March

Meetings for Field Service

MARCH 6-12

Revelation Climax book

1. Why does every household need a copy?

2. What alternate presentations might be appropriate for your territory? (See Reasoning book, pages 49-53 or 322-33.)

MARCH 13-19

Inviting others to Memorial

1. Why encourage others to attend?

2. Who should be invited?

3. How can the printed invitations be used?

MARCH 20-26

How will you

1. Offer the Revelation Climax book this week?

2. Give further assistance to those who attend the Memorial?

MARCH 27–APRIL 2

When working from house to house

1. What has been effective when offering Revelation Climax book?

2. How will you offer the subscription?

3. Why keep good house-to-house records?

Topic for Conversation

Whom Shall We Worship?

Rev. 14:7​—Worship the Creator.

Rev. 18:2a, 4​—Heed God’s warning.

Urgently Declare Jehovah’s Judgments

¹ Jehovah’s appointed time to execute his judgments against Babylon the Great rapidly approaches. (Rev. 1:3; 19:2) But first, a final warning of her impending destruction must be given. In order to survive, lovers of righteousness must “get out of her” and work toward gaining an approved standing before Jehovah.​—Rev. 18:4.

² The new book Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand! will help us to carry out this warning work. Clearly and vividly it presents God’s judgments against this condemned world. If you have not already done so, you should set aside time to complete the reading of this new book as soon as possible.

MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT

³ In view of its urgent message, all publishers will want to have a part in offering the Revelation Climax book from house to house. Take note of not-at-homes and call again. Elders should consider arranging additional meetings for field service. Would afternoon service arrangements be helpful to the publishers? Some have found early evening witnessing to be very productive.

⁴ In addition to offering the Revelation Climax book from door to door, utilize other opportunities as well. Young publishers can offer the book to their teachers. Those employed secularly can talk with workmates during lunch breaks and offer the book to them. Give all persons​—relatives, deliverymen, salespersons who come to our door, doctors, dentists, lawyers, businesspeople with whom we have dealings—​the opportunity to “hear the words of this prophecy.” (Rev. 1:3) They may want to be among the unnumbered great crowd that will survive the climax of divine judgment at Armageddon.

⁵ The new Topic for Conversation is “Whom Shall We Worship?” Our introduction could include information from page 322 of the Reasoning book. Ask the householder if he has observed how many different forms of worship there are, and then point out that man has a basic need to worship something higher than himself. However, since men have so often worshiped false gods, Revelation 14:7 gives us a timely warning. This points out the need to worship our Creator, the true God. The book of Revelation identifies all false religions by the name Babylon the Great and sounds an urgent warning at Revelation 18:2a, 4. Though one may be morally upright and try to do good to others, what if he supports false religious organizations? God does not approve such a course. This gives us something serious to think about. Show the Revelation Climax book and draw attention to a specific point of interest. Then offer the book for a contribution of $3.

⁶ Your presentation may be varied according to the type of territory you are working. Review the material in the Reasoning book under “Religion,” pages 322-33, and under “Babylon the Great,” pages 49-53, for suggestions on how this can be done. It is urgent that we share fully in declaring this divine message of judgment and hope.​—Rev. 14:6, 7.

Memorial Celebration for 1989

¹ Wednesday, March 22, 1989, will mark the 1,956th anniversary of the Memorial of Christ’s death. When making our own plans to be in attendance, we need to think of others who may need an invitation or our personal assistance in some way. Now is the time to start making preparations for the Memorial and to think about inviting others.​—Please see “Things to Prepare for the Memorial” on page 4.

² How do we view attendance at the Memorial? We should view it as a privilege and as an opportunity to show appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ. If you know you will be away from your home congregation, be sure that you have the address of the Kingdom Hall in the area you will be visiting so that you can attend there.

