' OUR ' KINGDOM MINISTRY

JUNE 1989

Vol. 32, No. 6 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

JUNE 5-11

Illustrations in the True Peace book

• 1. What points could you highlight on page 21?

• 2. With whom would you use page 13, and why?

JUNE 12-18

When talking to young ones

• 1. What chapters in the True Peace book do you highlight? Why?

• 2. Why is discretion necessary?

JUNE 19-25

How could you use persuasion

• 1. In your introductions?

• 2. When discussing pages 78 and 79 in the True Peace book?

JUNE 26-JULY 2

Making return visits

• 1. What subject in the True Peace book will you use?

• 2. If you placed magazines, what would you talk about?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Source of True Peace and Security.

1 Thess. 5:3—Man-made peace not lasting.

Mic. 4:3, 4—God’s peace is everlasting.

³ The True PegqgJjook has timely information for people who want to

A doctor living in Finland received a copy of the True Peace book- At the time he did not read it but put it on the bookshelf. Later his wife remembered that they had ttre~~beok and read it through. She was at once convinced that she had found the truth.' She started to study and later was joined by her husband. They are now baptized, and their children also are publishers of the good news. This experience demonstrates the value of

• ¹ Jehovah’s Witnesses refer to one another as “brother” and “sister.” This denotes tfie"ciase" rein tl01 Ship that should exist aniffhg alFSCTVaffts of 'Jehovah Goff.

• ² The term “brother” literally means “son of the same parents." Do you feel the bonds of a warm spiritual relationship with all of those who are dedicated servants of Jehovah? How can we further cultivate the kind of love that.proves us to be a-brotheeor a sister-la nnr Christian associates?

AT MEETINGS

• ³ Jesus’ disciples appreciated the importance of meeting together. (Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7, 8)”We also treasure the privilege of warm Christian fellowship. (Rom. 16:3, 5) However, do the expressions we make at the meetings reveal that we are genuinely concerned about the spiritual wellbeing of our brothers and sisters? Through our comments at meetings, we can promote loye_and unselfish. getting the True Peace book into as many homes as possible.

• ⁴ Our preparation for field service should include a rexi£ffi,of the table of contents and the chapters of the book that we think will appeal to people. We can select specific points from the book to use in conversations with householders.

  way, a Bible study may be started

  
  

• ⁵ You might try the following suggestion. After reading and discussing the scriptures in the Topic for Conversation, call the householder’s attention to page 8 in the True Peace book. If time permits, look some of the cited scriptures to point out the difference between what God’s Kingdom will do and what human leaders are incapable of doing. Then read paragraph 43. Thereafter, you might ask the householder if he would like to consider some of the points in the next chapter. In this right then. Otherwise, try to start a study when you make the return visit.

• ⁶ It is clear that imperfect man cannot brine true peace and security. In order to have a solid hope for the future, people must put their faith in God. But “h<uy . . . will they put faith in him~bfwhom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach?” (Continued on page 2, col. 3) interest in the welfare of others. We want to encourage our brothers to be zealous in proclaiming the good news and to be exemplary in all aspects of daily living.—Heb. 10:24, 25.

• ⁴ There are many opportunities for theocratic association before and after thameetings We should use this time to widen out in our association by welcoming newer ones and getting acquainted with as many as we can. Sharing field service experiences and other unbuilding conversatiomw 11 contribute to the encouragement of others.—1 Thess. 5:11, 15.

WHOLESOME ASSOCIATION

• ⁵ One cannot walk with God while running in association with those of the wicked and sick society that approves of everything that God abhors. The Bible warns: “Bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Cor. 15:33) Some in the congregation may (Continued on page 2, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

NOTE: Our Kingdom Ministry will schedule a Service Meeting for each week during the summer. Congregations may make adjustments as needed to allow for attending the district convention and then for a 30-minute review of the program highlights at the Service Meeting the following week. The day-by-day review may be assigned in advance to two or three qualified brothers who will be able to focus on key points. This well-prepared review will help the brothers remember key points for personal application tan^ use in the field- Experiences useHand comments from the audience should be brief and to the point.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 5

Song 137

lOmin: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Suggest field service points from latest magazines. Comment on how these magazines may be used in field service or when traveling to the district convention. Encourage all to share in field service this weekend, including second Saturday magazine day.

15 min: “Seize Every Opportunity to Witness—Part 1.” Question-and-answer consideration. Encourage brothers to put into practice suggestions given and to make good use of tracts.

20 min: New Topic for Conversation. Discuss scriptures and how they support the points made. Review introductions on “War/Peace” in Reasoning book, page 14. Then present

Enjoying                  (Cont’d)

be inclined to invite worldly acquaintances and unbelieving relatives who have no interest in the truth to social gatherings, thinking that this will encourage them to accept the truth. However, is this wise and in harmony with the Scriptures?

