August

Branch Letter

Dear Brothers:

No doubt all of you are concerned about whether there are any of our brothers and sisters among the more than 115,000 Cubans who have recently arrived in the United States as refugees. Yes, about 3,000 of our brothers and sisters were taken to the different camps in this country and they are being processed by the immigration authorities. More than 1,000 of our brothers were among the many thousands transported to Miami, Florida, where the Orange Bowl football stadium was used as a temporary site for the refugees. The rest are distributed in other camps set up by the government. Efforts are now underway to register and settle our brothers.

The Society immediately sent some funds to be used to aid the brothers. Additional contributions have been provided to benefit them. Congregations from Tampa to the Florida Keys have contributed some 15 tons of clothing and more than two tons of food have been donated locally in the Miami area. Our brothers from Cuba are in good spirits and are using every opportunity to spread the good news among others in the camps. Reports tell us that their conduct has been exemplary. Many have suffered much persecution in Cuba, but they are of good courage and are determined to continue walking in their integrity.

We are saddened to report at this time that five members of the Bethel family, and a few others in the New York city area have recently been disfellowshiped. There has been some apostasy against the organization and the promoting of sectarian divisions in some of the congregations of God’s people. (Titus 3:9-11) Living as we are in times difficult to deal with, it should not be surprising that such things occur. The first-century congregation also experienced deviations as we well know from our reading of the Holy Scriptures.—1 Tim. 1:20; 4:1; 2 Tim. 2:17, 18; 1 Cor. 15:12, 13; Acts 20:29, 30.

It is our hope that such ones will come to their senses, repent, and return to Jehovah’s organization which would be to their everlasting benefit.

To conclude, we hope all of you who may have already attended the “Divine Love” District Convention have enjoyed it to the full, and that those of you who will yet attend will find it spiritually stimulating and upbuilding.

Your brothers,

GOVERNING BODY OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Working What Is Good Toward All

¹ Jehovah’s Witnesses are known as hard workers. But we are not the only people who work. There are many who no doubt work just as hard as we do. When the long workday ends, many persons of the world may be just as tired as we are. A housewife may burn up as much energy during a morning’s shopping trip as a Witness does in a morning of field service. A family man tinkering with his car may exert himself as much as the brother who labors over his upcoming public talk. Even a long trek to the Kingdom Hall may not exceed in energy a family’s weekend drive to the country.

AVOID VAIN WORKS

² Yet our efforts in connection with pure worship are infinitely more valuable than any other work that could possibly be done. Why? Because we “work what is good.” (Gal. 6:10) The non-Christian may work himself into a state of exhaustion in efforts to benefit his fellowman. He may be motivated by noble ideas and goals, and yet often be “striking the air,” as it were. (1 Cor. 9:26) Whatever good he accomplishes may be short-lived. We, on the other hand, know that our deeds in Jehovah’s service are not in vain.—1 Cor. 15:58.

³ But how do we “work what is good”? A brief look at the context of Paul’s words to the Galatians is quite revealing. A number of Christians there, formerly holding to the Jewish faith, were laboring in vain. They had not fully accepted the undeserved kindness through Christ. Thus they still tried to prove themselves righteous by works of law. These Christian “Judaizers” promoted circumcision and holding to the Mosaic law’s dietary restrictions. Paul endeavored to show that such works of law are vain, and that salvation comes only through faith in Christ.—Gal. 2:16; 3:10-13.

⁴ The letter doubtless did much “good” in readjusting the Galatians. It encouraged Christians to “work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Gal. 6:10) Here Paul may have had in mind helping Christians to place their full faith and confidence in Christ, thus living according to the direction of God’s spirit. What work could have been more productive or satisfying?

⁵ Christians today also need encouragement from one another. We could miss the purpose of God’s undeserved kindness by thinking that salvation can come from following a particular rule of conduct. The pressures of this system of things could influence us to lower Christian standards of morality, or vainly strive for material security. All of the brothers are therefore to be commended for what they are doing on behalf of one another.

MEANINGFUL WORKS

⁶ A recent example of this is seen in the fine response of the brothers to the Society’s admonition to ‘Help One Another.’ Brothers have taken the initiative to invite “fatherless boys” to accompany them on Bible studies. Sisters have been helping other sisters who must endure difficult domestic situations and who are in need of encouragement. This is meaningful work! Much is being done to help our brothers ‘walk by spirit.’ True, this takes extra time and effort. It can be tiring. But it is worth it. Is it possible that you could do more toward helping “those related to us in the faith”?

