Informant, May 1951

Download: PDF — Informant, May 1951

INFORMANT

MAY, 1U51

“Praise Jah, you people, because Jehovah our God, the Almighty, has begun to rule as king/—Rev. 19: 6, NW.

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

“Subjection to the Superior Authorities”

May Begins Campaign with “This Means Everlasting Life ’

Bible Study Activity to Be Increased

1 Jehovah our Creator is all supreme. It follows that we as his creatures should obey him by subjecting ourselves to the doing of his will. We have no stupendous assignment, such as participating in cleaning up this present system of things or destroying those who refuse to conform to the new system coming in. No, that is His job, by decree. Our commissioned work is to preach while maintaining integrity. Right in the midst of the trembling and crumbling society of nations, we are commanded to preach the good news of the Kingdom in obedience to the “superior authorities”.—Romans 13:1, A H'.

Our Work During May

2 The work of Jehovah’s prudent slaves is not unfruitful. On the contrary, many are halting in their indecisive course and listening to the message of hope proclaimed. By word of mouth and by the printed page, they are instructed in the way of life. During May the book “This Means Everlasting Life” will be used effectively in this regard to instruct these sheep of the Lord. Chiefly from house to house and on back-calls, this publication along with a 32-page self-covered booklet will be offered to the people on the contribution of 35c.

3 While placing this book in the field, on back-calls and with those who recently subscribed to the magazines, keep in mind our main purpose in placing literature, that of using it to teach people of good will the truth. If they already have literature and do not desire to obtain the latest, then do not conclude that they are not interested. Use the publications that they have to instruct them. The literature is incidental and only instrumental in the over-all campaign of education for life.

Increasing Bible Study Activity

123,912 Publishers in Marchi

| An All-Time High! What of April? j I This is the fourth peak in publishers this year and |

| 23,195 more than last March. Will we droop our hands | | now, just short of our desired 34 per cent goal? No, ■ I not now! We are determined to redouble our efforts to | reach this goal in April. In face of this splendid increase, , who can refrain from praising Jah? None should! Yes, | and as we preach, remember, “Each one, help one.” So . doing, our goal is certain! j

4 A recent check of reports received in the office indicates that the back-call and Bible study activity is still weak in practically all companies, (her 40 per cent of the companies in the country show these features of the service as chief weaknesses. Also, the records indicate that the majority of the calls and studies are conducted by a minority of the publishers. There is

Prepare for and Attend District Assembly

Many Blessings to Be Had

1 It is district assembly time in the United States! From one end of the country to the oilier, east to west, north to south, tens of thousands, anticipating the assembly blessings, are eagerly planning and arranging to attend one of the eight conveniently located assemblies planned for this year. Are you one of the many thousands planning to attend? What a treat is in store for all who do!

2 For months Jehovah's ‘discreet slave class' has been making the preliminary and detailed arrangements necessary so that these assemblies will run smoothly and to the mutual benefit of all assembled. Spacious really no reason why these features of the service should lag, since ample provisions for their advancement have been made by the Lord’s organization. Service meetings instruct us in the most effective ways of conducting back-calls and home Bible studies; assimilating the meat in due season provided through the publications of the Society at meetings and in private study gives us sufficient knowledge to teach others; and on-the-spot training offered by the servants in the companies provides a means for personal instruction in the doing of this work. Do we have any excuse, then, for holding back from participating in these forms of the service? No ! These are the very essence of our work and are where the waters of Jehovah's Word of truth are dispensed so much more freely. By everyone's concentrating on back-call and home Bible study activity in May. by calling back on all who show interest, (Continued on page Jh col. 1) halls, as announced in the April Informant, have been obtained, assembly personnel organized, rooming work cared for, a delightful program arranged, etc., so that all attending will be well served. Do not hesitate to encourage those with whom you are studying and other good-will persons to attend. No doubt, in most instances, arrangements can be made to bring these interested ones. The information to be presented will be of interest to all. Bethel brothers will serve at each assembly, and specially prepared subjects of vital importance will be discussed by them.

