OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

MARCH 1985

Vol. 28, No. 3

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

MARCH 4-10

How do you start conversations

1. In door-to-door work?

• 2. When doing street work?

• 3. To witness informally?

MARCH 11-17 Current offer

• 1. What book will you use?

• 2. What points in the book will you feature?

• 3. If person already has book, what will you do?

MARCH 18-24

How do you start Bible studies

1. On the initial call?

• 2. On return visits?

• 3. With families?

MARCH 25-31

Your service schedule

1. Discuss the advantages of a schedule for service.

• 2. What have you found to be practical?

• 3. What helps you adhere to your service schedule?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Are We Facing Armageddon?

Rev. 16:14, 16—Armageddon —God’s war, not man’s.

Rev. 21:1,4—A trouble-free “new earth” to follow.

• ¹ Jesus commanded all Christians to memorialize his death. (Luke 22:19) This annual observance would serve as a reminder of the great sacrifice that he made on behalf of all mankind. This year Jehovah’s people worldwide will celebrate the Memorial of Christ’s death on Thursday, April 4, after sundown. Once again they will show their gratitude for God’s generous gift of his Son. Are you already making your plans to be there?

GETTING READY

• ² Advance preparation is important. What will that involve? Individuals and family groups should plan to arrive on time. If some in your family are not believers, perhaps you can stimulate their interest in this most important event. Have you made personal plans to invite newly interested ones? If you are helping others to attend, have you planned to leave your home in time to arrive at the meeting before it begins? You may need to remind new ones of the importance of being there on time.

• ³ Our 1985 calendar outlines the Bible portions to be read beginning March 30 in preparation for the Memorial. Have you made plans to read over this material personally? Per

  Sharing Treasures and Increasing Wealth

  
  

• ¹ Many people today center their lives around acquiring material possessions—houses, gold, silver, precious stones, and the like. However, more valuable to Christians than all these things are the spiritual treasures found in the Bible. No sum of money could ever compare to a knowledge of God’s purpose and the prospect of everlasting life! Appreciating the value of such priceless truths creates within us a desire to share them with others. —Compare 1 John 2:15-17.

• ² Jehovah has provided his people with bountiful spiritual food in the form of books and other Bible study aids. The knowledge of God, the meaning of prophecies, the wisdom of applying Bible principles in everyday life, and the significance of world events are but a few of the many treasures that have been uncovered. Truly each publication has proved to be a storehouse of spiritual truth. How can we increase our spiritual wealth and share these treasures with others?

INCREASING OUR WEALTH

• ³ Why not take the opportunity to study or review some of the older haps this could be done as a family group. Bible students can be informed of the portions to be read, and then they can be encouraged to read the Scriptures each day in anticipation of the Memorial observance.

• ⁴ Elders should look after the various details that will assure an orderly Memorial observance. Attendants need to be assigned, extra seating arranged, servers selected, emblems and utensils provided. Since a larger than normal attendance is expected, thought should be given to an orderly plan for entering and exiting, especially where more than one congregation may be using the same Kingdom Hall. Also, be alert to the need for proper ventilation.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

• ⁵ Jesus gave other commands concerning activities that we should keep obeying. One of the most important of these is to preach the good news of the Kingdom. (Mark 13:10) This lifesaving work needs to be done with urgency. Ours is a time for exceptional activity, intensified service requiring enlarged faith and zeal. Remember, one day soon will be our last day in this old

(Continued on page 2, col. 1}

publications such as the Choosing and Holy Spirit books? Several years have passed since these were released, and perhaps newer publishers have not had a chance to examine their contents. The information in these books has strengthened the worldwide unity of Jehovah’s Witnesses and has contributed to our spiritual development. (1 Cor. 1:10) If you have not already done so, why not obtain such older publications for your own theocratic library?

SHARING TREASURES WITH OTHERS

• ⁴ During the months of March and April we will be offering one of the older books for a contribution of SI.00. The December 1984 Our Kingdom Ministry suggested which books to use. These God-given instruments have already proved their worth in helping many people to respond to the good news. Conscientious effort should be made to get more of them into the hands of interested people.

