OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

AUGUST 1988

Vol. 31. No. 8

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

AUGUST 1-7 Topic for Conversation

• 1. Review new Topic.

• 2. How will you introduce it?

AUGUST 8-14 Explain how you will present 1. Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! 2. The Government That Will Bring Paradise.

• 3. The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever.

AUGUST 15-21 House-to-house records

• 1. Why use two?

• 2. What information should be recorded?

• 3. What will you do with not-at-home list?

AUGUST 22-28 Following up interest

• 1. How soon should you make the return visit?

• 2. What can you say to build on initial interest?

• 3. How can you lay basis for next call?

AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 4

Topic for Conversation

• 1. Review current Topic.

• 2. How will you tie in new literature offer?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

The Key to Happiness.

Matt. 5:3—Being conscious of spiritual need.

Rev. 1:3—Observing God’s Word.

• ¹ Jesus told his disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples . . . , teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) Genuine dfcripi°« of Jesus today respond enthusiastically to this lifesaving work. Concerning many it could be said, as in the case of the apostle Paul, that they arer'being' poured out like a drink offenng.”J(Phil. 2:17) Their fajth-strengthening example en-co'urages all dt us to accomplish o~Ur ministry fully.—2 Tim. 4:5; Heb. 13:7.

• ² However, zealous efforts to witness to everyone in the territory are hampered at times by the great number who are not at home when we call. Additionally, some congregations have territory assignments that are quite large. This makes it difficult for them to cover the territory frequently, follow up the interest fully, or return to find those who were not at home. What can you do to accomplish your ministry more fully? Have you tried concentrating your efforts in those sections of your territory that have proved to be more productive? Try to work these thoroughly several times in the year, while being sure to cover all the assigned territory at least once a year.

PROPER USE OF HOUSE-TO-HOUSE RECORDS

• ³ It is essential that we keep a good hniise-to-hnnco rnrnrd and

  Benefiting From Obedience to Divine Instruction

  
  

• ¹ The more we observe the folly of disobedient mankind, the more we can appreciate how beneficial it is to be obedient to divine instruction. The world’s do-your-own-thing philosophy has caused many of its adherents needless suffering. However, Jesus Christ set the pattern for Christians. The Bible shows that he was always obedient to his Father, and for this faithful course he was greatly rewarded.—John 8:29; Heb. 5:8; Phil. 2:7-11.

• ² “Benefiting From Obedience to Divine Instruction” is the theme of the special assembly day program that will begin in September. Practical suggestions and timely counsel will be presented to assist us in various aspects of Christian living. For example: How can parents help their children to take a firm hold on the truth and make it their own? make use of it afterward. How can we fully accomplish our ministry if we do not call back where no one was at home? Can we really say that we are covering our territory thoroughly if we fail to make return visits on interested persons we have already located and endeavor to start Bible studies with them? The answers to these questions emphasize the need to make proper use nf the house-to-house record. It is best to keen two records one for interest found and the other for addresses where no one was at home.

⁴ Some publishers have found it practical to cay again at not-at-homes before leaving the territory. Returning an hour or two after the initial call may result in finding someone home and placing literature or even starting a Bible study. In the case of congregations with limited territory, returning to find these people after the first hour or two extends the amount of available territory and assures better coverage of it.

³ Publishers who are unable to call again soon can give the not-at-homes to their studv conductor for distribution to other publishers. This can De arranged conveniently where congregations have midweek, weekend, and evening witnessing groups. Of course, some publishers may want to keep their (Continued on page 4, col. 2)

How can each family member increase his joy in serving Jehovah? What can each member of the congregation do that will benefit him individually and the organization as a whole? These are some of the things that will be discussed on the new special assembly day program.

• ³ Attention will be given to the importance of following divine instruction when facing tests of Christian obedience related to employers and when dealing with the superior authorities. Surrounded as we are by a lawless society, Christians must be careful to maintain the Scriptural viewpoint toward such authorities and avoid improper attitudes prevalent in the world today.

