OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

September 1992                     For United States of America                     Vol. 35, No. 9

• ¹ Beautiful landscapes, colorful sunsets, starry night skies, melodious songs of birds—to whom do you give credit for these delightful things? Yes, we~5re moved to praise the God of creation. We wholeheartedly agree with the declaration at Revelation 4:11. By reason of his creating all things, Jehovah God deserves our praise.

• ² Despite the evidence of God’s creative works, men have promoted the concept that life came about by accident or through blind evolution. This monumental lie has degraded (and demoralized men. and it is a blasphemous reproach on our Grand Creator. —Eccl. 12:1; Rom. 1:20, 25.

• ³ In September, as loyal servants of Jehovah, we have the opportunity to present the truth about our Creator and his wonderful works. The book Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? will be offered to all who manifest genuine interest in learning the facts regarding the origin and purpose of life. This publication equips us to make a bold defense of the truth concerning the origin of life.

'Special Territories: Besides witnessing from house to house, we can put forth special effort to speak with persons who have a particular Interest in the subject of evolution dr creation, contacting them either at their place of work or at school. For example, young Witnesses have had tine success in placing the Creation book when they have shown it to their school-teachers^fone Witness youth gave her teacher a Creation book and was surprised to note that the teacher not only studied it thoroughly but even began using it as a basis for teaching the class. (w90 9/1 p. 32; w8610/1 p. 32) Why not approach each of your teachers and classmates who you feel would enjoy reading this fine publication.

• ⁵ A special effort can be directed toward reaching college students and educators, who live or work in your territory. Professional people such as lawyers and doctors have appreciated the depth of research and the documentation found in the Creation book. (yb87 p. 54) Those you approach also may wish to have this beautifully illustrated publication as a reference work.

• ⁶ Wisely, we will not offer_the Creation book to everyone we meet because many people simply have no Interest in the subject But as you discuss one or more specific points from the book that are educational and that build faith in a Creator, you will find rightly disposed persons who may want to learn more. It is to such ones that we want to offer the Creation book.

• ⁷ May this fine instrument not only help many more see how absurd the theory of evolution is but also help them to build appreciation for the gift of life. This book will stimulate in them a desire to live forever to the glory of the Giver of life and “the Maker of heaven and earth."—Ps. 146:6.

  Studying The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived

  
  

• ¹ During the week of October 12, we will begin studying The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived in our Congregation Book Studies. What a joy it will be to review the life and ministry of Jesus Christ! Since the book is designed somewhat differently from other books we have studied, a few guidelines will be helpful.

• ² The book has no page numbers, so the schedule published in Our Kingdom Ministry will list the chapters to be studied, usually three or four each week. Chapters 35, 111, and~lT6 are longer and will be divided into two studies each. After having a qualified brother read an entire chapter (or an entire subheading, as in chapters 35, 111, and 116), the study conductor will ask the questions at the end of the chapter that correspond to the chapter or portion just read. The answers do not always follow progressively in the chapter. Brief and pointed comments, should be based on material in the lesson.

• ³ After that, as time allows, all scriptures cited at the end of the chapter should be read. Longer scriptyre citations may be divided into smaller portions in order to allow various publishers to share in the reading, and then comments can be given on what was read. Pointed questions prepared by the conductor will help to draw out meaningful comments that show how" the scriptures that were read relate to what has been highlighted in the book.. All questions and comments should help those attending to focus attention on Jesus Christ, his life course, and his teachings.

• ⁴ The Greatest Man book considers the life of Jesus in chronological order. Visualizing events and fixing in mind where they occurred can be a real help to remembering them. Therefore, be sure to consider the colorful illustrations and make frequent reference to the map that appears in the beginning of the'bopk. following the introduction.

• ⁵ The introduction of the book will be,considered the first week. After reading all the paragraphs under the subheading, the conductor will ask appropriate questions that he has prepared. This initial consideration will set the stage for the studies to follow during the coming year. The degree of success in covering the material will depend to a greatjextent on the preparation of all who attend. The conductor especially should be well prepared each week so as to help the group become well acquainted with the greatest man who ever lived, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  Service Meetings for September

  
  

Week Starting September 7

Song 84

15 min: Local announcements and pertinent Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Discuss the article “Can the Interest Be Rekindled?" and give brief demonstration of how such a call may be made.

