' OUR ' KINGDOM MINISTRY

DECEMBER 1986

Vol. 29, No. 12 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

DECEMBER 1-7 How will you offer the Bible Stories book

• 1. To a young person?

• 2. To a parent or older person?

DECEMBER 8-14

How can the Bible Stories book help

• 1. Young people?

• 2. Improve family life?

DECEMBER 15-21

During the holidays how can we

• 1. Respond to greetings?

• 2. Show consideration if householder has guests?

• 3. Stress the Kingdom?

DECEMBER 22-28

How can you use the “Look!” brochure

• 1. When book offer is refused?

• 2. To start a Bible study?

DECEMBER 29-JANUARY 4 Featuring the magazines 1. What articles will you use? 2. Why is it good to be specific?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Peace on Earth a Sure Promise! Ps. 46:8, 9—Only God can end war.

Ps. 72:7—Assurance of unending peace.

• ¹ It was a thrilling moment when the speaker at the 1978 “Victorious Faith” International Convention released the new Bible study aid My Book of Bible Stories. Its potential for teaching the Bible to young and old alike was quickly recognized. Adults were pleased to learn that the stories are in chronological w-dg£. This has helped many to become acquainted with the sequence of Bible events.

• ² One mother whose three-year-old son had a very short attention span was pleasantly surprised to see him quietly “studying” the book for 20 minutes. It soon became a practice with him. A young couple began teaching their sOTi frotiTThe Bible Stories book shortly after they had begun to study the Bible. On one occasion, when the family was about to eat a meal, the boy refused to eat until a prayer was said.

• ³ Since the Bible Stories book was first released over eight years ago, 23 million copies have been printed in 66 languages. We appreciate the value of this fine Bible study aid and are in a good position to offer it wholeheartedly to young and old alike during December.

“LOOK.'” BROCHURE

• ⁴ Jehovah presented us with another treasure this past summer in the form of the new brochure "Look! I Am Making All Things

  ‘Go Make Disciples!’—Do You?

  
  

• ¹ One of the greatest joys you can have as a Kingdom publisher is to help someone take in accurate knowledge of the truth. As the person grows in knowledge and appreciation, your heart will swell with joy and gratitude to Jehovah. We are fully aware that while we share in planting and watering the seeds of truth, it is Jehovah who makes them grow. However, what a thrill it is to have a part in directing an honesthearted one onto the road to life!—1 Cor. 3:6-9.

• ² Are you a family head? If so, are you regularly conducting a Bible study with your family? This is a very important matter. Family heads are responsible before Jehovah to instruct and guide their family members in the way of life. (Deut. 6:4-7; Eph. 5:25-29; 1 Tim. 5:8) By all means, shoulder your responsibility to make disciples of them.

• ³ In addition to your family Bible study, can you also conduct a study with someone else? A more important question may be: Do you recog

New." A pioneer sister from Texas who was having difficulty starting studies recently wrote: ‘By just letting the householder see the beautiful cover picture, discussing it, showing the scriptures. at the bottom of page 4* then reading the first four paragraphs, you have started a study!’

MAKING THE OFFER

⁵ When working in your area, you might say: “As a neighbor of yours, I would like to share some good news about a reliable promise That soon there will be peace worldwide. Isn’t that something you would like to see? [Pause for reply.] We have all observed the efforts of men to accomplish this goal. But notice who it is that the Bible says will bring lasting peace. [Read Psalm 4618^-9.] Once war and'those who promote it are gone, never again will God permit hostility on the earth. We are assured of this by the words of the inspired writer of Psalm 72-7. [Read ] The ones God will preserve to live on a peaceful earth will be those who have learned about him and who serve him. My Book of Bible Stories has helped many people to do that. I am sure you will be greatly encouraged by reading it. This copy can be yours for a contribution of just $2.50.”

(Continued on page 8, col. 1)

nize the privilege and responsibility that is yours to teach someone else the truth in obedience to Jesus’ command? (Matt. 28:19, 20) It would appear that many more publishers in the United States could conduct a home Bible study. In some areas it takes real persistence to obtain a study. Repeated return visits are necessary. Maybe you have tried but just have not been able to find someone that is willing to study. What can you do?

