September

Meetings for Field Service

SEPTEMBER 3-9

Using the Brochure

1. For whom is the brochure particularly appropriate? Why?

2. Review highlights of pages 26-32. What questions might be of particular interest to people in your area?

3. How would you use the brochure in making return visits?

SEPTEMBER 10-16

Showing Neighbor Love

1. Why is showing neighbor love so important? (Mark 12:30, 31; Matt. 22:37, 39)

2. How can the tract information help our neighbors?

3. What opportunities do we have to show neighbor love?

SEPTEMBER 17-23

Help One Another

1. When and how do you encourage others to share in field service?

2. How do you help others to speak at the doors?

3. Why is it important to share in field service? (1 Tim. 4:16)

SEPTEMBER 24-30

Assist Our Youths

1. How can mature publishers encourage and assist younger publishers in field service?

2. What are some ways that older youths might help younger publishers to prepare for service?

3. What Scriptural subjects do youths enjoy discussing with householders at the doors?

“What Has Happened to Love?”

¹ ‘I like my privacy and have never encouraged visitors to drop in unannounced,’ wrote one successful businesswoman, who added: ‘One evening about 7:30, there was a knock on my door. It was a widow who lives on my floor. She was lonely and asked if she could come in and visit for a while. I politely but bluntly told her I was busy. She apologized and left. I felt quite proud of myself for not getting trapped by such a bore. The next evening a friend telephoned and asked if I knew the woman in my building who had committed suicide the night before. If you have not already guessed, she was the woman who knocked on my door!’

² How tragic! The attitude of this woman, whose letter was published in many newspapers, is typical of those in a world where love has grown as cold as ice. Very few want to burden themselves by reaching out and showing love to others. Yet what a vivid contrast this should be with us! We want to help others. What an opportunity we have to prove that our love has not grown cold toward people by distributing the tract “What Has Happened to Love?” People need to know that there are still persons with genuine love.

³ Millions of people feel lost, afraid and miserable. Young people often feel bitter, unwanted, not knowing what to do with their lives. Frustrated, unhappy married persons turn to divorce for relief. Loneliness has become a prison for many. This is all very sad and our hearts go out to so many people who do not know how to find happiness. (Matt. 9:36) But, happily, we can do something to help by showing these people what is missing in their lives: love for Jehovah, and love for neighbor.

⁴ As you go from house to house during September, try to talk with people from the Bible, perhaps discussing with them one of the Scripture references on page 3 of the tract. Endeavor to start a Bible study on the initial call. If circumstances are not right to start a study then, offer the brochure and two magazines for 25c. However, use your good judgment for we want the householders to know we are there because we love them and want to help them—not just to place literature. If no one is at home, leave the tract out of sight. (It is illegal to put items in the mailbox.—See Our Kingdom Service, April 1976, Announcements, page 2.) A territory can be reported as worked when we cover it with tracts.

⁵ Aside from a full share in the house-to-house distribution of the tract, each of us can take advantage of his own special territory assignment—those people we already know. Remember, our schoolmates, workmates, neighbors, friends and relatives may miss receiving a tract at their doors, so offer them one. It is clear that if we are to have results, we need to be prepared and alert to our opportunities. Have in mind what you want to say and use the tracts effectively.

⁶ Young and old, new and experienced, yes, all of us want to show that we will reach out to help others. We will also do what we can to help the incapacitated ones to share in this work. (8/79 km) As the world grows even colder in its love, let us grow warmer and more intense in our love. As we fulfill our desire to help one another we will have happiness and satisfaction, inciting others to serve Jehovah. May our work with the tract have Jehovah’s rich blessing.—Rev. 22:17.

Help One Another to Serve Regularly

¹ Regular field activity is a sign of spiritual strength. However, when one is ill plans get frustrated, things no longer get done and help is needed.

² Jehovah is a superb example of being regular in all his activities. He provides for our spiritual and material needs regularly. (Rev. 22:2; Matt. 6:11) Our very existence depends on the regularity found in his creation, and even though we are undeserving, he does not forget us but is constant in his love toward us.—Jas. 1:17.

³ We certainly appreciate the benefits from such regular service from Jehovah, do we not? Such appreciation will move us to respond in like manner by making room in our busy lives to serve him regularly, not letting a month go by without in some way sharing in preaching the good news and in reporting it.