• ⁴ Some adjustment is being made in the program schedule. During the 1989 service year, the Watchtower (Continued on page 2, col. 1}

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 1

Song 181

12 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage support for field service the first Sunday of the month.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News —With Brochures.” Have brief discussion of paragraphs 1 and 2, then present three well-rehearsed demonstrations, one for each brochure being offered. Encourage young publishers to learn presentation in paragraph 4. Exhort publishers to prepare well so as to be effective in their transitions. Remind them that brochures can be used for starting Bible studies.

13 min: “A New Feature of the 1989 Calendar.” Enthusiastic talk. Explain clearly how to order calendars as set out in Announcements.

Song 204 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 8

Song 19

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Encourage all to share in magazine witnessing on second Saturday of August. Include a brief demonstration presenting current magazines. • /W

20 min: “Fully Accomplish Your Ministry.” Question-and-answer discussion. When considering paragraphs 3 and 4, refer to the Index under “TERRITORY,” subheading “coverage,” sub-subheading “repeated,” for experiences on the benefits of using house-to-house records. Prepared local experiences can also be used. rjjJ

15 min: Be a Good Listener! Encouraging and informative talk. Listening plays an important role in learning process. (Prov. 1:5) Our progress as a Christian minister depends to a great extent on how we listen at meetings, at assemblies, and to elders. (Prov. 18:15) A good listener not only hears with his ears but also pays attention with his mind and his heart. He is moved by his heart to get the sense of a matter and do something about it. He is motivated by what he hears. (Matt. 13:23) Interest is a very important factor in good listening. Our interest in the truth should help us to improve our listening habits at meetings and assemblies. What can we do to improve our listening habits? See Study 5 of the School Guidebook for additional suggestions. Encourage all to remember Jesus’ counsel, “Pay attention to how you listen.”—Luke 8:18.

Song 40 and concluding prayer.

' WEEK STARTING AUGUST 15

AC**

Song 183

10 min: Local announcements. Outline congregation’s field service arrangements. Interview young folks who have served as auxiliary pioneers during the summer months. How have they benefited, and what joys have they had? Briefly relate interesting experiences they had in field service.

20 mln: “Family Bible Study—Apriority for Christians.” Question-and-young people in congregation. What are the local problems young Witnesses are facing in school? What can they do personally to cooperate with their parents to make the family study a success? What can we do to help them? Do they have serving Jehovah full time as their goal?

Song 157 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 22

Song 184 £) C-

10 min: Local announcements and Theocratic News. Encourage support for field service with magazines on the fourth Saturday. Demonstrate appropriate presentations.

18 min: How Can We Be More Productive? To be handled by the service overseer. Review with the congregation ways in which all can participate in aspects of service that may need attention. Information can be researched using the Index under “FIELD MINISTRY.” Give practical suggestions to the audience. One to three brief demonstrations can be used to illustrate points discussed.

17 min: “Were You Once Associated /’ With Jehovah’s Organization?” Appealing talk by experienced elder, explaining the congregation’s riglit-ful concern for inactive persons and what can be done to help such ones who may be known by members of the congregation.—ic88 1/15, pp. 21-3. Song 123 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 29

Song 190 fTf

5 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to turn in field service reports promptly at end of month.

13 min: Offer Creation book during Z,

September. Animated talk with demonstrations. Emphasize value of Cre-^ ation book to people in your terri-*® tory. Suggest various situations in^ which it may be offered. Demo# strate house-to-house presentation j-using Topic for Conversatiop; and'^{1 2 3 4 5 6 7}' demonstrate one other presentation that would be appropriate in your area.

congregation if this has already been announced.

15 m i n: Local needs or talk on “How to Be a Successful Parent.” See The Watchtower, May 1,1988, pages 3-6. Song 80 and concluding prayer.