• ⁵ There are times when we meet individuals who doubt the Bible’s value or who even question the ex-

(Continued on page 4, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING MARCH 3

Song 205

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage all to share in magazine work this Saturday. Demonstrate two one-minute magazine presentations. Feature current Watchtower in one and current Awake! in the other.

25 min: “Sharing Treasures and Increasing Wealth.” Question-and-answer discussion. After considering paragraph 5, arrange for two demonstrations using the current Topic for Conversation and show how an effective transition can be made to one of the older publications being offered. One demonstration should feature the Evolution book with a setting similar to what is described in paragraph 5. The other demonstration can highlight the Holy Spirit book, using the following suggested presentation: After introducing yourself, you could say, “Do you think lasting peace will ever come to this troubled world?” Allow for a reply and comment on some local happening that illustrates the concern over present world conditions. Then state, “History confirms that man’s efforts to bring about peace have failed. However, the Bible describes what a source higher than man will soon accomplish.” Then turn to page 181 of the Holy Spirit book and read Revelation 21:4 quoted in paragraph 35. Continue by saying, “This wonderful prospect can only be realized by means of God’s holy spirit. You can enjoy learning more about this force for everlasting peace. The book is yours for a contribution of $1.00.” Conclude by encouraging good preparation so as to be effective in using the books offered. Have participants prepare for this part well in advance.

“Keep Doing This ...” (Cont’d) system. Life now is short, fleeting. No one can be sure of being alive tomorrow. We have only a limited time in which to prove our faithfulness and integrity to God. (See Psalm 39:5; Luke 12:18-21.) So it would be fitting to ask ourselves: Am I satisfied with what I did today? Have I really made sufficient plans for this Memorial season to show Jehovah and Jesus Christ that I appreciate what they have done in opening up the way to everlasting

10 mln: Can You Auxiliary Pioneer? Enthusiastic talk by elder. With four full weekends left in March, it is not too late to enroll. Younger publishers are encouraged to share. If you cannot pioneer, work in field service to extent possible.

Song 150 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 10

Song 215

10 min: Local announcements and accounts report.

20 min: “Keep Doing This . . . ” Question-and-answer coverage of article. Have paragraphs read as time allows. Questions on paragraphs 3 through 6 should allow for personal expressions of what publishers, elders, and ministerial servants will do in implementing instructions. Chairman should encourage increased field ministry during April.

15 min: Encourage auxiliary pioneering during April. Relate the activity of auxiliary pioneers during last April. Interview some who auxiliary pioneered. How did various members of the family cooperate? Hqw are personal and family responsibilities organized to accomplish it? Can youths take advantage of spring vacation period to pioneer? Encourage all to be supportive.

Song 181 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 17

Song 133

7 min: Local announcements. Also, encourage all to share in magazine activity on fourth Saturday. Outline local arrangements. If time permits, cite articles in current magazines that may have special appeal in local territory.

10 min: “The‘Other Sheep’and the Lord’s Evening Meal.” Using Watchtower article beginning on page 15 of life? Could I increase my participation in the field ministry during this Memorial season? Have I prayerfully given consideration to auxiliary pioneer service during April in order to do all that Jesus commanded me?

⁶ A most timely subject has been selected for the special talk to be given Sunday, April 14. It is: “Good News in a Violent World.” Be sure to invite those who come with you to the Memorial to return on this special occasion also. They need to increase their association with JehoFebruary 15 issue, capable publisher demonstrates how to encourage Bible student to attend Memorial. Can read paragraphs 20 and 21 and encourage student to prepare and to attend Watchtower Study when article is considered.

15 min: “Teaching at Home Bible Studies.” Talk with question-and-answer coverage of paragraphs 3-9.

13 min: Arrange locally according to need of congregation. Or, one or two members of Congregation Service Committee can discuss encouragement and benefits from most recent visit of circuit overseer.

