November

817,881 in the Field!

In August a new peak of 817,881 publishers was reached here in the United States! This exceeds our previous peak in April by 13,363​—a fitting climax to a very fine year in field service. We now look forward with great anticipation to the monthly reports of the 1990 service year and to further blessings from Jehovah. Let us press on, then, with our commission to ‘make disciples,’ teaching them to “fear God and give him glory.”​—Matt. 28:19; Rev. 14:7.

Meetings for Field Service

NOVEMBER 6-12

Offering the New World Translation

1. Review Topic for Conversation.

2. What features will you highlight?

NOVEMBER 13-19

How can you use the Trinity brochure

1. In connection with Bible offer?

2. When offer is declined?

NOVEMBER 20-26

Witnessing during holiday period

1. How will you present the literature offer?

2. What magazine article will you feature?

NOVEMBER 27–DECEMBER 3

Introductions

1. How can we show friendliness?

2. What subjects interest householders locally?

Topic for Conversation

Why Study the Bible?

2 Tim. 3:16, 17​—God’s Word is beneficial.

John 17:3​—Can lead to everlasting life.

New World Translation Aids Kingdom Seekers

¹ Isaiah foretold a time when “darkness itself will cover the earth, and thick gloom the national groups.” (Isa. 60:2) That time has come. As “sons of the light,” we have the marvelous privilege of bringing enlightenment to people in our assigned territory. (Luke 16:8) During the month of November, we are going to do this by offering the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures so that honesthearted ones may come “out of darkness into his wonderful light.”​—1 Pet. 2:9.

² The Bible illuminates the minds and hearts of those who read and apply it. Even secular authorities have recognized its inestimable value. Nations have based many of their just laws on its righteous principles. It gives sound counsel on how to live now, and it outlines what we must do to survive the impending world destruction and gain everlasting life in the righteous new world.​—John 17:3.

VALUE OF NEW WORLD TRANSLATION

³ The New World Translation is a powerful aid in helping sheeplike persons learn the truth. It properly restores Jehovah’s name to the text in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Greek Scriptures. It omits spurious passages, such as at 1 John 5:7. It correctly renders passages that have been mistranslated by others who were influenced by false religious doctrines, such as the Trinity. It accurately translates the original languages into clear, understandable, modern English.

⁴ Those who sincerely seek God’s Kingdom will be aided greatly by having and reading their own copy of the New World Translation. We will offer it along with the brochure Should You Believe in the Trinity? for a contribution of $4.30. By now, we have had time to read the brochure carefully. Prepare well for making this offer. Schedule time to review the brochure, looking for talking points to use in offering it. It may well be that the brochure will arouse the householder’s interest. If we make return visits on each placement, Bible studies may be started in due time.

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS

⁵ Excellent introductions that can be used when offering the Bible are found on page 10 of the Reasoning book. Also, the information on pages 58-68 and 276-80 can help you answer the objections of those having little knowledge of God’s Word. Additional background information on the Bible can be found on pages 307-13 of Insight, Volume 1. You will find that the time you spend preparing for the ministry will prove to be a blessing to you and to those to whom you speak.​—1 Tim. 4:13, 15, 16.

⁶ Offering the Bible can be done in a simple, direct manner. For example, you might say: “You will notice that the Bible I have uses language that is easy to understand.” Then reason on the value of God’s Word and how knowledge of it can be of great benefit. Or you could say: “Even though the Bible is the world’s best-seller and many homes have one, many do not read it. Some translations are difficult to understand. So getting a modern-language translation may be just the thing that will encourage you to read God’s Word.”

⁷ How grateful we can be that Jehovah “has shone on our hearts to illuminate them with the glorious knowledge of God.” (2 Cor. 4:6) Let us apply ourselves during the month of November so that we may succeed in helping others enjoy the benefits of the New World Translation.