Announcemen ts

• Literature offer for August: One of the following 32-page magazine-size brochures: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, or The Government That Will Bring Paradise for a contribution of 30e. As an alternate offer, two of the following publications may be offered for $1.00: Babylon, 'Finished Mystery, ’ God’s Kingdom . . . Has Approached, 'Know Jehovah,’ Life Everlasting, and Paradise . .. Theocracy. See Announcements in July Our Kingdom Ministry for information on how credit will be issued for any of these publications used in the campaign. September: Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? The contribution will be $3.00 for the large size and $1.50 for the small size. October: One-year subscription for Awake! or The Watchtower, or both, for a contribution of $5.00 each. November: New World Translation with the "Kingdom Come" book for a contribution of $5.00.

• During the week of August 29-Sep-tember 3,1988, the Society will be taking an inventory of all literature on hand in Brooklyn. Because of this inventory, no congregation literature orders will be processed for shipment or for pickup during that week.

• Each congregation will receive three Literature Inventory forms and should take an actual count of campaign literature. Please fill out the forms completely and send the original to us no later than September 6, 1988. Keep a carbon copy for your flies. We are sending the third copy for use as a work sheet.

• Congregations should begin ordering the 1989 Calendar- of Jehovah's Witnesses with their September literature order. (See the 1988 Cost List, paragraphs 7-10.) The calendars will be available in Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish. Calendars are controlled stock items and will be charged to the literature account at $1.00 each, which is the rate for publishers, pioneers, and the public. Do not send the remittance with the orders. (See the Cost List, paragraphs 23-25.) Until the calendars are available and shipments are made, these will appear as “Back Ordered” on congregation invoices.

• New Publications Available:

Making Your Family Life Happy

—Vietnamese

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size)         —Twi

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

—Burmese, Luchazi, Tumbuka From Kurukshetra to Armageddon —And Your Survival

—Gujarati, Punjabi Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide —Romanian “Look! I Am Making AU Things New’’ (Brochure)       —Cinamwanga,

Hiri Motu, Silozi The Government That Will Bring Paradise          —Luchazi, Nepali,

Tamil, Tumbuka

• ¹ Very often where there are serious problems wfth believing lafflliy members, especially with teenagers, family Bible study has not received the needed attention. It is sad to say, but many families, including those of some elders and ministerial servants, are having problems with their school-age children being overtaken by worldly influences.

• ² Recently a circuit overseer wrote about brothersT who were having problems with their children. He ote served that the root of the problem is almost always the lack of attention to Bible instruction inthe nome. A re-" cent survey by^{8 9}a circuit overseer indicated that in some congregations up to 50 percent do not have a regular family Bible study'

\ A PRIORITY

• ³ Jehovah admonished parents in Israel: "And these words that l am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deut. 6:6, 7) Yes, parents in Israel were instructed to give this matter serious consideration.

*^T lime must be set aside regularly for family⁹study if families are to follow Hie guidelines given in God’s WordU Family heads, need to persevere diligently m conducting^the .famibiBible study regularly/gn$OTn-er-ramffr members should likewise help to make this aspect of family worship successful for the benefit of the entire household. All need to appreciate that if they do not give proper attention to the spiritual needs ot the household now, ver^jjfryly they will have to deal with serious and even painful problems in the future.

HOW TO ADAPT A STUDY PROGRAM

• ⁵ How should a study be conducted? What should be studied? When should it be held, and for how long? How can you be sure of reaching the child’s heart? For answers to these questions, please consider The Watchtower Mnypmhpr 1 1986, page 24.

• ⁶ Essential ingredients for a sue- 3 cessful family study are joy and en-/ i thusiasm manifested hy the parents: (Compare Psalm 40:8.) Also, parents-tn need to commend the children for their efforts and encourage them to apply Jehovah’s principles.

• ⁷ A sister learned the truth when G eight of her children were still living at home. Evdh though she had an unbelieving and uncooperative husband. shgjpgdesjj£e that the spirituality of Iter children was given proper attention. She set a good example in field service and in her participation at meetings. After field service, she would look at the faces of her children to see if they reflected joy. If not, immediately she made sure to give encouragement. If they isolated themselves in their room, she would lovingly talk with them to draw them out and encourage them with God’s Word. As a result, all her children are in the truth. Three have been regular pioneers, and two of these also served at bethel. Her efforts were richly i£-\yarded~b.ecause she always gave priority to their spirituality.—Compare 3 John 4.

