July

Meetings for Field Service

JUNE 30–JULY 6

When offering the Live Forever book

1. What specific talking points and illustrations will you use?

2. How will you pave the way for a return visit?

JULY 7-13

When at the door

1. In what ways can your companion share?

2. How can young ones participate?

JULY 14-20

What can be done

1. When weather conditions are not favorable?

2. When few turn out for service?

3. If few people are at home?

JULY 21-27

In working rural territory, how may

1. It be worked most effectively?

2. Those waiting in car use time wisely?

3. Consideration be shown for those waiting in car?

JULY 28–AUGUST 3

How can the Reasoning book help

1. When your introduction is not arousing interest?

2. When making return visits?

Topic for Conversation

Where Can You Find True Peace?

Ps. 146:3​—Men cannot bring lasting peace.

Rom. 16:20​—Jehovah is the source of true peace.

Abundance of Fine Works Produces in April Includes New Peak of 725,799 Publishers

Over 1,000,000 Bound Books Placed

The April report brings joy to our hearts! What a privilege to share zealously in so many fine works! (Titus 2:14) We give thanks and praise to Jehovah for prospering our efforts. The extent of the marvelous witness given is reflected in the report below:

Total Publishers: 725,799. This surpasses our March peak by 1,918.

Total Auxiliary and Regular Pioneers: The total number of auxiliary pioneers was 96,084, which was commendable. While this is not a new peak, when this figure is added to the new peak of 45,786 regular pioneers, the combined total is 5,182 over the total of auxiliary and regular pioneers in April 1985.

Total Hours: 15,413,888. This is 977,814 over our peak in April a year ago.

Return Visits: 5,085,665. Exceeds our previous peak in March by 106,943.

Home Bible Studies: 524,548. This is more than 11,000 over our peak last March.

The sum total of our activity for April, when added to what is being done worldwide, represents a fine spirit of godly devotion and self-sacrifice. It emphasizes, as Jesus foretold, that his followers would do ‘greater works’ in giving a Kingdom witness. (John 14:12) May we all keep on sharing joyfully in such “works” to God’s glory.

Eagerly Share the Good News

¹ How favored we are to have received the good news of the Kingdom! No longer do we put our trust in men who cannot fulfill their promises. Our confidence is in Jehovah and in the assured hope of everlasting life under his Kingdom government. (Ps. 146:3; Titus 1:2) All mankind need to hear the good news of Jehovah’s Kingdom, and we are eager to share it with them!

² Jesus instructed his followers to be his witnesses “to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) We hear that command today and are glad to obey, for he is the King of the Kingdom and to him we joyfully subject ourselves.​—Matt. 28:19.

SUMMER ACTIVITY

³ The summer months open up for many of us greater opportunities to share the good news. While we are on vacation or when traveling to conventions, we may find numerous occasions to give a witness. When we stop for fuel, eat at a restaurant, ride public transportation, or stay somewhere overnight, there will be people whom we may be able to engage in conversation. We can tell them about our convention or the peace God’s Kingdom will bring, and we may be able to leave tracts or magazines with them.

⁴ In planning your summer activities, you may find it helpful to set goals for yourself and your family. One important goal would be to attend all four days of the “Divine Peace” District Convention and fully benefit from the rich spiritual program. Joining with our brothers in such united worship is a joyous privilege. (Ps. 95:6; 100:2) Auxiliary pioneering is another excellent goal for the summer. Why not spend school vacation time during July and August as an auxiliary pioneer? Invite others to do the same, and work together in sharing the good news.

⁵ Your congregation may have as a summer goal a more complete coverage of territory, and you can support that too. It may be possible to assist a nearby congregation in working territory that has not been covered for some time. How about not-at-homes in your own congregation territory? If certain residents are consistently not at home, are not such homes like unworked territory? With more daylight hours, try making late afternoon or early evening calls. Those not home on Sundays may be found during the week or on Saturdays. We want to search out all interested people and tell them of the Kingdom hope, do we not?

⁶ If we are to reach the hearts of people as we tell them the good news, we will want to improve the effectiveness of our ministry. The July offer of the Live Forever book is not new to us, but can we enhance our ability to present it to people? Carry the Reasoning book, and try using various presentations from it. If objections are raised, use it to find an answer. Or, between calls, check to see what you might say in order to be even more effective at the next door.

