July

Meetings for Field Service

JULY 3-9

Current Topic for Conversation

1. Review the main points.

2. What introductions from the Reasoning book can you use?

3. How will you make transition to offer?

JULY 10-16

When offering brochures

1. Why have more than one brochure available?

2. What specific points will you highlight?

3. How can the groundwork be laid for a Bible study?

JULY 17-23

When witnessing with your child

1. Why include him in the discussion?

2. What can he do to have a meaningful share?

3. Why would it be good to offer him counsel afterward?

JULY 24-30

How may we respond when people say:

(See Reasoning book, pages 16-20.)

1. ‘I have my own religion’?

2. ‘I’m busy’?

3. ‘I’m not interested’?

JULY 31​—AUGUST 6

House-to-house records

1. Why keep two?

2. Why keep them neat? How?

3. Why teach children how to use them?

804,518 Total Publishers for April​—A New Peak!

Exceptional Number of 120,979 Auxiliary Pioneers!

Jehovah’s people have shown that they are ‘hearing’ and ‘observing’ what is written in the prophecy of Revelation. (Rev. 1:3) Their zealous efforts in helping others see the urgency of our times are evident in the all-time peaks experienced in April 1989. What are some of these peaks?

Total Publishers: 804,518. This is almost 24,000 more than we had in April 1988 and 7,414 more than our previous peak in August 1988.

Total Hours: 18,673,721. How encouraging that nearly 1,700,000 more hours were devoted to Kingdom activity than in April of last year!

Return Visits: 5,767,946. An increase of 5.5 percent or 302,130 more return visits than in April 1987, which was the month of our previous peak.

Home Bible Studies: 573,244. This is 3,150 more than we had last April our previous all-time peak month.

Auxiliary Pioneers: 120,979. What an outstanding peak, reflecting the efforts being put forth to herald the Kingdom hope! This is a 20-percent increase over our previous peak.

We are confident that Jehovah and his Son, Christ Jesus, are pleased as we extend ourselves in Kingdom service during “the Lord’s day.’ (Rev. 1:10) May we help thousands more to become part of the “great crowd” as the increase continues in these momentous days.​—Rev. 7:9.

Serving With a Complete Heart

¹ David set a fine example of serving Jehovah with a complete heart. His lead had a profound effect upon the entire nation of Israel. It was with a complete heart that they too made voluntary offerings for the building of Jehovah’s temple.​—1 Chron. 29:9.

² Why is serving Jehovah with a complete heart so important now, just as it was in ancient Israel? Simply stated, Jehovah favors those who serve him with a complete heart.​—2 Chron. 16:9.

SUPPORT KINGDOM WORK

³ We can serve with a complete heart today by supporting the work of Kingdom preaching. (Matt. 24:14) Giving financial support to this work is important, but using our strength, time, abilities, and power of speech in spreading the good news to others is of even greater value. (2 Cor. 9:7) Are you experiencing the joy that comes from serving with a complete heart?

⁴ During July we are encouraged to make heartfelt appeals to righteously disposed people as we talk about the Source of true peace and security and present one of the brochures included in our literature offer. In this way, we can show that our heart is complete toward Jehovah and direct meek ones to the real Source of peace.

COULD YOU PIONEER SOON?

⁵ Can you take advantage of the additional daylight hours to increase your field service time? July may be an excellent month for you to increase your activity in the field so as to qualify for pioneer service.

⁶ Now that summer is here, many are building up their field service with a view to becoming regular pioneers at the beginning of the new service year in September. If you would like to do that and pioneer service is within your reach, go to Jehovah in prayer and ask for his help and direction. (Prov. 16:3) Talk to the elders about your prospects for regular pioneer service. If you see that your circumstances would allow you to become a regular pioneer, be sure to turn in your application at least 30 days before you wish to begin.

⁷ Young or old, may all of us show that we are serving Jehovah with a complete heart. We must never let our heart become divided. (Mark 12:30) Our zealous support of the Kingdom-preaching work will aid us in maintaining a complete heart toward Jehovah.

