November

Meetings for Field Service

NOVEMBER 2-8

How would you

1. Introduce new Topic for Conversation?

2. Involve the householder in consideration of scriptures?

NOVEMBER 9-15

Offering the “Kingdom Come” book

1. What points from the book can be highlighted?

2. What if the householder has it?

NOVEMBER 16-22

Offering the New World Translation

1. How will you offer the Bible?

2. What can you highlight?

NOVEMBER 23-29

Witnessing during holiday period

1. How will you offer literature?

2. What magazine articles will you feature?

Topic for Conversation

Religion That Has Real Value.

2 Tim. 3:1, 2, 5​—A mere form of worship is not enough.

John 4:23​—Religion that God approves.

Outstanding New Peaks

773,219 Publishers in August

The 1987 service year came to a close in August with a new peak of 773,219 publishers. This is an increase of 26,263 over last April’s report. Truly this gives us cause for rejoicing. The new peak of 53,143 regular pioneers in the field is an additional cause for rejoicing. As we move forward in the ministry, may we continue to put our trust in Jehovah’s holy name!​—Ps. 33:21.

Seeking the Kingdom First

¹ Every reasonable person wants to enjoy a long life under peaceful conditions. This is a normal desire, and such may be attained by ‘seeking the Kingdom first.’ (Matt. 6:33) However, instead of seeking the Kingdom, people today do so many things that detract from enjoyment of life. Overindulgences and excesses seem to be the order of the day. Dangers to life itself abound. Disruptive violence and civil disorders have spread to parts of the earth once noted for a more tranquil way of life.

² Still, we know that if a person gives priority to ‘seeking the Kingdom,’ his life will be affected for good. Jehovah will lengthen his days and add years to his life.​—Prov. 3:1, 2.

VALUABLE ASSISTANCE

³ During the month of November, we will be working to help people seek the Kingdom and pursue the goal of life by offering the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures along with the excellent Bible study aid “Let Your Kingdom Come” for the contribution of $4.50. What a privilege we have to help others in this way! We want to be ready with talking points that might stimulate interest in righteoushearted ones and help them to see how these publications will be beneficial to them in seeking the Kingdom first. What can we say?

⁴ If the householder appears to be religiously inclined, after introducing yourself you may wish to say: “People who are interested in improving their way of life may show this by following a particular religion. But many who do so are still unhappy. Why is this so? The Bible gives us this reply: [Read 2 Timothy 3:1, 2, 5.] It is readily seen from what we have read that merely having a form of worship is not enough. Well, what does God expect of us? Notice the answer given here at John 4:23: [Read.] The Bible itself will help you to learn more about the religion that has real value. May I leave you this easy-to-understand translation along with this book for $4.50?”

⁵ If the edition of the New World Translation you are offering includes the feature “Bible Topics for Discussion” in the back, you may suggest that the householder make use of this to get clear insight into each subject under discussion by referring to the cited scriptures.

⁶ You may find a person who already has the New World Translation. If so, then simply try to interest him in a copy of the “Kingdom Come” book. You might say: “Certainly belief in God’s Kingdom would be an important part of the religion that God approves. May I offer you this book that is designed to familiarize you with the many references to the Kingdom found in the Bible you have already? It is yours for just $1.00.”

OUR GOAL

⁷ Our goal is to help honesthearted ones learn about Jehovah and motivate them to seek the Kingdom first. This will build up their hope of life under righteous conditions. Offering the modern-language New World Translation and the “Kingdom Come” book with its clear, direct, and yet appealing style will help us reach our goal. Let us be enthusiastic in performing our ministry!

Helping Inactive Ones

¹ One of Jesus’ parables is about a shepherd’s leaving 99 sheep to go in search of one that was lost. Do you recall his statement as to what would result from finding the one that was lost? “And if he happens to find it, I certainly tell you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that have not strayed.” (Matt. 18:13) Such joyfulness has been experienced by many congregations when inactive ones have returned to the flock of God.

