September

Meetings for Field Service

AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 6

Topic for Conversation

1. How will you adapt it to today’s offer?

2. Why is it not featured on magazine day?

SEPTEMBER 7-13

1. Why do people need the Creation book?

2. How might we place magazines today? (See w87 3/1 p. 18.)

SEPTEMBER 14-20

1. Show how chapters 17 and 18 of Creation book tie in well with current Topic.

2. What quotations from article “Preach a Release” might be used in presentation?

SEPTEMBER 21-27

1. Why carry regular and small-size editions of Creation book in service?

2. How will you use Creation book to start a Bible study?

SEPTEMBER 28–OCTOBER 4

1. Make transition from Topic to current offer.

2. When may it be good to offer subscriptions while doing magazine work?

Topic for Conversation

Why Study the Bible?

2 Tim. 3:16, 17​—It is God’s Word.

John 17:3​—Provides knowledge that leads to everlasting life.

Preach a Release to the Captives

¹ One person with a science background who read Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? said: “I am stunned by the clarity and power of this new book. I think that it’s the finest science book I’ve ever read for building appreciation for life. It’s very sophisticated scientifically, yet on a level that anyone can appreciate.” Many must have had similar feelings, since it was necessary to print more than 12,600,000 copies during the first 20 months of publication! What was your reaction upon reading it?

² Satan has used many schemes as well as “teachings of demons” to blind people’s minds. (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Cor. 4:4) One such teaching is the doctrine of evolution, and the Creation book is just what is needed to help us “preach a release” to those who are held captive by this God-dishonoring theory. (Luke 4:18) During September we will offer the Creation book extensively in our ministry. Though its value is inestimable, we offer it for a contribution of only $2.50. A small-size edition is offered for $1.25.

OVERTURNING “STRONGLY ENTRENCHED THINGS”

³ The evolution theory is one of the “strongly entrenched things,” yes, a “lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.” (2 Cor. 10:4, 5) But Jehovah knows exactly what we need in order to reach all sorts of people, and he has provided us with powerful spiritual weapons to overturn such reasonings. (1 Tim. 2:4) After reading the Creation book, a college professor who says he is an atheist had to admit: “I have never before seen such a well-presented argument for creation.” Some educators and college students have been willing to accept the Creation book although refusing our other publications. Why not make an effort to reach such people in your territory with this offer? Excellent results have been realized by those doing so.

REACHING ALL WITH CREATION BOOK

⁴ Have you school-age publishers offered the Creation book to your teachers and fellow students? Why not do so during September? Have you offered a copy of the Creation book to your Bible students? Even though they are studying another publication, the Creation book will help strengthen their faith.

⁵ The Creation book offer goes well with our Topic for Conversation “Why Study the Bible?” You might say something like this: “Many people are interested in knowing how man got here and where he is going. Do you think the Bible answers such questions? [Allow response.] We have found that it can do so because it is God’s inspired Word. Notice this point at 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. [Read.] The evolution theory offers no hope beyond this present life, whereas the Bible holds out the promise of everlasting life. You will find that promise at John 17:3. [Read.]” Then offer the book, pointing out that it will show how man got here and how he can live forever.

⁶ Jehovah has provided us with an instrument to help free those held captive to God-dishonoring theories and false doctrines. Let us make good use of the Creation book in our ministry during September.

Set Goals to Help Keep Your Faith Strong

¹ Strong faith in Jehovah and in his Kingdom rule by Christ Jesus is necessary if we are to be pleasing to God. (Heb. 11:6) It makes possible a good relationship with him, and it sustains the hope of everlasting life. But as the apostle Paul explained, “faith is not a possession of all people.” Since we know that without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to God and that lives are at stake, there are good reasons for us to maintain a strong faith as we face “the conclusion of the system of things.”​—2 Thess. 3:2; Matt. 24:3, 36.

² What might help us to keep our faith strong during the new service year? Theocratic goals can help toward that end. When reasonable goals are set in connection with the field ministry and in other areas of life, much can be accomplished to our own benefit and to the glory of our heavenly Father.

