OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

SEPTEMBER 1990

Vol. 33. No. 9

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

SEPTEMBER 3-9

Topic for Conversation

• 1. Review scriptures used and what you will say.

• 2. How will you introduce Creation book?

SEPTEMBER 10-16

How will you interest those who believe

• 1. In creation?

• 2. In evolution? (rs pp. 126-8)

SEPTEMBER 17-23

How do you start Bible studies

• 1. On the initial call?

• 2. On a return visit?

SEPTEMBER 24-30

Offer current magazines

• 1. What articles will you feature?

• 2. What specific points will you use?

• 3. How can you determine interest?

Schedule for congregation studies in the brochure Shouta You Believe in the Trinity? (See Our Kingdom Ministry insert for June 1990.):

September 3: Twelfth Week

September 10: Thirteenth Week

September 17: Fourteenth Week

Schedule for congregation studies in the book The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s?:

September 24: Page 5, par. 1, to page 14, par. 3

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Why Worship Jehovah God.

Heb. 3:4—He is our Maker.

Rev. 4:11 —He is worthy of our worship.

• ¹ During the 19th century, Satan hatched an insidious scheme to blind mankind—the theory of "evolution. (2 Cor. 4:4) ThiS theory.is a blatant denial of the Bible account of creation and of man’s fall into sin. It would make Jesus’ ransom sacrifice and the Bible teachings on the Kingdom and everlasting life meaningless. Moreover, the evolution theory paves the. way for violence and war, sexual immorality, and all kinds of lawlessness. Who will warn mankind about the dangers of this deadly teaching?

• ² During the month of September, we will be doing so, since we will be busy proclaiming Jehovah’s creatorship. In the house-to-house ministry, in street work, during rest breaks on the secular job, and at school, we will be featuring the book Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? We desire everyone to know how the evolution theory dishonors mankind’s Creator.

GIVE AN EFFECTIVE WITNESS

• ³ When witnessing informally or from house-to-house, you may wish to start a conversation by making reference to periodic news items regarding the strong opinions held by some people on the subject of evolution. Numerous expressions have been made regarding the question as to whether the theory of evolution should be taught in the public schools. Although a person may have read or heard much about related arguments and even heated debates on this subject, he will no doubt find quite interesting a straightforward statement in the Bible that has a direct bearing on the subject. Then refer to what is stated at Hebrews 3:4. Read the text and comment briefly on it.

  Get Acquainted With New Convention Releases

  
  

• ¹ Two new releases, a book and a brochure, have been added to our rich supply of spiritual food. Released at the “Pure Language” District Conventions, these new publications are sure to have a powerful impact on our field ministry in addition to helping all of us to speak the pure language more distinctly.—Zeph. 3:9.

• ² When releasing the new brochure, the convention speaker said: “In the field ministry—house to house, on return visits, and during Bible studies— we are often asked why we will not take blood. To help you to answer that question, it is a joy to release a new publication. It is this magazine-size brochure, How Can Blood Save Your Life?" Have you made the vital information in this brochure your own by reading it carefully? It is important for you to do so in order to strengthen

• ⁴ If the person appears to be somewhat religiously inclined, you could mention that religious persons as well as those who believe in evolution often give credit to an impersonal “Nature” or a personified "Mother Nature” as being the creative force behind' all the marvelous things we see about us. But the Bible does not leave unidentified our Grand Benefactor and the Creator of this marvelous universe. Attention can be drawn to Revelation 4:11. After reading the scripture, the person may wish to express himself regarding the matter. You can tie in a specific point or two from the Creation book and, if appropriate, encourage him to read it.

AT SCHOOL

• ⁵ As a new school year opens, all you young servants of Jehovah will want to review your Creation book and consider ways to interest fellow students as well as your teachers in it. Some have found that just leaving the publication on their desk invites discussions. Others have approached teachers and school administrators on th'e subject of creation and have been able to distribute a number of books that way.

• ⁶ All of us rejoice in the prospect of living in a world where everyone will honor Jehovah. In the Revelation, John saw magnificent spirit creatures bow before Jehovah and proclaim, “You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:11) May we echo those words in our ministry during September!

your own faith and to be prepared to help others understand the Christian view of blood.—Acts 15:28, 29.

