literature, depending upon the circumstances, time available and other factors. In large firms it may be possible to get permission to talk to other officials or key men. It is good to have your identification card available should it be needed.

⁷ Much literature has been placed already here in New York city by those working business territory. For example, one brother working several hours placed 80 magazines and 20 books in that short period of time. Those who have been contacting the business people find that they are generally courteous, and usually our brothers are well received. Since these people are knowledgeable, good discussions often result. Where persons are very busy at first, but suggest that an appointment be made (or the publisher may ask for one), it is recommended that you arrange for a later visit. This has been done with good results. Also, return visits have already been made on interested ones and some studies have been started.

⁸ By setting things in motion in the above-mentioned manner, such a program will assure that the challenge of the business territory will be met. If this work cannot be started before the assemblies this summer, then city overseers can organize this activity right after the assembly.

⁹ In addition to downtown business areas, there are outlying business sections that need to be covered, and even in small towns there are business places that are sometimes left unworked by publishers. All publishers can work in small towns covering the business sections.

¹⁰ It is Jehovah’s will that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth. (1 Tim. 2:4) Surely we want to provide as extensive a witness as is possible everywhere before the “great tribulation” strikes.

Presenting the Good News​—With the Right Approach

¹ Personal motivation and an effective approach are important aspects of a house-to-house presentation. It is important to keep clearly in mind our desire to share in the vindication of Jehovah’s name, also our deep concern for our fellowmen. It is also good to analyze our approach from time to time and determine whether we impart the kind of information that will capture and hold the householder’s interest from the beginning of our presentation.

² We might ask ourselves, “If I do not gain a hearing ear, is it because of the householder or because of my approach?” In some territories, when an introduction is too general, the householder may quickly excuse himself without ever really hearing the Kingdom message. What can we do?

³ No doubt we could profitably put forth greater effort to get into the subject of our presentation early in the introduction. For example, after briefly introducing ourselves, we might mention some local or world problem and ask if they know a remedy. Or, if you feel that your territory requires an even more direct approach, you might begin by asking, “What can we do to upgrade the quality of life today?” Then when you have their attention and interest, use the Bible to show how the Kingdom will solve man’s problems. No matter what the subject of our presentation, it is beneficial to have an introduction that quickly gets into the subject and arouses interest in it.

⁴ The same principle applies when engaging in magazine work. It is usually more effective to feature a specific article rather than just holding The Watchtower and Awake! up to the householder’s view and offering them for ten cents. Apart from special issues, the covers on the magazines reflect little change​—but their contents do, every issue. So if we draw attention to a title and say something about the article that will quickly show its value, the householder may take them even if he has refused them before. If he is interested in an article he will not only accept the magazine, but read it.

⁵ When engaging in the field ministry, keep in mind that the message is the important thing. If we can get into our subject rather quickly, then people will have an opportunity to accept or reject the Kingdom message, rather than turning us away without really knowing why we are there.

Theocratic News

◆ A pioneer brother placed 60 magazines and 10 books in two hours working business territory in New York city. One receptionist in a large office exclaimed: “You people are really working the whole earth.”

◆ In an African land where the work is banned, some congregations of about 140 publishers report a total attendance of 800 at their “Watchtower” studies. In the field, publishers averaged 17.3 hours and country made a 70-percent increase in publishers over one year ago.

◆ The Watch Tower Society has gained official recognition in Vietnam. New branch office to begin operating there September 1.

◆Many of the displaced brothers in Nicaragua have now been able to relocate and resume their theocratic activity.

◆ Toward the end of April the work of Jehovah’s witnesses was banned in Kenya.

◆ Dowling Congregation in Houston, Texas, suggested that one out of each family there try to temporary pioneer in April; 31 responded, and, with 4 regular pioneers, they had 35 pioneers out of 75 publishers!

Question Box

● Are there any circumstances under which ministerial servants may be used to give public talks outside their own congregation?

It is the elders upon whom the Scriptures place the responsibility to do “speaking and teaching” In the congregations. (1 Tim. 5:17; 3:2) Wherever possible, they should give the public talks. If there are not enough elders available, even with an exchanging of speakers between congregations, the body of elders may assign certain ministerial servants to give public talks (or, possibly, to handle part of a symposium) in their home congregation.

Under normal circumstances, only elders would be assigned to give public talks in congregations other than their own. But if there simply are not enough elders available in the area, then, in order to keep the public meetings going on a regular basis, ministerial servants may be requested from nearby congregations to give public talks. If a request is received by the presiding overseer for the services of ministerial servants and the local body of elders feels that they will handle the assignment well, they may be assigned to speak in that other congregation. However, unless ministerial servants are specifically requested as speakers, only elders should be sent out to other congregations to speak.

Where it is not possible to arrange for public speakers at all on certain weeks, then it is suggested that the material in the extensive outlines provided by the Society be read to the congregation and they can look up and discuss the scriptures together. (Do not order handbills for such presentations.) In this way, whether public speakers are available or not, all will receive the spiritual food provided by means of the public meeting program.