January

Meetings for Field Service

JANUARY 2-8

Effective introductions

1. Why should you be specific?

2. Why is friendliness important?

3. How can you get the householder involved?

JANUARY 9-15

Direct attention to Bible

1. Why direct listener to Bible?

2. How can this be done?

3. Why explain reason for using texts?

JANUARY 16-22

Reason with householder

1. How can common ground be established?

2. Why limit number of points covered?

3. Why consider householder’s viewpoint?

JANUARY 23-29

Manifest enthusiasm

1. Why is this important?

2. How can enthusiasm be shown?

JANUARY 30–FEBRUARY 5

Featuring offer

1. What specific point(s) from publication will you use?

2. What illustration(s) can be featured?

Do You Give a Reason for the Hope in You?

¹ Recently a brother was asked, “Do you believe you have the only right religion?” He replied: “Of course I do. If I didn’t think so, I would join another.” Then he went on to explain kindly what the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses are and the Scriptural basis for them. He was following the admonition to “make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.”​—1 Pet. 3:15.

² Daily, there are opportunities to give a reason for our hope. At work, fellow employees may wonder why you do not engage in their degrading conversations. At school, teachers or fellow students may ask why you do not celebrate holidays. Neighbors may inquire as to why you go to meetings so often. Such occasions may provide openings to apply the apostle Peter’s counsel. If you have prepared in advance to answer, you may help sincere questioners learn to serve Jehovah along with us.

REACHING THE HEARTS OF LISTENERS

³ In order to converse with people, it is necessary to establish a common ground. That is true whether we are in field service or conversing informally. An excellent Biblical example is recorded at Acts 17:22-31. Notice how the apostle Paul skillfully established a common ground at the outset and how he maintained it throughout the discussion. As a result, some were convinced of the truth.​—See School Guidebook, pages 156-8, paragraphs 15-24.

⁴ As you go from door to door during the month of January, look for a common ground to establish discussions. We are faced with the same problems as the householders. These include concern for the safety of our children and for their future, the lack of real peace, increasing crime, and drug abuse. God’s Kingdom is the answer, so our Topic for Conversation highlights some of the blessings of the Kingdom.

⁵ Congregations that have any of the 192-page books designated for use in this campaign will offer them for a contribution of 50¢ each. When offering such publications, highlight specific information that focuses on God’s Kingdom. For example, you may want to feature the World Government book. On pages 9 to 13, it describes the world envisioned at Revelation 21:4. Life Does Have a Purpose discusses very similar material on page 31. If older publications are not available, any other 192-page publication may be offered for a contribution of $1.00 each.

ON RETURN VISITS

⁶ When you return to develop the interest shown, be prepared to explain in greater detail the reason for your hope. Build on the common ground you established previously with the householder. Listen to his views. Reason with him. Leave him with the anticipation that future calls will provide additional wholesome information on which he can also build hope.

⁷ Whenever the way is opened up to give a reason for the hope in us, we want to take advantage of it. Whether young or old, we should be able to give sound, clear, persuasive reasons for our faith. May all of us demonstrate strong faith by zealously giving a reason for our hope.

Youths​—Develop a Strong Relationship With Jehovah

¹ Delightful are the words found at Psalm 24:3-5: “Who may ascend into the mountain of Jehovah, and who may rise up in his holy place? Anyone innocent in his hands and clean in heart, who has not carried My soul to sheer worthlessness, nor taken an oath deceitfully. He will carry away blessing from Jehovah and righteousness from his God of salvation.” Yes, Jehovah wants in his intimate association those who are clean and innocent, those who have not been leading a double life by taking a deceitful oath. It is a joy to see that multitudes of Christian youths today fit that description. They are a real credit to Jehovah and his organization. Their moral purity makes them beautiful in the eyes of God.

² Is it easy for young people to be morally clean today? No. Daily there are challenges that must be faced. There is a worldwide epidemic of unclean influences and immoral behavior. What can you do to protect yourself? There is a need to develop a strong relationship with Jehovah.

WHAT YOU MUST DO

³ Since a strong relationship with Jehovah involves heartfelt appreciation for Jehovah’s qualities, you need to learn what he is really like. This requires an earnest study of his Word along with Bible-based publications. Like Timothy, you need to be “nourished with the words of the faith and of the fine teaching which you have followed closely.” (1 Tim. 4:6) Such study will help you see “the pleasantness of Jehovah.” (Ps. 27:4) The more you learn about him, the closer you will be drawn to him.