IN THE MINISTRY AND IN PERSONAL STUDY

³ Our individual accomplishments in the ministry may vary greatly. Yet, earnest service, even though limited by circumstances beyond our control, is pleasing to Jehovah. This was illustrated by a certain needy widow’s whole-souled contribution of two small coins. (Luke 21:1-4) Still, there may be ways each one can progress in the ministry during the new service year. For example, some may be able to spend more time in the ministry each month. Could you arrange a schedule that would allow you to auxiliary pioneer a month or more at some time during the year? Or could you perhaps work toward becoming a regular pioneer? Definite plans made now may help you to achieve such a goal.

⁴ Another important goal is to gain more from personal study. In order to accomplish this, you could arrange to read through the Bible by a certain time. You could set aside a specific time each week for personal study and then stick to your schedule. To help you absorb the material more fully and make it your own, use it in the field service, discuss it with others, or make personal application in other ways.

YOUNG PEOPLE AND PARENTS

⁵ A goal young ones should consider for the coming school year is to give an effective witness to teachers and classmates. Speaking of the School brochure, one young Witness said: “It has made it a lot easier for us to talk to teachers and fellow students about our beliefs.” Have you tried using this same method? You may have to muster courage, but you can be confident Jehovah will bless your efforts.

⁶ You young ones, make it a goal not to let unwholesome influences such as bad association, drugs, and immorality adversely affect you during the months ahead! Review the material in the August issue of Our Kingdom Ministry on using the School brochure, and let this help you through the tests of integrity you may face while at school.

⁷ There may be various aspects of your life and ministry that you would like to improve. Reaching goals set for yourself and your family will require a measure of sacrifice. But when you consider that the things of this world are “passing away,” you will want to make every effort to gain God’s approval. (1 John 2:17) So as you reflect on the past service year and look ahead to the new one now beginning, be determined to keep your own faith and that of your family strong. Set goals for yourself, and strive diligently to reach them.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 30

Song 142

10 min: Local announcements and Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Remind publishers to obtain Creation books and other needed supplies for field service. Encourage support for house-to-house service first Sunday of month and on Monday, September 7, where this is a worldly holiday. Program that follows is designed to help us with offer of Creation book during September.

20 min: “Preach a Release to the Captives.” Audience discussion. Brother reads paragraphs. When considering paragraph 5, demonstrate briefly a school-age publisher (a) offering Creation book to a teacher and (b) offering it to a schoolmate. Highlight illustrations when making offer.

15 min: Congregation Book Study conductor meets with a family to help them prepare for Sunday field service. Some in family apprehensive about working with Creation book. Afraid questions they cannot answer will be raised. Conductor points out that it is not necessary to refute all aspects of the evolution theory. We can show householder why it is reasonable to believe in creation. Goes to page 84 of Reasoning book, selects points from first subheading under “Creation.” If question on length of creative days arises, can use reasoning on page 88. If sincere questions about evolution raised, can go to pages 121-9 and discuss specific points with householder. Do not needlessly “argue evolution” with those highly critical of Bible. Discusses Topic for Conversation and how to adapt to offer. Conclude with one in family giving the presentation to another as suggested in paragraph 5 of article “Preach a Release to the Captives.”

Song 79 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 6

Song 98

10 min: Local announcements and accounts report. Read and comment on article “New Building Takes Shape.” Relate information to Society’s letter of February 10, 1987, announcing acquisition of this building. Conclude with local experiences with Creation book offer. Encourage participation in magazine work this Saturday.

10 min: “The Spirit That Jehovah Blesses.” Talk based on August 1, 1987, Watchtower, pages 26-9. Include commendation for right spirit displayed in local congregation.

15 min: “Set Goals to Help Keep Your Faith Strong.” Question-and-answer discussion. Let young ones, parents, servants, or pioneers share thoughts with audience concerning personal goals they have set.