² In the past few years, additional attention has been given to assisting those who have become inactive. Overseers have the responsibility to pay attention to all the flock. (Acts 20:28) For this reason, they have taken the initiative to visit inactive ones. As a result, many have responded to these loving efforts and have become active Kingdom proclaimers again. Are there still some in your congregation who have become inactive in recent years? What can be done to help them?

WHAT CAN BE DONE

³ The service overseer and the secretary take the lead in coordinating efforts to care for inactive persons. The elders should arrange their affairs to make the initial visit. In some cases, it may be that the inactive one would appreciate having someone conduct a Bible study with him. If so, the service overseer would determine who should be assigned to conduct the study. Perhaps the one who originally studied with the person or someone he has known and respected would be in a good position to help. If an entire family is involved, it may be that an elder or a qualified ministerial servant could be asked to study with them. An inactive sister may be assisted by an experienced sister. A young person may respond to a young ministerial servant or a capable pioneer. The service overseer may recommend that certain subjects or an entire publication be studied. The objective is to give needed help. The service overseer may use whoever is in the best position to do that.

⁴ Some elders have found it beneficial on the initial call to review the article “Return to the Shepherd of Your Souls” in the May 1, 1982, Watchtower. Jehovah’s mercy can be highlighted and upbuilding experiences about those who have returned to Jehovah can be shared. In the case of a youth who has become inactive, the article entitled “Bring Your Heart Back to Jehovah” that appeared in the October 1, 1982, Watchtower may be helpful. Thereafter, a regular Bible study may be arranged.

⁵ Publishers who are given the responsibility and privilege to conduct such studies should take a personal interest in these individuals. Develop a friendship with them. Highlight the importance of regaining their spiritual strength. Help them to appreciate that Jehovah, out of his love and concern for them, has arranged for this personal assistance through his organization.

⁶ Although certain publishers will be asked to assist inactive ones, this does not mean that others cannot help also. All can take the initiative to greet these persons when they come to the Kingdom Hall and engage in upbuilding conversation with them. Show that we are happy to have them with us and that we hope they will continue progressing. This loving interest should continue to be shown as they make spiritual progress. Positive results have been obtained by such united efforts.​—Eph. 4:16.

⁷ Yes, we certainly rejoice to see formerly inactive ones associating with us again. This is especially true for those who have been able to render some personal assistance. It is our prayer that Jehovah will richly bless our efforts to “work what is good” toward those inactive ones who are “related to us in the faith.”​—Gal. 6:10.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 1

Song 172

10 min: Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry and local announcements.

25 min: “Seeking the Kingdom First.” Questions and answers. Have an experienced publisher demonstrate presentation in paragraph 4.

10 min: Question Box. Discussion with audience by presiding overseer. Highlight information regarding which books may be used in home Bible studies. Those mentioned should be used if available in the language of the student.

Song 146 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 8

Song 71

8 min: Local announcements, August field service report, including “Outstanding New Peaks,” and accounts report. Mention Society acknowledgment of all contributions, including donations to Society Kingdom Hall Fund and for missionary travel.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News​—By Handling Conversation Stoppers.” Questions and answers. As time permits, briefly demonstrate suggestions for handling conversation stoppers.

15 min: Encouragement From the Pioneers. Interview two or three who have taken up the regular pioneer work during the past year. What motivated them to enroll as pioneers? What obstacles were in their way and how did they overcome them? What encouragement would they offer to others who want to enter the pioneer work? Auxiliary pioneers may be interviewed similarly if there are no new regular pioneers in the congregation.

7 min: Examining the Scriptures Daily. Talk based on the day’s text and comments. Encourage daily consideration of text. Invite all to share in weekend magazine-day activity.

Song 21 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 15

Song 221

7 min: Local announcements. Announce special field service arrangements for November 26 where this is a designated holiday.

18 min: “Helping Inactive Ones.” Question-and-answer discussion. In connection with paragraph 4, service overseer gives a five-minute demonstration of how he sets up visits and what publication will be used by the two elders making the initial call.

