OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

FEBRUARY 1087

Vol. 30, No. 2 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

FEBRUARY 2-8 Offering the older books 1. To what illustrations will you refer?

• 2. What specific points will you highlight?

FEBRUARY 9-15 Current Topic for Conversation 1. Review key points of Ps. 46: 8, 9; 72:7.

• 2. How will you make the transition to book offer?

• 3. How can you lay groundwork for a return visit?

FEBRUARY 16-22 Offering the magazines 1. What will you highlight?

• 2. How can current events be used?

• 3. Demonstrate a 30- to 60-second presentation.

FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 1

How has the Reasoning book helped you to

• 1. Handle local objections?

• 2. Make effective return visits?

• 3. Vary your approach from door to door?

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 is always pleasant to remember things that brought us joy and resulted in personal benefit. How much more so is this true when we recall getting a new convention release, knowing it was especially provided to enhance our spirituality!—2 Pet. 3:1, 2.

• ² For many of us, the present service campaign of offering the outstanding pocket-size book releases from previous years has served as a reminder of the value of these publications. Those publishers and newly interested ones who have not read these books will certainly want to obtain personal copies. All of us can feel confident that getting these older publications into the hands of the people in our territory will do much to stimulate further interest in the Kingdom message.

PAST RELEASES WE CAN USE

• ³ In 1974 many of us rejoiced to receive Is This Life All There Is? How good it was to see coverage of topics such as the soul, the rich man and Lazarus, the fire of Gehenna, and the prospects for billions to be raised from the dead! Indeed, this was a valuable addition to our theocratic library.

• ⁴ Another interesting release was received at the “Joyful Workers”

  Youths—Reach Out for Worthwhile Goals

  
  

• ¹ What are your goals in life? Many young people have not set any spiritual goals. But is it not good to experience the feeling that comes from setting Christian goals and then successfully achieving them?

• ² Many of our youths have seen the futility of reaching for materialistic goals, including those that involve advanced secular education. They have concluded that such goals are not worth risking the potential dangers to be encountered. At best, benefits from worldly achievements can last only as long as this system, which is now hastening toward its complete end. However, theocratic goals, pursued with the enlightenment of divine education, will be personally satisfying now and lead ultimately to eternal salvation.—Eccl. 12:1,13.

THEOCRATIC GOALS

• ³ As young people today, do you search for worthwhile knowledge? At Proverbs 2:1-5 we are counseled District Assemblies in 1977. It was entitled Our Incoming World Government—God’s Kingdom. What a marvelous treasure this book has proved to be! As stated on the publisher’s page, the book is “dedicated to the God whose happy time has come to replace man’s disastrous rulership of himself with the righteous government for which heartsick people of all races have longed.” The theme of the Bible, God’s Kingdom, is developed throughout the book.

AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY

• ⁵ Since we consider these publications an important part of our own theocratic library, we should make a special effort to continue offering them in the field ministry during February. When presenting Is This Life AU There Is? you might say: “With people everywhere facing so many problems, what is your outlook for the future? [Allow for response.] There is a solution we can count on.” Then you might read the scriptures in the current Topic for Conversation and refer to points in an appropriate chapter, such as 15,16,17, or 18. The book can be offered for 50e.

• ⁶ Perhaps you will be offering Our Incoming World Government—God’s (Continued on page 2, col. 1) to “find the very knowledge of God.” You can never hope to acquire knowledge of God unless you study his Word. By regular personal study you impress more deeply on your mind and heart the Scriptural material designed to draw you closer to Jehovah. You will learn more and remember more. This will help you to be better equipped to make decisions when faced with important issues. As you apply yourself, your reading ability should improve, as well as your grammar and vocabulary.

• ⁴ You cannot accomplish this all in one day. Developing spiritual maturity takes time and patience. But if you set individual goals and make steady progress, spiritual maturity can be attained.

• ⁵ Do you reach out for privileges of Christian service? Do you have a personal goal of putting a certain amount of time in the

(Continued on page 8, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 1

Song 118

7 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Outline field service arrangements for the weekend and encourage all to participate.

15 mln: “Continue Offering Older Publications. ” Question-and-answer coverage. Have experienced publishers demonstrate points in paragraphs 5 and 6. Adapt demonstrations to use books that are available locally. Remind congregation to place the pocket-size books being featured during February and that are on hand at the literature counter or in personal literature supplies. The books are distributed for 50e each. At the end of February, congregations may request credit for all older books placed over the counter.