3 Do not forget to take along your witnessing case and your magazine (Continued on page 2, col. 2)

Six-Month Check-up

Pioneers—Excel in Your Work

The results of the six-month pioneer hour check-up covering September 1950 through February 1951 are heart wanning and definitely prove tfiat despite present critical times increasing numbers are joining the pioneer ranks and making a success of it. At the time of the check-up last February there were 4.553 pioneers on the list. This year there are 6,207. Of these, only two per cent had to be transferred to the company publisher ranks because of their reports and circumstances. Those who did not quite reach the minimum quota are being written individually respecting their pioneer activity, and they will be given until the end of the service year to make up lost time and reach the quota.

Pioneers, work to excel at the fulltime ministry! Do not be content with minimum service. Yours is a grand privilege, yet, a grave responsibility. Preach the good news, find the sheep, feed them and help them shoulder the load of responsibility that the knowledge of the truth brings. Serve your brothers, do good toward all, set the right kind of example that will cause others to glorify Jehovah. Put pioneering first at all times, always “keep watching the ministry which you accepted in the Lord, that you fulfill it”.—Col. 4: 17, A IF.

Publishers, does not the steady growth in the pioneer ranks mean something to you? It is most convincing evidence that pioneering is a practical vocation. Additionally, the Scriptures abound with promise that Jehovah will provide for those who step out with faith into the fulltime ministry. Why put it off any longer? If you cannot be a pioneer the year round, perhaps you can be a vacation pioneer. This field is open at any time of the year for both youths and adults who can meet the pioneer requirements lor at least two months. Do not let the present “critical times hard to deal with" prevent you from joining the ranks of full-time ministers now.

So now is the favorable time and season to engage in full-time service. Prayerfully apply yourself now to do God's good will and pleasure while the opportunity to serve thus is open. Write to us for your application. We shall be happy to send you one immediately.

On Your Magazine Route

1 Millions of good-will persons now obtain, enjoy and benefit from the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. How caq multitudes more be included among those regularly receiving these two important magazines? Through the magazine route work.

2 Publishers are encouraged to build up a magazine route by placing the magazines from house to house. As an introduction you might say: “Good day. I am building up a magazine route in this neighborhood, and it would be a pleasure to include you on my list as a regular obtainer. Here is a copy of the Watchtower magazine, which may be had for 5c. I would like to leave it with you for your personal examination. You will find it very helpful in understanding the reasons for present world distress. In these critical times The Watchtower offers a bright outlook by explaining many Bible prophecies and announcing mankind's only hope for life and security, which is God’s kingdom. Examine the magazine carefully, and I will call back in two weeks to see how you like it.”

3 The Awake! magazine can be similarly placed as suggested in this introduction: “Good day. I am calling on the people of this neighborhood in the interests of establishing a magazine route. I would like to introduce the Awake! magazine to you, and include you on my list as a regular obtainer of this timely magazine. It will keep you awake to the vital issues of the times, and acquaint you with truth and facts that will enable you to make wise District Assembly (Conf ch) bag for use at the assembly and en route, for you will have many opportunities to speak the pure language. By the middle of June not only tens of thousands, but millions will know that Jehovah has assembled his people according to his good purposes. Yes, millions, for multitudes will hear our shout of praise en route to the assemblies, while there, and on returning to our homes. Plan now to have your share in it.

4 An immersion service will be held at each assembly. At most assemblies it will be held at 9 o’clock Saturday morning. (Check programs for exact time.) Candidates should bring their own towels and bathing suits. Those desiring to participate in the and safe decisions. It covers a wide range of information and knowledge that is uncensored, and contains on-the-scenes reports contributed by our own correspondents from the four corners of the earth. Over three-quarters of a million copies of this magazine are printed, and it is read in many nations, in many languages, by persons of all ages. The magazine is only 5c a copy. Give it your honest examination, and in two weeks’ time I will stop by to see how well you enjoyed it.”