Meetings Benefit Our Children

¹ In the nation of Israel, even little children were included in meetings for worship. (Deut. 31:12) Likewise today, the congregation meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses benefit the children.​—Ps. 148:1, 12.

² Of course, children may be easily distracted. They need to be taught to listen attentively to what is said. They also need help in understanding some of the material presented.

PREPARE FOR MEETINGS

³ Proper training at home will help children to appreciate the privilege of assembling with others to worship Jehovah. They should be helped to understand that obedience in this regard brings benefits. Even very young ones can be helped to understand that Christian meetings are for them too.​—Ps. 133:1; Isa. 48:17; Matt. 19:14.

⁴ It is helpful if children have their own Bible, songbook, and other study literature to use during the meetings. Parents should help younger ones prepare at least a part of the lesson for each meeting. (Heb. 10:23) This can be done in harmony with the child’s ability to understand and participate in the meetings.

⁵ Some children are benefited by having special assignments during meetings. Very young children may enjoy noting the number of times God’s name, the Kingdom, or a certain Bible subject is mentioned and something said about it. Children who are a little older could be assigned to list the scriptures that are read or quoted. Whatever the assignment, the children will benefit the most if they are commended for their effort. They may also be given the opportunity later to comment on points learned or to relate how they enjoyed points presented at the meeting.

⁶ All children who can read should be encouraged and helped to have a personal program for privately reading the Society’s publications. Depending on the child’s ability, it may include reading through the Bible Stories, Great Teacher, and Youth books, as well as selected articles in the magazines. Such a program should eventually enable a youth to keep up with all the current theocratic publications.

DRESS AND DECORUM

⁷ Often, visitors are impressed when they see the respectful way our young ones are dressed at Christian meetings. It has been observed that the way a child is dressed for meetings usually has a bearing on his attitude and conduct at meetings. When visiting the Society’s headquarters in Brooklyn or any of the branch offices, it is appropriate for children and adults alike to dress as they would for a Christian meeting.​—om p. 131.

⁸ The fine behavior of our children at meetings also brings praise and honor to Jehovah’s name. Therefore, parents should recognize that close supervision at meetings is vital. Concerned parents will arrange for the family to sit together during meetings and see to it that their children maintain proper decorum at all times. For additional helpful suggestions, parents can talk to others who are having good success with their little ones.

⁹ It is our desire for children to share fully in worship at our Christian meetings and ‘incite others to love and fine works.’ (Heb. 10:24) In Jehovah God’s arrangement, meetings are for children too.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JULY 3

Song 43

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage those who are thinking about becoming regular pioneers in September to fill out application and submit it to the elders for review 30 days in advance, if possible. Briefly demonstrate presentation of current magazines, and encourage all to share in magazine witnessing on second Saturday.

20 min: “Serving With a Complete Heart.” Talk and discussion of article with questions. Include demonstration of July brochure offer when discussing paragraph 4.

15 min: Discussion with audience of questions from article “Do You Remember?” in April 15, 1989, Watchtower.

Song 128 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 10

Song 151

10 min: Local announcements and accounts report. Donation acknowledgments.

20 min: “Seize Every Opportunity to Witness​—Part 2.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. When covering paragraph 4, include local experiences and a brief demonstration of informal witnessing.

15 min: Talk based on “Independence,” pages 187-91 of the Reasoning book. Highlight our dependence on Jehovah and the disastrous consequences of following an independent course. Adapt to needs of the congregation.

Song 63 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 17

Song 183

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Review highlights of April service report. Commend congregation on local accomplishments in the field. Encourage all to share in magazine work on fourth Saturday of month.

20 min: “Meetings Benefit Our Children.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. Use a few minutes at end of part to interview exemplary parents and children who have applied the suggestions in the article. Draw parents out on how they got started helping the children to prepare for meetings, what they presently do to help them, and the personal benefits that they have experienced as a result.

15 min: Local needs, or talk on “Appreciation for Our Brothers,” based on article in October 1, 1988, issue The Watchtower.

