August

Meetings for Field Service

AUGUST 1-7

Offering the Live Forever book

1. Review Topic for Conversation.

2. How will you tie in offer?

AUGUST 8-14

Using brochure—Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

1. When book is refused.

2. When else would it be appropriate to offer?

AUGUST 15-21

Follow up placements

1. How do you renew interest?

2. How can you lead discussion into Live Forever book?

AUGUST 22-28

Public witnessing

1. What opportunities might we have to witness publicly?

2. How do you get a conversation started?

3. What discretion should be exercised?

AUGUST 29–SEPTEMBER 4

Training young ministers

New Peak in Memorial Attendance

The Memorial attendance this year is another indication that many people appreciate Jehovah’s provision for salvation through Jesus Christ. As shown below, compared with last year, over 74,000 more persons attended the Memorial in the U.S. on March 29, 1983. All who were present at that event but are not yet actively associated with us need help ‘to be instructed about Jehovah’s ways and to walk in his paths.’—Isa. 2:2, 3.

1983 1982 Difference

Witness Publicly and From House to House

¹ The apostle Paul was irritated at seeing the grip false religion had on the people of Athens. “Consequently he began to reason in the synagogue with the Jews and the other people who worshiped God and every day in the marketplace with those who happened to be on hand.” (Acts 17:16, 17) In Ephesus, Paul took every advantage of his opportunities to witness by teaching publicly and from house to house.—Acts 20:20, 21.

² Faithful servants of Jehovah in the first century were alert to preach the good news whenever and wherever they could. Although tired out, Jesus struck up a conversation with a Samaritan woman when he was resting at a fountain. The result was that “many of the Samaritans out of that city put faith in him.” (John 4:5-42) Paul and his companions preached beside a river, with the result that Lydia and her household got baptized. (Acts 16:14, 15) We can enjoy rich blessings just as they did, when we engage in public witnessing.

³ When going from house to house, do we stop to talk to persons who may be relaxing or working outside? If some are just arriving home or leaving, try to start up a conversation with them. Otherwise it may be weeks or even months before they can be contacted, especially if they are seldom home—as is often true today. We want, if possible, to reach all those who reside in the territory. Try to give a brief and tactful witness, perhaps placing The Watchtower and Awake! and making arrangements to call back.

⁴ Do you have territory that is inaccessible because of doormen admitting only tenants and invited guests? Would it be possible to reach the persons living there by doing street work where the majority of the residents enter and leave the area? In this way one congregation was able to generate so much interest that a Congregation Book Study was started in a territory where it was impossible to go from house to house. Those who did street work there were alert to approach people and tactfully obtain the names and addresses of those who showed interest so that return visits could be made.

⁵ All of us can look for opportunities to witness informally wherever we may be. When traveling by subway, bus, train, plane, car or on foot, we can often share the good news with others. Many times we find that those we speak with do not really know much about Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Kingdom message. If we place magazines or leave tracts, these can provide something for the interested person to consider further.

⁶ During August and September we will be offering the Live Forever book. Are there ways it can be presented publicly as well as from house to house? Yes. Some have featured the book in street work quite successfully by approaching passersby and giving a brief witness. Some have been helped to come into the truth because a brother or a sister witnessed to them at work during rest periods or their lunch break. A brother decided to present the Live Forever book to those on his magazine route. He wrote, ‘One man I have been calling on would just take the magazines and close the door. One day I offered the Live Forever book. He took it and the next time I called he said he had read the first 35 pages. Many others just see the book and want it.’ Why not give thought to offering the Live Forever book to neighbors, relatives or others who are not yet serving Jehovah.

⁷ As recorded at Proverbs 1:20, wisdom is said to keep “giving forth its voice” in the public squares, thus making it available to all who seek it. Never before in man’s history has there been a greater need for God’s wisdom as contained in his Word to be publicly proclaimed. (Matt. 24:14) As we near the end of this present system, those held in darkness by it need to hear Jehovah’s Word while there is yet time. It is a marvelous privilege for us to be ‘engaged in the holy work of the good news of God,’ witnessing publicly and from house to house.—Rom. 15:16.

