OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY 7

AUGUST 1989

Vol. 32. No. 8

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

AUGUST 7-13

How do you present a brochure to

• 1. A man?

• 2. A woman?

• 3. A youngster?

AUGUST 14-20

If the literature offer is refused, how might we

• 1. Offer a tract?

• 2. Raise a question for a return visit?

AUGUST 21-27 When preaching 1. How can we learn from one another?

• 2. How can we help new ones express themselves?

• 3. How can parents train children?

AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 3 Why should you call back 1. On brochure placements? 2. Where no one was at home?

• 3. On a person who was genuinely busy?

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.

• ¹ Thousands of people who were taught by J esus witnessed the signs he performed. What a privilege they enjoyed! On one occasion he had the crowd recline, offered thanks, and then fed them with an abundant supply of bread and fish. They numbered about 5.0(H) men, not counting women and children. While Jesus took into consideration the physical needs of the people, he was primarily concerned with their spiritual needs. Hence,. the next day he told the crowd x'Work, not for the food that perishes, but for the food that remains for life everlasting."J-John 6:27.

• ² As true Christians, we want to follow Jesus’ counsel and work for everlasting spiritual benefits. This means keeping material pursuits in their place and having as our primary goal theHoing of God’s will. Therefore, we imitate Jesus and make every reasonable effort to share the truth with others and help'them to appreciate Spiritual things, having everlasting lite as a goal.

ACTIVITY IN AUGUST

• ³ During August, we will continue to present the magazine-size brochures Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, "Look! I Am Making AU Things New," The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, or The Government That Will Bring Paradise. As an alternate offer, some may wish to use two of the following older books for $1: Choosing, Commentary on James, “Eternal Purpose,” or Word of God.

• ⁴ It is good to have-a solnotion of these fine publications. This allows us to be flexible, adapt to the interests of tfiieTiouseholder, and present the bro

  Youths, Witness Effectively in School

  
  

• ¹ Serving Jehovah when you are young and full of appreciation for his promises is a wonderful thing. (Eccl. 12:1) You young peoplb have the special opportunity of sharing the truth with classmates and teachers, a territory that is usually inaccessible to adults. Are you alert- to the many wavs you can witness informally at school?

• ² Why do some find it difficult to share the truth with others at school? Could it be fear of what their classmates will think of them if they talk about God? (Compare Mark 8:38.) Perhaps you experienced this kind of fear when you began going from house to house with the good news. However, if von appreciate the need that other youths have for the truth, as well as your own recpziniOhility as an evangelizer, you will seek opchure that seems most appropriate. Helpful suggestions on offering the brochures were given in “Presenting the Good News” in the August 1988 Our Kingdom Ministry.

• ⁵ If no literature is taken by the householder, we might leave a tract or handbill to stimulate tne person s interest in spiritual matters. Or we may find it appropriate to raise a Bible question and suggest the householder give it some thought for a later discussion when we call again. You may select one of the many questions discussed in the Reasoning book, such as those mentioned on pages 193,198, 245, or 247.

• ⁶ To be effective in sharing the good news with others, we need to be well pxepaxod. This requires advance preparation. Are we familiar with the Topic for Conversation, and do we have specific points to mention from the literature? By doing our weekly Bible reading assignment and considering the'text each dayfour spirituality will grow, and we will have manv good things to talk about in our min-istry.—Compare Jeremiah 20:9.

• ⁷ During August, you may have the opportunity to work with a number of different publishers. This can widen vOur acquaintance and friendship with others. It will also allow you to see how others present the good news, something you may miss out on if you always work with the same individual. Yes, our goal is faithful service to Jehovah with everlasting life in view. May we display appreciation for spiritual things by our activity as we incite others to love and fine works.—Heb. 10:24.

portunities to share the Kingdom message with others. (Matt. 9:36-38; Luke 12:8, 9) To be effective in witnessing informally to those at your school requires advance preparation. and planning on your part.

