Our Kingdom Ministry

December 1991                     For United States of America                    Vol. 34, No. 12

• ¹ When we received this new book, we were intrigued by its title, The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. To single out one man as the greatest would mean that he excels above all the billions of humans who have ever lived upon this earth. “Great” is defined as being “superior in character or quality." The man who qualifies for that designation must be outstanding indeed!

• ² Jesus Christ, the Son of God, fully deserves such recognition. What he achieved on earth had nothing to do with wealth, secular accomplishments, or political rulership. He came from a humble background and spent most of his life in relative obscurity. When he turned 30 years of age, however, he began to capture the attention of all in the land of Palestine by what he said and did. He revealed the personality and purposes of Jehovah God in a way never before experienced by man. He accomplished the greatest preaching work ever done by one man. performed outstanding miracles, and laid the foundation for a new world society.

  Keeping Busy in Jehovah’s Service

  
  

• ² The Need for This Book: Paul urged us to “look intently" at Jesus as our exemplar and role model. (Heb. 12:2) From 1985 to 1991, the Society published in The Watchtower 149 consecutive articles on the life and ministry of Jesus. These articles made all of us more keenly aware of what Jesus said and what he did for us. They emphasized the need for us to imitate his example. All this material has been condensed and made available to us in book form. What a fine instrument to help others to look intently at Jesus and to become subjects of the one that Jehovah has placed “far above every government and authority and power and lordship”!—Eph. 1:21.

¹0utstanding Features: When offering the book, you might ask: “What made Jesus the world’s greatest man?” You could answer that by pointing to a few of the 133 chapters that focus on his life, his personality, his teachings.

demonstrate the depth of our devotion and the genuineness of our dedication by doing our utmost in the ministry. (2 Tim. 2:15) There are opportunities open to each of us according to our individual situation. What are some of these?

• ⁴ Ways to Expand Our Ministry: We should first be interested in improving the quality of our ministry. This can be accomplished by developing more skill as a teacher. One of the main objectives of the Theocratic Ministry School is to help us to become more effective in the field ministry. Do we think in terms_Qf field service when preparing our assignments? Do we apply counsel we receive so that we can improve our personal ministry? (sg pp. 96-9) Likewise, many suggestions for the field ministry are given during the Service Meeting. Let us use these as soon as possible.

• ⁵ Next, consider the possibility of adjusting your circumstances so as to share in the auxiliary or regular jfio-neer work. Doing so will certainly keep and his works. Chapter 24 explains his purpose in coming to earth. Chapter 35 reviews his famous Sermon on the Mount. Chapter 43 highlights Jesus’ remarkable ability to teach others by illustrations. Chapter 133 gives a glimpse of the blessings mankind will enjoy when he completes his work. You may find it helpful to use the questions at the end of each chapter to stimulate discussion; the cited scripture references show where the account can be found in the Bible. You can point out the striking illustrations that reveal the force of Jesus’ personality, the depth of his compassion for others, and his tireless zeal in preaching.—Note chapters 44,95,117, and 123.

• ⁵ We will be offering this new book during December. Its unique features give us good reasons to recommend and offer it to others with great enthusiasm. Everyone who wants everlasting life must take in knowledge about Jesus Christ. (John 17:3) Our zealous efforts to distribute this book can make it possible for the lives of many sincere ones to be touched by the greatest man who ever lived.

you busy in the service of our Father, Jehovah. (1 Cor. 15:58) What if you are not able to pioneer? You can demonstrate a pioneer spirit by cultivating a genuine dove for the ministry and a deep concern for people in the territory. You can also use every opportunity to help sincere ones to know Jehovah and his wonderful purposes by making return visits.and conducting Bible studies.

'Responding to the call to serve where the need is greater may also be part of our advancement. (Isa. 6:8) Those who have moved to a congregation that needed help on the servant body or that was looking for assistance in covering its territory have certainly reaped many blessings.

’When we first learned_the truth, love for Jehovah and Christ Jesus moved us to make major adjustments in our lives. Now, as we grow in appreciation of our relationship with our heavenly Father and of what his Son did in our behalf, are there other adjustments that we can make in order to expand dur ministry? Let all of us expend ourselves by "Keeping busy in Jehovah’s service—Rom. 12:11.

Week Starting December 2

Song 168

15 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. “Kingdom Ministry School Provides Theocratic Education." Include comments on December magazines dealing with holiday celebrations. Mention specific points that can be featured in field service. Encourage support for Saturday magazine activity.