Helping Inactive Ones to Grow Strong in the Faith

¹ In January 1982 a special effort was started to find and help inactive ones. What have been the results? Can we do more to aid the weak or inactive? How can we encourage our brothers?

² We rejoice to inform you that many formerly inactive ones are again serving shoulder to shoulder with us. They were like the psalmist who wrote: “I have wandered like a lost sheep. O look for your servant, for I have not forgotten your own commandments.” (Ps. 119:176) One sister, recognizing her loss of a close relationship with Jehovah, prayed to him for direction and the next day an elder called, offering her a Bible study. She commented: “How can I not continue to serve Him?” A very unhappy family that had become inactive due in part to the pursuit of material things was called on by two elders who offered a Bible study. They said: “This is what we were waiting for.” Now the whole family joyfully share in service as they reduce their secular work.

³ Indeed, the loving labors of the elders and all who have cooperated with them have been blessed by Jehovah, the Great Shepherd. (1 Pet. 2:25) A traveling overseer in Texas reports that in one area the brothers had the joy of seeing 75 reactivated, making it necessary to form a new congregation. Many circuits report 25 to over 100 reactivated. Hundreds more have begun to attend meetings again and are growing in faith through specially arranged Bible studies.

⁴ Many are the expressions of gratitude from formerly “lost sheep.” When the elders called on one family, their marriage was on the verge of breaking up. The children were confused, wondering whether they were still Jehovah’s Witnesses. But the family accepted a Bible study and resumed their association with the congregation. The brother comments: “Now Jehovah has blessed our efforts by making us stronger spiritually. Our marriage is sturdy, and we study together as a family; we attend all meetings and now are going in service. We are so grateful for Jehovah’s patience and the help from the brothers.” Another reactivated sister happily said: “Last month I turned in my first service report in ten years. And by Jehovah’s undeserved kindness I’ll never let another month go by without some preaching.” A couple told a visiting elder: “The last two months, during which we had been studying and attending meetings, have been the happiest in our 12 years of married life.”

⁵ How can we keep on aiding the inactive? Continue making reasonable efforts to find and assist those who have strayed. Speak positively and understandingly. Pray with them. Give them reason to feel hopeful and that they are of great value in God’s eyes.

⁶ If you are studying with an inactive person, bear in mind that spiritual recovery often is a slow, step-by-step process. Patience and long-suffering are required. When asked what helped her return, a sister commented that the one who studied with her “just would not let go.” Help them see the value of “keeping a set way” by establishing good habits of study and service. (Ps. 50:23) All in the congregation can assist by drawing these into loving association. One reactivated one said that what helped her was “the overwhelming kindness and love the friends showed me when I returned to the meetings. We truly are one large family.”

⁷ As we seek to help the inactive, let us never forget those presently associated with us who may need help. (Acts 20:35) We can prevent many from drifting into inactivity by being interested in the spirituality of our brothers. Is there someone in your book study group that is slowing down in his service or missing meetings? Does he need some encouragement? Could you invite him to share in your family or personal study? Could you work with him in the ministry? Rather than ‘draw away’ from Jehovah through a lack of faith, let us keep exhorting one another each day.—Heb. 3:12.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JULY 31

Song 89

5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News—Featuring the Live Forever Book.” Use paragraph 1 for introduction. Demonstration of paragraphs 2 and 3 not to exceed five minutes. Then discuss with audience new Topic for Conversation and other points that may be featured in offering the book. Discuss paragraph 4 with audience and then demonstrate how brochure might be offered when householder cannot afford book. Discuss paragraph 5 with audience. Encourage all to share in field service on first Sunday of the month.

15 min: Arrange according to local needs. (Or discuss “Why So Many Suicides?” “Hope for Despairing Ones” and “They Want to Help” in the August 1, 1983, Watchtower. Show practical use of material in the field ministry.)

10 min: “Magazine Day Presentations.” Question-and-answer discussion of paragraphs 1 and 6-8. Demonstrate offering two magazines, highlighting August 1 Watchtower using presentation in paragraph 2. Encourage brothers to bring Our Ministry book next week.

Song 118 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 7

Song 10

8 min: Local announcements and accounts report.

15 min: “Witness Publicly and From House to House.” Questions and answers. Emphasize information applicable to local circumstances.