ATTITUDE IMPORTANT

• ⁴ You might start by asking yourself: What is my attitude toward the Bible study work? Do I really want a study? Do I look upon this part of the ministry as important and lifesaving, realizing that the majority of people in the world are ‘dead in their trespasses’?—Eph. 2:1.

• ⁵ Publishers and pioneers alike have written to the Society telling how Jehovah answered their fervent prayer when they asked him

(Continued on page 8, col. 3)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 30

Song 108

10 min: Appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry and local announcements. Encourage all who can to share in the field service on the first Sunday of the month.

20 min: “Do You Appreciate Their Value?” Questions and answers. Demonstrate presentations in paragraphs 5 and 6. Encourage all to have a share in presenting the Bible Stories book and “Look!" brochure this weekend.

15 min: “Accelerating the Kingdom Hall Construction Program.” Question-and-answer consideration of first nine paragraphs of insert. Draw attention to benefits congregation will receive from adjustments in the Kingdom Hall construction program. Encourage congregation’s continued support of Society Kingdom Hall Fund.

Song 211 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 7

Song 72

10 min: Local announcements. Encourage support of magazine work on Saturday, December 13. Demonstrate a 60-second presentation featuring an article in either The Watchtower or Awake!

20 min: “‘Go Make Disciples!’—Do You?” Question-and-answer consideration of article. Emphasize the importance of a right attitude, constant prayer for Jehovah’s help, putting forth the effort to find a study, and a willingness to be used by Jehovah to help someone else learn the truth. Conclude with four-minute demonstration of publisher approaching service overseer and saying he appreciates the suggestions just discussed and will apply them. Asks if service overseer can help him in any additional ways. Service overseer determines that publisher has been making placements of “Look!" brochure in the house-to-house work and asks if he feels it would help him if someone went with him while making return visits and trying to start a study. Publisher agrees. Service overseer assures him that he will be glad to make such arrangements. Also, when service overseer visits his Congregation Book Study, he would like to work with him in making return visits in an effort to be of further assistance to him. Publisher expresses appreciation. Service overseer suggests that publisher might also approach neighbors, relatives, workmates, or schoolmates in his effort to start a study. If he sees new ones at the Kingdom Hall, he might approach them to see if they have a study,

15 min: “Accelerating the Kingdom Hall Construction Program.” Question-and-answer consideration of paragraphs 10 through 20. Read all paragraphs. Draw attention to pictures of Kingdom Halls that have been built in different states.

Song 53 and concluding prayer.

^^EEK STARTING DECEMBER 14

Song 130   -

13 mln: Cocal announcements. Accounts report. Draw attention to contributions sent to the Society and to the Society’s Kingdom Hall Fund. Read the paragraph under Announcements having to do with these contributions and assure the brothers that their contributions in support of the Kingdom work are very much appreciated.

17 min: “Presenting the Good News —During the Holidays.” Questions and answers. Demonstrate suggested presentations. Announce regular arrangements for group witnessing, as well as those for December 25 and January 1. Encourage all who can to have a full share in the witness work during the holidays. . .,

15 min: Local needs. Or ‘ta^ on “Must You Be in the Limelight?” from September 1,1986, issue of The Watchtower.

Song 54_pnd concluding prayer. ’■‘^WEE^ SMARTING DECEMBER 21

Song 101

13 min: Local announcements. Include encouragement for field service with magazines on the fourth Saturday. Demonstrate two model 60-second magazine presentations suitable for your local territory. One of them should be simple enough for a child to use. Share an experience or two from the congregation’s work in holiday witnessing and encourage participation in group witnessing on December 25 and January 1.

17 min: A Sure Hope for Our Youth. -After brief introduction, elder invites two or three exemplary young publishers to platform and discusses with them material in cover articles of November 8 Awake! Youths express own optimistic outlook in harmony with articles. May include appropriate points from “Young People Ask ...” article in same issue.

15 min: Go On Making Progress. (Phil. 3:16) Talk by presiding overseer. Commend congregation for its activity in the ministry and the ways in which the brothers have been showing love. (2 Thess. 1:3) Invite all to consider ways to expand personal ministry. (See om, chapter 9.) Include expressions of commendation and warm appreciation for progress being made by regular and auxiliary pioneers. To help regular pioneers further, a meeting was held with them earlier in month. Conclude with heartfelt motivation to continue to “declare abroad the kingdom of God.”—Luke 9:60.