⁷ Because we are favored with the Kingdom good news, we have the privilege of sharing it with others. May we all be confident of Jehovah’s blessings and increased happiness as we do our utmost to help others learn the truth during July.​—Acts 20:35.

Will You Join the Pioneer Ranks Soon?

¹ About this time last year, thousands of our brothers and sisters were giving prayerful consideration to entering the regular pioneer work. Careful planning helped many to start serving Jehovah in this special way, thus swelling the regular pioneer ranks from 37,220 in August of 1985 to 42,209 in September, an increase of almost 5,000. Are you among those who are giving thought to entering the regular pioneer ranks during the 1987 service year?

APPRAISING YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES

² Perhaps the exciting reports of recent theocratic expansion have awakened in you a desire to have a greater share in the harvest work now under way. (Matt. 9:37, 38; Isa. 60:22) Fine! However, to become a reality, your desire must be coupled with careful planning and complete reliance on Jehovah. (Rom. 12:1; Luke 14:28) Could your employment be adjusted to make room for the pioneer service? Can you simplify your life-style to make more time and energy available for Jehovah’s work? (Luke 11:34) Some families have been able to sponsor one or more of their members in the pioneer work.

INCREASING YOUR FAITH AND ZEAL

³ Entering and remaining in the regular pioneer work require strong faith. If you want to make your faith grow, plan to spend additional time in the preaching work and experience Jehovah’s help. (2 Thess. 1:3) For many, auxiliary pioneering has proved to be a stepping-stone toward the regular pioneer work. Perhaps it can be the same for you.

⁴ Those considering the pioneer work would also do well to speak with the elders about their plans. (Prov. 15:22) They can offer practical and helpful suggestions.

YOUTHS​—PLAN WISELY FOR THE FUTURE!

⁵ Many of you younger brothers and sisters have recently finished your required schooling or now have a reduced schedule during your final years of high school. No doubt you are giving much serious thought to your future. As you make such plans, be sure to ‘remember your Grand Creator’ and consider His timely counsel. Take seriously what he has in store for the earth and obedient mankind. (Eccl. 12:1) Entering the pioneer work during the new service year could safeguard you from settling into less worthy pursuits that may sidetrack you from your real purpose in life. (Prov. 10:22) As you “taste and see that Jehovah is good,” may the joy and satisfaction you experience in full-time service motivate you to make it a lifelong career.​—Ps. 34:8.

⁶ Our appreciation for Jehovah should move us to do all we can in his service. For those whose circumstances permit, this may mean entering the pioneer ranks. But circumstances of others may not allow for it at this time. However, we can all keep the matter before Jehovah in prayer, thus giving evidence of having the pioneer spirit. Some currently serving as regular pioneers felt at one time they could not pioneer. However, circumstances can change or be changed if we couple our desire with careful planning and sincere prayer for Jehovah’s blessing on our efforts to serve him to the fullest extent possible. (Prov. 16:3; Mal. 3:10) May we all work toward that end and wisely plan for the future.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JUNE 29

Song 43

13 min: Local announcements. Demonstrate following alternate Topic for Conversation. Theme: Living on Earth Forever​—Is It Possible? Use Titus 1:2 to point out that we have a sure promise of everlasting life. Then, Proverbs 2:20, 21 can be read to show that everlasting life is to be enjoyed on earth by righteous ones. Appropriate portions of the Live Forever book can be used to illustrate these points. This optional topic will allow for greater variety, especially where territory is worked frequently. Encourage all to share in field service on first Sunday of July. Review arrangements for witnessing on July 4.

15 min: “Eagerly Share the Good News.” Question-and-answer discussion.