• ⁶ We have been counseled to be cautious in our dealings with men of the nations, unbelievers, and ordinary persons. (See the November 15, 1988, issue of The Watchtower, pages 15-16.) Why should we have unnecessary social contact with people who still pursue worldly ways and who have not become worshipers of Jehovah? (2 Cor. 6:14,15) Some who are negligent spiritually may seek out others who also hold on to worlda well-rehearsed demonstration covering points mentioned in paragraph 5 of article “Proclaim True Peace and Security.”

Song 139 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 12

Song 158     3

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Commend brothers for material support of congregation and include Society’s acknowledgments of contributions. Outline field service arrangements for this weekend. Discuss highlights of current magazines to be offered.

15 min: “Enjoying Theocratic Association.” Question-and-answer discussion. Include appropriate expressions as to benefits derived from good associations.

20min: “Proclaim True Peace and Security.” Question-and-ancwpr discus-sjon. Include comment on points brought up on page 8 of the True Peace book and any other points applicable to the congregation’s territory.

Song 31 and concluding prayer.

(rS

WEEK STARTING JUNE 19

Song 78

10 min: Local announcements. Suggest talking points in current magazines, and demonstrate two brief, well-orenareri pnncor>tutinnc Highlight The Watchtower in one and Awake! in the other. Encourage all to share in magazine work this Saturday. 20 mirtr “Presenting the Good News —With Persuasion.” Question-and-answer coverage- After'discussing article, have well-prepared publisher ly thinking and ways instead of seeking association with mature Christians who could help them become strong in the faith. They fail to appreciate that attendance at social gatherings with worldly, unprincipled people can weaken their faith and corrupt them.—Compare 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15.

• ⁷ Everyone wanting to practice the truth should search out associates who are devoted to Jehovah and who will help him to walk in the truth and contribute to his progress in serving God. Our friends and associates can have a profound effect on us. Therefore, how wise it is to seek out the company of godly persons who maintain a close relationship with Jehovah! demonstrate how this might be done, using example in paragraph 4 or other practical subject.

15 mln: Local needs or talk on article “Young People Ask ... A Successful Courtship—Just How Important?” in February 22,1989, Awake!

Song 197 and concluding prayer.

De-

JjgJWEEK STARTING JUNE 26

Song 210

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Announce arrangements for holiday witnessing. Consideration of day’s text and comments.

15 min: “Give Support to the Circuit Overseer’s Visit.” Questions and answer^. When discussing paragraph 2, interview presiding overseer relative to the preparation necessary for the circuit overseer’s visit. Emphasize how the congregation can assist toward making the visit a successful one. Arrange for two or three personal comments from pioneers and publishers on how they have benefited from past visits. Build enthusiasm for next visit of circuit overseer.

10 min: “Young People Ask . . . How Can I Use My Money Wisely?” Qualified brother discusses with two or three young persons the highlights of January 22,1989, Awake! article. Offer some practical suggestions on how youths can use their finances to advance Kingdom interests.

10 min: “The Responsibility of Discipleship." Talk based on January 1, 1989, WatchTffiber article. Encourage all to share in weekend field service arrangements.

Song 16 and concluding prayer.

Proclaim                  (Cont’d)

(Rom. 10:14) Time is running out for people to have the opportunity to turn to the real Source of true peace and security. May we do what we cap during the month of June to proclaim the message of true peace to the many honesthearted ones in the congregation’s territory.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!:

June 5: Pages 33 to 37’ June 12: Pages 37’ to 43* June 19: Pages 43“ to 47’ June 26: Pages 47* to 54’

• To or from subheading.

’ To or from chapter heading.

Announcements

• Literature offer for June: True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It! for a contribution of $1.00. July and August: One of the following 32-page, magazine-size brochures may be offered for a contribution of 30e: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making Alt Things New,” The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, and The Government That Will Bring Paradise. As an alternate offer, congregations having a supply of any of the following publications may offer two for $1.00: Choosing the Best Way of Life, Commentary on the Letter of James, God’s “Eternal Purpose" Now Triumphing for Man’s Good, and Is the Bible Really the Word of God! Additional copies of Commentary on James may be ordered from the Society. Congregations should not order the other three books mentioned, since they are out of stock. Use only those books that are available locally. (For obtaining credit, see the guidelines in the Society’s letter of December 21, 1988, to all bodies of elders.) September: Life —How Did It Get Here! By Evolution or by Creation! for a contribution of $3.00. Small-size books are $1.50.

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

• Since the convention this year will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the regular Congregation Book Study will be conducted during the convention week.