15 min: “Praise the God of Creation.” Question-and-answer coverage of article. Arrange in advance for exemplary youths to relate experiences from publications cited in paragraph 4, and another publisher can relate experience mentioned in paragraph 5. Emphasize need to use discernment in of, fering this valuable publication.

y 15 min: “Presentations That Stimulate Interest.” Discuss with audience how to Implement the suggestions in your local territory. Arrange for two or three realistic, well-prepared demonstrations.

Song 96 and concluding prayer. J A

K*

Week Starting September 14

Song 79

10 min: Local announcements. Include accounts report and donation acknowiedgnrehts.'Commend congregation for generous support of local needs as well as Society's worldwide work. As time allows, call for prepared experiences related to offering the Cre-, ation book.

20 min: “Safeguarding Your Children ‘ From Misuse of Blood.” Elder gives

talk on paragraphs 1-11. Make clear the reasoning behind the conclusion that parents’ agreeing to have a physician treat their child under the circumstances stated in paragraphs 5-7 need not be viewed as a compromise.

15 min: “Be Sure to Call Back." Question-and-answer discussion. Feature a well-prepared demonstration covering information considered in paragraph 6. Highlight need to call

Congregation book Study

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

From:         To:

September 7: p. 301,1)1 p. 305, '15

September 14: p. 305,11 p. 308,112

September 21: p.309,T13 p. 311,1123

September 28: p. 312,1124 p. 315,115 back on interested persons contacted earlier in month.

Song 10 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting September 21

Song 125

5 min: Local announcements. Relate a brief local field experience or mention talking points that could be used this week in field service.

15 min: “Safeguarding You/ Children From Misuse of Blood." Question-and-answer discussion of paragraphs 12-28. Focus on answers to questions appearing in paragraphs 12 and 20. Emphasize that advance preparation by parents in getting medical care for their child is often the key to success in avoiding a transfusion, f) <

15 min: “Studying The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.” Questions and answers. Build enthusiasm for study in this book to begin week of October 12. 10 m in: Reviewing the Congregation’s ' Activity. Using the figures on the front of the Congregation Analysis Report (S-10) that was sent to the Society earlier in the month, presiding overseer and service overseer discuss highlights of the congregation’s activity for the past year. Warmly commend publishers and pioneers for their self-

Theocratic news

B e n i n: The April report shows that 2,793 publishers conducted 4,442 home Bible studies and made 30,814 return visits. These figures represent three new peaks. Bulgaria: In just one year, the number of publishers has increased from 107 to 218 reporting in March. That was an increase of 104 percent. The publishers averaged 19.7 hours in field service and conducted a total of 585 home Bible studies. Their first special assembly day was held in March, with 900 in attendance.

Czechoslovakia: A new peak of 25,111 publishers reported in March. This was a 9-percent increase over last year’s average.

Ecuador: Memorial attendance this year was 99,987. With a new peak of 21,734 publishers in April, continued growth is expected.

Nicaragua: New peaks were reached in virtually every aspect of Kingdom service in April. Memorial attendance was five times the total number of publishers, which reached 9,629 for the month. sacrificing efforts in the service and their faithfulness in meeting attendance. Specifically mention areas where they have excelled. Comparisons can be made of the activity in past years if the reports are in the file. Also, point out areas in which improvement can be made during the 1993 service year.

Song 43 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting September 28

Song 51                              _f

15 min: Local announcements. Theo- t cratic News. Announce which magazines are available for use in field service, and suggest one or two talking points that should have local appeal. Demonstrate how current magazines can be offered using a Scriptural presentation, such as one of those outlined in the article at the top of the back page. Remind all to bring personal copy of Greatest Man book to Service Meeting next week.