20 min: Youths, Do You Have Spiritual Goals? Talk by experienced brother, encouraging young persons to set spiritual goals. Many tempting worldly goals face youths today. World exerts strong influence. What attitude should we have toward these temptations? (1 John 2:15, 16) Why? (1 John 2:17) Since world is passing away, it would be unwise to pursue riches and a position in this world. (1 Tim. 6:9, 10) Instead, we should be active in Jehovah’s service today. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Could set goals such as reaching national average of hours for publishers, making return visits, conducting a Bible study, getting baptized, helping other young ones, helping the elderly, auxiliary pioneering, regular pioneering, serving where the need is greater, missionary service, and Bethel service. (Matt. 6:33) Why is a lifetime of serving Jehovah the best goal to have? (Eccl. 12:1) By setting spiritual goals, we receive help from Jehovah and draw close to him and his Son. (Jas. 4:8) Interview two or three exemplary youths who are pursuing spiritual goals in their life and have been blessed by doing so, or interview older ones who have set goals and achieved them.

Song 183 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 22

Song 48

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Announce arrangements for magazine-day service.

20 min: “Doing the Necessary Things to Please God.” Question-and-answer coverage.

15 min: Local needs. Secretary may discuss reporting field service time and Bible studies. Stress that individual reports are due promptly at the end of each month.

Song 96 and concluding prayer.

Announcements

● Literature offer for November: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures along with book “Let Your Kingdom Come” for contribution of $4.50. December: My Book of Bible Stories for a contribution of $2.50. The “Look!” brochure can also be offered for a contribution of 30¢. January and February: Any two of the older pocket-size books the congregation has in stock for a contribution of $1.00. May include Choosing, Commentary on James, “Eternal Purpose,” Evolution (old edition), Good News, Holy Spirit, Peace and Security (old edition), This Life, Truth, and World Government.

● It is important that brothers planning charters to visit Brooklyn Bethel or Watchtower Farms first correspond by mail with the offices at each location. Please provide information on the number coming and the dates for each location. The Society will provide directions and the route chartered buses must take. Address your mail to the Bethel Office, 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201 or Route 1, Box 300, Wallkill, NY 12589.

● Congregations should begin ordering the 1988 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses on their November literature orders. (The 1987 Cost List, paragraphs 7-10, gives date congregation should submit 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, it 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. Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1, 1987, may receive a free copy for which the congregation may request credit.

● New Publications Available:

Aid to Bible Understanding (Volume 8, Sin-Z)​—German

Reasoning From the Scriptures​—Cebuano, Iloko, Tagalog

United in Worship of the Only True God​—Shona

A Secure Future​—How You Can Find It—​Fijian

Tract No. 14​—Danish, French

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

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

● Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

The Two Babylons​—English

Is There a God Who Cares?​—Japanese

● The following publications are now available in grade-two English Braille:

Examining the Scriptures Daily​—1988 (four volumes: $5.00)

Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1988 (free upon request)

To obtain Braille publications, please send a separate order to the Society’s BRAILLE DESK, giving the name and address of the person who will use them. Include remittance for purchase. Do not include with congregation orders for printed literature.

Doing the Necessary Things to Please God

¹ Pleasing our Creator is of primary importance to us, for “Jehovah is finding pleasure in those fearing him.” (Ps. 147:11) Our desire is to please the true God, as Enoch did. (Heb. 11:5) There are some necessary things that we must do. These would include ‘abstaining from blood,’ in accord with the divine command recorded at Acts 15:28, 29. As you will recall, this matter was recently considered at our 1987 “Trust in Jehovah” District Conventions.

