August

Meetings for Field Service

AUGUST 3-9

How do you offer current magazines:

1. When regular offer is refused?

2. When householder is too busy to discuss Topic?

3. On magazine day?

AUGUST 10-16

When offering “Bible Stories” book, how do you:

1. Introduce Topic for Conversation?

2. Make transition between scriptures?

3. Make transition to literature offer?

AUGUST 17-23

How do you respond when householder says:

1. We get a church magazine?

2. I do not have time to read them?

3. We are of another religion?

AUGUST 24-30

How would you follow up “Bible Stories” placement if:

1. Youngster took book?

2. Parents took book for children?

3. Book taken by elderly person?

Topic for Conversation

Blessings of “New Earth.”

2 Pet. 3:13—A promise from God.

Rev. 21:1a, 3, 4—What it will mean.

Outstanding Memorial Report

At the past Memorial celebration on April 19, the attendance in the U.S. totaled 1,463,070, an all-time peak. This is 101,458 more than the year before. There were 4,204 partakers compared to 4,237 in 1980. In this report we have a strong indication of the need to continue helping thousands of persons to become disciples of Jesus Christ and loyal proclaimers of God’s kingdom.

Things of Serious Concern

¹ At Philippians 4:8 Paul says that we should ‘continue considering whatever things are of serious concern.’ And at Philippians 1:10 he encourages us to “make sure of the more important things.” He not only meant that we should think about or ponder these serious and important matters, but had in mind that thereafter we would carry them out or put them into practice. (Php 1 vs. 9) This would be in harmony with James’ counsel to “become doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (Jas. 1:22) What are some things we should regard as being of “serious concern”?

CONCERN FOR FIELD SERVICE

² Do you not agree that scheduling time to be in the field service with others is a matter of serious concern? (Mark 13:10) For many, weekends are about the only time they have for field service, and for many elders and ministerial servants, it is about the only time available to be with the publishers. The trend in the world is to spend entire weekends in recreation. But was that the self-sacrificing course of our Model and Exemplar, Christ Jesus? Is it the course of moderation? Recreation in moderation does provide certain benefits, but balance is required so as to provide maximum benefits and avoid harmful results. It is spiritually weakening to get away from “the more important things.”

³ Walking from door to door usually produces benefits similar to recreation. There is exercise and a change of pace. There is association with family members and other publishers who need encouragement and training. Precious Scriptural truths are impressed on the mind. Others are given the opportunity to hear the good news and a warning of God’s vengeance. Satisfying memories remain to provide peace of mind for days thereafter. “My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work,” said Jesus. His mind was on the more important things. (John 4:34) John, too, had things of serious concern in mind when he said: “He that does the will of God remains forever.”—1 John 2:17.

ASSOCIATION AND STUDY

⁴ Good association is also a matter of serious concern. After mentioning those he found to be good association, Paul said: “Only these are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and these very ones have become a strengthening aid to me.” (Col. 4:11) Surely Paul did not have in mind being with these fellow workers in large, late evening parties where partaking of food and drink immoderately would be easy and supervision difficult. Getting together with a few others, possibly in the home with family members present, usually produces superior results in upbuilding discussions and interchanges of encouragement. In such an atmosphere, wholesome conversation and experiences replace loud, distasteful music. Children can be included and Christian personalities molded. This can contribute to effective and zealous field service the next morning, whereas late partying in large groups usually discourages it.

⁵ Personal study is another matter of serious concern today. For most of us, finding time for this is not easy but requires following Paul’s advice at Ephesians 5:15, 16: “Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked.” Are you willing to pay the price? Television viewing may be one place where time could be ‘bought out.’ It means weighing out what is ‘the more important thing.’ Television viewing can at times be relaxing and even educational, but reading the Bible and the Society’s literature can be more so, and in a spiritually superior way.—Compare Romans 8:5, 6.

⁶ The psalmist said: “To do your will, O my God, I have delighted.” (Ps. 40:8) Caring first for the more important things is a delight for genuine Christians. Yes, working hard at the truly important things, Kingdom interests, brings true satisfaction and joy.

