February

Meetings for Field Service

FEBRUARY 3-9

Current magazines

1. Which articles will appeal to those in your territory? Why?

2. Which talking points will you use?

FEBRUARY 10-16

How would you offer subscriptions

1. To a relative?

2. To a workmate?

3. House to house?

FEBRUARY 17-23

Preparation for service

1. How do you prepare?

2. What introductions do you find effective?

3. What do you need in your witnessing case?

FEBRUARY 24–MARCH 2

Using the Reasoning book, how would you respond if someone said:

1. “I’m not interested.”

2. “I have my own religion.”

3. “I’m busy.”

Topic for Conversation

What Does the Future Hold for You?

Rev. 1:1​—God reveals what will shortly take place.

Rev. 21:3, 4​—You can have a happy future promised by God.

Continue Offering Watchtower Subscriptions

The Watchtower Permanently in Four Colors!

¹ All of us rejoiced to see the lovely four-color covers on the January 1 Watchtower and the following issues. Yes, this is now a permanent feature! So, let us zealously recommend to all persons who show interest that they read all of the year’s 24 issues of these colorful magazines. The subscription is still only $4.00!

REACH AS MANY AS POSSIBLE

² What can you do to reach as many as possible with the subscription offer in February? One thing is to prepare a list of those you can visit, such as former Bible students, relatives, workmates, neighbors, schoolmates, and teachers. Last month you perhaps left individual magazines with some who were busy at the time you called. Or someone may have shown interest in a particular issue. Return and offer the subscription this month. These people are already acquainted with you and may be open to further discussion. If they have already enjoyed one issue of the magazine, their interest may be aroused to obtain it regularly by subscribing. During February, make a special effort to call on these individuals.

³ The Topic for Conversation “What Does the Future Hold for You?” helps us to think about our own future. In discussing this topic with a householder, help him to picture what the future can hold for him. This may motivate him to think seriously on the subject and encourage him to look for answers about the future. How can the Topic for Conversation be used to present the subscription in an effective manner?

PREPARE A PRESENTATION

⁴ The Reasoning book provides some helpful material under the subheading “Future/​Security” on page 11. The first suggestion may effectively be adapted to introduce the current Topic for Conversation. You could say: “Good morning. How are you? . . . We are sharing with our neighbors a positive view of the future. Do you find that some situations make it hard to be positive? . . . I have found the Bible very helpful in this respect. At Revelation 1:1, the Bible shows that God is the one who reveals what the future holds for man. [Read.] While men are uncertain as to what will take place in the future, there is no uncertainty with God. At Revelation 21:3, 4, his Word says clearly concerning the future: [Read scripture.] Does that sound good to you? . . . ” Then offer the subscription, highlighting a specific point of interest in the current issue.

⁵ What if the householder is busy? You may be able to feature a particular article in the magazine by saying, “We have something brief for those who are busy.” And then the first article of the February 15 issue of The Watchtower might be presented: “Many people today see the future of man as gloomy and without hope. Some have even linked the Biblical apocalypse, or Armageddon, to human extinction, thus stirring fear in the heart of their fellowman. However, the article ‘Apocalypse​—What Is It?’ clearly defines what the Biblical apocalypse really is. I feel confident that you will be encouraged by reading The Watchtower. We are offering a year’s subscription of 24 issues for a contribution of $4.00.”

⁶ Before beginning field service each day, we pray to Jehovah for his direction. We can be confident that he will direct our steps. With Jehovah blessing our work, we should not hold back in offering the subscription at every opportunity. Remember, The Watchtower and Awake! present lifesaving information from God’s Word. (Zeph. 2:2, 3) May we carry out Jehovah’s work with zeal, looking to him to direct and bless us.

Showing Appreciation for the Pioneer Service

¹ Jesus encouraged his disciples to “beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:37, 38) Some are showing appreciation for this need by doing more in the witness work. In the United States during the 1985 service year, an average of 38,489 reported as auxiliary pioneers each month. The peak month was April when 100,145 shared. Over 44,000 are now serving as regular pioneers. Each month, more continue to join the pioneer ranks and are experiencing the benefits and blessings that come with such increased activity.