² Being admitted into a hospital, especially in an emergency situation, can bring about circumstances that severely test our faith and integrity. Preparation must be made in advance in order to minimize difficulties that may arise. For example, it is vital that you always carry an up-to-date medical card that is properly filled out and signed. Another very important precautionary step is to be sure that your doctor is informed in advance, if possible, of your nonnegotiable stand on the blood issue.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

³ Reports show that some have been lax in talking with their doctor in advance, before an emergency arises. Although they may have informed their doctor that they are Jehovah’s Witnesses, they failed to explain clearly their position regarding the use of blood, and they did not determine whether he would respect their wishes. If you have a doctor but have not personally talked to him about such matters, you should do so the next time you visit him. If it does not appear that you will otherwise visit your doctor in the foreseeable future, it is recommended that you endeavor to make an appointment at your earliest convenience.

⁴ At the “Trust in Jehovah” District Convention, practical suggestions were given as to things that should be discussed with your doctor, as well as the manner in which this should be done. Emphasis was placed on the need to show respect for the position of doctors, not being antagonistic or displaying a superior attitude. Such a negative approach would be unwise and self-defeating. Compared to our doctor, we may be experts in God’s Word, but we should give him due honor as an expert in medical matters. (1 Pet. 2:17) Please do not discuss nutritional and other nonmedical treatments with medical doctors in the context of our stand on blood. Your individual views on such matters may cause them to lose sight of the fact that your position regarding the use of blood is primarily a Scriptural stand.

WHAT TO SAY

⁵ When you next visit your doctor, tell him that you have a brief but very important matter to discuss with him before getting to any medical reason for your visit. Then cover the following eight points outlined at the “Trust in Jehovah” convention: (1) You appreciate his skill and your good relationship with him as your doctor. (2) You have a fundamental conviction that he needs to be aware of. (3) For religious reasons you absolutely cannot take a blood transfusion, even in an emergency. (4) You realize this may complicate things, but you cannot alter this ethical stand. You hope he will offer his best treatment within this limitation, as many other physicians are doing. (5) This also applies to any other doctor he may arrange to care for you. (6) You will accept any added risk and sign release forms, and you request that your position be written into office and hospital records. (7) Provide him a copy of the article reprinted from a medical journal in Awake!, June 22, 1982, pages 25-7. (8) You appreciate the opportunity to explain this position, which is so important to you now and in the future. These eight points should be presented briefly, in a nonargumentative, serious, and appreciative manner. Your congregation will have received copies of the reprint of the medical article.

⁶ Experience has shown that such advance efforts toward establishing a good relationship with doctors and clearly informing them of your stand is very helpful when an emergency arises. If your resolute position is presented in a reasonable and respectful manner, your doctor is more likely to be understanding and cooperative. Our complying with Jehovah’s commandments will be pleasing to Him and will result in His continued blessing.

August Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 191 125.0 85.6 50.7 5.2

Pios. 53,143 60.6 29.9 21.2 2.6

Aux. Pios. 34,182 59.2 28.4 15.3 1.4

Pubs. 685,703 9.9 6.7 3.6 0.5

TOTAL 773,219

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,521

Presenting the Good News​—By Handling Conversation Stoppers

¹ With each opportunity we have to give a Kingdom witness, our heartfelt desire should be to present the message in the best, most effective, way possible. Even in the face of difficult circumstances, Hebrews 13:15 reminds us: “Let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.” Our readiness to make skillful use of the Reasoning book in handling conversation stoppers will improve the quality of our ministry.

² There may be several reasons why a householder might use a potential conversation stopper. While many persons may be sincere, others are deliberately evasive or seek to break up the effectiveness and continuity of our presentations. If we are familiar with some of the suggestions in the Reasoning book, we can assess the situation quickly and respond appropriately. (Prov. 25:11; Isa. 50:4) This could pave the way for a fine witness that otherwise may have been missed if we were not prepared to meet this challenge. Why not give serious thought to how you might respond to some common potential conversation stoppers?

³ “I’M NOT INTERESTED”: Notice that practically all the suggested responses on page 16 of the Reasoning book involve asking the householder some tactful, direct, and thought-provoking questions. This is a good approach, since it gets the householder talking. It may reveal his thinking and feelings. This, in turn, may help you to direct the conversation further.