18 min: “The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived." Question-and-answer consideration. When covering paragraph 4, arrange for a brief demonstration showing how to offer the book. Emphasize importance of being familiar with the publication.

12 min: Local needs or “Do You Deny Sinful Tendencies?” Talk based on The Watchtower, August 15,1991. pages 29-31.

Song 31 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 9

Song 166

5 min: Local announcements.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News —Using The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.” To be handled as a discussion with audience participation. Have two demonstrations. The first should use the suggested presentation found in paragraph 3. The second should briefly show how a Bible study can be started using the new publication.

20 min: “Sharing in Kingdom Expansion.” Question-and-answer discussion of insert article. Intersperse with brief expressions from brothers regarding their appreciation for Society’s publications that have been of particular benefit to them, or brief experiences may be related about the use of literature in field service. Publishers who have served as temporary construction workers at Patterson may be invited to make a brief expression of their appreciation for the work being done there. Others who may have served as temporary workers at Brooklyn Bethel or Watchtower Farms may have brief comments that would encourage the brothers and help all to appreciate more fully the work being done. Only a few pointed expressions should be used.

. Song 196 and concluding prayer.

ft

Week Starting December 16

Song 169   ■

10 min: Local announcements. Include accounts report along with Society’s^acknowledgment of contri- / buttons by congregation. Outline local arrangements for holiday witnessing. Encourage all to dress appropriately for the winter weather.

20 min: “Keeping Busy in Jehovah’s Service.” Question-and-answer discussion. Demonstration with family .of four. Using the 1992 calendar, father discusses with family their scheduling of time In January. He considers which days to set aside for field service and how he will work with each member of

the family.                               .

15 min: “Pioneering—A Service That. Brings Rich Rewards." Question-and-answer consideration. Interview two pioneers. What obstacles did they have to overcome to enter pioneer service? What motivated them to pioneer? What has helped them to make a success of their pioneering? Encourage all to consider prayerfully their own circumstances.

Song 40 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 23

Song 197

l&lnint Local announcements. Theocratic News. Demonstrate presentations of current magazines. Show how to determine if the householder is genuinely interested before offering the magazines. Discuss what can be done when sincere interest is not evident.

IS'min: Question Box. To be handled by an elder. Emphasize why attention should be given to our conduct at baptisms and how it reflects on Jehovah and the Kingdom message.

-IS'min: “Read to Expand Your Horizons.” To be handled by the Theocratic Ministry School overseer. Talk based on the Awake!, July 22, 1991, pages 25-7, emphasizing the need to become better readers. Help audience to appreciate that just being able to read fluently is not sufficient; we must develop good comprehension.

Song 201 and concluding prayer.

Question Box

■ How can joy be expressed by those attending baptisms?

Baptism is a joyful occasion. We delight to see new ones taking their stand on Jehpvah’s side, publicly demonstrating their faith. (Ps. 40:8) Jesus said that this was cause for great joy in the heavens. (Luke 15: 10) Family members and publishers who studied with those getting baptized are especiallyjoyful to see new ones take this essential step. But how can such Jov be properly expressed?

Jesus‘Tjaptisrn_set the example for Christian baptisms today. He appreciated that it was a serious and solemn step he was about to take. He was praying as he was baptized. (Luke 3:21, 22) He knew that baptism is a time for meditation and sober thought. His disciples also recognized the importance of baptism. Following the outpouring of holy spirit on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., about 3,000 were baptized. What was the reaction of the disciples who witnessed that event? “They continued devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to sharing with one another, to taking of meals and to prayers.” (Acts 2:41,42) The disciples reflected on spiritual things and shared hospitality with one another.

Christian assemblies in modern times have been highlighted by baptisms. It is certainly proper to express our joy by applause and commendation when we see individuals take their stand for Jehovah. On the other hand, displays of unrestrained cheering, whistling, waving of arms overhead, and calling out names would be inappropriate Such conduct shows a lack of appreciation for the seriousness and sacredness of this expression of faith. Neither would this be an appropriate time for a showy display of giving flowers or other gifts to baptized ones as they emerge from the pool. Baptism marks the beginning of the Christian race for salvation. We can rejoice and be encouraging to those being baptized by helping them appreciate the close relationship with Jehovah that baptism opens up for them.

