Like OTWO says, it is legitimized by 'letting the holy spirit guide the writing'. In this way they are emulating the New Testament writers who penned letters to the different congregations and individuals. Not that these letters are divinely inspired, mind you, but that this is a legitimate way to witness to others. That's the way it was explained to me when I pioneered. I did some letter writing back in those days, but I always believed that door-to-door work and face-to-face contact was the best way to get the message across. But then, I was one of those weird people who actually enjoyed field service and I was quite good at it to boot. I met many interesting people in the territory and had quite a few stimulating conversations. Our territory in Boulder, Colorado was unusual in many ways and that may account for my experiences.
I was talking to my Witness buddy on Wednesday evening and he told me that the thirty-hour auxiliary pioneer arrangement has received a lot of support. There is more talk that it should be made permanent and he tells me that many Witnesses he has talked to say they would take it up if the Society moves in that direction. I have a feeling this was the plan all along and that this month was a trial balloon to see how the rank-and-file would react to it. With world gasoline prices skyrocketing (nearly $4/gallon in the U.S. and almost $10/gallon in the U.K.), I would think the economic hit that pioneers are taking is severe. Adjusting the hours requirement for auxiliary pioneers, and later possibly for regular pioneers, would keep many in the ranks.
Quendi
