December

Meetings for Field Service

DECEMBER 4-10

New offer for December

1. What are the main points of the presentation?

2. How will it answer the needs of people locally?

DECEMBER 11-17

With Young People Ask book

1. What sections or chapters have you featured from table of contents?

2. What specific points or pictures have you highlighted?

DECEMBER 18-24

During the holiday season

1. How do you respond to holiday greetings?

2. How can you apply Colossians 4:6 when witnessing?

DECEMBER 25-31

Witnessing to young people

1. Why is discretion needed when talking to youths?

2. How can you obtain the support of parents?

Topic for Conversation

The Answer to Youth’s Problems.

Ps. 119:9​—Bible’s practical guidance.

Prov. 1:8​—Parents’ responsibility.

Helping Youths to Ward Off Calamity

¹ Jehovah wants us to enjoy his precious gift of life. To that end, he has allowed us a measure of personal freedom so that we may pursue the desires of our heart. But along with that freedom to act, Jehovah rightly holds us responsible for what we do.​—Eccl. 11:9.

² Imperfect and sinful as we are, how can we ward off calamity that could befall us as a result of the way we direct our life? (Eccl. 11:10) Is it possible even for inexperienced youths to avoid calamity? Happily for us, the answer is yes. Jehovah is well aware of our need for direction, and he has lovingly provided counsel and guidance to help both young and old alike pass safely through the mounting difficulties that mark these last days.​—Ps. 19:7; 119:9; 2 Tim. 3:1.

RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS

³ When trouble strikes, youths need responsible parents who can ‘straighten up the hands that hang down so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather that it may be healed.’ (Heb. 12:12, 13) To help their children keep on the pathway leading to life, parents must periodically readjust the thinking of their offspring. This calls for patience and skill, along with Jehovah’s rich blessing.

⁴ Parents cannot entirely shield their children from bad influences. But how can a child’s mind be fortified? By ‘bringing him up in the mental-regulating of Jehovah.’ (Eph. 6:4) Among other things, this involves family study, spiritual and moral guidance, healthful after-school activity, appropriate discipline, and good parental example.

⁵ The book Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work, released at the “Godly Devotion” District Convention, is designed to help young people. It also helps parents reason with their children regarding right standards. If God’s laws are effectively instilled into a child’s mind and heart, these laws can act as a controlling, or regulating, influence. Family discussion of the material in this new publication will fortify youths to ward off calamity.

⁶ When the Young People Ask book was released last summer, the convention speaker directed his attention to the assembled youths and highlighted the value of the book. Parents were encouraged to use it as a basis for family discussion. At the conclusion of each chapter, there appears a feature called “Questions for Discussion.” These questions are not designed for paragraph-by-paragraph analysis of the material. Each question covers one or more subheadings. Some family heads may choose to consider the questions after reading an entire chapter. Others may ask the questions intermittently as the material under corresponding subheadings is read.

HELPING YOUTHS IN OUR TERRITORY

⁷ We may find many youths in our territory. Some questions they have are answered in this new book, and so during December we will be featuring the Young People Ask book in the field. Perhaps you have already developed a presentation you would like to use. Or you might want to say something like the following:

⁸ “Often, we think of youth as the happiest period of our lives. But, unfortunately, we see many unhappy young people today. Isn’t that so? [Allow response.] Changing standards have created a mixed-up world with many problems that affect young people and rob them of happiness. Where can they find reliable direction? [Allow for comment.] Notice what the Bible recommends at Psalm 119:9. [Read.] The Bible highlights parental responsibility in teaching what is right and then gives this instruction at Proverbs 1:8: [Read.] In harmony with this, the book Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work is filled with practical guidance based on the Bible, and it has many real-life experiences that will help youths see how they can successfully face the future and be happy in doing so. [Point out several chapter titles to stimulate interest.] You may enjoy this helpful and beautifully illustrated book for a contribution of just $1.50.”

⁹ The Bible indicates that youths need to channel their energies toward wise, worthwhile goals. Certainly this new book will point many to the source of limitless wisdom​—the Bible. What a valuable tool for directing youths to a full life now and to a secure future!​—Eccl. 12:1.