HOW TO DO IT

³ One youngster read her Bible Stories book at school every day during a 15-minute free period. When a cjassmate inquired about the bonk, she was invited to sit down and consider a story together. After that, she did not wait to be invited to study but came eagerly to consider the next story. She shared with her mother what she was learning. As a result, the mother began studying the Bible and at-,tending meetings at the Kingdom

(Continued on page 2, col. 1}

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

- WEEK STARTING AUGUST 7

Song 109

10 min: Local announcements and report to congregation of previous month’s field activity. Let brothers know what was accomplished, and encourage them for the work ahead. Highlight items in Theocratic News as time allows. Encourage magazine witnessing for this Saturday. Include brief demonstrations on presenting current magazines.

20 min: “Life Everlasting—Our Goal." Question-and-answer discussion. Include two demonstrations using different brochures based on the suggestions in the August 1988 Our Kingdom Ministry. In one demonstration, as the householder refuses the offer, the publisher can close by raising an appropriate question from the Reasoning book for discussion at another time.

15 min: “Planning Ahead for September.” Talk. Start planning what can be done as individuals and as a congregation to advance the ) spread of the truth. Encourage starting pioneer service in September. Points from The Watchtower of May 1, 1985, pages 13-17, may be included. If time permits, ask for comments on suggestions from district convention that we can apply in months ahead.

Song 15 and concluding prayer.

’ WEEK STARTING AUGUST 14

Song 28

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Accounts report

, , /•WEEK STARTING AUGUST 28

Song 70

8 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to share in field service this weekend. Outline special field service activity for September 4. Suggest talking points for offering Creation book during September.

24 min: “Youths, Witness Effectively in School.” Include three demonstrations with young Witnesses using the suggested presentations in paragraphs 4-6.

. 13 min: Results of Youths Witnessing in School. To be handled by an elder. Use local experiences. If no local experiences are available, the following experiences can be related by some exemplary youths: 1989 Yearbook, page 45, paragraphs 1, 2, and page 49, paragraphs 1, 2; 1988 Yearbook, page 53, paragraphs 1-3, and page 60, paragraphs 1-3. Encourage young people to take the initiative in seeking opportunities to witness in school. Urge parents to help their children to prepare so as to witness effectively in school.

Song 75 and concluding prayer.

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

August 7: Pages 80 to 84*

August 14: Pages 84* to 89*

August 21: Pages 89* to 95*

August 28: Pages 95* to 99

• To or from subheading.

* To or from chapter heading.

Youths                  (Cont’dj

Hall along with her young daughter.

• ⁴ Why not take the initiative and speak to others'aboiit the Hible Stories book? For example, you could say: “This book shows how God can protect his faithful servants. [Turn to story 49.1 Jehovan protected Daniel in the lions’ pit. Do you think God will save his people by putting an end to badness in the future?” After allowing comments, you could turn to storv 114 to show that Jehovah will. destroy wickedness and saveTus people.

• ⁵ You might place the Creation book on your desk so that others will notice it. Or when the opportunity presents itself, you could turn to the picture on page 83 and ask a classmate or a teacher: tDo you think that our ancestors looked like this?’7After getting a response, you could discuss the information on page 89, paragraphs 19 and 20. Others may have their curiosity aroused if they are _shown the titles of the chapters listed "on page 5. Depending upon their response, you could share additional information from other parts of the Creation book, or you might demonstrate how the book can be studied by reading a paragraph and then asking the question at the bottom of the page.

• ⁶ Upon entering high school, one teenage publisher made it her goal to start a Bible study. A classmate was having some problems with her parents and spoke to the Witness girl about this. The young publisher showed her an appropriate “Young People Ask ...” article from Awake! The classmate was impressed with the material and asked more questions. The young publisher placed the Live Forever book with her, explained that this could help answer her questions, and started a Bible study.