A Good Time to Pioneer

¹ The fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 takes place during the “short period of time” before Satan is abyssed. (Rev. 12:12) That means we also have a short period of time in which to preach the Kingdom message before the end of this system comes. No doubt you have made the decision to share in that work. At Ecclesiastes 3:7 the wise man said there is “a time to speak.” That time is now! But have you come to grips with the question of how much time to spend doing so? That is a decision that could deeply affect your life and the lives of others—your life, because Jehovah is pleased when you render whole-souled service—the lives of others, because “the harvest is great, but the workers are few.”—Matt. 9:37.

SHOULD I PIONEER?

² Must you be a pioneer in order to be whole-souled in your service? That depends. Whole-souled service means you are doing all you can in God’s service. It is obvious that the circumstances of many would not permit them to pioneer. There are Scriptural responsibilities that must take priority over full-time service. So the decision to use your time in the pioneer work, or not to do so, is a decision that only you can make.—Gal. 6:5.

³ Many reach a point in their lives where their circumstances would allow for full-time service. This was true in the case of Jesus, was it not? When he reached the age of 30 the time had come for him to commence the special work assigned to him by his Father. He did not hesitate. (Luke 3:23) Just think of how much he accomplished during the next three and a half years in full-time service as compared to the 30 years prior to that. The Bible takes only a few lines to describe events during those first 30 years. But the account of his three and a half years of full-time preaching fills almost four of the books of the Bible and yet John says: “There are, in fact, many other things also which Jesus did, which, if ever they were written in full detail, I suppose the world itself could not contain the scrolls written.”—John 21:25.

⁴ Here is the model, the example, for all true Christians to follow. As we develop spiritually, we want to pattern our lives after this one. We never want to be like those about whom Jesus spoke when he said: “My word makes no progress among you.” (John 8:37) Has his “word” made progress in you to the point where you want to imitate him in the full-time preaching work? The apostle Paul, himself a full-time preacher, reached that point. He felt so strongly about his responsibilities that he said: “Woe is me if I did not declare the good news!”—1 Cor. 9:16.

WHAT ARE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES?

⁵ We can all reach that point in our spiritual development where we want to pioneer. Yes, we can all have the pioneer spirit, even though circumstances may prevent many from actually being in that service. Perhaps you have recently finished your schooling or are about to do so. Have you noted what is stated in the Organization book under the subject “Regular Pioneer Service”? On page 136 it says: “Every young person ought to give serious consideration to this field of service. When he completes his years of required secular education, what is he going to do with his life?” In answer to that question it goes on to show that in the case of one who is dedicated and is baptized “there should be no doubt.”

⁶ Are you retired from secular work or financially independent? Are you a housewife whose responsibilities are such that you could care for them and also pioneer or auxiliary pioneer? The Organization book goes on to say on page 136: “Pioneer service is not limited to any certain age-group. The pioneer ranks include young and old, single and married, the physically strong and some who have limited resources of health.

⁷ September 1, 1981, will be the first day of the 1982 service year. Is that a good time for you to start pioneering? Some publishers take up the pioneer work for at least a year to see if they can do it. Many of these will find that they want to continue year after year. Yes, many of us make decisions every day. But there are few decisions that one could make that would bring more happiness or lasting benefits than the decision to pioneer. One wiser than Solomon has told us there is a time to speak. Now is a good time to pioneer for those whose circumstances permit.—Matt. 24:14.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 2

Song 63

8 min: Local announcements. Have capable brother, possibly service overseer, discuss how we should make August a fine month of field service as a fitting conclusion to the service year. Offer practical suggestions on things we might do to accomplish this.

16 min: “Presenting the Good News—With the Topic for Conversation.” Audience discussion. Reason with audience on importance of teaching at the door. Better to help householder reach a conclusion on his own than to tell him. Ask audience to comment on this. At appropriate point have new Topic for Conversation demonstrated. Publisher draws out householder, helping him to reason on points.