⁷ Also, let us not forget those in our territories to whom we owe the ‘debt’ of sharing the good news. (Rom. 1:14, 15) Many people are working harder than ever before, just to make ends meet. Those without the good news need to know how to direct their efforts toward attaining salvation. Much literature has been printed by the Society to help them. If your congregation has a stock of older publications, would it not be wise to get these books into receptive hands where they can do much good? This month we will offer two of our older 50-cent publications. Why not arrange to help out in the field this weekend?

⁸ While we do not have a monopoly on hard work, it certainly is satisfying to realize that what we do accomplish can have such a lasting effect. Let us continue to work at “what is good” for the spiritual well-being of both our brothers and those of the world who have yet to taste of the true liberation that Christianity brings.—Gal. 5:1.

Working What Is Good Toward Younger Ones

¹ Jehovah has always been concerned about those who are oppressed. (Ps. 146:7-9) In ancient times he made special provisions to insure that even younger disadvantaged ones were cared for. His law to Israel made particular mention of the “fatherless boy.” (Ex. 22:22-24) While we are not under that ancient law today, does not the principle of that law place a responsibility on us as Christians?

² In some congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses, there are what we might call “fatherless” young ones. This could be because they have unbelieving parents. Other youths have believing parents who may need help in giving spiritual assistance to their children. It may be that the parents are quite new in the truth and not in a position to help their children effectively, as they would wish. With pressures of various sorts making increasing demands, some may have difficulty in scheduling sufficient time to study with their children or work with them in field service, and so forth. Other parents, although desirous of giving the needed assistance, find themselves in need of help in sounding down the truths from God’s Word into the minds and hearts of their children.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

³ A question that all in the congregation can give serious thought to is: “How can I provide help and encouragement that is needed?” Those having assignments on the meetings can include younger ones from time to time. Could a wider variety of young ones who are exemplary in the congregation be used on meeting parts? (Acts 16:1, 2) While some may not be as gifted as others in expressing themselves, granting occasional privileges will be encouraging to them as well as to others. It may take more time to help some, but this training, experience and attention will pay off in rich dividends as our conscientious youngsters grow in the truth.

⁴ Parents have the God-given responsibility of helping their own children. But does this mean that others cannot assist? Not at all! And this is especially true where some parents are having difficulty as already mentioned. Children who want additional help may be invited to join your family in study, field service and perhaps wholesome recreational pursuits. Does not the apostle’s encouragement to “widen out” apply in this regard?—2 Cor. 6:11-13.

⁵ Even those who are not parents can “widen out” in the affection they show to younger ones by spending time with them. Giving of themselves will help to encourage and strengthen younger ones.

⁶ You may be able to utilize opportunities available before and after meetings to talk to younger ones. This should be more than a “Hello” and “How are you?” One elder asked a small boy how he was, but before the child could answer, the elder turned to speak to an older brother he wanted to see. Later the little boy came up and asked the elder: “Do you really want to know how I am?” The elder confessed that he learned from this experience.

⁷ Younger ones respond more readily when they are known by name. Yes, they too are a part of the congregation and older ones should establish a rapport with those younger members. When the younger ones come to view you as their “friend” there is a more ready response to counsel and direction, is there not?

A LASTING IMPRESSION

⁸ Many of you can no doubt look back and vividly recall some small privilege given to you when you were quite young. It was encouraging and appreciated, was it not? What was it that impressed you? Was it a small part in a demonstration? Some kind word of counsel or commendation given by an older one? Perhaps a field service experience shared while working with an older brother or sister? By viewing all in the congregation as part of a large congregational “family,” there will be many benefits to young and old alike. As we endeavor to imitate Jehovah’s example in showing interest and affection to all of mankind, let us continue working what is good toward our younger ones.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 3

10 min: Song 82. Announcements and local announcements. Read with audience Galatians 6:7-10 and make brief comments regarding value of service meeting in helping us to do what is fine and work what is good. Introduce next part.

15 min: “Working What Is Good Toward All.” Animated talk and discussion with audience based on article. Mention books available for use in field service during August and discuss with audience several suggestions for presenting these books.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News—In Seldom-Worked Territory.” Discuss article with audience using appropriate questions. Apply locally by specifying what “seldom-worked territory” is available to the congregation. Business territory? Distant congregation territory? Affluent areas? Territory held by neighboring congregations? Tailor discussion to fit local circumstances and opportunities; outline definite plans for working seldom-worked territory during August and September.

10 min: Elder should present information on main points in letter from Governing Body.