10 min: Question Box. Discussion by qualified overseer. Include consideration of cited references.

Song 144 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 13

Song 115

5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: “Giving Attention to Older Ones in Our Midst.” Question-and-answer discussion.

15 min: “Too Old to Learn?​—‘Never!’” Talk based on August 1, 1982, Watchtower, pages 4-7.

10 min: Elder interviews some older ones in the congregation who are exemplary. How long have they served Jehovah? What has helped them to endure? What helps them maintain their joy despite problems common to those with advancing years? Have other servants of Jehovah been a source of help and encouragement to them? In what ways? What joys from their ministry can they highlight?

Song 116 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 20

Song 162

10 min: Local announcements. Consider briefly magazine articles that could be featured this week.

15 min: Placing Magazines. Talk based on March 1, 1987, Watchtower, pages 17-20. Highlight information in box on page 18. Include some experiences in article as time permits. Encourage support for magazine work on fourth Saturday.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News​—Witnessing Informally.” Question-and-answer discussion. Ask, by show of hands, how many were first contacted with the truth by informal witnessing. Entertain an experience or two as time permits.

Song 192 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 27

Song 193

13 min: Local announcements. Encourage support for house-to-house witnessing on first Sunday of month. Obtain magazines for both Saturday magazine day and Sunday subscription offer. Display magazines to be used and share points from articles that would be appealing to householders in your territory. Have pioneer or skilled publisher demonstrate use of Topic for Conversation, adapting it to the subscription offer.

17 min: “Subscriptions​—‘Wisdom Calling Out’!” Talk based on insert of April 1983 Our Kingdom Ministry, paragraphs 6-22. Highlight particular points that will help publishers to be effective when offering subscriptions. Positive attitude toward subscription offer important.

15 min: Local needs or talk based on article “Building Faith to Move Mountains” in July 15, 1987, Watchtower, pages 4-7.

Song 181 and concluding prayer.

New Building Takes Shape

Last February 10, all congregations were notified about the excellent opportunity the Society had to acquire property next to Bethel at 97 Columbia Heights. Now the framework of the building is up, and bricklaying has been completed. It is going to be a very useful and attractive 11-story building. Soon the construction company used for the first stage of the work will turn the structure over to the Society. Brothers will go in then to complete all interior work, which will require about one year. We look forward to the time when these additional housing facilities will be available so more volunteers can come here for Bethel service.

Donations sent in specifically for the support of the 97 Columbia Heights project have covered a part of the first stage of construction, and these are very much appreciated. Additional funds will be needed to complete this large building. If you desire to share in this, please send your contribution to the Society, designating the purpose for which it should be applied. Any who may have funds they wish to let the Society use for a time and yet have them available for future personal needs should write inquiring about the conditional donation arrangement. Thank you for your assistance.

Further construction progress reports will be given later on.

Announcements

● Literature offer for September: Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? for a contribution of $2.50. Both the regular and small-size editions will be used during the campaign. The small-size book is offered for $1.25. October: One-year subscription for either Awake! or The Watchtower or both, for contribution of $5.00 each. Six-month subscriptions and subscriptions to monthly editions are $2.50 each. November: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures along with book “Let Your Kingdom Come” for contribution of $4.50.

● We are pleased to announce that a new Cost List has been prepared. Four copies are being sent to each congregation. They should be distributed to the secretary and the brothers caring for literature, magazines, and accounts.

● The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on September 1 or as soon as possible thereafter.