Offer Magazines at Every Opportunity

¹ For more than a hundred years, The Watchtower has been championing the cause of Kingdom truth. It skillfully uses God’s Word as a sword in cutting through error and exposing false religious teachings. Its companion magazine Awake! also advocates the cause of truth. For righteously inclined people, it may arouse their interest in deep Scriptural material found in other Society publications. What can we do to get these magazines into the hands of more people?

² The first step is to know the contents of the magazines. This means reading them as soon as they are received and then talking about the articles with others in the congregation. This will assist us in zealously offering the magazines to others and in maintaining a positive attitude as to their value.

³ The next step is to set aside time each week for offering the magazines to others. Make this a part of your regular schedule of activity. Are you alert to other opportunities to place magazines?

SPEAK TO PEOPLE

⁴ While in the door-to-door magazine work, you may find that many people are not at home. But you can talk to people where you do find them. Approach people as they walk along the street. Talk to those who are sitting in cars, working in the yard, waiting for public transportation, and so forth. Refer to a specific article and a point of interest. Make use of the excellent photographs and illustrations to stimulate their interest. Talk to people in a warm, friendly, positive manner, and sincerely present definite points you have gleaned from reading the magazines.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

⁵ These suggestions can be helpful also in working business territory. Take advantage of opportunities when the businesspeople are not occupied with customers. Many publishers find it is easier to place magazines in business territory than in regular door-to-door work.

⁶ Have you tried developing a magazine route? When you place magazines at homes or at businesses, let it be known that you would be happy to return in two weeks with the next issues. You may be surprised to find how many would be pleased with this personal-delivery arrangement. Remember, too, that each time you return and talk with the person or place literature with that person, you can report a return visit.

⁷ You might seek other opportunities to offer magazines, such as evening witnessing, talking to relatives, making return visits, or when traveling or shopping. Following through on all these suggestions may be the means of helping many become regular readers of our Bible publications and eventually praisers of Jehovah.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 4

Song 51

10 min: Local announcements. Include comments on December magazines dealing with holiday celebrations. Mention specific points that can be featured in field service. Encourage support for Saturday magazine activity.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News​—To Youths.” Question-and-answer consideration. When covering paragraph 5, have demonstration of publisher presenting offer to teenager.

15 min: Elder and two or three qualified publishers discuss Young People Ask book. Briefly highlight the ten sections of book. Consider selected chapters. Note powerful illustrations, such as the picture on page 27. Encourage youths, parents, and others to consider the book’s timely counsel. All should prepare to use book in field service. Suggest ways to use it in family discussion.

Song 40 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 11

Song 138

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Include accounts report along with Society’s acknowledgment of contributions by congregation. Announce congregation’s field service arrangements.

20 min: “Helping Youths to Ward Off Calamity.” Question-and-answer consideration. When covering paragraph 8, have qualified publisher present Topic for Conversation and briefly offer publication.

15 min: Is Christmas a Celebration Based on the Bible? Two qualified brothers discuss subject from Reasoning book, pages 176-8. Call attention to fine article on Christmas traditions in December 8, 1989, Awake! Highlight need to respond tactfully when Christmas greetings are extended by householder. Suggest how publishers might take advantage of opportunities to give a witness during holiday season.

Song 183 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 18

Song 151

10 min: Local announcements and Theocratic News. Outline local arrangements for holiday witnessing.

17 min: “Offer Magazines at Every Opportunity.” Question-and-answer consideration. When considering paragraph 4, demonstrate how to approach a person waiting for public transportation or in similar situations. Highlight need to be conscious of offering magazines at every opportunity.

18 min: “Keeping Pace With Theocratic Increase.” Question-and-answer consideration of insert. Warmly commend publishers for supporting the Society Kingdom Hall Fund.

Song 53 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 25

Song 30

10 min: Local announcements. Mention literature offer for January, and inform congregation of what books are available locally. Call attention to weekend field service arrangements.

15 min: Demonstrating Good Manners While at the Kingdom Hall. Talk based on The Watchtower of June 15, 1989, pages 16-17. Highlight need to (1) arrive on time, (2) pay close attention to program, (3) take warm, personal interest in others.

10 min: The Duties of Attendants at Congregation Meetings. Consideration of Question Box by elder and one or two qualified attendants. Show need for all in congregation to cooperate with attendants.

10 min: “Corresponding With Prisoners.” Talk by elder, with audience participation. Include key points from the February 1982 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 7, and Society’s letter of December 1, 1981, to the elders.