4 Be sure to call back at the end of the two-week period, and have with you the latest issue of the magazine. Also, be prepared to discuss any of the articles with the people, using some article or feature to stimulate their interest. Your return visit conversation may open like this: “Hello. Two weeks ago I left you a copy of the Watchtoicer (or Awake!) magazine. So now I am calling back, as I promised, to see how you liked the magazine. You need the vital information in this magazine regularly, so I am quite anxious to have you as a regular obtainer on my magazine route. Therefore I have brought with me the latest issue of the magazine, which I know you will enjoy. Here is an article I particularly liked. . . .”

5 The people need the message contained in the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. You can help them obtain it. Start now to build up a magazine route and share in aiding many thousands of other persons to learn how they can praise Jah and live!

orchestra should bring their own instruments, and all should bring songbooks. Pioneers enrolled March 1, 1951, onward should bring their Pioneer Assignment cards to the assembly for use in identification. It may be impossible to provide outlets for sound recorders at many of the assembly cities, or, at best, provide them for only a limited number. Therefore, please write Watchtower Convention, Sound Information, at your assembly city for verification before taking your equipment.

5 Plan to be at the assembly Friday morning at 9:30 for the opening meeting and plan your time so that you are on hand to take in every session scheduled. Wonderful blessings are in store fdr you if you do.

YOUR SERVICE MEETING

Circuit and district assemblies are means that the Lord is using to assemble his people for vital Kingdom instruction so necessary during these last days. A great deal of time, money, and effort are spent in arranging and preparing assemblies and, for publishers to derive full benefit, they must properly prepare to attend and conduct themselves fittingly while there. The following material emphasizes proper publisher preparation, consideration for the landlady and conduct at the assembly. To cover this material as outlined, twenty to twenty-five minutes should be devoted to it at a service meeting.

FIRST SCENE: (Part one) By pantomime illustrate the basic steps each publisher should take in preparing for an assembly.

Publisher has Room Request form and is in the process of filling It out. Care is taken to supply all requested information, such as full name and address, type of room requested and amount desired to be paid, date of arrival and length of stay, etc. Upon completion it is recheeked and mailed. Receiving the rooming assignment a few days later, time is taken to write the landlady and confirm date of arrival and intended time of arrival. Next comes personal organization. Proper clothing is selected, appropriate literature, book and magazine bags are put in order, duties requiring one's attention before leaving are cared for. room assignment card is thoughtfully put in with those things to be carried to the assembly, such as songbook, etc.

(Part two) Show arrival of publisher in assembly city at a reasonable hour on day before assembly.

Upon arrival the publisher, with suitease and book bag, goes directly to assigned room, introduces himself in a friendly manner to the landlady, and is directed to his room. Showing consideration for the landlady and wanting to be fully rested so as to get the most from the next day's assembly schedule, the publisher retires for the night.

SECOND SCENE: Witnessing to the landlady. (Arrange as a demonstration.)

Many landladies are interested in Jehovah’s witnesses, want to know what kind of work we are doing, what we believe, etc., and open their homes to Jehovah's witnesses with this in mind. Understanding this, on the following evening the alert publisher utilizes an opportunity to witness. A program is produced, future assembly activity is highlighted, particularly the public meeting, and an offer is made to have the landlady and her household attend assembly sessions with the publisher. Continuing, the witness tells of an experience had in the field service there in the assembly city. The scene will end with the publisher leaving with the landlady the particular booklet, magazine or book which covers the point of discussion raised in the experience related.

THIRD SCENE: Forum discussion covering Christian conduct at an assembly.