23 mln: “Simplification Helps Us to ‘Make Sure of the More Important Things.’ ” Question-and-answer consideration of insert article. Have key paragraphs read.

Song 8 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 8

Song 221

10 min: Local announcements and accounts report. Read Society acknowledgment of any contributions that may appear on statements for month. Encourage all to share in magazine work this Saturday. Suggest talking points in current magazines for use in local territory. Emphasize fact that March has five

Offering                     (Cont’d)

Kingdom. If so, why not look at chapters 1 and 12 and pick out talking points appropriate for your territory? Note that chapter 1 describes the physical changes people will undergo as subjects of the Kingdom government. The location of this new government is clearly identified on pages 13 and 14. Further interesting points can be found in chapter 12.

’ You may wish to offer the pocketsize books featured during February in a combination of two or more. Be positive in your presentation.

⁸ Pray for Jehovah’s blessing on your efforts to help others take advantage of the fine information found in the books we will be offering during the month of February.

Sundays and offers a fine opportunity for auxiliary pioneering. gf

20 min: “Youths—Reach Out for Worthwhile Goals.” Question-and-answer discussion of material. Encourage young ones to have spiritual goals and to work to reach them. Interview one or two regular pioneers or youths reaching out for a career in full-time service. Let them express why they chose to reach out for spiritual goals rather than a career in this world.

15 min: Benefiting From'Faithful Shepherds. Encouraging talk by ej,-dgr regarding shepherding visits. Emphasize that elders are there to give spiritual encouragement and to render assistance if needed. May highlight various points in article “Elders, Take Your Shepherding Responsibilities Seriously" in November 15,1985, Watchtower.

Song 184 and concluding prayer.

£jWEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 15 Song 211

9 min: Local announcements and appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Question Box. Explain how Our Kingdom Ministry is distributed locally. Ask audience to bring personal notes on circuit assembly program for review next week.               Oil _

16 min: “Preparing for ancrContract-ing Home Bible Studies.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. This information on Bible studies is supplemental to what appeared in the December 1986 and January 1987 issues of Our Kingdom Ministry. Briefly mention titles of past two articles. 20-Jtnh: “Auxiliary Pioneering —Have You Tried It?” and “Regular Pioneer Service—An Invitation to Increased Happiness.” Consideration of two insert articles. Give number of auxiliary and regular pioneers enrolled for March and

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

February 1: Pages 182 to 186

February 8: Review entire book

Schedule for congregation studies in the brochure "Look! I Am Making AU Things New":

February 15: Paragraphs 1 to 7

February 22: Paragraphs 8 to 19 show how this compares with last March. Have applications available for those who wish to enroll as auxiliary pioneers now.

Song 162 and concluding prayer.

iPWEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 22

Song 72

5 mln: Local announcements. En-"f courage all to have a share in magazine work Saturday. Also, encourage support of field service activity with the campaign offer on first Sunday of March.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News^ —By Making Return Visits.” Ques- _ tions and answers. Have a well-” prepared demonstration leading into a study with ‘‘Look!’’ brochure when considering paragraphs 3-5. As time permits, interview a publisher who does particularly well on return visits. Cover practical suggestions that will be helpful to newer, less experienced publishers.               fjl,

10 min: Appreciating Our Circuital Assemblies. Audience participation.« Review the highlights of the pro-r gram that developed the theme “Progressively Walk in Jehovah’s Ways.” Emphasis can be placed on questions such as the following: What counsel was given to individual family members to help all to fulfill their role theocratically? What clear direction about our Kingdom Hall conduct was given? How were youths warned about their school associates? What encouragement to resist worldly entanglements was given? Help all to make personal, practical application.

15 min: Local needs or talk by an ' elfler who is family head on theme “Xre You Conducting an Effective Family Study?” Review highlights of study articles in November 1, 1986, 'Watchtower. Make local application.                                        ’

Song 210 and concluding prayer.

NOVEMBER SERVICE REPORT

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,482

Copyright © 1987 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.

- Simplification -

Helps Us to "Make Sure of the More Important Things"

• ¹ Do you agree that as Christians we have “plenty to do in the work of the Lord"? (1 Cor. 15:58) No doubt you have a full schedule of theocratic activities, including personal and family study, attendance at Christian meetings, and the preaching and teaching of the good news. Besides all of this, you may also be caring for various matters of a secular nature. Sometimes unnecessary activities can begin to take much time or drain one’s resources. Increased responsibilities may arise, requiring more efficient use of our time and assets. At such times it is wise for a family to consider what can be done to “make sure of the more important things.”—Phil. 1:10.                               •

• ² There is a similar situation in the household of God due to our rapidly growing worldwide family. (1 Tim. 3:15) The Governing Body has found it necessary and wise to implement a simplification program. Measures are being taken so that the organization can “stretch out,” as it were, to accommodate the many new ones coming in and at the same time continue to provide all of us with vital spiritual things.—Isa. 54:1-3; Matt. 24:45-47.