12 min: “Recognizing Christ’s Role in God’s Arrangement.” Talk by elder covering material in chapter 3 of Our Ministry book, making local application.

10 min: Service overseer considers congregation’s July report. Encourage all to share in magazine work this weekend. Have brief discussion between two publishers showing how information under “Feature Articles” on page 2 of each Awake! issue can be used to develop an effective magazine presentation. Have two brief demonstrations of 30-to-60-second magazine presentations for use this weekend. (Include one in paragraph 3 of article “Magazine Day Presentations.”)

Song 68 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 14

Song 44

5 min: Local announcements.

20 min: “Helping Inactive Ones to Grow Strong in the Faith.” Question-and-answer discussion. If possible, interview one who has been aided, highlighting what helped him to return to active association.

10 min: “Circuit Assemblies—Timely Reminders.” Talk. Encourage all to make definite plans to attend next circuit assembly.

10 min: Experiences in placing Live Forever book. One or two should be prearranged but allow for others from audience. Also demonstrate presentation in paragraph 4 of article “Magazine Day Presentations.” Have publishers bring Our Ministry book to Service Meeting next week.

Song 29 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 21

Song 58

10 min: Announcements and local announcements. Have publishers relate experiences enjoyed starting studies in Live Forever book. Emphasize that special effort should be made to follow up placements so as to establish home Bible studies.

20 min: “How the Congregation Is Organized and Governed.” Talk by elder on material in chapter 4 of Our Ministry book from page 21 to subheading on page 25. Consider remainder of chapter by questions and answers.

15 min: “Theocratic News” and “New Peak in Memorial Attendance.” Encouraging increases evident. Memorial report shows good potential for continued growth in United States. Relate to local congregation. What is being done or can yet be done to help new ones who attended Memorial this year? Encourage all to share in magazine activity this Saturday. Have youth demonstrate presentation in paragraph 5 of “Magazine Day Presentations.”

Song 60 and concluding prayer.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth:

August 7: Pages 90 to 98

August 14: Pages 99 to 104

August 21: Pages 105 to 111

August 28: Pages 112 to 119

Magazine Day Presentations

¹ Emphasis has been placed on sharing regularly in magazine activity, including street work, especially on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month if you cannot go out every Saturday. A brief presentation is usually best, perhaps from half a minute to a minute in length.

² When offering the August 1 Watchtower, we could say: “No doubt you will agree that the world is full of problems today. In fact, some individuals who felt there were just too many problems to face chose to commit suicide. The current Watchtower has some interesting information on this subject and helps us to appreciate that there is ‘hope for despairing ones.’ [Point to article on page 6.] We are offering the Watchtower and Awake! magazines for a contribution of 30 cents. I am sure you will enjoy reading them.”

³ After introducing ourselves, if we are highlighting the August 8 Awake! we might say: “Many authorities warn us that the earth is getting overcrowded. Pollution, famine and unemployment are just a few of the effects. These lead to social unrest and violence. What is the solution? Is there a government capable of handling this problem on a worldwide scale? This issue of Awake! gives you the satisfying answers, and it, along with The Watchtower, is yours for a contribution of 30 cents.”

⁴ The August 15 Watchtower may be offered by stating: “Most people agree that the world is in very serious trouble, and some wonder whether it can be saved. This issue of The Watchtower raises the question, ‘Who can save the world?’ and goes on to give the satisfying answer from the Bible. Together with Awake! it is yours for 30 cents.”

⁵ If featuring the August 22 Awake! we could say: “Will we ever have universal peace? This is a question many of us are asking these days. Millions of people are protesting the buildup of nuclear bombs. Could it be that shortly the nations will be saying that they have achieved peace and security? The articles starting on page 3 in this issue of Awake! will help you to learn the answer. The Watchtower and Awake! are offered for a contribution of just 30 cents.”

⁶ Publishers who have good success placing magazines in street witnessing are usually those who take the initiative to approach people with the offer. Rather than just standing and waiting for others to approach you as you display The Watchtower and Awake!, prepare a brief statement directing attention to a particular article and, after a friendly greeting, present the magazines. Although we would not want to obstruct the flow of traffic or rudely interrupt the conversations of others, someone waiting for a bus or unoccupied at the time may appreciate being informed on an important subject in one of the current magazines.

