Our Kingdom Ministry

March 1992                        For United States of America                        Vol. 35, No. 3

¹ The book of Revelation has long been a mystgiy. For centuries Bible scholars sought to unlock its secrets, though with little success. But the divinely inspired information in Revelation was not intended to be kept secret forever. It Is a part of God's Word that we need to understand. (2 Tim. 3:16,17) Happily, God is unlocking Revelation as its exciting prdphecies_go jnto_£ul-fillment liL_our-day- Just as Jehovah used John to communicate these visions to his fellow Christians, today He uses 'the faithful slave’ to unveil the meaning of this thrilling prophecy. —Matt. 24:45-47; Rev. 1:1-3.

- The Offer for March: The book Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! has greatly enlightened and encouraged God’s people. But why should it be of interest topeople in your territory? Because this exciting publication deals with climactic, events described in the Bible book of Revelation that take place in these last days. Are not thinking persons interested in the future as revealed by God? While the Bible book of Revelation portrays God’s righteous judgments, it also offers promises of marvelous future blessings. (Rev. 21:1-5) Understanding its inspired message helps us to see where we are in the stream of time and impresses upon us the urgency of doing God’s will.

~ Hstfie’ Revelation Climax book too deep for the public to understand? Apparently, many have not found it too difficult. Note just a few of the many comments made by readers of the book. (3ne man said: “This information is powerful. But it’s interesting. I love it.” A minister said: “I never knew or read anything more exciting and truthful than this book!" Another person who read the book in less than a week commented: “Now my eyes are wide open to the truth. I want to change my whole life around.” Clearly, many are finding happiness as they read the Bible book of Revelation with understanding for the first time in their life and begin to observe its words.

• ⁴ Sincerely Recommend Revelation Climax to Others: As you engage in Scriptural discussions with others during March, do not hesitate to show interested ones the Revelation Climax book. Mention to those who wish to read it that they may mark portions pf the book they do not unrierstanri and when you return, you will discuss those pbihVswithlhem. This can be a means of determining the extent, nf their interest and provide added basis for a return visit.

• ⁵ In addition to the door-to-door service, many have had success offering the Revelat ion Climax book informally to relatives, acquaintances, and business contacts. Point out how you have benefited personally from the vivid illustrations, helpful charts, and other marvelous teaching aids in the book. This may encourage others to look into the book of Revelation, although they may have felt that it is too involvedto understand.

• ⁶ How privileged we are to have knowledge of future events revealed in the book of Revelation and explained through God’s channel today! Entrusted with such knowledge, unlike the scribes of Jesus’ day and the clergy today, let us never fail to make known or unlock the meaning of God’s Word to those who will listen. (Compare Luke 11:52.) As we do so, it is hoped that many more will embrace the hope of everlasting life in God’s new world and join us in doing the will of our Creator.—Rev. 4:11.

  Follow Up Interest Without Delay

  
  

• ¹ “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” Many are familiar with this adage that encourages getting necessary things done promptly. That we can apply tHis principle Ih bur ministry is shown by the following experience.

• ² A sister placed a book with a man and promised to return. By mistake another sister called at the same house an hdurTater. The~man came to the door with the book in his hand and told her: “When you said you would be back. I did jot think <t would bo quite this soon, but comejn, I am ready for my study.”

• ³ While such a quick return visit may not be the usual case, this experience highlights the need to be alert to follow up the interest we find in our ministry without undue delay. During March we will be offering the Revelation Climax book. World events make it evident that this publication, which explains the final book of the Christian Greek Scriptures, is as up-to-date as today’s newspaper, radio, and television news reports on world events that bear directly on the lives of all mankind.

People Need Additional Help: In order to help people understand the information in this publication and to appreciate that it is relevant to their life and future, we need to arrange for a return visit, preferably within a~Tew days of the initial call/HowXvill we do this? It may be that leWng the person know that you will come back will help determine the extent of his interest-

• ⁵ Pave the Way for the Return Visit: it is not always easy in today’s world to get, a commitment to a certain time, and the householder may not remember to keep the appointment. Nevertheless, if you carefully note the time for such a return visit and then are sure to make the call—within a few days if at all possible—you will be carrying out your responsibility to .take the appointment seriously. If the person is not at home, be sure to continue trying to contact him. He may be encouraged to take your visit seriously when he sees your determination to find him at home.

