our good efforts, this does not discourage us. Not everyone listened to Jesus, and no one could improve on his methods. (Matt. 13:58) So there is no reason to be disturbed if some turn a deaf ear or even speak harsh words at times. We go along to the next house looking for the “sheep,” not taking anything said in a personal way.

⁸ Yes, there is a need to HELP ONE ANOTHER in the field. This is the Christian spirit. We all have a gift or potential for lending a helping hand in some way to assist our fellow praisers of Jehovah. Peter said: “In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness expressed in various ways.”—1 Pet. 4:10.

Presenting the Good News—Using the Special Issue in Disciple-making

¹ In presenting the special July 1 issue of The Watchtower, the following suggested presentations may be helpful to you.

² If circumstances are such that only a brief presentation can be made, after introducing yourself and your service partner, you might say: “We’ve stopped by just briefly to bring you a most interesting special issue of The Watchtower. For one hundred years now this magazine has been published. And one of the articles in this centennial issue shows how it has come to have the respect of millions of truth-seekers around the world, in that it has had the courage to speak the truth on controversial religious teachings. Regardless of your religious background, I’m sure you would be interested in reading this and the other articles. This special issue is yours along with this copy of Awake! for a contribution of just 20c.”

³ If you can give a more extended witness, you may be able to use some or all of the thoughts below based on Psalm 146. You might say: “How good to find you at home at this time because we have volunteered some of our time and effort to share some good news with you. Most of the news we get today is bad news, isn’t it so? [Allow person to answer.] Sad to say, much of the bad news today has to do with the failures of governments to provide basic human needs for those who depend on them. Therefore, when we learn about a government that has God’s backing and that will without fail bring in conditions of peace and prosperity for all mankind, wouldn’t you say that is really good news? [Pause for comment.] Did you ever think of God’s kingdom that we pray for in the Lord’s Prayer as a real government that will soon provide a completely righteous rule for humans living right here on earth? [Pause for possible reply.] You probably will appreciate what the inspired psalmist wrote at Psalm 146:5 and 6. [Read.] Also please note that verses 8 and 9 speak of a physical healing for the people and a promise to care for the needs of disadvantaged ones. [Point out key words in these verses.] And then in verse 10, note that all this will be done by Jehovah as King and that his rulership will last forever. Isn’t that encouraging? And isn’t it truly good news?”

⁴ At this point introduce the subscription offer: “The Watchtower is the foremost magazine published today that announces Jehovah’s kingdom. And do you know that, beginning with this July 1 issue, The Watchtower is beginning its second century of publication? That’s right, the first issue was published in July of 1879, and we are taking the opportunity this month to offer to our neighbors a year’s subscription to The Watchtower for just $2.00. New subscribers are receiving a copy of this 192-page Bible study aid free. We would like you to be included with those who will be receiving the next 24 issues of The Watchtower through the mail.”

⁵ You may vary this presentation by referring to the contents of the special issue or by citing a particular statement of interest. Also some of you may wish to combine a subscription to Awake! at the same time (for $4.00), giving the new subscriber two pocket-size books free. If the subscription offer is not accepted, offer the two magazines for 20c.

⁶ If possible, rehearse your presentations with your companion in service or some other publisher. Be well prepared for the special field work during July.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Is This Life All There Is?:

July 1: Pages 5 to 12*

July 8: Pages 12 to 18*

July 15: Pages 18 to 26*

July 22: Pages 26 to 35*

July 29: Pages 35 to 43*

* To subheading or chapter heading.

Announcements

● Literature offer for July: Watchtower subscription for $2.00 with pocket-size book given free to new subscribers. Some may wish to offer subscriptions to the Watchtower and Awake! for $4.00, with two pocket-size books. August: My Book of Bible Stories for $2.00. September: New tract along with two latest magazines and revised brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century for 25c. October: Awake! subscription for $2.50 with pocket-size book given free to new subscribers.

● When publishers move and will be associated with a different congregation, it is a loving kindness to advise the new congregation so that there will be no delay in welcoming them and otherwise rendering assistance as needed. The secretary can be sure to follow through on this as soon as he learns that publishers will be moving. In connection with his report on the congregation, the circuit overseer will continue to inquire about this at the time of his visit.

● Starting in September the circuit overseers will be giving a slide presentation entitled: “The Bible—A Book for This Generation.” District overseers will be speaking on the topic: “Whose Disciple Are You?”

● When the service overseer is selected by the body of elders during the circuit overseer’s visit, the congregation can be informed without first awaiting the return of the form on which new appointments are made. The elders decide who will fill this position just as they decide who will serve as Watchtower conductor and school overseer.

● So that congregations can make suitable arrangements for the Memorial celebration next year, the date will be Monday, March 31, 1980, after sundown.

● New Publications Available:

Good News—to Make You Happy—Serbian

Unseen Spirits—Do They Help Us? Or Do They Harm Us?—Korean

Watch Tower Publications Index for 1977—French

● Available Again in U.S.A.:

Is the Bible Really the Word of God?—Korean

Organization for Kingdom-preaching and Disciple-making—Korean

Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook—Korean

Question Box

● What is the correct way to count meeting attendance?

All adults should be counted. And how old should children be in order to be counted? A definite age has not been set. Rather, if the attendant believes that a child is benefiting and learning from the meeting, even to a limited extent, he should be counted. So, while young children may not pay the very best attention all through the meeting, if they nonetheless benefit and learn something, they should be counted. (Neh. 8:2) Parents are truly wise when they teach their children to pay attention rather than provide coloring books or other things that hinder children from listening and learning.

At assemblies, if persons are able to hear the program and are benefiting to some extent from it, they should be counted, even though not seated. Of course, all are encouraged to take seats and enjoy the program to the full, showing proper respect for what is being presented from the platform.

It is suggested that the count be taken during the last half of the meeting.