• ³ The well-documented information in the brochure will further equip you to explain your stand and wishes to any doctor. However, this new brochure is not primarily for doctors or lawyers. It is designed and specifically written for the public. You can see how its twofold purpose makes it a most valuable instrument for our use at this time. It is suggested that you carry one or two copies of it with you in the field. Make full use of this valuable information for your personal benefit and for helping others to show proper respect for blood.

A NEW BOOK

• ⁴ Just imagine the value of the new book Mankind’s Search for God for (Continued on page 2, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 3

Song 154

10 mln: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Are You Equipped for the Field? Outline essentials for field service bag, including Bible, Reasoning From the Scriptures, the booklet Good News for AU Nations, tracts, pencil, current offer and magazines, house-to-house record, and so forth. Being mentally equipped calls for review of points to be highlighted in literature. Also, pray for holy spirit and help in finding sheeplike ones. —Phil. 4:6, 7.

20 mln: “Honor the Creator of All Things.” Question-and-answer discussion. In considering paragraphs 3 and 4, have effective publisher demonstrate Topic for Conversation and make offer. Show specific arrangements being made to return.

15 min: Elder talks with several exemplary youths. Discuss main points from Young People Ask book, chapter 17, “Should I Quit School?” Emphasize need for parents to guide young ones Th chooslng~curriculuip that helps tnem acquire practical, useful skills' that will help them” to build their future with God’s organization and pursue Kingdom interests. Song 225 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 10

'“Song 71

• 5 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Give reminder of field service arrangements, encouraging support for evening witnessing.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News —With Magazines.” Question-and-

Convention Releases (Cont’d) helping us in our ministry. Studying it will give us a clearer understanding of other religions and their historical background. It will help us become better equipped to preach to people of Christendom as well as those who adhere to other religions. Because of the mass movements of population during this 20th century, we may find people of many different languages and religions when we preach from house to house. This presents a real challenge when we are not familiar with the beliefs and customs of these people. With the aid of this new book, we need not feel at a loss when we encounter people of a variety of religious backgrounds in our territory.

⁵ The information in this new book answer discussion. In considering paragraph 8, demonstratehow magazine route can be set up with person who shows genuine interest, highlighting article of local interest in magazine.

15 min: “Get Acquainted With New Convention Releases.” Pointed discussion with audience, emphasizing some key points from each publication that will be helpful locally. Brothers should not delay making this information their own.

10 mln: “We Appreciate the Older Ones!” Talk by elder, based on information in February 1, 1986, Watchtower, pages 28-9. Make local application. Could comment specifically on working with such ones in field, slowing pace to accommodate. Can assist with shopping, doctor appointments, and so forth, and benefit from their wisdom and experience.—Job 15:10; Prov. 16:31; 1 Tim. 5:1, 2. Song 116 and concluding prayer.

77?

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 17

Kong 160        /£/

8 min: Local announcements. .Accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Give commendation to congregation for support of worldwide work.—Prov. 3:9.

20 min: “Be Alert to Start BiBIeStudies.” Question-and-answer discussion. Give information on number of studies congregation is conducting. On paragraph 5, show how study can be started on initial call. Begin dem-onstrafioriwith householder showing little interest in evolution but gladly accepting tract Life in a Peaceful New World. Publisher considers a paragraph or two from tract and has been researched and reviewed by individuals who are thoroughly familiar with the subjects discussed. Therefore, we can speak authoritatively when using statements found in the book. Certainly, providing such information at this time is another evidence of Jehovah’s great love for people of all nations. Let us make a concerted effort to get well acquainted with this new publication and then use it effectively in helping sincere people of different national and religious backgrounds. Yes, using this new publication effectively will give us the satisfaction of knowing that we are making the good news known to all sorts of people as we find them in our assigned territory.—Matt. 28: 19, 20; Titus 2:11.

makes specific appointment to return. Next, demonstrate direct approach, using one of the introductions in Reasoning book, page 12, under “Home Bible Study.” Comment on how evening witnessing affords greater opportunity to start studies with whole families, since husbands are usually at home then.

17 min: “When You Teach, Reach the Heart.” Talk discussing four main points in August 1, 1984, Watchtower, pages 13-17. Help audience appreciate need to conduct progressive Bible studies. Also, comment on when to discontinue unproductive studies.

