February

Meetings for Field Service

FEBRUARY 5-11

Witnessing with the Bible

1. Why use the Bible?

2. How can you encourage the householder to use his Bible?

3. What features of the Bible do you use?

FEBRUARY 12-18

Informal witnessing

1. Why is such activity important?

2. Where may it be done?

3. What discretion should be exercised?

FEBRUARY 19-25

How can we tactfully respond to those who say:

1. “I am busy”?

2. “I am not interested”?

3. “We have our own religion”?

FEBRUARY 26–MARCH 4

How can parents help their children

1. Prepare for magazine activity?

2. Share a Scriptural thought with householder?

3. Maintain proper conduct in field service?

Topic for Conversation

Peace​—Can It Be Yours?

Ps. 37:1, 11​—Earth-wide peace promised.

Ps. 37:34​—Importance of keeping God’s way.

Skilled Workers Using God’s Word Aright

¹ Christian ministers are rightly referred to as “God’s fellow workers.” (1 Cor. 3:9) It should be our goal to develop skill as workmen who handle “the word of the truth aright.”​—2 Tim. 2:15.

² To help us become skilled in the Christian ministry, the Society has included several unique features in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Are you familiar with them? Do you use these features in your field ministry and in your personal Bible study?

A VERSATILE PROVISION

³ When the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures was released in 1950, we found the cross-references, footnotes, appendix, and chain references to be very helpful in our ministry, in preparing for congregation meetings, and in general personal study. Then, in 1984, how thrilled we were to receive the New World Translation Reference Bible! What a superb provision to assist us in our effort to become skilled workers who use God’s Word aright! Through diligent use of this versatile provision, we are now better equipped than ever before to build solid spiritual qualities in ourselves and others.​—Matt. 7:24; 1 Tim. 4:16; Heb. 5:14.

⁴ While engaging in the ministry, you may meet a sincere Catholic who cites Matthew 16:18 as proof that Peter is the rock upon which the Catholic Church is built. When this happens, you can look up the scripture in your New World Translation with cross-references and find five scriptures referenced on the word “rock-mass.” These scriptures show that Christ, rather than Peter, is the Foundation of the congregation. By consulting the same text in the New World Translation Reference Bible, you will find additional information in the footnote on the word “rock-mass,” explaining its meaning in the original Greek.

⁵ A section entitled “Bible Topics for Discussion” is another feature that has proved to be helpful in the field ministry. When working in territory that is frequently covered, you may want to select a topic different from what is featured in Our Kingdom Ministry. Under subjects such as “Earth,” “Kingdom,” and “Last Days,” you will find scriptures that could be used in a house-to-house presentation or a Scriptural discussion on a return visit.

MEMORY AIDS

⁶ If you cannot remember where a certain scripture is located when having a Bible discussion, you can turn to “Bible Words Indexed” in the back of your Bible and get the needed help. Do you use this valuable feature?

⁷ The foreword on page 5 gives convincing evidence to show that the New World Translation is a scholarly work. The appendix provides a clear explanation of why the use of the divine name is appropriate. It also proves Scripturally what “Gehenna,” “Hades,” “Sheol,” and “soul” mean. Additionally, by referring to the “Table of the Books of the Bible” on pages 1546-7, we can find out who wrote each book, where it was written, when it was written, and the time covered.

⁸ Truly, Jehovah has provided what we need to be “completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:17) By using the New World Translation along with the Bible publications we will be offering, we can effectively do the work assigned. (Luke 6:47, 48) As we prove to be skilled workmen, using God’s Word aright, we can confidently expect the Master to say: “Well done”!​—Matt. 25:21.

Outstanding Magazines Featured

¹ The April and May issues of The Watchtower and Awake! will feature striking articles of interest to all who seek a happy future. For example, “Who Will Lead Mankind to Peace?” and “World Peace​—What Will It Really Mean?” are the subjects of the April 1 and April 15 issues of The Watchtower. Few people know the correct answers to these questions. But Jehovah has not left us in doubt. (Amos 3:7) Surely, millions of honesthearted ones would also like to have a truthful answer.

² Awake! issues for April and May will include the subjects “What Prospects for Longer Life?,” “A Clean Earth​—Will You Live to See It?,” and “A World Without Guns​—Is It Possible?” Do you agree that people in your territory should have the opportunity to read these issues?

INCREASED PARTICIPATION

³ We should plan now to participate fully in the distribution of all these outstanding issues coming in April and May. Why not make arrangements to devote more than the usual amount of time to magazine distribution? With such timely subjects being considered, we can offer the magazines with confidence and enthusiasm.

