Part I—Presenting the Good News—By Showing Personal Interest in Others

¹ When introducing ourselves at the door, we should always take the feelings of others into consideration. Without a doubt, people can sense whether we are interested in them as persons or if we just have some other objectives in mind, such as getting through our sermon or making literature placements. Obviously, to gain the householders’ attention and interest, we need to show a sincere personal interest in them.

² How do we do this? Basically it is by finding their interest and building on it. One way this can be done is by being observant. As we approach a house, what do we look for? Are there children’s toys or bicycles? Is the yard well groomed, with no litter? Is there new paint on the house? Are there many locks on the door? Do you see something that possibly indicates their religion? Are there stickers or slogans on the door or the car that reveal something?

³ We may not always draw the right conclusion from these outward signs. However, what we observe may help to influence the initial direction that our conversation takes as we endeavor to establish a point of mutual interest. Remember, too, a little commendation often goes a long way with people. A kind word about their well-mannered children, or a comment on the fine way they care for their property may appeal to the householder and help you gain a hearing ear better than might any amount of “preaching.”

⁴ Keep in mind that men, women and youths have different interests. For example, older men and women often find the economy their chief concern. Working people traditionally base their interest on their career and personal attainment. Mothers are generally interested in the home, children and babies, as well as the affairs that anguish the heart—death, illness, accidents, community tragedies, crime. Youths want to know why they are here, where they are going and what the future holds.

⁵ A traveling overseer observed: “Those who are effective in their work (in the field) are not always those who are simply using techniques of one kind or another. They are publishers who show a love for people, reflect friendliness and a desire to help and encourage. Their calls are not directed solely at placing literature but getting acquainted and being interested in the people they meet, their problems, daily life and families.”

⁶ Can you show greater love for your neighbors by demonstrating a sincere personal interest in those you meet in the field?—Mark 12:30, 31.

New Feature in “Awake!” Designed to Aid Us in the Field

¹ “Have You Ever Wondered . . . ?” That is the heading of a new feature in Awake!, starting January 8. It takes the place of what formerly appeared as “The Bible’s View,” and, with few exceptions, it will appear on pages three and four of each magazine.

² Why the change? It is done in order to reach persons who think they have little or no interest in religion or the Bible. In many parts of the world, anything that is labeled “Bible” tends to close the people’s mind. Of course, the new feature will still direct attention to the Bible, though usually not at the beginning of the article. We do not want to insist that the person agree that he is interested in the Bible before he starts to consider the subject.

³ The articles will cover subjects that people at the doors will be willing to discuss and that can be developed Scripturally. They will always feature the heading mentioned along with an appropriate article title. For example: “Have You Ever Wondered . . . Will People Ever Stop Hurting One Another?” The articles will be written in a down-to-earth, conversational style; they will be set in a distinctive typeface. There will be certain questions, each set in a line by itself in bold type. Bible texts will be quoted. All of this will help to make these articles in the Awake! magazine an effective means of reaching more persons with the good news. We invite you to get acquainted with this new feature and begin to use it in the field service right away.

Theocratic News

◆ A government decree, dated January 3, 1979, banned the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Paraguay. This past October our brothers appealed the matter to the Supreme Court, but as yet no judicial decision has been handed down.

◆ Fine reports have been received from the worldwide field indicating that the 1980 service year got off to a good start. There were 15 countries that reported new, all-time publisher peaks during the month of September.

A Good Report!

It is a pleasure to see that Jehovah’s blessing has been on our work in the United States during the 1979 service year. Every month, on the average, there were 521,370 publishers sharing in Jehovah’s service, which represents an increase of about 1.5 percent. We had a peak of 533,781 publishers. And there was a 29-percent increase in auxiliary pioneers!

At the close of the service year, there were 7,464 congregations in operation, 19 more than last year. We saw increases in book and magazine placements. We spent more hours in the field service, made more return visits and conducted more home Bible studies. A total of 26,958 were baptized. A good report indeed! And, with you we join in praising Jehovah, who gives the increase.—1 Cor. 3:6, 7.

Question Box

● When a congregation judicial committee, after hearing charges and considering the evidence in the case, reaches the conclusion that the accused person should be disfellowshiped, how should they deal with him?

It will be appropriate for the committee to speak with him and let him know that their decision is that he should be disfellowshiped from the congregation. They should ask him if he intends to appeal. He may do this if he believes a serious error in judgment was committed. In the event that he wishes to appeal, announcement of the disfellowshiping decision would be held in abeyance. In that case the person should be told that he will be allowed one week’s time to make his appeal in writing to the judicial committee giving his reasons. When such written appeal is received, the body of elders should arrange for an appeal committee to rehear the case within a week whenever possible. They may use local elders or elders from nearby congregations; these should be men who are experienced and qualified. If a traveling overseer can conveniently participate, or suggest who might serve on the appeal committee, it would be good. The elders may wish to telephone the branch office for counsel on forming an appeal committee. However, this usually is unnecessary.

On the other hand, if the accused person does not indicate that he wishes to appeal, the judicial committee will draw up an appropriate brief announcement to be read to the congregation. Additionally, they should explain to the accused person the need for repentance and what other steps he can take toward being reinstated in due time. This would be both helpful and kind, with the hope that he will change his ways, and with time qualify to return to Jehovah’s organization.—2 Cor. 2:6, 7.