OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

MARCH 1988

Vol. 31, No. 3 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 6 New Topic for Conversation 1. Review key points of scriptures used.

2. What introduction will you use? MARCH 7-13

Offering Creation book

• 1. Why do people need this publication?

• 2. What specific points or illustrations can be highlighted?

MARCH 14-20 Using Reasoning book 1. What points from subject "Evolution,” pages 126-8, can be helpful?

2. What points from subject "Creation," pages 84-8, can be helpful?

MARCH 21-27 Inviting others to Memorial 1. Whom should we invite?

2. How can printed invitations be effectively used?

MARCH 28-APRIL3 Featuring magazines 1. What articles from current issues highlight Topic for Conversation?

2. Why is a positive approach needed when offering subscriptions?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

The Bible Benefits Family Life.

Gen. 1:27, 28—God instituted the family arrangement.

Isa. 48:17, 18—Family members benefit from heeding God’s Word.

• ¹ “God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8) Those words reveal the motivating force behind Jehovah’s promise to deliver humankind from sin, sorrow, and death. (John 3:16) The greatness of God’s iove can be further appreciated in that he did this for all humankind, even though the vast majority do not acknowledge either his Goaship or his authority over their lives.

• ² Since the opportunity for everlasting life is available to all people, we want to do all WO can to build up appreciation for God’s love in the hearts of those with whom we share the good news. If people are going to serve Jehovah acceptably, they need. to appreciate all that he has done for them, especially through the ransom sacrifice of his Son. How can wp halp them appreciate God’s great love?

THE MEMORIAL

• ³ On Friday, April 1, 1988, Jehovah’s people will commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. The Scriptural talk that will be given on that occasion may help many new ones in attendance to appreciate more fully God’s love and the need to live in harmony with his will. By all means invite as many people as possible to be present for the Memorial. Have you thought of inviting your neighbors? How about your relatives, schoolmates. and work associates? Use the you to start conversations.

  Help Those Attending Meetings

  
  

• ¹ David was expressing heartfelt desire when he said: “Among the congregated throngs I shall bless Jehovah.” (Ps. 26:12) David identified the congregated throngs as worshipers of Jehovah. Is our heartfelt desire the same as David’s? We can show that it is by regularly attending meetings where we can bless Jehovah and encourage others to do so.—Heb, 1(L 24,25—

• ² Likely in your congregation there are a number of individuals who attend meetings but are not yet pubfishers of the good news. The latest meeting attendance figures for this country show that there are over 200,000 more attending the public talk than there are publishers associated. What can we do to help these persons qualify to participate in the ministry? Some areZshildren of wor.-shipqrs of Jehovah, but a great many arfrmewly interested persons. Could we be of assistance to these interested ones? Some of them may be persons who are not yet studying. As

¹ Elders are encouraged to make thorough preparation for the Memorial celebration. Is there adequate provision to accommodate all who are expected to attend, additional chairs being obtained if required? Where more than one congregation will use the hall, orderly arrangements and an appropriate schedule are needed so that each congregation will have sufficient time to celebrate the Memorial. The body of elders should select a well-qualified speaker who will present the information clearly and Scripturally. This will help all present to appreciate what God has done in their behalf. As a result, they will be able to see the need to respond wholeheartedly to his love.—See the February 15, 1985, issue of The Watchtower, page 19.

OFFER CREATION BOOK

⁵ In addition to the gift of his Son, Jehovah has also shown his love for mankind by the things he has made. Yet, millions do not give credit to Jehovah for the marvelous creation that surrounds us. People need to appreciate the truth aBbutlhe origin Of life. Why? Because as stated in paragraph 3 on page 8 of the Creation book:(‘Our entire attitude toward life and the future is influenced by our viewpoint on the origin of life. And how life came to be Here will definitely affect the future course of history and our place in it.”pur new Topic for (Continued on page if, col. 1) you speak with them at the meetings, you may find that some would be happy for you to conduct a Bible study with them.

