OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

V           >

JUNE 1985

Vol. 28, No. 6

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

JUNE 3-9

Why is it beneficial to refer to

1. Specific points in the Live Forever book?

• 2. Pictures in Live Forever book?

• 3. Current events?

JUNE 10-16

Why should we carry

1. Magazines when we are offering a book?

• 2. Tracts?

• 3. Brochures?

JUNE 17-23

Why is it good to

1. Read each magazine?

• 2. Make a 30- to 60-second presentation?

• 3. Feature only one article at a time?

JUNE 24-30

How does advance preparation

1. Help us to be adaptable?

• 2. Build our confidence?

• 3. Contribute to our effectiveness?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

A Bright Future for Mankind.

Ps. 37:29, 37—Prospect of living forever in peace.

Ps. 37:39—Coping with these distressing times.

• ¹ What a joyful privilege it is to share regularly in proclaiming the message of salvation! How richly blessed we are to bear this message to others! As we share this good news of salvation, our own faith and zeal are strengthened. Our hearts rejoice as we heed the exhortation to “sing to Jehovah, bless his name."—Ps. 96:2-4.

• ² Are you making it your goal to speak the message of salvation every day? Those who engage in the auxiliary or the regular pioneer work usually have a daily share in telling the good news. Could you do this? If not, could you at least have some share, even a small informal share, each day? What a grand shout of praise to Jehovah would result if all of us could do this! You will experience Jehovah’s good pleasure and many other rich blessings as you proclaim the Kingdom hope each day.

• ³ Our attitude toward the ministry can influence how often we share the good news with others. We must not become discouraged and slow down in presenting the Kingdom message due to a lack of response on the part of people. Rather, a positive attitude and keen appreciation for the message

  Can You Pioneer This Summer?

  
  

• ¹ Can you share in the pioneer service this summer? It is encouraging to see how many are adjusting their affairs to have a part in the auxiliary and the regular pioneer service, with some reaching out for still other privileges of full-time service, such as serving as a missionary or at Bethel.

CAN YOU?

• ² Jehovah knew that as his people became imitators of him and his Son during this time of the end, they would devote themselves to their God-assigned work of Kingdom preaching. (Matt. 24:14; Mark 13:10; see also John 4:34; 5:17.) The psalmist said that ‘Jehovah’s people would offer themselves willingly’ as He gathers them for this important work. (Ps. 110:3) Psalm 68:11 describes the women telling the good news as “a large army.” And it has proved to be just that way with Jehovah’s people today. More people ^than ever before, including men, women, and youths, are now sharing in the work of Kingdom preaching. More are participating in the auxiliary pioneer work. There of salvation can strengthen our endeavor to share daily in telling the good news.—Luke 6:45.

• ⁴ As family members work together unitedly in ‘ascribing glory and strength’ to Jehovah, many rich blessings can be enjoyed. (Ps. 96:7) Both family and spiritual bonds are strengthened when time is scheduled to work in the ministry as a family. Special field service days, such as the first Sunday and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, provide excellent opportunities for family members to work together along with other families in the congregation in telling the Kingdom hope.

USE LIVE FOREVER BOOK

• ⁵ During June we will be offering the Live Forever book, both the regular and the reduced-size editions. People are concerned about day-to-day living and desire a happy future. Honest-hearted persons rejoice to learn about the prospect of long life without the problems so common to mankind today. Accurate knowledge of this hope, and faith in its soon becoming a reality, should stir us to positive action in presenting the Kingdom message.

(Continued on page 3, col. 1)

have never been more serving in the regular pioneer work or in Bethel service. More and more are giving heed to Jesus’ counsel to serve with our “whole heart, mind, and soul,’ and are delighted to be doing just that.—Matt. 22:37.

• ³ Satan and his system of things tend to make life complicated and would keep us so fully occupied that we would have little or no time for Kingdom interests. (1 Cor. 15:58) Jesus counseled, ‘If your eye is simple, your whole body will be bright.’ (Matt. 6:22) Could you adjust your affairs so that your view, your goals, and your life become simpler, less complicated? As you adjust your affairs to concentrate more on promoting Kingdom interests, you will find that you will reflect enlightenment that glorifies God and benefits fellow humans.

