OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

JUNE 1991

Vol. 34. No. 6

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

JUNE 3-9

Topic for Conversation

• 1. Review introduction and scriptures.

• 2. How will you introduce the book Mankind's Search for God?

JUNE 10-16

How will you offer Mankind’s Search for God to

• 1. Members of the dominant religion in your territory?

• 2. Believers in other religions in your territory?

• 3. Nonreligious people you meet?

JUNE 17-23

How might you start Bible studies

• 1. Using the direct approach?

• 2. After the initial placement?

• 3. When making a return visit?

JUNE 24-30

In magazine activity

• 1. What article will you feature? Why?

• 2. How will you present the article?

OUTSTANDING MARCH REPORT

Jehovah's blessing on our field ministry is seen in a new peak of 853,966 publishers reporting in March. This is an increase of 3,172 over our January peak. We also reached a peak of 602,340 home Bible studies, indicating an excellent potential for continued growth. The 72,605 auxiliary pioneers reporting in March represents the largest number ever for the month of March. We rejoice as God's fellow workers and look to him for continued growth. —1 Cor. 3:6-9.

• ¹ The Bible expression “godly devotion" has reference to our deep reverence toward Jehovah God and loyal service to him. The foremost exponent of godly devotion was our Lord Jesus Christ.

• ² By his life course here on earth, Jesus distinguished himself as the man of perfect godly devotion. Therefore, we do well to consider some things about his life, especially as they relate to his role as the foremost spokesman for Jehovah God.

BE ZEALOUS AND COURAGEOUS

• ³ Jesus was zealous in proclaiming what Isaiah 61:2 describes as “the year of goodwill on the part of Jehovah.” After Jesus’ example, we should zealously share in this lifesaving work during the last days of this wicked system of things. We must also be courageous as Jesus was. Why? Because the Kingdom message we proclaim is hard-hitting and disagreeable to some, especially when we speak about the day of Jehovah’s vengeance.

• ⁴ To help us speak with boldness and exhibit godly devotion, we need Jehovah’s spirit and direction. At Luke 4:18, Jesus said: “Jehovah's spirit is upon me.” With Jehovah's spirit and blessing, we also can practice godly devotion and be pleasing to

Showing Personal

• ¹ Jehovah’s interest in others is abundantly evident. Has he not provided generously the material needs of his creation? (Gen. 1:29, 30; 2: 16, 17; Matt. 5:45; compare Luke 6:35.) More importantly, has he not shown personal interest in us by providing for our deliverance from sin and death?—John 3:16.

• ² When Jesus was on the earth, he imitated his Father’s perfect example of showing personal interest in others. (Matt. 11:28-30; 1 Pet. 2:21) When a man full of leprosy said to Jesus, “Lord, if you just want to, you can make me clean,” Jesus answered, “I want to,” and healed the man. (Matt. 8:2, 3) Approaching the city of Nain, Jesus encountered a funeral procession bearing a young man, the only son of a widowed mother, and moved with pity, Jesus restored him to life. (Luke 7:11-15) Without being asked, Jesus showed personal interest in others. Even small children were viewed as worthy of his time and attention, and he was never too busy to console and encourage others. —Matt. 20:31-34; Mark 10:13-16.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

• ³ We should endeavor to be like Jehovah and Jesus Christ in looking for ways to show personal interest in oth-Jehovah. To practice something means to become habitual in doing it. It means that something has become our daily way of life. Godly devotion must be a way of life for God’s servants. The apostle Paul stated: “Therefore, whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.”—1 Cor. 10:31.

GODLY DEVOTION, OUR WAY OF LIFE

⁵ The summer season that is now upon us brings with it vacations, conventions, and other seasonal activities. But we must not lose sight of the continuing need to imitate Christ by taking advantage of opportunities to share the good news with others. As we do this during the month of June, it is recommended that we feature the book Mankind’s Search for God.

⁶ The December 1990 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry suggested that when people identify themselves as members of some major religious group, we can kindly acknowledge this fact and, perhaps, say: “It is interesting to meet people of different religions. Mankind’s search for God has taken many different directions. [If appropriate at this point, reference can be made to Acts 17:26, 27.] (Continued on page 2, col. 2)

Interest in Others

ers. Therefore, let us consider some opportunities to do that.