• ³ The insert of the August 1986 Our Kingdom Ministry explained how a simplified reporting arrangement for regular pioneers would begin operation in September 1986. We are happy to report that this has had a fine effect here at the Brooklyn branch office. The new arrangement has already eliminated considerable work for some of our office staff, allowing them to care for other necessary matters.

ANNUAL CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY

• ⁴ By means of a letter from the Society, all congregations have learned that starting September 1987 each circuit will have one circuit assembly a year. This adjustment will accomplish many beneficial things. Those circuits using Assembly Halls that had full schedules will not be having a circuit assembly within just a few weeks of their assigned district convention. The Assembly Halls will have some open weeks during which necessary maintenance can be done. There will be time available between circuit assemblies for conducting the Pioneer Service School and also the Kingdom Ministry School from time to time. Circuit overseers and congregation elders will have some additional time to care for other theocratic responsibilities. It will be possible for the district overseer, after serving the circuit during the assembly week(s), to spend a week with the circuit overseer as he visits a congregation. This arrangement will be beneficial in other ways, too, not only here in the United States but in many other countries.

SPECIAL ASSEMBLY DAY

• ⁵ For a number of years now, about half of the circuits in this country have held a special event each year, featuring a speaker from Brooklyn Bethel. On such occasions a two- or three-hour program has been presented. The Society is adjusting this arrangement so that beginning September 1987, it will be possible for each circuit or section of a circuit to have a special assembly day.

• ⁶ The circuit overseer will advise congregations in his circuit of the date scheduled by the Society for this event. This will be a time during the year that will not be too close to the date of your regular circuit assembly or the district convention. Circuits that are assigned to an Assembly Hall will be able to use such facilities on either a Saturday or a Sunday. This means that, wherever possible, two different circuits or two sections of the same circuit will be able to use the Assembly Hall on one weekend.

• ⁷ Where circuits do not have an Assembly Hall available, all sections of a circuit may come together for a special assembly day if this is convenient for all the congregations and if large enough facilities are available. In some of the larger metropolitan areas where no Assembly Hall is available, two or, at the most, three circuits may meet together for this purpose.

• ⁸ The annual special assembly day will prove to be another fine occasion for the brothers to receive wholesome spiritual instruction and to encourage one another. (Heb. 10:24, 25) Scriptural information that is needed for our times will be presented by assigned speakers under the direction of the Society. In many cases, it will be possible for certain qualified brothers from Brooklyn Bethel to share in the program along with local traveling overseers and other qualified elders in the circuit. Also, you will be glad to know that on these occasions arrangements will be made for a baptism. Thus, there will still be three opportunities each year for those who make a dedication to Jehovah God and who complete a review of the questions in the Our Ministry book with the elders to be baptized.

SIMPLIFIED FEEDING ARRANGEMENTS

• ⁹ We appreciate the fine labors of love that thousands of our brothers and sisters have performed over the years to provide cafeteria meals at circuit assemblies. However, in accord with the principles of ‘making sure of the more important things' and keeping a ‘simple eye,’ it seems good to begin a simplified feeding arrangement at circuit assemblies and special assemblies, starting September 1987.—Phil. 1:10; Matt. 6:22.

  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, FEBRUARY 1987

  
  

• ¹⁰ The simplified feeding arrangement will be similar to the way things have been handled at district conventions. A simplified menu and serving procedure will eliminate the need for thousands of brothers to spend many hours making purchases of a variety of food items, preparing the food before the sessions, and then cleaning up afterward. Most of these brothers have already worked secularly during the week. Would it not be better for them if they could spend this time on the weekend concentrating on spiritual things by being in attendance to hear the program? Yes! All of us need the spiritual refreshment in order not to tire out in doing Jehovah’s will.—Heb. 12:3; Isa. 40:29-31.