² What are some of the blessings that come to those who can increase their share in the ministry so as to pioneer? Daily thinking and talking about God’s Word is in itself an outstanding benefit. Increasing their time in field service to some 90 hours each month generally results in contacting more interested persons, placing more literature, making more return visits, and starting more home Bible studies. This means more spiritual giving, helping more people to learn the truth and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Sharing in the pioneer service also brings the blessing of increased happiness.​—Acts 20:35.

ENCOURAGE PIONEERS

³ Not everyone is able to pioneer, but all of us should show appreciation for the pioneer service and encourage and support those who have taken up this vital work. How can this be done? We can arrange to work with pioneers in the house-to-house ministry and offer to go with them on return visits. Pioneers often have no one to work with in the afternoons. Can you fit afternoon witnessing into your schedule so as to work with the pioneers?

⁴ Encouragement and moral support are important. One traveling overseer reported that not all have been encouraging in their comments to pioneers. We should highly value the importance of pioneering and show appreciation for the effort put forth by those who are able to adjust their affairs to have a share in it. All of us should continue to strengthen our own love for the field ministry and the pioneer service.

⁵ Those already in the pioneer service can continue to show they truly prize their privilege by ‘exerting themselves vigorously’ in Jehovah’s work. (Luke 13:24) There is the hour requirement to meet. Sacrifices of a personal nature must often be made in order to continue in the work. (Heb. 13:15) There is a need to keep up with the spiritual food supplied by the faithful and discreet slave so as to stay spiritually strong. All of this requires considerable effort and good planning, as successful pioneers can testify.

⁶ The apostle Paul stated: “All creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain.” Today, this groaning is reaching a climax. (Rom. 8:22; 2 Tim. 3:1) But some of these people are eager to hear the Kingdom message. Out of concern for their welfare, and in view of the lateness of the time, all of Jehovah’s people who can make room for it should give serious thought to entering the pioneer service. Can you do that? March has five full weekends, allowing greater opportunity to meet the requirement of auxiliary pioneer hours. If you can arrange to auxiliary pioneer in March and April, it will give you a good taste of what pioneering is really like, and you will experience Jehovah’s increased blessing upon your endeavors.​—Ps. 34:8.

⁷ When we put Kingdom interests first and, to the best of our ability, have a regular and full share in the field ministry, we are showing our appreciation for Jehovah’s work, including the pioneer service.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 2

Song 71

12 min: Appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry and local announcements. Demonstrate magazine presentation featuring the February 8 issue of Awake! Encourage all to share in magazine work on the second Saturday of February.

18 min: “Continue Offering Watchtower Subscriptions.” Question-and-answer consideration with demonstration. When discussing paragraph 2, ask for expressions and/​or experiences with regard to offering subscriptions to people who already know we are Jehovah’s Witnesses. While discussing paragraph 3, ask why the Topic for Conversation is appropriate. Have experienced, well-prepared publisher demonstrate use of Topic for Conversation and subscription offer featuring the February 15 issue of The Watchtower. As time permits, ask audience why presentation should be effective. Encourage all to learn, rehearse, and use Topic for Conversation. Be positive in presenting the subscription offer. Be sure to carry subscription slips at all times. It may be that Jehovah’s spirit will move householder to subscribe. When subscription is not taken or the householder is busy, the two magazines and a copy of the brochure The Government That Will Bring Paradise may be offered for a contribution of 70¢.

15 min: Reasoning From the Scriptures. Audience discussion of “Prophecy,” pages 295-7.

(3 min.) Chairman: Define prophecy and give examples of Bible prophecies already fulfilled.

(12 min.) Audience discussion. What Bible prophecies are yet to be fulfilled? (Highlight Revelation 21:3, 4.) Why are Christians keenly interested in this prophecy as well as others? This section of the Reasoning book can be beneficial as we use the Topic for Conversation. Request all to bring Reasoning book with them to the Service Meeting next week. Encourage all to share in the house-to-house preaching work this weekend.

