November

Meetings for Field Service

NOVEMBER 3-9

When featuring New World Translation

1. Why should householder have one?

2. Why would householder want it when reading True Peace book?

3. What various features can be pointed out?

NOVEMBER 10-16

How would you explain picture in the True Peace book on

1. Page 4?

2. Page 37?

3. Page 98?

NOVEMBER 17-23

1. What can indicate a youth is spiritually progressive?

2. How can young ones be progressive in field ministry?

3. How can parents help young ones be progressive?

NOVEMBER 24-30

1. How can we pursue peace with all in territory? (Heb. 12:14)

2. How does service help us enjoy peace with God?

Topic for Conversation

Lasting Happiness Only by Jehovah’s Government.

Eccl. 8:9​—Man’s rule burdensome.

Mic. 4:3, 4​—Jehovah’s government brings blessings.

Peace and Security​—A Reliable Hope

¹ Most people today desire peace and security. But real peace, along with security, has been elusive for this world. Millions live in areas that have been devastated by war. Countless others feel that finding peace and security is hopeless because of terrorist activity or guerrilla warfare. Many fear leaving their heavily secured homes after dark when criminal elements seem to take over. Few indeed are those whose lives are tranquil.

² Last April when we offered the book True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It?, over one million books were placed in the United States. As Christians we heed the command of Jesus: “Wherever you enter into a house say first, ‘May this house have peace.’ And if a friend of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if there is not, it will turn back to you.” (Luke 10:5, 6) As representatives of the God of peace, we approach people peacefully.​—Eph. 6:15.

EXAMPLES AS PEACE SEEKERS

³ Obviously, Jehovah’s people must live peacefully in their communities and congregations in order to recommend a peaceful message. We must be examples of peace-seeking people. Peter wrote fellow Christians to “be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.” (2 Pet. 3:14) How do we become examples as peace-seeking Christians?

⁴ First, we maintain peaceful relations with Jehovah, the God of peace. We recognize his authority as Supreme Sovereign, and we are obedient to his commands. (Ps. 34:14) Peace, a fruit of his spirit, must be evident in our lives.​—Gal. 5:22.

⁵ Our example as peace-seeking Christians must also include respect for human authorities. This would include governmental authorities, schoolteachers, employers, parents, and elders. (Rom. 13:1, 2; Col. 3:22; Eph. 6:1; Heb. 13:17) By leading quiet and peaceful lives we adorn our message. We demonstrate that we want to “pursue the things making for peace and the things that are upbuilding to one another.”​—Rom. 14:19.

CURRENT OFFER PROMOTES PEACE

⁶ During November we will share our hope by offering the book True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It? along with the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures for a contribution of $4.50. Since peace and security are on the minds of millions of people in this troubled world today, this offer is most timely.

⁷ The first two chapters of the book contain excellent talking points. You may wish to read to the householder the first two paragraphs on page 5. Or you could refer to paragraph 11 on page 8, where God’s sure promises are contrasted with what human leaders promise. See also paragraphs 28 and 29 on pages 20-1. Be sure to call back on all who show interest or take the offer, endeavoring to start a Bible study.

⁸ Let us continue telling those who seek peace and security of the truly reliable hope guaranteed by Jehovah, the God of peace, teaching them how it will be accomplished through his Kingdom in the hands of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6, 7) May our example of peaceful living continue to recommend us as Christians who “seek peace and pursue it.”​—1 Pet. 3:10, 11.

Do Your Utmost by Sharing in Full-Time Service

¹ “The greater the effort, the greater the blessings,” said the convention speaker. He then asked those in the pioneer section at the “Divine Peace” District Convention to raise their hands if they agreed. Do you remember the response? Next, the speaker enumerated some of the blessings that one receives by persevering in full-time service​—increased spirituality, skill in using the Bible, privileges of service in God’s organization, living letters of recommendation, and an improved personality, to mention a few.

