Hi all, Just got this letter (sorry about formatting - anyone clean it up?)
Christian Congregation
of Jehovah’s Witnesses
The Ridgeway, London, NW7 1RN Telephone: 020 8906 2211
August 13, 2015
TO ALL CONGREGATIONS
Re: Making Wise Use of Our Magazines
Dear Brothers:
Millions of people worldwide appreciate the Bible study aids that are provided by “the
faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) Much time, effort and funds are expended producing
magazines and literature that helps many each year to “come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”
—1 Tim. 2:4.
It has, however, been noticed that in a number of congregations not all the magazines
ordered are being used. In some instances, magazines have been allowed to build up, resulting in
them being unused and ultimately wasted. What can be done to avoid wasting our valuable
literature?
When the current method of supplying magazines was introduced, this instruction was
given: “Publishers should take only the number of magazines needed for the current week of
activity in the ministry, not for the entire month.” Are we following that direction, or do we find
that we are taking more than we need for the week? Please can we ask that all in the congregation
give this matter careful consideration so as to reduce the amount of waste. A very large quantity of
magazines are printed in many languages and it is hoped that these can all be used in the
evangelizing work. Also, could we make more use of our electronic devices, helping interested
persons use the jw.org website?
What action can be taken if large quantities of magazines have built-up in the congregation
or in our personal supply? First, the elders will make sure that the order is reduced immediately.
However, even old magazines are still of value to the reader and a special effort should be made to
place them with the public. Some suggestions of how this can be accomplished can be found in the
March 2014 edition of Our Kingdom Ministry, page 3.
We want our literature to achieve its intended purpose of reaching the heart of those wishing
to come to know our heavenly Father. Therefore, may we all ensure that none of our literature is
wasted and that we continue to make the best use of these valuable gifts from our generous God.
—Jas. 1:17.
Please be assured of our warm brotherly love and best wishes.
Your brothers,
PS to the body of elders:
Please read out the above letter to the congregation at the first Service Meeting after receipt.
Thereafter, it should be placed on the noticeboard.
Re: Making Wise Use of Our Magazines
August 13, 2015
Page 2
The following part of this PS should not be read to the congregation or placed on the noticeboard.
It is the responsibility of the elders in each congregation to keep a regular check on the flow of magazines so that dedicated funds are not wasted by overprinting. For example, while taking part in public witnessing, many publishers are commendably imitating the methods shown on jw.org and this has reduced the amount of magazines being placed in this activity. However, this calls for a close monitoring of the magazines being used in this form of preaching. If it is found that many magazines are left over at the end of the month then this should be reflected in the congregation order and a reduction should be made. It is very easy to adjust the order either up or down on jw.org, but bear in mind it takes two to three months for the change to take effect.
Therefore, please can we ask that all service overseers and magazine coordinators immediately and thoroughly re-appraise the magazine order for their congregation(s). If it is found that a number of magazines are being left over each month then a reduction of the congregations order can immediately be implemented.—See the direction in Literature and Magazine Request Guidelines (S-56) chapter 7, paragraph 4.
SF