• ⁴ Could you share in the auxiliary pioneer work this summer? Do you have the time to serve in this capacity? Could you adjust your affairs so you do have the time? Could you (Continued on page 4, col. 2)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

NOTE: Our Kingdom Ministry will schedule a Service Meeting for each week during the summer. Each congregation may make adjustments as needed to allow for attending the district convention and then for a 30-minute review of the program highlights at the Service Meeting the following week.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 2

Song 109

10 min: Local announcements and Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

15 min: “Subjecting Ourselves to Jehovah by Dedication.” Talk on article in June 1, 1985, Watchtower, pages 29-31.

20 min: “Daily Tell the Good News of Salvation.” Questions and answers. Brief demonstration of portion of family practice session with one member of family giving simple presentation from Our Kingdom Ministry to another member of family. Encourage all to share in magazine work on second Saturday as well as house-to-house work with the offer on Sunday, if possible.

Song 129 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 9

Song 91

10 min: Local announcements and accounts report.

20 min: Teach With the Use of the Magazines. Audience discussion and demonstrations. How can we use the art of teaching in presenting the magazines? Emphasize the fundamentals of good teaching: Reliance on Jehovah. (2 min.) Remember our message is from Jehovah; promote God’s interests and not our own. Direct attention to the Bible and its message of Kingdom good news; this is vital in reaching hearts. Preparation. (2 min.) We can teach someone else only what we know. Do you read the magazines? We all need to. As you read them take particular note of points that may interest the people you meet. Which articles or points will interest a man, a woman, a child, a professional person, or someone unemployed? Try to present these points in your own words. Anticipate the interests and objections of the householder. Questions. (2 min.) Well-phrased questions can be very effective in capturing the interest of people and drawing attention to the article you wish to feature in your presentation. Effective use of questions will help you to teach and to stimulate interest. Illustrations. (2 min.) Jesus taught by using word pictures. (Matt. 13:34, 35) The magazines contain actual pictures that graphically illustrate major points or lessons discussed in the material. Calling attention to these pictures involves both hearing and seeing, enhancing the effectiveness of your teaching. Repetition. (2 min.) Regularly returning with the latest issues may progressively help the householder to learn more about the Kingdom hope. It may also help you to build a rapport with the householder that could lead to a Bible study, (sg pp. 49-54)

(9 min.) Two demonstrations. Have experienced publisher(s) demonstrate 30- to 60-second presentations of the current magazines. In first demonstration, feature The Watchtower and in the second demonstration, feature Awake! Encourage audience to observe closely. After each presentation, ask audience to comment on how the teaching techniques previously discussed were used.

(1 min.) Chairman encourages all to apply points discussed. We spend much time in the field service offering magazines. To accomplish the most, we should all try progressively to improve our ability to teach with the use of magazines.

15 min: “Can You Pioneer This Summer?” Questions and answers. Read key paragraphs.

Song 12 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 16

Song 116

8 mln: Local announcements.

15 min: Use for local needs or talk on “Never Forget You Are a Witness!” in June 1, 1984, Watchtower, pages 20-5. Emphasize points under subheadings “Using Our Time to Help Others” and “Be Alert to Informal Witnessing.”

15 min: “Keep Assisting One Another.” Questions and answers.

7 mln: Field service for the weekend. Encourage all to share in magazine witnessing on the fourth Saturday of the month. Draw attention to articles in current issues of The Watchtower and Awake! that would appeal to various people in the congregation’s territory. Demonstrate 30- to 60-second presentation of current magazines, featuring an appropriate article.

Song 216 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 23

Song 92

10 min: Local announcements. Include May field service report for local congregation. Commend brothers for work done in the field.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News —To All People.” Questions and answers. Brief demonstration with publisher approaching a person who is watching Witnesses go from house to house. As time permits, entertain comments of publishers concerning their efforts to reach all people with the good news.

Be alert to share the good news with others while traveling to the district convention and while in the convention city. Ask congregation to mention opportunities when this might be done. Then ask for suggestions on the type of approach that might bring good results. Take literature with you. Note time spent and placements made so they can be reported at end of month.