• ³ The ipyp of the brothers for one another and for new persons does not go unnoticed. As one young mansaid after attending a meeting for the first time:Qr was surprised that they all knew one another and that the hall was alive with friendly conversa-tion.’yThis made him want to continue attending. He could see that the love the brothers had for one another was genuine-

WAYS TO ASSIST

• ⁴ Our love and concern for others can be demonstrated by talking with them before and after the meetings. Such keen interest in the welfare of others was expressed by Paul. In Romans chapter 16, he sent greetings to a number of individuals, indicating that he knew them well and was concerned about their physical and

(Continued on page S, col. 2)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 28

Song 114

7 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to support field service on first Sunday of March. Obtain supply of Creation books and magazines for use in field service during week.

18 min: “Help Others to Appreciate God’s Love.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. Encourage all who can to auxiliary pioneer during March and April.

20 min: New Topic for Conversation. Discussion and demonstration. Review Topic for Conversation and show how Creation book can be tied in. In introduction emphasize that family life today is threatened by many factors. As a result, there are broken homes and much unhappiness. (Ask householder what he feels is the solution to this problem.) Thereafter state that there is a need to look to the Creator of mankind for direction. God instituted the family arrangement. (Read Genesis 1: 27, 28.) Then you could say: “Did you know that more and more people, including scientists, believe that humans were created? God’s written Word, the Bible, contains direction that if followed can contribute to a happy family life and can provide hope for better conditions in the future. (Read Isaiah 48:17, 18.) It is important for sincere persons to read and pay attention to God’s written Word.” Offer Creation book, stating that this publication provides evidence supporting the creation account and establishes that God wants men and women to find contentment and happiness in life. (Consider illustration on page 34.) Turn to chapter 19 and select appropriate points and illustrations from pages 232-7, highlighting that all God-fearing people will be blessed when Paradise is restored. Then offer publication for contribution of $2.50. Have qualified pioneer or publisher demonstrate use of new Topic and offer Creation book. After demonstration, consider other talking points that can be used from publication.

Song 154 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 6

Song 155

7 mln: Local announcements. Encourage all to support magazine day on Saturday, March 12. Briefly demonstrate presentation of current magazines.

18 min: “Help Those Attending Meetings.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. Highlight need to help newer ones to qualify to share in the field ministry, (-,(>;

12 min: Discussion and Interviews. Elder considers what local congregation can do to render increased assistance to those who attend meetings, with the goal of helping them become publishers. Interview two or three publishers, outlining specifically what they have done to assist and encourage such ones.

8 min: Question Box. Discussion with audience.

Song 101 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 13

Song 92 jq-yg n

10 min: Appropriate'*Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry and local announcements. Include accounts report. Read appreciatively Society’s acknowledgment of all contributions, including donations to Society Kingdom Hall Fund and for missionary travel. / .

15 min: “Presenting the Good News —With Help From Jehovah’s Spirit.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. Stress need to reflect the fruitage of Jehovah’s spirit when in the ministry, a

8 min: Make-Good Use of Theocratic Calendar. Talk. Encourage all to use Society’s calendar. Make notes of schedule for field service and other theocratic activity. (Eccl. 3:1) The weekly Bible reading schedule is printed on calendar. This serves as reminder to read Bible daily. (Ps. 1:2) Take note of Bible reading during week of Memorial. The yeartext is emphasized, and the illustrations stimulate our desire to participate in the field ministry. Review with audience various scenes from 1988 calendar. Pictures also remind us of our worldwide brotherhood. Use calendar to direct Bible students to organization. Place calendar in convenient location in home where it can best serve the needs of entire family. (Note Our Kingdom Ministry, April 1983, page 7.)

12 min: Invite interested persons to Memorial. Discussion and demonstration by .service oversea'. Highlight need to invite all family members, Bible students, and interested persons to Memorial on Friday evening, April 1. Make good use of printed invitations. Arrange for qualified publisher to demonstrate how to invite Bible student to Memorial, using information under the subject “Memorial” in the Reasoning book, pages 266-9. Service overseer concludes by encouraging all to make list of persons we want to invite and to make special effort to contact them.