• ⁴ One of the greatest needs is for brothers to take a genuine personal interest in their own family members and not neglect family spirituality. This includes studying with the family regularly. In your family study, do you consider material in such a way that it is interesting and of practical value? Do you also follow through by regularly working in field service with each member of your household? When you do, is it a happy time? Are you building in your children the desire to help other people, thus showing Christian neighborly love? If married and there are no children at home, do you nonetheless have a family study?

• ⁵ We want to render spiritual assistance to everyone we can. But in our busy lives, do we forget to show personal interest in members of the congregation who have special needs? (Prov. 3:27; Gal. 6:10) In the Christian congregation, there are fatherless boys, older ones, widows, the infirm, depressed ones, the disabled, and others who have special needs. In imitation of Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ, we should not neglect to (Continued on page If, 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 and use in the field. Comments from the audience and experiences related should be brief and to the point.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 3

Song 202           it <     •'/it

If 10 min: Local announcements and appropriate Announcements from _r. Our Kingdom Ministry.          .

_ 20 min: “Practice Godly Devotion ^_tas Christ Did." Question-and-answer coverage, with paragraphs 1-5, 7, 8 being read. Demonstrate offer for the book Mankind’s Search for God as suggested in paragraph 6.

, 15 min: “Getting the Most Theocrat-' ically From Our Summer Period.” .. Talk and a family discussion.

*"* (3 min.) Chairman discusses first two paragraphs and introduces family discussion. Spirituality of family should not be neglected during summer period. Family heads should make sure that spiritual needs are cared for at all times.—Deut. 6:6, 7.

(10 min.) Family discussion covering points in paragraphs 3-6. Family head discusses with family the arrangements needed to ensure summer period will include spiritual activities. One member of family obtained address and meeting times of local congregation in area they will be visiting. Family has sufficient literature to participate in field ministry with the congregation, as well as to take advantage of opportunities to witness informally. Mention is made of situations they may encounter that would present opportunities to give a witness. Family head directs attention to plans for attending “Lovers of Freedom” District Convention and reminds them that at end of each convention day, they will review points from that day’s program, and he explains the benefits of doing so. Family comments briefly on appropriate points from inserts to the January and May issues of Our Kingdom Ministry concerning proper conduct while attending the convention. All eagerly look forward to getting the most theocratically from their summer activity.

(2 min.) Chairman concludes with information in paragraph 7. Whatever plans we make, be sure not to neglect spiritual needs of family.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 10 ■ 1 1 K S'Sis.

5 mirk Local anno/ncements. Accounts report. Read Society’s expression of appreciation for financial support of worldwide work. Also, thank congregatipn'fQr/contributions received. fjUf/ /

20 min: 'Snowing Personal Interest in Others.” Questions and answers. Consider with congregation what can be done locally to apply information.

10 min: Experiences inxusing the book Mankind’s Search /dr God in preaching activity in local territory, as well as in making return visits and on home Bible studies. £'/^\

10 min: Question Box. DiKcusS^on handled by school overseer.

Song 177 and concluding prayer;. \

Song 133

10 mln: Local announcements. Highlight one or two points from current magazines. Encourage publishers to have a full share in the field service this weekend,

20 fnlm* "Presenting the Good News —With Magazines in Frequently Covered Territory.” Questions and answers. When considering paragraph 3, ha ve well-prepared youth use current magazine to demonstrate how young publishers can converse with

Godly Devotion            (Cant’d)

Do you not agree that generally people follow the religion of their parents, rather than search for God themselves? In other words, they were born into a certain religion. That is the point made in the first chapter of this book Mankind’s Search for God. [Show page 8, paragraph 12. ] Learning more about other religions is enlightening and educational. This book explains the origin, practices, and teachings of the major religions of the world.”