• New Publications Available: Happiness—How to Find It

—Romanian

"Let Your Kingdom Come"

—Romanian

Listening to the Great Teacher

—Romanian

Reasoning From the Scriptures

—Arabic

Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!             —Chinese

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

—Indonesian

Watch Tower Publications Index 1986            —Portuguese

• New Cassette Recordings Available:

Ezekiel (set of five cassettes; congregation and public: $7.50; pioneers: $6.25)        —German

Listening to the Great Teacher (set of five tapes and a book in an album; congregation and public: $11.25; pioneers: $9.50)

—Danish, Swedish

• ¹ From October 15, 1946, onward, congregations have been organized into circuits that are served by fulltime traveling overseers. For almost 43 years now, both individuals and congregations have benefited from this theocratic provision. (Isa. 1:26) Our continued support of this arrangement will bring us many more rich blessings.—Eph. 4:7, 8,11.

PREPARING FOR THE VISIT

• ² Once the visit of the circuit overseer has been announced, we can begin to prepare for it. We can make plans to adjust our normal schedule so as to support fully the week of special activity. Some publishers arrange to spend more time in the field ministry by auxiliary pioneering. Others may take a day or two off from their secular work to share in the ministry. Many publishers make special appointments to work with the traveling overseer in some feature of the ministry. Wholehearted support for the field ministry on this occasion brings many rewards.

• ³ Reports received from the traveling overseers indicate that there can be better support for afternoon return visit and Bible study activity. Could you schedule return visits or a Bible study for an afternoon during this week? The circuit overseer will gladly accompany you, and if you like, he would also be pleased to conduct your study.

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

• ⁴ High on the circuit overseer’s list of priorities is the need to provide additional training for anyone who may be reaching out for greater privileges of service. (1 Tim. 3:1) Do you have questions about your specific assignments or responsibilities? Would you like to improve your ability and

  Seize Every Opportunity to Witness —Part 1

  
  

• ¹ When writing to the Hebrew Christians, the apostle Paul exhorted: “Let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.” (Heb. 13:15) One way we can do this is by regularly supporting nnr cnngrogatinn’s flplft service arrangements. Another effective way of offering to God a sacrifice of praise is by seizing opportunities to give an informal witness.

• ² During the course of our daily activity, most of us come into contact with other people. If we are alert to recognize the opportunities personal organization? Are you interested in Bethel service, Gilead, or the Ministerial Training School? Would you like to serve where the need is greater, either within your circuit or elsewhere in the United States? Whatever your spiritual goals may be, the circuit overseer will gladly discuss them with you.

• ⁵ If your circuit overseer is married, his wife is likewise a devoted servant of Jehovah. Very likely she is a pioneer and will be in a position to give full support to field service arrangements. Because of her experience and regular participation in the ministry in diverse territories, she becomes skilled in the preaching work. She makes herself available to work mainly with other sisters in the house-to-house service and accompany them on return visits and home Bible studies. She deserves the same warm commendation that Paul gave concerning Phoebe.—Rom. 16:1, 2.

• ⁶ Not to be overlooked is the privilege we have of showing hospitality to the traveling overseer and his wife, if he is married. Many are the brothers who treasure the memories as well as the encouragement they have received because of opening their homes or sharing a meal with these traveling ministers and enjoying pleasant spiritual association with them.—3 John 5-8.

• ⁷ Regular visits by spiritually mature traveling overseers continue to help Jehovah’s people. The degree to which we can benefit individually from this arrangement depends on the extent to which we prepare for and ^pporrtTnr~ctrt!ult overseers visit. May ail of us be determined to' give full support to the next visit of our circuit overseer.

and then make the effort, we should be able to sow many seeds of Kingdom truth through informal witnessing. It may require no more than a brief comment or a Question about world conditions or local concerns to spark a conversation that will open the way for giving a witness. Depending on the circumstances and the reaction of the person, we may even be able to offer literature.

BE PREPARED

³ Successful informal witnessing requires advance preparation. Are

(Continued on page if, col. 2)

With Persuasion

• ¹ Is it appropriate for ministers of the good news to persuade people to accept the truth? It certainly is! (Acts 18:4) The apostle Pajjl reminded Timothy that he had Jjeen...p£Xr. suaded to become a believer by his mother and grandmother. (2 Tim. 3:14) To persuade someone means to move him by entreaty, to reason earnestly with him concerning a beliel, a position, or a course of action.

• ² The apostle Paul made good use of the art of persuasion. While he was in Athens,rhis spirit within him came to be irritated at beholding that the city was full of idols.jj(Acts 17:16) However, when he stood in the midst of the Areopagus, Paul did not bluntly tell those present that their worship of idols was in vain. Skillfully avoiding a harsh emotional confrontation, he calieXTTIrelr alien'-tion to “an altar on which had been inscribed ‘To an Unknown God.’” He thereafter gave a forceful witness, with fine results.—Acts 17:23, 28, 29, 34.