• ⁷ To be a witness for Jehovah, we must speak about mm. (Isa. 4~3: 10-12) Have you sincerely made the effort to share the truth with classmates and teachers at your school? Prepare interesting topion .tn dir.nuss with them. Put forth the effort. Ask your parents or others to assist you. Pray to Jehovah to bless your efforts, just as he has blessed those of many other young publishers who are effective witnesses for Jehovah at school.—Col. 1:9,10.

© 1989 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (USPS 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., and International Bible Students Association, 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.

Are You Using What You Have?

• ¹ Jesus Christ gave his disciples guidance on matters pertaining to true worship. Regarding Jesus’ conversation with two of his disciples, Luke reports that Jesus “interpreted to them things pertaining to himself in all the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:27, 32, 45) Surely the disciples were greatly refreshed and strengthened by his instruction. In time, however, Jesus had to leave them. How would they be able to understand God’s written Word without him? Would they know how to apply it in their lives?

• ² Jesus did not leave his disciples stranded, abandoned to their own imperfect judgment. They soon came to realize that during his stay with them on earth, Jesus had provided an abundance of information that could be used effectively for their direction on a wide variety of matters. They were able to discern what to do as they “called his sayings to mind.” (Luke 24:8; John 14:26) In time, many of Jesus’ sayings were recorded in God’s Word for our benefit.

• ³ As the Christian congregation began to function, those taking the lead helped the brothers call to mind what Jesus had taught previously. In his second letter, Peter wrote: “I am arousing your clear thinking faculties by way of a reminder, that you should remember the sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles.” (2 Pet. 3:1, 2) So, in most cases, even when very important matters were under consideration, it was simply a matter of making use of what had already been provided.—Acts 15:12-21.

* Such instruction never became invalid, nor did it become outdated. Over the years, Jehovah progressively gave his people a clearer understanding of his will. (Prov. 4:18) Adjustments in understanding were well-defined and clearly documented by the organization. In all of this, the fundamental principles have remained the same. That is why, for example, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is just as practical today as when it was delivered almost 2,000 years ago. There is no need for new revelations of truth when what we need has already been provided.

SUPPLYING PRESENT SPIRITUAL NEEDS

• ⁵ Since the 1870’s, the modern Christian congregation has moved progressively toward a clearer understanding of Jehovah’s Word. Over the years, a great variety of questions have arisen calling for clear-cut answers. “The faithful and discreet slave” has provided such “food at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45) One by one, questions have been thoroughly researched in the light of Bible truth, and specific direction has been provided for Jehovah’s people. All this information has been passed on to us through the publications of the theocratic organization, particularly the Watchtower magazine.

• ⁶ Upon reviewing what has been published over the years, it is evident that the Society’s publications have already provided direction on virtually any Bible subject that comes to mind. Doctrinal teachings have been thoroughly analyzed. Principles governing Christian conduct have been clearly defined. And the requirements for accomplishing the great preaching work have been carefully outlined. As a result, a wealth of Bible information has been accumulated for the benefit of all. For example, the Watchtower and Awake! bound volumes are a storehouse of instruction. If we had the Watchtower and Awake! volumes from 1960 to 1988, we would have, in effect, a 58-volume encyclopedia full of vital Scriptural knowledge as well as information in countless other fields. The feature “Questions From Readers” has examined many hundreds of inquiries. We can hardly mention a subject that has not been covered in some way in one of the publications. Accordingly, when we need guidance in some particular way, it is usually a simple matter of calling to mind what was brought to our attention in the past.

• ⁷ Even so, searching out the specific information we need at the moment could be a monumental task if we had to rely on our own memory. Happily, the organization has provided the Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985 that we can use to find specific details in a matter of minutes. The Index makes reference to more than 200 publications issued over a period of 56 years. Have you learned to use the Index to search out information that you need? Are you using what you have? Also, there are periodic Indexes in various languages, and some publications contain their own index.

