Bulletin, May 1932
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I BULLETIN S
SPECIAL BULLETIN, MAY 1932
8 Days! 38,585 Workers!! 2,447,840 Testimonies!!!
“Memorial Saints” vs.
It Was a Glorious International Thanksgiving Testimony Period
Jehovah’s witnesses
47 Percent of Memorial Participants Are Workers Thanksgiving Testimony Period affords an opportunity to make a comparison between l.Jie number of so-called “Memorial saints’’, meaning those who appear just tor the Memorial or only attend meetings, ami the number of aeninl workers. Since not all of the countries from which Thanksgiving Testimony Period reports have been received have yet sen I in their Memorial reports, the comparison is based on only (he countries reporting hoi li. 'these countries report a total of 38,4(13 workers and 81.77S who attended the Memorial. In other words, only 47.03 percent of those v. ho started
(Continued on page 2, column 3)
Tabulated Report for International Thanksgiving Testimony Period, March 20-27, 1932
Memorial Total Pio- Auxil- Company Testi- Obtain- Book-
COUNTRIES
Reports Workers
nee rs
iarics
Workers
monies
Hours
Al’S
Books
lets
Total
Alaska
Algeria *
21,161
Australia
1,715
72,088
10,010
14,807
3,853
17,308
Austria e
Bahamas, BAV.I,
Belgium *
British Guiana
3,035
British Isles
7,494
3,728
3,3G7
235,44.1
25,543
25,411
10,32,8
16,408
26,736
Canada
3,612
1,637
1,168
68,816
11,257
16,516
4,772
19,501
24,273
Canal Zone
Costa Rica
J
Cuba.
2,070
1,055
Czechoslovakia
1.322
34,324
5,004
2,465
7,177
2,683
5,303
8,076
Denmark
6G7
29,115
24,784
25,756
25,814
Dutch Guiana
Ksthonia
4,524
2,811
2,862
2,862
Finland
1,003
24,381
4,240
19,096
20,591
20,945
France *
1,775
Germany
23,820
13.534
12,589
908,593
113,606
202,402
94,377
125,434
219,811
G reece
9,000
1,872
1,500
1,747
1,966
Guatemala
Hawaii
1,239
Holland *
Hungary
140,000
2,130
125,000
125,000
125,000
Iceland
India
3,458
1,918
1,670
1,637
2,137
Italy e
Japan
27,059
2,663
2,277
2,053
2,766
Latvia
1,261
Lithuania
2.198
1,444
1,558
Mexico
5,401
Norway
10,274
9,310
9,756
9,868
Panama
Poland *
2,409
Porto Rico
Portugal
Rumania *
2,715
South Africa
2,841
13,312
2,945
4,978
2,272
4,983
7,255
Spain
1,445
Sweden
35,979
4,360
29,114
30,110
30,506
Switzerland *
1,425
Trinidad, BAV.I.
6,563
1,843
1,413
1,178
1,715
United States
25,745
13,5-10
1,625
11,090
611,361
134,138
144,406
52,251
163,467
215,718
West Africa
8,540
1,700
1.220
1,315
Jugoslavia *
*Unitemized report of
Cen trill European
Office
2,157
1,966
185.339
20,595
71,056
3,938
80,423
84,361
Total
81,778
3,018
1,869
33,698
2,447,840
350,833
710,638
179,660
660,680
840,340
You Will Enjoy This Trip Around the World with Jehovah’s witnesses
This Is the Lord’s Doing
45 Countries Represented in the Report
Who would ever have thought, a few years ago, that the remnant would live on earth to sec the day winai two million, four hundred forty-seven thousand, eight hundred and forty lesl.inionies concerning Jehovah and His kingdom would be given within a abort period of eight days? Yet this is actually what has occurred. International Thanksgiving Testimony Period, from March 20 to 27, resulted in tills glorious shout of praise and thanksgiving lifted by the voices of 38,585 joyful witnesses of Jehovah who desired to show their thankfulness to Jeliovnh by singing forth his praises.
International Thanksgiving Testimony Period found those who love the Lord unitedly carrying on the work in accordance with the Lord’s commands. The results themselves show that Jehovah does have a people in the earth who are serving as his witnesses, who sice eye to eye, and who are working unitedly as one man in the same great cause. Those In the temple class, whether located in the most isolated and remote seel ions of the earth or In the thickly populated sections of ‘'Christendom”, were found singing In unison during this Thanksgiving Testimony Period. How truly the words of Isaiah 52 : 8 apply to God’s people at this time : “Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye. when the Lord shall bring again Zion.”