• ⁶ Since we can never be absolutely sure of the Interest manifest on the part of a person when we make the Initial contact, make a note to call back even when there appears to be only a minimum of concern. It is beneficial to follow up such interest without delay. You may have stimulated the person’s interest in the Revelation Climax book, and on returning you may be pleasantly surprised at the fine reception you receive. So be sure to follow up interest without delay!

  Service Meetings for March

  
  

Week Starting March 2

Song 139

"TO min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Illustrate how specific articles in current magazines might be used in magazine work on Saturday.

20 min: “Revelation—Mysteries Unlocked." Question-and-answer coverage of article. Highlight a presentation that is practical locally when presenting Revelation Climax book. Include brief demonstrations showing how common ohieMInnsmay be overcome. If householder says: “We have our own religion,” tactfully ask: “Have you had any discussions at church recently on the Rihle book of Revelation?” Lead discussion to the reading of Revelation 1:3. Another question that could be asked is: “What is yourchurch’s view on. the book of ReYfelaUon?"

15 min: “Presentations That Get a Response." Discussion by experienced elder and two or three pioneers and/ or publishers. Consider different approaches that may be practical in local territory.

Song 15 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 9

Song 101

10 min: Local announcements. Encourage those who plan to auxiliary pioneer in April to obtain an application and turn it in soon.

15 min: “Follow Up Interest Without Delay." Question-and-answer discussion.

20 min: “What Can I Say to Stimulate Further Interest?" Present two or three well-rehearsed demonstrations. After each, draw out from audience why they feel presentation would be effective in furthering the householder's interest.

Song 19 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 16

Song 197 I & '

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Include Society’s acknowledgment of donations. Commend the brothers for following the principle at Deuteronomy 16:17. _r ,

15 min: “Make Known Jehovah’s Dealings." Question-and-answer discussion. Warmly encourage all to cooperate in making April a special month of activity.

20 mln:_Elder conducts discussion with threeofTour publishers who will be auxiliary pioneering in April or who have done so in the past. Draw out what has motivated them to pioneer, what plans they have made for April, and any experiences they may have had in the past when auxiliary pioneering. Announce names of those thus far approved as auxiliary pioneers for April. Song 123 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 23

Song 193                 ■

15 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Encouragement to consider auxiliary pioneer service in April. Outline arrangements to invite people to special talk on April 5 and to accommodate increased activity in April.

12 min: Local needs or enthusiastic talk based on information in September 15,1991, Watchtower article “Illustrations—A Key to Reaching Hearts.” Suggest illustrations that would be appropriate in local territory with current presentations.

18 min: Talk based on November 1, 1991, Watchtower article, “Do You Appreciate Jehovah’s Earthly Organization?" Build up faith and confidence of congregation in the organization.

Song 213 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 30

Song 209

8 min: Local announcements. Remind all of the Watchtower subscription campaign during April and May. Where a subscription is not obtained, two magazines and a copy of any brochure (except School brochure) may be offered if genuine Interest is manifest.

12 min: “Keep Doing This in Remembrance of Me.” Talk by presiding overseer with audience participation. In-cTurTe material in box.

15 min: Discussion of "Ancestor Worship" from Reasoning book, pages 29-32. While many may contend that ancestors are not worshiped by the majority of people in the Western world, much is done in modern society to honor the dead. Some people are still revered and worshiped as if they were alive. Statues, paintings, and biographies commemorate notable figures. Introduce setting of father talking with teenage child. Parent uses information from Reasoning book, page 30. Highlight material from first two subheadings to show child why there is danger in viewing horror films that promote spiritism or the idea that the dead come back to haunt the living. Explain the condition of the dead and the resurrection hope, and show how this should affect our view of the dead. Child expresses desire to avoid entertainment that promotes spiritism.

1 o min: Experiences using the Revelation Climax book during March. Invite publishers to relate selected positive experiences as time allows.

Song 72 and concluding prayer.

Congregation book Study

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

• It may take more than an hour to cover the designated material properly.

Theocratic News

Greenland: Many small outposts were visited during the month of October, and much literature was placed. Congregation publishers in the two most northern congregations in the country reported an average of more than 22 hours in the service for the month.

Tuvalu: October saw a 27-percent increase in publishers, with 62 reporting field service.

December Service Report

TOTAL 868,300          Baptized: 2,642

Make Known Jehovah’s Dealings

■ Literature—offer for March: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! April and Mayi Watchtower subscription. June: Mankind’s Search for God. ■ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation accounts on March 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. Make announcement to the congregation when this has been done.