● The following price changes will become effective September 1, 1987:

Item Pio. Cong. and Public

Reference Bible 6.00 9.00

Authorized Version 2.00 3.00

Aid to Bible Understanding 6.00 7.00

Comprehensive Concordance 5.00 6.00

All Scripture Inspired . . . 1.50 2.00

● New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, deluxe pocket edition (DLbi25); available in black or maroon​—English

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures​—1986 Edition (Regular; bi12 with marginal references)​—Italian

Aid to Bible Understanding (A-Z)​—Spanish

My Book of Bible Stories​—Hebrew, Tshiluba

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size)​—Swahili

Watch Tower Publications Index for 1985​—German

Tract No. 13​—Chinese, English, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish

Tract No. 14​—English, Spanish

Tract No. 15​—English, Spanish

Tract No. 16​—English, Spanish

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

Kingdom Melodies No. 8 (congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)

The First of Peter through The Letter of Jude (single cassette; congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)​—Dutch

A Revelation to John (single cassette; congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)​—Dutch

Jehovah Delivers Those Calling Upon His Name (congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)​—English, Spanish

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

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

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

Giving Attention to Older Ones in Our Midst

¹ A Christian responsibility we all can share is to show consideration for our older brothers and sisters. As the years go by, these dear ones may encounter physical problems. Because of factors beyond their control, some are not able to accomplish as much as they once did in Jehovah’s service. (Eccl. 12:1-6) And as with the rest of us, they too feel the many pressures of this old system of things.

² The Word of God points out that the primary responsibility for caring for the older ones lies with family members. (1 Tim. 5:8) Yet we, individually and as a congregation, must also “show consideration for the person of an old man.”​—Lev. 19:32.

WHAT WE CAN DO

³ As Jehovah’s organization grows and new congregations are formed, some older ones find themselves in congregations where there are few who know them well. Realizing the effort they make to attend, do we greet them or try to get better acquainted by taking the initiative to start a conversation? Have we visited them in their homes? Or do we keep in touch by telephone when this is appropriate? Have we called not only to ask how they are but also to see if there is something we could do for them? Do they need transportation, someone to run errands, or help with necessary business matters? It is commendable that some in the congregations are doing these things, but are there more of us who may be in a position to show such brotherly concern? (Compare Luke 10:36, 37.) Showing consideration for older ones is a privilege that can be shared by all.

⁴ The elders can keep the congregation informed as special needs arise. But individually we can offer to help older ones with things they may find difficult or too much for them to handle. Do they need someone to read to them or to take them out in service, even though they can share only in a limited way? Do we take time to visit our brothers and sisters who are in nursing homes or who are otherwise confined because of physical problems?​—Prov. 3:27.

⁵ As foretold in God’s Word, many people today are ‘disobedient to parents, unthankful and disloyal, with no natural affection.’ (2 Tim. 3:2, 3) But as Christians, we want to avoid the self-centered spirit of the world. We do not want to be too busy to enjoy the company of older ones who are fine examples in love and devotion to Jehovah. Their faithfulness in attending meetings and sharing in field service to the extent they are able brings encouragement, especially if we appreciate the effort they put forth.

ATTITUDE OF OLDER ONES

⁶ Never should older ones be made to feel that they have become a burden to the congregation or that they are no longer appreciated, just because their energies have diminished and they cannot do as much as they did before. On the other hand, it is wonderful to see an appreciative spirit on the part of older ones. It is commendable when they do not become critical or demanding. A positive attitude on their part helps them to avoid having a complaining spirit, knowing that Jehovah can help them to endure the trials that come with advancing age. As a congregation and as individuals, we want to continue to show loving consideration for the faithful older ones in our midst.​—Compare Hebrews 10:32-34.

Congregation Book Study

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

September 6: Pages 5 to 9, (4)

September 13: Pages 9, (5) to 14, par. 5

September 20: Pages 14, par. 6 to 17, (4)

September 27: Pages 18, (5) to 22, par. 6

Numbers in parentheses refer to questions within the text.

Presenting the Good News​—Witnessing Informally

¹ While resting at Jacob’s well near Sychar, Jesus initiated a conversation with a Samaritan woman. (John 4:5-30) Though tired and thirsty from traveling, he gave a witness about the truth. It was an informal witness. Did it have good results? Most certainly! It led to many Samaritans’ putting faith in Jesus. (John 4:39-42) What a fine witness and what surprising results from that one informal conversation!