12 min: “God’s Word Is Alive.” Talk. Each 15th-of-the-month issue of The Watchtower now carries an interesting article entitled “God’s Word Is Alive.” (Heb. 4:12) Review titles and pertinent points from recent Watchtowers such as 6/15, 7/15. Designed to help us combat apathy on part of householders. Helpful pictures practically tell the story in many issues and are especially useful when talking to young persons. Have you featured these articles in your presentations? (Demonstrate prepared presentation highlighting this article in August 15 Watchtower.) Article can be used either in magazine work or when presenting offer for month. If householder accepts and reads magazines, it gives God’s Word a chance to exert power in his life. (1 Thess. 2:13) Some introductory points can be drawn from Watchtower 7/15/74, pages 444-446. Conclude with encouragement to support weekend field service arrangements. This coming Saturday is second Saturday, magazine day.

9 min: Literature Price Changes. Discuss with audience. Help all to understand when they should start placing magazines at 15c each.

Song 15 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 9

Song 71

10 min: Local announcements. Include “Coming Circuit Assembly Program.” Accounts report.

20 min: “A Good Time to Pioneer.” Questions and answers. Also interview one or two pioneers, as time permits. (If no regular or special pioneers, interview auxiliary pioneers or those who have pioneered in the past.) What adjustments did they have to make in order to make pioneering possible? What did they give up to make room for full-time service? What blessings have they experienced in full-time service? Is it a full and satisfying life?

15 min: “A Book That Is Helping People.” Assigned publishers, including some children, relate experiences from The Watchtower, 4/1/81, pages 27, 28. Other experiences by those in congregation can be given, as time permits. What are some opportunities for placing the Bible Stories book this month in addition to offering it from house to house? Conclude with warm encouragement to support field service on weekend.

Song 20 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 16

Song 70

5 min: Local announcements and discuss appropriate points from Announcements in Our Kingdom Service.

15 min: “Things of Serious Concern.” (Phil. 4:8) Talk by an elder. Draw out some comments from various ones on how and when they schedule time for field service, personal study, association with the friends and recreation. Show the need for proper balance in order to lead a life with full godly devotion under present system.

15 min: “Contributing Toward an Accurate Report.” Audience discussion. Give congregation’s report for July when discussing paragraph three and give commendation.

10 min: Elders may arrange locally, or, if needed, the secretary may use this time to discuss any problems in connection with reporting locally. Keep the discussion positive and commend where appropriate. Include field service arrangements. How is congregation doing in making August a fine field service month to end the service year?

Song 54 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 23

(The program you normally would have had the week you attend[ed] the district convention may be used this week.)

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 30

Song 61

Local announcements. This entire program should be used to review the highlights of the “Kingdom Loyalty” District Convention. Bring in a few experiences some had as a result of sharing in field service at convention city. If the elders wish to switch this program with one nearer to a date following the convention attended by your congregation, they may do so. If possible, families, individuals or book study groups may be assigned ahead of time to cover certain days or sessions of the convention. The friends should be encouraged to bring their convention notes with them to this meeting.

Song 50 and prayer.

Part I—Contributing Toward an Accurate Report

¹ Why do we all like to hear good reports? Because they are refreshing and encouraging. “As cold water upon a tired soul, so is a good report from a distant land,” said the wise writer of Proverbs.—Prov. 25:25.

² Even a fishing trip calls for an accurate report. Is it not true that when a person returns from fishing, he must satisfy the curiosity of all who see him? None are content to hear the fisherman say, ‘Oh, yes, I caught some.’ You know what the next question might be. And how encouraging if the number is high! Peter and his companions were somewhat discouraged when they had to report to Jesus that they had caught nothing after fishing all night. But how excited they were when Jesus told them to cast the net on the other side of the boat and they hauled in 153 big fishes! (John 21:11) Note the account does not say they caught some or even many. Rather, it gives an accurate report of 153 big fishes. Even the size of the fish was reported! How encouraged Peter and his companions were!