⁴ There is need, too, for us to help one another to be regular in the service, for reports show that last year some 37,000 in the U.S., or about five per congregation on the average, allowed their field service to become first irregular and finally inactive. If there are any in your congregation, do you know who they are? But, more importantly, what can be done to help them? First of all, elders can take the lead in calling on them, possibly taking along some ministerial servants who could effectively follow up with loving assistance. Individually, though, we also have a responsibility toward such ones who are “related to us in the faith.” (Gal. 6:10) So, we encourage you to offer to call on some of them after checking with elders.

⁵ Often, what is needed is simply for us to take a personal interest in them and offer to take them with us in field service, perhaps accompanying us in making return visits or on a Bible study. This in itself may serve to rekindle their joy and the love they once had for the field service. For some, it may be helpful to strengthen their appreciation for spiritual things. This can be done by our sharing with them some particularly appealing material in the publications, or some interesting Scriptural points learned at the circuit or district assemblies, or some encouraging experiences heard at the Kingdom Hall or elsewhere. This may encourage them to attend meetings regularly, and, in turn, they can be assisted to share in field service.

⁶ When we put forth the effort to serve regularly ourselves, “always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord,” our faith will be “steadfast” and “unmovable.” We will then be able to help others who may have become irregular or inactive. We can be assured that our “labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord.”—1 Cor. 15:58.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 2

Theme: Showing Love for Neighbor.

10 min: Song 61 and Announcements on page 3.

25 min: “What Has Happened to Love?” Lively audience discussion. Last 10 minutes of part, publishers will relate experiences they have enjoyed when distributing the current tract or a previous one.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News—With the Tract and Brochure.” Briefly discuss and demonstrate each approach. After each presentation, analyze it with the audience. Invite all to share as fully as circumstances permit, distributing the tract, brochure and magazines.

5 min: Song 15 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 9

Theme: Strengthen Faith—Serve Regularly.

15 min: Song 78. General announcements. Brief comments on theme. Discuss Question Box with audience.

20 min: Building to Jehovah’s Glory.—1 Chron. 29:9-13.

(10 min.) Talk covering highlights of article “Building to Jehovah’s Glory” in May 1, 1979, Watchtower. Emphasize that all things should be used to honor Jehovah since they belong to him. (1 Chron. 29:11) Under subheading “Building for the Future,” briefly review history of expansion of organization world wide. In considering “Building with a Purpose,” highlight reason for expansion of facilities.

(10 min.) Discussion with audience on part we individually can play in building to Jehovah’s glory. Cover following points:

1. Honor Jehovah with our valuable things, such as time, energy, material things, and so forth.—Prov. 3:9.

2. As in David’s day, support by individuals shows appreciation of Jehovah’s blessing.—1 Chron. 29:13.

3. Voluntary contributions from the heart are encouraged.—2 Cor. 8:12; 9:7.

Privilege of contributing to local congregation.

Privilege of contributing directly to the Society individually or as a congregation.

4. Contributions indicate our love for Jehovah and he blesses those who contribute voluntarily.—1 Chron. 29:14-17; Mal. 3:10.

20 min: “Help One Another to Serve Regularly.” Stimulating talk based on article. Emphasize need to keep personally strong by serving regularly; also to assist others who need some help. In considering paragraph 5, include demonstration of experienced publisher calling on one who has not recently associated. Start with discussion of 2 Peter 1:5-8 and share points learned from talk “Neither Inactive nor Unfruitful,” Saturday afternoon of “Living Hope” District Convention. Select a few of the qualities mentioned in verses and bring in appropriate points remembered from talk. For example, on FAITH: Loss of faith can begin with “clean” association with nice neighbors, workmates, and so forth, or by being so wrapped up in daily concerns for life that one thinks about God less and less. Each day must give thought to fact that God exists and not let busy schedule crowd out prayers and Bible reading. On SELF-CONTROL: May need self-control in things not wrong in themselves—when to turn off TV or leave friend’s house. Getting more rest may help enjoy service and meetings more. For God’s spirit to help us, must learn to say “No” when faced with temptation. It is love of God and neighbor that motivates us to action and fruitfulness, but need to deepen love so it not only exists, but “overflows,” making works not forced, but spontaneous from heart. After discussion, tactfully invite and arrange to go to Kingdom Hall together on Sunday. Chairman concludes part by considering 1 Corinthians 15:58.

5 min: Song 92 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 16

Theme: Ready to Tell Our Hope.—1 Pet. 3:15.

12 min: Song 54. “Our Circuit Assemblies—Spiritual Feasts to Strengthen All of Us.” Talk and audience discussion.

