for field service. Then he goes out with his father or mother, putting into application the things he has learned. Such family cooperation makes the best use of their limited time.

⁵ Another suggestion is to take a half hour after a meal, before the table is cleared, to cover at least a portion of the Bible reading for the week. All family members can take part, making it interesting and instructive.

WHAT SHOULD BE STUDIED

⁶ Obviously the needs of the family must be considered. Some may do their Bible reading, others prepare for the Watchtower study; still others make it a practice to study things that fit the particular needs of their families. One brother in his early twenties commented on the help his father gave him to prepare for field service, saying: “I can remember having a little black notebook with scriptures listed under certain subjects, like ‘Trinity.’ Dad would pretend to be a householder whose objections I would have to overcome. I also had to memorize the names of the books of the Bible, five at a time, between each Monday night study.”

⁷ Another brother who has been at Bethel for 10 years, and whose brother also served at Bethel, recalls that in his family his father always pointed them toward the prospect of full-time service. “So it was natural that we should want to come to Bethel,” he noted. The family study is still consistently held for the benefit of a younger brother remaining at home.

⁸ A 26-year-old brother from Minnesota recalls that his mother would study with him, and together they prepared for the meetings and field service. They hid their publications in the dried cereal boxes, knowing that the opposed father never ate dried cereal. Those secret study periods proved their worth as they prepared the son for full-time service both as a regular pioneer and at Bethel.

⁹ It is good to be flexible in these family study sessions. Also, it is beneficial to have a relaxed atmosphere, rather than a strict disciplined procedure. As one brother put it: “On our family study night our mother would prepare in advance some ‘treat’ and after we finished our study period we would enjoy this. Some time in the evening would also be used for a family game or for the family to sing together. We looked forward to our family study nights.”

INCLUDE OTHERS

¹⁰ Many brothers and sisters have no family members in the truth. It would be a kindness to invite such ones, where possible, to share with you in family Bible reading or in family preparation for meetings and field service. (Deut. 15:7-11; Luke 6:38) Perhaps sometimes the family study can be held at the home of some older publisher who lives alone.

¹¹ Do not minimize the value of reading the Bible together and of preparation for meetings and field service within the family. When parents set a good example, not letting such periods of family Bible discussion be easily infringed upon by other interests, this impresses upon their children the vital importance of deep respect and appreciation for God’s Word. All of this works to Jehovah’s praise and to the blessings of those who prepare as a family.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 28

15 min: Song 13. General announcements. Discussion of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century brochure, pages 23, 24, on the “Practical Value of the ‘Good News’ to Your Community.” Invite well-qualified young readers, brothers or sisters, to read paragraphs. Then ask questions for audience to answer. Emphasize that Christianity is practical and that, when witnessing, we can use this material to help others to appreciate the “good news.”

25 min: “How Does God’s Kingdom Affect Your Family?” Base introductory comments on paragraphs 1-3. Then cover remaining paragraphs thoroughly; be sure to read scriptures and get comments as to what they should mean in our lives. When discussing paragraph 7, get comments from local publishers as to what they are doing to help other members of their own family in the field service. Emphasize that all who are truly disciples of Jesus Christ need to be conscientious about responding to the rule of God’s kingdom. Please make full use of what is printed in the article in Our Kingdom Service.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News—To Families.” After introductory comments on paragraph 1, ask audience questions on paragraphs 2 and 3. Demonstrate presentation found in paragraph 4, but interrupt it at appropriate points and invite audience to comment on it, telling what they felt was effective, as well as suggestions for perhaps making the presentation more effective by fitting it to the specific householder. Cover remainder of article with questions. Stress that our objective in using the new book is to make disciples—if possible, involving entire families in Bible discussions.

5 min: Service arrangements should be made clear to all. Conclude with song 119 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 4

12 min: Song 16. General announcements, including brief accounts report. Cover Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century brochure, pages 25 and 26, “Their Worldwide Organization and Work.” Handled by talk, but involving audience by asking them questions. Tie in 1979 Yearbook, citing how many were baptized and how many Bible studies were conducted, and what the local congregation did to contribute to these figures.

18 min: Continue in brochure, pages 26-31, “Questions Often Asked About Them.” Have various family groups assigned in advance to consider selected questions that would be most appropriate for congregation’s territory. Discuss how these might be answered in the field service, or when interested persons ask questions. Emphasize that being equipped to answer questions is important to disciple-making.

23 min: “Do You Prepare as a Family?” Elder discusses with family the value of reading the Bible together as a family, as well as preparing together for meetings and field service. Actually discuss the suggestions in the article. Have parent demonstrate how he could teach his child a simple presentation for the Family Life book; emphasize to the child that he should be interested in disciple-making, so he should take one of his parents or another publisher back to aid any who show interest. In connection with paragraph 10, have a youth in the audience raise his hand and ask, How can I have a family study when my parents are not in the truth? Discuss how he can be helped.