Song 121 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 24

'Song 69

10 min: Local announcements. Encourage Saturday magazine activity. Two brief demonstrations, one where interest is shown, the other where householder shows no interest in magazines but agrees to read tract. Where interest is shown, publisher may refer person to statement about worldwide Bible educational work on page 2 of The Watchtower or page 4 of Awake! Or he may state in substance that what he is doing is part of a worldwide Bible educational work that is supported by voluntary donations. Conversation may open the way to offer a free home Bible study.

20 mln: “Appreciating Our Pio-^ neers.” Service overseer discusses information with two or three pioneers. Draw out pioneers on how they have encouraged others, and have them comment on what has especially encouraged them locally. Commend congregation for support of pioneers.

15 min: Local needs. Or presiding ' overseer handles discussion of “Ques- ' tionsTrom Readers” in January 1, 1983, Watchtower, pages 30-1, “How can we assist those in our congregation who have a disfellowshipped relative?”

Song 62 and concluding prayer.

JUNE SERVICE REPORT

Av     Av    Av.

Pubs.  Hrs.  Mags.  R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’IPios.     205 122.9  77.5 51.2

Pios.      60,534  72.6  32.8 24.3

Aux. Pios.  30,670  57.5  26.0 14.6

Pubs.    715,496   9.9   6.3  3.7

TOTAL  806,905

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 9,880

Announcemen ts

• Literature offer for September: Life —How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? October: Subscription to either Awake.' or The Watchtower or both. November: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and either Should You Believe in the Trinity? or “Look! I Am Making All Things New.’’ December: Mankind’s Search for God.

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

e It is important that brothers planning charters to visit Bethel correspond by mail with the Bethel Office first. Please provide information on the number coming and the dates. The Society will provide directions and the route charter buses should take. Letters to Brooklyn Bethel should be addressed to Watchtower, Bethel Office, 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Those brothers planning charters to visit Watchtower Farms should address correspondence to Watchtower, Bethel Office, RR1, Box 300, Wallkill, NY 12589. • A new Watchtower Publications List has been prepared, and four copies are being sent to each congregation. They should be distributed to the secretary and the brothers caring for literature, ₍ magazines, and accounts.

• During the next round of visits beginning in September 1990, the circuit overseer will spend some time with the congregation secretary fanci the accounts servant to go over 'accounting' procedures. This personal assistance on the part of the circuit overseer will help assure that the congregation accounts are being handled properly according to the Society’s instructions on caring for the congregation’s records.

• New Publications Available:

t u- “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” 1990 Edition —English Mankind’s Search for God

—Chinese, English, French, Greek, IL Italian, Korean, Spanish • ' Sing Praises to Jehovah (Large size)

—Thai

United in Worship of the Only True God —Kinyarwanda, Polish, Vietnamese

Watch Tower Publications Index 1950-1985              —Spanish

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

—Tausug

How Can Blood Save Your Life?

—Chinese, English, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Swedish

Is There a God Who Cares?   —Hindi

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide

—Persian, Samoan

“Look! I Am Making AU Things New” (Brochure)            —Persian

Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-1989              —English

Watch Tower Publications Index 1988

—Portuguese Tract No. 13            —Samoan

Tract No. 14            —Samoan

Tract No. 15            —Samoan

Tract No. 16            —Samoan

• ¹ Fellow workers for the Kingdom of God strengthen one another. (Col. 4:11) When we consider that the primary work of the Christian congregation is to preach the good news, there are compelling reasons to appreciate the full-time workers in our midst.—Mark 13:10; Rom. 16:2; Phil. 4:3.

WHY?

• ² In a direct way, pioneers build up the congregation by working with less experienced publishers in various features of the preaching work. This includes magazine witnessing, preparing for and making return visits, and starting and effectively conducting home Bible studies. In addition, pioneers can set an example in courageously witnessing informally. Their support of midweek group witnessing arrangements affords them opportunity to be of assistance to others. Their positive influence in the field can be felt especially when pioneers support field service on the weekend, a time when most other publishers are able to share.