Song 18 and concluding prayer.

Keeping Pace With Theocratic Increase

¹ In Nehemiah’s day, there was need for construction because the defensive walls of Jerusalem were in ruin. Nehemiah provided decisive leadership, and the people responded, saying, “Let us get up, and we must build.”​—Neh. 2:18.

² Today, in like manner, Jehovah’s people are responding to the need for constructing and renovating Kingdom Halls. Hundreds of Kingdom Halls are in great need of renovation, and hundreds of new halls need to be built to accommodate the rapid expansion of Jehovah’s organization. Just as Nehemiah organized the work to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, so “the faithful and discreet slave” has organized a building program today by instituting the Society Kingdom Hall Fund and appointing Regional Building Committees.​—Matt. 24:45.

³ The Society Kingdom Hall Fund arrangement has experienced Jehovah’s blessings. In the six years of its operation, it has supported construction of new Kingdom Halls that otherwise would not have been built because of the lack of sufficient funds. The fund has now been made available to assist in the construction of 649 new Kingdom Halls, accommodating 960 congregations. The generous contributions of the brothers have enabled the Society to distribute funds to congregations having the greatest need. This response in support of theocratic increase has been heartwarming.​—1 Thess. 4:9, 10.

⁴ Regional Building Committees have also experienced Jehovah’s blessings. Currently, 65 Regional Building Committees are operating in the United States. Hundreds of projects involving construction of new Kingdom Halls or renovations of existing buildings were completed last year.

⁵ The brothers serving on the Regional Building Committees are to be commended for the diligent efforts put forth to meet the growing demand for Kingdom Halls. The Society has provided guidelines to assist in reviewing construction plans. Thus, these committees are in a fine position to assist the local elders in planning a Kingdom Hall that will be modest and functional and that will wisely use dedicated resources. It would be good for bodies of elders to weigh all factors carefully, benefiting to the full from the observations of the experienced elders appointed to serve on the Regional Building Committees.​—Luke 14:28-30.

THERE IS MUCH MORE TO DO

⁶ While many Kingdom Halls have already been constructed, there is much more to be accomplished in order to keep pace with theocratic increase. Some of the newly constructed Kingdom Halls already have three or four congregations meeting in them. This means that soon another hall will be needed to accommodate the growth in these areas. Many other congregations are patiently waiting for funds to become available to care for present needs. Our continued support of the Society Kingdom Hall Fund is obviously needed.

⁷ It is Scriptural to give financial support. The Hebrew word translated “contribution” means “sacred portion.” (Ex. 25:2, Reference Bible, footnote) Christians correctly desire to contribute their time, energy, and material possessions for advancing Kingdom interests. We do not enrich Jehovah with our contributions to his work, but in this way we show our love for him, and he blesses those who contribute voluntarily.​—1 Chron. 29:14-17; Prov. 3:9.

⁸ Paul wrote at 2 Corinthians 8:12: “For if the readiness is there first, it is especially acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what a person does not have.” All can be encouraged to set aside something regularly according to their ability and desire. (Compare 1 Corinthians 16:1-4.) Tertullian wrote of the early Christian congregation: “Every man once a month brings some modest coin​—or whenever he wishes, and only if he does wish, and if he can; for nobody is compelled; it is a voluntary offering.” Unlike many religions today that pass a collection plate to demand contributions, all material offerings in the Christian congregation are voluntarily given from the heart. (2 Cor. 9:7) In this regard the December 1988 Our Kingdom Ministry commented: “Many congregations and circuits have assisted regularly by passing resolutions authorizing that funds be contributed to the Society Kingdom Hall Fund. . . . Even though a congregation follows this procedure, a Society Kingdom Hall Fund contribution box conveniently located in the Kingdom Hall will enable individuals desiring to do so to make voluntary contributions to the fund.” When acknowledgments of past contributions are read to the congregation, all are reminded of the share they may personally have.

CONTRIBUTIONS TRULY APPRECIATED

⁹ Our continued support of the Society Kingdom Hall Fund as circuits, congregations, and individuals is necessary to keep pace with theocratic increase. Your generous support of this arrangement and the volunteered time and skill of thousands who have assisted with the construction and renovation of Kingdom Halls are sincerely appreciated. Yet, there is a need to quicken our pace to meet the need for more Kingdom Halls.