Two or three publishers should be assigned to cover I he following points, and in their discussion they should point out the benefits all receive by adhering to these principles: 1. Be on time for mid attend all sessions. 2. Show neighbor love by not talking and distracting others during the meetings. 3. Do not rudely leave sessions before being dismissed or while prayer is being said. 4. Visit before and after sessions (not during). 5. Volunteer for assembly work. (>. Have a part in field service; help others attend. Turn in good-will slips and subscriptions at assembly city : field service reports to home company. 7. Arrive at your rooms at a reasonable hour each evening.

that Isaiah instructed, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Loim.” Baggy, impressed trousers, grimy, wrinkled shirts or dresses, or unshined shoes are no aid to us as we bear the Kingdom message. Though not necessarily fancy or expensive. clothing should always be neat and clean, befitting the message we bear.

Personal cleanliness is likewise important. An ambassador of the Theocracy will not ( have unkempt hair, unshaven face or dirty hands. Such things nullify the good effects of the comforting words we speak.

By far the majority of the servants of God do observe the simple rules of cleanliness. But since people are prone to judge all by the one who may not. it is essential for all to lie equally diligent in this important matter. We are called upon to reflect the light and glory of Jehovah. Neat appearance, clothes pressed, shoes shined reflect cleanness and enlightenment and confidence. Pause a moment each time before going into the service and ascertain if these things have been taken care of. It is a good investment to be clean. It will make your work doubly effective, and you will be conforming to the apostle's counsel. "Giving no offence in ann thing, that the ministry be not blamed.” —2 ('or. G: .‘I.

34 Per Cent Goal 144,913

UNITED STATES QUOTA FOR 1951 108,315 Publishers

Monthly Field Service Report

March

Report

Av.

Av.

Av,

Pubs.

Hrs.

B-C

Bi. St.

Sp'l Pios.

122.8

50.3

6.3

Pioneers

6,950

86.1

33.3

5.4

Co. Pubs.

116,588

6.8

3.2

.5

Total Pubs.

123,912

Public Meetings Held: 6,167

"That the Ministry Be Not Blamed”

Personal Appearance Important

When a person calls at another's door, displays magazines on a street corner or stands upon a platform to deliver a talk, people reach conclusions about him before lie even speaks. This is a natural tendency, and even the Scriptures note that “man looks upon the outward appearance”. A poor appearance im

presses men that the speaker and his message are not important or worthy of serious concern. Thus, one who is indifferent about his appearance and dress may unwittingly close many minds against the truth even while zealously engaging in field service. It is very difficult to remove these first impressions, however incorrect they may later prove to be.

It was with good reason, then,

Legal Assistance

Those who desire their material goods, or a portion thereof, to be used, upon their death, to advance the interests of the Theocracy should consider the Mrniornndum on (lifts and Wills prepared by the Society's legal counsel.

The memorandum answers questions concerning wills, deeds of real estate, conditional donations of money during lifetime, etc. You may write for a free copy to Watchtower Legal Office, 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn 2, New York.

“Pure Language”

Be Bible Study Conscious

A pure language in these last days when critical times are here? At a time when men are lovers of themselves, haughty, blasphemers, slanderers, betrayers, puffed up with self-esteem? Yes, in these very critical times Jehovah is sending forth his servants with the pure language of his purposes to all nations, peoples, kindreds and tongues. This enables the honest-hearted “other sheep” to cease speaking the polluted language of this dying old world and to understand and begin to speak the pure language which Jehovah is turning to the people, “that they may all call upon the name of Jehovah, to serve him with one consent.”—Zeph. 3: 9, AS; Da; Yg.

All pure language speakers will continue to serve Jehovah with one consent during June by offering the pure language contained in the book “This Means Everlasting Life", on a 35c contribution, and giving a thought-provoking self-covered booklet with each placement. In eight short months more than 2,009,1X10 copies of this book have been printed, shipped and most of them placed with the public. With a good supplynow available, undoubtedly many, many additional thousands will be placed during this month, for, having now studied the book at the company1 2 3 4 5 6 7 study, in private and with others, we are in a more strategic position to point out the life-giving information contained in it.