Brothers assigned to handle the following two parts will coordinate their development in handling the material. These two parts blend together.

13 min: “Helping One Another (Part III): To Speak at the Doors.” Audience discussion.

25 min: Prepare to Speak.

(4 min.) Chairman briefly reviews benefits of arrangement for giving assistance. To aid those who have mutually agreed to work together for awhile, the following demonstrations may be of help: (1) preparing together, and (2) working together in the field.

(10 min.) Preparing together. Two sisters meet to prepare together the first presentation under Presenting the Good News. Throughout preparation they apply points in paragraph 4.

(2 min.) Chairman invites audience to comment on what they can use from what was demonstrated.

(6 min.) Working together in the field. Demonstrate a realistic application of points in paragraphs 5 and 6. At the door, both sisters speak but with experienced publisher carrying most of discussion, including the presentation of brochure and magazine offer, which is not accepted. Call ends with publisher encouraging householder to further consider information in tract. On way to next door, publishers discuss the call and what might be done at the next door for improvement.

(3 min.) Tract distribution provides opportunity to prepare together and work together in the field. Encourage those who desire assistance to make it known to their study conductor, and invite publishers to volunteer to help others. Working together as companions in service will prove to be mutually upbuilding and beneficial.

10 min: Expressions from publishers who have benefited from working with others in the past. Song 59 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 23

Theme: Serve Jehovah Joyfully.

10 min: Song 63 and local announcements.

15 min: Talk by elder on “Youth’s Place in the Christian Society,” based on April 1, 1979, Watchtower. Highlight opportunities available to youth for praising Jehovah. Cover also main points in second study article showing dangers set before youth by demon-controlled system. Discuss why and how they can be avoided. Encourage youth to stick close to Jehovah’s organization and enjoy blessings of Kingdom service.

15 min: Youths Serve with Joy in the Field. Discussion with group of young publishers who are good examples. Chairman can open by commending youths for what they are and what they can do in praising Jehovah. Discuss opportunities to share in house-to-house work and draw out comments. During discussion some could express feelings they might have, such as: (1) Not always easy to talk with older people. (2) Same is true when classmates answer the door. (3) Feel they are not qualified to answer questions from householder. Chairman discusses points with youths and draws out comments on these helpful suggestions: Need to develop proper mental attitude (2 Tim. 2:22); determine points a youth could develop with an adult; how young publishers could approach youths who answer the door; advantages of working with older publishers at times as well as with other youths; how older youths can help younger ones prepare for field service. Conclude by encouraging youths and older ones to share joyfully in telling out the good news.—Rom. 10:10.

15 min: “How Are You Using What You Learned This Month?” Brother assigned this part will discuss with publishers in advance how they have benefited from the following: (1) Assisting inactive ones to see why we should be regular in service. (2) Helping one another to speak effectively at the doors. (3) Reporting field service.

5 min: Song 109 and prayer.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Is This Life All There Is?:

September 2: Pages 78 to 85*

September 9: Pages 85 to 91*

September 16: Pages 91 to 98*

September 23: Pages 98 to 103*

September 30: Pages 103 to 110*

* To subheading or chapter heading.

Announcements

● Literature offer for September: Tract along with Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century (revised brochure) and two magazines for 25c. Single brochure, 10c. (Each brochure placement is to be reported as a booklet.) October: Awake! subscription for one year for $2.50 with Man’s Salvation, Know Jehovah or Paradise Lost as a free gift. Man’s Salvation may be ordered from Brooklyn. November: Three books for $1.00. Use the following: Holy Spirit, Great Teacher, This Life, or World Government books. Congregations should place orders now for what they may need. December: New World Translation and new book Choosing the Best Way of Life for $2.50.

● Details will be announced next month regarding credit that may be requested by congregations for books used in the October and November campaigns.

● Congregation accounts should be audited on September 1, or as soon as possible thereafter, by the presiding overseer or someone he appoints.

● New Publications Available:

Choosing the Best Way of Life (bw)—English, Spanish

Commentary on the Letter of James (cj)—English, Spanish

My Book of Bible Stories—Chinese, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish

Bible Topics for Discussion—Chichewa, Danish, Ibo, Italian, Portuguese, Twi

Study Questions for the book Is This Life All There Is?—Spanish

● At times mail addressed to the Kingdom Hall is returned to the Society or to others who write. It is marked as being undeliverable for various reasons, usually because there is no mailbox for receiving mail. We recommend that at the next elders’ meeting the presiding overseer discuss with the body of elders how this can be remedied. If there is a problem at the local post office, this can be discussed with an official at the post office in an effort to clear it up.