USE SPECIAL INVITATIONS

³ You may start using the special Memorial invitations early in March. Remember, they are not to be used as handbills but should be given to interested ones personally. Because people often forget dates and times, it is suggested that we neatly write or type the Kingdom Hall address and the time for the Memorial celebration on the bottom or the back of the invitation. If possible, spend a little time with the person you are inviting to help him understand clearly the significance of the Memorial. Newly interested people may hesitate to go to the Kingdom Hall by themselves. Can you offer to provide transportation or arrange to meet them outside the hall? This will require additional time and effort, but your assistance will be appreciated. Also, a special effort should be made to help those who have known of the truth for some years but who have held back from attending meetings regularly.​—Luke 11:23; John 18:37b.

NECESSARY PREPARATIONS

⁴ Congregation elders will want to be sure that all arrangements for the Memorial have been carefully made well in advance. Be sure to select well-qualified brothers to pass the emblems. These brothers should be elders or ministerial servants, if available. Have a sufficient number of brothers prepared to do this so that the passing of the emblems will not be prolonged unnecessarily. After the servers have served those in the audience, the servers will sit down in the front row and the speaker will serve them. Finally, one of them will serve the speaker.

⁵ With the passing of each year, we come closer to the day when the Lord’s Evening Meal will no longer be celebrated. Only a comparative few of the anointed brothers of Christ remain. Jesus commanded that his death be memorialized until all of his brothers are with him in the Kingdom. (Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:25) Until then, we will obediently and faithfully gather each year for the celebration of the Memorial with the greatest joy and appreciation.

[Box on page 4]

Things to Prepare for the Memorial

(See February 15, 1985, Watchtower, page 19.)

1. Has everyone, including the speaker, been informed of the exact time and place of the celebration? Does the speaker have transportation?

2. Have definite arrangements been made to provide the emblems?

3. Have arrangements been made for someone to bring a clean tablecloth and the required number of glasses and plates?

4. What arrangements have been made to clean the hall?

5. Have the attendants and servers been assigned? Has a meeting been scheduled with them before the Memorial to go over their duties? When? What procedure will be followed to ensure that all are served efficiently?

6. Are arrangements complete to help older and infirm brothers and sisters? Are arrangements made to serve any of the anointed who may be confined and unable to be at the Kingdom Hall?

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING MARCH 6

Song 209

7 min: Local announcements and appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage all to get adequate literature supplies for a full share in field service this Saturday and Sunday.

20 min: “Urgently Declare Jehovah’s Judgments.” Question-and-answer discussion of article. Inform congregation of time and place for any additional meetings for service during the March campaign. Have experienced publisher demonstrate presentation based on information in paragraph 5. Consider cited scriptures as time permits.

18 min: “Memorial Celebration for 1989.” Talk by presiding overseer with some audience participation. Ask congregation to relate how they plan to invite new ones to the Memorial and help these to attend. Remind congregation that Memorial invitations are available.

Song 3 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 13

Song 43

12 min: Local announcements. Include accounts report, warmly expressing appreciation for contributions acknowledged by the Society. Remind all that Memorial will be Wednesday evening, March 22. Give time of celebration and outline local arrangements. Special effort to be made on weekend to invite interested persons. Briefly demonstrate calling to remind one previously invited.

20 min: “Can You Auxiliary Pioneer in April?” Question-and-answer coverage. Include practical comments from those in local congregation who have auxiliary pioneered previously while caring for family obligations or while holding full-time secular jobs.

13 min: Interview some who are planning to auxiliary pioneer in April. How have they arranged their schedule? Ask why this April can be a fine month to pioneer. Encourage all who can to apply promptly. Applying now for this service will allow additional time to coordinate schedule with others. Publishers whose circumstances do not allow them to pioneer may be able to increase hours for month by working with the pioneers as they are able.

Song 32 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 20

Song 87

12 min: Local announcements. Encourage prompt follow-up visits on those attending Memorial, whether new ones or those who seldom attend meetings. Explain what congregation is doing and what publishers can do individually. Outline additional group-witnessing arrangements made for this week.