15 min: “Baptism," Reasoning book, 5 pages 54-8. Introductory talk based on “Definition.” Demonstrate how an elder might talk with one who has held back from baptism. Highlight information on page 54. Emphasize importance of making dedication and symbolizing it by water baptism. Speaker concludes by briefly considering information on baptism with holy spirit, baptism for the dead, and baptism with fire.                              >

15 min: Feature Magazines During October. Brief talk highlighting value of Awake! and The Watchtower. Publishers should read new issues promptly so as to speak with enthusiasm when recommending them to others. Should be sure a person is genuinely interested before offering subscription. Demonstrate how publisher may offer magazine and arrange to return with next issue, thus starting magazine route first.

Song 48 and concluding prayer.

June Service Report

TOTAL 847,451 Baptized: 7,002

Safeguarding Your Children From Misuse of Blood

• ¹ “Look! Sons are an inheritance from Jehovah.” (Ps. 127:3) If you have such a precious inheritance from Jehovah, you, as parents, have a happy, although serious, responsibility to train, care for, and protect your children. For example, have you taken every reasonable step to protect your young children from a blood transfusion? How would your children react if faced with the prospects of a transfusion? Have you discussed as a family what you might do to deal effectively with an emergency situation in which a transfusion is threatened?

• ² Preparing your family for such situations need not be a cause for anxiety or undue stress. You cannot anticipate and prepare for every eventuality in life, but there are many things you, as parents, can do in advance to protect your children from a transfusion. Neglecting these responsibilities could result in your child being transfused when getting medical care. What can be done?

• ³ Firm Conviction Important; Serious thought should be given to how firm your own convictions are regarding God’s law on blood. Are you teaching your children to obey Jehovah on this matter, just as you teach them his law on honesty, morality, neutrality, and other aspects of life? Do we really feel as God’s law commanded at Deuteronomy 12:23: “Be firmly resolved not to eat the blood”? Verse 25 adds: “You must not eat it, in order that it may go well with you and your sons after you, because you will do what is right in Jehovah’s eyes.” A doctor may claim that blood will ‘make things go well’ for your sick child, but you must be firmly resolved before any emergency comes up to refuse blood for yourself and your children, valuing your relationship with Jehovah as higher than any alleged extension of life that would involve breaking his divine law. Favor with God now and everlasting life in the future are involved!

• ⁴ Yes, Jehovah’s Witnesses are life-oriented. They have no desire to die. They want to live so they can praise Jehovah and do his will. That is one reason why they go to hospitals and take their children there for treatment. They ask physicians to treat them, and when they are told blood is the standard or medically indicated course of treatment, they ask for alternative nonblood medical management. There are many alternatives to blood. Experienced physicians are using them. Such alternative management is not quack medicine but consists of medically sound treatments and procedures that are documented in leading medical journals. Thousands of physicians around the world are cooperating with us in providing good medical care without the use of blood, although it is still a problem at times to locate physicians who will treat Witness children without using blood.

• ⁵ Finding a Cooperative Doctor: Physicians have many concerns in treating patients, and when you ask them to treat your child without blood, this increases the challenge. Some physicians will agree to treat adults while respecting their wishes on blood as long as an acceptable release is filled out. Some may similarly agree to treat minors who have demonstrated they are mature minors, since some courts have recognized that mature minors have the right to make their own medical choices. (See The Watchtower, June 15,1991, pages 16-17, for discussion of what constitutes a mature minor.) However, physicians may refuse to treat young children, especially infants, unless they have permission to give blood. In fact, very few physicians will give 100-percent assurance that they will not use blood under any circumstances when treating a child. For medical and legal reasons, most doctors feel that they cannot give such a guarantee. Nevertheless, an increasing number want to provide care for the children of Jehovah’s Witnesses while going as far as they feel they can in respecting our wishes on blood.

• ⁶ In view of this, what if, in your search for a suitable doctor for your child, you find one with a record of good cooperation with Jehovah’s Witnesses and who had in the past performed the same bloodless procedure for other Witnesses, yet he feels that the law does not allow him to give you an absolute guarantee that blood would not be used? However, he assures you that he feels there will be no problem this time as well. You may decide this is your best option. Under these circumstances you might conclude that you could grant permission to proceed. Make it quite clear, however, that in giving permission for medical treatment for your child you are not giving permission for blood transfusions. Taking this course would be a responsibility you would have to bear without your decision being viewed as a compromise.