• ¹¹ On the holy convention days during ancient Israel’s annual festivals, the people were to do no laborious work except for festival preparation, including the food for those gathered. But in this matter of food, Jehovah specifically stated: “Only what every soul needs to eat, that alone may be done for you.” (Ex. 12:16; Lev. 23:6-8; ad pp. 375, 574) The basic purpose of those ancient assemblies was the same as it is for our gatherings today, namely, to focus our attention on Jehovah God and be edified spiritually with the least amount of distraction possible. Truly these are “the more important things.” Jesus’ words addressed to Martha on a particular occasion reflect the same thought. Referring to material provisions, he said: “A few things, though, are needed, or just one.” (Luke 10:38-42) We are confident that the simplified feeding arrangement will help all of us to make sure that we accomplish the purpose of our assembling.

CAN YOU SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE?

• ¹² You can see from the above information that Jehovah’s organization is being streamlined for more efficient movement during this very busy time of the end. “The time left is reduced,” and hundreds of thousands are joining us in the race for everlasting life in a righteous new system of things. (1 Cor. 7:29) Just as a runner in a race strips down to the bare essentials, it behooves all of us to consider what we can do as individuals to simplify our life. Paul urges: “Let us also put off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Heb. 12:1) With respect to material things or secular pursuits, we can ask: ‘Is this something that I need in order to keep living and serving Jehovah? Will it help me to be a better servant of Jehovah, or will it slow me down?'

• ¹³ If we follow the good example of Jehovah’s organization by using our time and resources in the best way possible to advance Kingdom interests and glorify Jehovah’s name, we can confidently expect to win the race for life and share in the marvelous blessings Jehovah has in store for his servants in the immediate future and throughout eternity!—Compare 1 Corinthians 9:24-26.

-A uxiliary Pioneering—

Have You Tried It?

• ¹ The present auxiliary pioneer arrangement is now in its 11th year. Since it was introduced in September 1976, hundreds of thousands of our brothers and sisters have been enrolled. Many thousands of these arrange to serve as auxiliary pioneers during certain months each year. Others have been able to serve regularly as auxiliary pioneers for extended periods of time. All have had opportunity to benefit spiritually, draw closer to Jehovah, and become more effective ministers of the good news.

• ² In September 1976, the first month of this arrangement, there was an enrollment of J£,38R; that was over 10,000 more than those reporting as temporary pioneers the previous month. Enthusiasm for auxiliary pioneering continued to grow to the extent that a peak of over 100,000 was reached in April 1985. There were not quite so many in April 1986 because many former auxiliary pioneers had stepped into the regular pioneer ranks. Even so, over 96,000 were enrolled, the second highest number of auxiliary pioneers ever.

• ³ For many, auxiliary pioneering has proved to be a stepping-stone to privileges such as regular pioneering and Bethel service. But even if your present circumstances do not allow you to take up other special service, would you not like to share in the joy that many are having as auxiliary pioneers?

MANY HAVE DONE IT

• ⁴ Are you a parent with children still at home? Do you have to work full-time secularly in order to support yourself and your family? Are you perhaps elderly, or do you have physical limitations? Do not quickly conclude that although you would like to auxiliary pioneer, it is impossible for you to do so now. If you have a strong desire to pioneer for at least one or two months during the year, there may be a way open to you.

• ⁵ The requirement of 60 hours, may seem like a difficult challenge, but when you look at it from the standpoint of being an average of only 2 hours a day, leaving you with the rest of your time to care for other necessary obligations, the hour requirement may not seem so imposing. Can you spend some time in field service each day over a specified period of time?

• ⁶ Please consider what some congregations have done to encourage auxiliary pioneer service and the happy results their efforts have produced. In one congregation nearly half of the publishers enrolled as auxiliary pioneers. Included were three elders and three, ministerial servants, One fac$pr that helped to produce this fine response was the emphasizing of pioneer service in the congregation meetings for several months prior to April. Everyone in the congregation was_made aware that April was to be a pioneer month. A total of 28 enrolled. Over half were married couples. One couple had five children and another had six, yet with careful planning they were able to take proper care of their family responsibilities and meet the pioneer requirements. Seven of the group had full-time secular jobs where they worked from 40 to 50 hours a week. Ope brother, who at first was apprehensive about signing up, stated: “It really is a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. It just takes a good schedule.”

• ⁷ An elder in a southern state wrote that 29 in his congregation auxiliary pioneered. When the names of those enrolled were announced, this encouraged others to join the ranks. Counting the 29 who enrolled, along with one regular pioneer, there were 10 brothers and 20 sisters. They ranged in age from 18 to 71.