⁴ What will help us increase our magazine placements? To begin with, we should read the magazines thoroughly. The more familiar we are with the magazines, the greater our zeal will be in offering them. While reading, we should try to find points to highlight in various articles. What is there in each article that might appeal to certain types of people? We can ask ourselves: ‘Who would especially appreciate these articles? What would appeal to a neighbor, an acquaintance, a businessperson, a student, and so forth?’ To be truly effective, we should be able to make a personal recommendation of the magazines based on our knowledge and enjoyment of the timely articles.

SET A PERSONAL GOAL

⁵ Some may want to set a personal goal for magazine placements in April and May. If you do that, be sure to request a corresponding increase in your magazine order. This should be done right away, especially if you plan to auxiliary pioneer during these months. In this way the congregation can order extra magazines in sufficient time to have them on hand when needed.

⁶ Of course, there are many ways to place magazines other than in the house-to-house ministry. We can offer magazines in street witnessing and while calling on businesses. Many brothers have established magazine routes. When making return visits on interested persons, the latest issues can be left. Informal witnessing is also an excellent way to give a witness and place magazines. Sometimes just showing their eye-catching covers is enough to start a conversation or to place them.

⁷ Remember that our magazines are different. They point the way to peace, happiness, and everlasting life. (John 17:3) So plan now to enjoy extra activity with the outstanding articles to be published in the April and May issues of The Watchtower and Awake!

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 5

Song 180

10 min: Local announcements. Plan now to auxiliary pioneer in April. Order additional magazines you will need for April and May. Inform congregation of what older books are available, or encourage use of Worldwide Security book as alternate offer.

20 min: “Skilled Workers Using God’s Word Aright.” Question-and-answer coverage. Read scripture citations as time permits. Emphasize that first and foremost we are ministers. Strive to be skilled in use of Bible. Do not be content just to place literature. School or service overseer demonstrates helping new publisher get acquainted with features of New World Translation (1984 Edition).

15 min: Question Box. Talk by elder. Make tactful but specific application of counsel to local situation as needed. May draw audience into discussion.

Song 190 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 12

Song 85

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage all to be out in field service this weekend. Review articles in current magazines that can be used effectively in local territory. Accounts report. Read Society acknowledgment of contributions received during January. Commend brothers for contributions in support of local congregation.

15 min: “Outstanding Magazines Featured.” Talk and discussion of material with some questions. Include a few local experiences of publishers placing magazines in street work, informal witnessing, or on magazine routes.

20 min: Practical Suggestions for Placing Magazines. Discuss the following suggestions and have publishers comment on success they have enjoyed in applying them: (1) Read the magazines and get to know the articles well. (2) Select articles that will be of special interest in the community. (3) Try evening witnessing with magazines. (4) Speak on just one subject, and highlight just one magazine, offering the other one as a companion. (5) Speak slowly and distinctly with a friendly tone of voice. Encourage all to try these practical suggestions as they seek to place magazines in the local territory.

Song 6 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 19

Song 207

8 min: Local announcements, including arrangements for weekend field service. Theocratic News.

7 min: The Benefits of Regular Family Bible Study. Talk. For decades Jehovah’s organization has encouraged family heads to conduct a regular Bible study with family members. Where this has been done, the benefits have been many. Such study has contributed to a spirit of love and peace within the family circle. Children have progressed to the point of becoming dedicated servants of Jehovah, have exerted a positive influence on the local congregation, and often have entered full-time service. This has brought great joy to Christian parents and others who have watched the progress made.

17 min: Reaching the Hearts of Youths. Elder briefly discusses points from publications especially designed to assist youths. In addition to a regular family study, family members benefit from spiritual discussions as occasions may arise. Demonstrate a family discussion where father has a warm relationship with children. Their discussion is an informal interchange of comments, not question-and-answer session. One child in family has asked if he can play ball with neighborhood children. Develop material on pages 64-7 of Young People Ask book. Parent asks searching questions to discern whether child understands and agrees with Scriptural principles involved. Emphasize that close friends do not have to be of same age. Select young ones who have read portions of book, and get their observations. Have them point out why material is helpful. Encourage young ones to read book, and stress need for parents to be familiar with its contents so as to include appropriate points in family discussions.

13 min: Elder interviews parents who have had or who are having success rearing children in the truth. Emphasize the joy received and what they have found to be helpful in having regular, meaningful family study and discussions. Make heartwarming appeal for parents to conduct family study regularly and for youths to cooperate. Circumstances will not always be ideal. All in family need to work together. Doing so, they can help one another to stay on the way to life.​—1 Tim. 4:16.

Song 123 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 26

Song 172

5 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to obtain adequate supply of God’s Word book and have a full share in offering the new book in field service this weekend.

22 min: “Presenting the Good News​—With the God’s Word Book.” Questions and answers. In connection with paragraph 4, have an experienced publisher demonstrate presentation in the door-to-door activity. Emphasize how to reason with householder, using paragraphs 2 and 4 in chapter 1. When considering paragraph 5 of the article, have a pioneer demonstrate use of introductory paragraph on page 5 for presenting the book in business territory or street work.