The baptism site would not be a proper place for Jesting, playing, swimming, or other conduct that would detract from the seriousness of the occasion. Our joy should be expressed in a dignified manner. Our orderliness and seriousness will contribute to the Joy of all present.

Sharing in

Kingdom Expansion

¹ “What amazing changes!” “How fast it happened!” “What a blessing for our brothers in the Soviet Union!”

• ² These expressions were heard in late August and early September when a series of conventions in the Soviet Union was successfully held despite potential interference. Altogether, 74,252 attended seven Soviet conventions this summer, and 7,820 were baptized. In addition, 295,924 more assembled in Eastern European conventions.

• ³ Surely, as in the first century, the prophet Isaiah’s words are having a fulfillment:,“The people that were walking in the darkness have seen a great light.... You have made the nation populous; for it you have made the rejoicing great. They have rejoiced before you as with the rejoicing in the harvesttime.” Yes, Kingdom expansion is moving forward! Jesus Christ rules! And as the prophecy continues>“To the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end."—Isa. 9:2,3,7.

• ⁴ Caring for the marvelous increase in Eastern Europe has required the ongoing construction of much larger printing facilities in Germany. Our brothers there are delighted to support this expansion, which contributes directly to the fulfillment of Jesus’ historic prophecy: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”—Matt. 24:14.           »

• ⁵ Even greater expansion is proceeding here in the United States. At “the Gilead graduation in September, it was announced that the next class of Gilead, beginning in April, will be doubled to about 50 students! Eventually, the school will be located at the Watchtower Educational Center, which has been under construction now for almost three years at Patterson, New York. No wonder many are heard to ask: “How are things going at Patterson?”

• ⁶ The Patterson Complex: We are happy to report that the work is going along at a fast pace and is ahead of schedule. All seven buildings of the Patterson Inn—a 150-unit hotel located within a short walking distance of the educational center—have been completed, as well as all the attendant work on roads, parking lots, and landscaping. When the educational center is finished, the nearby inn will be used to accommodate visitors from around the world. In the meantime! however, it is occupied by about 300 Bethel family members _ who are engaged in construction of the complex.

¹ Altogether, there are now over 650 volunteer workers on the project! Many of these have been provided housing in the area, and they commute daily to and from the work site. Earlier this year a New York Times reporter wrote: ^Sitting like a city on a hill overlooking Route 22 here in northeastern Putnam County, the complex is a beehive of construction activity ... All—engineers, architects, draftsmen, carpenters, concrete workers, electricians, plumbers and laborers—are church members who volunteer to work from weeks to years. They receive no pay, but get a monthly stipend for incidental expenses.”

⁸ The educational center will eventually consist of 17 buildings, including a kitchen, classrooms, offices, garages, six residence buildings that will accommodate 1,200, and a dining room and an auditorium, each of which will seat 1,60.0. At this time, two buildings of the complex have been completed, four are under construction, and five more will be started during 1992. Construction of the final six buildings will begin later. A milestone, was reached this summer when accreditation of the wastewater treatment plant and water treatment plant was received from state and local authorities.

’The volunteer workers on the project are receiving fine spiritual benefits. In fact, all who qualify as volunteers must be spiritual persons. (1 Cor. 2:14,15) Each work morning a discussion of the day’s Bibletext is enjoyed. Three days a week, preassigned commentators from among the volunteer workers themselves share in the discussion, and on other mornings an audio hookup allows the Patterson volunteers to listen in on the discussion coming from the Brooklyn headquarters. In addition, on Monday evenings a Watchtower Study is conducted for the benefit of all the volunteers on the project. Yet, Patterson is not the only major construction project in progress in New York.

• ¹⁰ How About Brooklyn?: On August 30,1990, a happy Bethel family applauded the announcement that a building permit had been issued to the Society to erect a 30-story residence facility. The following month demolition began on the old nine-story factory standing on the site. Then, in January 1P91, excavation began on the new building’s 100- by 200-foot foundation. Soon that excavation, 30 feet below sidewalk level, was completed. Engineering precautions were needed because a subway tunnel lies on one side of the building site and an existing factory of the Watchtower Society on the opposite side.

• ¹¹ Within six months the foundation work was completed. The two floors located below ground level will accommodate a kitchen, food storage, and other support services, as well as a dining room for over a thousand persons. The massive steel columns and beams that make up the framework of the building weigh over 7,000,000 pounds. In July the erection of this framework began. By September the brick masonry work was started, and soon the building’s color and shape will be a feature of the Brooklyn skyline!