To get a world-wide outlook upon the activities during this particular period let us make a mental tour of the world and behold with what unity and zeal the anointed have responded to the call to service. Starting in the northwestern part of the continent of North America, we will proceed south through South America, taking in the West Indies en route, and then make a tour of Europe, b’rom the British Isles we will move uonh to the Scandinavian countries and Iceland and from there southward through central and southern Europe and the Balkans, and then across the Mediterranean into Africa. From Africa we will look in upon Australia before going to Asia. Our last stop in our trip around the world will be in Hawaii.
Our journey starts in Alaska, where we find one pioneer valiantly facing all odds to have his part in this Thanksgiving Testimony Period. Ills efforts resulted in 120 persons’ receiving the testimony. From throughout Canada arid Newfoundland reports were received from 1,037 workers, showing that OS.SIG testimonies were delivered. In the United States more workers participated in the service during this period than at any oilier one lime. The total of 13,540 workers places this country at the head of the list in number of workers, and the 611,361 testimonies which these gave puts a real responsibility upon the rulers of “Christendom” who will not heed Jehovah’s message of warning. Into Mexico we now proceed, where 5,401 persons heard the glad song sung by 68 workers, and then continue south Into Central Ain erica, our first stop being Guatemala, Oue pioneer reports 87 testimonies given in that country. Costa Rica Is not far distant, where 26 witnesses testified to 886 persons. Panama reported 9 workers and 188 testimonies ; and the Canal Zone had 8 workers, who gave 390 testimonies. Before going to South America we look over the large group of islands known as the West Indies. There we find 6 workers in the Bahamas, 12 in Cuba, and 2 pioneers in Porto Rico, delivering 92, 2,070 aud 295 testimonies respectively. The branch in 'Trinidad reported 171 workers in Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada and Barbados, and a total of 6,563 testimonies. No report was received from Hie branch in Jamaica.
The reports from South America are also Incomplete, as vve have not heard from the branch offices in Brazil and Argentina as to the work done during this period in their respective countries and in Chile. However, British Guiana reported (Continued on page 2, column ?'
444 Pioneers Putting in Pioneer Time
1,285 Pioneers Putting in Auxiliary Time
All Jehovah’s witnesses Will Be Interested in
These Figures
The Watchtower of May 10, 1932, stated; 'JEHOVAH’S real temple was not set up until J 918, when the Lord Jesus came and the faithful sleeping saints were raised and brought into Zion, and the faithful ones remaining on the earth were also brought into the temple. From I lull time forward the praises of Jehovah must begin and must be sung throughout the nations even williin the hearing of the present rulers of the earth. Such is the reason why the vigorous witness work began after 1918, and particularly from 1922 forward. Who, then, arc the “kings [that] bring presents unto thee”, as stated in this twenty-ninth verse ot the Psalm? Surely not the kings of Satan’s organization, because they do nothing of Ilie kind. The words of the Psalm, therefore, must refer to the remnant, anointed to the kingdom with Christ Jesus. This conclusion is supported hy Revelation 21:24, to wit; “And the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.” Members of the faithful remnant class are in the covenant for the kingdom and are now bringing presents unto the Lord, in this, that they present themselves living sacrifice# lo bring honor and praise to the name and to the kingdom of the Most High. No other kind of presents could be brought into the temple. “Vow, and pay unto the Loi'd your God ; let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the. earth [satanie earth].”—Ps. 76:11,12.’
Jehovah’s witnesses realize and appreciate the fact that they are being taught of Jehovah, and they desire greatly to follow the instructions lie gives them through The Wahktoicer. The pioneer witnesses have been released from all secular work and duties, and are free to devote all their time and effort to Jehovah's service. These at. all times are endeavoring to increase their usefulness in Jehovah's service, that they may better sing forth his praises. Now the plight of tile people is such that it is a most opportune time to present to them the message of the Kingdom. Also this is the most favorable season of the year in which to go from house to house witnessing. It is hoped that a mighty witness will be given during Hie summer months by “kings bringing presents unto thee”, to the honor and praise of Jehovah’s name. It is to be expected that thus presenting themselves living sacrifices io Jehovah will require time and much effort. Tn fact, it will demand each one’s keenest determination and whole-souled devotion to Jehovah, to the exclusion of all else. But Jehovah’s witnesses have found the privilege of serving him so great as to be worth their best efforts. and so they are joyfully singing bis praises as they fight for his kingdom.