⁷ In some areas it may be advisable to have another publisher close by when engaging in street witnessing. However, if you are conversing with each other you defeat the purpose of street witnessing. So be alert to observe any interest shown in the publications you display. Have a friendly smile and cheerful greeting. Be positive in your approach. By taking the initiative in using brief, well-prepared presentations, you too may have good success in placing magazines on the streets.

⁸ Short presentations can be prepared for each issue. Highlight articles that are likely to have a broad appeal. If we regularly use pointed presentations in offering the magazines from house to house, in business territory and on the streets, no doubt we will be able to accomplish much more. We want to do all we can to increase the distribution of these two fine publications.

May Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 381 132.9 103.7 55.8 6.0

Pios. 23,684 84.9 56.5 32.4 3.7

Aux. Pios. 32,959 59.9 39.6 17.9 1.6

Pubs. 565,039 8.9 7.6 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 622,063

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,387

Circuit Assemblies—Timely Reminders

¹ The circuit assembly program with the theme “Be Rich Toward God, Not Covetous” was appreciated because of its timely and practical reminders. Bombarded as we are with materialistic propaganda designed to stir up selfish desires, it was refreshing to consider the examples of Jesus Christ, Paul and others who did not covet material things. They were content with the basic necessities while they concentrated on serving Jehovah and doing good toward others. (2 Cor. 8:9; 12:14-18) Also, the Scriptural material presented forcefully reminded us of the need to be reasonable and balanced in matters of business, health and recreation. Let us resolve never to allow lack of balance in these things to distract us from our real purpose in life.

² Starting in September, a new circuit assembly program will begin with the theme “Recommending Ourselves as God’s Ministers.” (2 Cor. 6:4) What identifies a true minister of God? How can we help ourselves and our children to be truly absorbed in the ministry? How can we avoid being ensnared by self-interest? The program will show how effective ministers display the fruitage of God’s spirit when confronted with various situations. The public talk features the subject “What Future Is There for You?” The entire program should help Jehovah’s people to make the most of their ministry. All of us, along with interested persons, should benefit from such reminders.—Ps. 119:2, 24.

Announcements

● Literature offer for August and September: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, on a contribution of $2.50. If this book is unavailable, then My Book of Bible Stories or any other book may be used. October and November: Subscription for either The Watchtower or Awake! for $3.50 each for a one-year subscription; six-month subscription, $2.00.

● During the week of August 29–September 3, 1983, the Society will be taking an inventory of all literature on hand in Brooklyn. Due to taking this inventory, no congregation literature orders will be processed for shipment or for pickup during that week.

● Each congregation will receive three Literature Inventory forms, and an actual count should be taken of all campaign literature in stock and of all controlled-stock items listed on the inventory form. Please fill out the forms completely and send the original to the Society no later than September 6. Keep a carbon copy for your files. The third form is to be used as a work sheet.

● The secretary and service overseer should complete the Congregation Analysis Report form (S-10) and send this to the Society as soon as the congregation’s August report has been compiled. Double-check all information for accuracy, carefully following the instructions on the form. Keep a duplicate in the congregation file.

● Starting in September, circuit overseers will give the public talk “Why Christians Must Be Different.” They will also begin meeting with Watchtower Study and Congregation Book Study conductors when visiting congregations. The public talk to be given by district overseers in connection with the new series of circuit assemblies beginning in September will be “What Future Is There for You?”

● The Society has now produced the Greek Scriptures of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures in grade-two English Braille. The publication is divided into four volumes, each bound in a black durable hard cover and arranged as follows: Volume 1, MATTHEW and MARK; Volume 2, LUKE and JOHN; Volume 3, ACTS through GALATIANS; Volume 4, EPHESIANS through REVELATION. The cost will be $40.00 for the set, or $10.00 per volume.

To obtain the Braille Greek Scriptures, please send in a separate order, giving the name and address of the blind person that is to receive it, and enclose the remittance. Mark your order: ATTENTION: BRAILLE DESK.

This portion of the Bible in Braille will not be available on a loan basis, but for purchase only.