² The most important blessing one can strive for is God’s approval. It is worth doing your utmost to attain, said one full-time minister, the apostle Paul. He spurred Timothy on with the words: “Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God.” He also encouraged Timothy to obtain that approval by being “a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright.” (2 Tim. 2:15) We, too, can strive for God’s approval, and pioneering will afford us the opportunity to do our utmost in the most important work being done on earth today.

FULFILL YOUR DEDICATION IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

³ Pioneering can be a most satisfying way to fulfill one’s dedication to Jehovah. To be successful, pioneers must put spiritual things first in their lives. Their minds should not be loaded down with anxieties over material things to the point that they lose their efficiency. They learn to let Jehovah bear their burdens by casting all their anxieties on him. (1 Pet. 5:6, 7) One sister, after ten years of pioneering, said: “Jehovah is the one who knows my problems and can solve them. Can I serve anyone better than him?”

⁴ Did the convention speaker’s definition of dedication cause you to think seriously about full-time service? He quoted Jesus, who said: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself . . . and continually follow me.” (Matt. 16:24) The apostle Paul prayed that the love of his fellow Christians might abound more and more, with a view to their being filled with righteous fruit. (Phil. 1:9-11) In your case, could this mean entering pioneer service? One sister in her 80’s, after half a century of full-time service, said concerning pioneering: “What if Jesus Christ would ask you himself?”

⁵ Have you thought about how pioneering can help you fulfill your dedication? If you can make room for it, the benefits are many. One young pioneer sister from the Netherlands said after just one year of pioneering: ‘When you are busy serving Jehovah every day, you become more and more conscious of his purpose. Your personal relationship with him improves also because you study more and pray more intensely. You get to know Jehovah better as a Person.’ Would you like to get to know Jehovah better as a Person?​—John 17:3.

ELDERS TO HELP PIONEERS

⁶ If a pioneer has some difficulty in meeting the hour requirement for the month, he should note the reason on the back of the Field Service Report form (S-4) now used. To give appropriate help, direction, and counsel, the elders should become familiar with the information published in the insert of the February 1978 Our Kingdom Service.

⁷ During December the elders should arrange for a meeting of all the regular pioneers to discuss information provided by the Society especially for that meeting. It is recommended that this meeting be conducted by the presiding overseer and the service overseer. The meeting should be spiritual, practical, and encouraging​—designed to meet the needs of the local pioneers. It should help them to continue doing their utmost in the full-time service.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 2

Song 178

12 min: Local announcements. Encourage support of second Saturday of month magazine work on November 8. Have two capable publishers discuss talking points from magazines they plan to use on Saturday.

23 min: “Peace and Security​—A Reliable Hope.” Elder gives 12-minute talk covering first five paragraphs, followed by audience discussion of paragraphs 6-8. On paragraph 7, have a skilled publisher demonstrate with householder how to use suggested talking points from True Peace book.

10 min: Experiences in starting new home Bible studies. Elder determines who have started home Bible studies in recent months and interviews one or two publishers on how studies were started and how they are progressing.

Song 159 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 9

Song 111

12 min: Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry and local announcements. Accounts report. Discuss August service report and local congregation’s part in outstanding new peak in publishers.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News​—With the New World Translation.” Audience discussion. Briefly demonstrate suggestions given in paragraphs 3-5. Suggest how other features of our New World Translation can be highlighted for householders.

13 min: An Outstanding Bible Translation. Talk. Circulation of New World Translation outstanding. (See w85 1/1 p. 17; g84 12/8 p. 4.) Base talk on information in Reasoning book, pages 276-9. Include appropriate points on how to meet objections under section “If Someone Says—” on pages 64-8 and 279.

Song 180 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 16

Song 91

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Encourage fourth Saturday magazine day activity. Display issues to be used and provide talking points on several articles. Also inform congregation of arrangements for holiday witnessing on November 27.

15 min: “Equipped to Reason by Using Godly Knowledge.” Questions and answers.