² Many today find informal witnessing an excellent way to spread the good news, and as a result, they have enjoyed thrilling experiences. Informal witnessing can be very productive. But you may ask where and when one can witness informally. How can it be done?

WHERE AND WHEN

³ One can witness informally in almost any set of circumstances or at any location. The important thing is to look for opportunities while going about our daily routine. Many publishers witness informally when going to and from work on public transportation or when traveling on vacation. Some take advantage of lunch breaks. Others look for appropriate occasions while shopping. One couple witnessed to the butcher at a supermarket, and when he showed interest in the truth, they arranged to continue the discussion at his home that same evening.

⁴ Infirm or ill publishers have had good success witnessing to visitors, medical personnel, and hospital attendants. (See w79 10/15 pp. 24-6.) Some brothers speak to visitors who call at their home. Others have had fine results approaching people enjoying the warm weather in public areas. Museums, airline or bus terminals, and other public facilities have proved to be excellent places for informal witnessing.

HOW TO DO IT

⁵ One Gilead student, a little nervous about witnessing informally, said: “I have often found that prayer helps when it is difficult for me to talk to people.” So look for ways to speak to people, and ask Jehovah to open the way. Then let zeal for Jehovah and the truth motivate you. Be friendly and warm when you approach individuals. Try to establish eye contact, and start a conversation on something that may be of mutual interest. Be considerate and kind, even if the person is not interested.

⁶ Of course, if possible, we want to leave an interested person with something to read. This means we should plan ahead and have tracts, magazines, booklets, or brochures available. Our new smaller-size tracts should prove to be valuable aids in informal witnessing. Some publishers have had excellent success in starting conversations by leaving brochures or magazines on their desk at work or on a table in their home. Such may catch the eye of a workmate or visitor and lead to an interesting discussion and fruitful witness.

⁷ Look for ways to witness informally. Carry tracts or other literature with you, and ask Jehovah to help you. Arrange to follow up all interest. Be sure to report the time as field service. By putting forth the effort as Jesus and the apostles did, Jehovah will bless you too in spreading the good news through informal witnessing.

Question Box

● Is it proper to circulate among the brothers private material on matters such as medical or counseling services?

With relation to Christian conduct, the apostle Paul wrote that the ‘congregation is a pillar and support of the truth.’ (1 Tim. 3:15) Thus, the congregation is not to be a channel for distribution of private material, whether through specially arranged meetings at the Kingdom Hall or elsewhere or in printed form or audio and video tapes.

The Watchtower and Awake! have offered fine information and advice on dealing with medical problems and on upholding God’s law about blood. They have also had Scripturally balanced articles on fears, depression, and other emotional problems. These articles have been provided to inform. But they do not endorse certain types of diagnosis, therapy, doctors, counselors, or treatment centers, as personal decisions must be made on such matters.​—See w82 6/15 pp. 22-9.

Since there are many of Jehovah’s Witnesses, some persons, including our brothers, have tried to promote their business and viewpoints by preparing articles, brochures, and tapes directed to those in the organization. These may be on topics of interest or concern, but why are they circulated? To develop clients, customers. Even if some are not distributed to gain business, they may well contain private views put in ‘theocratic language’ with Bible citations. Whether prepared by a Witness or not, the views may not be in line with the Bible and the Scriptural counsel given by elders but may be based on philosophy or the elementary things of the world.​—Col. 2:8; 1 Tim. 6:20.

Problems and confusion have resulted because brothers and sisters innocently passed on such privately prepared material. All of us, especially the elders, who work in harmony with “the faithful and discreet slave” and who are looked to for guidance, should want to avoid contributing to such difficulties. (Matt. 24:45) Nor should we promote someone’s business or ideas and philosophy by circulating such material among the brothers.​—See km 6/77 p. 4.

June Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 252 124.5 86.5 52.5 5.7

Pios. 51,409 76.8 38.5 26.9 3.0

Aux. Pios. 33,403 59.3 29.7 16.0 1.5

Pubs. 634,622 9.8 6.7 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 719,686

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 6,410