Song, 123 and concluding prayer.

W^EK STARTING DECEMBER 28

Song 46

12 min: Local announcements apu Theocratic News. Invite all to share in field service on first Sunday of the month. Especially encourage new ones to share and parents to work with their children.                 C ■

15 min: “Benefiting More From the^ Theocratic Ministry School.” Talk by school overseer encouraging appreciation for school and drawing attention to arrangements for the school during the coming year. Encourage enrollment by those who qualify. £ 18 min: “Contributions That Make the Heart Happy.” Talk on article in December 1, 1986, issue of The Watchtower. Make local application. Song 118 and concluding prayer.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It?:

December 7: Pages 131" to 139*

December 14: Pages 139* to 145

December 21: Pages 146 to 151

December 28: Pages 152 to 159*

• To or from subheading.

Copyright © 1986 by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., and International Bible Students Association. Our Kingdom Ministry (USPS 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Printed in U.S.A.

^Accelerating---------------

the Kingdom Hall Construction Program

• ¹ Those who exert themselves in doing good things for others prove to be real ‘neighbors.’ (Luke 10:36, 37) Like the Samaritan benefactor in Jesus’ illustration, Jehovah’s Witnesses expend much of their strength, their time, and their material resources in helping others. During the past few years such neighborly spirit has been outgtandingly manifested throughout this country in the Kingdom Hall building program.

• ² As Jehovah has continued to ‘speed up’ the work and to give the increase, in the United States the 1986 service year ended with 207 more congregations than there were the previous year. (Isa. 60:22) Happily, the loving concern shown by so many of Jehovah’s people has helped to provide some of the Kingdom Halls needed for the growing number of congregations. The fine support given to the Society Kingdom Hall Fund has been very much appreciated, as have the efforts of the thousands who have volunteered their time and skills to assist in constructing new Kingdom Halls and renovating others.—Ps. 110:3; John 13:35.

• ³ The generous giving of the brothers has made it possible for the Society Kingdom Hall Fund to assist in the construction of 244 new Kingdom Halls in all 48 states under the United States branch. These are accommodating over 370 eongragations. During the past year alone, financial assistance has been provided for 132 new Kingdom Hall projects. (Some of these are shown in this insert.) Congregations that may not have been able to obtain financing otherwise have been aided. Many other congregations have constructed or renovated additional Kingdom Halls by making their own financial arrangements.

• ⁴ Even though much has been accomplished in providing new and improved Kingdom Hall facilities, a pressing need remains. A recent survey indicates that over 200 additional new Kingdom Halls are needed now. More will be required to accommodate future growth. Thus, arrangements are being made to accelerate our Kingdom Hall building program. As more contributions are received, other congregations will, be. able to obtain Ioans through the Society Kingdom Hall Fund.

SOCIETY-APPOINTED

REGIONAL BUILDING COMMITTEES

• ⁵ As a means of accelerating the Kingdom Hall construction program, the Society is now appointing elders to serve on Regional Building Committees to assist with Kingdom Hall construction. Many of these spiritually qualified brothers have secular experience in construction, real estate, business, safety, and other related fields. Thus, they are in a position to offer valuable guidance from the beginning to the completion of a project, whether it involves new construction or renovating buildings for use as Kingdom Halls. These committees are now being provided

  

  Michigan—Quickly built with assistance from Society Kingdom Hall Fund

  3

  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, DECEMBER 1986

  
  

KINGDOM HALLS CONSTRUCTED WITH ASSISTANCE FROM SOCIETY KINGDOM HALL FUND

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

with guidelines from the Society. Each committee is being assigned a certain number of circuits to assist with Kingdom Hall projects. The circuit overseer will be advising_the local elders how they may contact the appropriate committee when there is a need.

Mississippi

• ⁶ If a congregation contemplates undertaking a new construction or major renovation project and desires assistance from the Regional Building Committee, their contacting this committee beforejpurchasing property or selecting a plan can help avoid costly pitfails. Where a construction project is being undertaken in a city having more than one congregation, the selection of property may also be discussed with the circuit overseer(s), the city overseer, and possibly other local elders. This may aid in choosing a site that will not only benefit the congregation(s) involved in the present project but also relieve overcrowded conditions in neighboring Kingdom Halls and allow for future growth in the general area. Even in less densely populated areas, a location can often be selected that can serve two or more congregations.

CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE

Virginia

• ⁷ Usually the ‘quick-build’ method of construction is preferred by the Regional Building Committees. Experience has shown that there are many advantages to this method. It has also shown that existing procedures can be further refined.

• ⁸ We have learned many things about building Kingdom Halls in recent years. Already, many persons have been trained to help with the work. So now there can be an acceleration

  

  New York City—Machine shop converted into double-auditorium Kingdom Hall. Inset: Lower-floor auditorium

  
  

of the building program. We are also in a position to simplify some of the-Procedures, so as to accomplish the most good in a short period of time and with a reduced number of workers.

• ⁹ The Society recommends that skilled workers be scheduled as their particular trades are needed during the period of construction. Usually the other volunteers needed for a particular project can be obtained from the congregations in the local area, and they also may be scheduled to work at certain. times. This means fewer people will be on the construction site at any one time. More of the brothers will be able to be with their families and their home congregations and share in field service activities for portions of the construction weekend. Having a limited number of persons on the construction site is recommended not only for safety reasons but also out of consideration for the congregation, which has theburden of providing food, rooming, and other accommodations? Those who have not been scheduled to assist with a particular project are encouraged to support the spiritual activities, in their own congregations. —See December 1985 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 6, paragraph 14.

DESIGNS

• ¹⁰ There is a need to be judicious in selecting building designs so as to avoid placing an unnecessary burden on either the local brothers or the resources of the Society Kingdom Hall Fund. While we plan for our Kingdom Halls to be attractive in appearance, it is appropriate that they be simple and functional rather than pretentious. We are happy to inform you that for this reason the Society has produced a variety of new Kingdom Hall designs that are available to congregations involved in building projects. These will be provided to the elders upon written request to the Kingdom Hall Desk.

• ¹¹ Give careful thought to selecting a plan that will accommodate the present needs of the congregation(s) and allow for a reasonable amount of growth. All factors should be carefully weighed so as to build a hall that is neither unnecessarily large nor too small.

• ¹² In some rare instances, it may be advisable for congregation elders to consult a local attorney experienced in zoning matters before proceeding with plans for the actual construction of a Kingdom Hall. While this may be an added expense, it could save the congregation extra costs later. In communities where the brothers know in advance that their project will be viewed favorably by the local city departments, this legal assistance will likely not be needed. However, where a congregation anticipates that problems will arise, it might be the course of wisdom at the outset to seek competent legal counsel locally.

PROGRESSIVELY MEETING THE NEED

• ¹³ How can a congregation know when it qualifies for assistance from the Society

  

  Double-auditorium Kingdom Halls

  
  

Kingdom Hall Fund to build a new Kingdom Hall? Periodically the Society arranges for surveys to be taken to determine which congregations have the greatest need for a new Kingdom Hall. Priorities are determined on the basis of the surveys made, plus other relevant factors. Then, as funds become available, the Society progressively initiates correspondence with such congregations. However, if a congregation faces an emergency situation, the elders should feel free to contact the Society regarding its need.

• ¹⁴ If a congregation has in mind renovating or enlarging an existing Kingdom Hall, it may be guided by what was stated a year ago, namely: “Congregations faced with urgent remodeling or repair needs can contact the Society, since some funding is available for such projects from time to time on a limited basis.”—See Our Kingdom Ministry, December 1985, insert, paragraph 7.

• ¹⁵ If congregations are in a position to move forward with their construction projects because locally they are financially able, there is no objection to their doing so.

THE NEED IS URGENT

• ¹⁶ The principal meeting place used by congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses is the Kingdom Hall. It thus plays an important role in the growth of true worship. As dedicated witnesses of Jehovah, taught by him, we regularly assemble together “to incite to love and fine works.” (Heb. 10:24) What a blessing it is to see increasing numbers of people joining with us because they, too, want to be instructed by Jehovah and walk in his ways! (Isa. 2:3) In course of time, this continuing growth calls for the building of even more Kingdom Halls.

• ¹⁷ The Society is aware that the economic situation today has made it difficult for some congregations to acquire adequate facilities for their meetings and that there is an urgent need to assist these congregations. This is one reason why the Society Kingdom Hall Fund was set up to help congregations in financing construction of needed Kingdom Halls.