• ⁸ Many blessings can be enjoyed now and in the future if parents give constant attention to the spiritual needs of their children. As the children see the value of God's law and are convinced that it is really good and beneficial, they will not hold back from letting others know what they believe by word and action. (Ps. 119:165) Therefore, parents, ioyful- , ly give vour family study the imnor-tant position it is due.               fti

Schedule for congregation studies.^ in the booklet Jehovah’s Witnesses t, and the Question of Blood:          '■

August 1: Pages 43, par. 2 to 51     /

August 8: Pages 52 to 60

Schedule for congregation studies „ in the book Life—How Did It Get'⁹ Here? By Evolution or by Creation?:

August 15: Pages 7 to 13

August 22: Pages 14 to 21⁹ August 29: Pages 21⁹ to 27⁹

• To or from subheading.

With Brochures

• ¹ What a joy it is to speak the truth to people and share the Kingdom good news with them! (Acts 15:3) But our time for doing this is limited. Wisely, Jehovah through his organization provides excellent Bible study aids that we can leave with interested persons to assist them in making further progress. We want to introduce these aids effectively.

• ² During August we will be using a new Topic for Conversation, “The Key to Happiness,” and we will be offering one of these brochures: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, The Government That Win Bring Paradise, or The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever. Before we go into the field, we should consider how to introduce these Bible aids effectively and in harmony with our Topic for Conversation on happiness.

SOME SUGGESTIONS

• ³ Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!: This brochure has excellent appeal to young people as well as to those with limited reading ability. The pictures and scriptures are numbered for easy reference. How might you introduce it? To conclude your discussion on happiness, you could say: “Wouldn’t you like to enjoy true happiness on eartfrsofhedav? j Allow for response. 1 Note this beautiful illustration of happy people here in this Bible study aid. [Turn to picture 49, and read comments over picture.] This brochure will aid you in learning how the Bible can help you live among such happy people and enjoy life forever on earth. It is yours for a contribution of 30c.”

• ⁴ After a brief introduction, a young or new publisher might offer the brochure by saying: “We are offering people this brochure that shows how God will bring happiness to people all over the earth. Notice the cover that shows happy people really enjoying life. I am sure you will want to read more about this and examine the pictures and scripture references in this brochure. It is yours for a contribution of 30e.”

• ⁵ The Government That Will Bring Paradise: This brochure focuses attention on God’s Kingdom—the theme of Jesus’ message and ours. Here are two ways you could link this brochure to your conversation on happiness:

• ⁶ “Those who truly appreciate and observe God’s Word can look forward to a happy life under God’s government. This is the government that will bring about Paradise conditions all over the earth. It is well described in this brochure that you may have for jijgt 30c Notice what is said about this government on page 3.” Then read paragraph.

• ⁷ Or, “Those who observe God’s Word not only are happy now but also look forward to greater happiness. This Bible study aid shows on page 29 why those who observe God’s Word will be happy. [Show householder pertinent points on page 29.] I am sure you will enjoy reading more about this. You may have this instructive brochure for 30®.”

• ⁸ The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever: Certainly seekers of happiness must get acquainted with -the God of happiness, Jehovah. So you might introduce the brochure this way: “In order to know and observe God’s Word, one must really become better acquainted with God himself. That is one reason we are offering people this informative Bible study aid. [Show brochure.] Not only does it explain what God’s name is but it also shows here on page 31 the value of knowing God's name. [ Read paragraph 1. ] This copy is yours for a contribution of 30c."

• ⁹ You may find other effective ways to introduce the brochures in field service this month. Prepare well, and may Jehovah grant you joy in presenting the good news with the brochures.

Ministry                  (Cont’d)

house-to-house records and make some calls when going to and from srhnnl, workr-or shopping-or while in the course of caring for other necessary matters One congregation that encouraged the brothers to do this obtained good results, finding much interest in a section of their territory that had previously been unproductive.

