TERMINATING UNFRUITFUL STUDIES

⁴ If a student is not making meaningful progress after you have patiently aided him over a reasonable period of time, it may be best to use the time to better advantage searching for deserving ones. (Matt. 10:11-13) Depending on the circumstances, it may be wise to discontinue the study. Genuinely commend the householder for the progress made. Point out, however, that as Bible truths are learned they should be applied. Using Jesus’ parable of the sower, you might discuss each of the four kinds of soil referred to and then show how this illustration emphasizes the need to respond positively to the Kingdom message. This may help the student to realize what has held him back from making steady progress. You may have opportunity to comment on what you have observed. Be kind, but straightforward and clear. (1 Cor. 14:8, 9) Let him know that the study might be resumed when the needed adjustments have been made. In the meantime, you will be calling periodically to encourage him.​—See Kingdom Ministry, February 1970, page 4.

⁵ When locating people in the territory who have studied before, it is wise to find out how long they studied and with whom. Why did they stop? If the one who previously conducted the study is known, it would be good to discuss the matter with him and the service overseer before resuming the study. Likely there are factors about which you are not aware. Some persons have studied with many different publishers over the years without ever making any real progress. We need to spend time with those who show a genuine interest in the truth.

⁶ Whether terminating a Bible study or resuming one previously stopped, you may wish to discuss with the householder the fine material appearing in the article “There Is Still Time to ‘Turn to Jehovah’” on pages 220-2 of the April 1, 1976, issue of The Watchtower. As we sharpen our abilities in conducting progressive Bible studies, countless others may yet be aided to learn, accept, and practice the truth. This can result in their obtaining an approved relationship with Jehovah God and, ultimately, everlasting life.​—Phil. 4:9; John 17:3.

Subscriptions

¹ Subscriptions to The Watchtower and Awake! have helped many to become acquainted with God’s Word. What can we do to ensure that subscribers continue getting the best service possible?

² Accuracy in filling out the subscription blank cannot be overstressed. Fine improvement has been achieved in this area. However, a growing problem is occurring when a subscriber moves. Often the Society is not immediately informed and the subscription service is interrupted.

³ The postal service returns all undeliverable magazines to the Society at a charge of 30¢ each. In 1987 the Society had to spend more than $50,000 to cover postage on these returned undeliverable magazines. Most of these were returned because the subscriber had moved. Notices of address changes supplied to the postal service generally do not apply to our magazines. Therefore, in order to have the address changed for Watchtower and Awake! subscriptions, the Society’s Subscription Change of Address form (M-205) must be sent in to give the new address. Your assistance in this will help the Society keep its handling costs at a minimum.

⁴ All Expiring Subscription slips should be given immediate attention. Publishers are encouraged to follow through immediately in obtaining renewals and turning these in to the brother caring for subscriptions. Both new and renewal subscriptions obtained from unbaptized people may be reported by the publisher. (See Our Ministry, page 102.) However, it is helpful to the Society to have the renewals sent in as early as possible. All subscriptions should be sent to the Society weekly.

Presenting the Good News​—Boldly, Yet With Tact

¹ When Peter and John were ordered to stop preaching, they replied: “But as for us, we cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) What enabled them to speak with such boldness? They “made supplication” and became “filled with the holy spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31) Certainly we likewise can be emboldened to preach if we follow their example.

² But how can we speak with boldness and at the same time be tactful? One dictionary definition of tact is ‘a keen sense of what to do or say in order to avoid offense.’ Establishing a common ground will help us to be tactful. Learning how to reason with people will also enable us to be tactful. What better instrument could we use than Reasoning From the Scriptures to help us be both bold and tactful.

BEING BALANCED

³ Maintaining a balance between boldness and tactfulness is important in getting the preaching work accomplished successfully. For example, how could we address those who raise the question, ‘Is it not true that there is good in all religions?’ A direct but tactful reply is found on page 323 of the Reasoning book. Also, if someone raises a question as to why we repeatedly call on persons who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses and who have their own faith, we can give a bold but tactful reply as outlined on page 206 of the Reasoning book. Some people ask why Jehovah’s Witnesses do not get involved in things to help make the community a better place to live. Several fine points are presented on pages 207 and 208 that will enable us to speak boldly but with tact.

EXAMPLES

⁴ Peter said we should be ‘always ready to make a defense before those demanding a reason for our hope.’ He then added that we should ‘do so together with a mild temper and deep respect.’ (1 Pet. 3:15) Yes, Peter recognized the need to be bold but also to use tact. The success of publishers following this method is reported in the Society’s publications.​—w86 4/1 pp. 6-7; w86 8/1 pp. 21, 24; yb87 pp. 53-4.

⁵ Relying on Jehovah in prayer, as many examples highlight, will enable us to receive the help of the holy spirit, thus strengthening us to speak with boldness and tact.​—Acts 5:29.

Theocratic News

◆ The island of Kiribati reported a new peak of 24 publishers for May, a 60-percent increase over last year’s average. Congregation publishers averaged 19.5 hours in the field.

◆ New Caledonia had a peak of 954 publishers in May. Their circuit assemblies were attended by 2,159, and 30 were baptized.

◆ Nigeria had an all-time peak in May of 134,543 publishers. Thus far this service year 5,456 have been baptized, which is 16.1 percent above the number baptized for the same period last year.

July Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 201 121.6 75.7 49.8 5.2

Pios. 54,997 69.4 32.5 23.5 2.7

Aux. Pios. 30,944 59.3 26.5 14.4 1.3

Pubs. 688,996 10.0 6.4 3.6 0.5

TOTAL 775,138

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 11,865