⁴ Developing such a relationship requires time and effort. Paul told Timothy: “Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all persons.” (1 Tim. 4:15) If you are not yet baptized, then work toward dedication and baptism. Since we are near the end of this system, we should be concentrating on “what sort of persons” we ought to be in “deeds of godly devotion.” (2 Pet. 3:11) How we feel about Jehovah as our God and Life-Giver is important. If we develop a closeness to Jehovah similar to what one should have for a respected and dearly loved father, then deeds reflecting that relationship will be forthcoming.​—Mal. 1:6.

⁵ Tens of thousands of young men and women throughout the organization are using their vigor, energy, and enthusiasm to share in the preaching work. They are at the Kingdom Hall for meetings, willing and prepared to comment. Thousands are using their power of youth in the pioneer service. Proverbs 20:29 calls such well-spent power “the beauty of young men.” Although cultivating a strong personal relationship with Jehovah requires hard work in his service, it is worth the effort!

⁶ Many of you young ones have Christian parents who have mapped out the course for you to follow. They have shown you the steps to take in order to keep on the road to life. Listen to your parents in union with the Lord. (Eph. 6:1) They dearly love you and they want you to succeed. They want you to be in the new world, so cooperate with them in the study periods they arrange. Make the truth your own. Learn all you can about Jehovah, and you will grow to love him and serve him forever.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 2

Song 206

10 min: Local announcements. Read December 15, 1988, district convention assignment letter from Society. Highlight January offer of any 192-page book published prior to 1980, for 50¢. Provide names of older publications in stock locally. Briefly consider introductions that might be used with current Topic for Conversation. (See Reasoning book, subheading “Kingdom,” pages 12-13.) All baptized Witnesses should make special effort to be present at Service Meeting next week.

17 min: “1989 ‘Godly Devotion’ District Convention”​—Part One. Question-and-answer consideration of paragraphs 1-8 of insert by congregation secretary. Read ONLY paragraphs 4, 6, and 7, and make application of scriptures as time allows.

18 min: “1989 ‘Godly Devotion’ District Convention”​—Part Two. Discuss with audience paragraphs 9-13 of insert. Highlight need to select accommodations from “Recommended Lodging Locations List” and avoid abuses. To be handled by presiding overseer.

Song 144 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 9

Song 207

7 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to share in field service on second Saturday of month. Suggest one or two articles that may be appropriate for local territory.

7 min: Medical Document and Identity Cards. Talk by secretary. Distribute cards to all baptized Witnesses present. Briefly review highlights of Society’s letter of December 21, 1987, to all congregations. Encourage all to fill out cards promptly and see that they are properly signed and dated.

16 min: “Do You Give a Reason for the Hope in You?” Discussion and demonstration. When considering paragraph 5, arrange for brief demonstration by qualified publisher making transition from last scripture in Topic for Conversation and presenting older publication or suggested alternate.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News​—With Older Publications.” Question-and-answer coverage. When considering paragraph 6, arrange for brief demonstration, featuring current offer.

Song 119 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 16

Song 93

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Theocratic News. Include accounts report. Mention any contributions sent by congregation to Society for Kingdom work or the Society Kingdom Hall Fund as noted on December statement from Society.

20 min: “Benefit Fully From the Service Meetings.” Question-and-answer coverage. Briefly obtain expressions from audience as to how they have personally benefited from Service Meetings.

15 min: Serving Where the Need Is Greater. Two brothers discuss article “Go Out From Your Land and From Your Relatives” from the August 15, 1988, issue of The Watchtower, pages 21-3. Highlight need to seek the advice of local elders, communicate with the Society, and count the cost before moving. (Note Our Ministry book, pages 112-13, and January 1985 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 7, paragraphs 7, 8.)

Song 21 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 23

Song 164

12 min: Local announcements. Question Box. Encourage all to share in field service on fourth Saturday of the month.

18 min: “Youths​—Develop a Strong Relationship With Jehovah.” Questions and answers. Appeal to youths locally, encouraging them to keep making progress spiritually.