• ¹⁸ The generosity of the brothers in contributing to the Society Kingdom Hall Fund is particularly noteworthy and contrasts sharply with the world’s selfish “me-first” attitude. These contributions are an expression of brotherly affection and love, and they give evidence that we are interested in those “related to us in the faith” and want to do good for one another. Such fine qualities along with our positive action on behalf of others have a sure reward: “For if these things exist in you and overflow, they will prevent you from being either inactive or unfruitful regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Gal. 6:10; 2 Pet. 1:7, 8.

• ¹⁹ Do you remember how Jehovah’s people responded to King David’s appeal and contributed generously to build the house of Jehovah’? 1 Chronicles 29:6-9 says that ‘the people gave way to rejoicing over their making voluntary offerings, for it was with a complete heart that they made voluntary offerings to Jehovah.” That same spirit motivates Christians today to continue showing concern for their brothers and sisters in other congregations that need adequate Kingdom Hall facilities.

• ²⁰ Giving of our time and resources to assist in providing new Kingdom Halls is a fine way to honor Jehovah. (Prov. 3:9) Sharing in an effort to help other congregations to obtain needed Kingdom Halls is in harmony with 2 Corinthians 8:14, 15, which mentions that “an equalizing” takes place. Let it be our constant prayer that Jehovah will continue to bless and direct our efforts in this activity to his praise.

Announcements

• Literature offer for December: My Book of Bible Stories for a contribution of $2.50. The new ''Look!" brochure can also be offered for a contribution of 30e. January and February: Any of the following books for a contribution of 50e: Choosing, Commentary on James, ''Eternal Purpose," Evolution (old edition), Holy Spirit, Life Does Have a Purpose, Peace and Security (old edition). This Life, Truth, and World Government. Congregations may request credit for all the old books placed by publishers and pioneers. (See November Our Kingdom Ministry.} Supplies of Choosing, Commentary on James, Holy Spirit, and Truth may be ordered from Brooklyn. If there are older booklets on hand in the congregation, these may also be presented in the field service. March: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth for a contribution of S2.50.

• During November many congregations and circuits have sent contributions to the Society to help with the Kingdom work in this country and others. Many have also sent contributions for the Society Kingdom Hall Fund. Your support of the work of Kingdom expansion is sincerely appreciated by the Society. You can be sure that it is appreciated also by your brothers and sisters in this land and others who are likewise supporting the Kingdom work by their labors of love and material contributions. “May Jehovah reward the way you act."—Ruth 2:12.

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

• It is suggested that all congregations display the new yeartext by January 1, 1987.

• The special public talk for the 1987 Memorial season will be given worldwide on Sunday, March 29. The subject of this talk will be “What Is Your Relationship With God?” An outline will be provided as soon as possible. Those congregations having the visit of the circuit overseer or a circuit assembly scheduled that week will have the special talk the following week. No congregation should have the special talk before March 29.

• Congregations should begin ordering bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! for 1986 on their December literature orders. (See the 1986 Cost List, paragraphs 7-10, for the date you should submit your order.) The bound volumes will be available in Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Until the bound volumes are available and shipments are made, these will appear as “Back Ordered" on congregation invoices. Bound volumes are controlled stock items (see the Cost List, paragraphs 23-25) and will be charged at $5.00 each for congregation, public, and pioneers.

• New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References (Rbi8)

—German

Tanakh Bible (1985, Jewish Publication Society; congregation and public: $19.95; pioneers: $14.00)

—English Aid to Bible Understanding (Volume 6, Ni-Ri)                 —French

God’s “Eternal Purpose’’Now Triumphing for Man’s Good      —Turkish

Survival Into a New Earth

„       —Cibemba, Croatian

• ¹ Throughout the 43 years of its operation, the Theocratic Ministry School has proved to be a success. It has helped us to be more effective when making public declaration at the meetings and in the field ministry. Thousands of brothers throughout the earth have been trained to be skilled public speakers.

• ² What about you personally? Are you taking full advantage of the school? Has your ‘advancement become manifest’ in the field ministry and in your meeting assignments? (1 Tim. 4:15) Do you have a continuing desire to improve in your ability to speak “delightful” and “winsome” words?—Eccl. 12:10; Luke 4:22.