20 min: Imitating Our Generous God. Elder discusses following points and scriptures with audience. Jehovah is greatest Giver in universe: Jas. 1:17; Acts 17:25; Ps. 145:15, 16; John 3:16. We must give with right motive: Heb. 13:16; Matt. 6:1, 2. We must be concerned about one another and our families: 1 Pet. 4:9; Mark 7:11-13. Contributing to Kingdom work should be planned and, if possible, regular: 1 Cor. 16:2; compare Deuteronomy 26:10, 11. Israelites called on to contribute in organized way for many things: Num. 18:8; 1 Chron. 29:7, 9. What are some things that need our financial support today? Worldwide preaching work, Society Kingdom Hall Fund, local congregation, and so forth. Announce acknowledgment of any contributions as shown on latest statements from Society. Conclude with positive, encouraging comments. Mention local needs if any. Can be happy 100 percent of money contributed in Jehovah’s organization goes to advance Kingdom interests. Jehovah blesses the generous one.​—Eccl. 11:1.

Song 166 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 23

Song 123

10 min: Local announcements and “Series of Public Talks on Worldwide Security Book.” Review talking points from magazines to be featured this week.

20 min: “Do Your Utmost by Sharing in Full-Time Service.” Questions and answers. Announce December date set for elders to meet with pioneers.

15 min: Local needs or talk based on Watchtower article “Guard Your Mouth!” w86 8/15 pp. 22-3.

Song 162 and concluding prayer.

Announcements

● Literature offer for November: New World Translation and True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It? for contribution of $4.50. December: My Book of Bible Stories for contribution of $2.50. New “Look!” brochure will be used as alternate offer for 30¢. January and February: Any of the following books for a contribution of 50¢: Choosing, Commentary on James, Evolution (old edition), Holy Spirit, Life Does Have a Purpose, Peace and Security (old edition), This Life, World Government. Congregations may request credit for all books obtained by publishers and pioneers. The pioneer rate for the pocket-size books for this campaign is 30¢ each for regular and special pioneers. Supplies of Choosing, Commentary on James, and Holy Spirit may be ordered from Brooklyn.

● Selective Service regulations require that all men register for the draft when reaching 18 years of age. All of those required to do so should take care of the matter promptly, viewing it as a Christian’s obligation to the superior authorities. Elders will want to have this in mind when young brothers are nearing the age of 18 and give them appropriate reminders. Questions as to the young Christian’s responsibilities in this regard may be answered by the elders.

● The Society has produced a new 32-page booklet for the special purpose of helping persons of Hindu background. The title of the booklet is Victory Over Death​—Is It Possible for You? (vi). Congregations that have English-speaking persons with this background in their territory may wish to order a small supply of these booklets. As these become available in other languages, announcement will be made.

● Congregations should begin ordering the 1987 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses on their November literature orders. (See the 1986 Cost List, paragraphs 7-10 for the date you should submit your order.) The Yearbook will be available in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish. Until the Yearbook is available and shipments are made, these will appear as “Back Ordered” on congregation invoices. Yearbooks are controlled stock items (See the Cost List, paragraphs 23-25.) and will cost $1.00 for congregation and public; 50¢ for pioneers. (Yearbooks in Italian will cost $1.50 for congregation and public; 75¢ for pioneers.) Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1, 1986, may receive a free copy for which the congregation may request credit.

● New Publications Available:

Sing Praises to Jehovah (Large size)​—Finnish, French, German, Norwegian, Spanish

Sing Praises to Jehovah (Small size)​—Danish, Finnish, French, German, Norwegian, Spanish

True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It?​—German, Korean

United in Worship of the Only True God​—Cibemba, Hungarian

Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace”​—Croatian, Danish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth​—Faroese, Greenlandic

Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide —​Croatian, Danish, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish

“Look! I Am Making All Things New” (Brochure)​—Croatian, Danish, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish

The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever​—Croatian

The Government That Will Bring Paradise​—Malagasy, Sango

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

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

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

● Out of Stock in the U.S.A.:

Margolis Bible​—English

Life Does Have a Purpose​—English

Equipped to Reason by Using Godly Knowledge

¹ The apostle Paul was equipped to reason by using godly knowledge. Acts 17:17 says that “he began to reason in the synagogue with the Jews . . . and every day in the marketplace with those who happened to be on hand.” To the Corinthians he wrote that their spiritual weapons were “powerful by God,” enabling Christians to ‘overturn reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.’​—2 Cor. 10:4, 5.