Song 156 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 24

Song 143

15 min: Local announcements and “A Need for Help at Bethel.” Elder will conduct enthusiastic question-and-answer session. Have paragraphs read. Encourage those who qualify to seriously and prayerfully consider opportunities for Bethel service.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News —To Relatives and Personal Acquaintances.” Questions and answers. Demonstrate a tactful approach that a publisher could use while visiting a relative. Also, demonstrate Witness sharing the truth with an acquaintance he has not seen since becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

15 mln: Looking Ahead to Memorial. Talk. Review local preparations for Memorial on Thursday, April 4, after sundown. Use Memorial invitations. Stress correct date and time, especially if more than one congregation will use hall. Everyone should try to arrive early. Also, announce adjustments in meetings for the week. Encourage all to do suggested Bible reading before Memorial.

Song 165 and concluding prayer.

vah’s people and grow in their appreciation of Jehovah and Jesus Christ. It would be good to arrive early for this talk and warmly greet all new ones present.

⁷ Knowing that we have reached the final part of “the last days” of this present system should move us to perform exceptional service. (2 Tim. 3:1) Let us show our appreciation for all that Jehovah has done for us by doing all we can in his service this Memorial season. Such will not go unnoticed by our heavenly Father.—Heb. 6:10.

Announcemen ts

• Literature offer for March and April: One of the older pocket-size books for a contribution of $1.00. (See December Our Kingdom Ministry for titles.) May and June: Live Forever book for a contribution of $2.50. Both the large and small size editions will be used during the campaign. The smaller book is offered for $1.25.

• There will be a district convention in Anchorage, Alaska, June 20-23. The Sullivan Arena in Anchorage is large enough to accommodate all Alaskan brothers plus any visitors who desire to attend.

• The presiding overseer or someone assigned by him should audit the congregation accounts on March 1 or as soon as possible thereafter.

• • Beginning the week of April 21, Survival Into a New Earth will be considered at Congregation Book Studies.

• • Available Again in U.S.A.:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—Reference Bible (Rbi8) (congregation and public: $9.00; pioneers: $5.00)          —English

• • New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—1984 edition (deluxe; DLbilS; available in black or maroon) (congregation and public: $7.00; pioneers: $3.50)   —English

Aid to Bible Understanding (Volume 3, Fu-He)                —Dutch

Happiness—How to Find It   —Polish

My Book of Bible Stories —Croatian Survival Into a New Earth —Danish, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Swedish You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth ■       —Chichewa, Polish

Watchtower Publications Index for 1981                 —Japanese

Watchtower Publications Index for

1982                 —Japanese

Watchtower Publications Index for 1983                 —German

The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever —Danish, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Swedish

• • New Cassette Recordings Available:

Genesis (set of four; congregation and public: $6.00; pioneers: $5.0U)

—French, Italian, Spanish Psalms (set of five: congregation and public: $7.50; pioneers: $6.25)

—French

• • The following sets of three are $4.50 congregation and public; $3.75 pioneers:

Leviticus                —Japanese

Numbers               —Japanese

• • The following sets of two are $3.00 congregation and public; $2.50 pioneers:

The Second of $amuel —English The Second to the Corinthians, To the Galatians              —Japanese

A Revelation to John —Japanese • The following single cassettes are $2.00 congregation and public; $1.75 pioneers:

The First of Peter through The Letter of Jude               —Japanese

Jehovah’s Name to Be Declared in All the Earth—Drama     —Japanese

• ¹ One of the most joyful experiences we can have in our ministry is teaching others to be true Christians, just as Jesus commanded us. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Are you experiencing this joy?

• ² Although we strive to be teachers in every feature of our ministry, the home Bible study activity affords the greatest opportunity to teach. So, if you do not conduct a Bible study regularly, make the matter a subject of prayer and a goal toward which to work. By so doing, many have been blessed with Bible studies and have thereby been afforded fine opportunities to teach others to be true Christians.

CAN YOU DO IT?

• ³ It takes time and careful study for a person to become convinced of the Bible’s message about God’s Kingdom. (Matt. 10:11) For this reason we have the home Bible study arrangement. This features a comprehensive course of study covering many subjects, which are logically presented in the Society’s publications. By conducting a home Bible study regularly with the aid of one of our study publications, the majority of us can help sincere students to gain knowledge of God and Christ.—John 17:3; 1 John 5:20.