■ New Publications Available: Chinese (Simplified): Tract No. 15. Estonian: A Secure Future—How You Can Find It. Hungarian: Life—HOW Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (Large size), isoko: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size). Italian: Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-1989. Swahili: How to Find the Road to Paradise (for Muslims).

• ■ New Audiocassettes Available: Italian: Jeremiah, Lamentations (set of four audiocassettes).

• ■ Out of Stock in USA.:

English: Awake! binder: Watchtower binder.

\“Make known among the peoples his dealings. Make mention that his name is put on high.... for he has done surpassingly.” (Isa..12:4,5) How do you respond to this exrio'rtation? When we reflect on Jehovah's dealings with us as a people and as individuals, are not our hearts moved tn tell others? Some 73 years ago, Jehovah freed his people ffSfn Babylonish captivity. Since 1919 true worship has been firmly established and has now spread to all parts of the earth. The extent to which Jehovah has done these things has surpassed our expectations. As an individual, how deeply do you appreciate God's guidance, protection, aricTbleSS-irig? Can you do more to make known his dealings and put his name on high?

² The Memorial season brings to mind a divine acLfor which we will be eternally grateful. The month of April would be an especially appropriate time to show Jehovah our thankfulness and appreciation by enrolling as an auxiliary pioneer. Also, if you auxiliary pioneer during the visit of the circuit overseer, you will profit all the more from his help and encouragementin the ministry.

’Often, arrangements work out well when groups of publishers enroll as auxiliary pioneers. A good schedule can be worked "6ut so that all will have someone to work with, and sisters with young children can arrange’ to assist one another. With good planning. many have found that it is not too difficult to reach the 60-hour requirement. This means devoting an average of just 2 hours a day or 15 hours a week to the ministry. Some auxiliary pioneers witness an hour or two before or after their secular work and have longer periods of service on the weekends.

⁴ Even if you are unable to auxiliary pioneer, you may be able to increase your field service activity. Also, by assisting with transportation or working with others who are pioneering, you will be an encouragement to them. Whatever we_ can do to make known Jehovah's name and his dealings will not go unnoticed by our appreciative God.—Mal. 3:16.

lected. Assign responsible elders or< ministerial servants to pass the em-. blems. Unleavened bread and unadul-¹ terated red wine should be provided. For additional reminders, note the February 15,1985, issue of The Watchtower, page 19.

⁴ By thorough ad vance preparation, we will demonstrate that we fully appreciate the significance of this special occasion and that we desire to celebrate the Memorial of Christ’s death in compliance with Jesus’ command. —1 Cor. 11:23-26.

1. Has everyone, including the speaker, been informed of the exact time

• 5. Have the attendants and servers been assigned? Has a meeting been scheduled with them before the Memorial to go over their duties? When? What procedure will be followed to ensure that all are served efficiently?

• 6. Are arrangements complete to help older and infirm brothers and sisters? Are arrangements made to serve any of the anointed who may be confined and unable to be at the Kingdom Hall?

  Presentations That Get a Response

  
  

• ¹ Presentations that get a response are those that clearly show how the ¹ subject concerns the householder, that ) it Ts something "he needs or can use. ' Throughout your conversation, help the householder to realize, “This involves me." In preparing a presentation, we should ask ourselves: ‘What ;. subjects are of greatest concern to peo-‘ pie in my territory? What are their i needs? How can I present the message / to show that Jehovah has their needs in mind?’ Listed below are a few things that are of vital interest to people today. Can you use one of these or something similar in your presentation? Note also how points from the Revelation Climax book can be tied in.

• ² Concern About Lack of Happiness: “We are speaking with people who are truly concerned with the quality of life in our community. Although people may have material necessities, many are not really happy with their lot in life. Do you think it is possiblejo have a truly happy life? [Allow for reply.] One of the keys to happiness is found in the Bible at Revelation 1:3. [Read.] Understanding what Revelation says about the future can bring you happiness. Note just one of its prophecies." Read Revelation 21:3,4 and then point to the illustration on page 302 of the Revelation Climax book.

  What Can I Say to Stimulate Further Interest?

  
  

• ³ Concern About the Future: “We are endeavoring to share with our neighbors a positive view of the future. Is that the way you try to look at life? [Allow for reply.] According to the Bible, we have reason to be optimistic if we do what it says at Revelation 1:3.”