Song 29 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 20

Song 151 10 min: Local announcements and Theocratic News. Encourage all to participate in field service this weekend. Consider “Adjustment in 'Watchtower Study Schedule.” As time allows, briefly relate experiences in placing Creation book. ■

15 min: “Support Midweek Service Arrangements.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. An=-nounpe local arrangements.

8^: Preparations for Memori^' al. Talk bv presiding overseer, An-^ nourice time of Memorial and outline local arrangements. (Note Our King-) dom Ministry, March 1987, page 3," “Things to Prepare.”) Mention last year's attendance worldwide and locally and remind all to contact interested persons who have not yet been invited. Z4

12 min: Can You Auxiliary Pioneer During April? Discussion. Encourage all who can to auxiliary pioneer during month of April. Interview one or two publishers who have made plans to pioneer. How did they arrange their schedule to devote 60 hours to the ministry? What joys and benefits do they anticipate? Encourage all who can to work with pioneers and spend as much time as possible in the field ministry during April.

Song 87 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 27

'Song 197

15 min: Local announcements. Remind all that the Memorial will be held on Friday evening, April 1. Encourage publishers to offer subscription on first Sunday and all during April. Illustrate specific articles from the April 1 and April 8 magazines that can be tied in with the current Topic for Conversation. Have brief (Continued on page S, col. 1)

Copyright C 1988 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.

Announcements

• • Literature offer for March: Life—How Did It Get Heref By Evolution or by Creation* for a contribution of $2.50. Smallsize books are $1.25. April and May: Watchtower subscription for one year for a contribution of $5.00. If subscription is not taken, offer two magazines and a brochure for 80e.

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

• • New Publications Available:

True Peace and Security—How Can You Find Itf             —Greek

The Government That Will Bring Paradise                   —Estonian

The Time for True Submission to God

—Yoruba

Meetings                  (Cont’d)

demonstration featuring presentation of Watchtower subscription.

|15 min: “The Value of Singing in WTrue Worship.” Talk based on December 1, 1987, Watchtower, pages 25-7. Highlight need for all to sing enthusiastically and from the heart.

min: Local needs. Unless there is a more pressing need, qualified elder can highlight the importance of being on time for meetings and theocratic appointments. This includes circuit assemblies and district conventions. Review information from December 1983 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, page 1, on the subject “Punctuality —A Mark of Thoughtfulness.”

Song 205 and concluding prayer.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book United in Worship of the Only True God:

March 6: Pages 127 to 130, par. 11

March 13: Pages 130, par. 12 to 135, par. 11

March 20: Pages 136, par. 12 to 140, par. 3

March 27: Pages 140, par. 4 to 143, par. 10

Suggested Bible reading schedule for Memorial week:

Sunday, March 27 (Nisan 9)

Mark 14:3-9; 11:1-11

Monday, March 28 (Nisan 10)

Mark 11:12-18

Tuesday, March 29 (Nisan 11)

Mark 11:19-13:37

Wednesday, March 30 (Nisan 12)

Mark 14:1, 2,10,11

Thursday, March 31 (Nisan 13)

Mark 14:12-16

Friday, April 1 (Nisan 14)

Mark 14:17-15:47

• ¹ In his prophecy concerning the time of the end, Jesus said, “In all the nations the good news has to be preached first.” (Mark 13:10) In obe-dWnCe'fo’TTus^-command, Jehovah’s people all over the world are active in the ministry not only on weekends but throughout the week as well. Local elders are encouraged to schedule appropriate meetings for field service during the week. Are you able to share in midweek field service with others in your congregation? ?•'** c—<-*•*1

ORGANIZED ARRANGEMENTS NEEDED

• ² The service overseer should take the lead in making definite arrangements for midweek service. The locations, days, and times should be convenient for the majority of publishers. Meetings for field service are sponsored by the congregation and would normally be presided over bv elder^jujnisteriaLagryants, orotber qualified baptized brotheis. If such qualified brothers are not available, capable baptized sisters can be assigned. (Note Organized to Accom-plish~Our Ministry, page 77, paragraph 3.) A sister assigned should wear a head covering and would normally sit when conducting the meeting for field service.