• ⁴ Jesus Christ was a master teacher; therefore, we should learn and employ his methods. How did he teach? He asked discerning questions. (Matt. 17:24-26; Luke 10: 25-36) Why did he do that? To help people to reason and examine themselves in the light of his teachings. With his questions he tactfully reached their hearts. Those he taught had to show whether they genuinely wanted to be his followers or whether their motives were insincere.—Matt. 13:10-17; Mark 8:34-38.

⁶ Additionally, Jesus’ teaching featured illustrations and object lessons; and he used other effective methods. (Matt. 4:18, 19; Luke 15: 3-10; John 13:2-16) Also, he presented matters with simplicity, brevity, and clarity. (Matthew, chapters 5-7) We can be thankful

Schedule for congregation studies in the brochure The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever:

March 3: Pages 3 to 5 March 10: Pages 6 to 11 March 17: Pages 12 to 16 March 24: Pages 17 to 22* March 31: Pages 22* to 24

• To or from subheading. that the Society’s publications use the same teaching methods.

^G Prepare well for the study. Give thought to portions that may be hard for the students to understand, points where they will likely raise questions, and matters of special interest as well as those that apply to their everyday lives.

HOW TO TEACH AT A STUDY

• ⁷ An established study should be opened with prayer. Your prayer requesting Jehovah’s guidance and blessing will emphasize the seriousness and dignity of the study, as well as demonstrate your sincerity as a minister of God. A brief review of the preceding lesson may be appropriate, leading into the current study.

^K Many of the Bible study aids that we use in the ministry have questions for each paragraph. This feature is a teaching aid that can be used to help students to express themselves in their own words. When the correct answer to the question is not forthcoming, you may want to paraphrase the question. But, do not turn the study into a mere guessing game. Learning the truth is based on reason and logic.

• ⁹ Ordinarily, the study period will be about one hour. Often a chapter can be covered, but this depends on the aptitude of-those studying. Encourage students to prepare in advance and give answers in their own words. Hold to God’s Word in your teaching. (Titus 1:9) It is God’s Word that has power and that will move people to action. (Heb. 4:12) Accordingly, as time allows, look up and read key Scriptures.

A MARVELOUS PRIVILEGE

• ¹⁰ Teaching others the truth about Jehovah God, Jesus Chrwt, and the Kingdom is a marvelous privilege. (1 Cor. 3:6-9) Last year in this country an average of 416,987 home Bible studies were conducted each month! Are you enjoying this marvelous privilege of service? May Jehovah God give ear to our prayers and bless our efforts to be teachers at home Bible studies.

DECEMBER SERVICE REPORT

Av    Av   Av

Pubs.  Hrs.  Mags.  R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’IPios. 305 129.7 96.9 52.9 5.8

Pios.      35,526  82.8  49.7 30.3

Aux. Pios. 26,753  59.0  35.2 17.8

Pubs. 615,784   9.2   7.6  3.6 0.5

TOTAL 678,368

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,420

To Relatives and Personal Acquaintances

• ¹ It is only natural that a person accepting the truth would be eager to share it with others, especially relatives and close acquaintances. After Andrew was invited to be Jesus’ follower, he found his brother Simon “early next morning” and declared, “We have found the Messiah.” Likewise, Philip without delay located his friend Nathanael and urged him to “come and see.”—John 1:41, 45, 46; see Rbt8 footnote and Acts 10:24.

• ² What about you? Are you seeking out opportunities to speak about the truth to your relatives and acquaintances? Perhaps you have hesitated to do so out of fear that they might reject the message and change their feelings toward you. Do not hold back. Neighbor love requires that you speak the truth joyfully and without fear. (Luke 10:27) Since they already know you, your relatives may be more willing to listen to you than to a stranger who calls at their door.

WHY? HOW?

• ³ Remember that all mankind not serving Jehovah are “alienated” from God and so are considered “enemies.” Their lives are at stake. (Col. 1:21) Jehovah keenly desires that all persons hear the truth and “attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) We have the serious responsibility to tell everyone what the future holds. (Ezek. 33:7-9) Can you think of ways to help your family and acquaintances learn the truth? Persistent and tactful efforts will often bring gratifying results.