17 min: Reasoning From the Scriptures. Discussion between elder and young brother who finds himself attracted to the world. Elder uses material in Reasoning book, pages 389-93, “Spirit of the World.” Elder defines spirit of the world and explains why being tainted by it is cause for concern. (1 John 5:19; Rev. 12:9) Elder draws brother into discussion and reasons along following points: Damage to our spirituality if spirit of world influences our thinking and desires. World’s spirit based on pride and rebellion against Jehovah. What must be done to break free from spirit of world. Need to avoid Eve’s self-willed course and resist tendency to rebel against authority. Ways in which spirit of world manifests itself in conduct of people today. Pitfalls of materialism; its relationship to spirit of world. How improper speech and actions contribute to wrong spirit. Contrast Bible makes between spiritual and physical man. Do not idolize humans. Elder concludes with experience showing we really do not miss out on anything if we do not get involved in worldly activities. In African land, at age of nine, young girl had to leave land where work was banned and move with family to another country where she spent 14 years in a refugee camp. All her teen years devoted to peaceful life revolving around Bible study and meetings. Now she is in full-time service. Although she did not have access to world and its entertainment, did not miss anything! Young brother expresses appreciation for discussion.

Song 80 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 6

Song 69

10 min: Local announcements, selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry, and April service report. Encourage all to share in magazine activity this Saturday. Demonstrate two 60-second magazine presentations as time permits. Feature current Watchtower in one and current Awake! in other.

20 min: “Will You Join the Pioneer Ranks Soon?” Discuss material with audience. Draw experiences from those who are or have been pioneers on how pioneering has enriched their lives and allowed them to help others. Encourage those who can to join pioneer ranks.

15 min: Arrange locally according to needs of congregation or present instructive talk based on article “How to Make Your Bible Reading Fruitful,” pages 5-7 of June 15, 1985, Watchtower.

Song 167 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 13

Song 100

10 min: Local announcements and accounts report.

20 min: “Not Neglecting the House of Our God.” Questions and answers. Outline specifically what can be done locally to improve care of Kingdom Hall and its grounds.

15 min: Two elders discuss continuing need for parents and children to be concerned about conduct at Kingdom Hall and at assemblies. Discuss local situation, which may include children running in aisles after meetings, loud talking outside hall that may disturb neighbors, and danger of children running around in parking lot at night. Commend those who have worked to control children. End on positive, encouraging note of wanting to do all things as pleasing to Jehovah.

Song 164 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 20

Song 68

15 min: Local announcements. Encourage magazine activity on fourth Saturday. Discuss talking points from current issues that could be used in field service this week. Remind all to bring brochures for August offer to Service Meeting next week.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News​—With Empathy.” Questions and answers.

15 min: Keep a Positive Attitude. Encouraging talk based on article beginning on page 28 of June 1, 1986, Watchtower.

Song 147 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 27

Song 177

10 min: Local announcements and Theocratic News.

20 min: Using Reasoning Book to Encourage One Another. Talk and demonstrations based on pages 117-21. Barnabas was known as a warmhearted and generous person. He willingly gave of himself to help his brothers. His visit to Antioch was a stimulus to the new disciples. His warm words and thoughts moved the new disciples “to continue in the Lord with hearty purpose.” (Acts 11:23) Giving encouragement effectively brings results. The recipient benefits by receiving courage, hope, and confidence to face a difficult situation.

We all need encouragement and to be encouraging to one another. What can we say and do to help each other face problems and continue serving Jehovah with “hearty purpose”? DEMONSTRATIONS: (1) Publisher visits older publisher. Older publisher is unable to attend meetings regularly because of illness and is down in spirit. Publisher shares thoughts of appreciation for older publisher’s many years of faithful service and perhaps relates a good experience publisher had with older one in field service. Conversation lends itself to 2 Corinthians 4:13, 16 and related material in Reasoning book. (2) Two brothers having a chat after meeting. Conversation turns to day’s activities and secular work. Brother relates how his job is in jeopardy because company might fail. They live in economically depressed area, and brother is already having a hard time making ends meet. Other brother sympathizes with brother’s feelings; he, too, is having a hard time. Finds peace of mind in what Scriptures have to say. Reasoning book under “Economic Problems,” page 120. Discussion based on Matthew 6:33 and Romans 8:35, 38, 39.

15 min: Literature offer for August. Discuss talking points from brochures that can effectively be used by younger and newer publishers as well as those more experienced.

Song 52 and concluding prayer.

