June

Meetings for Field Service

MAY 30–JUNE 5

When offering “Kingdom Come” book, how will you

1. Tie in Topic for Conversation?

2. Illustrate practical value of publication?

3. Use book to start Bible study?

JUNE 6-12

Use of Life on Earth brochure

1. When will you offer it?

2. What illustrations will you feature?

3. Suggest ways householder can use it.

JUNE 13-19

How might you start Bible studies

1. Using direct approach?

2. After initial placement?

3. When making return visit?

JUNE 20-26

In magazine activity

1. What article will you feature? Why?

2. How will you present it?

JUNE 27–JULY 3

Informal witnessing

1. Why is it often effective?

2. When can it be done?

3. How do you start a conversation?

Topic for Conversation

Are These the Last Days?

Luke 21:10, 11—What Jesus said.

Luke 21:28—We can survive.

United Supporters of God’s Kingdom

¹ Our brothers worldwide are united in their support of God’s Kingdom. They are not adversely affected by factors that divide worldly groups and organizations, including Christendom. That is why the psalmist stated: “Look! How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1) Jehovah’s people today are experiencing this condition, and during June we will have many opportunities to reflect joy in demonstrating our Christian unity.

² The “Kingdom Unity” District Conventions scheduled for the United States will be held within a six-week period during the months of June and July. By now all of us should have made plans to attend one of these conventions, and we are no doubt anticipating a rich spiritual feast. (Mal. 3:10) Such gatherings will serve to demonstrate that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a united people. They also provide occasions for us to strengthen the unity of our Christian brotherhood. While listening to the convention program, make note of suggestions given that will strengthen our brothers worldwide.—Eph. 4:3; 1 Cor. 1:10.

³ Not only do we want to attend the “Kingdom Unity” District Conventions but we want our Bible students and other interested persons to attend as well. Would it not be a cause for joy if all of those who were present at the Memorial celebration this year were also in attendance at the conventions this summer? They could observe firsthand the unity of Jehovah’s people. They would receive information enabling them to take a definite stand for the truth. This is necessary if they are to become united with God’s people in proclaiming the Kingdom message to others.

HAVE FULL SHARE IN FIELD MINISTRY

⁴ This summer, arrangements will be made for field service on Thursday afternoon, following the conclusion of the session. This will give all the opportunity to share in the field ministry during the early evening. Make plans in advance and invite others to work with you. Family groups especially will want to participate together. Many fine experiences have been enjoyed by those who have shared in it in the past.

⁵ In addition, look for opportunities to witness while traveling to the convention each day. Talk to others while at hotels or motels, restaurants, or on other occasions. Carry an extra supply of books, magazines and tracts with you for use when interested persons are contacted. If you will be attending a convention near the end of the month, be sure to report your field service activity promptly to your home congregation.

⁶ During the months of June and July we will be offering the book “Let Your Kingdom Come.” As you will recall, this publication was considered at the Congregation Book Studies during the first six months of 1982. It contains information that will acquaint honest-hearted persons with God’s Kingdom and the blessings that it will bring to mankind in the near future. If we meet persons with limited education, individuals who speak foreign languages or parents with young children, the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever may also be offered. Plan to have a full share in the door-to-door work during the month, directing interested persons to the Kingdom hope.

⁷ June will prove to be a full month of activity. May we make good use of the time, whether we are assembled together with those of like faith or participating in the field ministry. We will want to demonstrate the spirit of true Christian unity and brotherhood as we work shoulder to shoulder in loyally supporting Jehovah’s Kingdom. The results will be truly rewarding!

‘How Will They Hear . . .?’

¹ The greatest worldwide Kingdom proclamation ever undertaken will soon draw to a close. (Matt. 24:3, 14; Mark 13:10) Our times are exciting and marked by a sense of urgency as we accomplish our God-given commission. Our ministry should be both progressive and expansive as we consider not only the quality but also the quantity of our service. Why so? Because there are still scores of individuals and families scattered throughout our territories who have not had an opportunity to hear the message of faith. Since “faith follows the thing heard,” how appropriate the question: “How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach?”—Rom. 10:14, 17.