7 min: Mention the need of applying suggestions in the future to assist all in bearing much fruit and proving ourselves Christ’s disciples in harmony with yeartext. Invite audience to read and study over Revelation 2 and 3 before next week’s meeting. Service announcements. Song 60 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 11

8 min: Song 3 and general announcements.

20 min: To Whom Shall We Go as Families? Present as talk and involve audience with questions outlined below; discuss scriptures as time permits.

Constant pressure is on families to turn them from serving Jehovah. Each family member’s loyalty is being severely tested. Must have confidence in the direction and lead Jehovah provides through Christ. Discuss John 14:6. No present or future hope apart from God’s provision through Jesus.—Acts 4:12.

Early Christians faced similar tests of loyalty. When Jesus presented a difficult Scriptural truth, some turned away, but not Peter. (John 6:67-69) Do we have the same spirit? Why is it important for family members to feel like Peter?

What would we gain by turning away? Association with a loveless world, perhaps a few sensual thrills, a return to mind-darkening doctrines, a short aimless life filled with problems, a void to be filled by the demons.—2 Pet. 2:19-22; compare Luke 11:24-26.

What do we have and keep by remaining under the headship of Christ? The benefits of Christ’s ransom, the Bible as a guide to our lives, a solid hope of a paradise earth, hope of resurrection of the dead, privilege of bearing the name of Jehovah, clear vision of the clear-cut difference between Jehovah’s organization and Satan’s, opportunities to share good news with others, a life of purpose and real hope.—John 14:19; 1 Pet. 3:18; Matt. 6:10; Isa. 43:10, 11; John 15:19.

To remain under Christ’s leadership, we need strong faith. How can each family member build faith to benefit all in the family? (Rom. 10:17) Disciple-making under the command of Jesus draws us together and strengthens our faith, as we help others the way we have been helped. (Matt. 28:19, 20) What else is required of our families in order to have Jehovah’s approval?—John 15:4, 10. (Stress unity and obedience.)

As families we want to stick close to Jehovah under the headship of Christ and those appointed to look after the flock. Show by daily conduct that we have the same appreciation expressed by Peter.—John 6:67-69.

25 min: “Hear What the Spirit Says to the Congregations.” To be handled by elder with fine teaching qualifications.

Brief introductory comments: Last month we discussed inspired messages to congregations of Ephesus, Smyrna and Pergamum, and their application to congregations today. Emphasize how the messages to the congregations of Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea are beneficial to congregations today, and also to many families that make up these congregations.

(Invite all to open Bibles to Revelation chapter 2. Audience participation.) Who is the one with “eyes like a fiery flame” that is inspecting the congregations and their overseers? What was commendable about the Thyatira congregation? (Rev. 2:18, 19) What kind of woman was Jezebel? What things did she teach? What was her attitude? What will happen in our day to those unrepentantly following a similar course? Can Jesus as head of the congregation today know of wrongdoing not apparent to others? (vss. 20-23) What are the “deep things of Satan”? How can we as individuals and families avoid getting to know these “deep things”? (vs. 24; “Finished Mystery” book, p. 148) What encouragement is given for us today, in verse 25? In what activity will faithful anointed ones share? What does their receiving “the morning star” mean? (vss. 26-28; fm, pp. 149-153)

Are we like the congregation in Sardis? How could people today appear to be alive but be dead? (3:1, 2) Of what do both congregations and families need to be mindful? Why? (vs. 3) Since the “outer garments” indicate one’s appearance as a Christian, what is required of us as Christians if we want the reward of everlasting life? (vss. 4-6)

Are we like the congregation in Philadelphia? Are we responding to the open door of Christian activity? How can we do so as families? (vs. 8) How has the “synagogue of Satan” done obeisance before the feet of the anointed? (vs. 9; fm, pp. 172-174) What rewards are promised the faithful anointed ones in Philadelphia? What does this indicate regarding faithful ones today? (vss. 10-13)

What was the problem with the congregation in Laodicea? What is the significance of being lukewarm? In what way could this happen to us today? (vss. 14-16) In what sense were the Laodiceans “miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked”? How could families be in that same state today? What remedy is prescribed for recovery? How can Christians make use of that remedy today? (vss. 17, 18) How are we encouraged to respond to Christ’s discipline? (vs. 19)

Conclusion: Must be ever conscious that we are under inspection as congregations and families. Salvation does not come merely from claiming to be Jehovah’s Witnesses. Let us each pay attention to what the spirit says to the congregations.