Announcements

● Literature offer for July: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, for contribution of $2.50. Small-size books are $1.25. August: One of the following brochures for a contribution of 30¢: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, or The Government That Will Bring Paradise. September: Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? for a contribution of $2.50. October: Subscription for either Awake! or The Watchtower, or both, for a contribution of $4.00 for each one-year subscription.

● New Publications Available:

Bible (congregation, public, and pioneers: $12.00)​—Thai

Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (Small size)​—Chinese

Reasoning From the Scriptures​—Finnish, Portuguese, Swedish

True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It?​—Afrikaans, Chinese, English, French, Sepedi, Sesotho, Spanish, Tsonga, Xhosa, Zulu

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size)​—Hiligaynon, Maltese

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!​—Mauritian Creole, Serer, Wolof

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

Genesis (set of five; congregation and public: $7.50; pioneers: $6.25)​—Japanese

The First of Chronicles (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)​—Japanese

The Second of Chronicles (set of three; congregation and public: $4.50; pioneers: $3.75)​—Japanese

My Book of Bible Stories (set of four cassettes in album; congregation and public: $8.00; pioneers: $6.00)​—German

Not Neglecting the House of Our God

¹ “Guard your feet whenever you go to the house of the true God; and let there be a drawing near to hear.” (Eccl. 5:1) Yes, Jehovah’s place of worship is special to us, and so our care for the Kingdom Hall as well as our conduct while there should show that we recognize it as a place to be “taught by Jehovah.” (Isa. 54:13) Do you have such appreciation for your Kingdom Hall?

² As Kingdom expansion continues, many have shown appreciation by contributing to the Society Kingdom Hall Fund. Jehovah blesses such thoughtful generosity and devotion to true worship. But what are we doing to help maintain our place of worship in good condition?

CONDUCT IMPORTANT

³ When we invite others to attend meetings, we should do so with confidence that what they observe there will represent well Jehovah’s name and Kingdom. As the true God, his “dignity is above earth and heaven,” and our conduct when at the Kingdom Hall should uphold this dignity. (Ps. 148:13) Never would we want our dress, grooming, or conduct to disturb our brothers and sisters or stumble someone who may be visiting.

⁴ Each one should exercise neighbor love and be careful not to cause distractions. Whispering, eating, chewing and snapping gum, rattling candy wrappers, making unnecessary trips to the rest room, and habitually arriving late all interfere with others’ concentration and detract from the dignity due Jehovah’s place of worship. “Love . . . does not behave indecently,” and such poor manners are out of place in the Kingdom Hall. (1 Cor. 13:4, 5; Gal. 6:10) Worldly meeting places are often unsightly and even damaged when people carelessly dispose of chewing gum, candy, and food. All of us, and especially parents of young children, should take care that we do not spoil Jehovah’s building in this way.​—Compare Deuteronomy 23:14.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR CLEANING

⁵ The body of elders (and the Kingdom Hall Operating Committee, if more than one congregation uses the hall) schedules regular cleaning and maintenance of the building. Cleaning is usually done on a weekly basis by book study groups, following a checklist of necessary things to be done. All will want to be sure to follow carefully the schedule provided so that the care of the hall can be carried out “decently and by arrangement.” (1 Cor. 14:40) Additionally, an occasional special day for thorough cleaning may be scheduled.

⁶ When the Kingdom Hall is used by more than one congregation, it is especially important to be conscious of our responsibility in maintaining the hall. In such cases, the building is subject to much more wear and tear, but our cleaning assignment comes less frequently. We should mark our calendar to remind ourselves about cleaning assignments. Book study conductors and their assistants should be alert to remind their groups well in advance of each assignment.​—See Our Ministry, page 61, paragraph 3.

DOING OUR PART

⁷ All of us will want to support our group when it is assigned to clean the Kingdom Hall. This assures that the burden does not fall on just a few, and we benefit from the wholesome activity and good association. But we do not have to wait for an assigned turn to clean. As individuals and as families, we can help tidy up the hall after meetings. If we see paper on the floor, we can pick it up; if chairs are not aligned, we can help straighten them. How satisfying it is to see Jehovah’s place of worship sparkle as a result of our efforts!