² A number of congregations have assigned territory that is not frequently worked. It may be in either distant rural areas or nearby city territory. To work such territory may require not only a little more effort and time but also additional expenditure of money. If your congregation has territory that is worked less frequently than desired, what can be done to correct this? How can other congregations and traveling overseers help?

³ With pleasant summer weather ahead, congregations should concentrate on covering all unworked territory. A strong desire to work hard and make careful advance preparation is needed. (Neh. 4:6; 1 Tim. 4:10) Good results are being enjoyed by witnessing with magazines during the late afternoon or early evening hours. Our objective should be to herald the Kingdom message throughout the territory as quickly as possible. Notations can be made only of the interest shown for appropriate follow-through by return visits or letters. Why not organize car groups and plan full days of service, perhaps one weekend out of the month? Get an early start. Driving time can be used to discuss the text and have a practice session along the way. Prepare a lunch to take with you and make the best possible use of the time. Perhaps some could pool their resources, thus sharing the expense so that no one person will be unduly burdened. How fine it is to ‘slave for the furtherance of the good news’!—Phil. 2:22.

⁴ There is also much that you can do to aid congregations in your circuit or neighboring ones. The circuit overseer is responsible for coordinating activity to ensure complete coverage of all territory. If you desire to assist, inform the elders and they can contact the circuit overseer to ascertain where a need exists.

⁵ All of us can share in this vital work. Families may decide to take a vacation or weekend excursion to an area where the territory needs to be covered. Some car groups might be willing to cover distant areas. Older publishers can be invited even though they may be limited in the number of homes they can work. Those unable to travel a great distance might be able to assist in nearby territory that for some reason has not been worked recently. Think of a way that you, too, can help others to hear the good news!

⁶ Experienced publishers and new ones alike can enjoy the challenges that accompany Kingdom preaching in such unique circumstances. In some rural areas it may be practical to obtain a detailed county map showing all roadways and the locations of homes. Plan to cover the territory systematically to accomplish the most good in the time available. Cooperation among congregations, zeal for the ministry and good organization of efforts will help toward getting all congregation territory worked at least once a year.

⁷ We all share a responsibility for the lives of people in our territory. (Ezek. 33:6-9) Your call may be one of the last opportunities for ‘those who are rightly disposed for everlasting life’ to become believers. (Acts 13:48) We have been sent forth to preach to all who will hear. So, let us do so “as out of sincerity, yes, as sent from God, under God’s view, in company with Christ.”—2 Cor. 2:17.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

Note: Our Kingdom Ministry will schedule a Service Meeting for each week during the summer. Each congregation may make adjustments to allow for attending the district convention and then for a review of the program highlights on the Service Meeting the following week.

WEEK STARTING MAY 29

Song 28

12 min: Question Box and Announcements. Encourage all families to share in field activity the first Sunday of the month.

8 min: “Drinking—Do You Share the Bible’s View?” Talk by qualified elder based on April 15, 1983, Watchtower, pages 25-27.

10 min: “An Excellent Provision.” Enthusiastic discussion between book study conductor and assistant. Encourage all to prepare diligently for each study and attend regularly. Encourage congregation to invite newly interested ones. Briefly incorporate suggestions from School Guidebook, page 36, paragraph 11.

15 min: “‘How Will They Hear . . .?’” Questions and answers. Allow time to read and discuss key scriptures and selected paragraphs.

Song 31 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 5

Song 38

8 min: Local announcements and accounts report.

10 min: Since many will be attending the district convention or otherwise traveling, it is a good time to look for opportunities to do informal witnessing. Mention various situations and suggest what type of approach might get good results. (See 1983 Yearbook, pages 169, 170.) Relate one or two local experiences. Take literature with you so you will have it available. Be sure to note time spent and placements so it can be reported at the end of the month.

15 min: “United Supporters of God’s Kingdom.” Questions and answers. When considering paragraphs 4 and 5, encourage the congregation to relate personal experiences resulting from sharing in formal and informal witnessing while attending conventions.