PERSONAL BENEFITS

• ⁸ Almost without exception, those who auxiliary pioneer for the first time speak with enthusiasm about how much they have personally benefited frorp. the increased field service activity. Some men-tioi^reeling closer to Jehovat^ attaining increased joy in the service,* Recoining fejfe confident at the doors, and having<^pbuildinp^, experiences that otherwise they likely would not have enjoyed.

• ⁹ One sister was able to auxiliary pioneer even though she has five children, works secularly, and has an unbaptized husband. How was she rewarded? Her husband gave his support, and as a result of her good example, he was inspired to start out in field service the following month. Another sister who had already signed up to auxiliary pioneer wrote to say that her employer hart gnno haak an his word about giving her time off. So she told him she would have to quit her job if she did not get the time off that she needed. She reminded her employer that she could call in sick as others might do, but she would never do that since it was not honest. He agreed to give her the time she needed. How did she benefit? Only a few days of auxiliary pioneering helped strengthen her reliance on Jehovah. She said /“I don’t worry so much about finances as I used to. Jehovah actually had to teach me to trust him.”/

• ¹⁰ A disabled brother wrote to the Society about the success he and,his wife were having as auxiliary pioneers. He saids'T am disabled and can only go for a limited time each day, so 60 hours a month is about right for me. We started September 1 and plan to stay in it. We’re having many blessings, and for the first time since we started working with the congregation, we feel that we’re accomplishing something in the territory .’/This is just a sample of the comments made by those who arranged their schedule so as to auxiliary pioneer.

WILL YOU TRY IT?

• ¹¹ Are you one of the many publishers who have had a longing to he a pioneer but concluded that personal circumstances would not permit pioneer-ingJjn a regular basis? The Society had you in mind when introducing the auxiliary pioneer arrangement. Jehovah’s blessing and your careful planning are necessary, but you can be assured that the spiritual growth and the joy to be had will make it well worth while. (Neh. 8:10) Why not make positive plans, now to auxiliary pioneer in March and April? For some, May will be an ideal month for pioneering since it has five full weekends this year. So April and May might be a better time for you.

• ¹² Keep in mind that to be successful^ careful planning is needed. This is evident from the experiences of those who were able to auxiliary pioneer even though they had family responsibilities, fulltime secular jobs, and other Scriptural obligations. Each person can ask himself:(Why do I want to pioneer? How can I go about accomplishing my goal?yThe harvest is not over-.and in many areas it is truly “great.”—Matt. 9:37, 38; John 4:35.

• ¹³ This is a time for vigorous increased activity on the part of all of God’s servants. Could you not set aside a month or more each year for increased field activity in the auxiliary pioneer service? (Eph. 5:16) Hundreds of thousands of our brothers have tried it already. Can you also have a share?

^-Regular Pioneer Service—<

An Invitation to Increased Happiness

• ¹ How do you respond to an invitation to participate in activity that brings enjoyment and refreshment? Likely it is with appreciation and eagerness. Jesus extended to his disciples a warm invitation to lasting happiness and refreshment. He said:(“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,... and you will find refreshment for your souls.”)That yoke of Christian discipleship includes inviting still others to have a share in preaching the good news of the Kingdom. The regular pioneer service is an excellent avenue for increasing yeur sh?^rp in this work and in the happiness and refreshment it brings. —Matt. 11:28-30; 28:19, 20.

• ² Since the 1979 service year, the average number of regular pioneers in the United States has increased by 214 percent! We have gone from an average of 14,219 regular pioneers in 1979 to an average of 44,664 during the 1986 service year. The current service year started out with 51,381 regular pioneers reporting, a 12.2-oercent increase over the 1986 peak of 45,786 reporting in April. What is one message conveyed by this swelling throng of fulltime workers? It is that an increasing number of Kingdom publishers are finding happiness and contentment by exerting themselves in Jehovah’s service. Their enthusiasm has moved others to take a serious look at whether they also can adjust their affairs to become regular pioneers. Are you prayerfully considering this possibility?

WHO CAN PIONEER?

A yQynu brother who entered the regular pioneer service during his lewt year, of high school reported :f‘I have never been as happy in my entire life.” After starting to pioneer this past September, z'a mother of two young children commented \“I am _ happier now than I have ever been.^jFollowing the Aoss of her husband in death, another sister wrote: fl sincerely encourage anyone who possibly can to ehgage in the pioneer activity. It can only draw you closer to Jehovah and your congregation Alow glad these individuals are that they responded to the invitation to enter regular pioneer service!