• ⁷ Of course, if you could find a reasonable alternative treatment option that would further reduce or possibly eliminate the problem of blood being used, then you likely would take the less risky course. It would be expected that you would make a diligent effort to find the physician or surgeon who would go further than any other in agreeing not to give blood. The best defense is to anticipate problems. Make every effort to find a cooperative doctor in advance. Try to stay away from uncooperative doctors and hospitals where possible.

• ⁸ In some lands another factor that can make a difference in whether a blood transfusion is given is how hospital care will be paid for. Where parents have health insurance or other security that permits searching out a doctor of their choice, the children can more easily be kept out of the hands of uncooperative physicians or hospital personnel. Sufficient financial coverage often determines the type of service and cooperation a family receives from doctors and hospitals. Also, whether a hospital or physician is willing to accept transfer of a child will often depend on the parents’ ability to pay for care. And prospective mothers, it is important that you look after your health during pregnancy! This will do much to prevent premature births and the associated complications, since the standard treatment for premature babies and their problems many times involves blood.

• ⁹ At times physicians complain that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not discuss their objections to blood until the last minute. This should never be the case. One of the first things Witness parents should do when going to the hospital or when engaging the services of a physician is to discuss their position on blood. If surgery is involved, request an early meeting with the anesthesiologist. The surgeon may be able to assist you in doing this. The admittance forms should be checked carefully. You have a right to cross out anything objectionable. To remove any doubt, write on the admittance form clearly that blood, for religious and medical reasons, is not wanted or permitted under any circumstances.

• ¹⁰ Help From Jehovah’s Organization: What provisions has Jehovah’s organization made to help you in protecting your children from blood? There are many. The Society has published much to educate us on blood and nonblood alternative management. You have studied the brochure How Can Blood Save Your Life? and other publications on this subject. And you have your brothers and sisters in the local congregation who can give you much help and support. When there is a crisis, elders may consider it advisable to arrange a 24-hour watch at the hospital, preferably by an elder with the patient’s parent or another close family member. Blood transfusions often are given when all relatives and friends have gone home for the night.

• ¹¹ In the United States, there are over a hundred Hospital Liaison Committees located in major cities. All congregations are assigned to a committee made up of trained brothers who are available to assist. Call on them, through your elders, when they are needed. They should not be called about minor problems, but do not wait too long to call if it is perceived that a serious problem may be developing. They often can supply the names of cooperative physicians and suggestions on alternatives. Where necessary and possible, these brothers arrange to be on the scene and help to manage the problem.

• ¹² Anticipating and Dealing With Court Involvement: What if a doctor or a hospital intends to get a court order to transfuse your child? Is this the time to quit, assuming that there is nothing more that can be done? By no means! It may still be possible to avert a transfusion. Preparation for such a possibility should be made ahead of time. What can be done?

• ¹³ Understanding some of the legal principles that guide or influence hospitals and judges in these matters will help you greatly in making a defense. One .such principle of fundamental im-portancelsthe fact that the law does not give parents unlimited authority to accept or refuse medical treatment for their- children. Although adults generally have the right to accept or refqse medical treatment as they wish, parents are not free to refuse treatment considered necessary for their child’s welfare even when their refusal is based on sincerely held religious beliefs.

• ¹⁴ This basic principle was reflected in the 1944 U.S. Supreme Court decision that said: “Parents may be free to become martyrs themselves. But it does not follow they are free, in identical circumstances, to make martyrs of their children before they have reached the age of full and legal discretion when they can make that choice for themselves.” This same primary concern for the child’s physical health and welfare is embodied in childwelfare laws today. These laws, which are aimed at child abuse, are also designed to protect children from medical neglect.