10 min: Brief concluding comments based on 1 Corinthians 15:58. Point out how the service meeting tonight has given us much food for thought, stressing highlights. Encourage all, individually, and as family groups, to make personal arrangements for “working what is good.” Song 91 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 10

10 min: Song 11. Local announcements. Outline service meeting program to follow. Read with audience yeartext, Acts 4:29, and make brief comments leading into introduction of next part.

12 min: Discuss in positive manner congregation field service report for July. Commend appropriately. Mention number of publishers, number of new ones (if any), pioneers, auxiliary pioneers; number baptized at convention (if any), and other positive aspects of service report. Relate one or two encouraging experiences from the field during July. If possible, include experience showing application of something learned in past service meetings. Introduce next part.

20 min: “Following the Master’s Example.” Draw comments not only from article but from scriptures cited. Read scriptures as time permits.

13 min: How I Have Been Helped to “Work What Is Good” in Jehovah’s Service. As time permits interview publishers with personal experiences. Use variety: someone who has been helped to be effective in the field; one who has been helped to work what is good, making over own personality or overcoming personal problem; one who has been helped by elder or other brother and sister in personal study or personal organization for service; one who has been particularly helped by attending congregation meetings, and so forth. Be selective and use only pointed experiences.

5 min: Song 118 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 17

12 min: Song 63. Local announcements. Accounts report. Read with audience Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:1 and make brief comments as introduction to following part.

20 min: Question-and-answer discussion of article “Working What Is Good Toward Younger Ones.” Interview parents who have raised children in the truth or who are setting a good example in helping their younger children spiritually. Ask how they schedule time for study, service, relaxation and entertainment; what they have found to be effective in helping their children to cultivate right attitude toward secular schools, personal Bible study, field service, caring for assigned responsibilities around home, etc.

20 min: Youths’ Responsibility to “Work What Is Good.” Scriptural discussion with several youths of various ages on platform. Get well-thought-out comments from young ones showing recognition of youths’ own responsibility to work what is good. As time permits, use Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:1; Psalm 8:2; Ephesians 6:1-4; Hebrews 13:7, 17; Proverbs 27:11; 1 Timothy 4:12, and so forth. The one conducting this part may wish to select other appropriate scriptures.

8 min: Briefly discuss arrangements for field service for all to “work what is good.” Encourage young and old to share in field service together this week. Song 61 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 24

8 min: Song 48. Local announcements. Read with audience Psalm 27:4 and make appropriate comments leading into following part.

25 min: Looking Ahead to the New Service Year.

(5 min.) Talk. Reflecting on the service year just ending, it is appropriate to ask: “How much have I grown spiritually during the year? What was I able to accomplish?” Perhaps you set some personal goals by which to measure your spiritual progress. What were the results?

(15 min.) Interview publishers who made some noticeable progress during service year. Suggestions: Ones who started pioneering, shared in auxiliary pioneer service, started Bible study, progressed to baptism, enrolled in Theocratic School, started going from house to house, started commenting at meetings, improved meeting preparation, conducted regular family study, improved shepherding work (on part of elder), and so forth. Get comments from group on following points: Did you accomplish all you projected for yourself during the year? What obstacles got in the way? What encouragement can you offer others as to the value of setting personal goals?

(5 min.) Summarize by pointing out the value of having personal goals. They can be an aid to progressive spiritual improvement, but should not cause discouragement or the feeling that Jehovah is never satisfied with our progress. Additional suggested goals: Keeping up with Bible reading in Theocratic School; becoming more effective in using Bible to give a witness; participating regularly in field service; attending all meetings and commenting; fellowshiping more, before and after meetings, and so forth. (May suggest other goals that represent points needing attention in your congregation.)

12 min: Discuss highlights of the following articles: “Adjustment During Circuit Overseer’s Visit,” “New Circuit Assembly Program” and “Distribute HOPE Tract in September.”

10 min: Brief discussion of yeartext, Acts 4:29, from standpoint of the words being part of a prayer of supplication to Jehovah for his direction and strength in doing the work. Read with congregation Acts 4:23-30, giving context, and encourage all the brothers to continually make it their aim to speak Jehovah’s Word with boldness. Encourage all to have full share in field service this week.

5 min: Song 44 and prayer.

Announcements

● Literature offer for August: Two of the older 50-cent books for $1.00. This does not include Choosing, Commentary on James, Family Life, Truth or School Guidebook. If your congregation has any 384-page books in stock, special efforts should be made to use these first. September: HOPE tract along with any pocket-size book. October: Awake! subscription for $2.50. November: My Book of Bible Stories.