¹⁰ One congregation wrote: ‘We want to thank you brothers for showing your faith and confidence in us by lending us the money to finance this project. In addition, we would like to thank you for Regional Building Committees, and we sincerely appreciate the gifted brothers used in connection with our building project.’

¹¹ Another congregation said: ‘When we formed the isolated group in May 1985, we began meeting in the home of a sister. Most baptized brothers stood at the meetings. As our attendance rose, there was no room even to stand. The congregation would like to convey their heartfelt thanks to you brothers for acting quickly and taking an interest in our needs. This too was a blessing from Jehovah in response to our prayers. The congregation is simply thrilled to be in this fine new Kingdom Hall.’

¹² We have the record of what was accomplished in Nehemiah’s day. Despite opposition from enemy nations, the Israelites followed Nehemiah’s courageous lead, and with Jehovah’s blessing they completed the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days. Nehemiah 4:6 says “the people continued to have a heart for working.” So today, under the direction of the faithful and discreet slave, great construction work is being accomplished, and Jehovah’s modern-day organization has “continued to have a heart for working.” We join you in praying for Jehovah’s rich blessings as we endeavor to keep pace with theocratic increase.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of September 4 to December 18, 1989. Use a separate sheet of paper to write down answers to as many of the questions as you can in the time allotted.

[Note: During the written review, only the Bible may be used to answer any question. References that follow the questions are for your personal research. Page and paragraph numbers may not appear on all references to The Watchtower.]

Answer each of the following statements True or False:

1. The “Sprout” mentioned at Zechariah 6:12 is Jesus Christ. [si p. 171 par. 25]

2. Zechariah 8:23 foretold that the “great crowd” of “other sheep” would join the remnant in pure worship. (Rev. 7:9; John 10:16) [w88 1/1 p. 18]

3. In the book of Romans, Paul firmly established that Jews and non-Jews have an equal standing before God. [si p. 204 par. 2]

4. The apostle Paul founded the congregation in Rome on one of his missionary journeys. [si p. 205 par. 3]

5. Only a few of Jesus’ disciples witnessed the fact that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. [si p. 211 par. 20]

6. Only because of the man’s sincere sorrow and repentance did Paul encourage the Corinthian congregation to reinstate the man whom he had ordered to be disfellowshipped in his first letter. [si p. 213 par. 6]

7. Because Paul prayed to God three times for removal of his “thorn in the flesh,” his request was granted. [si p. 215 par. 16]

8. By dropping in two coins of very little value, the poor woman of Mark 12:41-44 furnished a fine example of unselfishness in supporting true worship. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 10/15 p. 31.]

9. From Mark 15:34 it seems that Jesus wavered in his faith, believing that God had deserted him. [Weekly Bible reading; see w87 6/15 p. 31.]

10. Resuming sexual relations with an adulterous mate after learning of the adultery constitutes forgiveness on the part of the innocent one. [Weekly Bible reading; see w81 3/1 p. 30.]

Answer the following questions:

11. What was the situation as to the temple in Jerusalem when Zechariah began to prophesy? [si p. 168 par. 1]

12. Though all peoples are under sin, in what way did the Jews enjoy superiority? [si p. 206 par. 9]

13. According to Romans 13:1-7, who are the superior authorities to whom Christians are to be in subjection, and chiefly from what motive? [si p. 207 par. 16]

14. By what argument in his first letter to the Corinthians did Paul show that no one can boast in men? [si p. 210 par. 9]

15. Who was the rock-mass on which Christ built his congregation? [Weekly Bible reading; see w87 12/15 p. 8.]

16. What did Jesus mean when he said about a demon: “This kind cannot get out by anything except by prayer”? (Mark 9:29) [Weekly Bible reading; see w82 6/1 p. 31.]

17. What was “the sign of Jonah” mentioned at Matthew 16:4? [Weekly Bible reading; see w82 11/1 p. 31.]

18. Who is “the messenger of the covenant” mentioned at Malachi 3:1? [w87 6/15 p. 12]

Provide the word or phrase needed to complete each of the following statements:

19. Malachi was a contemporary of ․․․․․․․. [si p. 172 par. 2]

20. We cannot be partakers of the table of Jehovah and ․․․․․․․. [si p. 210 par. 16]

21. The “young man” who eluded those arresting Jesus was probably ․․․․․․․. (Mark 14:51, 52) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 10/15 p. 30.]