¹⁶ Protecting children from parental abuse and neglect certainly is not objectionable to Christian parents. But child-neglect laws and the Supreme Court statement quoted above often are inappropriately applied to cases involving children of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Why? For one thing, Witness parents have no intention of “martyring” their children. If they did, why would they take their children to the hospital in the first place? On the contrary, Witness parents willingly seek medical treatment for their children. They love their children and want them to have good health. But they believe they have a God-given duty to choose responsibly the kind of medical treatment that is best for their children. They want their children’s health problems managed without blood. Not only is such alternative nonblood care better and safer than blood but, most important, it keeps their children in the favor of the great Life-Giver, Jehovah God,

¹⁶ Despite the benefits of nonblood medical management, many doctors and child-welfare officials view transfusion therapy as standard medical practice that may be necessary or even lifesaving in certain circumstances. Thus, when Witness parents refuse recommended transfusions, problems can arise. Generally speaking, doctors cannot lawfully treat children without the parents’ consent. To overcome the lack of parental consent to use blood, doctors or other hospital personnel may seek consent from a judge in the form of a court order. Such court-authorized consent may be obtained through child-welfare officials or by doctors or by hospital officials acting to protect the child from alleged medical neglect.¹

¹¹ Many times court orders authorizing the use of blood are obtained very quickly with little or no notice to the parents. Doctors, hospital administrators, or child-welfare officials try to justify such expedited orders by claiming there is a medical emergency that does not allow time for the parents to be fully informed of what is going on. Often under questioning, however, doctors have admitted that a real emergency does not exist and that they want a court order “just in case” a transfusion might, in their opinion, become necessary in the future. As the natural guardians of your child, you have a fundamental right to know what doctors, hospital administrators, or child-welfare officials are doing with respect to your child at all times. The law requires that, if at all possible, you should be informed of efforts to obtain a court order and should be allowed to present your side of the dispute before the court.

• ¹⁸ These legal realities highlight the value of finding a cooperative doctor. Work with him, and with assistance from members of your Hospital Liaison Committee, help him pursue nonblood management of your child’s medical problem or have your child transferred to a doctor or hospital that will provide such treatment. But if there are signs that the doctor, hospital administrator, or child-welfare worker is contemplating obtaining a court order, you should be alert to ask if this is what is being planned. Sometimes this is done secretly by telephone. If there is a plan to go to court, emphasize that you want to know about it so that you can present your side to the judge also. (Prov. 18:17) If there is time, it often is advisable to seek the help of an attorney. On some occasions attorneys have been appointed by the court. If you have your own or a court-appointed attorney, the Society’s Legal Department can share information with him that will help him make the best defense possible under the circumstances.

• ¹⁹ If your refusal of blood is taken to court, the doctor’s opinion that blood is necessary to preserve your child’s life or health can be very persuasive. The judge, as a medical layman, will usually defer to the doctor’s medical expertise. This is especially true when parents are given little or no opportunity to present their side of the case and the doctor, without challenge, is allowed to express his claims about the “urgent” need for blood. Such one-sided proceedings are not conducive to determining the truth. The fact is, when and why doctors feel blood is needed is highly subjective and uncertain. Often, when one doctor says blood is absolutely necessary to save a child’s life, another doctor, experienced in managing the same medical problem without blood, will say blood is not necessary to treat the patient.

• ²⁰ What will you do if an attorney or a judge asks you why you are refusing a “lifesaving” transfusion for your child? Although your first inclination might be to explain your belief in the resurrection and express your strong faith that God will bring your child back if he dies, such an answer by itself may do no more than convince the judge, whose paramount concern is the physical welfare of the child, that you are a religious fanatic and that he must step in to protect your child.

• ²¹ What the court needs to know is that, although you are refusing blood on deeply held religious grounds, you are not refusing medical care. The judge needs’ to see that you are not neglectful or abusive parents but, rather, loving parents who want their child treated. You simply do not agree that the alleged benefits of blood outweigh its potentially lethal hazards and complications, especially when medical alternatives that do not carry these risks are available.

• ²² Depending on the situation, you might make known to the judge that it is the opinion of one doctor that blood is needed, but doctors differ in their approaches, and you would like the opportunity to find a doctor who will cafe for your child with widely available methods of nonblood management. With the help of the Hospital Liaison Committee, you may have already found such a doctor who will treat your child without blood and who may give helpful testimony in court, perhaps by telephone. Likely the liaison committee will be able to share with the judge—even the doctor pressing for the court order—medical articles that show how your child’s medical problem can be effectively managed without the use of blood.