• ¹² The work by the commercial construction company engaged by the Society will be completed next summer. This means that the shell of the 378-foot-high building will then be turned over to the Society, and Witness volunteers will finish the building. We hope to have the first, 12 floors, including the lobby, dining room, and kitchen, ready for use late in 1993. Since all available living accommodations in Brooklyn are occupied, this new home is vital to the fulfilling of our Scriptural commission. —Matt. 24:14.

• ¹³ What Can You Do?: Already brothers and sisters have done much. Over the years more than 14,000 volunteers from all over the United States have come to New York and helped with various building projects. Their labors of love have been very much appreciated, and the Society wants to thank them, as well as their wives and other family members who have supported their efforts. The question is, Can you make yourself available to work on these present projects?—Heb. 13:16.

• ¹⁴ Obviously, not all can. But you can still do much. For example, many elders and ministerial servants can assist in caring for congregation needs while volunteers are serving temporarily at headquarters. (Compare Nehemiah 4:19-22.) Another vital way to assist is through voluntary contributions to help with the expenses. An estimate published in The New York Times fval-ued the new [Patterson) complex when completed at about $130 million.” _? With volunteer help the final cost of the project will probably be less than half of that, but it will still be very substantial. Millions of dollars are now being spent each month.

• ¹⁵ There was also need of considerable material wealth to build the tabernacle in Moses’ day, as well as the temple that was constructed under Solomon’s direction. However, Jehovah moved the hearts of the people to provide all that was needed. (Ex. 35:4-6, 21, 22; 36:3-6; 1 Chron. 29:3-9) In our day individuals, congregations, and circuits have been contributing for these building projects that will no doubt have an important part in the expansion of the Kingdom proclamation worldwide. Can you share in supporting this marvelous expansion work?

• ¹⁶ If you can, please send such contributions to Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201.

• ¹⁷ If you are not in a position to make an outright donation but you do have some funds that you would like to let the Society use'for a period of time and then receive back at your request, please writeto the Society concerning the conditional donation arrangement. Details explaining it will be mailed to you.

• ¹⁸ Whether you are able to volunteer to work at the construction sites or to contribute in a monetary way or not, all of us can pray for the success of these building projects to the end that God’s Kingdom interests are expanded earth wide. May our heavenly Father prosper all of us as we endeavor to finish his work.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of September 2 to December 23, 1991. 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. The New World Translation is the first version to restore the divine name in the Christian Greek Scriptures, [si p. 327 par. 2 (1983 ed., p. 326 par. 2)]

• 2. The Cyrus Cylinder makes known King Cyrus’ policy of restoring captive peoples to their former places, [si p. 336 par. 15 (p. 336 , par. 20)]

• 3. Moses was accepted as the writer of the Pentateuch not only by the Jews but also by ancient writers, some of whom were enemies of the Jews, [si p. 338 par. 5 (p. 338 par. 5)]

• 4. Shechem evidently raped Dinah. (Gen. 34:1-3) [Weekly Bible reading; see w85 6/15 p. 31.]

- 5. The account at Genesis 38:8-10 regarding Onan’s wasting of his semen argues against the use of contraceptives. [ Weekly Bible reading; see w73 p. 255.]

^f 6. Although Judah did not act uprightly by having relations with a woman he thought to be a prostitute, still he did not transgress a specific command of God’s law. (Gen. 38:11-18) [Weekly Bible reading; see w73 p. 384.]

• 7. Jehovah’s Witnesses properly stand up, bow down, or even prostrate themselves before a ruler out of honor and respect for his position if that is the custom of the land. (Gen. 44:14) [Weekly Bible reading; see w74 p. 62.]

• 8. After Moses turned all the water of Egypt into blood, the Egyptian priests imitated the feat and perhaps used well water to work their magic. (Ex. 7:19-24) [Weekly Bible reading; see w83 10/15 p. 30.]

/ 9. The Shekinah light was in evidence in the Most Holy of both the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple. (Compare Exodus 25: 21, 22.) [Weekly Bible reading; see w66 p. 543.]

>10. The “fatal accident” applies to the mother only. (Ex. 21:23) [Weekly Bible reading; see w77 pp. 479-80.]