15 min: Listening to the Great Teacher. Talk and interviews. Highlight value of the Great Teacher book on cassette tapes for young persons. The 46 Bible stories appeal to children and teach them important Bible principles. These stories help to draw children to Jehovah, Jesus Christ, and the Bible. Review key points of the message from the publishers of Great Teacher book, pages 5-6. Interview youths and parents, highlighting benefits that children have received.

Song 205 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 30

Song 101

10 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to share in the field service on first Sunday of month. Announce which older publications are available to be offered during February. If older stock is depleted, use any other 192-page book available locally for contribution of $1.00. As time allows, have publishers relate experiences highlighting success in offering older publications during January.

15 min: “How Shall We Repay Jehovah?” Warm, informative talk based on article in the December 1, 1988, Watchtower, pages 25-8.

20 min: 1989 Yearbook Highlights. Well-prepared talk on introductory material in 1989 Yearbook. Feature outstanding results from unitedly saying “Come!” to people everywhere. Blessings come to all who share in extending the invitation. Call attention to outstanding increases set out in the worldwide report. As time allows, refer to some of the experiences given and show how these serve to encourage and benefit the brothers locally.

Song 18 and concluding prayer.

1989 “Godly Devotion” District Convention

¹ The expression “godly devotion” refers to reverence, worship, and service to God, with loyalty to his universal sovereignty. The prime example of godly devotion is Jesus Christ. He was the one man to manifest godly devotion perfectly under severe conditions down to his death. (1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 7:26) As followers of Christ, we must strenuously train if we are to display godly devotion. This entails enduring opposition as Jesus did. (2 Tim. 3:12) Training with godly devotion as our aim “holds promise of the life now,” namely, spiritual health, satisfaction, happiness, and a purpose in living. It also holds out to us the promise of life that “is to come.” (1 Tim. 4:7, 8) Therefore, such training is not for our materialistic gain. Rather, as a result of it, we are content with basic provisions as we serve Jehovah.​—1 Tim. 6:6-8.

² Though persecution and hardship may come, true Christians need not fear, for “Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial.” (2 Pet. 2:9) He admonishes them to be identified by “holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion” in order to survive the judgment of Jehovah’s day. (2 Pet. 3:10, 11) Would you like to learn ways to strengthen your godly devotion so as to remain loyal to Jehovah in the difficult days ahead? Much helpful counsel and encouragement regarding this will be presented at the three-day “Godly Devotion” District Conventions planned for the United States branch territory this summer. Plan now to attend and partake of the fine spiritual refreshment to be presented.

ROOMING ARRANGEMENTS

³ Following the Service Meeting for the week of January 2, the elders will post on the congregation’s information board the Recommended Lodging Locations list covering the district convention to which your congregation is assigned. This list gives all the motels presently cooperating with the Society’s rooming arrangement. By cooperating with these arrangements, the congregations will help the convention organization in its efforts to provide sufficient seats, food, literature, and rooming accommodations for everyone. As you make your plans to be in attendance, lovingly include others who need assistance, especially newly interested ones, so they also can attend every session. (Gal. 6:10) The program will start at 10:20 a.m. on Friday.

⁴ WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: As soon as​—but NOT before—​your congregation posts the Recommended Lodging Locations list containing the addresses of the motels, their agreed-upon rates, and the phone numbers, you should phone the motel of your choice and make reservations, identifying yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and as a delegate attending the Watchtower convention. Doing so will qualify you for the rates listed, which in most cases have been greatly reduced, since the convention has negotiated for a large number of rooms. One night’s DEPOSIT will be required at all locations in order to hold the room. Your deposit should be sent directly to the motel AS SOON AS you make your reservations. Do not make reservations at more than one motel or at motels that you do not intend to use. (Matt. 5:37) MOTELS ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO HOLD THE ROOMS OR EXTEND THE SPECIAL RATES WITHOUT A DEPOSIT. If you must cancel your reservations, you should notify the motel directly, doing so as far in advance as possible. This makes the room available for other delegates. If the motel you call first is filled, call your next selection from the list, and so on. The convention Rooming Department will continue to provide the congregation with revised lists as long as necessary, deleting motels that have been filled and including additional motels until everyone has a room. Thus, if all the motels on the list are filled, please wait patiently for the next list, and you will be able to obtain a room.

