in knowledge, understanding, and application of its principles. For this reason we will continue the study in the Live Forever book and United in Worship or True Peace book even if the student gets baptized before completing these publications. The student can receive copies of these books even if he will not be ready to begin studying a second book for several months. This may whet his spiritual appetite, stimulating him to do additional reading that will hasten his progress. Also, we should point out the value of having Watchtower and Awake! subscriptions and obtaining other publications of the Society in order to keep up with the “measure of food supplies at the proper time.” (Luke 12:42) Those who do so will be rooted, built up, and stabilized in the faith.​—Col. 2:7.

⁶ As prospective fellow Witnesses of Jehovah, Bible students need our help if they are to grow to maturity. (Heb. 5:14) We should offer appropriate commendation to encourage progress. (Phil. 3:16) Is he sharing with family and acquaintances the things he is learning? If he qualifies, has he joined the Theocratic Ministry School? Is he desirous of becoming a publisher of the good news?

⁷ If we as teachers do our part, we can look forward to Jehovah’s rich blessing. (2 Cor. 9:6) Never should we forget the power of prayer in behalf of Bible students. Ask Jehovah to direct them to respond to what they are learning. (1 Cor. 3:6, 7) May they take decisive action to become actively associated with the congregation and thus add further glory and praise to Jehovah’s name.

Stay Awake and Keep Your Senses

¹ In view of the oft-changing world scene, how appropriate that the circuit assembly theme for the 1991 service year is “Stay Awake and Keep Your Senses.” (1 Thess. 5:6) This series will begin in September. All of us should make preparations to attend as soon as our circuit overseer informs us of the dates.

² Some of the program highlights will include a four-part symposium designed to help us ‘keep our senses in all things.’ (2 Tim. 4:5) In spite of a possibly senseless past, how can we now be successful in avoiding Satan’s snares and resisting the spirit of the world? Be sure not to miss out on this vital information. Throughout the two-day assembly, we will also have our attention drawn to practical counsel contained in the publication Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work. You may wish to bring your copy with you. Young ones in particular will want to pay special attention to the information directed to them by the circuit overseer on Saturday. As usual, there will be arrangements for baptism on Saturday, so those desiring to symbolize their dedication at the circuit assembly should let the presiding overseer know in advance as soon as possible.

³ On Sunday morning valuable lessons will be driven home by a series of demonstrations showing how we can benefit from adversities, including our own mistakes. In the afternoon the district overseer will deliver a public discourse on the subject “Acting Wisely in a Senseless World.” All Kingdom publishers and interested persons should make every effort to be present.

⁴ Since the pressures of life are continuing to mount, we believe all will derive benefit and refreshment from this material prepared for our encouragement. We will see ways by which we can be even more alert to our personal spiritual needs and those of our families and others in the congregation. Determine to be present for the entire circuit assembly and to keep attentive throughout the program, “for now our salvation is nearer than at the time when we became believers.”​—Rom. 13:11.

Presenting the Good News​—By Telephone

¹ We prefer to preach the good news to people face-to-face, but circumstances may make witnessing over the telephone a necessary alternative. Publishers temporarily or permanently confined to their homes because of illness or physical disability may make good use of the telephone for witnessing. Also, telephone calls can be very successful in contacting the residents of high-security buildings, mobile-home courts, or other areas where one may not be permitted to enter without a prior invitation. Telephone witnessing presents unique challenges, but with careful thought and planning, these can be overcome.

² Sometimes names may be obtained from directories in lobbies of buildings or from mailboxes. Telephone directories can then be used to locate the telephone numbers. This should be done under the direction of the service overseer so that telephone territories can be organized and complete records kept.

HOW TO PREPARE

³ A warm, pleasing voice is needed for effective telephone witnessing. Avoid making calls early in the day, late at night, and during mealtimes. It is not necessary to let the telephone ring many times. If you reach a telephone answering machine, you might say: “My name is . . . , and I am calling to share the Bible’s hope for the future. I will call you again.” It may be best to treat the call as a not-at-home and telephone again at another time.

⁴ Thoroughly rehearse your presentation beforehand so that it does not sound as if you are reading it. Make the householder feel that you are personally interested in him by attempting to involve him in the conversation. Personalize your call by using your first and last name in your introduction, and strive to use the householder’s name throughout the conversation.

⁵ Speak slowly and deliberately, but do not pause unless actually asking a question, as a pause may be interpreted as a question. You might say, “My name is . . . , and I am calling you because I am not able to come to see you personally.” Then, without pausing, you can continue as follows: “The purpose of my call is to invite your opinion on a very interesting question. Have you ever wondered if . . . ?” You can change the question by asking, “Has it ever occurred to you . . . ?” or “Have you ever thought about . . . ?” There are no wrong answers to these questions, and they provide an easy way for the householder to enter the conversation. Do not invite negative responses by saying, “I hope I am not interrupting you” or “I hope you are not too busy.” Assume it is a good time unless the householder tells you otherwise.

⁶ If the person asks, “Whom do you represent?” simply say without pausing, “I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I am calling to invite your opinion on this interesting question. Have you ever wondered . . . ?” If the householder asks, “Where did you get my telephone number?” you could reply, “From the directory, and I am calling to invite your opinion on this interesting question. Has it ever occurred to you . . . ?”

⁷ Some have had success in simply telling the householder that we have a free program for answering Bible questions and then mentioning some of the chapter titles in the Live Forever book. Or you could say, “Since your building is secured due to high crime, I am calling to invite your opinion. Why do you think there is such a high crime rate today?”

⁸ In one high-security building, not much success was experienced until telephone witnessing was tried. The result was that 14 new Bible studies were started. Thus, limited-access buildings can constitute virtually untouched territory and have tremendous potential. With a positive attitude, knowing that we have Jehovah’s help, we may find telephone witnessing another effective way to present the good news.​—2 Tim. 4:5.

Theocratic News

◆ The Azores are happy to report a new peak of 419 publishers in February, a 31-percent increase over last year’s average. Publishers are active on eight of the nine islands.

◆ Korea had a new peak in February of 59,483 publishers. This is their 29th consecutive peak.

◆ Arrangements are being made to build another small riverboat for service in the southeastern part of Peru. Plans are to witness to all the gold-mining settlements along the rivers in that area.

◆ St. Lucia had a new peak of 449 publishers in February for a 14-percent increase.

◆ During the months of December and January, a special effort was made to cover some of the less frequently worked territories in Venezuela. A total of 123 different towns and villages were temporarily assigned by the branch to be worked. A total of 900 Bible studies were started.