• ³ Pioneers help congregations in thoroughly and frequently covering the territory. This enables people to become better acquainted with our message and to feel more at ease when we visit them because they know who we are. The many hours pioneers spend in the territory leaving literature with interested persons and cultivating the interest—in ef-

  Be Alert to Start Bible Studies

  
  

• ¹ Starting and conducting home Bible studies is part of our commission as Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Matt. 28: 19, 20) Therefore, will you be one of God’s fellow workers in doing this? (1 Cor. 3:9) What a privilege it is to help others come to know the greatest Personage in the universe!

• ² With so many problems connected with fast-changing world events, many honesthearted individuals are looking for answers as to why these things are happening. Long ago Jehovah provided the answers to their questions. When sincere ones are instructed in the Word of God, they are comforted. Hence, we need to be alert to opportunities to start Bible studies.—Prov. 3:27.

BE ALERT TO OPPORTUNITIES

• ³ Have you considered starting a Bible study with a close relative or an acquaintance who is not in the truth? Knowing them will give you an edge in using discernment as to the appropriate time to discuss the matter with them. Have in mind that a wellfeet, planting and watering seeds of truth—can only lead to a more productive territory.—1 Cor. 3:6.

IN THE CONGREGATION

• ⁴ Many have been encouraged to enter full-time service because their heart was touched by the zeal and enthusiasm of faithful pioneers. One sister had been hesitant about becoming a regular pioneer because there were none in the congregation. But when encouraged by the circuit overseer, she went ahead and enrolled. Others soon followed, and that congregation now has a sizable number of zealous pioneers.

• ⁵ There may be times when the elders will ask a pioneer to assist a person who has become irregular or inactive. This assistance could include conducting a Bible study with the individual. The pioneer’s faith and zeal could thus contribute to rekindling the person’s love for the truth and help reactivate him to work at fulfilling the obligations of his dedication. —IThess. 5:14.

ENCOURAGE THE PIONEERS

• ⁶ The pioneers, while doing much to encourage others, themselves need encouragement in order to continue joyful in their service. (Rom. 1:12) Do you speak positively about the pioneer ministry? When did you last commend a pioneer for his or her work and self-sacrificing spirit? Pioneers especially appreciate having (Continued on page If, col. 1) chosen question or a word at the right time may awaken their interest in the truth. When an individual’s curiosity is aroused, fruitful discussions often follow, and a Bible study may be started.

• ⁴ In many cases the fine conduct of a Christian mate has served to open the way for an unbeliever to come into the truth. (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) Unbelieving mates and other unbelieving family members generally appreciate it when they are recognized and respected by members of the congregation. Showing personal interest in them can go a long way toward building friendly relations. By working together with the mate or family member in the truth, you may be able to establish a Bible study.

• ⁵ While engaging in the house-to-house work, we may try to start a Bible study on the initial call. How can this be done? Some publishers have had success in doing this when the householder is asking questions (Continued on page if, col. 3)

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS

  
  

With Magazines

• ¹ No other journals in history have had such an impact for good on the lives of people as have The Watchtower and Awake! Every issue is full of life-giving spiritual food. The results of in-depth research presented with strong Scriptural support impresses the message of truth on our minds and hearts.

• ² The Watchtower, through its pages, explains Bible teachings and calls our attention to the fulfillment of Bible prophecies. It encourages all who are spiritually hungry to transform their mind and to put on the new personality. (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4: 22-24) Awake! alerts its readers to significant happenings in the world. Its striking illustrations depicting the marvels of creation stir interest in the new world and deepen appreciation for the loving Creator. .

NOT LIKE SECULAR MAGAZINES

• ³ Secular magazines do not show people how to enjoy satisfying lives in this world. They offer no hope for the future and fail to teach people how to get everlasting life. Those worldly magazines are designed to promote the things of the world. What a contrast with The Watchtower and Awake!—1 John 2:15-17.

• ⁴ No doubt you yourself feel a deep sense of gratitude for every issue of The Watchtower and Awake!—magazines that contain sweet fragrances of truth from “the faithful steward.” (Luke 12:42) What can we do to improve our placement of magazines and thus help more to benefit from our journals?