' Concern About Maintaining Good Health: “Many In our neighborhood are conscious of maintaining good heaRh. Despite the precautions we take, however, we still suffer from sickness. Would you like to liye in a world where everyone would enjoy perfect . health and vitality? As unbelievable as this might seem, the Bible book of Rey-elation speaks of such a time and tells us that it is in the near future." Read Revelation 21:3, 4. You could then point out the picture on pages 308-9 of

³ Using the Revelation Climax Book to Start d<Bible Studyj) “It’S good to see you again. rnereTs an additional point I want to share that is found in the book 1 left with"you, and it’s very encouraging. The Bible speaks about a 'scroll of life’ in connection with those who will live forever. Would you like to know what names are on that scroll?” Turn to page 298 of the Revelation Climax book. Read paragraph 11, and then ask the questions on that paragraph. After considering several paragraphs, offer to return and continue the discussion. ___________ _

* Usin^Another Publlcationjto Start a Bible StuByfTam happy to find you at home today. The .lastlime we spoke, we read together the Bible’s promise at Revelation 1:3. [Read again.] Notice that the happiness spoken of does not come automatically. Two things are required: We must read what the Bible say^bnjj then observe, or put into practice, what has been written. This brochure ‘Look! I Am Making All Things New’ wiTTrnake your reading of the literature J left with            enjoythe Revelation Climax book, showing how people will partake of the provisions for life during Christ’s Thousand Year Reign.

• ⁵ Concern About Pollution and the Environment: “In speaking with our neighbors, we have found that many are concerned about how our air, water, and food are being polluted. Do you think that the governments will ever be able to put a stop to this? [Al-lowTor comment.'I'K is encouraging to note what the Bible says will happen to those who are ruining the part.h ” Read Revelation 11:18b- Point out that besides removing those ruining the earth, it is God’s purpose for the meek ones to make the earth a paradise, as indicated aVFsalm 37:10,11 or Isaiah_6.5;2L-22.

• ⁶ For Those Religiously Inclined: “We are asking our neighbors a question: Do you thinklhe book of Revelation was meant to be understood, or was it always to remain a mystery? [Allow for comment.] Many share your view. Notice what the Bible itself says at Revelation 1:3.”

• ⁷ As you earnestly endeavor to reach the heart of your listeners, those who are hungering for truth and righteousness will respond.—Matt. 5:3, 6.

able because it explains in a simple way just what God’s requirements are. On page 30 there is a list of 12 questions that many people ask. Which one of them would you like to have answered?” After the householder responds, you could turn to the place in the brochure where the question is answered and begin a Bible study.

^s Usd Artwork) to Stimulate Interest: The'Revetmion Climax book contains many vivid illustrations. These may be highlighted to stimulate interest. For example, when making a return visit, we could open to page 7,. Point to the picture of John on the island of Patmos. Revelation 1:3 highlights that the revelation to John was a happy message. How could this be so when Revelation describes fearsome beasts and destruction? Consider paragraphs 1 and 2 on page 6 of the book, illustrations on the endsheets may be featured, as well as scenes depicting the paradise earth on pages 302, 308, and 309.

• ⁶ On return visits, we should build on the foundation laid during the initial call. Giving careful attention to this aspect of our ministry will bring rich blessings from Jehovah both for us and for those who listen to us.—1 Tim. 4:16.

© 1992 Watch Tower Bible and Trad 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.

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Jesus commanded his followers to celebrate the anniversary of his death. (Luke 22:19) This observance would serve as a reminder o? the great sacrifice that Jesus made in behalf of humankind... This year Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide will celebrate the Memorial of Christ’s death on Friday, April 17, after sundown.

- Personal Preparation: Howcan we prepare for a fitting observance of this important occasion? One way is to re; I fleet prayerfully on tfieearthly life and ; ministry of Jesus. He became'man-ifkind’s Redeemer by giving his perfect /human life in sacrifice. (Matt. 20:28) To help each one appreciate this provi-,sion, we recommend considering chap' ters 112 thrpugh-Jlfi of The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.

^rOur Bible reading before the Memorial this year, as noted on the 1992 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses, consists of selected verses from the Bible book of Mark. This special Bible readlDg is scheduled during the six-day period from Sunday through Friday, April 1217. All of us will want to take sufficient time to meditate on these sobering events.