● As soon as the AUGUST report is compiled, the form (S-10) for supplying the Society with the activity of the congregation should be completed and sent promptly to the Society. Be sure to double check all information for accuracy. Keep the duplicate in the congregation file.

● Pioneer report cards and forms for use by the congregation during the coming year are being mailed in August.

● The Literature Inventory forms should be completed and forwarded to the Society no later than September 6.

● This is a notification that Raymond Victor Franz is no longer a member of the Governing Body and of the Brooklyn Bethel family as of May 22, 1980.

● A memorandum concerning American citizenship is being sent to each congregation. Any publisher desiring information on the subject can see the secretary of the congregation.

● Frequent requests are received by the Society for regular pioneers to be given a leave of absence due to health or other reasons. There is no arrangement for regular pioneers to take a “leave” from the pioneer work, but what is available to one who becomes sick for a short period of time is explained in the insert of the February, 1978, Our Kingdom Service.

● Any publisher or pioneer who wishes to serve where the need is greater should submit a letter to the congregation service committee including information on page 135 of the Organization book. Any not recommended by the committee should be told why in a kindly way. When sending the letter to the Society, the service committee should either sign the letter or attach one of their own. (Same basic arrangement as outlined for pioneers on page 137 of the Organization book.)

Following the Master’s Example

¹ Jesus loved people. This was evident in his life course while on earth. He talked to people everywhere—on seashores and hillsides, in cities and villages, synagogues, marketplaces, streets and houses. He talked to large crowds, individuals, men and women, old and young, rich and poor. He knew that the message he carried was vital. It was life sustaining.—John 3:36.

² Are we following the Master’s example today? Happily, many are! We have seen fine results during the service year now ending and this is due to much hard work, along with Jehovah’s spirit and blessing. However, it is good for us to continually examine Jesus’ example and see how he cared for the responsibilities that were entrusted to him. Jesus commissioned his disciples to do the same work that he had done while on earth.—Matt. 28:19, 20.

³ Jesus was self-disciplined. He had personal organization. He was dependable. (Luke 21:37, 38) In order for us to get the most done, we too need personal organization. We should be dependable and to a certain degree follow a personal schedule.

⁴ Jesus also experienced tiredness, thirst and hunger at times. He would occasionally forgo food for the sake of the work to be done. (Matt. 21:18; John 4:6, 7) Are we self-sacrificing in our service? Are we desirous of reaching reasonable goals that we have set for ourselves? Jehovah is not asking us to be ascetic, but how can Jehovah’s spirit strengthen us if we never give of ourselves to the point that we need his help?—Phil. 4:13.

⁵ Jesus showed affection and friendliness to strangers as well as to his intimate followers. (Matt. 11:28-30; John 13:1; 15:11-15) When we see the suffering that people are experiencing now, both physically and mentally, are we prompted to share our hope with them? Can we see fully the importance of the work that we have in spreading the good news of the Kingdom, knowing that this is the only hope that these folks have? Also, does our love for our brothers prompt us to show them love, overlook their mistakes and idiosyncrasies, just as we would want them to do for us? Are we following the Master’s example?

⁶ Jesus took his assignment seriously. He was considerate and thoughtful of others, taking into account the limited understanding of his audience. (Mark 4:33) Do you take special care in preparing for field service? Do you practice what you want to say? Have you found the suggestions in Our Kingdom Service to be helpful? Are you trying to reach the heart of individuals as Jesus did when teaching others?—Matt. 7:28, 29.

⁷ Jesus’ perfect example of humility and kindness should be reflected by all Christians. Our endeavors to continue to serve faithfully in the work that he has assigned will bring us contentment and the joy of helping others. Most of all, it will bring praise to our heavenly Father and his Son, our Exemplar.

Presenting the Good News—In Seldom-Worked Territory

¹ Our Lord, Jesus Christ, directed that the good news should be “preached in ALL the inhabited earth . . . ” (Matt. 24:14) It is for this reason that we should put forth extended efforts to help people who live in seldom-worked territory. Can we give them additional opportunities to hear and be saved?—Rom. 10:13, 14.

² Perhaps your congregation has distant territory that is seldom worked. It is recommended that territory be covered at least once a year. If your congregation is unable to do that, could another congregation close by be of assistance? The circuit overseer is aware of your needs due to his reviewing the territory records when he visits. He will do what he can to arrange for help from nearby congregations.