⁵ DORMITORIES: A few conventions use school dormitories in order to accommodate all of those attending. Usually congregations will receive information on these a month or so after the first motel listing. Those needing accommodations of this type should follow the instructions on the list that is sent to the congregations by the convention.

⁶ SPECIAL NEEDS: Arrangements to care for those with special needs should be made by the congregation where these attend. Elders and others aware of the individual circumstances can lovingly extend help. This often requires that publishers consider the needs of those in full-time service, the elderly, the infirm, the deaf, and perhaps others, which may include taking such ones with them. Publishers may care for such ones in other ways also. (Jas. 2:15-17; 1 John 3:17, 18) Of course, the convention Rooming Department will endeavor to provide rooming accommodations for publishers with various special needs who are unable to care for themselves and who cannot be assisted by those in the congregation where they attend. These publishers may ask the congregation secretary for a Special Needs Room Request form, discussing their special situation with him at that time. The secretary should then speak with the Congregation Service Committee to see if it is possible for the congregation to assist these persons to care for their own rooming accommodations. If not, then he may give them a copy of the Special Needs Room Request form. Those with special needs are the only ones that should fill out this form. It is to be returned to the secretary and checked for completeness, accuracy, and verification of the circumstances that qualify the person or persons for special needs consideration, which is to be explained in detail in the space provided on the form. This should be done well ahead of the convention. This provision is only for baptized Witnesses and unbaptized publishers, including their children, who are in good standing with the congregation. The secretary will then forward the form to the convention Rooming Department. The individual making the request will be notified directly about the accommodations. Those with special needs should NOT go to the convention and request a room when they arrive because the convention Rooming Department needs the verification of the congregation secretary.

⁷ Private-home accommodations are usually set aside for those who would experience real hardship if such accommodations were not available. They are not intended for those who can afford motel rooms but who want free or inexpensive rooms just to save money. Similarly, it is not proper for delegates to presume upon the hospitality of our brothers by expecting to be accommodated extra days in order to visit vacation spots or do other things before or after the convention. These rooms are for the convention period only. Those receiving such accommodations should see that they and their children act respectfully toward the home of their host and do not damage anything or rummage through the possessions or private areas of the home. If householders experience any difficulties along this line, this should immediately be brought to the attention of the Rooming Department at the convention, and the brothers there will be happy to help.

⁸ DELEGATES ATTENDING FROM OUTSIDE THE ASSIGNED AREA: In nearly every case, the location assigned for you to attend is the one nearest your congregation. Seating, literature, food orders, and so forth, are planned on the premise that the majority will attend the convention to which they are assigned. However, if for some reason you will be attending a convention other than the one assigned and need accommodations, the congregation secretary can give you the address of the convention headquarters where you desire to attend. These addresses are listed on the back of the Special Needs Room Request form. Then write to that convention headquarters and request a copy of the motel listing for that location, sending along a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Upon receipt of this list, use it to make your reservation.

⁹ YOUR COOPERATION NEEDED: The smoothness and success with which this rooming arrangement functions depend on the cooperation of everyone involved. (Compare Genesis 6:22.) Unless everyone cooperates by using ONLY the motels on the list, the Society may have to discontinue the present rooming arrangement. Thus, we are asking everyone to cooperate with the Society’s rooming arrangement so as to avoid major difficulties that we are experiencing in our negotiations.

Because a number of complaints have been received, it is also necessary to make the following requests:

1) Do not make reservations before the congregation posts the Recommended Lodging Locations list from the convention or try to do so for the next year while attending the current convention.

2) Do not make reservations with motels not on the list or accept a higher price than what is quoted for a motel on the list.

3) Do not make reservations at more than one motel and, after arriving, check each one and then take the best one, canceling the others.

4) Do not reserve rooms for others without giving names and sending the deposits for each room immediately.

5) Do not put more people in the room than the law and the management allow, which is never more than four or five people, including children. To do otherwise is dishonest. (Remember, you are paying a rate based upon no more than four or five persons in the room.)

6) Do not check in before 1:00 p.m. or whatever is the motel policy. (You may check in after the program that day, since your deposit guarantees your room.)

7) Do not cook or heat food in the room unless it has a kitchenette for that purpose.

8) Do not get food on floor, walls, beds, or linens.

