate something good, don’t you show that by your attitude and actions? Regarding the goodness and loving-kindness that Jehovah extends to us through Jesus, the apostle Paul exclaimed: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable free gift.” (2 Cor. 9:15) But consider, was that merely talk on Paul’s part? Not at all. In a multitude of ways he manifested his deep appreciation to God. Paul’s actions, how he lived his life, displayed his gratitude toward God.

² Do we not also have much for which to be thankful? Jehovah has given us life now as well as the hope of living forever in paradise. Even now, walking in the way of truth has brought us the priceless blessings of peace of mind, much security in a close relationship with fellow Christians and the assurance that our material needs will be filled. The majority of mankind remain unthankful toward one another. Worse still, they show no gratitude toward God. (2 Tim. 3:2) In contrast, our genuine appreciation should move us to express our thankfulness joyfully.—Ps. 107:21.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW APPRECIATION

³ The public declaration of our hope gives a most convincing evidence of our appreciation to God. It manifests our intense love for God and neighbor. Such displays of gratitude are very pleasing to Jehovah. (Ps. 147:1, 11) Any reasonable effort to increase such public declaration is sure to receive his blessing. Thankfulness should prompt us to be whole-souled, doing the best we can. That viewpoint often causes many to think seriously about how they might take up the pioneer service.

⁴ Some thoughtful reflection may cause you to view it as something your circumstances will permit. Ask yourself: Am I convinced that my present effort is all I can do? Since I really want to manifest my appreciation to God and see others saved, is there some way that I can become a pioneer? Why not talk to an experienced pioneer or the circuit overseer, who may be able to give helpful suggestions on scheduling time, finding part-time work or getting someone with whom to work.

⁵ Young people have a special reason to consider this now. If your life is to have meaning and purpose, you must set and strive for worthwhile goals in youth. How do you want to use your life? What career can you choose that will prove to be the most satisfying and produce lasting benefits? Might pioneering be the answer? Like many other young people who have taken up this activity, you may find that this career offers a joy and peace of mind that have eluded those pursuing goals based on material desires. This would surely be a fine way of expressing your appreciation to God.

OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO ALL

⁶ Some brothers and sisters must realistically acknowledge that, as much as they want to do so, they are not in position to serve as regular pioneers. Still, appreciation gives them the same wholehearted spirit. For many of them, holidays, vacations or work layoffs become choice opportunities to serve as temporary pioneers. Some families pool resources, assisting one or more family members to pioneer. Others on occasion can add to their activity as congregation publishers, planning full days of service periodically. Maybe they can occasionally join a pioneer in service for a full day. Those pioneering often encourage others to become more active, while publishers can help the pioneers by providing transportation and someone with whom to work. When appreciation moves us to give our best, we usually discover a wide range of opportunities to increase our praise to God.

⁷ There are many new ones attending meetings, and the good things they are learning, combined with the loving interest shown in their welfare, may have stirred feelings of gratitude in their hearts. Their newly acquired hope may be seeking expression in public declaration. (Rom. 10:10) The special activities connected with the Memorial observance, the distribution of special magazines, and the tract work in May, could provide opportunities for them to join the ranks of Kingdom praisers. Those of us who are close to them can give encouragement and help. If they have the desire and qualify, by all means extend a warm invitation for them to join in expressing appreciation to God through the field service.

⁸ All that is stated in the foregoing encourages us to think about doing more in Jehovah’s service. This is similar to Paul’s admonition that his brothers “keep on doing it more fully.” (1 Thess. 4:1) For what reason? Not to compile an impressive field service record. Neither is it for reasons of personal pride or comparison with others. It is because gratitude for Jehovah’s marvelous provisions causes our hearts to overflow with thankfulness. A desire to do more springs from a deep appreciation of all that he has given us and a genuine interest in helping others to receive these same blessings.

⁹ Because they manifested their appreciation with zeal, Paul commended his brothers for ‘their faithful work and loving labor and their endurance due to hope.’ (1 Thess. 1:3) Can you see some way that you can more fully demonstrate your appreciation?

Using Magazines to Build Faith

¹ Our efforts in the preaching work are directed toward making disciples. Over the years, Jehovah’s people have used a wide variety of means to do that. The Watchtower and Awake! magazines have played a large role in achieving the marvelous increase that now brings us so much joy. Jehovah’s direction has resulted in their effective use in building faith in the hearts of sincere people the world over. His blessing encourages us to keep using them to the full, making them regularly available to still greater numbers of people.