• ^{2 :1} When judges lire called upon to issue court orders hastily, often they have not considered or been reminded of the many dangers of blood, including AIDS, hepatitis, and a host of other hazards. You can point these out to the judge, and you can also make known to him that you, as a Christian parent, would view the use of another person’s blood in an effort to sustain life as a serious violation of God’s law and that forcing blood upon your child would be viewed as tantamount to rape. You and your child (if old enough to have his own convictions) can explain your abhorrence for such bodily invasion and can appeal to the judge not to grant an~order but to permit you to pursue alternative medical management for your child.

• ²⁴ When a proper defense is made, judges are able to see more clearly the other side—your side—as parents. Then they are not so quick to authorize a transfusion. In some cases judges have severely restricted the doctor’s freedom to use blood, even requiring that alternatives be considered first, or have given parents the opportunity to find doctors who will treat without blood.

• ²⁵ In dealing with those seeking to force a transfusion, it is essential that you never give any evidence of wavering in your convictions. Judges (and doctors) sometimes ask if parents would have any difficulty “transferring” to them the responsibility for the decision to transfuse, feeling that this would make it easier for the parents to live with their conscience. But it should be made clear to all concerned that you, as parents, feel an obligation to continue to do all that you can to avoid a transfusion. This is your God-given responsibility. It is not transferable.

• ²⁶ Hence, in speaking with doctors and judges, you need to be prepared to state your position clearly and convincingly. If a court order is issued despite your best efforts, continue to implore the physician not to transfuse and urge alternative treatment. Continue to seek his willingness to consider medical articles and the advice of any doctors who are willing to be consulted on the medical problem so as to avoid blood. On more than one occasion, an apparently unyielding doctor has come from the operating.zoom and proudly announced that he did not use bloodJSo, even after a court order has been issued, never give up, regardless!—See June 15,1991, issue of The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers.”

• ²⁷ Remember, Jesus said: (“Be on your guard against men; for they will deliver you up to local courts ... You will be haled before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations.”' For our comfort under such circumstances, Jesus added that the holy spirit would help us recall what would be appropriate and beneficial to say on such occasions.—Matt. 10: 16-20.

• ²⁸ “He that is showing insight in a matter will find good, and happy is he that is trusting in Jehovah.” (Prov. 16:20) Parents? ffiakethe necessary preparations in advance to protect your child from a spiritually contaminating blood transfusion. (Prov. 22:3) Children, respond to the training of your parents in making these preparations and apply them to your heart. As a family, “be firmly resolved not to eat the blood... that it may go well with you” because of having Jehovah’s blessing and smile of approval.—Deut. 12:23-25.

Announcements

■ Literature offer for Septembers Life —How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? October: Subscriptions for either Awake! or The Watchtower or for both magazines. November: New World Translation with the book The Bible —God’s Word or Man's? December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, note: Congregations that have not yet requested the above-mentioned campaign items should do so on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14).

■ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation accounts on September 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. Make announcement to the congregation when this has been done.

■ It is important that groups of 30 or more persons planning to visit the Society’s facilities first correspond by mail with the Central Tour Desk at 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201. This includes those groups that will be visiting Brooklyn Bethel, Watchtower Farms, the Watchtower Educational Center project site in Patterson, and the Jersey City Assembly Hall. Please provide information on the number coming and the date and time for each location. The Society will provide a description of the tours that are available as well as a map giving directions to each location. ANY PUBLISHER NEEDING ACCOMMODATIONS MAY OBTAIN LODGING INFORMATION THROUGH THE CONGREGATION ELDERS.

■ Publishers planning to auxiliary pioneer in October should turn in their application early. This will allow the elders to make necessary arrangements for literature and territory.

■ The elders are reminded to follow through on counsel given on pages 21-3 of the April 15,1991, Watchtower regarding any disfellowshipped or disassociated persons who may be inclined toward becoming reinstated.

■ On pages 103-4 of Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry, direction is given as to what may be included in reporting hours of field service. Some have wondered whether a publisher who interprets for a speaker giving a public talk may count the time. Yes, both speaker and interpreter may include in their field service reports the time thus spent, ■ 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.