² We, too, are equipped with powerful information, enabling us to reason with whomever we happen to meet in our ministry. Like Paul, we meet people with many religious persuasions, philosophies, ideologies, and human theories. Paul invited them to reason, and we can do the same.

BY USING REASONING BOOK

³ Our Reasoning book helps us to have confidence in speaking with people. It contains the facts that are necessary to help individuals reach proper conclusions and make sound decisions. Thus, we can courageously speak with individuals regardless of their education or background. For example, if a controversial subject such as hellfire or neutrality comes up, we can simply say: “Recently I read something on that subject, and I would like to share it with you.” Then we can bring out our Reasoning book and carry on a conversation based on the contents. With the Reasoning book we can feel relaxed about discussing nearly any subject a person may bring up. Always having our Reasoning book with us in field service, ready for use, will help us to be “equipped for every good work.”​—2 Tim. 3:17.

IMPORTANCE OF CONVERSING

⁴ We need to do more than just preach to people; we need to reason with them so that they will see why our message is important, why it applies to them, and how it affects them personally. To do this effectively, we need to put people at ease so they will listen to the Kingdom message. Our ability to converse in a natural manner with a sincere desire to help others learn the truth can make us successful in our ministry. Being familiar with the Reasoning book can help us achieve these goals.

⁵ Jesus recognized and responded to the desperate spiritual needs of the people. We need to be motivated in the same way. Because of personal pursuit of material things and the exclusion of spiritual interests, men have become wayward in their thinking, resulting in mental, emotional, and physical breakdown. (1 Tim. 6:9) We can provide the help that is needed by using our Reasoning book, which assists us to converse on many major topics of life, such as marriage and family problems, abortion, drugs, and other difficulties people may face. For instance, one sister used the Reasoning book on a return visit to discuss the subject of marriage, since the young couple she was calling on were living together without being married. On her next visit a Bible study was started, and the young couple stated that as a result of their previous discussion, they had made plans to legalize their union.

⁶ We are interested in reaching the hearts of people. Our warm and sincere approach can help us do this. Proverbs 16:24 says: “Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.” Our Reasoning book can help us to present the Kingdom message in a skillful and appealing way, attracting honesthearted ones to the truth.

Presenting the Good News​—With the New World Translation

¹ God’s Word exerts tremendous power upon its hearers. Look what it has done for us. What it says is more powerful than anything that men can devise or speak. (Heb. 4:12) Truly, its worth is beyond compare!

² Even though the Bible is the world’s best-seller, there are many homes without one. And among those who do have a Bible, many do not read it. Some translations are difficult to understand. So getting a modern-language translation may be just the thing that will encourage more people to read God’s Word. Their use of the New World Translation can aid them in getting the sense of the Scriptures. Can you help others to benefit from it? The month of November will afford us a fine opportunity to do so. Here are some suggestions you may wish to use in presenting the Bible along with the book True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It?

³ One way to highlight the value of the New World Translation is by featuring the section “Bible Topics for Discussion.” For instance, you could say: “The Bible has much to say about the lasting happiness that Jehovah’s government will bring. To illustrate, notice how helpful the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is in its ‘Bible Topics for Discussion’ section. Here under the subject ‘Earth’ some fine scripture references are found. See how long peace will exist under that government.” (Read Psalm 72:7 and Isaiah 9:6, 7 under the subheading “A. God’s purpose for the earth.”) “Other fine topics are found in this section of the Bible. May I leave the Bible and this book with you for a contribution of $4.50?” Of course, other Bible topics can be selected depending on what you feel is appropriate for the occasion.