18 min: “Showing Trust in Jehovah by Pioneering.” Warm, enthusiastic question-and-answer coverage by service overseer. Interview one or two pioneers, highlighting joys received as difficulties were overcome. Relate what is being done locally to offer practical assistance to the pioneers.

Song 14 and concluding prayer.

Congregation Book Study

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

February 5: Pages 215# to 220

February 12: Pages 221 to 228

February 19: Pages 229 to 234

February 26: Pages 235 to 243*

# To or from chapter heading.

* To or from subheading.

Announcements

● Literature offer for 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. This book may be ordered from Brooklyn. March: The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s? for a contribution of $1.00. April and May: Watchtower subscription. Where a subscription is not obtained, two magazines and a copy of any brochure, except the School brochure, may be offered for the contribution of 80¢.

● The secretary and service overseer should review the activity of all regular pioneers. If any are having difficulty meeting the requirement of hours, elders should arrange for assistance to be given. For suggestions, review Society’s letters (S-201) of October 1, 1988, and October 1, 1989. Also, see paragraphs 12-20 of the August 1986 Our Kingdom Ministry insert.

● On April 28 the Brooklyn Bethel Home and factory and Watchtower Farms buildings will be closed for spring cleaning, so there will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on that day.

● The Memorial celebration will be held Tuesday, April 10, 1990. Although the talk may start earlier, please remember that the passing of the Memorial bread and wine should not begin until after sundown. Check with local sources to determine when sundown occurs in your area. No other meetings are to be conducted on that date. If your congregation normally has meetings on Tuesday, you may want to switch those to another time of the week if the hall is available. If your Service Meeting is affected, it may be possible to incorporate into another Service Meeting any parts scheduled for that week that are particularly applicable to your congregation.

● Every baptized publisher who has been issued an identification card (S-65) should turn in the old card to the presiding overseer in exchange for an updated and revised card, if this has not been done already. A supply of the new cards was included with the annual shipment of forms. Please refer to the February 1989 Our Kingdom Ministry for details.

● Starting with the January 1, 1990, issue, the Ukrainian Watchtower became a semimonthly edition. Beginning with the January 1990 issue, the Ukrainian Awake! became a quarterly publication.

● The Arabic Awake! magazine became a semimonthly publication as of the January 8, 1990, issue.

● New Publications Available:

Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work—​Chinese, Korean

Should You Believe in the Trinity?​—Indonesian

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

Exodus (set of three; congregation and public: $4.50; pioneers: $3.75)​—Spanish

Leviticus (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)​—Spanish

Showing Trust in Jehovah by Pioneering

¹ Putting Kingdom interests first requires trust in Jehovah. (Ps. 56:11; Prov. 3:5; Matt. 6:33) We have to turn our mind away from what the world considers important and concentrate on spiritual values. While the world appeals to the desire for material things, Jehovah entreats us to be content with the really important things.​—1 Tim. 6:8; Phil. 1:10.

² This is especially a challenge to Christian youths who want to take Jehovah’s commands seriously. They may be pressured by their teachers and their peers at school who consider higher education essential to success in life. While recognizing they have material needs, many Christian youths wisely resist such pressure and choose the pioneer ministry as their career. Trusting in Jehovah’s promises, they look to him to care for their needs.​—Ps. 62:2; 68:19; 1 Tim. 5:8; 6:9, 10.

REVIEW PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

³ The Watchtower of November 15, 1982, encouraged each one of us to ask: “Can I really justify before Jehovah the fact that I am not a pioneer?” Obviously, many were not then in a position to pioneer. But they did not become discouraged, knowing that wholehearted service in any amount is always acceptable to Jehovah. (Mic. 6:8; 2 Cor. 8:12) Later, as personal circumstances changed, prayerful reconsideration of that 1982 Watchtower article has enabled some to be among the thousands of individuals who have more recently taken up the regular pioneer service.

⁴ If personal circumstances prevented you from entering the pioneer service when the above statement was printed in 1982, have your circumstances changed? In the United States, over 17,000 pioneer applications were processed last year! No doubt many of these applicants wanted to become pioneers earlier but had to wait for a change in circumstances.

⁵ In some cases, the necessary change may have to do with one’s mental attitude about pioneer service. Or it may simply involve making a good schedule for service. At times a change in personal responsibilities and obligations is needed for opening the way to pioneer service. Therefore, it is good to make this a regular matter of prayer to Jehovah along with an honest evaluation of ourselves and our circumstances. Thousands have done so and are now enjoying the blessings of pioneer service.

⁶ If a frank appraisal of your circumstances indicates you may be one who could begin pioneering in the not-too-distant future, why not start auxiliary pioneer service on a continuing basis now? Within a few months, you will likely develop return visits and Bible studies. This can aid you in making a smooth transition to the regular pioneer service, possibly before the beginning of the new service year.