To aid the pioneers in their work, the following facts are brought to their attention. During the month of March pioneers, to the number of 1,7211 engaged in the work. Of this number only 444 met the minimum I inn requirement of 20 hours each week in witnessing, and 1,285 pioneers failed to do so and devoted less than that amount. It is surprising indeed to see the contrast in results accomplished by the 444 pioneers who did meet the minimum time requirement with those of the 1,285 who did not. The figures are:
By 444 By 1,285 Month of March■: pioneers pioneers Hrs. witnessing 60,943 69,844
Testimonies given 227,884 279,013
Clothbound books 35,470 42,629
Booklets 63,632 79,860
Obtainers 60,541 70,736
Av. hrs. per week 34.3 13.5
Notice that the 444 pioneers devoted almost as much time as the 1,285 oilier pioneers did. Also that the 444 gave 227,884 testimonies, to compare with 279,013 testimonies given by the other 1,285 pioneers. Note, too, that the 444 pioneers devoted an average each of 20.8 hours more per week in the witnessing than did the 1,285. In fact, on the average the 444 pioneers devoted two and a half times as much time each to the work as did the group of 1,285 other pioneers. This fact enabled them to place 99,102 books and booklets, while it required nearly three times as many other pioneers to place 122,489 books aud booklets. The group of 444 placed literature in the hands of 60,541 persons, whereas the other 1,285 pioneers reached 70,736 persons. Thus it is to be plainly seen that about one-quarter of those on the pioneer list accomplished almost as much work in the field during March as did the remaining three-quarters of the pioneers enrolled.
These figures are not based upon the work of those placing the most literature, but the reports of the entire list of pioneers for March were gone over, and the work of every pioneer who devoted an average of 25 hours per week was included, and is shown in the tabulation “By 444 pioneers". The work of all the remaining 1,285 pioneers for the month of March is included in the other tabulation, “By 1,285 pioneers." These figures also show that if all the pioneers devoted as much time and effort to the witnessing as these 444 pioneers did, the placement of literature by’ pioneers for March would have been approximately doubled.
'The purpose in calling this to the attention of the brethren is to invite, encourage and urge the pioneers to do their very utmost to devote as much time as possible to the work of house-to-house witnessing. The great results accomplished by the group of 444 pioneers show what can be done if each one will exert his best endeavors to put in his full time in the actual work of house-to-house witnessing. The Watchtower for May 15 further states: “The faithful remnant are near the end of their earthly pilgrimage. Soon these shall see the manifestation of Jehovah’s power for the vindication of his name." Therefore it behooves each and every pioneer to press on with greater determination and an increased desire to devote as much time as is possible to the work of witnessing from house to house, singing Jehovah’s praises to the people.
Some will say, “Well, there were things that hindered me from putting in as much time as these other brethren did.” If so, it is hoped that each one so hindered will make a greater effort to remove such hindrances as prevented him from putting in pioneer hours in the field service. What these various obstacles were is immaterial and does not matter. W’hat is important is the fact that the 1,285 pioneers allowed such to interfere with their activity to the extent of their devoting au average of only 13.5 hours per week to Jehovah’s service.
It is suggested that each and every pioneer witness take to heart this matter of time spent in witnessing, and consider it seriously, and plan how he may increase the time spent in actually witnessing from house to house, and then do i(. Jehovah bears the burdens of his faithful ones, and each one should take advantage of the privilege of presenting this important matter to Jehovah in prayer. Thus doing, each pioneer may joyously feel that be is indeed 'presenting himself a living sacrifice to bring honor aud praise to the name and to the kingdom of the Most High’.
While these figures are cited from the records of the pioneers, it is a matter of concern to every one of Jehovah’s witnesses, and each auxiliary, company worker, and sharpshooter may have the privilege of increasing the time he spends in the field and thus increase the scope of the witness.