² We appreciate that the distribution of magazines has not been our sole objective. Rather, we rejoice over the part they have had in building up enduring qualities in persons as part of the disciple-making work. (1 Cor. 3:10-15) Our aim is to help people, and magazines are useful in doing that. Is that what you have in mind when you share in magazine work? When we want to help people, we will equate our success, not with the number of placements, but with the extent to which we are able to use the magazines to help people to learn something that can save their lives.

EFFECTIVE USE OF MAGAZINES

³ With this in mind, how can magazines be used effectively? A primary objective when one is approaching another person should be to get a chance to talk to him. If he is willing to speak with us, likely we can help him. Many householders are reluctant to talk, usually because of apathy, prejudice or worldly ideas. If we can overcome these initial barriers and get a listening ear, even though momentarily, we may be able to say something that will touch the heart. Magazine activity can help us to do that.

⁴ The magazines contain a fresh slant on the news. Many articles deal with things people are talking about. There are illustrations that tell a story at a glance. There are items to spark the interest of even the nonreligious. Well-written articles present powerful arguments with the simplest of logic. Titles are purposely chosen to be thought provoking. If you can use anything in the magazines to elicit even a small response, you may create an opening that can lead to an extended witness.

⁵ Before sharing in the magazine activity, you may want to try this: (1) Look over the magazines, picking out a few eye-catching features that you feel are appealing. (2) Try to think of just one or two sentences you could say that would prompt some comment by the householder on one subject. (3) Put a mark in your Bible at a text dealing with the Kingdom message and that you feel you can tie in with that subject in some way. You may get a chance to read it if you get a favorable response. (4) Finally, look over the three new booklets we use to start studies. Note something you can refer to in a booklet if you get a listening ear. Now, you are better prepared, not just to place magazines and booklets, but to take the first step toward building faith in the heart of a new disciple.

⁶ As you go from door to door, keep in mind starting studies. Many persons will show minimal response, so presentation of the magazines may be the extent of your effort. But when someone shows any inclination to converse, be ready to say something to stimulate further interest. If interest is limited, perhaps you can leave a brief Scriptural thought, making a note on your House-to-House Record to call again with the next issues. When you find a willing listener, try to start a study using one of the booklets and make definite arrangements to call back soon.

⁷ Magazine activity in this manner extends our objective beyond placements. The emphasis is on people and what we can do to help them. It would be a fine thing for the elders in each congregation to arrange for a magazine day each week, encouraging all to share.

⁸ It is our desire that sincere ones respond as those did long ago who came to learn of Jehovah’s marvelous acts: “Then they had faith in his word; they began to sing his praise.”—Ps. 106:12.

Your Service Meetings

WEEK STARTING APRIL 4

What Does Your Appreciation Move You to Do?

18 min: Song 38. Introductory comments on theme. Heartfelt talk on “Manifest Your Appreciation.” Encourage all to think about ways to increase showing their appreciation to God. Invite pioneers to express themselves about reasons prompting them to take up pioneer service. Give suggestions on how to organize personally to be a pioneer.

10 min: Memorial—Reminding Us of a Cause for Gratitude. Talk with some audience participation. Focus on our reason to be grateful for Christ’s sacrifice, which makes eternal life possible. (Rev. 7:9, 10; Eph. 1:7) From Watchtower of February 1, 1976, pp. 72-76, cover highlights under “Who are invited?, “What should be done if there is an emergency?” and “How is the meeting conducted?”

20 min: “Using Magazines to Build Faith.” Questions and answers. Arrange for some brief and simple demonstrations using suggestions in paragraphs 5 and 6. Pick out talking points from April 15 Watchtower and, if available, April 22 Awake! Demonstrate what could be said to start conversations. Suggest a text that could be read and a short comment to introduce booklet. Stress magazine activity with a view to helping people.

12 min: Concluding Comments. Discuss Branch Letter. Song 72.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 11

(Memorial on April 14. It is up to the body of elders to decide if a service meeting is to be held and, if so, they may prepare it locally.)