⁸ Nehemiah recognized the importance of ‘not neglecting the house of our God.’ (Neh. 10:39; 13:11) We recognize that our Kingdom Hall is the center of true worship in our community and as such deserves our loving attention and care. By our conduct and by supporting arrangements for cleaning, may all of us uphold the dignity of Jehovah’s place of worship.

Presenting the Good News​—With Empathy

¹ ‘Lovers of themselves, self-assuming, haughty, and puffed up with pride.’ (2 Tim. 3:1-5) How aptly the Bible describes the generation in which we live! The materialistic way of life and the me-first philosophy of today have caused men to isolate themselves and to be unconcerned with their neighbor’s welfare. Empathy, the ability to put oneself in the other person’s place, is not frequently observed among people in the world.

² Showing empathy is a necessity if we are to be successful in our ministry. This is not always easy. We, too, are confronted with problems and anxieties that can hinder us from thinking of others. What can we do to make sure we do not become lax in this regard?

CULTIVATING EMPATHY

³ We should consider the needs of our neighbors. By doing so we will be imitating our heavenly Father. Jehovah loves people and appreciates their needs. He likes to see his creatures happy. Hence, he was moved with pity and compassion to provide mankind with a ransom, saving them from their sinful state.​—John 3:16.

⁴ The world of mankind is in dire need of God’s Kingdom. It alone can provide a lasting solution to the problems that plague us. Learning about this Kingdom has helped us to cope with our problems and has set us free from Babylonish religion. By putting ourselves in the place of the householders, we will be moved with pity and compassion to share with them the truth from God’s Word, enabling them to experience the joy we have come to know.​—John 8:32, 36.

⁵ Jesus carried out his ministry with love and heartfelt feelings for mankind. He showed deep concern for people, and those that listened to him knew that he cared for them and sympathized with their situation. (Luke 5:12, 13; Mark 6:32-34) Our personal love for neighbor will also become evident if we cultivate and demonstrate empathy just as Jesus Christ did.

HOW DEMONSTRATED

⁶ How can we demonstrate that concern in our ministry? We need to be discerning, take note of the householder’s circumstances and comments, and put ourselves in his place. Ask yourself: If I were in his place, what words would console or interest me? Then proceed according to what you discern to be of interest to him. If you see that he is not in a position to converse, then shorten the discussion, perhaps offering the latest magazines or a tract and promising to call at a more convenient time. By discerning what concerns the householder and being empathetic, we are in a better position to share the Kingdom message in a heartfelt manner.

⁷ Experienced publishers especially need to demonstrate empathy when helping new ones in field service. Recalling our own initial hesitancy and feelings of nervousness when starting to go from door to door, or perhaps when giving our first talk, can help us to maintain the proper mental attitude. Reflecting on how others helped us will enable us to know what to do and say when giving counsel and instruction to new and inexperienced ones. By showing patience, love, and a genuine willingness to assist, we will be able to help them make spiritual progress.

⁸ Showing empathy for those in the field and to our brothers and sisters reflects the Christian personality. Let us always look for opportunities to demonstrate it, following the example of Jehovah God and of his Son, Christ Jesus.​—Eph. 5:1, 2.

Theocratic News

◆ Brazil reported their fifth consecutive peak in publishers, 181,731, and their 31st consecutive peak for regular pioneers with 7,326 in February.

◆ Chile reached a new peak of publishers for February with 27,374. This is a 10.9-percent increase over last year’s average. During the month, 11.8 percent of all publishers shared in some form of pioneer service.

◆ Germany had a successful subscription campaign, obtaining 5,780. This represents a 23-percent increase over last February’s campaign.

◆ Jamaica had a new peak of 7,892 publishers in February and a new peak of 8,215 studies.

April Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 294 130.8 88.3 55.6 5.8

Pios. 45,786 87.1 45.4 31.5 3.3

Aux. Pios. 96,084 58.9 31.7 16.0 1.3

Pubs. 583,635 9.8 7.0 3.6 0.4

TOTAL 725,799

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,714

Congregation Book Study

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

July 6: Pages 173, par. 9 to 177, par. 3

July 13: Pages 177, par. 4 to 183, par. 14

July 20: Pages 184, par. 1 to 187, par. 9

July 27: Pages 188, par. 10 to 191, par. 17

Beginning the week of August 3, we will use the book True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It?