BE A DOER—NOT A FORGETFUL HEARER

• ⁸ The organization, through its publications, helps us to perceive Jehovah’s will. We should be doers and apply what we learn rather than be forgetful hearers. (Jas. 1:25) What is brought to our attention should not be viewed as instruction to be put aside and forgotten after a momentary consideration. Instead, we should listen with a view to calling it to mind when there is a need for it in the future. In order to do that, “it is necessary for us to pay more than the usual attention to the things heard by us.”—Heb. 2:1.

• ⁹ How do we “pay more than the usual attention”? The March 15, 1989, Watchtower, page 14, explains that: (1) We need to appreciate Jehovah’s organization and show it by our cooperation and regular meeting attendance. (2) We must be diligent in personal study of God’s Word and the publications provided by the slave class. (3) It is important to meditate on the things we learn so that they can be applied in our lives and used to help others.

• ¹⁰ The publications provide continuous instruction on how to cope with the challenges we face in raising our families, keeping morally clean, and dealing with others. How do you react to that instruction? Do you view it with appreciation, taking careful note of things that apply to you personally? Or do you simply view it as something of momentary, passing interest? Appreciation should move us to absorb the information and meditate on it with a view to calling it to mind later and making full use of it.—Isa. 48:17.

• ¹¹ We need to do more than simply read what is provided. That can often be quite casual and superficial. Instead, we have to study it. To study means to set the mind upon a subject systematically to learn it for future use, to make something an object of consideration with a view to action. This means that our mental approach to the material actually determines how deeply it will be impressed on our minds and applied in our daily lives. As we study, we should continually be asking: How does this apply to me? How can I use this to further my spiritual progress? What changes do I need to make? How can I use it to help others? How would I explain it to others?

IMPROVING OUR FIELD MINISTRY

• ¹² Our Kingdom Ministry regularly analyzes the needs and trends in the field ministry, pointing out ways that will help us get the most effective results. Since it is published monthly, are you inclined to view its instruction as valid or relevant only until the next issue? One of the fundamental goals in the ministry has always been to reach people’s hearts with the Kingdom message. Human interest, emotions, and attitudes have basically remained the same over the years. A great variety of methods can be used effectively to stimulate interest. Our Kingdom Ministry simply makes us aware of what others are using successfully. While a number of variations have been suggested over a period of time, the basic methods remain the same. Current suggestions may have been offered in the past, and they may be used again in the future.

• ¹³ Another outstanding provision has been the Reasoning book. Page 8 explains that “use of this handbook should help you to cultivate the ability to reason from the Scriptures and to use them effectively in helping others.” Many publishers have related delightful experiences showing how this book was used to get very satisfying results. Its information is practical for use in virtually any situation encountered in our ministry. It would be very beneficial to review selected portions before sharing in field service each week. We should always carry a copy in our book bag. It has also been recommended that we include it among the publications that we regularly bring to the meetings. By having it readily available and being acquainted with its contents, we are really putting forth an effort to be “completely equipped for every good work.”—2 Tim. 3:17.

• ¹⁴ We show appreciation for what Jehovah has provided by making good use of it in our ministry. Necessary spiritual food along with guidance for our ministry has been made available in abundance. We need to “ponder over these things; be absorbed in them.” (1 Tim. 4:15) This will enable us to call to mind what we need at the appropriate time. When we need help in remembering, we have publications designed to jog our memory. Rather than always expecting something new, we should gratefully give thanks for what we have and use it to the full. In doing so, we show ourselves to be mature people “who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.”—Heb. 5:14.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of May 1 to August 21, 1989. Use a separate sheet of paper to write down answers to as many of the questions as you can in the time allotted.

[Note: During the written review, only the Bible may be used to answer any question. References that follow the questions are for your personal research. Page and paragraph numbers may not appear on all references to The Watchtower. ]

Answer each of the following statements True or False:

' 1. “Many peoples” and “mighty nations” refer to political nations and governments. (Mic. 4:3) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 5/1.]