³ But if that is encouraging, how much more so to hear a good report about our brothers, what they are doing and the results they are getting! What if Our Kingdom Service would tell us each month that some were out in field service during past months and they spent a number of hours at it and placed some literature, and so forth? We would hardly get excited. Rather, we are encouraged as we see the fine results of our combined efforts from month to month in the Service Report of each issue. For example, do you know what the very first field service report for the United States showed as far as congregation publishers are concerned? It showed there were 8,052 “class workers” out in service, along with 350 pioneers. That was back in 1920. Compare that with the field service report in this issue of Our Kingdom Service and see if you are not encouraged.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

⁴ However, it is important not only that we each report what we have done each month, but also that the report is accurate. How can we be sure that it will be accurate? In this regard it would be good for each Kingdom publisher to review the guidelines set down in the Organization book on pages 126 and 127. It would not be appropriate for traveling overseers, elders or anyone else to set down rules or regulations about counting or reporting field service activity beyond what has been published by the Society. The Society is interested in knowing how much time is spent in proclaiming God’s truths to those who are not dedicated, baptized Witnesses. So time spent in shepherding or other calls made on those who are not strong spiritually and those who have not associated for some time should not be counted if the individual is a baptized Witness. It is a labor of love. The only exception would be where a newly baptized person has not finished studying two of the Society’s publications.

Announcements

● Literature offer for August: My Book of Bible Stories on a contribution of $2.50, or, if not available, use any 192-page book on a contribution of 60c. September: Same as August except that 192-page book will be 75c. October and November: Subscription for either The Watchtower or Awake!, or for both magazines on a contribution of $3.50 for each subscription.

● 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 the information for accuracy. Keep the duplicate in the congregation file.

● Pioneer report cards for use during the coming year are being sent under separate cover and should arrive in September.

● Congregation secretary should complete and send the Pioneer Information Report (S-207) to the Society as soon as he has received the August service reports from the pioneers. This must be sent in even if there are no pioneers in the congregation. Keep duplicate in congregation file.

● New Publications Available:

Watch Tower Publications Index for 1978—Italian

● Each congregation will receive three Literature Inventory forms and should take an actual count of campaign literature and controlled-stock items. Please fill out the forms completely and send the original to us no later than September 6. Keep the carbon copy for your files. We are sending a third copy to be used as a work sheet.

● The Society now has available the following booklets in Braille:

The Path of Divine Truth Leading to Liberation—grade-two English Braille

There Is Much More to Life!—grade-one French Braille

These one-volume publications may be obtained on a loan basis or purchased and kept permanently. A remittance of $1.00 should accompany all orders if purchased. Orders for Braille items should be sent to the Society’s BRAILLE DESK and not included on regular congregation literature orders. Braille publications should not be stocked by the congregation.

Presenting the Good News—With the Topic for Conversation

¹ If people are to respond to God’s promises, the real meaning of those promises should be easily understood. We can aid them in understanding when we ourselves clearly grasp what the Scriptures mean and make the explanation simple to them. It means that we must be prepared to reason with them on Bible texts. (Acts 17:2, 3) To do so, we can carefully prepare simple questions, based on certain key words in the text itself, that will help them grasp the meaning. For example, we could tell the householder that the “new earth” means a righteous human society, but it is much more effective if we use simple questions that will enable him to reach this conclusion in his own mind. We should be prepared to isolate the thought-conveying words in the verse, and then phrase simple questions that will stimulate thinking on the part of the householder. (See sg, page 129.) We must be ready to answer the questions ourselves, if necessary, so as to avoid embarrassing anyone. Let us consider how this might be done, using the text at 2 Peter 3:13.

² After an appropriate introduction we could say: “Truly there are conditions existing today that cause us to be very concerned about the future, are there not? [Give opportunity to answer and give examples.] Do you think that conditions will ever improve and that people will be able to live on earth in peace and security? [Allow answer.] Notice this promise of better things as set forth in the Bible at 2 Peter 3:13. [Read, then discuss text.] God promises a ‘new earth.’ What do you think God means by a ‘new earth’? Does it mean he will create another planet, new ground under our feet, and call it a ‘new earth’? Do we need new ground, mountains, lakes and trees? Notice, the verse says ‘righteousness is to dwell’ in the ‘new earth.’ Righteousness is the quality that must be manifested by people doing the right thing, so the ‘new earth’ obviously refers to renewed or righteous people who will live in peace and unity with their neighbors. We really do not need a new globe. We need changed people.” If you are limiting your presentation to a simple, one-scripture discussion, you could conclude at this point by turning to Story 115 in My Book of Bible Stories and share the picture of what conditions will be like in the “new earth.” Offer the book.