Song 187 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 9

Song 46

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Theocratic News.

20 min: “Showing Appreciation for the Pioneer Service.” Question-and-answer coverage followed by five-minute interview of regular or auxiliary pioneers who have been helped by family members (or others) to share in the pioneer work. How have they been helped? What has been encouraging and strengthening to them? What have they done personally to strengthen their own determination to continue in the pioneer service and make a success of it with Jehovah’s help? In conclusion, encourage all who can to serve as auxiliary pioneers in March (which has five weekends) and April.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News​—Using the Reasoning Book.” Questions and answers. Demonstrate suggestions in paragraphs 3 and 4. Choose those appropriate to your territory. These demonstrations should be brief and well prepared. After each demonstration, have audience comment on why material from book will be effective in local territory.

Song 34 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 16

Song 5

13 min: Local announcements. Ask audience which article they would feature in presenting the February 22 issue of Awake! and why. Then have effective publisher demonstrate 60-second house-to-house presentation featuring this issue of Awake! Ask audience why they believe presentation was effective. Encourage all to share in magazine work on the fourth Saturday of the month.

15 min: Local needs. Or talk based on article “How True Faith Can Help You” in October 15, 1985, issue of The Watchtower.

17 min: “Be Sure to Call Back.” Questions and answers with local application. When discussing paragraphs 5 and 6, consider local situations and offer practical suggestions and encouragement.

Song 30 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 23

Song 196

15 min: Local announcements. Review plans for Memorial celebration. Comment on how interested ones can be encouraged to attend. Encourage brothers to start inviting interested ones now. Cover article “Help Others to Find True Peace and Security” by questions and answers. We will be offering the True Peace book in April.

15 min: “School and Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Are You Using It?” Talk based on article in October 1, 1985, issue of The Watchtower. Include expressions from parents and youths in local congregation who have had good success in using the brochure.

15 min: The Offer for March. Display to congregation the older 192-page books on hand in literature department. Encourage brothers to feature book(s) that congregation has in large supply for special 50¢ offer. Ask two or three pioneers or other experienced publishers how they will present book. Call on prepared publisher for brief demonstration. Place Look! booklet where no books can be placed. Studies can be started in that booklet. If out of stock, use another booklet. Encourage all to share in field service the first Sunday of March.

Song 32 and concluding prayer.

Announcements

● Literature offer for February: Watchtower subscription for a contribution of $4.00. Where subscription is not obtained, two magazines and a copy of the brochure The Government That Will Bring Paradise will be offered for a contribution of 70¢. March: Any of the older 192-page books listed in the January Our Kingdom Ministry for a contribution of 50¢ each. If you have Look! booklets, place them during March. April and May: True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It? for a contribution of $1.00.

● On Saturday, May 3, the Brooklyn Bethel home and factory and Watchtower Farms buildings will be closed for spring cleaning, so there will be no arrangements for tours or to pick up literature on that day.

● Since the Memorial celebration falls on a Monday this year, most congregations may not need to make adjustments in their regular meeting schedule for the week. If it is considered necessary to cancel a meeting, it should be the Congregation Book Study, scheduling half of the material the week prior to the Memorial and half the week following the Memorial.

● The large-print edition of The Watchtower is now available in French. For directions on how to order, see Announcements in September 1985 Our Kingdom Ministry.