9) Do not allow children in hallways, elevators, or swimming pools without parental or guardian supervision with them. Do not use the swimming pools after their closing time.

10) Do not take any linens, including towels and washcloths, away from the motel.

¹⁰ Because of violations in these areas, the Society will be asking the Rooming Departments to check with the motels during the convention to determine if any are experiencing such violations and who is involved. Such abuses are selfish and unloving. They not only make it difficult to negotiate for good rates at the motels but also bring reproach on Jehovah’s name and organization. (Ps. 119:168) Your compliance in these matters is earnestly sought so that the Society may be able to continue assisting delegates to obtain reasonably priced accommodations. On the other hand, if you experience a problem with a motel, please immediately bring it to the attention of the Rooming Department overseer at the convention, and he will be pleased to assist in resolving it. The convention organization is working hard to save our brothers as much expense as possible, so it is in the best interests of all for everyone to cooperate fully with the Society’s rooming arrangement. The listing is broad enough to give a choice of good-quality accommodations and yet give preference to the motels that cooperate. Our aim with this arrangement is to help delegates to be accommodated as comfortably and economically as possible so they will be refreshed and fully able to enjoy the fine spiritual program.

FOOD SERVICE

¹¹ A simplified food service arrangement similar to last year is planned for 1989. This greatly eases the work load and allows more attention to be given to the spiritual aspects of the convention, with the workers being able to enjoy more of the program. (Ex. 12:16b; Deut. 31:12; it vol. 1 pp. 503-4, 821; compare Luke 10:38-42.) The menu provides sufficient sustenance for the morning and noon periods. (Compare Matthew 14:14-20.) For evening meals, everyone is free to make his own arrangements, although some food will be available at the convention.

¹² The Society appreciates very much the fine support you brothers and sisters have been giving to the food service arrangements at the district conventions over the years. This has made it possible to rent good buildings and care for the convention expenses. It has also enabled you to remain at the convention site during the short noon break and to be present, on time and refreshed, for the more important spiritual program.

SIGN-LANGUAGE SESSIONS

¹³ As you will note in the February 15, 1989, Watchtower, sign-language translation will be provided only at 16 specific convention cities. (NO provision will be made at any other conventions for sign language.) This has proved to be a real blessing for a number of years now for those with this special need by providing good-quality translating and larger groups with which to enjoy upbuilding fellowship. Those who are signers should let the deaf in their congregations know of the arrangements and help them to attend where the sign-language provision is made by the Society.

[NOTE TO THE BODY OF ELDERS: Please read the Society’s convention assignment letter for your congregation, dated December 15, 1988, at your Service Meeting during the week of January 2, and post the Recommended Lodging Locations list on the information board. (NO ONE, INCLUDING THE ELDERS, SHOULD MAKE ANY MOTEL RESERVATIONS BEFORE THIS SERVICE MEETING.) Please read the assignment letter again at your next meeting, and then post it on the information board. In this way, all congregations will receive the information the same week.

The congregation secretary should handle convention-related material and announcements on future meetings. All elders will want to cooperate fully to ensure the prompt, enthusiastic, and effective handling of convention-related material.]

Announcements

● Literature offer for January and February: Any 192-page book published before 1980 and printed on groundwood (newsprint) paper that the congregation now has in stock, for a contribution of 50¢. (Congregations may request credit for books obtained by publishers and pioneers for the January and February offer. During this campaign only, the rate for regular and special pioneers for the pocket-size books is 30¢. For congregation publishers and auxiliary pioneers, the rate is 50¢ each.) Books printed on better-grade (free-sheet) paper are not to be used in this offer. Choosing, Commentary on James, and Word of God, although printed on better-grade paper, may also be offered for 50¢ during these two months. Congregations that do not have these older books may offer any other 192-page book available locally for a contribution of $1.00 each. March: Revelation​—Its Grand Climax at Hand! for a contribution of $3.00. April and May: Subscription to The Watchtower. See article on page 8 relative to ordering extra magazines for April and May.

● Starting in February, and no later than March 1, the new public talk for circuit overseers will be “Will God’s Judgment Day Come Upon You as a Snare?”

● Selective Service regulations require that all men register 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 and give appropriate reminders to young brothers nearing the age of 18. Questions as to the young Christian’s responsibilities in this regard may be answered by the elders.