³ Some may want to proceed further with the discussion. Depending upon the response, you could go on to discuss other aspects of the same verse. Call to the attention of the householder that “his promise” also includes a “new heavens.” You could ask: “Do we need a new sky or universe?” (Allow householder to comment.) Point out again in text that “righteousness is to dwell” there too, so it must refer to righteous, heavenly rulers who will beautify earth and uplift human society. You can point out that “ungodly men” who make up “the heavens and earth that are now” will be done away with, destroyed.—2 Pet. 3:7.

⁴ If time permits, you can show the changes that are to take place, according to Revelation 21:3, 4 or Isaiah 65:17, 22, 23. In making your transition go to Story 115 and discuss paragraph two and the illustration.

⁵ We do want people to listen and respond. All of this takes thorough preparation, but it is worth it.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached:

August 2: Pages 243 to 252*

August 9: Pages 252* to 262*

August 16: Pages 262* to 269*

August 23: Pages 269* to 278*

August 30: Pages 278* to 283

* To or from subheading.

May Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 501 129.1 106.2 50.8 5.2

Pios. 18,581 82.3 66.1 31.8 3.5

Aux. Pios. 24,674 62.8 52.0 19.0 1.6

Pubs. 518,678 8.6 9.2 3.8 .4

TOTAL 562,434

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,265

Coming Circuit Assembly Program

We all look forward to the new circuit assembly programs that the Society arranges for us twice a year. They always provide just what we need in order to face current problems and situations. The new program that begins in September will surely be no exception. Do not miss it.

To help us appreciate our place in the theocratic arrangement of things and avoid the course of independence pursued by the world, the program will develop the theme “Subjecting Ourselves to God.” It should strengthen our determination to thus subject ourselves and deepen our appreciation for the many blessings and privileges that result therefrom. Be sure to attend with your brothers when your circuit assembly is scheduled.

Literature Price Changes

All of us are aware of the constantly rising costs for food and materials of all kinds. We continue to experience cost increases in paper and other products we purchase for the publishing of books, booklets, magazines, and so forth. Also, postage and shipping costs are constantly rising. There is little else we can do at this time than increase the cost of the publications so as to be able to continue printing Bibles, Bible literature and other materials that are vital to Jehovah’s people and the many new ones associating with us at our Kingdom Halls and in our Bible study activity.

Therefore, beginning September 1, 1981, we will have to put into effect some price changes. We outline herewith some of the items where changes are being made. When ordering and then placing the publications with the pioneers, congregation publishers and the public, you can have such price changes in mind.

Publication Pio. Cong. and Public

The Watchtower and Awake!

One-Year Subscription

(semimonthly) $1.75 $3.50

(monthly) 1.00 2.00

Distributor’s Copies .05 .15

JW Brochure .05 .15

384-page Book .25 1.00

192-page Book .25 .75

“All Scripture Is Inspired . . . ” .75 2.00

Bible No. 10, 11 and Interlinear 1.50 3.00

Deluxe Bible No. 12 3.00 6.00

WT Index 30-60, 61-65, 66-70, 71-75, 76-80 1.00 2.00

WT Index (Annual) .40 .40

Cassette Tapes

(single) 1.75 2.00

(double) 2.50 3.00

After we receive your September 1 Literature Inventory form (S-18), we will charge your literature account an amount equal to the increase in the value of your stock of literature on hand. This charge should appear on your November statement. It will not create a deficit because it is equaled by the increased value of the literature on hand. When you fill out the September 1 Literature Inventory form, please bear in mind that you should figure your literature at the rates listed on the form in order to determine the true standing of your literature account at the end of the service year. Please do not write in changes or alter the form in any way.

The price of magazines will increase from 10c to 15c each, beginning with the September issues. In August when you receive the September 1 and September 8 issues, you should begin charging magazines at 15c each. When you request pioneer credit on the Remittance and Credit Request form for magazines obtained in August, please list the number of magazines dated in August separate from the number of magazines dated in September. Print the month clearly next to each amount in the space provided for requesting pioneer credit.

In figuring the standing of your magazine account on the September 1 inventory form, remember to figure the value of August issues at 10c and September at 15c as that is the way they are being charged on your account.