Answer the following questions:

• 11. What defects do many Bible versions contain? [si p. 324 par. 17 (p. 323 par. 16)] ('ei’psr tfFMAS

• 12. What results when Bible translators abandon literal translation for what they consider to be elegance of language and forty?Jsi p. 326 par. 34 (p. 325 par. 31)]

• 13. Hov/is tKeNew ^o^Traii^tic^Scf^' sistent in its renderings? [si p. 328 par. 7 (p. 327 par. 7)]

• 14. What outstandingly demonstrates the authenticity of the Bible? [si p. 342 par. 25 (p. 342 par. 25)] //;<.- /•’/«y

• 15. Why was Rachel willing to give Leah an opportunity to conceive in exchange for some mandrakes, as related at Genesis 30:14, 15? [Weekly Bible reading; see w67 p. 320.] - rs't'* A >       «•

• 16. How does Genesis 39:9 show that teaching children God’s Word will benefit them later in life? [Weekly Bible read- ing;. see w73 p. 556 pars. 17*4.8.1

Mf/ Why did^>66(i Kave Mosds as£ Pharaoh’s permission to journey for three days into the wilderness, since He had purposed that the Israelites leave Egypt permanently? (Ex. 3:18) [Weekly Bible reading; see w82 1/1 p. 31.]

• 18. Does having one’s name in God’s ‘book of life’ guarantee eternal life? (Ex. 32: 32, 33) [Weekly Bible reading; see w87 9/1 p. 29.]

• 19. How can we explain that “Jehovah spoke to Moses face to face”? (Ex. 33:11) [Weekly Bible reading; see_w70 p. 320.]

■ '■jr

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

• 20. One of the reasons for inaccuracies in translating Hebrew verbal forms is the grammatical theory today called /12        . [si p. 330 par. 14 (p. 329

par. 14)]

• 21. By 1989 (1963) the New.Worjef Translation had appeared in _z fa . languages with more than .

ies having been printed, [si p. 331 par. 21 (p. 330 pars. 21, 22)]

• 22. According to one archaeologist, the focal point from which languages spread was ft/rLTitLA--[si p. 339 par. 13 (p. 339

par. 13)]

• 24. The name Shiloh means

and prophetically it pointed to (Gen. 49:10) [Weekly Bible reading; see re pp. 83-4.]

• 25. The                           aifisTn -ffe?'

formation of “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Ex. 19:6) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 2/1 pp. 18-19.]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 26. The archaeological discoveries at Gihon may corroborate the Bible’s record of (the Tower of Babel; the water tunneljt the City of David; Shishak’s invasion of Judah), [si p/332 par. 4 (p. 333 par. 9)]

• 27. The (Arch of Titus; Pontius Pilate inscription; Areopagus) still remains in

Athens, confirming the setting of Acts 17:16-34. [si p. 336 par. 19 (p. 336 par. 24)]

• 28. Modern medical research indicating that anger can affect blood pressure and produce cardiac sensations, headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, and inability to vocalize agrees with (Proverbs 14:30; Job 19:20; Psalm 12:3).' [si p. 340 par. 15 (p. 340 par. 15)]

• 29. The expression “between the two evenings” refers to the time from (noon until sundown; the setting ..of the sun until darkness; the evening of one calendar day to another). (Ex. 12:6) [Weekly Bible reading; see w73 p. 175.]

• 30. What is described at Exodus 40:34 was (evidence that Jehovah approved the tabernacles a reminder that Jehovah was invisible; a sign of gloomy times to come). [Weekly Bible reading; see hs p. 71 par. 30.]

Match the following scriptures to the state-jnents listed below:

• 31. The Moabite Stone corroborates this Bible account, [si p. 333 par. 6 (p. 333 par. 11)] jLkX

• 32. The Bible’s counsel on hygiene is medically sound, [si p. 340 par. 17 (p. 340 par. 17)]

• 33. David expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the wisdom of God. [si p. 350 par. 7 (p. 350 par. 7)] / /

• 34. To benefit from the Scriptures, we must constantly meditate on God’s Word, [si p. 351 par. 12 (p. 351 par. 12)] .-,-7

I

• 35. Although there are plausible explanations offered, this is certainly a case of divine intervention rather than merely some sort of natural phenomenon. [Weekly Bible reading; see w81 8/15 p. 18.] Zyz/'A/

  Announcements

  
  

  ■ Literature offer for December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. January and February: Any 192-page book published in 1983 or earlier. If the congregation has no stock of such books to be offered, the book Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace" should be offered and may be requested from Brooklyn. March: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!