• ⁴ We may easily convince ourselves that we cannot pioneer. But with prayerful effort, we can discern whether our circumstances will allow us to enter the regular pioneer ranks.One sister who now joyfully serves as a regular pioneer admitted that when she weighed her reasons for not being a regular pioneer against the reasons why she should, it became nhvirii is that she should take up the pioneer service. She overcame her hesitancy and allowed her faith and love for Jehovah to prevail.—See Ecclesiastes 11:4.

• ⁵ Are you nearing retirement, or are you retired already? If your health and circumstances permit you to become a regular pioneer, your life could take on added meaning and purpose. Then there are married couples who do ppt now have the responsibility of caring for rhiiru-an If this is your situation, can you increase your happiness by entering the regular pioneer service?

• ⁶ Those who pioneer before beginning to raise a family can later enjoy the advantage of being able to speak from experience when encouraging their children to consider pioneering as a goal to work toward. Some have even been able to continue to pioneer while raising a family. (Prov. 22:6) Over (jQjjgggfiUi-°f regular pioneers in the United States are married brothers and sisters, a goodly number of whom have children and yet have arranged their circumstances to pioneer. What a positive spiritual atmosphere this generates in the home!

• ⁷ Single persons make up about 40 percent of the total pioneers in the United States. Many of these do not have family responsibilities and have readily recognized the fine opportunity before them to make Jehovah’s heart glad while increasing their own happiness by serving as regular pioneers.

• ⁸ You may be nearing completion of your secular education. What will you do upon graduation⁷ Jesus advised keeping a ‘simple eye,’ not letting material things and physical comforts become the big things in life. A good runner knows the wisdom of dispensing with anything that could weigh him down and interfere with his running a successful race. Likewise, your chgnpgs to succeed in winning Jehovah’s fav^f aiuLdvoiding the world’s entanglements stand to improve markedly when you keep busy in Jehovah’s service. Pioneering strengthens your sense of devotion ancTprovides you with ln-centive to be fully occupied with spiritual things. Therefore, if your circumstances permit it, should you not feel an obligation to be a regular pioneer? —Matt. 6:22; 1 Cor. 15:58; 1 Tim. 6:7, 8.

• ⁹ Our happiness now and on into the indefinite future springs from doing Jehovah’s will. Jesus made this abundantly clear by what he taught and did. (John 4:34; Heb. 12:2) It is when we are busy inviting others to come and “take life’s water free” that our own life is most satisfying. Can you increase your happiness by responding to this invitation to become a regular pioneer?—Rev. 22:17; Prov. 11:25.

Announcemen ts

• Literature offer for February: Any of the following 192-page books for a contribution of 50e: Choosing, Commentary on James, "EternalPurpose,”Evolution (old edition), Good News, Holy Spirit, Life Does Have a Purpose, Peace and Security (old edition). This Life, Truth, and World Government. Supplies of Choosing, Commentary on James, Holy Spirit, and Truth may be ordered from the Society. Congregations may request credit for all books obtained by publishers and pioneers. The pioneer rate for the pocket-size books for this campaign is 30c each for regular and special pioneers. March: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth for a contribution of $2.50. Small-size edition is $1.25. April and May: Watchtower subscription for one year for a contribution of $4.00. If subscription is not taken, offer two magazines and a brochure for 70c.

• On Saturday, May 9,1987, the Brooklyn Bethel home and factory and Watchtower Farms buildings will be closed for spring cleaning, so there will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on that day.

• The Memorial celebration will be held Sunday, April 12,1987. Although the talk may start earlier, please remember that the passing of the Memorial bread and wine should not begin until after sundown. Check with local sources to determine when sundown occurs in your area. Since no other meetings are to be conducted on that date, appropriate adjustments should be made according to local circumstances. If more than two congregations are using the same Kingdom Hall in areas where daylight saving time will be in effect, it may be necessary to arrange for alternate meeting places in order to avoid having some congregations hold their Memorial celebration very late at night. Circuit overseers will also adjust their schedule that week so that only the Memorial celebration will be scheduled for April 12.