Keeping Kingdom Interests First

¹ Those who are applying Jesus’ counsel to seek first the Kingdom find that they have to set priorities in their lives. (Matt. 6:33) They also find that following Jesus’ counsel makes it possible for them to overcome obstacles. Commendably, many brothers and sisters with unbelieving family members faithfully continue to keep Kingdom interests first.

² How convincingly Jesus demonstrated that he put the Kingdom first in his life! When on trial before Pilate, he remained steadfast. (John 18:36, 37) Yes, even as he hung dying on the stake, he continued to stress the hope of God’s Kingdom, saying to the evildoer: “You will be with me in Paradise.”​—Luke 23:43.

COUNTING THE COST

³ Why did Jesus view the Kingdom as so important? He had been sent from heaven to “bear witness to the truth” that God’s Kingdom would rule in righteousness and make it possible for His will to be done on earth as in heaven. What great joy then to share in carrying out Jehovah’s will to transform the earth into the Paradise that was originally purposed! Yes, what blessings are in store for believing mankind under Kingdom rule!

⁴ Imitating Jesus as an advocate of God’s Kingdom includes carrying a “torture stake” and all that this involves. ‘Counting the cost’ means that a person must be prepared to say “good-bye” to material belongings if they stand in the way of his service to God. (Luke 14:27, 28, 33) At the same time, Jesus encouraged all to be his followers and to share the good news with others. The attaining of everlasting life under Kingdom rule is worth any cost.​—Matt. 13:44-46.

STOP BEING ANXIOUS

⁵ The passing of 19 centuries has not diminished the need to keep Kingdom interests first in our lives. It is good to ask ourselves if serving Jehovah is really of greatest importance to us. Jesus explained: “No one can slave for two masters . . . You cannot slave for God and for Riches. . . . Stop being anxious about your souls as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear.” (Matt. 6:24, 25) Are we anxious about our souls? Or do we have sufficient faith to follow Jesus’ counsel to seek first the Kingdom, trusting that all these other things will be added?

⁶ Some brothers have turned down higher-paying jobs because the work schedule would interfere with theocratic activities. Others have had to change employment when there was a conflict with Bible principles. Some employers have made concessions to accommodate Jehovah’s Witnesses who proved to be willing, dependable workers. (Col. 3:23, 24) Surely, a congregation is strengthened in a fine way when elders, ministerial servants, and pioneers set a good example in seeking the Kingdom first.

PLAN NOW

⁷ Some of you young people will soon be out of school. Are you making plans now for a theocratic career? Do you intend to work full-time for a while before you take up pioneering? It is commendable that you are thinking about a future share in the pioneer work. However, if the Kingdom is really first in your life and your circumstances permit, why not put pioneering first? When secular work takes priority, there is a danger that your heart will become weighed down with anxieties that discourage pioneering.​—Matt. 6:27, 34; Luke 21:34.

⁸ This world requires much from those who are willing to slave for it. If we simplify our lives and make sure of the more important things, we can experience blessings from seeking first the Kingdom. Rather than succumbing to the enticements of the world, how much better to trust in Jehovah, who knows our needs and has promised to supply them! By keeping Kingdom interests first, our lives will have real purpose, strengthened by the prospect of endless future blessings.​—Matt. 6:32; 1 Tim. 6:17-19.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 6

Song 23

8 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Emphasize those announcements needing early attention, such as literature offer for month and ordering Yearbook. Discuss talking points in current magazines. Briefly demonstrate magazine presentations that can be used in field service this week.

17 min: “New World Translation Aids Kingdom Seekers.” Question-and-answer consideration. Draw attention to helpful points in Reasoning book and information in Insight. When discussing paragraph 5, have a brief demonstration by publisher using Reasoning book references when offering Bible. Also, demonstrate how Topic for Conversation may be used. Highlight need for preparation.