• ³ Those assigned to conduct these meetings snould be well prepared. The daily text can he discussed, especially if it is appropriate for field service. Pojnts from Meetings for Field Service should be used. Appropriate-territory and group assignments should be made. Special interest can be shown in helping newer publishers who may be participating in the ministry.

  Attending Meeting*        (Cont’d)

  spiritual welfare. (Rom. 16:1-16) He Sent greetings to some who had been “in union with Christ" longer than he, indicating his interest in persons in all stages of spiritual growth. His comments about them reveal he had taken time and interest to get to know them- He understood their problems and could help them spiritually. Coming to the meetings early provides a fine opportunity to get hatter acquainted with others and to encourage them. Why not try(diligently to arrive 15 to 20 tmnutes fefore the'

  
  

  meeting starts and stay awhHe afterward so you can share more fully in encouraging others.

  ⁵ We can encourage newer meeting attenders by showing them how to prepare for the meetings. They can be encouraged to answer questions at the meetings and join the Theocratic Ministry School when they qualify. A few practical suggestions from an experienced publisher can assist newer

  
  

  DECEMBER SERVICE REPORT

  	Pubs.	Av. Hrs.	Av. Mags.	Av. R.V.	Av. Bi.St.
  Sp’l Pios.	255	128.1	81.4	53.1	5.6
  Pios.	58,495	80.7	37.6	27.7	2.8
  Aux. Pios.	32,130	58.4	27.6	16.5	1.5
  Pubs.	666,133	9.7	6.5	3.7	0.5

  TOTAL 757,013

  Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,245

  
  

SUPPORT LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS

• ⁴ Those who support midweek arrangements for field service have many opportunities to meet householders who may not be home on weekends. You may be able to work with other publishers and pioneers who share in the field service during the week. Many sisters with children in school appreciate these arrangements. Some publishers with unbelieving mates have found arrangements to go in field service on weekdays quite helpful. Youths on vacation from school are able to support midweek service arrangements. Often pioneers and experienced publishers are available to accompany new and inexperienced ones in the various features of the ministry during the week.

• ⁵ AU are encouraged to arrive on time and share in the discussions and prayer. Your doing so will help you to participate zealously in the field ministry and search out deserving persons in your assigned territory. —Matt. 10:11.

ones in preparing talks and in making pointed comments in their own words.—See School Guidebook, studies 4, 7, and 18.

• ⁶ As a part of Jehovah’s congregated throngs showing genuine love for one another, we grow spiritually, and a stronger bond of unity results. (Gai 3: 6:10) Our desire toTTrtnvolved in con-^, gregation activities deepens, and we , seek to have a greater share in the^ preaching and disciple-making work.^ Let us, therefore, continue our loving efforts to help new ones to praise and honor Jehovah.

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS 1

  v_____________________________________________________________________________/

  
  

  With Help From Jehovah’s Spirit

  • ¹ In order to be successful in the Kingdom ministry, we need Jehovah’s direction and blessing? It is vital that we pray for the help of holy spirit in our activity, since Jesus assured his disciples that God will give holy spirit to those asking for it. —Luke 11:13.

  • ² When witnessing to certain types of people, we may feel a nejgSjfcEe particularly well prepared. (Compare 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.) But God’s spirit will help us if we ask for it, and we will be able to convey the truth accurately and clearly.

  • ³ Holy spirit will give us the needed boldness to speak the truth to “all sorts of men.” (1 Tim. 2:3, 4;

  1 Thess. 2:2) Of course, being bold-does not..mean—that a Christian would be overbearing or defiant in his manner.

  
  

  CULTIVATE FRUITAGE OF SPIRIT

  ⁴ The apostle Peter states that when speaking, we should have “a mild temper and .deep-Teapeet." (1 Pet. 3:15) Mildness is a fruit of the spirit and is especially important when, dealing'with unreawn-able persons- Other fruitage of the spirit will also help in dealing with trying situations. (Gal. 5:22, 23) There is no need to view rejection by some as a personal attroht. RUtTP er, realize that tney may not understand the value of the message we bring. Having this mental attitude will help us to be mild and respectful. If appropriate, make a kind expression when departing. This could have a beneficial effect on persons not favorably disposed. —Prov. 15:1.