■ New Publications Available:

English: Docs God Really Care About Us?; WUl This World Survive? (Tract No. 19); Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). English for the Deaf: Does God Really Care About Us?; What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe? (Tract No. 14); Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15); What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract No. 16); WUl This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). French: Aid to Bible Understanding (A-Z). Gujarati: Our Problems—Who WUl Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus). Hindi: How Can Blood Save Your Life?; Our Problems—Who WUl Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus). Kannada: Our Problems —Who WUl Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus). Lithuanian: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!; Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13); What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe? (Tract No. 14); Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15); What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract No. 16). Malayalam: Our Problems—Who WUl Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus). Marathi: Our Problems —Who WUl Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus). Nepali: Our Problems—Who WUl Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus); Victory Over Death—Is It Possible for You? Papiamento: Jehovah's WUnesses —UnUedly Doing God’s WUl Worldwide; My Book of Bible Stories. Serbian: Survival Into a New Earth. Slovak: Happiness—How to Find It. Spanish: Does God Really Care About Us?; WUl This World Survive? (Tract No. 19); Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy FamUy Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World?(Tract No. 22). Swahili: “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial”; Mankind’s Search for God. Tamil: How Can Blood Save Your Life?; Our Problems—Who WiU Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus); Reasoning From the Scriptures. Telugu: “Look! I Am Making AU Things New”; Our Problems —Who WUl Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus); The Government That WUl Bring Paradise.

■ Out of Stock in US. A.:

English: Is This Life AU There Is?; Your WUl Be Done on Earth. Spanish: Your WUl Be Done on Earth.

• ¹ “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.” (Matt. 5:3) Those words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount are filled with meaning. Not many of mankind realize that they need spiritual things in order to make their lives happy and purposeful. There are some who once had that consciousness of spiritual needs but then lost it. Something caused them to grow cold regarding spiritual matters. They turned away from that which is really for their benefit. The question is, Can the interest of such ones be rekindled? Happily, for some it can.

• ² You may know someone who studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses years ago. perhaps even as a child, but did not continue to associate with God’s people. Some Bible teachings and righteous principles, however, may have been impressed on that one’s mind and are still remembered. As world conditions grow worse and circumstances in life change, the things previously learned are recalled and the person may turn to God and have a readiness to take in further Bible knowledge. Calling on such persons for the purpose of renewing the Bible study could prove to be most rewarding.

’Certainly effort should be made from time to time to call on those who attended the Memorial celebration.

Let them know that you are genuinely concerned about their spiritual welfare, and offer to study the Bible with them. Special effort should be made to help those who also attended the recent “Light Bearers” District Convention. In some cases it may be advantageous for another publisher to call on a person whose study was discontinued because of a lack of progress.

⁴ Of course, people we study with are expected to take the worship of Jehovah seriously and manifest a measure of diligence in their Bible study. But for our part, we want to make sure that we have made sufficient effort to help and that we can feel toward others as did the apostle Paul when he said, “I am clean from the blood of all men.”—Acts 20:26.

• ¹ We should always display a warm, personal interest in the people we meet in the Held ministry. Asking for their opinion on matters demonstrates our respect for their viewpoint. The subject we introduce and the questions we raise may stimulate their thinking and cause them to want to learn more about God and his purpose for mankind.

• ² During September we will be directing attention to the truth about creation as we offer the book Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? Take time to review this publication personally, and choose specific points to highlight. When discussing information in the Creation book, open it and hand it to the householder. Refer to specific subjects and illustrations. Be enthusiastic in demonstrating the value of this fascinating publication.

'After warmly introducing yourself, you could say:

■ "In this modem, scientific world, is it reasonable to believe there is a God who created us and this beautiful earth on which we live? [Allow for response.) When we consider the vastness and wonders of the earth and the entire

Be Sure to Call Back

¹ “Over the past two years, I have read [the Creation book) four times and continue to be impressed with the depth of study, scholarship, and documentation that went into its production. Please continue to publish it. This book should be in the hands of every person in the world. Should this happen, all the carping and confusion over our origins and the atheistic beliefs would be ended immediately.” So wrote a semiretired attorney, as reported in Awake! of April 22.1992, page 32.