7 min: Field service announcements and encouragement to apply year’s text in our lives. Song 33 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 18

5 min: Song 48 and general announcements.

30 min: What Are We Doing with What We Are Learning?

Work needs to be done on this part WELL IN ADVANCE. Many fine field points and points to help us in our everyday lives are covered in our service meeting, the Theocratic School and the congregation book study each week. Are we using what we are learning? On this part, use 10 minutes for each of these meetings. Early in the month, assign one or two book study groups to cover each of the three meetings, picking different groups than were used the previous month, if possible. Ask them to be alert to use points gleaned from material discussed at these meetings. They may use such points in making a personal decision, in informal witnessing, when going from house to house, on return visits or in any other way. We would like to hear their experiences on this program. This should not be a review of the meetings but should highlight how material from the meetings has actually been used.

20 min: Serve Loyally—Do Not Give Up! Elder to discuss following material with audience. Scriptures should be included in the discussion.

What is loyalty? (Eph. 4:24) If you know that a member of the congregation is guilty of serious wrongdoing, what should loyalty move you to do? (Lev. 5:1) If you heard a critical report about a brother, what would loyalty move you to do? (Ps. 50:20, 21; 1 Tim. 5:19) If there was an opportunity of making quite a bit of money, but it was at the possible risk of doing harm to our Christian brothers, what course would loyalty move us to take?—Prov. 28:20; 1 Tim. 6:9, 10.

What situations today could test the loyalty of young Christians? How was young Joseph able to resist the pressures and temptations to commit immorality? What do we learn by the expression “day after day” in connection with this temptation? How could similar situations come up at school? (Gen. 39:7-12) How could Eli’s sons have been a test to young Samuel’s loyalty? Could similar tests be exerted on young ones from within God’s congregation today?—1 Sam. 2:12-18.

Conclude with encouragement to make loyalty a part of our personality.—Eph. 4:24; 1 Thess. 2:10.

5 min: Service announcements. Song 65 and prayer.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Life Does Have a Purpose:

February 4: Pages 38 to 47

February 11: Pages 48 to 56*

February 18: Pages 56 to 64

February 25: Pages 65 to 71

* To subheading.

Announcements

● Literature offer for February and March: The book Making Your Family Life Happy for 35c. For April: Watchtower subscription for one year for $2.00, with 384- or 416-page book free to new subscribers. (Man’s Salvation out of World Distress at Hand! and “The Nations Shall Know that I Am Jehovah”—How? may be ordered from the Society. We have ample supplies.)

● Reminder: Subscriptions along with the Weekly Subscriptions form (M-203) should be sent to Watchtower, Wallkill, N.Y. 12589. However, subscription money should be included with magazine money remitted each month to the Society’s Brooklyn office.

● Please note the following price change for the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century: Pioneer, 2c; congregation, 8c; public, 10c. This is for a revised edition, with updated figures and a fresh set of questions answered on pages 26-31, and printed on quality paper.

● Pioneer rates for literature, magazines and subscriptions may be obtained only through the congregation.

● When new secretary appointments need to be made in between circuit overseer visits (as for example, when a secretary moves to another congregation or needs to be removed for one reason or another), this matter should be considered by the entire body of elders. The recommendation should be made to the Society and the service committee should sign the letter on behalf of the entire body of elders. In this way, things will be done uniformly and appropriate appointments can then be made. (Elders should re-read the letter of April 12, 1978.)

● The April 15 Watchtower and April 8 and 22 Awake! will have articles specially suitable for placing with the public and for obtaining subscriptions. Be sure to place your order early for extra copies, including those that will be needed by auxiliary pioneers.

● New Publications Available:

Making Your Family Life Happy—Portuguese

My Book of Bible Stories—Portuguese

Your Youth—Getting the Best out of It—Greek, Thai

“Look! I Am Making All Things New”—Korean

Unseen Spirits—Do They Help Us? Or Do They Harm Us?—Danish, Dutch, German, Portuguese, Swahili

“Singing and Accompanying Yourselves with Music in Your Hearts”—Greek

● The Thai edition of Awake! is now available as a monthly magazine. Subscriptions may be obtained.

● Please be reminded that both new and renewal subscriptions obtained from unbaptized persons should be reported on your monthly field service report. This adjustment made July 1, 1977, was to help all to appreciate that renewal subscriptions are just as important as new ones. Of course, subscriptions for baptized persons would not be reported.

November Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 642 125.2 41.5 4.3 81.4

Pios. 14,076 85.1 29.9 3.3 53.8

Aux. Pios. 19,485 59.4 15.8 1.3 31.4

Pubs. 495,681 8.9 3.3 .4 6.6

TOTAL 529,884

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 4,711