INSTRUCTIONS TO BE OBSERVED

• ³ According to the 1987 Theocratic Ministry School Schedule, Talk No. 1 will be based on material in the book "AU Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.’’ Speakers assigned to give this talk should stick to the material specified so as to cover the main points. Some of the written review questions are based on this material. Only ten minutes is allotted for the instruction talk, and this does not permit bringing in extraneous points or information not directly related to the subject.

• ⁴ As to “Highlights From Bible Reading,” this should not just be a summary. After giving a brief overall view of the assigned chapters, the speaker should help the audience to appreciate why and how the information is valuable to us. Theocratic Ministry School overseers should remind speakers of this if necessary.

PROGRESSIVE TRAINING

• ⁵ You may be thinking that you do not have the ability to speak as others do. Even so, most of us have the God-given ability to speak, and with Jehovah’s help we can all progress in speaking the truth more effectively. Educationally speaking,

United in Worship of the Only True God

—Arabic, Chichewa, New Guinea Pidgin, Ukrainian Watch Tower Publications Index for 1930-1985 (congregation and public: $7.00; pioneers: $4.50)   —English

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Large size)

—Malayalam, Tamil You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size) —Cebuano Bible Topics for Discussion

—Indonesian many of us, like the apostles, may be “unlettered and ordinary." (Acts 4:13) Nonetheless, if we want to progress, we can be trained to speak the truth accurately and with confidence. Remember, the light of truth continues to get brighter. Our understanding of it gets clearer and clearer. The Theocratic Ministry School can help us to keep pace with advancing truth and equip us to speak “the word of God with boldness.”—Acts 4:31.

• ⁶ Each week we have a scheduled program of preparatory study. We should do our best to follow this schedule, since all the material cannot be covered in the assigned talks. We benefit from being in attendance, listening to the presentations by the students, and considering the counsel given. We can benefit further if we put the material into application in the field ministry and in our own meeting assignments.

• ⁷ Since 1971 we have been using the excellent reference book Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook. Have you become thoroughly familiar with it? The School Guidebook provides a basis for counseling the students. It can also help you in preparing and presenting your school assignments. When you have an assignment to prepare, do you use the School Guidebook to study the points of counsel that you should be working on, and do you keep these in mind while preparing your assignment? Is it clearly evident to you and to others that you are benefiting from the school?

• ⁸ By having an active share in the Theocratic Ministry School, we will allow Jehovah to ‘teach us his ways.’ (Ps. 25:4, 9) Then, as we speak the truth fearlessly, it will be seen that we have “the tongue of the taught ones” because we take full advantage of the Theocratic Ministry School—a loving provision from Jehovah.—Isa. 50:4.

The Government That Will Bring Paradise —Gujarati, Hindi, Lifou, Malayalam, Marathi

• New Cassette Recordings Available:

Album of Hebrew Scriptures—Volume 2, First of Samuel to Psalms (set of 21 cassettes in album; congregation and public: $33.25; pioneers: $21.50)

—English

Numbers (set of three; congregation and public: $4.50; pioneers: $3.75)

—German

During the Holidays

• ¹ During this time of year many people are desperately trying to enjoy some happiness amid the cares of this world. Have you ever felt a negative attitude about trying to witness to such people during this period of obvious preoccupation? Despite the abuses and excesses prevalent during the holiday season, the minds of many are turned to God as they hear the oft-repeated phrase “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”

• ² We will no doubt meet many people who are genuinely busy during the holidays. This will require consideration on our part. When Jesus was on earth, he not only recognized the feelings of others and felt pity for them but also recognized their need and endeavored to help them. God-fearing people today have the same need for the Kingdom message.—Matt. 9:36, 37.

• ³ When a householder comes to the door, try to be aware of the circumstances in the home and to be considerate. Is he busy entertaining guests or in the midst of elaborate preparations? Then it may be best to make your presentation brief. However, in another case you may discern that a person is not really busy, and by showing kindness and a sincere personal interest in the individual, you may be able to proceed tactfully with a witness.

WHAT COULD YOU SAY?

¹ After a friendly introduction, you might say: “Much is being said these days about peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Have you ever wondered if real peace on earth will come, and if so, how it will be brought about?” Allow householder to reply, and then proceed with the current Topic for Conversation and the literature offer.