⁶ Our ministry has many facets. There are a number of things for us to do. But a primary objective of our work is to ‘Tjreach the word.”

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Austria reported a new peak of 17,368 publishers during March. Congregation publishers averaged 11.3 hours in the field.

♦ Brazil continues to see increase with much interest yet to cultivate. This is evidenced by the 718,414 who attended the Memorial celebration. A new peak of 227,007 publishers was reported for March.

♦ Canada reported fine activity for March with new peaks of 92,066 publishers and 48,891 Bible studies.

A New Feature of the 1989 Calendar

• ¹ For six years we have enjoyed calendars with colorful scenes of our brothers witnessing in various lands. But for the year just ahead, we will have a new type of calendar from which you will benefit in a different way.

• ² The 1989 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses will present a series of beautiful color photographs of locations in the Promised Land. Under each large picture will be interesting comments on what we see in the photograph. There will also be details about Biblical events occurring at that location or remarks showing why the place is important to us as keen students of God’s Word.

• ³ Of course, the calendar will continue to have the useful features that we have long appreciated, such as the schedule for Bible reading. But you will likely find new uses because of the large, clear pictures of the Promised Land. For example, January/February will show an aerial view of Megiddo, which you could use on a Bible study to explain the meaning of Armageddon. The pictures will help us to visualize Bible accounts, so parents will probably use them in discussing Bible stories with their children.

• ⁴ The photographs and comments will be numbered so that a particular one can be identified easily if you are discussing a Bible account during a meeting part. Some may want to get an extra calendar and frame the pictures or put them in a binder for permanent use. These pictures should be a valuable addition to your theocratic library. Please consider this when placing your order.

(2 Tim. 4:2) That “word" will result in good for those who listen to it. (Zeph. 2:2, 3) People in our assigned territory still need tn he give** the opportunity to ‘call on the name of Jenovah.’’ (Rom. 10:11-13) Let us exert ourselves vigorously and seek every opportunity to accomplish our ministry fully.

4

¹

Benefitlng                (Cont’d)

²

summary will be featured on the program whether it is held on Saturday or Sunday. This means that congregations having their special assembly day on Saturday will not schedule a Watchtower Study or public meeting the following

³

day. The elders will be able to organize extensive group witnessing in

⁴

stead.

⁵

Appreciative comments have been heard concerning how beneficial the first special assembly day proved to be. Many were encouraged and strengthened by the wholesome spiritual instruction on personal Bible study and the information regarding the progress of the organization.

⁶

No doubt the special assembly day program for the 1989 service year will also be of great benefit to us as we strive to imitate our Exemplar, Jesus Christ. Do not miss any part of it. May we all continue to

⁷

benefit from obedience to divine instruction.—Heb. 10:23-25.

⁸

"This Good News of the Kingdom"

—Tuvaluan

Watch Tower Publications Index 1986

—Dutch

Tract No. 14          —Hungarian

Tract No. 15          —Hungarian

Tract No. 16 —Hungarian, Swedish

⁹

New Cassette Recordings Available:

Isaiah (set of four; congregation and public: $6.00; pioneers: $5.00)

—French, German

The First to the Thessalonians through To Philemon (single cassette; congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)       —Portuguese

The First of Peter through The Letter of Jude (single cassette; congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)             —Portuguese

Jehovah Delivers Those CaUing Upon His Name (single cassette; congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)             —Portuguese

MAY SERVICE REPORT

Av.     Av.    Av.   Av.

Pubs. Hrs. Mag's. R.V. Bl.St.

Sp’IPios.      265 127.2  88.4 53.3  5.6

Pios.       55,783  82.7  39.8  27.8 3.0

Aux. Pios.   41,760  59.2  29.4  16.3  1.5

Pubs. 667,449   9.8   6.4   3.7 0.5

TOTAL   765,257

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,679

MEMORIAL REPORT 1988      1987 Difference

Total Attendance 1,822.807 1,778,086 *44,541(2.5%) Number ol Partakers 3.684      3,733     -49 (-1.3%)