20 min: Stimulate Interest for Future Calls. Talk and demonstrations. It is important that we be tactful and kind in our ministry. (1 Cor. 9:19-23) Leaving a favorable impression may make it possible for the next publisher who calls to give a more thorough witness. By raising a question as we leave the door, we may be able to stimulate the householder’s thinking so that he will look forward to the next visit. He may even want to continue the present conversation if we ask a question about a subject that interests him. It would be good to use subjects found in the Reasoning book. Questions such as “Was man created by God to die?” (rs p. 98), “Will planet Earth be destroyed in a nuclear war?” (rs p. 112), “What is the purpose of human life?” (rs p. 243), “How can a person know which religion is right?” (rs p. 328), and “Why is there so much wickedness?” (rs p. 427) or any others that would be appropriate locally could be selected from the Reasoning book. Demonstrate concluding a call where no interest is shown. As publisher leaves, he asks a question, mentioning that he will be glad to answer it the next time he calls. Also, demonstrate how a publisher might use the Reasoning book to reply when a householder asks for the answer. Chairman concludes by commenting on need to try to stimulate interest by using thought-provoking questions.

Song 98 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 13

Song 204

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Include encouraging comments about Society’s acknowledgment of contributions. Outline special field service arrangements for November 23.

10 min: “Young People Ask . . . How Can I Improve at Making Conversation?” Discussion with two or three exemplary youths based on Awake! of May 22, 1989, pages 23-5. Emphasis should be placed on ways in which conversation can be started with older people and people in the field ministry. A brief demonstration can be given illustrating suggestions made in these areas.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News​—By Helping One Another Start Bible Studies.” Questions and answers. Include two demonstrations of offering Bible study on initial call, using examples given under “Home Bible Study” on page 12 of Reasoning book.

10 min: “Are You Responding to God’s Just Ways?” Talk based on The Watchtower, March 1, 1989, pages 27-9, paragraphs 13-23, emphasizing need to be positive and determined to have a full share in preaching and disciple-making work despite increasing wickedness and injustice.

Song 213 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 20

Song 144

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Demonstrate appropriate presentations of current magazines.

15 min: Enthusiastic talk by well-qualified elder on the subject “Planning Ahead.” Basis for talk is found in October 1, 1978, issue of The Watchtower, pages 18-19, under subheading “Do Not Be Sidetracked!” Emphasize proper planning and not “planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.”​—Rom. 13:14.

20 min: “Planning Ahead for December.” Question-and-answer coverage. With paragraph 5, include interview of one or two who have applied some suggestions made in the article. Demonstrate how experienced pioneer might help a zealous publisher make personal schedule for pioneering this December.

Song 123 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 27

Song 172

10 min: Local announcements. Question Box. Outline arrangements for field service for this weekend and encourage all to share.

20 min: “Keeping Kingdom Interests First.” Question-and-answer coverage by well-qualified elder. Read paragraphs as time permits.

15 min: Local needs or talk based on article “You Can Move Mountains!” in the December 15, 1988, Watchtower, pages 25-7.

Song 129 and concluding prayer.

Congregation Book Study

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

November 6: Pages 142 to 148#

November 13: Pages 148# to 154

November 20: Pages 155 to 160

November 27: Pages 161 to 164

# To or from chapter heading.

Announcements

● Literature offer for November: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and the Trinity brochure for $4.30. 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.

● In addition to those languages listed in the August 1989 Our Kingdom Ministry, the 1990 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be available in Polish.

● Congregations should begin ordering the 1990 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses on their November literature orders. (See the 1989 Cost List, paragraphs 7-10.) The Yearbook will be available in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish. Until the Yearbook is available and shipments are made, it will appear as “Back Ordered” on congregation invoices. Yearbooks are controlled stock items and will cost $1.00 for congregation and public; 50¢ for pioneers. (See the Cost List, paragraphs 23-25.) Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1, 1989, may receive a free copy for which the congregation may request credit.

● New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures​—1985 Edition (Regular edition; bi12 with marginal references)​—Japanese

Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work—​Finnish

The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s?​—Chinese, Finnish

Should You Believe in the Trinity?​—Chinese, Finnish

The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever​—Ukrainian

The Government That Will Bring Paradise​—Chitonga, Ki-kaonde

● The following publications are now available in grade-two English Braille:

Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work (five volumes) May be requested on loan or purchased for $7.50.