WEEK STARTING APRIL 18

13 min: Song 80. Introduction. Our Success in Starting Studies. We have been using new booklets for more than three months. What response have we gotten in our territory? Include local experiences showing how booklets have been used to create interest and start studies. Encourage all to continue carrying and using them to develop interest.

18 min: “Presenting the Good News—Using Expiration Slips Effectively.” Discuss article, inviting audience to comment on how suggestions can be applied locally. Include some brief demonstrations showing simplicity of return visit. Put emphasis on starting studies.

15 min: “How Crime and Violence Will Be Stopped.” Enthusiastic talk on tract work for May 1-10. Before this part, distribute a copy to each one in audience. Outline what can be done locally to ensure good coverage of territory and distribution of all tract supplies. Discuss how service arrangements can be expanded and what can be done to assist new ones to share. Mention that if outstanding interest is found, time should be taken to offer a Scriptural thought and keep record for return visit.

14 min: Concluding Comments. Comment on the Announcement concerning persons who do not want our literature, also item about use of mailboxes. Ask audience to review chapter 5 in Truth book for next week. Accounts report. Theocratic News. Encourage all to pick up supplies of Kingdom News. Song 102.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 25

‘We Ought to Be Teachers in View of the Time.’ (Heb. 5:12)

10 min: Song 54. Introduction on theme. Following baptism, early Christians continued to learn. Many became able to teach God’s Word, but some did not make that progress. (Heb. 5:12-14) In recent years many have been baptized, so is not surprising there is room for improvement in being teachers. But some long baptized need to be teachers, too. Are you a teacher?

15 min: Teaching and Making Disciples. Discussion based on Aid, page 1579, par. 5, through 1580, par. 3. Qualified men in congregations have heavy responsibility of being teachers. (1 Cor. 12:28; 1 Tim. 3:2; Jas. 3:1) But all Christians are to be teachers when making disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Developing ability to teach is a fine objective for each of us. (Heb. 5:12–6:2) Requires desire to teach and effort to learn what and how to teach. Are you applying yourself?

20 min: Become a Better Teacher of God’s Word. Audience participation; based on Truth book, chapter 5. Audience should review that. In teaching we can use fine material in publications. Do we learn their contents so we can employ their reasoning and key texts even when we do not have publications available? Two or three brothers come to platform, taking part of interested persons; ask chairman realistic questions (not trick ones) on subject—can paraphrase questions 7, 13, 20, 27. Phrase the questions in a way that a non-Witness would. Chairman invites audience to present texts and reasoning in answer, without opening Truth book.

To teach well we need to know what the Bible says and how we can reply when confronted with questions. Do we try to remember key texts and lines of reasoning? Urge placing Truth book in May after tract distribution. Use it as a tool in teaching others. Chairman might give brief presentation.

15 min: Concluding Remarks. Reviewing plans for tract distribution (May 1-10), encourage all to share, including new ones. Cover territory thoroughly, starting with areas not covered with last tract. Continue distribution until supply is exhausted or territory is covered; adjacent congregations may be able to help. Short observations on tract’s contents. Comment on Question Box. Song 60.

Announcements

◆ Literature offer for April: Watchtower subscription, with three booklets, for $1.50, or subscriptions for both magazines, with six booklets, for $3.00. If subscription offer is not accepted, we can offer two magazines and the three new booklets for 25c. May: Truth book for 25c. June: The New World Translation (bi12) along with “Eternal Purpose” book, for $1.25.

◆ New Publications Available:

God’s “Eternal Purpose” Now Triumphing for Man’s Good—Danish, Dutch

God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached—Norwegian

◆ Available Again in U.S.A.:

“Look! I Am Making All Things New”—Armenian

◆ Occasionally some householders object when literature, such as a magazine or a tract, is left under the door. Some specifically request that nothing be left at their home. We should try to comply with that. A dated note can be put in the territory envelope showing name of householder who made the request and advising publishers visiting there to avoid leaving anything under the door at that home when the householder is not contacted. If householder moves, note may be destroyed.

◆ Please remember that no literature of any kind should be left in mailboxes since postal regulations prohibit that. However, open-ended mail slots may be used.

January Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 680 147.9 57.3 5.1 132.0

Pios. 17,995 96.2 37.1 3.0 91.8

Temp. Pios. 5,704 78.8 24.0 1.4 76.8

Pubs. 525,028 8.8 4.0 .4 12.4

TOTAL 549,407

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,526

UNITED STATES GOAL FOR 1976

588,242 Publishers

How Did We Do in January?