15 min: Presenting the Survival Book in July. Suggest appropriate talking points, such as the titles of the first seven chapters or the first paragraph of each of these chapters. Pictures on pages 4, 5, 33, and 41 might be used. Prepared publisher demonstrates use of Topic for Conversation and features paragraph 1 of chapter 3 in offering the Survival book. Publisher places book in householder’s hands.

As an alternate offer, any of the brochures, but especially Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! or The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, may be presented for a contribution of 30e. Or offer one of the brochures with the current magazines for 70e.

Encourage support of field service this Sunday.

Song 220 and concluding prayer.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Survival Into a New Earth:

June 2: Chapter 7

June 9: Chapter 8

June 16: Chapter 9

June 23: Chapter 10

June 30: Chapter 11

Announcemen ts

• Literature offer for June: Live Forever book for a contribution of $2.50. Both the regular and reduced-size editions will be used during the campaign. The reduced-size book is offered for $1.25. July and August: Survival book for a contribution of $1.00. Any brochure, but especially Life on Earth or Divine Name for 30e each, may be used as an alternate offer. September: Peace and Security; if none in stock, any other 192-page book for $1.00.

• Due to the Society’s relocating its Shipping Department, congregations should place orders NOW for the November Bible campaign.

• The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit congregation’s accounts on June 1 or as soon as possible thereafter.

• The dramas to be presented at the “Integrity Keepers” Convention are based on Numbers 6:1-12; Deuteronomy 28:2-5; Amos 2:11-14; 3:13-15; 5:10-15 and Job chapters 1, 2, and 42. It is suggested that everyone read that material in preparation for the dramas.

• “The Bible’s Viewpoint” is the title of a new two-page feature that will appear regularly in Awake! beginning with the July 8, 1985, issue. These articles will be written for the public and will take up current questions that people are thinking about or perhaps general questions that people often ask. The articles will briefly present the view of the Bible on such questions. This feature will give publishers an alternate subject to present at the doors when they feel that the cover subject may not have as much appeal in their territory. The question to be considered in the July 8, 1985, issue is “Fate—Does It Shape Your Future?"

• Due to necessary repairs on the Silver-dome, the Pontiac, Michigan, district convention dates have been changed from June 13-16 to August 1-4,1985. Congregations involved will receive further details.

• New Publications Available:

Choosing the Best Way of Life

—Ukrainian "LetYourKingdomCome”—Hungarian Listening to the Great Teacher

—Vietnamese Watch Tower Publications Index for

1983                 —French

• New Cassette Recordings Available:

The Second of Kings (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)          —English

Good News               (Cont’dl

• ⁶ Give prayerful advance thought to what you will say to make your presentation appealing. After introducing yourself, you might say something like this: “What kind of future would you like to have for yourself and your family? [Allow response.] All of us enjoy life and desire to live as long as we can. Yet, so many problems surface and seem to threaten our very lives. For this reason you may be interested in learning the Bible’s message of a bright future and how to cope with life’s anxieties.” At this point you can highlight the scriptures in the

  Keep Assisting One Another

  
  

  • ¹ The apostle Paul wrote, “Through love slave for one another.” (Gal. 5:13) This statement re.-fleets the spirit that should govern our relationships with others, both inside—and—outside the Christian congregation. Our genuine concern for others causes us to take_the ini-tiatiye in helping new and weaker ones who are associated with us. There are those who are making steady progress in coming to an accurate knowledge of the truth; they^too, need assistance. Our loving personal interest extends also to those in ofir congregation who may have special needs. May our spirit be like Paul’s as we ‘let all our affairs take place with love.’ —1 Cor. 16:14; Phil. 2:4r<v-- r*

  --~ A f' Vf

  AN ACCEPTABLE TIME

  • ² In view of the rapid growth now taking place, we are being called upon to “work, what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (GaL 6110) If you are sheering regularly in the ministry, possibly even as an auxiliary pioneer or as a regular pioneer, can you invite others to work along with you during the summer months? Experienced publishers can offer practical assistance and encouragement to newer and weaker ones. Your kind and repeated invitations may help them to have a more regular share in the service.