' 2. That the book of Amos belongs in the Bible canon is established by Stephen’s paraphrase of three verses at Acts 7: 42, 43 and James’ quotation from the book at Acts 15:15-18. [si p. 149 par. 6]

’y3. At Zechariah 1:3, the Jews were be' ing urged to leave Babylon and return home to Jerusalem. [Weekly Bi-bkM^ading; see^8j) €yT5.]^^

• 4. The four horse-drawn chariots picture the angelic spirit forces who are commissioned to protect God’s servants on earth. (Zech. 6:1-3) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 6/15.]

/<8. Jesus’ words at Matthew 9:16, 17 indicate that he did not come to patch up or perpetuate Judaism but to institute a new system of worship. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 7/15.]—'

f' 9. Jesus’ preaching instructions in Matthew chapter 10 were meant only for his 12 apostles. [Weekly Bible reading; see w87 8/1 p. 8.]

• 10. The Jews were unclean by reason of their neglect of pure worship. (Hag. 2: 10-14) [si p. 167 par. 11]

Answer the following questions: ?     < vg

• 11. What despicable action previdecr the basis for Obadiah’s denunciation of

  t

  
  
  

Edom? (Obad. 12-14) [si p. 152 pgr. 81

flu. 4

Who is'the “anointed one” who ia~ saved? (Hab. 3:13) [Weekly Bible read/* ing; see w89 5/15. }

5. According to Micah 7:4, even the best among the wayward Israelites was as hurtful or painful as a brier or thorn hedge to anyone getting too close, [si p. 157 par. 15; see also w89 5/1.]

] 6. Jesus denounced, not public prayers, but prayers that are said to impress listeners and draw their admiring compliments. (Matt. 6:5, 6) [Weekly Bible reading; see w86 11/1 p. 8.]

7. History reports the destruction of Moab, Ammon, and Assyria, just as Zephaniah had foretold, [si p. 164 par. 5]

S-97    #268    8/89

13. What is the “pure language”? (Zeph. 3:9) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 6/1.]

What sort of sea creature could possibly have swallowed Jonah? (Jonah 1:17) [si p. 154 pars. 4, 5; see also w£>9 4/15.]

• 15. How could Joseph consider divorcing

Mary secretly, since they were only engaged? (Matt. 1:19) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 7/15.L C ■e’-*-*-*^**-*'⁵

• 16. What is one of the sublime truths highlighted in the book of Habakkyk? [si p. 161 par. 1]

  
  
  

• 17. Why did Jehovah commission the prophet H^ggqff [si a. 16(kpar. 3]

• 18. Why were Jesus’ disciples faulted for ‘not washing their hands when about to

eat a meal’? (Matt. 15:2) [Weekly Bi-

Provide the word or phrase needed to complete each of the following statements:

• 19. ‘Ripping apart one’s lieart’ means that sincere, h eartfelt /C^*X^~*<is needed for salvation during the day of Jehovah. (Joel 2:12, 13) [w89 3/15 p. 30]

• 20. The prophet Amos prophesied against the luxury-loving despoilers dwelling in houses of ivory in[si p. 149 par. 9]

• 21. In fulfillment of Obadiah’s prophecy, subsequently ceased to exist, and no trace of her descendants remains. [si p. 151 par. 5]

• 22. The prophet            foretold the

birthplace of the Messiah, [si p. 156 par. 6]

• 23. “The Supreme Court” mentioned at

Matthew 5:22 was           Week

ly Bible reading; see w89 7/15.]

• 24. will not provide security

in the day of Jehovah’s fury. (Zeph. 1:18) [si p. 164 par. 7]

• 25. Jesus’ use ptyillustrations served the purpose of.           (Matt. 13:10-15)

[Weekly Bible reauing; see w87 4/1 p. 8.]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 26. The prophet (Joel; Amos; Obadiah) foretold that those calling on the name of Jehovah will get away safe when

God executes judgment on the wicked, [si p. 147 par. 9]

,27i “The city of bloodshed” was (Bab-C ^z ylon; Nineveh; Jerusalem). (Nah. 3:1) [Weekly Tzfible reading; see w89 5/15.]