⁷ Jehovah is accomplishing great things in the last days of the present wicked system. Now is the time for all of us to draw close to him and to bless his name “all day long.” (Ps. 145:2; Jas. 4:8) If your circumstances allow you to do so and you qualify, let pioneer service be another evidence of your trust in Jehovah.​—Ps. 94:18.

Presenting the Good News​—With the God’s Word Book

¹ In his letter to a fellow evangelizer, the apostle Paul wrote: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.”​—2 Tim. 3:16.

² As modern-day proclaimers of the good news, we believe this statement with all our heart. We accept the Bible as God’s inspired Word. We welcome its guidance in every aspect of our lives. (Ps. 119:105; John 17:17) But how can we help others to accept the Bible as God’s Word and apply its principles in their daily living?

HOW TO DO IT

³ As we share in the first public distribution of the new book The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s? during the month of March, we will be building confidence in the Bible and helping people see the benefits of living according to its inspired counsel. What a privilege this will be!

⁴ What can we say when offering the book? After a friendly greeting, we might call attention to Proverbs 14:12 to show that successful living requires wise direction. Wrong direction can be calamitous. Then read Proverbs 2:6, 7 to show that Jehovah provides true wisdom. We could reason with the householder regarding the need to turn to the Bible to find godly wisdom. Then we could say: “This publication shows that the Bible is a reliable source of sound advice on problems people face. Please note what is stated here in paragraph 2 on page 5. [Read paragraph 2, and if time permits, read paragraph 4.] This publication will help you appreciate that the Bible is indeed God’s Word and that it contains practical guidance in all matters of life. This book is yours for a contribution of just $1.00.”

⁵ A householder may appear to be busy or say he is not interested, not wanting to get involved in a lengthy discussion. To make a brief presentation, you might say: “No doubt you would agree there are many problems facing mankind.” Then read the introductory paragraph of chapter 1. After the householder comments on the concluding question in that paragraph, you could say: “The Bible tells us that very soon now God himself will solve all mankind’s perplexing problems. This book gives powerful evidence to show that the Bible is true, since it is God’s Word and not man’s. I would like you to have it for a contribution of just $1.00.”

FILLING THE NEED

⁶ This new book, The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s?, will enable sincere readers to understand and appreciate that the Bible is truly God’s Word. Honestly considering what it says may start them off on the road to life. Therefore, make a special effort to place this book with as many people as you can.

⁷ All of us should have read the new book through before the March campaign begins. We will want to give the God’s Word book the widest distribution possible, featuring it in every aspect of the ministry.

Question Box

● How can we display Christian manners when attending the Congregation Book Study?

We are usually observed by our neighbors, and they will at times comment on and even react to our conduct. (Compare 1 Corinthians 4:9.) As Jehovah’s servants, we want their comments and reactions to our behavior to be favorable. (1 Pet. 2:12) This is true in connection with our activity at the Congregation Book Study. Since the majority of these are held in private homes, special care must be exercised so that our manners reflect well on everything we do. Where parking is limited, why not make arrangements to carpool so as to prevent undue irritation to those in the neighborhood of the book study? Our love for our neighbor will make us refrain from inconsiderately parking our car in a way that could cause him inconvenience or distress.

We are joyful whenever we meet, and this often results in animated conversation before and after the meeting. (Mic. 2:12) Good manners and consideration for others would dictate that the volume of our conversation be kept at a modest level. (Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:10) Christian love would also impel us to restrain our children from running outside and from damaging other people’s property. (Prov. 29:15; 1 Cor. 13:4, 5) This would include respectful conduct in the home where the book study is conducted. If any improper conduct is observed, the elders should not delay in giving loving and firm counsel so that problems do not arise that could result in complaints from neighbors, difficulties for the householder who has hospitably opened his home for the study, or inconvenience for those attending a particular book study location.

Theocratic News

◆ Japan’s new publisher peak for September was 138,975. The number of regular pioneers increased by about 2,200 over the previous peak in August. Five new circuits have been started in the new service year. In September, 128 Pioneer Service School classes were held in 99 circuits, and a total of 3,068 regular pioneers went through this course.

◆ Papua New Guinea had a 9-percent increase in September with a new peak of 2,272 publishers reporting.

◆ Sri Lanka had a new peak of 1,249 publishers reporting in September.

◆ Uganda had a new peak of 642 publishers in September. Two circuit assemblies had a combined attendance of 1,374 with 34 baptized.

November Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 243 128.1 81.8 54.6 5.4

Pios. 64,351 80.9 35.0 26.7 2.6

Aux. Pios. 32,821 58.2 25.9 16.3 1.4

Pubs. 705,095 9.7 6.1 3.7 0.4

TOTAL 802,510

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,508