  ■ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on December 1 or as soon as possible thereafter.

  ■ The Society has a small supply of past issues of The Watchtower and Awake! on cassette. Anyone desiring a particular issue may request it through the congregation. Please be sure to specify the issue date.

  ■ Congregations should begin requesting bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! for 1991 on their December literature request. (See the Watchtower Publications List, paragraphs 6-8,10.) The bound volumes will be available in Dutch, English. French. German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Until the bound volumes are available and shipments are made, these will appear as “Pending” on congregation packing lists. Bound volumes are special-request

  Theocratic News

  
  

  items—See the Watchtower Publications List, paragraphs 24 and 25.

  ■ The Memorial for 1993 will be Tuesday, April 6, after sundown. This advance notice of the date for the 1993 Memorial celebration is given so that brothers may make necessary reservations or contracts for available halls when there are too many congregations using the Kingdom Hall and they must find other facilities.

  ■ New Publications Available: Albanian: Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist? Arabic: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size). Bulgarian: My Book Of Bible Stories; Spirits of the Dead —Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist? Czech: Life —How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (Small size); Sing Praises to Jehovah (Small size). Finn

  
  

  Number of:

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

  SEPTEMBER SERVICE REPORT Av. Av. Av. Av.

  Sp’l Pios.	214	126.5	79.1	53.1	5.4
  Pios.	67,016	82.7	34.6	25.3	2.5
  Aux. Pios.	33,160	59.0	24.7	15.1	1.3
  Pubs 748,954		10.0	5.9	3.7	0.5

  TOTAL 849,344

  Baptized 1,824

  
  

  ish: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. French: Our Problems—Who Will Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus); Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-1989. German: Watch Tower Publications Index 1945-1985. Hungarian: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Latvian: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!; The Government That Will Bring Paradise. Lithuanian: “Look! I Am Making All Things New" (Brochure). Ngambaye: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! Punjabi: “Look! I Am Making All Things New" (Brochure). Romanian: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! Serbian: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Slovak: Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (Small size). Slovenian: ‘Look! I Am Making AU Things New" (Brochure); The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Swahili: The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever.

  
  

  CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY

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

  From:           To:

  December 2 Entire page 139

  December 9 p. 143,15 p. 146, *|17

  December 16 p. 147,1118 p. 150,19

  December 23 p. 151,1110 p. 154,120

  
  

  MEETINGS FOR FIELD SERVICE

  
  

Dominican Republic: Six district conventions were attended by 26,150, with 585 (2.2 percent) baptized.

Hong Kong: Although July was very hot and humid, the brothers made excellent efforts in the field service. They had a new peak of 2,305 publishers, and 71 were baptized.

Japan: Their 1991 district convention report showed a peak attendance of 289,206, with 4,851 baptized. They also reached a new peak of 158,627 publishers in July, an increase of 11 percent over last year’s average.

Myanmar: Despite disastrous floods during July, they reached a new peak of 1,810 publishers.

Philippines: Ongoing relief is being provided to help the victims of the Mount Pinatubo volcanic eruption. Recently. heavy rains and mud flows, or lahars, created severe problems for brothers not previously affected. The brothers appreciate the relief assistance, as in some areas conditions were worse in September than when the volcano initially erupted.

December 2-8: Topic for Conversation

(a) Review introduction and scriptures, (b) How will you introduce the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived?

December 9-15: When offering the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived

(a) What chapters will you feature? (b) What illustrations will you point out?

December 16-22: How will you respond to

(a) Holiday greetings? (b) Questions about why we do not celebrate Christmas?

December 23-29: What will you say

• (a) When the householder is busy entertaining visitors?

• (b) If you get the householder out of bed?

Topic for Conversation

Why Learn About Jesus.

1 Pet. 2:21: A model for us to follow.

John 14:6: Benefits gained through him.

• ¹ Over the years, virtually every one of our publications has in some way touched on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. That is very fitting, since “there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved." (Acts 4:12) This new book is unique in that it is the first time one of our books has been devoted exclusively to the life of Jesus.

• ² Offering It to Othersi What are some interesting features in this publication that we can point out? Chapter 5 raises an appropriate question for this time of yw. “Jesus' Birth—Where and When?¹ You might capture the interest of a youngster with the exciting account in chapter 44, “Silencing a Terrifying Storm.” A pereon experiencing physical illness or infirmity would surely be com-forted’by chapter 57,/;Compassion for the Afflicted.”, Chapter 90, “The Resurrection Hope." should appeal to any person who has ever mourned the loss of a loved one. A discussion about distressing world conditions could lead into chapter 111, “Sign of the Last Days."