• 28. Instead of going to Nineveh, Jonah set sail in the opposite direction to Tar-shish, possibly identified with (Portugal; Spain; France), [si p. 154 par. 6; it vol. 2 p?98]

• 29. “The messenger of the covenant” is (Jehovah; John the Baptizer;

Qhristh (Mal. 3:1) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 7/1.]

• 30. The book of Nahum was written sometime before Nineveh’s destruction in (740;^32) 607) B.C.E. [si p. 159 par. 3; see also if vol*2 p. 505. ]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

Mic. 6:11; Nah. 1:2, 3; Hab. 3:16, 18;

Hag. 1:4-6; Zech. 12:6

• 31. Never put material interests ahead of spiritual duties. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 6/1.]

• 32. Those having oversight among God’s people must be outstandingly zealous. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 6/15.]

• 33. Jehovah executes vengeance upon his enemies, [si p. 159 par. /f'2.

• 34. We must wait patiently on Jehovah for salvation, [si p. 162 par. 11]

• 35. A person cannot serve Jehovah acceptably while he is carrying on dishonest business practices. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 5/1.] 7/^ £ ;//

Announcements

• Literature offer for August: One of the folldwin£          magazine-size bro

chures: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making AU Things New," The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, or The Government That Will Bring Paradise may be offered for a contribution of 30«. As an alternate offer, two of the following books may be offered 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, or Is the Bible ReaUy 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. October: One-year subscription for Awake! or Watchtower, or both, for a contribution of $5.00 each. November: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and latest brochure for $4.30.

• From August 31 to September 2,1989, the Society will be taking an inventory of all literature on hand in Brooklyn Bethel. Because of this inventory, no congregation literature orders will be processed for shipment or for pickup during those days.

• Each congregation will receive three Literature Inventory forms and should take an actual count of campaign literature. Please All out the forms completely and send the original to us no later than September 6, 1989. Keep a carbon copy for your flies. We are sending the third copy for use as a work sheet.

• Congregations should begin ordering the 1990 Calendar of Jehovah’s witness'-es with their September literature order. (See the Cost List, paragraphs 7-10.) The calendars again depict Bible locations and will be available in Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish. 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 tb~ybur tfieodfatlC HBfSTy.'TlgaSe consider this when placing your order. 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 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.

• On receiving the 1990 calendar, you will observe that the expression “Share in field ministry" has been deleted on tne first Sunday of the month Urtd “Share in magazine service” has been deleted from the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Why? Because it properly is the custom for publishers to share in the field

• ¹ “Look! How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1) Meetings in our Kingdom Hall provide an opportunity to be united with our brothers so we can incite one another, to love and fine works, encouraging one another. —Heb. 10:24, 25.

• ² Since the Kingdom Hall serves such an important fiinotion in our lives, do we really respect jt? The Kingdom Hall is the center of true worship in the area. Therefore, we should hold it in high esteem. All of us should feel the need, to share in keeping it clean and in good condition. There are times when our book study group will be assigned to clean the hall. If it is at all possible for us to share in that work, we should want to do so, thus showing our appreciation for a clean and attractive meeting place. PclL.^- ///WfsF/

• ³ We can all show an interest in the Kingdom Hall, whether we are assigned to clean or not. How? By such a simple act as wiping our feet when entering the hall so as not to track in dirt. This is especially true when the weather is inclement. If we have occasion to use the rest room, we can wipe around the sink after using it so as to leave it clean'for the next person. Those who work at the literature and magazine counters can show their interest by promptly disposing of empty cartons. All trash should be placed in the receptacles provided for that purpose. If we see discarded paper or other litter on the floor, we should pick it up rather than leave it for someone else to pick up. Our Kingdom Ministry for January 1989 gave suggestions on keeping the information board neat. Others should cooperate with the presiding overseer in making sure this advice is followed.—km 1/89 p. 7.

ministry on every Saturday and Sunday that they possibly can. Indeed, many are setting a fine example by sharing in the ministry practically every Saturday and Sunday during the month.