_r ² With such a fine endorsement for this publication, should not all of us want to give wholehearted support to getting the Creation book into the hand^ofas many, interested persons aiTpOssible? Thgn we must be sure to make return visits to stimulate continued interest in this outstanding publication.

• ’ Not many of us have made an indepth study of the numerous theories advanced by evolutionists. However, that is not necessary in order to provide universe, we are impressed with its order and design. Does this not testify to the existence of a Creator? Notice the Bible’s reasoning on this matter. [Read Hebrews 3:4.] Logically, every building had a designer and builder. [Take out the Creation book and turn to the illustration on page H4.]Our universe isawe inspiring! Do you think it could have come into existence by itself?” Then turn to page 122 and read the caption below the picture of a watch. The illustration and scripture quoted on page 127 could also be used. Additional helpful points can be found in the Reasoning book, pages 84-8.

⁴ Or you might say:

■ “What do you think is necessary for mankind to find true peace and happiness on this earth? [Allow for response.) The Bible says that we must fear God and acknowledge him as the Creator of heaven and earth." Read Revelation 14:7, and then open the Creation book to pages 140 and 141, possibly reading paragraphs 24 and 25, where it explains that the earth was designed for human habitation. If the householder's interest warrants further conversation, turn to honesthearted persons with overpowering evidence that the teaching of evolution is just another means used by Satan to discredit mankind’s Creator, Jehovah , God. Do not hesitate to call back for fear that you may not be able to answer certain technical questions some householders might ask. The publication itself provideS-abundant documented proof for every statement it makes.

• ⁴ Additionally, there is a wealth of information beginning with chapter 16 and continuing through chapter 20 dealing with the solid teachings of the Scriptures on mankind’s origin, God’s purpose for this earth and man, and the choices facing mankind today. So there is much fine information available for making return visits!

• ⁵ If you feel somewhat hesitant about making return visits on some of your placements, perhaps you could take along someone from the congregation who has more experience or who is better informed about the teaching of eval

• chapter 19 and explain how an earthly paradise will soon be a reality.

• ⁵ If the householder expresses doubts about the existence of a Creator, you might say:

■ “Many people share your feelings, especially in view of all the suffering in the world. If there is a God, why would he permit suffering? Can you think of any reasonable explanation?" Depending on the response, you may be able to continue by using chapter 16 of the Creation book to further the discussion. Or if he listens with limited interest, you might just highlight a specific point or two from the article “Why Do Good People Suffer?" in the September 15, 1992, issue of The Watchtower. Additional helpful replies on this question can be found in the Reasoning book, pages 399-400. At times it may be appropriate to leave the tract Why You Can Trust the Bible.

• ⁶ Our objective is not only to stimulate interest in the Kingdom message but also to start Bible studies. How pleased we are to have this beautifully illustrated book that explains the truth about creation and honors our Grand Creator! May we make good use of it in stimulating the interest of honest-hearted people we meet during September.

lution. This could be a school-age brother or sister who has been required to spend some time in school studying this subject and thus is more familiar with current theories of evolution. On the other hand, there may be someone in your congregation who once believed in evolutiQE_but who has since leamecTthe truth of the Bible and now can be most helpful in refuting evolution’s false teachings.

• ⁶ Do not hesitate to direct attention to chapter 19 of the Creation book and use the Bible’s hope for the future as a basis for your return visit. That chapter has many points that can be used to encourage a person to give attention to the Bible's promises for the future. Perhaps you could use the section beginning on page 236 at the subheading “The Earth Transformed,” followed by “An End to Poverty” and “No More Sickness, No More Death" on pages 238-9.

’This fine publication has helped many people find the road to life. We may be able to help still others by encouraging them to read and consider what the Creation book has to say on the subject of life and how it got here.

.© 1992 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society ol Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (DSPS 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.

,                    8 /J            MW           .

¹

Only when there is a present, ongoing emergency which, in the doctor's opinion, requires immediate attention may treatments deemed necessary to the child’s life or health (including blood transfusions) be lawfully provided without either parental or judicial consent Of course, a physician must be accountable when he relies on this emergency power in the law.