TO ALL CONGREGATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES BRANCH TERRITORY Re: Moving to where there is a need for publishers in another language
Dear Brothers:
Many of our brothers and sisters are learning another language to help sincere individuals to “ seek God . . . a nd really find him.” (Acts 17:27 ) In order to further Kingdom interests, we are inviting qualified publishers to prayerfully consider moving permanently to preach in areas where there is a population that speaks another language. Why is such an invitation being extended?
Consider that in 2007 there were 31,200 publishers serving in 491 foreign-language con- gregations in our branch territory. By 2012, this had increased to 46,400 publishers associating with 841 foreign-language congregations. There were also seven foreign-language circuits formed during the 2013 service year: three in American Sign Language, two in Haitian Creole, one in Portuguese, and one in Vietnamese. And in the 2014 service year, foreign-language cir- cuits were formed in Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Tagalog.
In view of the need to preach in other languages, qualified publishers may want to con- sider moving permanently to an area. A list of locations where there is a sizable community that speaks a language other than English or Spanish will be posted on the information board. Any contemplating such a move should carefully “ calculate the expense. ” (Luke 14:28) The aim is to give a greater Kingdom witness in other languages. At the same time, serving in a foreign- language field presents certain challenges, including learning the language and culture of the people. Other factors to consider are located in the Watch Tower Publications Index under the head- ing “Serving Where Need Is Greater.” ( w06 3/15 pp. 17-20; w03 7/15 p. 20 pars. 18-21; w88 8/15 pp. 21-23) After reviewing the information, qualified publishers should evaluate their circum- stances to see if they can respond to this call for help. If so, such ones must prepare a letter to the branch office, outlining their theocratic background and desire to move. Please be specific in the language(s) and location(s) you are considering. Next, the publisher should give the letter to the Congregation Service Committee, who will send it to the branch office along with their recom- mendation. The branch office will reply to the publisher and elders with additional information.
Wonderful potential for Kingdom increase exists as people “out of all the languages of the nations . . . take firm hold of the robe of a Jew, saying: ‘We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” (Zech. 8:23; Mark 13:10) May Jehovah bless your share in this great preaching activity.
___________
PS: Bolds are part of the letter. They have a big list of states and languages also.