● The special public talk for the 1989 Memorial season will be given worldwide on Sunday, April 2, 1989. The subject of the talk will be “Come, You Who Thirst for the Truth!” An outline will be provided. Those congregations having the visit of the circuit overseer, a circuit assembly, or special assembly day that weekend will have the special talk the following week. No congregation should have the special talk before April 2.

● New Publications Available:

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

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

My Book of Bible Stories​—Mono-Kutuba

Sing Praises to Jehovah (Small size)​—Swedish

Watch Tower Publications Index 1981-1985​—Spanish

Watch Tower Publications Scripture Index 1946-1985​—Dutch

Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace”​—Icelandic

Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Question of Blood​—Norwegian

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

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

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

Jehovah Delivers Those Calling Upon His Name (single cassette; congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)​—Dutch, Greek, Italian, Turkish

Listening to the Great Teacher (set of five cassettes and a book in an album; congregation and public: $11.25; pioneers: $9.50)​—Dutch

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

Benefit Fully From the Service Meetings

¹ The heartfelt expression of every servant of God should be: “Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I shall walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name.” (Ps. 86:11) The Service Meeting provides specific instructions to help us accomplish Jehovah’s work of preaching the good news of his Kingdom. Do you really benefit from the Service Meeting by absorbing the counsel given?

BENEFITS OF GOOD PREPARATION

² To benefit to the greatest extent from the instruction provided at the Service Meeting, advance preparation is required. Why? Thorough preparation conditions the mind and heart to receive instruction. By studying the material ahead of time, meditating on it, and analyzing the scriptures used, you will be in a better position to absorb and remember the spiritual food presented. Your own participation in making comments, sharing in demonstrations, or giving talks will be more meaningful. Your heart will be filled with satisfaction because you contributed your best.​—Ex. 23:19a; Prov. 16:23.

³ When preparing, it is helpful for each member of the family to have a copy of the publications being used. Preparation is especially important for those assigned parts on the Service Meeting program. Assignments should be made well in advance to allow sufficient time for participants to prepare.

BENEFITS FROM PARTICIPATION AND APPLICATION

⁴ Have you noticed that participating in the meetings contributes greatly to your enjoyment of them? As The Watchtower of July 1, 1972, explained on page 411: “Real enjoyment comes when a person expresses his own faith in Jehovah among his Christian brothers. It is not a matter of feeling obligated to give a comment and then relaxing and leaving the rest of the meeting to others. . . . It is our love for Jehovah that fills us and overflows so that we want to bless Jehovah and to make expression of our love for him.”

⁵ We have an assignment from Jehovah to preach the good news. Lovingly he provides much instruction through the Service Meeting so that each one of us is in a position to give the best Kingdom witness possible. As the Grand Instructor, Jehovah expects results from the instruction he provides his people. (See Deuteronomy 17:10.) Practicing and applying what you learn will benefit you, and you will be able to say, “I have done just as you have commanded me.”​—Ezek. 9:11.

⁶ You will also have the joy of saving yourself and those who listen to you. (1 Tim. 4:16) No doubt about it, the spiritual benefits from the Service Meeting are many. May you and your family be determined to take full advantage of them!

Question Box

● What should be posted on the congregation’s information board?

The information board in the Kingdom Hall provides information about congregation activities. No items should be placed on the information board without the approval of the presiding overseer.

Some of the things posted on a regular basis include: Service Meeting and Theocratic Ministry School schedules and assignments, list of public talks that have been scheduled, Public Meeting chairman and Watchtower reader assignments, makeup and location of Congregation Book Studies, notice of the circuit overseer’s next visit along with other related information, information regarding an upcoming assembly or convention, and the Kingdom Hall cleaning schedule. At times the Society instructs the elders to post certain letters or other items. If something out of the ordinary comes up, the body of elders can decide if it would be appropriate to have it posted.

Although a brief announcement concerning a wedding scheduled to take place in the Kingdom Hall may be made at one of the meetings, a formal wedding announcement would not be placed on the information board. Neither would it be proper to post announcements about gatherings of a strictly social nature, since these are not related to congregation activities.​—See The Watchtower, April 15, 1984, page 15; Kingdom Ministry, June 1975, page 4, and May 1970, page 8.