● New Publications Available:

1905 Crampon Bible (congregation, public and pioneers: $10.00)—French

The Bible (congregation, public and pioneers: $6.50)—Cambodian

The Two Babylons (congregation, public and pioneers: $5.20)—French

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth—Portuguese

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!—Arabic, Bislama, Cebuano, Herero, Hungarian, Iloko, Kwanyama, Luganda, Marshallese, Moore, Ndonga, Romanian, Sinhalese, Zulu

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

The First of Peter through The Letter of Jude (single cassette)—French

A Revelation to John (single cassette)—French

Album with complete Greek Scriptures (18 cassettes; congregation and public: $30.00; pioneers: $20.00)—French

Presenting the Good News—Featuring the Live Forever Book

¹ January and February were the first months that we featured the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth in our field ministry. We enjoyed using this publication and in fact we had a new peak of publishers reporting service during January. Again in August and September we will be offering this fine book as we share the good news with others. To aid us, we have a new Topic for Conversation: “Can You Live Forever in Paradise?”

² After introducing yourself, you might say: “I am sure you will agree that it does not seem possible to enjoy real happiness on earth even for a short time in view of all the problems we face, such as sickness, aging, hunger, crime and insecurity. [Allow householder to comment.] But there are good reasons for believing that it really is possible to live forever in happiness on earth. One reason is because God promises it. Notice what it says here in Psalm 37:29. [Read verse.] But what about the causes for unhappiness that we mentioned? In Revelation 21:4 God promises to do away with them. [Read that verse.] I know you would like to learn more, and to help you to do so, we are offering this publication.” Then proceed to show the Live Forever book.

³ You are already familiar with this book. You have used it in the field and perhaps are studying it with someone. No doubt, then, you have some fine points in mind to share with householders when you offer it. You may want to read some of paragraph 9 on page 10 and then show the contrast between the pictures of the troubles in the world on pages 8 and 9, and the Paradise scenes on pages 11-13. If time permits, you could show some of the interesting chapter titles that you think would appeal to that particular householder.

⁴ During the previous campaign, many publishers found householders who said they wanted the Live Forever book but did not have the $2.50 at the time. Some of these accepted the book when a return call was made. But sometimes when we call back the interest has cooled off, and they do not take the book. So that they are left with something to read at the first call when they do show interest, one circuit overseer found it helpful to offer the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! for 25 cents when the householder could not afford the book. We could try doing that, or offering the current magazines, so that the person would have some publication to read to stimulate further his interest. And, of course, we could arrange to return with the book when the householder expects to be able to obtain it.

⁵ Living in happiness on earth forever is certainly a marvelous prospect, one that is open to a great crowd without number. (Rev. 7:9) We want to do all we can to help others to share with us in having that wonderful hope. As we feature the Live Forever book in our field ministry, we want to keep this in mind and endeavor to start Bible studies with all who show interest in this promise Jehovah makes for those who love him.

Theocratic News

◆ Trinidad reported that 52 percent of their publishers shared in the auxiliary pioneer work in April. They had a new peak of 3,627 publishers with 132 of these serving as regular or special pioneers.

◆ In April, Kenya had a new peak of 2,905 publishers. Over 28 percent of these were in full-time service.

◆ Greece reported its 16th consecutive peak in publishers, with April showing 20,677.

◆ Chile’s peak of 20,292 publishers in April is a 19-percent increase over last year. Peaks in hours, return visits, pioneers and Bible studies are also reported, with 24,551 studies conducted during the month.

◆ Portugal reports 25,118 publishers in April, a new peak and a 17-percent increase over last year. Senegal’s report of 387 publishers is also a new peak and a 6-percent increase.

◆ In Venezuela 21,094 shared in the preaching work in April, a new peak and a 17-percent increase. A peak of 27,940 Bible studies is also reported.

◆ The island of Malta saw 219 publishers share in the work in April. Belgium reached a peak of 20,018.

◆ New Zealand reported a 10.2-percent increase with a new peak of 7,857 publishers in April. New Caledonia had a 19-percent increase with a new peak of 510 publishers. Liberia had a 10-percent increase with a new peak of 1,133 publishers.

Topic for Conversation

Can You Live Forever in Paradise?

Ps. 37:29—The Bible says you can.

Rev. 21:4—What God will do.