18 min: “Are You Searching for Godly Wisdom?” Elder briefly reviews article and then invites a group of publishers to join him in discussing how personal reading and study of Revelation Climax book has strengthened their faith and renewed their determination to be faithful and zealous to the end. Highlight new insight on “great crowd” as included in the symbol of ‘myriads of horses’ described in Revelation 9:16-19. (Rev. 7:9) Stimulate eagerness to share in wide distribution of this unique publication for our times.

15 min: Local needs or talk based on article “They Can Help You to Preach” in the February 15, 1989, Watchtower, pages 22-4. Importance of magazines coming each week by subscription should be emphasized.

Song 63 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 27

Song 156

10 min: Local announcements and Theocratic News. Have pioneer or skilled publisher demonstrate use of Topic for Conversation, adapting it to the subscription offer. Encourage all to arrange to participate in field service this weekend, supporting magazine work on Saturday as well as house-to-house witnessing on the first Sunday of the month.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News​—Featuring The Watchtower.” Questions and answers. In connection with paragraph 3, have a publisher demonstrate how to give a 30- to 60-second magazine presentation in the door-to-door activity. Stress the need to present only the magazines. For paragraph 4, have a publisher demonstrate using the April 15 Watchtower in street work. In discussing paragraphs 5 and 6, emphasize that the magazine presentation is to be no longer than 60 seconds; when presenting the subscription, the Topic for Conversation should be used.

15 min: “Exert Yourselves Vigorously.” (Luke 13:24; 1 Tim. 4:10) Talk by service overseer, based on information in article “Do Not Let Your Hand Rest” that appeared in January 1988 Our Kingdom Ministry and the January 1, 1989, letter regarding territory seldom worked. Much enthusiasm generated in this work last year. There were over 800 assignments sent out. Many favorable comments from circuit overseers, congregations, and individual publishers who participated. Those who would like to apply should submit their applications as soon as possible.

Song 10 and concluding prayer.

Are You Searching for Godly Wisdom?

¹ “Keep Searching as for Hid Treasures” was the subject of a motivating talk on the second day of the “Divine Justice” District Conventions. Are we following through with what we heard and endeavoring to become more diligent searchers for treasures of wisdom?​—Prov. 2:1-6.

² We would be poor treasure seekers if we rarely read the Bible or if we generally failed to read The Watchtower and Awake! Do we dig for the priceless gems of wisdom in God’s Word when preparing talks, pondering the answer to a Bible question, or seeking solutions to problems? Time spent in research and meditation is needed in order to find Bible gems, but what happiness results!​—Prov. 3:13-18.

³ Now we can make regular use of the new publication Insight on the Scriptures along with the Index, Concordance, Reference Bible, and other outstanding publications in our theocratic library. How generously Jehovah has supplied us with the help we need for searching out “the deep things of God”!​—1 Cor. 2:10.

⁴ Our spiritual health is directly related to godly wisdom. On Sunday morning of our convention, many fine suggestions were shared in the talk “Maintaining Spiritual Health in a Sick World.” Do you recall how we can avoid spiritual sickness due to weaknesses of the flesh, worldly influences, and the machinations of the Devil? The convention speaker pointed out that we can build and maintain spiritual health by never neglecting to nourish ourselves spiritually through study, by attendance and participation at meetings, and by having a wholesome share in the field service. Taking preventive measures such as shunning bad association and debased worldly entertainment while also avoiding persons who do “not assent to healthful words” will help us maintain a healthy faith.​—1 Tim. 6:3, 4; Titus 1:13.

⁵ As we follow through on the points learned at the “Divine Justice” District Convention, let us be determined to give due thought to what we hear at Christian meetings and thus gain additional godly wisdom and discernment.​—2 Tim. 2:7.

Announcements

● Literature offer for March: Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand! for a contribution of $3.00. April and May: Watchtower subscription for one year for a contribution of $5.00. Awake! subscription may be offered on same basis. Six-month subscriptions and one-year subscriptions to monthly editions are $2.50. June: True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It? for a contribution of $1.00.