The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s? (four volumes) May be requested on loan or purchased for $6.00.

Examining the Scriptures Daily​—1990 (four volumes) $6.00

Should You Believe in the Trinity? (one volume) May be requested on loan or purchased for $1.00. (Also available in grade-one French and Spanish Braille.)

Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1990 (one volume) Free

Price Changes: As of September 1, 1989, the one-year subscription rate for The Watchtower in English Braille is $10.00. Paperbound Braille books cost the following: three volumes, $4.50; four volumes, $6.00; five volumes, $7.50; six volumes, $9.00.

Mark orders for Braille publications, ATTENTION: BRAILLE DESK. Include name and address of the person that will use the Braille material, as well as the remittance for the items purchased.

Planning Ahead for December

¹ Before actually setting out to accomplish a goal, we have to make plans. For example, we may want to take a vacation that includes attending a convention. That may involve planning in advance for saving funds, getting rooming accommodations, having our automobile serviced for travel, and so forth. All these plans are necessary if we are to realize our goal.​—Prov. 21:5.

² In like manner, planning is necessary if we are to succeed in having a share in the auxiliary pioneer service. Tens of thousands of our brothers and sisters worldwide are taking up this avenue of service regularly and reaping many personal benefits. The following suggestions may help you in making your plans to have a share in the auxiliary pioneer service, perhaps as early as next month.

³ Select a convenient period when you can arrange to have the greatest amount of time to spend in field service so as to meet the goal of 60 hours. This may include using some vacation time you have available. Young people in school can make use of winter and spring vacation periods for auxiliary pioneering.

⁴ Months having five full weekends usually provide more available time for the field ministry. Notice that this December has five full weekends. Talk with others who might be able to work along with you either as pioneers or as publishers.​—Prov. 20:18.

⁵ Work out a practical schedule so that you can use your time most wisely. Make plans to spend a good portion of your time in door-to-door work. Street and store-to-store witnessing as well as return visits and Bible studies may also be scheduled. Consider evening witnessing where this is possible, and cooperate with congregation arrangements for field activity during the week and on weekends. Lending your support and working along with other brothers and sisters can be mutually encouraging. Continue to keep the matter before Jehovah in prayer. (Col. 4:2) Ask for his direction as you plan to have a share in the auxiliary pioneer service.

⁶ Many have tasted the full-time service first as auxiliary pioneers, and this has stimulated them to become regular pioneers. Each day brings us nearer to the fulfillment of Jehovah’s grand promises regarding the end of this wicked system of things and the incoming Kingdom of righteousness by Christ Jesus. What a blessing it can be for those who are able to enjoy some form of full-time service! Plan ahead for it, and may Jehovah bless your efforts.

Question Box

● Is it appropriate for a brother to conduct a funeral service for a person of the world who is a notorious criminal?

Questions arise from time to time concerning conducting a funeral when the deceased, such as an unbelieving relative of one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, has had little or no association with Jehovah’s Witnesses. A balanced approach to conducting a funeral service for such an individual is presented in The Watchtower of June 1, 1977, pages 346-7.

If asked to conduct the funeral for a person in the world who is viewed as a notorious wrongdoer, we should decline because it would reflect in a negative way on Jehovah and his organization.​—Prov. 18:3.

What about an undedicated person who has engaged in wrongdoing in the past? There is a difference between one who continued to live a life of wrongdoing and someone who led an unsavory life in the past but who was being spiritually transformed and was endeavoring to put on the new personality. (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:17, 20-24) The individual may not yet have become a dedicated and baptized Christian who was walking uprightly and who had been cleansed. (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Rev. 7:9, 10) But he may have been taking steps to transform his life, and this can be taken into consideration if a request is made to handle his funeral. If the elders feel that it would not disturb the peace and harmony of the congregation nor bring reproach upon God’s people, there would be no objection to an elder’s giving a talk if his conscience allowed him to do so.​—1 Cor. 10:23, 24, 29, 32, 33.

August Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 149 123.8 76.8 52.0 5.1

Pios. 59,837 62.1 26.6 21.0 2.4

Aux. Pios. 28,717 59.3 23.8 14.5 1.3

Pubs. 729,178 9.9 5.8 3.6 0.4

TOTAL 817,881

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,611

Presenting the Good News​—By Helping One Another Start Bible Studies

¹ All who love Jehovah want to be productive in their ministry. Jesus commissioned us to “make disciples . . . , teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) If you desire to start a Bible study, seek Jehovah’s direction and take advantage of the practical help and suggestions provided through the congregation.​—Matt. 7:7, 8.

² Your Congregation Book Study conductor takes a special interest in the Bible study work in your group. Approach him and express your desire to conduct a Bible study. He may be able to arrange for an experienced publisher to work with you for a time. The objective should be (1) to enable you to start and then conduct a progressive Bible study and (2) to start other studies in the future.

LEARN BY EXAMPLE

³ In many cases, our not having a Bible study may be due to our not calling back soon enough on placements or where interest is shown. Therefore, make it a point to call back as soon as possible. Of course, you will need to keep a good record of the interest. Perhaps the publisher assisting you can show you how this is done. The two of you together will want to prepare for making these return visits with the purpose of starting Bible studies. Practice sessions will give you a better idea of how to rekindle the interest when calling back.

⁴ Observe what your service companion does when he takes the lead at a call. Note how he engages the householder in conversation. Ask yourself how you could do the same. Does he draw the householder out by the use of leading questions or by asking for a comment on an appropriate scripture? After the call, review what you have learned. Then endeavor to apply these things on future return visits.

⁵ Once a Bible study has been started, plan ways that you can both share in it. You might read selected key scriptures and help the householder understand them. After leaving the study, ask your partner for helpful suggestions, such as when to ask auxiliary questions, how to whet the student’s appetite for the next study, and how to direct interest to the organization.

WHEN TERRITORY ADJUSTMENTS TAKE PLACE

⁶ When new congregations are formed or there are territory adjustments, there may be a need to transfer a Bible study you have started to another publisher. You can arrange for a capable publisher from the other congregation to go with you on the study. After a few weeks have passed, that publisher can begin conducting it. Realizing that turning over a study is just another part of the disciple-making work will move you to do what is best for the student.​—Phil. 2:4.

⁷ Jehovah is indeed fulfilling his promise to “rock all the nations” and is filling his house with the desirable things. (Hag. 2:7) What a marvelous privilege we have to help others come to know and love Jehovah! By helping one another through the Congregation Book Study arrangement, it may be that many more of us will have the pleasure of conducting a regular home Bible study.

Theocratic News

◆ At the 133 “Godly Devotion” District Conventions held in the United States branch territory, there was a peak attendance of 1,366,700 and 18,011 were baptized.

◆ American Samoa had a new peak of 155 publishers in June, a 35-percent increase.

◆ Antigua had a new peak of 238 publishers in June.

◆ The three district conventions in the Bahamas were attended by 2,448, with 48 baptized.

◆ Cyprus reported their sixth consecutive peak, with 1,213 reporting in June.

◆ Dominican Republic had a new peak of 11,605 publishers in June, a 10-percent increase. They also had a new peak of 22,096 Bible studies.

◆ Fiji had their 54th consecutive peak, with 1,454 publishers reporting in June. Their Bible studies increased to 2,403, the 25th consecutive peak.

◆ Tahiti had an 18-percent increase in June, reaching 1,005 publishers, their 20th consecutive peak.

◆ Vanuatu had a peak of 113 publishers in June, a 35-percent increase.

◆ Western Samoa had a new peak of 198 publishers in June, a 24-percent increase.