Part 3—Helping One Another—To Speak at the Doors

¹ Jesus said: “Everyone that is perfectly instructed will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40) The majority of his disciples were just ordinary people like us. By going with Jesus, listening to him and watching his methods of teaching, they were soon ready to be sent out by twos to preach the good news to their neighbors. They took to heart the command to “make disciples . . . baptizing them . . . teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matt. 28:19, 20.

² As disciples of Jesus today, we are under obligation to preach the good news and “make disciples.” That Jehovah’s blessing is obviously upon our preaching at the doors of our neighbors, as it was in the first century, is shown each month by the number baptized. These persons in turn take up the disciple-making work, and thus, the number preaching has increased.

³ Many of us today, as in Jesus’ day, need assistance in order to become disciple-makers. In various congregations provisions exist to aid us to be better teachers. The last two issues of Our Kingdom Service discussed arrangements for experienced publishers to lend a helping hand. When you volunteer to assist another or another offers to assist you to speak at the doors, what can be done?

⁴ Two things are recommended: (1) preparing together, and (2) working together in field service. In preparing together as companions in service, spend some time discussing suggested presentations from Our Kingdom Service. Discuss what can be used as introductory remarks, how to get into the presentation, into the Bible, into the literature offer, as well as concluding the call and starting a study where possible. After getting the points in mind, take turns being the publisher and then the householder. These practice sessions will do much to help you to speak with confidence at the door. As Jesus had the truth, so we have it, too, and it is what other people need to gain life under Kingdom rule.

⁵ On your way to the territory, by reviewing with each other the points you want to use, you will have them fresh in mind when you get to the first door and you will be off to a good start. You can decide if the one with more experience takes the first door or two. Or, after the introduction, both might share in reading scriptures and commenting. As you work together, discuss how your presentations might be improved. Be encouraging and supportive to each other as companions in the service.

⁶ Working together will result in learning practical things you can apply at the door. You will see the need to be friendly, natural and conversational; how you can use questions to stimulate interest and to determine how the householder is thinking; how to be adaptable; the need to listen to the householder. You will see how the presentation can easily lead into placing the offer and starting a Bible study where possible.

⁷ You will also learn how to handle indifference, even opposition, at the door. Many will not listen, but we do not get upset. We are looking for sheeplike ones. (John 10:4) Calmly we go to the next door, realizing our work is also a dividing work. We learn confidently to go ahead in Jehovah’s strength, knowing it is his work and that he will bless our efforts.

⁸ Many of us desire assistance so that we can speak effectively to people at the doors. On the other hand, many of us have the experience to give needed assistance. As Paul counseled: “Let each of us please his neighbor in what is good for his upbuilding.”—Rom. 15:2.

Our Circuit Assemblies—Spiritual Feasts to Strengthen All of Us

¹ Beginning with September, a new series of circuit assemblies will begin throughout the United States. But before we discuss what is ahead, let us pause and reflect on the circuit assembly program just concluded. Did you get to attend that spiritual feast? We certainly hope so. Most brothers did and many wrote to the Society to express their appreciation for the fine program that served to strengthen us all.

² Most who wrote the Society commented on the direct way in which the program helped us all to recognize the dangers of Satan’s unclean world so as to maintain a clean congregation. One district overseer wrote: “The majority of the brothers by far seem to appreciate and respond when the program ‘tells it like it is.’” Another brother wrote about a young brother in his congregation who had questionable associations: “He felt the whole program was directed at him. He said he had some changes to make.” This brother also wrote: “I believe this assembly has had a greater impact than any in many years.”

³ But now what does the future hold? Well, beginning this month the new program starts, with its theme, “Proving Ourselves Fruitful Disciples.” One part of the program will deal with building with fire-resistant materials and how this can help us produce fruitage. Are we building fire-resistant qualities into new disciples? What are these fire-resistant qualities? Are we really reaching hearts by the art of teaching? And what are some of the fiery tests that affect Christians today?

⁴ The new program will also help us in our daily lives as Christians. Have you considered how one could become involved with “Babylon’s” bad fruitage in one’s secular work? What are some ways our Christian brothers and sisters have avoided “Babylon’s” unclean things at their places of employment? And, just what is the basis for all of us to progress in bearing Christian fruitage? We are sure you will enjoy hearing how these and other timely questions will be answered on the new circuit assembly program. Truly it is a faith-strengthening program. Be sure to include it on your schedule of upcoming theocratic activities.