● New Publications Available:

God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached​—Greek

Reasoning From the Scriptures​—Dutch, Japanese

The Government That Will Bring Paradise​—Afrikaans, Cebuano, Cibemba, Croatian, Hungarian, Sepedi, Solomon Islands Pidgin, Tagalog, Thai, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

Job (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)​—English

Acts of Apostles (set of three; congregation and public: $4.50; pioneers: $3.75)​—Dutch

Exodus (set of three; congregation and public: $4.50; pioneers: $3.75)​—French

Leviticus (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)​—French

Numbers (set of three; congregation and public: $4.50; pioneers: $3.75)​—French

Exodus (set of four; congregation and public: $6.00; pioneers: $5.00)​—Japanese

Psalms (set of six; congregation and public: $9.00; pioneers: $7.50)​—Japanese

November Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 301 129.0 88.6 53.2 5.8

Pios. 44,395 82.6 44.4 29.7 3.1

Aux. Pios. 37,254 58.4 31.8 17.5 1.5

Pubs. 616,278 9.5 7.0 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 698,228

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,857

Be Sure to Call Back

¹ Last year 9,021,009 Bibles, books, and booklets were placed in the United States. Millions of copies of The Watchtower and Awake! were distributed. This enormous distribution of literature brings the responsibility of calling back on interested people to help them become disciples.​—Matt. 28:19, 20.

² Commendably, this responsibility is being taken seriously. Last year we made a total of 47,204,243 return visits and conducted, on the average, 447,298 home Bible studies each month. Jehovah added his blessing, and 34,348 were baptized. How very happy we are to be involved in the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise to speed up the work.​—Isa. 60:22.

³ Perhaps some are not making return visits regularly. Still others are not yet conducting a home Bible study. If you physically and circumstantially can, are you? If not, would you not really like to expand your ministry beyond the initial placing of literature from house to house? What can you do to reach out, making effective return visits and conducting Bible studies?

⁴ First of all, develop a positive attitude, trusting that Jehovah will bless your efforts. Most likely you learned the truth because someone cultivated the initial interest you showed and conducted a Bible study with you. It is only natural that appreciation for what you have received should be expressed in your endeavors to help someone else in a similar manner.​—Rev. 22:17.

BE POSITIVE

⁵ Of course, there are problems to be overcome. It may require extra effort to arrange with others to make return visits in the evening when you are more likely to find people home. Strong religious prejudices may need to be broken down. You may find people who enjoy our literature but hesitate to study because of opposition or ridicule. If you live in a high-crime area, it may require extra caution. You may have to overcome the fear some people have of strangers. These challenges can be overcome. Others who have been successful can help you to face them skillfully.

⁶ Do not allow a reluctance to take on responsibility or a feeling of inadequacy hold you back from enjoying the return visit and Bible study work. Trust in Jehovah and pray for his spirit to help you. Keep a good house-to-house record of all literature placements and other interest that is shown. Call back soon. Learn to use the Reasoning book in answering Bible questions. Seek assistance from experienced publishers.

⁷ As you faithfully call back on interested persons and share in conducting Bible studies, your joy will abound. Perhaps some you help will be included among those counted as new disciples during the 1986 service year and will become your “letters of recommendation” in the ministry.​—2 Cor. 3:1-3.

Help Others to Find True Peace and Security

¹ All over the earth there are still many sincere people who are not yet servants of Jehovah but who are “sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done” in Christendom. (Ezek. 9:4) They long for the time when true peace and security will replace today’s terrible conditions. Such people need the comforting hope of the incoming New Order with its Paradise of complete peace and security.

² For such honest-hearted ones, the book True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It? is being published. This is a revision of an earlier publication on the same theme. The book thoroughly answers questions about why there is no true peace and security now, how it will come, when we will know it is near, and what we should do about it individually. It alerts people to the significance of world events. It shows them whether or not they should place any confidence in man’s efforts for peace. The True Peace book takes note of the declaration by the United Nations that the year 1986 begins special efforts by world leaders toward ‘peace and security.’ Referring to this declaration, the True Peace book says: “This, no doubt, is a step toward the fulfillment of Paul’s . . . words. . . . Yet the prophecy shows that the time will come when the nations will declare that they have achieved a measure of ‘peace and security.’”​—1 Thess. 5:3.

³ Jehovah’s organization has planned a special worldwide distribution of this fine publication in April and May. While there will be more information about it in Our Kingdom Ministry for March and April, we encourage all congregations to order their supplies now, if they have not already done so, in order to have them on hand for the distribution beginning in April.