22. The fact that Mark felt compelled to define such expressions as “corban” at Mark 7:11 shows that he wrote primarily with ․․․․․․․ readers in mind. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 10/15 p. 30.]

23. Because he did not want to be ․․․․․․․, Jesus refused to drink the wine mixed with gall. (Matt. 27:34) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 7/15 p. 25.]

24. At Matthew 26:64 Jesus boldly applied the prophecy at Daniel 7:13, 14 to ․․․․․․․. [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 1/1 p. 10.]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

25. Death ruled as king from Adam to (Abraham; Moses; Christ). [si p. 206 par. 10]

26. Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians about 55 C.E. from (Rome; Macedonia; Ephesus). [si p. 209 par. 3]

27. When Paul wrote his second letter to the Corinthians, (the congregation had not yet received his first letter; not many months had elapsed between letters; some three years had passed). [si p. 213 par. 1]

28. The Decapolis cities were centers of (Greek, or Hellenistic, culture; Samaritan religion; Judaism). (Mark 5:20) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 10/15 p. 30.]

29. (Matthew; Mark; Luke) alone mentioned Elizabeth’s barrenness, her conception, and the birth of John. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 11/15.]

30. (Matthew 20:30; Mark 10:46; Luke 18:35) is not contradictory of the other two accounts; it is simply more specific. [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 2/1 p. 5.]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

Mal. 3:1-18; Matt. 22:30; Matt. 23:27, 28; Mark 4:38; Rom. 11:13-24

31. Jehovah would come to his temple for judgment, cleansing the sons of Levi and acting as a speedy witness against the wicked. [si p. 173 par. 10]

32. Using the illustration of an olive tree, Paul showed non-Jews that they should not rejoice over the rejection of Israel. [si p. 206 par. 14]

33. Jesus probably rested on a bolster or cushion serving as a seat at the stern. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 10/15 p. 30.]

34. Heeding this implied counsel will cause us to shun deviousness and hypocrisy. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 7/15 p. 25.]

35. A Christian whose mate has died should not feel obliged to remain single out of an expectation that his former marriage mate will be reunited with him in the resurrection. [Weekly Bible reading; see w87 6/1 pp. 30-1.]

Announcements

● Literature offer for December: Young People Ask book for a contribution of $1.50, or Bible Stories or Live Forever for $3.00. January and February: Any 192-page book published prior to 1980 that the congregation has in stock for the reduced contribution of 50¢, with the following exceptions: Family Life, Great Teacher, This Life, Truth, and Youth. There is a limited supply of Commentary on James that may be ordered from Brooklyn. (For obtaining credit, elders should refer to the guidelines in the Society’s letter of December 21, 1988.) If the congregation has no stock of books to be offered at the reduced rate, the Worldwide Security book should be offered for a contribution of $1.00. These books may be ordered from Brooklyn. March: The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s? for a contribution of $1.00.

● The Memorial date for 1991 will be Saturday, March 30, after sundown. This advance notice of the date for the 1991 Memorial celebration is given so that brothers may make necessary reservations or contracts for available halls when there are too many congregations using one Kingdom Hall and they must find other facilities.

● The Watchtower in Hungarian and in Samoan will become semimonthly editions starting with the January 1, 1990, issue.

● The Awake! magazine will begin as a monthly edition in the Hungarian, Sepedi, and Tswana languages starting with the January 8, 1990, issue. Additionally, Awake! in Zulu will become a semimonthly edition as of the January 8, 1990, issue.

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

● Congregations should begin ordering bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! for 1989 on their December literature orders. (See the 1989 Cost List, paragraphs 7-10.) The bound volumes will be available in Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Until the bound volumes are available and shipments are made, these will appear as “Back Ordered” on congregation invoices. Bound volumes are controlled stock items and will be charged at $6.00 each for congregation, public, and pioneers.​—See the Cost List, paragraphs 23-25.

● Some adjustments will be made in future printings of the Live Forever book. The only significant change is with regard to the Sodomites, on pages 178 and 179. This change appeared in the Revelation book, page 273, and in The Watchtower of June 1, 1988, pages 30 and 31. You may wish to note it in earlier printings that you have on hand.