  
  

God’s Love                 (Cont’d)

Conversation and the Creation book can be used to help honesthearted individuals to appreciate that Jehovah is the Creator of life and the family arrangement.

^s March and April have proved to be excellent months in which to share in the auxiliary pioneer sprvi<-p No doubt many elders and ministerial servants, along with their family members, will be able to take part, thereby setting a fine example for the congregation.

• ⁷ During March, use every opportunity to help others to appreciate God’s love by inviting new ones to the Memorial and by offering the Creation book. Thus we can show that we greatly appreciate Jehovah’s love.

• ⁵ Whether we are working in the ministry from house to house or on the street, we are being observed by Others. Our conversation and behavior should always be inoffensive and above reproach. NoL everyone appreciates our work. Many will not listen. Do not become discouraged. Remember that we are looking for sheeplike rings (Matt. 10:19-14) Our manners in field service should honor God by reflecting the fruitage of his spirit. Good manners and thoughtful consideration of others may soften the hearts of some. —2 Cor. 6:3.

^G If the person we speak to is genuinely busy, we may be able to make only a few brief remarks. But our being considerate may well bring a .warmer- rosponse the next time a Witness calls. God’s spirit will help us to demonstrate genuine love and be long-suffering and kind. We rejoice that God in his mercy often grants people manv nppo'~tunitieg-*o hear, with the result that some eventually do believe.—1 Cor. 13:4.

⁷ As we let God’s spirit direct our efforts, we will present the Kingdom message in a way that is appealing to reasonable and God-foaring people. Make it your goal tovtjadorn the teaching of our Savior, God, in all things.’’/-Titus 2:10.

Question Box

• When is it proper to leave free literature, and how should this be done?

If someone is interested but cannot afford to contribute for the literature, we could give the person a booklet, an older magazine, or a tract. Perhaps some back issues of the magazines could be distributed free when visiting nursing homes and hospitals. They could be left at Laundromats or in the lobbies of residential buildings where our work is restricted. However, good judgment should be exercised as to how many and how often magazines are left at one place. The managers of some of these places have complained because of having to discard magazines when there are too many left over a period of time.

Some publishers may occasionally leave a single older issue of a magazine at the door when no one is at home. However, if we were to leave magazines indiscriminately at notat-homes each time the territory is worked, people might reason that the magazines are free. So it is good to

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Lesotho was able to report a new peak of 1,068 publishers for October. Freak snowstorms in the mountains disrupted the work of many pioneers and publishers, but none of our brothers were injured or died from the extreme cold weather.

• ♦ Malaysia was happy to report a new peak of 861 publishers for October.

• ♦ Panama reached its fourth consecutive publisher peak with 5,138 reporting, an 8-percent increase over last year’s average.

• ♦ Portugal had a new publisher peak for October, with 32,202 reporting. There was a 21-percent increase in the number of regular pioneers in comparison with the same month last year.

• ♦ Thailand had a new peak of 952 publishers for October.

• ♦ The brothers in Truk report a new peak of 55 publishers for October, a 45-percent increase over last year’s average. Their recent circuit assembly had a peak attendance of 108.

Adjustment in Watchtower Study Schedule

Beginning with the March 1, 1988, issue of The Watchtower, the Watchtower Study schedule that appears on page 2 of each issue will be adjusted so as to indicate weeks beginning on Monday instead of Sunday. According to this arrangement, material assigned for the week of March 28 will be considered on April 3 by congregations that have their Watchtower Study on Sunday.

use discretion in this matter. If the congregation is experiencing problems because older issues frequently are left when people are not at home, the local body of elders can review the matter and make suggestions that would be appropriate for the territory and in the best interests of the work. It may be more appropriate to leave tracts at not-at-homes.

Since worldly persons with bad motives may look for outward indications that no one is home, a tract or an older magazine that is left at a door should be placed completely out of sight. (Matt. 7:12) If other printed material is found at a door, it may not be good to leave anything additional on that occasion. No literature of any kind should be left in mailboxes, since that is prohibited by postal regulations in the United States.—See Our Kingdom Service, May 1981, page 8.

4