(Continued from page 1, column 1) Thanksgiving Testimony Period by-partaking of the bread and the wine, symbols of their communion in the body of Christ, their willingness to be broken with him and to drink the potion which the Father pours, responded to the call to action during tbe week that followed. The other 52.97 percent, for some reason, the Lord is the judge as to whether or not it was good, did not report any efforts put forth to carry the Kingdom message to others. "While some countries reported fewer workers than during Bound Book Testimony Period, others reported more than ever before. Thus the Lord’s work progresses, and all honor is due to him for that which is accomplished, aud to no man. There are many who claim to love the truth who do not have the love of the truth. They enjoy the truth because of the personal satisfaction they receive therefrom, but when it comes to doing something to praise and thank Jehovah they’ do not have that unselfish devotion to God which moves them to act. Jesus’ question to tbe one leper who, out of the ten whom he bad cleansed, returned to give thanks was, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" The question might well be asked, “Where arc the 52.97 percent?”
Failing to appreciate the real issue and tbe privilege of uniting with their brethren in obeying the Lord’s commandments they nro the ones who miss the rich blessings which the Lord pours out upon those who joyfully obey him.
It is interesting to see that throughout the earth there were 3,018 pioneers and 1,869 auxiliaries who engaged in the work. Many of these are carrying the message into sections of the earth which might not otherwise hear tbe Kingdom gospel preached. Wc feci sure that the Lord’s heart is made glad by their zeal and loving devotion which prompts them thus to joyfully endure the hardships which they encounter that his name might be magnified.
(Continued from page J, column 4) 32 workers and 3,035 testimonies, and 1 Hitch Guiana 8 workers and 139 testimonies.
And now we take a trip north-easi, ward to Europe, stopping first in the British Isles, where 3,728 workers lifted their voices in praise and thanksgiving so that 235,441 beard their glad song. Across the North sea, in the Scandinavian countries, the Northern European office informs us that in Denmark 360 participated in the work and witnessed to 29,115 persons; in Norway I here were 144 workers giving 10,-274 testimonies; in Sweden, 486 workers giving 35,979; and in Finland, 485 giving 24,381. Latvia, reported 27 workers and 1,261 testimonies; Lithuania, 31 workers ami 2,198 testimonies; and Ksthonia, 20 workers serving notice on 4,524. These Scandinavian countries certainly did W’ell in their average testimonies per worker. Even in Iceland the voice of one pioneer was heard witnessing to 264.
Our route now takes us south through Germany, anil here wc find 13,534 workers engaged in the service; only 6 less than in the United States, but. they gave many more testimonies, as their final report shows 908,583 delivered. Surely that is a cause for rejoicing on the part, of all. The Central European office, at Berne, reports in one total the work done in France, Belgium, Holland, Yugoslavia, Austria, Boland and Switzerland. tlaly, Rumania and Algeria may also be included, as these countries are likewise under the supervision of that office. Throughout this territory they show 2,157 workers delivered 185,339 testimonies. Tn Czechoslovakia 34,324 people heard the message from 523 witnesses of Jehovah; and 9,000 in Greece from 250. The warning to 563 of the leaders and people was delivered by a little band of 18 in Portugal, and by the same number in Spain to 1,445.
From Europe we travel through Algeria (where some work is being done, but just what we cannot tell, as the detailed Information has not been given by the branch) to Nigeria, which is just below the equator, in West Africa. Even here we find 86 workers were in the field during this period, delivering 8,540 testimonies. Still farther south wc come to North and South Rhodesia and Nyasaland, together with Cape Town and territory in that vicinity. The South African branch reports 141 workers, and 13,312 testimonies were the results in these places for this period.
Still continuing eastward, wc hear of the voices of 743 which were lifted in praise during Thanksgiving Period, mid 72,088 testimonies delivered, in Australia and New Zealand. ’rhe branch there reports that they had not at that time heard from the South Sea Islands workers.
In Asia, notice was served on the rulers and the comforting message given to the people by 106 workers, in India, Burma and Ceylon, and 3,458 testimonies delivered. Japan reports 75 workers and 27,059 testimonies. This probably also includes the work in Korea , as I he work in this country is under its supervision. With a stop in Hawaii, where we find 11 participated in Thanksgiving Testimony Period, witnessing to 1,239, our trip around the world comes to an end.
And tli at is how 2,447,840 testimonies were delivered by 38,585 workers throughout the earth during the short period of eight days. Jesus foretold that the Kingdom gospel must, be preached in all the world unto all nations as a witness before the final end would come. There is much yet to be done, and by the Lord’s grace the remnant will press on with the zeal peculiar to the Lord’s house and joyfully respond to every opportunity of service that is afforded by the Lord through his organization.