Presenting the Good News—With the Tract and Brochure

¹ In the world of mankind, young and old admit often and freely that there is a great need for love. Haven’t you found that to be so in your field activity? How sad it is that people are not aware of how or where to find the love they need! And what a marvelous opportunity Jehovah is giving us to show millions, by our combined efforts world wide, ‘What Has Happened to Love’! Who could not be excited about participating in this effort?

² Although you may feel free to use any presentation that appeals to you and that is suitable to your personality and makeup, here are some suggestions. Those with experience might say: “This morning (afternoon) I’m visiting my neighbors to discuss a vital need in our community. Note the question that is the title of this tract. [Give householder tract as you read title.] If more love were shown in our community it would be a far more enjoyable place to live, wouldn’t it? [Allow for comment.] How enjoyable life would be if these circumstances were eliminated! [Point to illustration on page 2.] Note the words of our Lord Jesus, quoted from Matthew 24:12, here on page 3. He stated that part of the sign of our living in the last days would be that ‘the love of the greater number would cool off.’ Is it possible that we are seeing this in our lifetime?” (Allow for comment.)

³ If circumstances allow you to continue, open your Bible to 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and discuss appropriate points with the householder. Start a Bible study where possible.

⁴ Likely you will have many opportunities to place the brochure and two magazines. You might say: “Many people have asked questions about Jehovah’s Witnesses, wanting to know something about their beliefs and activities, which include my coming to your home today. In this brochure [in showing cover, read title, then turn to pages 26-27] you have a summary of ‘Questions often asked by interested persons.’ This is your copy with two magazines for only 25c.”

⁵ For you who are newer in field service, you may wish to say: “I recently became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses because of looking for an improved quality of life, a fellowship where love exists world wide regardless of race or nationality. Please allow me to give you this printed message as a gift. [Give tract.] While you may have your own religion, you will find some scriptures in here that I am sure you will enjoy reading.”

⁶ If you are young in years, you might find it easy to say: “I’m being trained by my parents to show concern for other people. One of the ways I can do this is to visit my neighbors with an encouraging message from the Bible. Here is your free copy.” (Give tract.) Where interest is shown and your parents (or others) are at the door with you, they may wish to assist you to develop the interest.

⁷ What can we do to stimulate interest where a tract was left at a not-at-home? Return where possible. You could say: “I was by your home [state about when] to leave you a copy of this free tract. In the event you did not receive it, I brought you another.” (Hand to householder and proceed with one of the above presentations.)

⁸ Distribution of tracts has introduced the truth to thousands of people, many of whom will be sharing this tract with others. By sharing as fully as our circumstances permit, thousands more will be helped to learn of Jehovah’s great love for mankind.

June Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 678 123.9 100.8 41.1 4.2

Pios. 13,893 80.2 63.4 30.6 3.4

Aux. Pios. 14,918 58.1 45.1 17.8 1.5

Pubs. 487,474 8.4 9.2 3.6 .4

TOTAL 516,963

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,642

Topic for Conversation

Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.—Matt. 22:39.

Question Box

● What benefit is there in reporting our field service?

A “good report” is said to have the same uplifting and refreshing effect as cold water on a tired soul. (Prov. 25:25) For example, how encouraging it was for us to read in the July Our Kingdom Service that we had an all-time peak of 51,008 auxiliary pioneers in April and that over one million more hours were spent in field service that month than a year ago! Such thrilling reports certainly bring us great joy and refreshment!

An accurate and complete report from us also enables the Society to plan its activities properly, especially in estimating and anticipating the amount of literature we need in our Kingdom-witnessing and disciple-making work. Also, such reports are used to identify places where there may be a greater need, so that assistance can be directed to such areas to further spread the Kingdom good news.—Mark 13:10.

But, what is it that makes possible such encouraging and helpful reports? It is basically the conscientious effort of each Kingdom publisher in turning in reports regularly each month that enables the branch office to compile and publish composite reports for the encouragement of all. So, while it may be a small thing in itself, our reporting regularly can be viewed as one of the things we can personally do to build up and encourage our brothers world wide. Is that not worthy of our concern and effort? Hence, report regularly yourself and also help others to do so. Book study conductors and the service overseer particularly can take the lead in doing this. Such helpful reminders should be given and accepted in the spirit of love. May we have concern for one another with a view to making a good report.—1 Cor. 10:24.