12 min: “Put It in Writing!” Discussion between two elders based on February 8, 1983, Awake! article. Highlight need for all to follow this direction. Encourage all to participate in magazine activity on Saturday, as this will be second Saturday of month. Announce other field service arrangements.

Song 57 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 12

Song 60

5 min: Local announcements.

20 min: Consider material in book Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry, from subheading on page 8 to end of chapter on page 12. Questions and answers.

12 min: Assist Those Who Have Disfellowshipped Relatives. Talk by qualified elder based on “Questions From Readers,” January 1, 1983, Watchtower, pages 30 and 31. Highlight need to lovingly encourage faithful family members of disfellowshipped persons. They have special need.

8 min: Consider experiences local publishers and pioneers have had in placing “Kingdom Come” book and new brochure. Encourage youths who are now on summer vacation from school to arrange to have a full share in the field service. Some may be able to auxiliary pioneer. Review local arrangements for weekend field service.

Song 77 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 19

Song 96

12 min: Local announcements. “Were You There?” Talk based on May 15, 1983, Watchtower related to district conventions in the southern hemisphere and elsewhere.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News—With the Goal of Starting Studies.” Question-and-answer discussion. On paragraph 7, arrange for a brief demonstration to show how a study might be started using the Live Forever book. If time permits, include an experience showing how a former opposer finally demonstrated interest.

10 min: Prepare locally according to needs or consider “Young People Ask . . . Does It Really Matter What I Wear?” from December 22, 1982, Awake! pages 13-15. Show how Bible principles discussed can be applied by both young and old.

8 min: Encourage support for magazine work on the fourth Saturday. Briefly mention some articles that might be featured in either the June 15 Watchtower or June 22 Awake!

Song 110 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 26

Song 97

8 min: Local announcements. Remind congregation to prepare for family witnessing on first Sunday of the month.

15 min: Making Good Use of Our Magazines. Talk and audience discussion. Compare congregation’s average monthly magazine placements with number of magazines ordered. Are magazines piling up in the congregation or at home? Discuss variety of contributing factors: need to review quantity ordered, failure of publishers to pick up magazines. Emphasize the importance of each one getting out in the field service regularly and enthusiastically offering the magazines at every door.

10 min: “What’s Happening With Video Games?” Family discussion of November 8, 1982, Awake!

12 min: Be Ready to Give an Answer. Discuss and demonstrate common objections met in the field. We should not be easily dissuaded from our purpose in sharing life-giving message of truth. After entertaining audience comments, have well-prepared demonstration of practical suggestions. Include brief experiences of good results in overcoming objections.

Song 68 and concluding prayer.

Announcements

● Literature offer for June and July: The book “Let Your Kingdom Come” may be offered for 75c. Otherwise, any 192-page book may be placed. When publishers meet persons with limited education, those who speak a foreign language or parents who have young children, the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! may be offered for 25c. The brochure has also proved to be effective in witnessing to persons who are deaf.

● Literature offer for August and September: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, for $2.50. If this is not available, use My Book of Bible Stories or any other book currently in stock.

● Presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit congregation accounts on June 1 or as soon as possible thereafter.

● One of the dramas to be presented at the “Kingdom Unity” District Convention is based on Nehemiah, chapters 1-6. It is suggested that everyone read that material in preparation for the drama.

● New Publications Available:

My Book of Bible Stories—Irish, Kosraean, Ponapean

Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry—English, Spanish

Watch Tower Publications Index for 1982—English

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth—Korean

● Available Again in U.S.A.:

Aid to Bible Understanding (A-Z)—English

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

Genesis (set of four; congregation and public: $6; pioneers: $5)—English

The First to the Corinthians (single cassette)—German

Beware of Losing Faith by Drawing Away From Jehovah—Drama (single cassette)—Spanish

My Book of Bible Stories (four cassettes in album; congregation and public: $8; pioneers: $6)—French, Spanish

● Pressure-sensitive labels for identifying Kingdom Recordings cassette albums as either “Greek Scriptures” or “Hebrew Scriptures 1” are now available upon written request. Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and the two self-adhesive labels will be mailed to you free of charge.