• • The 1990 Memorial celebration will be on Tuesday, April 10, after sundown. Daylight saving time may affect many, so this advance announcement is given so that the brothers may make necessary reservations or contracts for available halls when there are too many congregations using one Kingdom Hall and they must find other facilities.

• • New Publications Available:

Organized to Accomplish UUr Ministry

—Cebuano

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! —Mam Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Question of Blood           —Hungarian

Watch Tower Publications Index 1981

Me...

• ⁴ The same principles apply when we attend assemblies or conventions. The assembly site is a center of pure worship, whether it is one of our Assembly Halls or some nther—fardltty, and it should be treated with respect. We should always check when we leave to be sure we have not left any litter where we were sitting. We should have a helnful         and

not feel that those assigned to clean l~ are there to pick UP after us.         f

SHARING A HALL

• ⁵ Because of the high cost of property, many Kingdom Halls are used by more than one congregation. In urban areas, as many as five or six congregations may share a single Kingdom Hall. Each congregation should take an interest in the Kingdom Hall, recognizing that it belongs to Jehovah and is used for his worship. So respect for the Kingdom Hall QjjtjjJS not only our love for Jehovah but also our love for our brothers in other congregations using the hall.

• ⁶ Generally, Kingdom Hall cleaning is done once a week. Where more than one congregation uses the hall, it is necessary for some cleaning to be done after each meeting so that the next congregation that comes into the hall will find it presentable. This also applies to Sundays when one congregation comes in right after another. It is good for some cleaning to be done as time permits for the congregation coming in next. When several congregations use the hall on the same day, it can become quite untidy by the end of the day if no one cares for this.

• ⁷ Even as we are “fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought” when it comes to spiritual matters,, may we be united also in showing respect for dur Kingdom Halls.—1 Cor. 1:10.

Watch Tower Publications Inder. ).98fi

—Greek

Watch Tower Publications Scripture Index 1950-1985 (congregation, public, and pioneer: $1.50)    —Greek

Tract No. 13           —Bulgarian

Tract No. 14           —Bulgarian

Tract No. 15           —Bulgarian

Tract No. 16           —Bulgarian

• New Cassette Recordings Available:

Listening tn the Grant Teacher (set of four cassettes and a hook in an album; congregation and public: $10.00; pioneers: $7.50) —French

Hosea through Malachi (set of three cassettes; congregation and public: $4.50; pioneers: $3.75) —German

Listening to the Great Teacher (set of six cassettes and a book in an album; congregation and public: $12.50; pioneers: $9.50)

—Japanese

• ¹ Does not Jehovah’s creation abound with variety? The psalmist declared:(“How many your works are, O Jehovah! All of them in wisdom you have made. The earth is full of your productions.^) (Ps. 104:24) There are also many facets to the good news he has commanded us to preach. Are you using variety in your house-to-house ministry in order to reach as many people as possible?

ON MAGAZINE DAY

• ² The Society encourages all to share in magazine distribution every Saturday- Rather than using tnfe Topic for Conversation, giving a 30-to 60-second presentation featuring just one article and then offering both magazines for 50e is appropriate. If the householder asks questions or shows more than ordinary interest, there is no need to feel we must rush to the next door.

• ³ There is no lack of variety when it comes to The Watchtower and Awake! Often, the brother handling the first part on the Service Meeting will present talking points from the current magazines. Pay attention; jot down suggestions you might use. If the Service Meeting includes a demonstration, take note of how it is done, practice it?and then use it in the field on Saturday. If you find you get a poor response, select another article to feature. Each issue contains a number of subjects designed to appeal to people with varied interests. By being conversant with the articles in both magazines, it will be

  Planning Ahead for September

  
  

• ¹ In anticipation of the start of the new service year in September, it is good for ail interested in Kingdom service to consider what we have accomplished up to now and what we desire to accomplish in the year ahead. As the apostle Paul said: “To what extent we have made progress, let us go on walking orderly in this same routine.”—Phil. 3:16.