Song 65 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 24

Song 130

5 min: Local announcements, including field service arrangements.

10 min: Service overseer discusses meetings for service. Consider the act that these meetings should be brief and primarily for the purpose of organizing groups. What preparation is required? What can publishers do to contribute to the effectiveness of the meetings? Briefly review Question Box in Our Kingdom Ministry of February 1989, the article “More Meaningful Meetings for Service” in Our Kingdom Service of January 1979, and the Question Box in Kingdom Ministry of June 1967.

10 min: “Keep Watching How You Walk.” Encourage all in congregation to make plans to attend the circuit assembly. Discuss helping the elderly and the infirm in your congregation who need assistance. Make practical suggestions.

20 min: Christian Women​—Respected and Respectful Members of the Congregation. Talk by elder from Reasoning book, pages 431-5. Commend sisters for living up to the role outlined for them in the Bible. Song 82 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 31

Song 192

8 min: Local announcements. Discuss talking points from current magazines. Conclude with encouragement for congregation to support first Sunday of the month field service arrangements.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News​—Using the House-to-House Record.” Questions and answers. Read paragraphs as time permits. Outline proper use of house-to-house records for both not-at-homes and return visits. Review with audience information that should be placed on the records, and explain why. Emphasize keeping a record of not-at-homes even in seldom-worked territory. Remind all to have house-to-house records with them while in field service.

12 min: Starting Bible Studies With Brochures. Discussion. It is not enough to place brochures. Bible studies must be conducted to fulfill our objective of making disciples. Show audience how studies can be started using brochures. (See August 1986 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 8.) Demonstrate starting studies with brochures. Interview publishers who have had success starting studies with brochures. Or relate experiences found in the 1986 Yearbook, pages 11-13, and 1987 Yearbook, page 48. Emphasize the positive approach of publishers and the good results they have experienced.

10 min: Learning From Pictures on Theocratic Calendar. Talk. Use July 1, 1989, Watchtower article “‘Woe to You, Chorazin!’​—Why?” along with 1989 calendar to highlight benefit of using corresponding calendar picture when reading article. Remind brothers of corresponding articles in the January 1, March 1, and May 1, 1989, issues of The Watchtower. Soon we will be ordering calendar for 1990, which will feature additional instructive pictures from Bible lands.

Song 32 and concluding prayer.

Congregation Book Study

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

July 3: Pages 54# to 58#

July 10: Pages 58# to 62

July 17: Pages 63 to 68*

July 24: Pages 68* to 73

July 31: Pages 74 to 79

# To or from chapter heading.

* To or from subheading.

Topic for Conversation

Source of True Peace and Security.

1 Thess. 5:3​—Man-made peace not lasting.

Mic. 4:3, 4​—God’s peace is everlasting.

Announcements

● Literature offer for July and August: One of the following 32-page, magazine-size brochures may be offered for a contribution of 30¢: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making All Things New,” The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, or The Government That Will Bring Paradise. As an alternate offer, congregations having a supply of any of the following publications may offer two for $1.00: Choosing the Best Way of Life, Commentary on the Letter of James, God’s “Eternal Purpose” Now Triumphing for Man’s Good, or Is the Bible Really the Word of God? Additional copies of Commentary on James may be ordered from the Society. Congregations should not order the other three books mentioned, since they are out of stock. Use only those books that are available locally. (For obtaining credit, see the guidelines in the Society’s letter of December 21, 1988, to all bodies of elders.) September: Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? for a contribution of $3.00. Small-size books are $1.50. October: Subscription to either Awake! or The Watchtower or to both. One-year subscriptions are $5.00 each. Six-month subscriptions and one-year subscriptions to monthly magazines are $2.50. There are no six-month subscriptions to monthly editions.

● Anyone making plans to begin regular pioneer service on September 1, 1989, should fill out an application promptly and submit it to the elders for review. After the application is approved and signed by the Congregation Service Committee, it should be mailed to the Society by the early part of August. By forwarding approved applications early, requests for retroactive appointments can be avoided.​—See August 1986 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, paragraphs 21-26.