DOING OUR PART

• ⁵ Before we can properly encourage honesthearted ones to read our magazines, we need to know what each journal contains. This calls for us to read each issue before using it in the ministry. Being thoroughly familiar with its contents, we can use the avenues of the house-to-house ministry, street work, and informal

Pioneers                  (Cont’d)

someone to work with in field service during those hours of the day when few publishers are out. Can you accompany the pioneers and perhaps spend longer hours in support of the preaching work?

⁷ How else can you encourage the pioneers? Besides giving commendation, you can express your appreciation for such hard workers in a tangible way by sharing a meal with them, witnessing for magazine distribution.

⁶ Furthermore, by having the current magazines with us while shopping, riding public transportation, at school, at our place of employment, or wherever we go, we will be able to seize appropriate opportunities to witness. A well-chosen introduction from the Reasoning book coupled with a point from one of the articles may arouse a person’s desire to read our magazines.

⁷ Although our conversations may be brief when offering the magazines, we do not have to limit our discussion to just a minute or so. We want to take time to determine whether the person is really interested in the message and if he will read the magazine. If questions arise, we should always endeavor to answer the inquiries by making full use of our Bible or the Reasoning book. By being ready to defend our faith, we can reap marvelous blessings.—1 Pet. 3:15.

⁸ If the individual agrees to read the magazines, we can speak about the nature of our work and how these magazines are published twice a month as part of a worldwide Bible educational work. The information on page 2 of The Watchtower or page 4 of Awake! explains this very nicely. Since the contents of the next issue are always listed, we can propound related questions or call attention to the upcoming articles. This may whet the appetite of the person and move him to express a desire to obtain that issue when it comes out. This could be the start of a magazine route.

⁹ As the end of this system draws near, may we quicken our pace to help honesthearted ones escape from Babylon the Great and come into the truth. (Rev. 18:4) The Watchtower and Awake! play a powerful part in our worldwide Bible educational work. We are thankful that Jehovah has provided them for our use in the ministry. May Jehovah continue to bless our careful and intensive use of these journals!

voluntarily assisting them with their travel expenses, and in other ways supporting them as you are able. —Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13.

⁸ With elders and ministerial servants taking the lead in the congregation, pioneers and publishers will give full support to well-organized arrangements for service. All of us will thus be using what gifts we have in “ministering to one another.”—1 Pet. 4:10,11.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Canada surpassed the 100,000 mark In total publishers during April, with a new publisher peak of 100,368.

♦ Cape Verde Islands had a peak of 410 publishers in April for a 19-percent increase over last year's average. Congregation publishers averaged 14.5 hours, and a peak of 856 Bible studies was reported.

♦ April was an outstanding month in Honduras. They reached new peaks in publishers, pioneers, hours, magazines, return visits, and Bible studies. Three new congregations were formed also. The 5,706 publishers conducted 9,614 home Bible studies.

♦ South Africa had a new peak of 48,590 publishers in April. They also had an outstanding new peak of 49,967 Bible studies.

Start Studies              (Cont’d)

that can be answered directly from a publication. If the person agrees to read the literature or if he invites us in, we can seize the opportunity to continue the discussion and perhaps demonstrate a study. Use your judgment on how long to stay on the initial call. It may be beneficial to return at a later hour or a later date to continue the discussion. On future calls, you may wish to continue discussing the subject you introduced on the first call. Or you could take up a question raised at the conclusion of the previous visit.

INFORMAL OCCASIONS

• ⁶ Informal witnessing can be another fruitful avenue in our efforts to start home Bible studies. In our dayto-day activities, we come in contact with many individuals who may wish to study. To aid us in being effective, we can use some of the tested introductions from the Reasoning book to start conversations. And do not hold back from offering a Bible study initially because the person lives elsewhere and we may not have the opportunity to conduct the study ourselves.

• ⁷ Be alert to occasions for informal witnessing, and be prepared by carrying a good supply of tracts and magazines that will heighten the listener’s interest in the truth. (Eccl. 11:1) If an individual shows interest in the truth and is not in your congregation’s territory, obtain his address and other necessary information and pass this on to the congregation where he lives so that someone can properly care for him.

• ⁸ The disciple-making work is not for just a few. It is for all in the congregation. Keeping in mind that it is a Christian commission to become disciple makers will encourage us to be alert to opportunities to start Bible studies.

4