Presenting the Good News​—Using the Reasoning Book

¹ Each one of us desires to ‘handle the word of truth aright.’ (2 Tim. 2:15) That Word is “the sword of the spirit,” which in the hands of Jehovah’s people can overturn strong, lofty reasonings. (Eph. 6:17; 2 Cor. 10:4, 5) In our efforts to help people, what a valuable tool we have in the Reasoning book!

² We have many opportunities to use the practical suggestions in the Reasoning book. Not only are there the fine introductions presented on pages 9-15, but on subsequent pages there are excellent suggestions to help us answer sincere questions and deal with potential conversation stoppers. Which of these have you found useful in continuing a conversation about the future?

³ The current magazines on the apocalypse may prompt questions from the householder. If appropriate, you may be able to continue the conversation using points in the Reasoning book under such headings as “Armageddon,” “Government,” “Kingdom,” or “Last Days.” Or if someone says, “These things won’t happen in my lifetime,” turn to page 233, where it says: “But it is going to come in someone’s lifetime, isn’t it? . . . Would anyone be able to know that his generation was the one to see it? Jesus’ own apostles wanted to know that, and the answer he gave them is very significant for us today.” (Luke 21:29-32) Or you may wish to use the information on page 234 or page 242. Your brief, satisfying comments may pave the way for a return visit. What a storehouse of information is available to us!

⁴ Some persons might express doubt that God is going to do anything to change matters. We could reason with them, using the points under “Wickedness” on pages 430 and 431. Then direct their attention to the article “Apocalypse​—When?” in the February 15 Watchtower (which shows that survivors of the generation of 1914 will live to experience the foretold apocalypse) or the closing paragraphs of that article under the subheading “Apocalypse​—Prelude to Paradise.”

⁵ Good experiences are being enjoyed by those who are using the Reasoning book. While doing street work, one brother engaged a passerby in conversation. The man asked questions, some in an argumentative way. After answering a number of the man’s questions, the brother decided to make use of the Reasoning book. He simply read from the appropriate section, offering an occasional “That’s interesting, isn’t it?” The man’s attitude changed immediately. Seeing the facts in print made the difference. Before leaving, he even asked where our meetings are being held. All of this took place on a busy street.

⁶ Our use of the Reasoning book may bring similar good results. Acquaint yourself with its contents. Use it in the field. Endeavor to be ‘ready to make a defense before everyone that demands a reason for your hope.’​—1 Pet. 3:15.

Theocratic News

◆ Austria passed the 16,000 mark in September with an all-time peak of 16,005 publishers.

◆ France began the new service year on a fine note with new peaks of 2,101 regular pioneers and 88,062 total publishers.

◆ With a peak of 4,048 publishers, Haiti reports that 7,874 attended the circuit assemblies, and 94 were baptized.

◆ Iceland saw a 15-percent increase in September with an all-time peak of 173 publishers.

◆ In Japan during July, August, and September, 325 congregations and 93 family groups covered 405 towns and villages in unassigned territory. The total population in these places is 2,310,000, making up 69 percent of all the unassigned territory in Japan. A tremendous witness was thus given.

◆ A 10-percent increase is reported for Malta in September with a new peak of 303 publishers. The district convention was held during the month, with a peak attendance of 516.

◆ Nigeria reported a new peak of 121,879 publishers for September. Regular pioneers totaled 4,928, an increase of 1,364 over the same month last year.

◆ The Philippines started the new service year with a peak of 85,668 publishers for September.

◆ Venezuela reached new peaks of 1,905 regular pioneers and 29,706 publishers in September. A total of 46,744 Bible studies were conducted. Congregation publishers averaged 14.3 hours in the field.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book United in Worship of the Only True God:

February 2: Pages 83, par. 13 to 90, par. 8

February 9: Pages 91, par. 9 to 94, par. 15

February 16: Pages 95, par. 1 to 98, par. 8

February 23: Pages 98, par. 9 to 102, par. 14