• New Publications Available:

The Bible (congregation, public, and pioneers: $2.65)

—Gujarati, Punjabi Life—How Did It Get Here! By Evolution or by Creationf (Small size)

—French

My Book of Bible Stories

—Kinyarwanda, Maltese United in Worship of the Only True God —Icelandic Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace”             —Korean

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

—Rarotongan, Silozi You Can Live Forever in Paradise on

Earth (Small size)        —Dutch

Aid to Bible Understanding (Volume 44, Spi-Tem)    —Italian

(Volume 45, Tem-Tro)    —Italian

(Volume 46, Tum-Vis)    —Italian

(Volume 47, Vis-Zuc)     —Italian

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

—Amharic, Batak Toba, Houailou, Nauruan, Tigrinya Examining the Scriptures Daily—1987

—Iloko, Tagalog School and Jehovah’s Witnesses

—Thai

The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever             —Slovenian

• ¹ Jesus instructed his followers to preach the good news and to “make disciples.” (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Conducting home Bible studies is a very effective means of making disciples. Since this important work is part of our worship, we should strive to do our very best when preparing for and conducting home Bible studies.

PREPARING FOR THE STUDY

• ² Preparing to conduct a home Bible study involves more than just reading the lesson and looking up cited scriptures. To reach the heart of our Bible student, we need to present the material in a way that will motivate him.

• ³ First, we must have a clear understanding of the material ourselves. We need to know how all the scriptures apply to the paragraphs and to the Bible student. Underlining key words and phrases helps us to remember. We need to isolate the main ideas of the lesson and think about how to convey them to the student. Additionally, the student’s level of Scriptural knowledge, areas in which he has had problems accepting certain matters, where he needs to improve his Christian personality, and so forth, must be considered. We can ask: ‘How might the material and the scriptures in the lesson HFnspd tn help Him make advancement?’ At times additional research may be necessary. There is a need to prepare carefully if the student truly is to benefit.

• ¹ Prayer to Jehovah is an important part of preparation for a Bible study. Be specific in praying about the person and his needs. Ask Jehovah to help you reach his heart.—1 Cor. 3:6.

CONDUCTING THE STUDY

• ⁵ Assisting a person in making the truth his own requires effort on our

The Government That Will Bring Paradise       —Bulgarian, Igbo, Kisi,

Turkish, Yoruba

Kingdom News No. 33      —Greek

• New Cassette Recordings Available:

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Solomon (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)

—English

Judges, Ruth (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50) —French

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

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

The First of Chronicles (set of two;

part. Covering the study material simply in an academic way may help the person to take in knowledge, but does he believe what he is learning? Help the student to see how the material affects him personally and what he should do with what he has learned.—Col. 3:10.                <

• ⁶ Avoid the pitfail of allowing the discussion tn drift onto subjects that are not directly related to the material being considered. These can be taken up after the study or at another time. It is also important to have the student answer in his own words rather than just read from the book. This will help you to determine whether he understands the material or not.

• ⁷ A good teacher emphasizes key points so that the student will not missT them. Jesus did this with thought-provoking questions that went to tne heart of matters. (Matt. 16:13-16; 17:24-27) Questions not only help you to be sure the student understands but also reveal what is ip his heart. Jesus also used simple, uncomplicated illustrations to help his listeners think about what he was saying.—Matt. 13:31-33; 24:32, 33.

• ⁸ Be sure to include the key scriptures in vour review at the end of the study. Use questions that enable you to see how the student feels about what he has learned and that focus on how he can apply what he has learned. At the bgginning of your next study, briefly review the main points again as needed.

• ⁹ We are training people-to be servants of Jehovah. This is both a privi-JegefandA serious responsibility. Can you nnprove the quality of your teaching on home Bible studies? We should do our very best when preparing for and conducting home Bible studies.—1 Tim. 4:15,16.

congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)            —French

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

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)            —French

Job (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)

—French,Japanese

Album of Hebrew Scriptures—Volume 1, Genesis to Ruth (set of 18 cassettes in album; congregation and public: $30.00; pioneers: $20.00)                —French

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)                —French

By Making Return Visits

• ¹ Experienced ministers have observed that meaningful return visits progressively stimulate and enhance growth toward becoming a believer. This feature of our ministry cannot be taken for granted. Preparation is the key to being effective. What are some practical suggestions to keep in mind? How can all of us, whether new or seasoned publishers, share in this Kingdom service?

• ² Preparation for a return visit begins on the initial call. How so? Complete and accurate records must be kept of all interest shown. Take time to make a note of the name of the householder, the subject discussed, his response, and any placements made. It helps to be specific. So, before making each return visit, review your house-to-house record and give prayerful thought to what you will say.