• ³ At the door you might say this: “What does God expect of us as Christians? The Bible directs us to imitate the example set by the world's greatest man, Jesus Christ. [Read 1 Peter 2:21.] He taught his followers to love their neighbors, keep morally clean, and pray for the coming of God’s Kingdom. Our salvation depends on recognizing and obeying Jesus as our Savior. [Read John 14:6.] Jesus was no ordinary man. This book describes him as the greatest man who ever lived. Chapter 59 confirms this, identifying him as ‘the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Since we depend on him fop salvation, don’t you feel there is a need for us to learn as much as possible about his work_and what he taught? This book has been prepared especially for that purpose, and I would be pleased to make this copy available to you.”

* Likely you will find many sincere people who will accept and read this book. Be sure to follow up all your placements. In some instances you may decide to use this new book for starting home Bible studiesjt will be especially good for a family study and for studies conducted with youngsters. Sharing The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived with others can help them find the way to everlasting life.

Kingdom Ministry School Provides Theocratic Education

Elders carry a heavy load of responsibility. Beginning in 1959, arrangements were made for a "special training course in overseers' activity" to help them care for this weighty assignment. (JP PP- 292-3; yb77 p. 14) Ministerial servants were invited to attend for the first time in 1984. The last Kingdom Ministry School was held during the 1988 service year, and tens of thousands benefited.

Since then, hundreds of congregations have been formed and thousands of brothers have been appointed as elders and ministerial servants. Also, organizational adjustments have been made. Therefore, the Governing Body arranged for all congregation elders and ministerial servants to attend the Kingdom Ministry School during this service year. The new course has been tailored to meet the current needs in the field. Bethel representatives and some of the traveling overseers will take the lead in teaching at the school. Benefits to all congregations will be realized as the elders and ministerial servants apply what they learn from the school.

' Jehovah wants us to rejoice and to see good for all our hard work. (Eccl. 5:18) The most important work we can be involved in is the kingdom-preaching and disciple-making activity. Paul exhorted Timothy: “Do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry." (2 Tim. 4:5) He encouraged Timothy, and Paul’s words encourage all of us today to be whole-souled in our ministry. For some, whole-souled service may include serving as a regular pioneer. Why not prayerfully consider whether your circumstances willallow you to take up the full-time ministry?

• ² Positive Action Needed: To get into the pioneer work requires taking decisive steps in harmony with our prayers. Cultivate’a heartfelt desire for Jehovah’s service, along with a love for people. Increase your activity in the field, building up return visitsand Bible studies. Work at developing a practical schedule; be realistic. Seek out suggestions from the elders and pioneers. Stick to a well-thought-out routine Tor sharing in the preaching work? Selfdiscipline, initiative, and determination are necessary. (1 Cor. 9:23, 25, 27) These are among the positive steps taken by more than 10,000.who have enrolled in recent months.

• ³ Setting definite goals and diligently working toward them will enable us to be progressive in our preaching as we refine our abilities. Can we improve our introductions at the door or the way we deal with objections? Do we make full use of all the literature available? Are we conducting'a progressive"^ible study? Can we begin auxiliary pioneering now with the thought of regular pioneering later? Goals must be practical and set according to what we are able to accomplish. Attaining such goals will Improve our effectiveness and bring us much satisfaction.—1 Tim. 4: 15,16.

* A Rewarding Way of Life: Pioneering with a proper motive and the desire to make spiritual progress brings many benefits. We develop a stronger reliance on Jehovah. Greater skill, in handling God's Word comes from regular use of it in the ministry. A wholesome influence is exerted on the congregation, and others may be encouraged to have a greater share in the ministry because of our zealous example. Pioneering can help us gain a more spiritual outlook on life and serve to protect us from worldly ambitions, desires, and associations.

• ⁵ Jesus told his followers: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his har-vest.”(Matt. 937,38) The need for workers is' even greater now than it was in Jesus’ day. Pioneering allows, us the opportunity to have a full share in this urgent, lifesaving work.. There’ is nothing that can match the contentment anti satisfaction that come with using one’s life in the full-time service of our Grand Creator—Prov. 10:22.

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© 1991 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.