⁴ If you find that a householder has only a few minutes to converse, you could briefly discuss the Topic for Conversation but take the time to read the scriptures. Thereafter, show him the index of books in the front of the Bible. You could also say: “You will notice that the Bible I have uses language that is easy to understand.” Then show the book and make the offer for the suggested contribution.

⁵ Another outstanding feature of the New World Translation that will help its reader to get a clear understanding of many scriptures is the 92-page index of Bible words. After having used the Topic for Conversation, you could illustrate its value this way: “There seems to be little peace today even within families. The rising divorce rate is evidence of this. Some married couples do not seem to be able to get along together. But the Bible has valuable counsel on how happiness can be obtained in the home. Note how helpful the index of Bible words is in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Under the subject ‘Husband(s)’ some good Scriptural references are given. Consider what it mentions about a husband and a wife.” (Refer to Ephesians 5:25 and; 1 Peter 3:1.) “This helpful aid can be yours along with the book True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It? They are just $4.50.”

⁶ Not to be overlooked are the valuable features found in the appendix of the New World Translation. The table of the books of the Bible is also very useful and provides interesting facts regarding each book​—the writer, the place where it was written, when writing was completed, and the time period covered.

⁷ Of course, to present the Bible effectively requires preparation. Take a few minutes to consider what feature of the New World Translation you could highlight to show its practical value. Speak with sincerity and conviction and help others to benefit from the powerful influence it can have on their lives.

August Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 197 125.1 90.0 53.8 5.6

Pios. 45,786 62.0 31.4 22.8 2.9

Aux. Pios. 33,642 59.8 28.4 15.9 1.4

Pubs. 665,294 9.9 6.7 3.6 0.4

TOTAL 744,919

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,411

[Blurb on page 1]

◆ New peak of 744,919 publishers in August! ◆

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It?:

November 2: Pages 99 to 106*

November 9: Pages 106* to 113

November 16: Pages 114 to 118*

November 23: Pages 118* to 124*

November 30: Pages 124* to 131*

* To or from subheading.

Theocratic News

◆ Netherlands reported 781 auxiliary pioneers for June, a 27-percent increase over the same month one year ago. Regular pioneer ranks have also grown with 968 reporting, a 20-percent increase.

◆ Réunion had a 23-percent increase in June with a new peak of 1,151 publishers.

◆ South Africa reported a new peak of 39,259 publishers in June. They reached their tenth consecutive peak in regular pioneers with 2,843 pioneers reporting.

◆ Spain had a new all-time peak of 65,334 publishers during June. They also rejoice over a new peak of 934 congregations.

◆ Taiwan had its best report in ten years with 1,181 publishers reporting in June. They conducted a new peak of 1,557 studies. Congregation publishers averaged 10.5 hours, the best ever in Taiwan.

Series of Public Talks on Worldwide Security Book

¹ With joy we all received at this year’s “Divine Peace” District Convention the new Bible study aid Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace.” At that time we learned that it has been especially prepared for use at our Congregation Book Studies.

² So that all will get the most benefit from this new Bible study aid, the Society has arranged to have the information covered in a series of six public talks from January 18 through February 22. All should resolve not to miss a single one of these talks that will encourage the reading of this book by some who may not already have done so. And the talks will further impress important points on the minds of those who have read the book. It is truly a book filled with timely spiritual food for consideration at our Congregation Book Studies in the near future.

³ Following are the titles of the talks and the chapters of the Worldwide Security book on which they will be based:

1​—The Ruling “Prince of Peace” Liberates His People (chapters 1-4)

2​—The Present Urgent Need to “Keep on the Watch” (chapters 5-8)

3​—Divine Covenants That Near Accomplishment (chapters 9-12)

4​—The “Great Crowd” Survive Christendom’s Destruction (chapters 13-16)

5​—Jehovah’s Loyal Ones Witness His Triumph at Armageddon (chapters 17-19)

6​—Jehovah Becomes “All Things to Everyone” Universally (chapters 20-22)

⁴ Thorough preparation will be required in order to ensure effective teaching and spirited delivery of the material. Hence, these talks should be given only by better-qualified speakers.