³ Additionally, are there nearby parts of the congregation’s territory that may not be as productive as other parts? These could include affluent areas where little response has been seen over the years. Also included would be highly religious communities where opposition has been experienced. However, although there have not been “many of noble birth” who have responded since the first century when the Christian congregation was established, there have been some. Even some of the Jewish priests responded favorably. So, we do not want willingly to ignore any territories. We want to preach to all kinds of men.—1 Cor. 1:26; Acts 6:7. (See also Acts 16:6-10; 18:9-11.)

WAYS THIS CAN BE DONE

⁴ Service overseers can encourage and help organize the coverage of all the congregation’s territories. Some congregations have organized midweek and weekend groups to give special attention to seldom-worked territory. If you must travel some distance, you may find that getting an early start is helpful. Some plan to take a lunch and spend several hours or the entire day in field service.

⁵ Smaller groups of publishers may be assigned to follow through on not-at-homes and for covering sparsely populated areas. This economizes on time, keeps all in the group busy and minimizes needless waiting. When people are not at home in these territories, you can decide if it is practical to leave free literature. Keep in mind that literature should be left out of the sight of passersby. Literature should not be placed in mailboxes.

⁶ It is beneficial to prepare your presentation in accord with the territory you will be working. Always be warm, friendly and positive. When approaching the affluent, have in mind what would interest them. Grooming, dress and general decorum should especially be given attention. We do not want to give any “cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with.”—2 Cor. 6:3.

⁷ If opposition has been experienced in the past, you may want to take that fact into consideration in your introduction and in the scriptures used in your presentation, as well as in what literature is offered. We are interested in ‘saving some.’ Let us prepare to become to them whatever will aid to this end.—1 Cor. 9:19-23.

⁸ Our desire to do Jehovah’s work and a sincere love for all kinds of people will prompt us to preach in seldom-worked territory. (Matt. 5:43-48) If love and sincerity are manifest in our conduct and speech in these territories, some may respond and give glory to Jehovah our God.—Matt. 5:16.

Topic for Conversation

Reason and Remedy for World Woes.—Rev. 12:12; Rev. 20:1-3.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Choosing the Best Way of Life:

August 3: Pages 36* to 43

August 10: Pages 44 to 49

August 17: Pages 50 to 56*

August 24: Pages 56* to 62*

* To or from subheading.

Adjustment During Circuit Overseer’s Visit

Beginning with September there will be an adjustment in congregation meetings held during the week of the visit of the circuit overseer. The Theocratic School will be conducted for 30 minutes and will consist of Assignment No. 1 and highlights from Bible reading for the week. There will be no student talks scheduled for that week. There will also be a one-half hour talk by the circuit overseer. The regular service meeting will be conducted for one hour, thus making a two hour meeting.

Congregations may wish to conduct the service meeting first, followed by a song, and then continue with the Theocratic School and the one-half hour talk by the circuit overseer. Alternate arrangements may be preferred by some congregations and this will be left up to them.

Distribute Hope Tract in September

HOPE—who in the world today has it? Very few indeed! That is why the tract distribution for this September should be most successful, and a work enjoyable for all. Hopefully, we will be able to engage people in Bible discussions and offer one of our recent publications as well. The contents of the tract will help interested ones to see that their hope has to be based on God’s Word. Scriptures showing what the Bible says about inflation, crime and war will help those of honest heart to see that God’s kingdom is the only solution.

We trust that you will have received your order of the HOPE tract in time for a full month of tract distribution during September. Helpful suggestions for presenting the tract will be outlined in September Our Kingdom Service.

New Circuit Assembly Program

The Society has received numerous letters from publishers and traveling brothers stating how enjoyable and beneficial past circuit assemblies have been. These comments are appreciated and we hope you will enjoy the “Set Apart from the World” circuit assembly this fall.—John 17:14.

With increasing pressures exerted by the world, it is vital that Jehovah’s people remain firm in faith and close to the congregation under his protection. That is why one section of the program, “Remaining Under Jehovah’s Protective Care,” will prove most beneficial to all. How we experience Jehovah’s protection today will be discussed, along with other thought-provoking information. In addition, time will be allotted to review the accomplishments made by our youths, and by the circuit as a whole.

The concluding talks will assist us to reflect on “Maintaining Our Oneness in Faith and Works” and “Our Rewarding Friendship with God.” As soon as the dates for your assembly are announced, mark your calendar and be sure to attend!

May Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 595 129.7 91.1 47.7 5.0

Pios. 16,358 86.0 63.1 33.1 3.6

Aux. Pios. 22,255 62.0 45.1 18.8 1.6

Pubs. 509,340 8.5 8.6 3.7 .4

TOTAL 548,548

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,743

The total publishers for May is the highest number reporting this service year.