• ² September means the end of the vacation season for many of school age. So why not take advantage of the first weekend to work with the pioneers in your congregation and get a good start in the service for the new service year? Some youths have made it their goal to witness to more of their fellow students and try to start a Bible study. Or for those of you who are parents and whose children will be going to school, might this be a

VARY YOUR INTRODUCTION

⁴ At other times the Topic for Conversation should be used with the current offer. Our Kingdom Ministry suggests a different Topic for Conversation from time to time. When tion. However, at other times it may be good to vary your approach. Have you tried opening your presentation by offering one of the tracts or a handbill as a conversation starter?

ductions in the Reasoning book you have not yet tried. For example,

July 15, 1988. Watchtower: pages 15-20. Try some of the wellthought-out questions on page 19, paragraph 16, being sure to allow tne householder to express his view.

⁶ The people in our territory come from many different backgrounds and circumstances. We need to vary our approach in order to appeal to all who will listen, doing so out of concern for the welfare of others. (1 Cor. 9:19-23) Using variety in our house-to-house ministry will help us to ‘save both ourselves and those who listen to us.’—1 Tim. 4:16.

good month for you to enjoy auxiliary pioneer work again? You will have an extra Saturday in the month to help you meet the requirements.

• ³ For young publishers, the school year often brings homework. Will you schedule time for theocratic study as well as your homework? It will help you qualify for a career in full-time service and assist you in staying on the road to life. (Isa. 30:21) Sometimes we feel we are too busy to do any more. But valuable time can be lost watching television. Why not use that time for priority matters of a theocratic nature?—1 Tim. 4:15.

• ⁴ Do not let the hours or months slip by you like clouds in the sky, but, rather, plan your time and set goals to use your life in a way that will bring honor to Jehovah.—Eccl. 11:4. mark with 17,019 publishers for March. The congregation publishers averaged 13.5 hours in the field.

* Korea had a new peak of 54,951 publishers in March. Attendance at the Memorial celebration was 117,594.

♦ Luxembourg reported fine activity during March with new peaks of 1,422 publishers and 1,102 Bible studies. Congregation publishers averaged 12.4 hours in the service.

♦ Pakistan reached a peak of 275 publishers for March. The Memorial was attended by 941.

MAY SERVICE REPORT

Av Av Av Av

Pubs. Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St

Sp’IPIos. 263 129.6 87.7 55.0 5.4 82.4 38.6 27.8 2.8

58.8 28.7 16.5 1.4

9.7    6.2   3.7 0.5

mes Baptized: 3,013

8

¹

Standing Firm as One Flock

²

The special assembly day for the 1990 service year will have as its theme “Standing Firm as One Flock.” This theme is based on Philippians 1:27. The morning program will include information on the need to stand firm, provisions to help us to stand firm, examples of standing firm, and how we can guard against weakening influences. There will be arrangements for baptism at the end of the morning session. Any who are contemplating baptism should let the presiding overseer know well in advance so that arrangements can be made to go over the questions in Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry.

³

In the afternoon there will be a Watchtower summary followed by encouragement to be positive in the ministry, instruction on helping others in the ministry, and practical counsel to help us stand firm in one spirit. Now of all times, it is necessary to stand firm as one flock before Jehovah. Our united stand for true worship protects us from the divisive forces that pervade Satan’s world, and it puts us in a strong position to help others join us in true worship.

⁴

The program will be spiritually upbuilding, and all of us will want to make arrangements to be present for

⁵

the entire day. Your circuit overseer will notify you when you are scheduled to have your special assembly day program, if he has not done so already.