● The Society now has available the following three booklets in grade-two English Braille: In Search of a Father, From Kurukshetra to Armageddon—And Your Survival, and The Time for True Submission to God. These one-volume booklets may be obtained on a loan basis and returned, or they may be purchased and kept permanently. If purchased, a remittance of $1.00 each should accompany all orders. Send orders for Braille items to the Society’s BRAILLE DESK; they are not included on regular congregation literature orders. Braille publications should not be stocked by the congregation.

An Excellent Provision

¹ The above words fittingly describe not only our new Live Forever book but also the timely arrangement to begin considering this material at the Congregation Book Study this month. No doubt all have read the book through. Hundreds of thousands of copies have been placed in the field during the past few months. It is being used effectively in conducting many home Bible studies. How appropriate it is now for this publication to be used in the Congregation Book Study. Everyone is encouraged to attend regularly each week and enthusiastically share in the joyful feast of spiritual good things.—Matt. 5:3, 6.

² A reasonable amount of material is being allotted for study each week. This will give everyone, including children, an opportunity to participate freely. Time should be allowed to read and discuss thoroughly some of the key texts. All of us, especially the conductors, should diligently prepare, acquainting ourselves with not merely the answer to each question but also “the reason of things.” (Eccl. 7:25) If we do, each week our group study will result in increased knowledge, understanding and faith.—Prov. 14:6; 2 Pet. 1:5.

³ In addition to strengthening our faith, our weekly study will equip us with talking points for use in the field ministry. You may have already developed effective illustrations or enjoyed interesting experiences. At times there may be opportunity to work in helpful field points briefly that will contribute to making the study lively and progressive. The Congregation Book Study should help us to become even more effective teachers.—Compare Proverbs 27:17.

⁴ The book study is also an excellent provision for acquainting our Bible students with Jehovah’s organization. Invite them to attend regularly and experience an interchange of encouragement while also growing in knowledge. (Rom. 1:11, 12; Heb. 10:24, 25) Regular attendance each week will help them to draw closer to the congregation and build faith in God’s Word.

⁵ Consider some of the thought-provoking subjects for discussion: Chapter 1 contrasts life in this dying old system with the beauty of living in Paradise. We are impressed with its reality! Chapter 4 describes in detail the grandeur of Jehovah, the reasonableness of his existence and the magnificence of his personality. Later chapters build on this foundation so that we can develop a personal relationship with Jehovah that will benefit us both now and in the future. This excellent provision will heighten your conviction as to the truths found in the book, You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth.

Presenting the Good News—With the Goal of Starting Studies

¹ Jesus commanded his disciples to be preachers. (Matt. 10:7) A preacher is defined as one who speaks in public, usually offering religious advice. Later, Jesus made it clear that they were to be more than just preachers. They were to become teachers, ones who show how, train, give lessons. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Preaching would make others aware of the Kingdom message, but in order to make disciples it is necessary to teach, and that means starting and conducting home Bible studies.

² Paul told his brothers that they “ought to be teachers in view of the time.” (Heb. 5:12) The present times are critical. We are being trained to be teachers. Have you made progress in this area? Our primary means to teach others is through Bible studies. Are you sharing in this activity? If not, is there more you could do to start a study so that you can share in teaching others?

³ Our attitude largely determines our success. Some say their territory is unresponsive and there is little hope of finding sincere ones who will study. Without realizing it, they may have judged those in their territory as unworthy of help. Yet, we can all recall examples of bitter opposers who have later on accepted the truth.—Gal. 1:13, 23.

⁴ All of us would like to find joy in what we do, especially in the disciple-making work. What brings the greatest joy? Not simply an impressive report. Genuine joy comes from helping others. Paul described those whom he had assisted as his “joy.” (1 Thess. 2:19, 20) We find joy in diligently searching for ones who want to know Jehovah. Once we locate them, we will use our abilities to the full to present the message in the most understandable, appealing manner possible. Where there is response, our goal is to convey some Scriptural truth that will touch the person’s heart. Keeping a record and making definite plans to return will confirm our sincere concern. This positive mental attitude assures that we, too, will reap “great joy” in our ministry.—Acts 15:3.