⁷ Our way of life entails not only proclaiming Jehovah’s day of vengeance and the year of goodwill but

householders and present literature. Could say: “Good morning. My name is __I’ve come to bring you some very valuable information about [give subject or title]. I enjoyed this point. [Show specific point or explain illustration.] It helped me [relate how you benefited ], and I think you will enjoy it too. If you will read the magazine, I would be happy to lea ve it with you." If ture of our worldwide ministry that is

Put Clbd Firs/rn Your Family Life!” Talk base^on The Watchtower, May 15,19^1Njages 4-7. Song 216 and cgrtcludihg-prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 24

Song 139                         i

10 min: Local announcements. Theo^ cratic News. Encourage congregate tion to support weekend field service arrangements. Briefly highlight one or two talking points from current magazines. Outline service arrangements for July 4.                    -g

20 min: “Fulfilling Our Kingdom/ Ministry in the Field.” Question-and-1 answer consideration of article. Ulus- . -trate how points in paragraphs 2-6 | can be put to practical use. When considering paragraph 5, have demonstration showing publisher who has difficulty starting Bible study ap-also manifesting godly devotion in our personal and family life. We must imitate Jesus, teaching others by example what godly devotion really is. By following Christ’s example of godly devotion, we always strive to have the right motive in everything we do, praising Jehovah and proving to be his loyal servants.

⁸ You may wish to review the article “Offering Mankind’s Search for God” in the December 1990 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry. May our exercise of godly devotion serve to help others in their search for God and direct sincere ones to knowledge of the true God, Jehovah.

Announcemen ts

• • Literature offer for June: Mankind’s Search for God. July and August: Any 32-page brochure except the School brochure. September: Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?

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

• • Since the convention this year will be three days, there is no need to cancel the Congregation Book Study the week of the convention.

• The Society has on occasion received correspondence from the postal service and other individuals about literature being placed in mailboxes without proper postage. Publishers should be reminded that, according to government regulations, anyone who puts material into a mailbox without having properly paid the postage faces a fine of up to $300 for each offense.

• Contribution boxes at the Kingdom Hall should be clearly identified. When making contributions, be sure they are placed in the appropriate boxes—for the Society's Worldwide Work, for the Society Kingdom Hall Fund, for local congregation needs. The elders may find it helpful to make announcements as needed in this regard. It is not appropriate for anyone to redirect donations placed in the various boxes. It is the responsibility of each person to indicate the purpose of his donation by placing it in the appropriate contribution box.

• • New Publications Available:

My Book of Bible Stories —Romanian Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! — Ha kha How Can Blood Save Your Life?

—Thai

"Look! I Am Making All Things New” (Brochure)       —Herero, Isoko

Should You Believe in the Trinity?

—Samoan

Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-1988               —Greek

Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-1989             —Spanish

• • New Audiocassettes Available:

Kingdom Melodies No. 3 (revised; single audiocassette)

This is a new recording featuring new arrangements of songs from the 1984 songbook. These audiocassettes have English or Spanish labels.

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

June 3: Page 47, par. 1,

to page 50, par. 14

June 10: Page 51, par. 15, to page 55, par. 5

June 17: Page 55, par. 6,

to page 58, par. 15

June 24: Page 58, par. 1,

to page 61, par. 14

• ¹ Love for Jehovah and for neighbor motivates us to preach the good news of the Kingdom. By skillfully handling the truth, we can overturn “reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.” (2 Cor. 10:5) The Watch Tower Publications Index is designed to help us in this regard.

• ² The principal heading for references to our preaching activity in the field is “Field Ministry.” Every aspect is covered there, including our personal attitude, introductions, overcoming objections, presentations for individual publications, return visits, and Bible studies. Would you like to illustrate a point with a couple of good experiences? You may find just what you need under the centered heading “Experiences.”

• ³ Has someone objected that the Bible contradicts itself, perhaps citing specific verses that seem to conflict? Under “Bible Authenticity,” the subheadings “contradictions” and “harmony” give references to general discussions of this objection. Under the subheading “scriptures harmonized,” you will find an extensive list of individual verses that are seeming contradictions and references that clearly resolve them.