The information board should be kept neat and attractive. It should be large enough to accommodate the necessary items outlined herein. Expired schedules and general items that the congregation has come to know about should be promptly removed. When more than one congregation meets in the same hall, each congregation should have its own separate, clearly marked information board or portion thereof. We recommend that the presiding overseer, or someone under his direction, check the board periodically to make sure that the items posted are current, appropriate, and neat.

Presenting the Good News​—With Older Publications

¹ Making the decision to worship God is vital. It means our life. Thus, acquiring accurate knowledge and the wisdom to apply it is a worthwhile goal.​—Prov. 23:23; John 17:3.

² To acquire knowledge and grow in wisdom, we must diligently study God’s Word. In this way we become familiar with his commandments, laws, reminders, and counsel. We also need to meditate on the history of Jehovah’s dealings with his people. Jehovah generously grants knowledge and wisdom to those who sincerely seek him. Through the years, by means of his organization, he has provided an abundance of publications that cover many fields of Bible knowledge. These can be of great benefit to many who have not come to know Jehovah.

VALUE OF OLDER PUBLICATIONS

³ During January and February, any of the 192-page books published prior to 1980 may be used. There is a wealth of information in these publications. They can be of real spiritual value to people. (See Matthew 5:14-16.) So during these two months, let us endeavor to place all the older publications our congregation may have in stock.

⁴ The importance of getting these publications into the hands of people can be seen by considering the experience of a person who received a gift copy of one of the older books from his wife, who was a Witness. Up to that time, he had not shown any interest in the Bible. To her surprise, he read the book through in one evening. This so established his faith in the Bible as the Word of God that he attended the next congregation meeting and requested a Bible study. Within three months, he was going out in the field ministry and now is baptized.

HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

⁵ Do not underestimate the power of God’s Word. Since these older publications highlight Bible truths, present them with a positive attitude. Of course, you will want to make sure that the older books you offer are in good condition. If the books are damaged or the pages have turned yellow, they should not be offered from house to house, since this could detract from the message.

⁶ If your congregation does not have any 192-page books designated for use in this campaign, then you may feature any other 192-page publication for a contribution of $1.00. After considering Revelation 21:4 with the householder, you may want to read paragraph 3 on page 184 in the Happiness book or call attention to the box on page 25 in the “Kingdom Come” book as a means of tying in the offer.

⁷ May we all enjoy a productive ministry by sharing knowledge from God’s Word with these older publications! This can work to the eternal welfare of those to whom we witness.

Order Magazines for Special Campaign

The Watchtower during April and May will feature powerful articles exposing Babylon the Great. The full text of the resolution adopted by Jehovah’s Witnesses at the “Divine Justice” District Conventions will be published in the April 15 Watchtower. We wish to give the widest possible distribution to this as well as the other magazines during the two-month subscription campaign.

In addition to the special effort made by all the publishers to distribute both the Watchtower and the Awake! magazines, many will no doubt enroll as auxiliary pioneers and will require extra magazines during the campaign. In preparing for the special campaign, congregations should anticipate their need for additional copies of the April and May issues and order sufficient copies well in advance of the campaign.

Theocratic News

◆ No brothers were killed or seriously injured in Jamaica by Hurricane Gilbert. Relief supplies have been sent to help those who suffered material losses. The brothers in the Cayman Islands suffered few losses.

◆ Argentina concluded the service year with a new peak of 71,774 publishers. There were 88,015 Bible studies conducted during August.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?:

January 2: Pages 160 to 167

January 9: Pages 168 to 175*

January 16: Pages 175* to 183

January 23: Pages 184 to 189*

January 30: Pages 189* to 196*

* To or from subheading.

Topic for Conversation

Blessings of God’s Kingdom. (See Reasoning, pages 230-1.)

2 Pet. 3:13​—Promise of righteous conditions.

Rev. 21:4​—Death and pain to be no more.

October Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 264 126.4 89.6 52.9 5.3

Pios. 62,221 83.9 41.8 27.9 2.7

Aux. Pios. 50,098 59.3 31.5 16.5 1.3

Pubs. 667,403 9.9 6.7 3.8 0.5

TOTAL 779,986

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,006

The report shows a new peak of 62,221 pioneers during October. This is 630 more than the previous month.