  • ³ We also want to help our Bible students to accompany us in the field service when they havn-naade good progress and qualify. We will need to snow them how the work is carried out. Practice sessions' will be especially helpful in preparing them for the work. Help them to prepare a simple presentation using either the regular offer or the magazines. Perhaps you can discuss together an article or two in

  
  

current Topic for Conversation. Use specific talking points, such as those on pages 9, 11-13, 161, and 162 in the Live Forever book, to emphasize the bright future that lies ahead.

• ⁷ What a joyful and faithstrengthening message Jehovah has given us to proclaim! We also have the great privilege of working closely with others who have a deep appreciation for Jehovah’s grand promises. Since the work we are now performing is never to be repeated and will soon come to an end, should we not use our available time and resources to tell the good news of salvation each day? the current magazines. Then help your Bible student to pick out appropriate points from the article that can be used effectively in a house-to-house presentation. If you will be offering Awake!, the message on the inside cover about the feature articles can be used. Demonstrate what can be done. Practice the presentation together. Your helping them to prepare for field service will no doubt bring positive results.

• ⁴ Have you observed that some of your brothers regularly miss meetings? What can be done to help them? Perhaps a friendly telephone call or a brief visit will be encouraging. Make it your aim to share with them interesting points from a meeting or good experiences you have heard. Let the person know that he whs missed. Can you help the individual to get to the meetings regularly?

• ⁵ Situations may arise that call for us to be persistent in aiding those who have special needs'; due to their circumstances. Tireless efforts are especially needed when assisting one who has grown old or when helping an individual or a family affected by long-term illness. The aged or sick one and perhaps other members of the family may need encouragement. Regular visits can lift up their spirits and build endurance. Telephone calls and cards are much appreciated by such persons. A friendly smile and a brief word of encouragement will assure our brothers that we care. (Prov. 25:11) There may be a need 4 to prepare meals, run errands,*or do housework to help those family members who must cope with such¹ ' adversity while seeking to carry on their normal daily routine and to have a regular share in the witness work.                                ,

• ⁶ Endeavor to discern the true needs of others, and then act accordingly. (1 John 3:16-18) Your book study conductor is usually well acquainted with those assigned to the group, so seek his direction and advice. Unselfish brotherly love can stir ‘each of us to please his neighbor in what is good for his upbuilding.’ (Rom. 15:1, 2) As we endeavor to care for ourselves and ‘those who are our own’ in whatever situation we find ourselves, we draw courage and strengthen our hope, knowing that Jehovah cares for us and will bless Us as we keep assisting one another.—1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Pet. 5:6, 7.

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS

  
  

To All People

• ¹ Jesus Christ gave the Kingdom of God wide publicity. He went throughout the whole of Galilee proclaiming: “Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matt. 4:17) This was a timely message of good news that warmed the hearts of Jesus’ listeners and gave them hope. Such good news had to be shared with others, and because of its urgency, those doing this work carried a weighty responsibility.

• ² Who has accepted this responsibility? At the beginning of our Common Era it was the disciples of Jesus, including the faithful apostles. Centuries later we have been made aware of this message, and so we too have the responsibility of sharing it with others. (1 Cor. 9:16) By taking advantage of all appropriate opportunities, we can show our heartfelt obedience to Jesus’ command to preach the "good news of the kingdom ... in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations” before the end comes.—Matt. 24:14.

• ³ When sharing in the house-to-house work, do we make an effort to contact someone at every home? With so many people working secularly, there may be no response at many doors. Of course, a lack of response at the front door does not always mean that no one is at home. Are there indications that they use a side or back entrance? If so, a knock there may bring a response. Or it may be that the householder is in the backyard or garage. Sometimes you will And a separate apartment with an entrance at the side of the house. After going on to other homes, you may see the householder return. Should this prove to be the case, after a few minutes, why not go back and knock again?