• ⁴ In certain areas, we must overturn reasonings on basic false doctrines of Christendom, such as Trini-

  Getting the Most Theocratically From Our Summer Period

  
  

• ¹ It has been said that the future belongs to those who prepare for it. We have to plan ahead if we want the use of our time to bring us a sense of accomplishment. With the month of June, we enter the summer season when we usually have more time available for personal activities. What plans can we make now to ensure the best theocratic use of our time?

• ² A great number of newly interested persons attended the Memorial on March 30. Their spiritual progress depends largely upon the help they receive from us. It would be a blessing for them to attend the district convention. We can make them aware of its many spiritual benefits and assist them with their travel arrangements, perhaps inviting them to go with us or with others who may have space in their cars.

• ³ Attending the convention opens up added opportunities to do informal witnessing. Advance planning should include packing a supply of the latest publications. We can witness to people who work in gas stations, hotels, and restaurants, as well as those riding public transportation. This is a

  ty, hellfire, and immortality of the soul. There are main headings for each of these. Under “Trinity” and “Immortality of the Soul,” you will find the subheading “scriptures misapplied to support.” This will direct you to discussions addressing individual texts. A similar feature is found under “Hell,” with its subheading “scriptures misinterpreted.”

  • ⁵ Do you long to start a Bible study? Or do you have one that does not seem to be progressing? Under the heading “Bible Studies" are the subheadings “starting,” “assisting—,” and “teaching,” each with references to help you find and conduct progressive Bible studies. To help you know when it would be best to discontinue a study, consider the subheadings “terminating unfruitful” and “discontinuing.”

  • ⁶ Do you desire to reach out for further privileges in the field ministry? The headings “Full-Time Ministry,” “Auxiliary Pioneers,” “Pioneers,” “Missionaries,” and “Serving Where Need Is Greater” direct you to practical material on how to achieve such goals and to delightful experiences enjoyed by those who have already done so.

  • ⁷ Fulfilling our Kingdom ministry in the field brings great satisfaction. (John 4:34) The Watch Tower Publications Index can help you as you participate in this joyful work.

  
  

fine way to enjoy many exhilarating experiences.

• ⁴ Youngsters invariably associate summertime with vacation time. While some wholesome recreation is beneficial, can some of this free time be used for a greater share in the witnessing work, such as auxiliary pioneering? Parents can start now to help their children make plans. Perhaps children from different families can enroll and work together as a group. Others not able to enroll can strive to do more, especially in midweek service.

• ⁵ Many will have some time off from their secular jobs and will be traveling to other areas. Making plans to attend the meetings of the local congregation and share with them in service can result in a fine interchange of encouragement. You may be going to a locality where there is much seldom-worked territory, enabling you to witness to people who rarely hear the Kingdom message.

• ⁶ Many young people have recently graduated or will soon graduate from school. This gives rise to serious concern about their goals in life. Young

(Continued on page if, col. 2)

With Magazines in Frequently Covered Territory

• ¹ At Acts 8:25 we read that Peter and John gave a thorough witness in Samaria and then declared “the good news to many villages.” Today, we also should be diligent in covering the territory assigned to our congregation so that a thorough witness is given.

• ² With the rapid growth in publishers, many congregations are now covering their territory quite frequently. While our initial reaction to working territories frequently may be negative, this should not be the case. With each issue of The Watchtower and Awake!, there are always new and interesting topics that we may share with the people in our territory. Also, since we are covering our territory more frequently, we have an opportunity to spend additional time at each door.          .

CONVERSE WITH PEOPLE

• ³ Very brief magazine presentations have been used in order to cover all our territory and give wide distribution to the magazines. However. publishers working frequently

Personal Interest          (Cont’d)

show personal interest in all our brothers and sisters.—1 Cor. 10:24; Phil. 2:4; Heb. 13:16.

SHEEPLIKE ONES IN THE FIELD

• ⁶ How can we show personal interest in people who are having home Bible studies? Many of these have seen the need to cut off association with worldly acquaintances. Even though we are busy, do we show personal interest in such students and make those who have made changes feel welcome as our new friends? Are we a source of encouragement to them even though we are not the ones studying with them?—Compare Mark 10:28-30.