¹ The 1985 Yearbook relates the experience of a woman in Japan who came into the truth as a result of a special pioneer patiently making return visits on her. She had been quite active in her former religion and had many relatives still in that religion. She began to witness to them, and within five years over 50 became Witnesses.

Sharing                   (Cont’d)

istence of God. By featuring the Evolution book, perhaps we can help them overcome their doubts. The information presented on pages 116-126 could accomplish this. If the person we talk to has experienced a death in the family, he may be comforted by thoughts in Is This Life All There Is? Perhaps we will meet a householder who shows con

• ⁵ If your initial efforts produce little or no results, do not be discouraged. In many cases a favorable response is not realized until after months or even years of trying. Jesus said his sheep would hear his voice. But we need not expect them to do so at the first call. (John 10:16) For years they may have been battered by this old world, and it may require a generous use of the soothing oil of Bible truths before they will respond.

• ⁶ Philippians 2:15 indicates that for us to be “shining as illuminators” we have to be “blameless and innocent, children of God without a blemish.” So our family and acquaintances should be able to see that the truth has made a big change in our lives. The apostle Peter stressed the same point.—1 Pet. 2:12.

• ⁷ More is needed, however, than just a good example if our relatives are to be motivated to serve Jehovah. A witness has to be given. (Rom. 10:14; Acts 8:31) To reach family members living far from you, well-thought-out and neatly written letters may be an effective means of sharing the good news. Your letters should not be critical, but positive, upbuilding, and friendly. They should radiate the joy and hope that is in your heart since learning the truth.

BE POSITIVE

• ⁸ Some sisters have been afraid that their husbands would strongly oppose them and so they have refrained from telling them about what they do in connection with the congregation. Of course, each one will have to make a personal decision in this matter. But, never should we overlook the value of fervent prayer to Jehovah when anticipating an opportunity to witness to family members and acquaintances. (Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1) Adopt a positive attitude. Surely Jehovah will bless your sincere efforts to present the good news to your relatives and personal acquaintances.

cern over present world conditions. Accordingly, we may feel the Choosing book would be of particular interest.

⁶ In every case good preparation and flexibility are needed to be most effective. This means being familiar enough with a particular book to highlight specific points. Regardless of what publication is used, we will enjoy Jehovah's blessings if we

A Need for Help at Bethel

• ¹ With the increase in proclaimers of the good news there is a need for more to serve at Bethel. (Isa. 6:8) There is much to do not only in printing and shipping literature but also in renovating newly acquired facilities.

• ² Due to the nature of the work, the greatest need is for single brothers, 19 to 35 years of age. Some married couples, up to 35 years of age, can also be used. Can some of you brothers, especially those who are now in the pioneer work, make yourselves available? The organization will benefit from your help, and you will benefit from the fine training and blessings received in Bethel service.

• ³ Those over 35 years of age may wish to apply for regular or temporary Bethel service if they have some special skill. Their applications will be kept on file until their services are needed.

• ⁴ All who apply should be in good physical, mental, and spiritual health, be able and willing to live and work with many others, and be able to do this without taking time off because of health problems. They should be in good standing with the congregation, have a fine report from the elders and the circuit overseer, speak English well, and be willing to do whatever work is assigned. Regular applicants should have in mind staying for a numbei^- of years, learning and gaining experience as they widen out in their sacred service.—2 Cor. 6:13.

• ⁵ If you wish to apply, obtain a Bethel application by writing to the Personnel Committee at Brooklyn or by contacting your circuit overseer. After you fill out the application it will be considered by your Congregation Service Committee and then by your circuit overseer. Those who qualify and make themselves available have the privilege, if invited to serve at Bethel, of sharing in working in cooperation with “the entire association of [our] brothers in the world.”—1 Pet. 5:9.

present the good news with sincerity and firm conviction.

⁷ Although the world places increasing emphasis on acquiring material things, we will continue to appreciate the Bible as the source of genuine wealth. During March and April we will share the spiritual treasures found in our older books and thereby increase the spiritual wealth of others.

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