● If congregations have not done so already, they should order Examining the Scriptures Daily​—1990 with their December literature order. (See the 1989 Cost List, paragraphs 7-10.) The booklets will be available in Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Iloko, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Samoan, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Until these booklets are available and shipments are made, they will appear as “Back Ordered” on congregation invoices. Examining the Scriptures booklets are controlled stock items and will be charged to the literature account at 30¢ each, which is the publisher rate. Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1, 1989, may receive one free copy and obtain additional copies at 20¢ each. A separate entry should be made on the monthly remittance form (S-20), showing free copies to pioneers.​—See the 1989 Cost List, paragraphs 23-25.

● New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures​—Large Print (set of four volumes)—​French

Comprehensive Concordance​—German, Italian

Reasoning From the Scriptures​—Hungarian

Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand!​—Croatian, Hungarian

Sing Praises to Jehovah (Large and small sizes)​—Polish

The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s?​—Danish, German, Norwegian, Swedish

Watch Tower Publications Index 1981-1985​—Dutch

Should You Believe in the Trinity?​—Croatian, German, Polish, Ukrainian

Victory Over Death​—Is It Possible for You?​—Tamil

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

Listening to the Great Teacher (set of four cassettes and a book in an album; congregation and public: $10.00; pioneers: $7.50)​—Finnish, Norwegian

Corresponding With Prisoners

¹ People from many walks of life are being contacted with the Kingdom message. Our Kingdom Ministry for February 1982 gave direction regarding witnessing to prisoners. Since that time, positive reports continue to be received about incarcerated persons who have responded favorably. Bible studies and meetings are being held in a number of institutions. This has resulted in new disciples dedicating their lives to Jehovah and getting baptized.

² In many cases prisoners are being witnessed to by correspondence. In this regard, we feel it is necessary to repeat a word of caution. It has been found that some prisoners who are eager to correspond with others have questionable motives. While it would be appropriate to write to prisoners, providing Scriptural information and encouragement or Bible literature as needed, money or personal gifts should not be sent, despite the fact that such may be requested by the correspondent.

³ It is strongly recommended that only qualified brothers correspond with male prisoners. Qualified sisters should write to female prisoners. Individual members of the congregation should not indiscriminately visit prisons and have close association with inmates.

⁴ When interest is shown by prisoners, it is best to turn the names and addresses of such ones over to the congregation in the area of the particular institution. The qualified brothers there will visit these prisoners and, if possible, arrange to study with those who are sincerely interested in the truth.

⁵ If questions arise about writing to prisoners or visiting penal institutions, please review what was stated in the article referred to above. Additional written direction was provided for all bodies of elders in a letter from the Society dated December 1, 1981.

Question Box

● What are the duties of those who serve as attendants at congregation meetings?

Attendants are to extend a warm greeting to all who come to the meetings. Their duties include seating latecomers, recording attendance, maintaining order and security, and caring for the ventilation of the Kingdom Hall. Attendants should be friendly, responsible brothers who take the initiative in caring for their responsibilities.​—om pp. 63-4.

Attendants should be alert to the needs of new persons, make them feel welcome, and help them to find seats. All in the congregation should be ready to help new ones get acquainted and feel welcome. When guiding latecomers to available seats, attendants should endeavor not to disturb those already seated. At times they provide new persons with the magazine being studied.

Maintaining order during the meetings is essential. Since we encourage parents to bring their children to the meetings, there will be some disruptions at times. But when children continue to be restless or unruly, an attendant should kindly offer assistance, perhaps suggesting that the parent take the child out of the auditorium for a time. If parents with young children sit where they can easily exit when necessary, caring for the needs of their small children can be done with little distraction.

In areas where security is a problem, attendants should be assigned to protect against vandalism or disturbances by opposers. If someone inside the Kingdom Hall tries to disrupt the meeting, he should be asked to leave. If he refuses and persists in causing a disturbance, the elders may contact the authorities. (Elders have additional written direction that will be helpful to them in such a situation.) In some areas it may be necessary for assigned brothers to check the Kingdom Hall parking area during meetings.​—km 11/84 p. 4.