● The presiding overseer or someone assigned by him should audit the congregation accounts on March 1 or as soon as possible thereafter.

● In preparation for the Memorial celebration, all will want to follow the schedule for Bible reading provided on the 1989 calendar, beginning on Friday, March 17.

● Contributions that congregations send to the Society for the advancement of Kingdom work as well as contributions to the Society Kingdom Hall Fund or special contributions for other designated purposes are acknowledged on the Society’s monthly statements to the congregations. These acknowledgments include brief expressions of appreciation. The presiding overseer should observe such acknowledgments and have these called to the attention of the congregation each month when the accounts report is given. The Society wants the brothers to know that their contributions have been received and that they are appreciated.

● The Society is now accepting orders for reprinted Watchtower bound volumes in English for the years 1970 through 1974. 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 MARCH 1989. (See Cost List, paragraphs 7-10.) Printing of the third five-year series of The Watchtower bound volumes in English will commence this spring. Please do not place orders for years other than 1970 through 1974 until future direction appears in Our Kingdom Ministry. Since the Society will not stock these reprinted volumes, we urge all to consider the matter carefully and place orders for the 1970 through 1974 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 upon receipt. The price will be $6.00 each.

● New Publications Available:

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

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

United in Worship of the Only True God​—Armenian, Gun

Watch Tower Publications Scriptural Index 1945-1985​—Finnish

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Large size)​—Bislama

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

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!​—Cambodian

Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide—​Hindi, Hungarian, Vietnamese

“Look! I Am Making All Things New” (Brochure)​—Vietnamese

Tract No. 14​—Estonian, Ukrainian

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

Daniel (single cassette; congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)​—English

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

● Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

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

Can You Auxiliary Pioneer in April?

¹ Jesus initiated a work of such importance that the future of all mankind depends upon its outcome. (Matt. 4:17) It is the work of preaching the good news and making disciples. This work will reach its climax just before “the end,” when the Kingdom message will have been “preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.”​—Matt. 24:14.

² Since we have now reached the conclusion of the system of things, this work is more urgent than ever. With lives at stake, unnecessary delay can have far-reaching consequences. The auxiliary pioneer arrangement has encouraged many to be more active in getting this urgent work done. Can you auxiliary pioneer in April?

APRIL PROVIDES FINE OPPORTUNITY

³ With its five full weekends, April will be an excellent month for many to enroll as auxiliary pioneers. Even some with full-time secular employment may be able to do so. Some who pioneered last year were greatly blessed and expressed their desire to serve again this year. By making plans now, could you auxiliary pioneer in April? Why not discuss this possibility with those who are already appointed and get some practical suggestions from them?

⁴ Expanding our service can bring increased happiness. Even though this may entail sacrificing other personal interests, by sowing bountifully, we will reap increased spiritual blessings. (2 Cor. 9:6b) Those working whole-souled for Jehovah are “filled with joy” in the bountiful harvest of new disciples.​—Acts 13:48, 52.

A THEOCRATIC STEPPING-STONE

⁵ After first tasting the joys of the auxiliary pioneer service, many have become regular pioneers. In this way, auxiliary pioneer service can serve as a stepping-stone toward greater happiness. If you are able to auxiliary pioneer in April and succeeding months, you may be able to develop return visits and Bible studies that will help you make a smooth transition to the regular pioneer service at the beginning of the new service year in September.

⁶ Why are many of Jehovah’s Witnesses expanding their ministry at this time instead of seeking more material advantages in this system? It is because they want to praise Jehovah and tell others about his purposes. They know that “the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:17) They act sincerely in harmony with their prayer that the Master of the harvest will “send out workers into his harvest.”​—Matt. 9:37, 38.

⁷ Genuine love for God and for neighbor moves us to share in the disciple-making work to the extent of our ability. (Matt. 22:37-39; 28:19) Although personal circumstances prevent many from being pioneer publishers, doing all we can in Jehovah’s service according to our circumstances commends us as those who are ‘working hard and exerting themselves in helping all sorts of men to be saved.’— 1 Tim. 4:10.