BE DISCERNING

• ³ Paul clearly demonstrated that persuasion requires more than just an emotional presentation or an abundance of words. We must have insight and be discerning about ffie feelings, beliefs, and interests of the people to whom we sneak. We need to be alert and quick to recognize when the householder’s emotions may be the real barrier to an open-minded consideration of Bible teachings.—Prov. 16:23.

• ⁴ For example, a person may believe in the immortality of the soul because of sentimental attachment to the memory of a deceased loved one. What would be the persuasive way to help him with the truth? Instead of directly telling him that he' is wrong in his belief and that the soul dies, would it not be better to use persuasion to penetrate the emotional barrier he may have and reason with him? We could tell him that we understand his feelings because we too have lost loved ones in death. We have found comfort in The promise of the resurrection, a time when we will be reunited Tvith lost loved ones and once again enjoy their company. Then appropriate scriptures could be read and discussed. If we are discerning and season our speech with salt, we can be persuasive in presenting the good news.—Prov. 16:21; Col. 4:6.

  USE ILLUSTRATIONS

  ⁵ Illustrations can be effective in persuading people to adjust their thinking. A noteworthy example is the discreet- way that Nathan reached King n^idd’s- t^^rt (tf Sam. 12:1-14) Well-chosen illustrations couple intellectual appeal with emotional impact. They make it easier for people to grasp new thoughts. For example, the earth could be likened to a home and people to ten? ants. If the tenants fail to take good care of a homo- the owner will not destroy the home, but he will evict the tenants. Hence, God will not destroy the~earth, but he will remove the bad people.—Isa. 45:18.

  "’’"Persuasion has its limitations. If people do not want to believe or make changes in their lives, they will remain as thev are- (Matt. 13:14,15) However, there are still many honesthearted people in the world who can be reached with the message of the Kingdom. To help them, we should make every reasonable effort to develop and use the art of persuasion in our ministry.

  
  

  Seize

  
  

(Cant’d)

mally. Be sure to have tracts, magthat you can offer to responsive ones. What about a Bible? The pocket-size Bible fits easily in a purse or a coat pocket and can be used when the opportunity presents itself. Is there something else we can do in order to be well-prepared?

• ⁴ We should keep informed as to current events that relate to Bible prophecy and be prepared to introduce Bible topics for conversation that would appeal to truth-hungry people today. The “Watching the World" and “Insight on the News’’ features in our magazines are valuable aids in this regard. If we have such news items in mind, we can be confident in introducing a subject with broad appeal.

TAKE THE INITIATIVE

• ⁵ Just about any nr^tinn-whpn we come into contact with other people offers the, opportunity to give a witness. Even publishers who are hospitalized have taken advantage of their situation and have been effec-

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Austria reached a new peak of 17,949 publishers in January, a 4-percent increase over last year's average.

♦ Barbados had a new peak of 1,656 publishers in January.

♦ A new peak of 113,547 publishers was reported in Britain during January, a 5-percent increase over last year’s average.

♦ Colombia continues to see fine increase with new peaks of 39,022 publishers and 3,069 regular pioneers. There was a peak of 63,539 Bible studies conducted.

• ♦ Mauritius had a new peak of 811 publishers in January.

• ♦ Trinidad reported a new peak of 5,324 publishers in January.

• ♦ Vanuatu reported a 21-percent increase in January with a new peak of 102 publishers.

MARCH SERVICE REPORT

Av     Av    Av Av.

Pubs.  Hrs.  Mags.  R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’IPios. 264 129.0 79.0 57.5 5.6 Pios.      61,810 83.5 34.9 29.2 2.8

Aux. Pios. 40,691  59.1  25.3 17.^ 1.5

Pubs. 692,122   9.8   5.9  3.8 0.5

TOTAL 794,887

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 4,075

tive in speaking about the truth to tbrs, and other patients. Other pubfishers use their luncfi break at work or at school and time spent waiting for an appointment. Opportunities to give a witness may come while shopping, when on vacation, or wnen traveling by bus, plane, or train. Some publishers are effective at informal witnessing in their own home when salesmen, deliverymen, neighbors, relatives, and others call on them.—See 1970 Yearbook, pages 97-8, 231-2, and 263-4.

⁶ The “Godly Devotion” District Conventions present us with fine opportunities to do informal witnessing. Lapel badges often prompt people to ask us WHO we are and where we are going. Of course, we can initiate the conversation bv telling people th~^at ^we are delegates to a convention and explain why we are attending. When we stop for gas, eat in restaurants, stay in "motels, go shopping, or merely take a stroll, we should look for appropriate ways to witness fnTormally.—Eccl. 11:6.

⁷ Heartfelt appreciation for the truth and an awareness of the urgency of our times should motivate us to seize every opportunity to share with others the wonderful message of hope that we have. May we continue to take advantage of every opportunity to sow seeds of Kingdom truth through informal witnessing. —Matt. 24:14.

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