⁴ When a person says “I’m not interested,” have you ever asked: “Would you be interested if I could show you from the Bible how all crime, war, and racial tensions will be removed?” Try it. Others have had good success using such questions.

⁵ “I’M BUSY”: As with all other potential conversation stoppers, this one can be briefly acknowledged and then used as a springboard to present an abbreviated message. Perhaps you might use the first suggestion on page 19: “Then I’ll be very brief. I called to share just one important thought with you.” You can then state the essence of the current Topic for Conversation on religion.

⁶ Where it is determined that the householder is genuinely busy, this should be recognized, and a thought-provoking question can be raised that you can offer to answer at another time. Using the latter approach, one publisher had the householder come looking for him, wanting an immediate answer to the question. Aren’t such results worth the time and effort we might spend in preparing to handle potential obstacles we face in the ministry?

⁷ The opening comments on page 15 of the Reasoning book remind us that the Kingdom message is both thrilling and faith-strengthening. It has the ability to transform the lives of those who listen. Recognizing these facts, every Kingdom proclaimer should want to give a superior sacrifice, “the young bulls of our lips,” when sharing in the witnessing work. (Hos. 14:2) Do not allow potential conversation stoppers to diminish the quality of your service or dampen your joy. Make good use of the Reasoning book as you present the good news.

Question Box

● Why should we study two publications with new ones, even though they may get baptized before finishing both books?

As we teach the truth to new ones, some individuals will understand and accept it faster than others. Some may qualify for baptism in a relatively short period of time. However, it is important that all of those coming to know Jehovah be “filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him.” (Col. 1:9, 10) By studying completely the Live Forever book and then United in Worship or True Peace, new ones will be helped to do this.

Through an initial study of a book on fundamentals, followed by a book that covers Christian qualities, the student receives well-rounded-out knowledge. He also learns basic principles that govern personal conduct and worship vital to a person’s becoming a true Christian. Each one coming into Jehovah’s organization needs to become full grown in powers of understanding as to what is involved in basic Christianity.​—1 Cor. 14:20.

Additionally, experience has shown that to be full grown in powers of understanding, the help of a mature teacher is needed. As important as it is to read the publications personally and attend meetings where they are studied, such does not always produce the “wisdom and spiritual comprehension” the new one needs for serving Jehovah acceptably. To achieve the stature of a full-grown man in powers of understanding, a personal Bible study with a teacher is essential. (Acts 8:30, 31) Thus, even though a person may get baptized before completing his study of the above-mentioned books, the course of wisdom dictates that his home Bible study should continue until he has completed the study of both books with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The one conducting the study may report the time, the return visit, and the Bible study until the second book is finished, even though the student has been baptized.

Congregation Book Study

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

November 1: Pages 40, par. 5 to 45, par. 14

November 8: Pages 46, par. 1 to 52, par. 11

November 15: Pages 52, par. 12 to 57, par. 7

November 22: Pages 58, par. 8 to 65, par. 8

November 29: Pages 65, par. 9 to 69, par. 15

Theocratic News

◆ The Ministerial Training School was inaugurated on Thursday evening, October 1, 1987. An interesting program was conducted at the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses where some fine facilities are available for the school. The first class consists of 25 students. Arrangements are being made for the school to be conducted in other cities in the near future.

◆ Word has been received that our brothers who had been arrested and imprisoned in Burundi and Rwanda have been released. We are certainly thankful to Jehovah that they are now free. Despite their trials, the brothers remain strong in faith and they keep trusting in Jehovah.

◆ Argentina reports new peaks of 66,882 publishers and 86,637 Bible studies for June. During the recent three-month campaign, 26,685 subscriptions were obtained.

◆ Peru reports their third consecutive publisher peak with 24,807 reporting during June.

◆ Senegal reached a new peak of 492 publishers in June, a 9-percent increase over last year’s average. Congregation publishers averaged 14.6 hours in the field service.