● An adequate supply of forms for use during the 1990 service year is being sent to each congregation. These forms should not be wasted. They should be used only for their intended purpose.

● A supply of Medical Document and Identity Cards is being shipped to the congregations along with the yearly supply of congregation forms. These cards are not to be given out immediately upon their receipt but should be held until further direction is given on issuing them to the brothers at the end of the calendar year. Publisher identification cards (S-65) may be issued according to what was stated in the February 1989 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4.

● Beginning in September, circuit overseers will give the public talk “How to Conquer Evil With Good.”

● The Society is now accepting orders for reprinted Watchtower bound volumes in English for the years 1975 through 1979. Congregations and individuals desiring to have these volumes for their library should determine the total number of volumes they need for each year and submit their requests through the congregation. The total quantities should be entered on the Literature Order form (S-14) and SUBMITTED DURING THE MONTH OF JULY 1989. (See Cost List, paragraphs 7-10.) Please do not place orders for years other than 1975 through 1979. Since the Society will not stock these reprinted volumes, we urge all to consider the matter carefully and place orders for the 1975 through 1979 volumes that are needed. Later orders will only be filled as long as existing supplies last. These reprinted volumes are controlled stock items and are to be paid for by the congregation upon receipt. The price will be $6.00 each.

● New Publications Available:

United in Worship of the Only True God​—Hebrew

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!​—Cakchiquel, Hmong

Tract No. 15​—Vietnamese

Part 2​—Seize Every Opportunity to Witness

¹ Hundreds of thousands of people have become acquainted with the truth through informal witnessing. If this means of witnessing is fully utilized, millions more will be reached with the message of the good news. As Jehovah’s servants, we must let our light shine continually. How can we personally do this more fully?​—Matt. 5:15, 16; Phil. 2:15.

² There are various ways that we can create opportunities to give an informal witness. During a lunch break, while waiting in an office, or when using public transportation, some brothers make it a practice to read the Bible or one of the Society’s magazines or books. By being alert to the reaction or any interest shown by those seated nearby, a conversation may result if we simply share a thought from what we are reading.

³ Usually it is not difficult to start a conversation with someone on a general matter of local interest. If we pray for Jehovah’s help and then make the effort, we can enjoy fine results. A very simple way to give a brief and informal witness is to offer one of our tracts. This is especially practical in situations where there is not much time for a conversation. Tracts are small and easily carried but contain a powerful message. Most of us could use them more frequently.

USE REASONING BOOK

⁴ A practical aid for all features of Kingdom preaching is the Reasoning book. Many of the introductions on pages 9-15, as well as the information under “Conversation Stoppers” on pages 15-24, can be adapted to informal witnessing and be used to start conversations. For example, one introduction on page 11 says: “Did you read this in the newspaper this week? (Show appropriate clipping.) What do you think . . . ?” How simple, and yet how effective for starting a conversation! Or we could ask if the person has noticed how the news media have quoted prominent people who use the term “Armageddon” in reference to all-out nuclear war. We could then ask what he thinks Armageddon will mean to mankind. The material on page 9 can be adapted to the conversation.

⁵ Whenever we engage in informal witnessing, it is good to allow the other person the opportunity to express himself. We should be courteous and respectful at all times. If we listen carefully to what the other person has to say, we may be able to determine what his interests are and then speak words that will whet his spiritual appetite. (Prov. 25:11) If possible, we should obtain the names and addresses of those who show interest so further contact can be made to cultivate the interest. Likewise, we should also keep a record of the time spent in informal witnessing so this can be reported accurately.

⁶ If you feel that you have not been successful at giving an informal witness, do not be discouraged. Your efforts to sow seeds of Kingdom truth through informal witnessing may bear fruit later. Often, it is an accumulation of truth sown through informal witnessing that produces good results. Even if we have no Bible literature to place with people, the oral witness can accomplish a great amount of good. There are millions of people that we can reach if we seize every opportunity to give an informal witness.

April Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 266 128.3 95.9 55.3 5.6

Pios. 61,521 84.7 42.5 28.5 2.8

Aux. Pios. 120,979 57.8 31.5 14.7 1.2

Pubs. 621,752 10.3 6.6 3.6 0.4

TOTAL 804,518

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,805

Presenting the Good News​—Using the House-to-House Record

¹ “I have thoroughly preached the good news about the Christ.” (Rom. 15:19) These words of the apostle Paul indicate how diligent he was in carrying out his commission to preach, teach, and make disciples.

² We want to be just as thorough in witnessing within our assigned territory. The time we are living in is most critical-lives are at stake. Failure to warn the people will incur bloodguilt. (Ezek. 3:18, 19) Like the apostle Paul, we want to be able to say that we are “clean from the blood of all men.” (Acts 20:26) How can we be more thorough in working our territory? Proper use of the House-to-House Record form can help.

WHEN NO ONE IS HOME

³ A complete and accurate record of not-at-homes is indispensable in covering our territory effectively. This is true whether the territory is seldom or frequently worked. So we must be persistent in trying to reach someone at every home. When there is no response, we should make appropriate notations on a house-to-house record. Then we should be sure to return and try to give a witness to someone in that household.

⁴ To reach those who were not at home on the initial call, some have used their house-to-house record, calling back right after door-to-door activity the same day. Or they try calling on a different day or at a different time of the day. Many find that calling in the evening brings good results. Shut-ins have had success making telephone calls or writing letters when repeated visits to certain homes are unsuccessful.

WHEN INTEREST IS FOUND

⁵ When you find an appreciative ear, keep a record. Write down the person’s name, address, and any other information that will help in following through on interest shown. If you do not contact the interested person again after several tries, perhaps a change in the day or time you call would help. Do not be quick to give up on someone who has shown interest.

⁶ The apostle Paul set a good example for us. He “thoroughly bore witness” in his assigned territory. Using the house-to-house record properly will help us to bear thorough witness in our assigned territory. And what joy we will have as many more become disciples of Jesus Christ! Thus, we will be able to repeat Paul’s words: “I am clean from the blood of all men.”​—Acts 20:21, 26.

Theocratic News

◆ Burma was happy to report a new peak of 1,583 publishers and 1,623 Bible studies for February.

◆ Curaçao, with 1,474 publishers reporting, had 2,597 in attendance for the talk during the zone overseer’s visit.

◆ Grenada had a new peak of 385 publishers in February. Their circuit assemblies were attended by 926, and 5 were baptized.

◆ We are happy to see that India reached a new peak of 8,950 publishers for February, a 9-percent increase over last year’s average.

Keep Watching How You Walk

¹ The new circuit assembly program for the 1990 service year will begin in September. It will stress the importance of watching how we walk, pursuing the things that make for peace, and avoiding the many pitfalls put in our path by Satan and his hordes, both spirit and human.

² Walking in the pathway of righteousness is not becoming easier in these last days. Therefore, the two-day circuit assembly program will provide encouragement and practical counsel to help Jehovah’s people maintain their spiritual balance and prove to be integrity keepers.

³ The assembly theme, “Keep Watching How You Walk,” based on Ephesians 5:15, 16, is most appropriate for the development and presentation of the prepared material. Instruction will be given by means of talks, demonstrations, experiences, interviews, and skits. On Saturday there will be opportunity for newly dedicated ones to get baptized. Therefore, those planning to be baptized at the circuit assembly should let the presiding overseer know well in advance so that arrangements can be made for going over the preliminary questions.

⁴ A highlight of the circuit assembly is the public talk given by the district overseer. The subject of his talk will be “Light Bearers in a Dark World.” This Bible discussion will contain vital information for newly interested people, and it will be encouraging to those who are already serving as ministers of the good news.​—Matt. 24:14.

⁵ Your circuit overseer will let you know when and where your circuit assembly will be held. Make definite plans to attend all the sessions on both days. We cannot afford to miss any part of the program. Jehovah will reward your endeavors by helping you to keep watching how you walk.