Response to release of the new booklets was outstanding! Our report reflects that we put them to good use immediately, distributing 1,355,777 during January! Very fine indeed! This shows that we appreciate new instruments that will help us to teach the good news more effectively. More importantly, the zealous distribution confirms our genuine desire to assist other people to gain the marvelous blessings to which these booklets point in God’s Word. Many have already reported excellent results in starting new studies, which shows that we have been applying the suggestions given for their use. Let us continue to carry them regularly, being alert to any opportunity to start a study, enabling more sincere persons to learn about Jehovah’s purpose.

Assembly Sites

The district assembly tentatively scheduled for Pontiac, Michigan, has been replaced by one in Detroit, Michigan, on June 23-26. The circuits affected by this, according to the list in the March issue of Our Kingdom Service, are noted below along with indication of the closest assembly:

June 17-20, Kalamazoo, Mich.: Ind. ^1⁄4 7; Mich. ^2⁄3 3, 9.

June 23-26 (Wednesday through Saturday), Detroit, Mich.: Ind. ^1⁄4 7; Mich. 1, 2, ^1⁄3 3, 5, ^2⁄3 6, 8, 10, 11, 12; Ohio ^2⁄3 5.

June 24-27, Kalamazoo, Mich.: Mich. 4-A, ^1⁄3 6, 13.

Also, the Laurel, Maryland, district assemblies are now definite.

How Crime and Violence Will Be Stopped

¹ Does that title spark your interest? What law-abiding person is not interested in hearing about it? Kingdom News No. 22 will present the Bible’s guaranteed promise of relief. Upward of fifty million tracts are being printed and its distribution has been set for May 1-10. Plan now to share in efforts to give your congregation’s territory thorough coverage.

² Six tracts have been distributed since September of 1973. Have they successfully called attention to the Kingdom message, prompting sincere people to act? Judge for yourself. The Society has so far received 26,240 requests for literature sent in by individuals who received the tracts, maybe from some persons with whom you left tracts. Additionally, 3,042 persons specifically asked for a Bible study. Also, many congregations reported numerous requests and inquiries received locally from persons showing interest. Arrangements for distribution have intensified our own efforts to do more, most congregations reporting new peaks during each tract campaign. No doubt about it; the impact has been great!

³ Kingdom News No. 22 will be different. Yes, a different subject. But it will also have a different appearance. It will be the size of a four-page booklet. You will find it convenient to carry, to hand out and to slip under the doors. It will be necessary to separate and fold every other one before distribution. However, there will be no need to stamp them.

⁴ How can we prepare in advance to ensure the best results? New ones may find this to be a fine opportunity to share for the first time in house-to-house activity. Encouragement and assistance by experienced publishers will add measurably to their confidence. Parents may want to plan extra arrangements for family participation, especially for the younger ones. Book study conductors can discuss it with their groups, perhaps arranging additional meetings for service for those who are able to share during the week. Brothers assigned to care for territory should see that adequate territory is available, concentrating first on territory not covered in the last tract distribution. Elders may contact neighboring congregations about assistance in covering territory and making sure that tract supplies are distributed.

⁵ In making your plans, keep uppermost in mind that the purpose behind this work is to help people. We want to cover territory, but, more importantly, we want to help any who show interest. Where circumstances permit, try to speak personally to each householder. If offering the tract prompts a listening ear, why not be ready to point out a Bible text that ties in with the tract’s message? Psalm 37:10, 11 might be effective. You can also carry copies of the new booklets and the magazines. Be sure to take written note of any good response and call back.

⁶ The Society is very much interested in the results accomplished by tract distribution. We will be pleased to receive any outstanding experiences showing response in your territory. We can be confident of Jehovah’s blessing as we use this as still another means to keep “bringing good news of something better” to the attention of sincere people who are seeking hope for a happy future.—Isa. 52:7.

Presenting the Good News—Using Expiration Slips Effectively

¹ Our heartfelt desire is to help persons to learn the truth and become disciples of Jesus. Accordingly, we spend much time in the service looking for persons who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life.” (Acts 13:48) An expiration slip is an excellent aid in finding and helping such persons. Why is that so?