• ³ For most of us, making return visits presents a challenge. However, this feature of the service need not be complicated. When return visits are purposeful, you will more effectively water the seeds of truth. (1 Cor. 3:6) When following up a magazine placement, you could point out that “Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom” is the stated purpose of The Watchtower. Ask the householder if he knows who Jehovah is, and after getting his response, take a moment to read a scripture such as Psalm 83:18. The call could be terminated after laying the groundwork for another visit, or if time permits, use the first guestion on page 149 of the Reasoning book on the subject “God” to continue the discussion. Or you could use the information under the subject “Jehovah” on pages 196-7. To pave the way for your next call, mention that many people have been taught to pray the Lord’s Prayer, in which we ask for God’s Kingdom to come and his will to be done. Let the householder know that when you return you would like to direct his attention to some Bible texts that clearly explain what God’s Kingdom is and what the earth will be like when God’s will is done.

• ⁴ To follow up a literature placement, show the householder a point he may enjoy. Try to build on the subject previously discussed. If you are following up the current Topic for Conversation, you might say: “When I last spoke with you, we discussed the Bible’s sure promise of peace. There is only one government that can bring earthwide peace—God’s Kingdom. Notice what the Bible itself says at Isaiah 9:6, 7. [Read.] Would you not enjoy life under such genuinely peaceful conditions? [Allow for response.] However, besides true peace, the Bible lists many specific blessings that God’s Kingdom will bring for mankind.” At this point you may be able to direct attention to a particular paragraph. For several visits thereafter, you could use the points under “Kingdom” on pages 225-34 of the Reasoning book.

• ⁵ Sharing in the return visit work helps us to ‘glorify our ministry.’ (Rom. 11:13) Why not set a personal goal of making at least one return visit each week? Follow the practical suggestions presented herein and seek the aid of those who are experienced in this aspect of the field service. By teaching others through well-prepared return visits, your ministry will be more meaningful, your joy will increase, and your faith will grow.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

• * French Guiana started the service year with a peak of 448 publishers, a 12-percent increase.

• ♦ Hong Kong reported a new peak of 1,446 publishers In September. They had a peak of 191 regular pioneers.

• * Ireland reports a new peak of 2,532 publishers for the month of September. Congregation publishers averaged 12 hours In the field for the month.

• ♦ Luxembourg started the new service year with a peak of 1,295 publishers, a 4-percent Increase.

• ♦ Mexico broke through the 200,000 mark with 200,300 publishers reporting activity In September, and 332,821 Bible studies were conducted during the month.

Question Box

• • Who should receive a copy of Our Kingdom Ministry?

Our Kingdom Ministry is designed to provide help and encouragement for those who share in the field ministry. Therefore, it is not for general distribution. All baptized publishers Can? approved associates should receive a^-codv. Those who regularly attend-the-S6rvicefaeeting and who arymaking progress toward sharing in the field ministry should also receive a copy. Be sure to reserve a copy for the Kingdom Hall library. Disfel-lowshipped persons should not be given a copy of Our Kingdom Ministry.

Some congregations have found it advantageous to make a list of all persons who qualify and then' divide the list up according to Congregation Book Study groups. This list can be used by the study conductors to facilitate distribution, perhaps even typing or neatly writing each person’s name on his copy. Each one who receives a copy of Our Kingdom Ministry should take care of it and use it in preparing for the Service Meeting and for field service. Many have found it helpful to keep a file of Our Kingdom Ministry In tneir personal theocratic library for future reference.

Reach Out                (Cont’d)

house-to-house work each week? Is it your goal to become a more capable teacher on return visits and home Bible studies? Some in school have set a yearly goal of being an auxiliary pioneer during one or more vacation months.

• ⁶ What about goals for the near future? What do you want to accomplish in the next year or so and thereafter? Is it your goal to become a regular pioneer minister, a member of the Bethel family, or perhaps a missionary?

• ⁷ If you are a young brother, are you reaching out for the privilege of serving as a ministerial servant and someday becoming an elder? By setting definite goals and diligently working toward them, you can direct your life in a more useful way.

• ⁸ Remember that some congregation elders, circuit and district overseers, missionaries, and persons in Bethel service were at one time young people in the truth. But they reached out and grew in knowledge and in ability to serve God and their brothers. Their example of zeal and accomplishment should encourage you to make good use of the time you have during your youth.

• ⁹ Goals must be practical and set 8 according to what you are able to accomplish. Everyone is different in makeup physically, mentally, and emotionally. There are also various stages of spiritual growth. Therefore, do not expect to accomplish something just because someone else does.

• ¹⁰ You can be sure that you make Jehovah happy when you reach out for spiritual goals. As you work toward and attain these goals, do so with a determination to give your best. It is worth all your effort and will result in rich blessings for you now and in the years to come.—Phil. 4:13.