Presenting the Good News​—Featuring The Watchtower

¹ The Bible strongly urges mankind to seek knowledge of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ. This knowledge is far more valuable than gold or silver. (Prov. 8:10) Why? Because such accurate knowledge leads to everlasting life. (John 17:3) However, accurate knowledge is not acquired or maintained without considerable personal effort. No wonder Solomon said: “If you keep seeking for it . . . , in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God.”​—Prov. 1:7; 2:4, 5.

² The world of mankind is in darkness as to God’s purposes, but valuable knowledge of Jehovah comes to us through the precious and timely articles published in The Watchtower. (Isa. 60:2) What a privilege we have in sharing this vital information with others! During April and May, a series of articles on the exposure of Babylon the Great and her execution will be featured.

WHAT CAN WE HIGHLIGHT?

³ The April issues of The Watchtower examine the identity of “Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots.” (Rev. 17:5) After introducing yourself, arouse the householder’s curiosity in the April 1 issue by saying: “Since the first century, people have been intrigued by the visions and symbols of the Bible book of Revelation. One of the most mysterious of these is the great harlot Babylon the Great, described in Revelation chapters 17 and 18. What does this Babylon symbolize? With the help of this article ‘A Mystery​—Who Is the Harlot Babylon the Great?’ you will discover the answer.” By leaving the question unanswered, you may get the attention of the individual.

⁴ In the April 15 issue, the article “Babylon the Great Plays the Harlot” explains what is meant by harlotry in the spiritual sense. The “Divine Justice” convention talk on “The Infamous Harlot” and the Resolution are also included. Again, we can ask thought-provoking questions such as: Who is this Babylon the Great? Why is she condemned in such strong terms in the Bible? How does her destruction affect our generation and your future? Remember to keep the presentation simple by getting directly to the point, doing so in 30 to 60 seconds.

PLAN AHEAD

⁵ While we normally stress the second and fourth Saturdays as magazine days each month, it would be good to stress all five Saturdays during April since we have these important magazines to present. On magazine day, concentrate on making a brief presentation of no more than 60 seconds. A wide circulation of these timely issues of the magazines is needed in order to sound a warning for all to hear.​—Isa. 61:2; Rev. 18:4, 5.

⁶ April begins a new Watchtower subscription campaign. Unlike the brief presentation that is recommended for the weekly magazine day, we will want to use the Topic for Conversation when offering the subscription. Those who do not wish to subscribe to the magazines should be encouraged to accept the current issues of The Watchtower and Awake! for 50¢.

⁷ Do you fully appreciate the excelling value of The Watchtower? It is an important instrument for educating mankind in Jehovah’s ways of righteousness. (Matt. 5:6) In distributing this outstanding journal, we have the privilege of warning the nations of the impending destruction of Babylon the Great.

Theocratic News

◆ Australia had a new peak of 48,558 publishers in October. This is an increase of 3,144 over last October.

◆ Côte d’Ivoire reported a new peak of 2,926 publishers for October. The number of regular pioneers increases every month. Currently 18 percent of the publishers are pioneering.

◆ Cyprus had their fourth consecutive publisher peak in October with 1,168 reporting.

◆ Hong Kong was happy to report a new peak of 1,795 publishers and a new peak of 2,929 Bible studies for October. The congregation publishers averaged 16.4 hours.

December Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 261 127.4 81.7 53.8 5.5

Pios. 62,145 79.1 35.2 26.4 2.7

Aux. Pios. 30,213 58.0 25.5 16.1 1.4

Pubs. 688,001 9.6 6.1 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 780,620

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,144

Congregation Book Study

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

March 6: Pages 220* to 223*

March 13: Pages 223* to 227*

March 20: Pages 227* to 231

March 27: Pages 232 to 239*

* To or from subheading.