• ⁵ If you sense that a briefer presentation would be appropriate, you

Appreciate Value           (Cont’d)

• ⁶ If the householder already has the Bible Stories book or if it would be more appropriate to offer the "Look!" brochure, you might use the suggestion given in paragraph 4. Or you may point out one of the subheadings in the brochure that you believe would be of interest to the householder. The "Look!” brochure is designed especially for starting new Bible studies. So when you show the householder the subjects discussed, direct attention also to the questions at the bottom might say: “At this time of year, we find many people thinking about the birth of Jesus. That was a most important event. May I show you what the Bible says about another very important event—the coming of God’s Kingdom? It was Jesus himself who said . . . [Read Matthew 6:33.].” Then offer the householder the current offer, featuring a point about the Kingdom.

• ⁶ If people wish us a happy holiday, there is no need to make an issue over their holiday greetings. Rather, we can briefly thank them for their kindness and time in listening to us. Of course, if they specifically ask us how we feel about the holidays, we will answer truthfully and respectfully. The Reasoning book provides some excellent information on pages 176-8 that will help you.

SHOW CONSIDERATION

• ⁷ On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day we can show consideration by not calling too early. Instead of disturbing those who want to sleep late on those days, it may be more appropriate for us to begin our house-to-house activity a little later than usual. Or we could start our service by making some return visits on those we know are in a position to receive us. We appreciate the wisdom of the apostle Paul’s counsel: “In every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers.”—2 Cor. 6:4.

• ⁸ Many good experiences have resulted from sharing in holiday witnessing. However, there will be a need for all of us to be tactful and to present the message of truth in a way that appeals to the heart and mind of the householder. Remember Paul’s counsel at Colossians 4:6, and “let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt." This fine counsel is especially appropriate during the holidays.

of the page, the scriptures cited, and the Bible-based answers in the paragraphs. You may be able to start a study on the initial visit.

• ⁷ We thank Jehovah for the Holy Scriptures by which “the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:17) We are also grateful for such publications as the Bible Stories book and the "Look!” brochure. We appreciate their value and are happy that we can offer them to others during the month of December.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

• * Costa Rica reached new all-time peaks In July with 9,794 publishers and 12,229 Bible studies.

• ♦ France reports their 12th consecutive peak In regular pioneers, with 2,596 for July.

• * Guatemala had new peaks of 8,941 publishers and 11,001 Bible studies during July.

• ♦ Hawaii reached an all-time peak of 5,456 publishers In July. The four “Divine Peace” District Conventions were enjoyed by 10,446, and 133 were baptized.

• ♦ Peru’s peak of 22,371 publishers for July represents a 14-percent increase over last year’s average.

SEPTEMBER SERVICE REPORT

Av    Av    Av

Pubs.  Hrs.  Mags.  R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’IPIos. 272 130.5 95.2 54.6 5.6 Pios.      51,381  85.6  45.4 29.3

Aux. Pios. 37,222  60.4  31.3 16.8

Pubs. 626,755   9.5   6.8 3.6 0.4

TOTAL 715,630

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,511

Excellent new peak of regular pioneers reached this month!

Disciples                   (Cont’d)

specifically to help them find interested persons with whom to conduct Bible studies. (Rom. 12:12; 1 Thess. 5:17) Have you done this? Have you made supplication to your heavenly Father for the privilege of finding and teaching someone who is sincerely searching for the truth?—Ezek. 9:4.

• ⁶ During the 1985 service year, there were 447,298 Bible studies conducted on the average each month in the United States. This is indeed commendable. During that same period of time 9,021,009 Bibles, books, and booklets, as well as over 88 million magazines were placed. So the Society’s publications are to be found in many homes where studies are not yet being conducted. Thus, it is apparent that there is a fine potential for starting more home Bible studies.

• ⁷ Could it be that we need to be more Bible-study conscious and put forth a greater effort to start studies in the "Look!” brochure? Do you share in the ministry with a positive attitude, realizing that the angels are assisting in the work by directing Jehovah’s people to the doors of those who desire to hear the “everlasting good news”? (Rev. 14:6) The great joy that will be yours as you help another person to learn the truth will more than compensate for the effort you put forth to follow Jesus’ command to ‘go make disciples’ and teach them.

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