• ⁴ What about homes where you are unable to contact anyone? Note these on your House-to-House Record. Usually it is best to keep a separate record of interested persons you plan to visit again so that the list of not-at-homes can be passed on to someone else if you are unable to return. When following up not-at-homes, many have found it good to call at different times, as this may increase the possibility of finding someone. Some publishers have been successful in reaching people by calling later the same day or in the evening. People not at home during the week are often there on the weekend and vice versa. Groups that do weekday and weekend witnessing may exchange their lists of not-at-homes and find they get good results in reaching some of these people. Our faithfulness in keeping this record and following it up demonstrates our love for others and our desire to please Jehovah.—Luke 16:10.

• ⁵ Be prepared to take advantage of other opportunities to witness while in the territory. For example, you may encounter individuals out for a stroll, or they may be sitting on a bench or waiting for a bus. By using a tactful approach along with a friendly smile, you may get a listening ear. Also, it is good to call at small stores and business establishments if they are not unusually busy. Very often you will encounter youths in the course of your ministry. Do not pass up an opportunity to share a Scriptural thought with them, because their lives are important too.—Matt. 19:14.

• ⁶ God’s Word makes it clear that it is Jehovah’s ‘will that all sorts of people be saved.’ (1 Tim. 2:4) “He does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) When we work our assigned territory thoroughly and make a sincere effort to contact everyone, we show that we love others as Jehovah does. That spirit is sure to result in blessings to us and to those who listen to us.—1 Tim. 4:16.

Can You?                 (Cont’d)

meet the hour requirement in June? Perhaps July or August would be better for you. Give prayerful thought to your personal circumstances. How fine it would be to use a part of the summer months to increase service to Jehovah in this way!

• ⁵ Are there others in the congregation who meet the requirements for auxiliary pioneer work who could serve with you? If so, by all means invite them to do so. If you are a parent, could your son or daughter serve with you? Could your husband or wife? your sister or brother?—See om pp. 113-14.

YOUR GOALS

• ⁶ If you will be serving as an auxiliary pioneer, a regular pioneer, or as a congregation publisher who is endeavoring to have an increased share in Jehovah’s service, what

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Fiji had 971 publishers in February—a new peak. This is 15 percent over last year's average.

* Guadeloupe had its fourth peak this service year with 3,813 publishers in February, a 14-percent Increase. They reported 5,010 Bible studies.

* Haiti also had Its fourth peak this service year with 4,015 publishers reporting, a 14-percent increase. They reported 6,157 Bible studies.

♦ Curapao had its fifth peak this service year with 1,105 reporting In February. They also built their first two-day Kingdom Hall.

* In Japan's winter month of February they had 13,309 auxiliary pioneers reporting, which is 3,000 over February of last year. The number of regular pioneers for February—22,039—is also a new peak.

* For February, Korea reported 37,084 publishers, their 14th consecutive peak, and 6,757 pioneers, their 24th consecutive peak.

* France reported three new peaks in February. They had 84,824 publishers, 52,061 Bible studies, and 1,690 regular pioneers. This was the sixth consecutive peak in regular pioneers.

* Senegal reports 432 publishers and 801 Bible studies for February. Both figures are all-time peaks. The congregation publishers averaged 12.9 hours In the field. Nearby, in the Gambia, a new peak of 18 reported activity. The publishers averaged 17 hours each.

* Uruguay reports an all-time peak of 5,221 publishers in February.

MARCH SERVICE REPORT

Av    Av    Av

Pubs.  Hrs.  Mags.  R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’IPios. 319 130.8 91.3 55.1 6.0

Pios.      35,973  86.6  49.6 32.4

Aux. Pios. 45,331  59.8  35.5 18.0

Pubs. 594,968   9.4   7.4 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 676,591

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,387

will your goals be? If you are a pioneer, you will have a requirement of hours to meet. However, why not also make it a goal to speak about the Kingdom good news to someone in every home? Will you make it a goal to call again on all interested persons you meet? Can you start a magazine route? Can you start a Bible study? Perhaps you can help someone in your congregation to have a fuller share in the ministry by inviting him to accompany you in your increased activity this summer.

⁷ Apply the counsel Paul gave Timothy: ‘Make your advancement manifest.’ “Fully accomplish your ministry.” Pray that Jehovah will bless your efforts and those of his people in every place who are also endeavoring to ‘fully accomplish their ministry.’ May our united activity be an honor to him.—1 Tim. 4:15; 2 Tim. 4:5.

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