’ Can you have a greater share in showing sincere personal interest in people who arc willing to listen to the good news? Will you endeavor to help them meet their spiritual needs? Personally, what can you do to have a greater share in the field ministry? Do not hold back if you are now in a position to share more fully.—Luke 9:60-62.

• ³ We must imitate Jehovah and Jesus in showing personal interest in others. We need to be compassionate and reach out to help, as Jesus did in the case of that man who was full of leprosy. Yes, we must always be watchful for ways in which we can show personal interest in others. covered territories especially do well to take more time to converse with the householders. Even young children can enlarge on what interested them in the article. How can this be accomplished? It is vital to be familiar with the articles in the magazines. This requires time and forethought. When reading the magazines, determine what will appeal to people in your territory. Then, before going in service, look over the magazines and pick out topics you will feature. Consider what article you will feature when encountering different circumstances at the doors. Use one of the fine subjects in a magazine as a focal point in your introduction. Draw out the householder's views in a friendly conversation. The magazine can be offered where interest is shown.

• ⁴ Since we are presenting literature without charge, there is a need to be more discerning in the use of our literature. Taking time to converse can help us to determine if the person is really interested. In this way, we are less likely to leave magazines with individuals who will not take the time to read them. We can thus make wise use of our literature.

KEEP IN MIND OUR PURPOSE

• ⁵ Our purpose in going from door to door is not to see how many magazines or books we can distribute. Our desire is to help others come to an accurate knowledge of the truth. Peter and John spoke the word of Jehovah to the Samaritans in a thorough manner, and we likewise want to spend the time necessary to see that people in our territory are given an opportunity to respond to the truth.

• ⁶ By effectively using the magazines as a basis for our conversations, we can accomplish this purpose. We should pray for ourselves and others that we may be given “ability to speak ... to make known the sacred secret of the good news, ___with boldness.”—Eph. 6:18-20.

Summer Period           (Cont’d)

people who plan their future around theocratic goals are sure to be blessed. (1 John 2:15-17) A decision to take up the regular pioneer service can lead to a satisfying way of life that includes many special privileges.

• ⁷ So most of us will be having some extra time available. Let us act wisely, ‘buying out the opportune time for ourselves.’ (Eph. 5:15,16) Plans that keep us absorbed in Jehovah’s service will bring lasting benefits to ourselves and others.—1 Tim. 4:15,16.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Hungary had a new peak of 11,257 publishers.The number of Bible studies went up from 5.400 a year ago to 7,219. ♦ Israel reports that some brothers’ homes were damaged by missile attacks during the war, but nobody suffered bodily harm.

♦ In some places in Liberia, congregation publishers are averaging over 20 hours in field service despite great hardships. Relief is being lovingly supplied by the Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone branches.

MARCH SERVICE REPORT

Av     Av    Av

Pubs.  Hrs.  Mags.  R.V. Bl.St.

Sp'IPios. 227 127.5 75.6 57.8 5.8 Pios.      63,952  83.3  33.8 27.9

Aux. Pios. 72,605  57.8  25.2 15.3

Pubs. 717,182 10.2   6.0  3.9 0.5

TOTAL 853,966

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,979

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Now Is the Time to Search for God.

Isa. 55:6,7—The true God can be found.

Acts 17:26,27—Man must seek God now.

Question Box

• How often should students have assignments in the Theocratic Ministry School?

One of the main purposes of the Theocratic Ministry School is to develop public speakers. For that reason, the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule makes provision for most of the talks to be assigned to brothers.

However, another important objective of the school is to train all of Jehovah’s people to be effective preachers and teachers in the Christian ministry. For this reason, it is appropriate for sisters also to enroll.

To benefit fully from the school, those enrolled should regularly receive student assignments. It is suggested that each student have at least one assignment every three months. If local circumstances allow, brothers can be given additional assignments. It is not necessary for elders who regularly give instruction talks and Bible highlights to be assigned student talks also.

For nearly half a century, the Theocratic Ministry School has helped millions to make spiritual progress and learn how to express themselves better in presenting the Kingdom message. All are encouraged to make full use of this marvelous provision from Jehovah God. Our aim should be to present ourselves approved to God, workmen “with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright.”—2 Tim. 2:15.

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