When the attendance count is taken, all adults as well as young children who are listening and benefiting, even to a limited extent, should be counted.​—km 7/79 p. 4.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand!:

December 4: Pages 165 to 171#

December 11: Pages 171# to 176

December 18: Pages 177 to 181

December 25: Pages 182 to 186#

# To or from chapter heading.

September Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 221 126.5 90.7 54.2 5.0

Pios. 64,520 82.0 38.9 25.9 2.4

Aux. Pios. 37,484 58.8 27.9 15.3 1.3

Pubs. 698,288 9.6 6.3 3.6 0.4

TOTAL 800,513

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,290

We rejoice to see a new peak of regular pioneers reporting in September.

Presenting the Good News​—To Youths

¹ This modern age has proved to be a very difficult time for young people in general. Yet, centuries ago a man inspired by God wrote: “How will a young man cleanse his path? By keeping on guard according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9) Indeed, direction based on Jehovah’s Word is benefiting thousands of young people today.

² After reading one of the “Young People Ask . . . ” articles in Awake!, a young man said: “I used to date regularly just because I thought it was the thing to do. I thought nothing of marriage. Then I read your Awake! magazine. It changed my values for the better. I stopped dating until I am ready to marry.” He obviously benefited from the practical counsel given. Now young people have easy access to a valuable source of Scriptural information that has been published in the form of a new book, Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work. What can you do to make it available to young people in your territory or youths in school?

TAKE AN INTEREST IN YOUNG PEOPLE

³ Persuading young people to appreciate the value of Jehovah’s Word can be challenging. (See Proverbs 22:15.) However, the apostle Paul said: “To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews.” (1 Cor. 9:20) Similarly, helping youths find and appreciate worthwhile spiritual direction requires that you understand young people and their problems. You need to think in terms of what interests young people and what their problems are in school or where they live or work. When witnessing to youths, this understanding should be reflected in your introductions, your comments, and your questions. The table of contents in the new book Young People Ask is an excellent source of ideas on what to talk about. By being familiar with these subjects, you will have insight into what many young people are thinking about today.

WHAT YOU CAN SAY

⁴ When going from house to house, observe where there are children. Explain that you are doing a public service to help people cope with everyday problems. In these homes you may be able to speak with the children themselves. Point out an example of the practical counsel found in the book. Keep in mind that your goal is to help them see the truthfulness of Psalm 119:9.

⁵ When you speak with a youth, be friendly and treat him with dignity. After an initial greeting, you may say: “I am engaging in a public service to help young people like you cope with the problems they face in this community. Do you ever find yourself being urged to do something you really don’t want to do? Or are you inclined to do things at times just because of what others are doing and not because of your own preference? Do you ever wonder how you can cope with such peer pressure?” After his response, open the book to chapter 9. Then say: “Please notice what this new publication says on page 77. [Read an appropriate paragraph.] Do you think a study of the Bible would help youths to cope with this problem? [Allow for a comment.] Note what the Bible says at Psalm 119:9. [Read.] This book shows you how the Bible can help young people cope with difficult situations, such as those listed in the contents. [Hand him the book.] It is yours for the contribution of $1.50.”

⁶ If you are a publisher still attending school, follow the suggestions given in the August 1989 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry. You will have many happy rewards as you do so.

⁷ Jehovah “does not desire any to be destroyed.” (2 Pet. 3:9) This includes youths. However, many young people will not survive Armageddon. May our efforts to preach to youths effectively result in the salvation of a good number of young people, to Jehovah’s praise.

Theocratic News

◆ Bolivia reported a new peak of 6,701 publishers in July. Despite cold winter weather, congregation publishers averaged 14.2 hours in the service.

◆ Côte d’Ivoire reported a new peak of 3,070 publishers for July. There were 717 publishers in the pioneer work, which was 23 percent of the publishers. The pioneers are conducting 51 percent of the Bible studies.

◆ Ecuador continues to see fine growth. The new peak of 15,201 publishers in July is a 20-percent increase over last year’s average. Auxiliary pioneers increased 66 percent over the same month a year ago.

◆ The district convention in French Guiana was attended by 1,425, and 28 were baptized. They had a peak of 570 publishers.

◆ Guadeloupe reported that 12,339 attended the district conventions, and 308 were baptized. This is excellent compared with their peak of 5,980 publishers.

◆ New Zealand had a 10-percent increase in July with a new peak of 11,007 publishers.