More notes I am passsing along (not sure if this was already covered):
Brother Gary Breaux of the United States Branch Committee held the next part, which was a panel discussion of some of some Witnesses involved in the Special Metropolitan Public Witnessing Program. A circuit overseer who oversees much of the work, Brother Hodan, told us that Manhattan has thousands of people you cannot access in the regular door to door ministry. However, he said that in some areas of the city 60, 000 people walk by each day. Thus the importance of creating this public witnessing program is seen. Currently there are 775 brothers and sisters taking part in this program. Shifts are from 8AM-8PM 7 days a week. 2 pioneers sit at a table with posters of the current magazines as well as literature. 2 other pioneers stand away from the table, finding interest and directing people to the table. The Agards, a couple intervened who are in the public witnessing program in Chicago told us that there have been many interesting conversations with authorities. In fact the authorities have even asked them to store drugs under their tables in order to train their police dogs. The couples interviewed told us that there have been thousands of experiences that have come from this program. In one area in just 2 days 14 different Bible studies were started. Brother Hodan told us that this work has been very successful, phenomenal in fact. It helps get the work done in a rapid fashion. It has also done a lot for the pioneers as it is a very encouraging work. The program has now been extended to other parts of NYC, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Since October 2011 38, 000 magazines have been placed while doing this program. We were finally informed by Brother Breaux that details on how this program works will soon be sent to all Branches around the world, and to all congregations. Posters and displays and instructions will soon be available to all congregations.