Testimony Period

But to enable prospective “other sheep” to ‘call upon the name of Jehovah' according to his purposes means more than just placing a book. They must learn the pure language it contains. So continue to serve by calling back on every placement. Make a real effort to start a study, for through home Bible studies these honest-hearted ones will learn of Jehovah, his purposes, and how to worship and serve him. The mature servants and those just learning the pure language will together ‘call upon the name of Jehovah’ and serve him with one consent.

COMPANY ORGANIZATION

The Company Committee

1 Sometimes it is necessary7 to settle matters in the company7 upon which no specific instructions have been given in Counsel on Theocratic Organization. These matters must be decided upon by the company committee representing the congregation. The company7 committee, comprised of the company servant, assistant company servant and the Bible study servant, has the responsibility of handling such matters in a systematic and orderlyway. Wherever possible, the committee should be composed of three different publishers, and should be the most mature in the company and tlie logical ones for the companyservant to consult when he needs advice or counsel on such matters.

2 The committee will consider and care for all incidental company matters such as the advisability of dividing the company7 into units, how much rent should be paid for halls, what halls should be rented, what should be done with excess money, how much money should be spent on legal matters approved by the Society, how to minister spiritual and physical aid to the poor and infirm in the congregation, when needed, and any other similar matters relative to company affairs and the service. It will also be the duty of the committee to make recommendations for servants to the Society, in accordance with paragraph 82 of Counsel on Theocratic Organization. All such recommendations should be signed by each member of the committee. The recommendations must be impartial and always for the best interests of the company. Publishers should not be recommended until they have published for one full year after immersion.—See Philippians 2 : 3, 4 ; James 2:1-9; and 1 Timothy 3:2-10, A'W.

Credit Memo Revised

The name of the Credit Memo (SC-7) has been changed to Receipt, but no change is made in its use.

Publications Now in Stock

"The Prhu-e of Peace'1 —Swedish

MEMORIAL REPORT

Memorial Attendance 178,728

Number of Partakers 9,778

Public Meetings Held 1,902

Public Meeting Attendance 94,766

3 It must be remembered that the company servant takes full oversight in the company and that the other members of the committee are to work closely7 with him in supervising the company’s activities. Decisions made by tlie committee relative to company7 matters will be presented to the company7 when necessary7 by- the company servant. The committee will meet only7 when necessary7.

4 When difficulties arise in the company because of an individual's conduct and the congregation and persons of good will are affected, the Bible places the responsibility for handling such matters in the hands of the "older men”, and such difficulties may be handled by the company committee or, if assigned, other mature brothers who are Scripturally- qualified. If the company servant feels it advisable, he may select two mature brothers other than those on the company committee to handle these particular difficulties. This assigned committee, after hearing all tlie evidence and witnesses, can recommend whether the guilty7 individuals should be removed from their servants’ positions, disfellowshiped, or just counseled and given a chance to prove their repentance and good intentions. If a disfellowshiped person has repented, and shown this by right works over a period of time, such committee can recommend his acceptance back into the congregation.

5 The company committee should always be willing to receive suggestions from the publishers and give them careful consideration, and should be at unity and in harmony so that it can carry out its duties to the honor and glory7 of Jehovah’s name.

‘Superior Authorities’ (Coni'<l)

let’s see if we can bring these features of the service up to their

proper standing.

Other Activity

With the new public meeting campaign off to a good start in April, plans should be shaping up now to have public meetings in the rural and semirural areas of the territory this month. Good results are being obtained through the public meetings; so, keep pushing this means of spreading praise.

0 Have you completed your plans for attending one of the district assemblies? The Lord’s blessings are not cut short but he lives up to his promise to provide our needs at the proper time. Do your part to receive them by attending.

Jehovah, through his Word and organization, has outlined the work before us. We are thankful for this and will show our love for him and our neighbors by subjecting ourselves to his will and using all the means he has provided to preach the glad tidings of the Kingdom.