⁵ A positive approach may determine how much we accomplish. If we really want to help someone, we can usually find a way. Genuine love does not give up easily. (1 Cor. 13:7) A positive attitude shows we are sincere and convinced that what we have is good. If we offer to study with others and mean it, that in itself may produce a favorable response.

⁶ Jesus had a positive mental attitude. He was moved by genuine love for others. (Matt. 9:36) He felt very strongly about doing his work well. (John 4:34) He was convinced that the truth could change people’s lives. (John 8:32) He was willing to sacrifice his own comfort to help them. (Mark 6:31-34) Everything he did in his Father’s service reflected the happiness that he promised would come from giving. (Acts 20:35) How appropriate that we earnestly ask Jehovah to help us be like Jesus!—1 John 5:14.

⁷ Jehovah continues to make fine provisions to help us in the ministry. The book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth is especially designed to help both teacher and student. Its eye-catching appearance makes it easy to place. The material answers many questions that are on the minds of people everywhere. Its concise and simple message is appealing to the heart. Colorful illustrations bring Bible events to life, making a vivid impression on the mind. In what better way could Jehovah answer our request for his aid in becoming teachers? Of course, it is Jehovah who brings the increase and he is due the praise for what is accomplished. However, if we maintain a positive attitude, take advantage of the help he provides and do the best we can with our abilities, then we will receive our own reward as God’s fellow workers.—1 Cor. 3:5-9.

March Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 386 134.0 90.9 58.3 6.3

Pios. 23,281 88.4 50.8 35.4 3.8

Aux. Pios. 29,696 60.7 33.3 20.0 1.7

Pubs. 558,388 8.9 6.8 3.9 0.5

TOTAL 611,751

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,261

The report for March is a very encouraging one. We reached our seventh consecutive peak in regular pioneers. A total of 413,055 home Bible studies was reported, exceeding the peak in February of this year by 10,456. Let the light continue to shine forth so that others may glorify God as a result of seeing our fine works.—Matt. 5:16.

Congregation Book Study

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

June 5: Pages 7 to 15

June 12: Pages 16 to 24

June 19: Pages 25 to 33

June 26: Pages 34 to 46

Question Box

● How should family Bible studies or studies conducted with nonbaptized minor children of dedicated Christians be reported?

Caring for the responsibility to teach children Jehovah’s way requires much time and effort on the part of dedicated Christian parents. (Deut. 6:6, 7; Eph. 6:4) Whether all the time involved is reported as field service has no bearing on the seriousness of the parental responsibility.

The congregation’s field service report is compiled to represent primarily what is being accomplished in the field ministry preaching the good news publicly and teaching the truth to persons who are not dedicated and baptized Witnesses. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) However, if a dedicated Christian parent regularly conducts a family Bible study and minor nonbaptized children are involved, he or she may report a total of no more than one hour and one return visit each week that the study is conducted and one home Bible study for the month. This will be the case even if the study is extended for more than one hour at a time or conducted more than once a week. Additional studies or time spent teaching the children individually would not be included in a field service report, but would rather be viewed as an expression of the parent’s earnest desire to train up the children in godly devotion.—Prov. 22:6.

What if, for some reason, parents should need help in sounding down the truth into the heart of their children? They may ask others to give them the needed assistance. If another publisher is asked to render such assistance, it would be well to discuss this with the presiding overseer or the service overseer. If the parents are new in the truth or otherwise need help with their children and it would be advisable for another publisher to conduct a Bible study with them, that may be done. In such a case, the one conducting the study would be able to count the time, return visit and study if the children are not baptized.—See “Are You the Only Member of Your Family in the Truth?” in the January 1980 Our Kingdom Service and “Working What Is Good Toward Younger Ones” in the August 1980 issue.