² Because an expiration slip can lead you to someone who has been regularly receiving publications that are of interest to individuals who may be inclined to become true Christians. But how will you use such a slip if you receive one from the Bible study overseer?

³ The former subscriber may simply have forgotten to renew the subscription. Yet it is also possible that interest may have waned a bit or become crowded out by the cares of life. Hence, as a step toward making disciples, we should try to rekindle or increase that person’s interest in the good news.

⁴ When calling back with an expiration slip, many have found it helpful to mention right away something like, “I am connected with the Awake! [or the Watchtower] magazine; from time to time we make brief visits on persons who have received and enjoyed this fine publication.” The householder thus can know that your visit is not unusual and that you are not there solely to renew the subscription.

⁵ After introducing yourself, how can you stimulate interest in the good news? It will help to have in mind an interesting subject found in one of the current magazines. You can bring up that topic and perhaps tie in an appropriate text. Here is an example with the special Watchtower of April 15: You could mention that, while human experts have often shed light on some fact, 2 Timothy 1:10 shows that Jesus is the one who has shed light on life itself; through him eternal life is possible. (Acts 4:12) Next, you might mention that the April 15 special issue deals with this matter; you are bringing it so the householder will not miss it, since his subscription has expired. Offer to provide free assistance in gaining the knowledge that can lead to eternal life, and explain that you will be happy to renew the subscription.

⁶ Depending on the householder’s time, interest and how the discussion has been going, you may be able to demonstrate briefly the Bible study arrangement, using one of the new booklets.

⁷ Underscoring the fact that expiration slips can be a real aid toward making disciples is the experience of one pioneer. On what he planned to be his last call for the day, he contacted a former subscriber at about 1 p.m. What happened? Listen: “That call stretched to 3 p.m. The woman we called on not only renewed her subscription for Awake!, but also then subscribed for eighteen other persons—family members and friends.” And this brother feels that on his next visit he will be able to establish a Bible study.

⁸ Yes, subscription expiration slips are a valuable aid toward finding interested persons and making disciples. If you have any expiration slips in your witnessing bag, use them during April in your disciple-making work.

Theocratic News

◆ There was a concerted effort to publicize the Malawi persecution. Newspapers, radio and TV stations were contacted. By February 1, over 1,000 newspaper stories about Malawi had appeared in the U.S.A., with over 12,000 column inches of space devoted to it. At least 430 radio stations covered the story. There have been about 100 radio and TV interviews. The response from the listening public has been outstanding. Many persons contacted the stations for more information as to what they could do to help.

Numerous individuals were moved to write to officials who they felt might be able to help. A Harvard University scientist wrote the World Council of Churches. Other persons wrote to various Presbyterian churches or church bodies. As a result, that Church’s headquarters sent a letter to all Presbyterian pastors disclaiming any “direct organizational relationship with the Church in Malawi.” A U.S. Senator entered two long newspaper articles about the Malawi persecution in the U.S. Congressional Record.

Latest reports from Malawi indicate that the persecution continues.

Question Box

● Is it advisable for someone to hold a territory permanently?

For various reasons, individuals may find that covering a certain territory best suits their circumstances. For example, some who lack transportation find it convenient to have territory near home. Or, someone with physical limitations may prefer territory where there are few stairs to climb. It is good when territories can be made available to help such publishers to maintain a regular share in the preaching work.

Yet, where practical, there are advantages when they turn in a territory assignment after covering it a few times. This allows others in similar circumstances to visit that territory. Also, it is often beneficial to have different publishers make calls in a territory, recognizing that people respond to various personalities. A publisher of a different age, with another approach, or who calls at a different time of day, may have greater success in reaching certain persons. Allowing a variety of publishers to cover a territory may result in what we all desire—an effective witness to everyone. The field overseer can coordinate matters to accomplish this.

If someone feels that circumstances recommend his holding on to a certain territory assignment, then it may be that periodically others can be invited to share along with him in covering it. The book study conductor may be able to help by arranging occasional group witnessing. When others are able to develop interest or start studies, they may want to continue calling. Or such calls may be turned over if the publisher holding the territory assignment is in the best position to follow up the interest effectively.

The determining factor is: What will be in the best interest of the people in the territory? We want to care for the territory in a way that will result in the greatest assistance for all sheeplike ones.