Our Kingdom Ministry

December 1992                     For United States of America                    Vol. 35, No. 12

• ¹ The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived is an outstanding book. Its 133 chapters can incite readers to look intently at Jesus and motivate them to imitate his example. It has been well stated that all the kings who ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as Jesus has. Those who look intently at Jesus will certainly be benefited.

• ² Jesus taught his disciples about his Father and exemplified the precious qualities of God. Our hearts are moved when we consider Jesus’ superb ability as a teacher, his fearless leadership, and his tender compassion. When we recall his sufferings as he gave his life to ransom us, we are moved with appreciation! The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived can help people see Jesus this way.

’ Prepare Thoroughly: Be well pre-paredjo initiate a Rihip dismission that

• ¹ Even when threatened with beatings and imprisonment, the apostles stated to their opposers: “We cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.”l(Acts 4:20) They appreciated the value of Jesus’ works and teachings.

• ² The good news about Jesus and his Kingdom is just as important for people today as it was then. Therefore, we shouldselze every opportunity to speak about what we have seen and heard from God’s Word. People are usually in a better frame of mind for speaking about religious matters during a hoU-day season, and this opens extra opportunities to witness.

² Youths, Speak at School: Many young Witnesses take advantage of opportunities to witness to classmates and teachers. A young Witness wRoaF-ways endeavors to keep alert to current topics of discussion among classmates took advantage of an incident at school and approached teachers and classmates with an appropriate publication. will incite others to look intently at Jesus. Family groups and others can practice together. Strive to stimulate Interest and motivate people to read the Greatest Man book. It may take more than one conversation with a person to accomplish this. If Initial interest is11m-itedj we could leave a tract or perhaps a brochure or a magazine.

’ Our discussions from house to house during December will center on Jesus and encourage people to get to know him better. By featuring thoughts expressed in the Greatest Man book, we can help people see Jesus, not simply,as a historical person, but as God's Son and reigning King of the government that will solve all mankind’s problems

• ⁵ As was stressed in Our Kingdom Ministry last month, we want to use our literature wisely. How can we determine whether a person is genuinely interest-*

The result? She placed 35 hooks in one day! Since many minds are turned toward Jesus Christ and thoughts of peace at this time of year, would it not be a good time to let classmates and teachers know how Jesus as reigning King can solve world problems?—Compare Luke 2:14.

• ⁴ If your refraining from sharing in religious traditions connected with Christmas becomes an issue, you might say:

■ “I do not share in Christmas festivities because such celebrations do not honor Jesus as our only means of salvation and the only one who will bring an end to war and racial problems. [Quote or read Acts 4:12.] Jesus is no longer a baby but a reigning King. This book, The&reaiesLMan Who Ever Lived, dls-cusses all of Jesus' teachings and miracles and shows how he will bring an end to human suffering.” Then show the illustration in chapter 133, and read the second paragraph on the next page. Show other'points you feel may appeal to the person. If adequate interest is ed? If the person listens carefully, asks questions, or pays particular attentlpn to what we read in the Bible, this may be an indication of sincere interest. Sometimes the householder expresses appreciation for our visits or states he has enjoyed reading our literature. If we show the book and he readily examines it or asks how he might, get, one, this shows genuine interest. If such interest is not evident, we might leave a tract, raise a question for future discussion, and arrange to make a return visit. When returning, we might be able to determine more clearly the extent of his interest.—See Our Kingdom Ministry, May 1990, page 7.

’One person who does not always enjoy reading expressed appreciation for the Greatest Man book, saying that it made reading a treat at the end of his day. Let us help others feel the same way, putting forth every effort, tn incite them tb look Intently at .Teens by reading with genuine interest The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.

shown, explain how the book is made available.

• ⁵ Speak to Workmates: One brother placed 63 books by just putting a copy^ of the Greatest Man book on his desk. Its attractive appearance and the title Itself prompt questions. You might simply ask a workmate;, "Who would you say is the greatest man who ever lived?" Then add: “This book covers in detail the entire life of Jesus, discusses every speecli.he gave, answers questions many ask about his miracles, and gives other interesting details. It is a thorough review of what the Bible teaches about Jesus, and proves without question that Jesus Christ was the greatest man who ever lived.’’Yrhen refer to Napoleon’s comment about Jesus as quoted in the third paragraph of the introduction to the book.

• ⁶ Similar opportunities may arise to witness to neighbors or unbelieving relatives. Pray that Jehovah will give you the boldness and ability to sneak up at the proper timejActs 4:29,31) What we have to say about Jesus will warm the hearts of thinking people who are righteously inclined. What better experience could we have than helping a classmate, workmate, neighbor, or relative get on the road to eternal life? —John 14:6.

  Service Meetings for December

  
  

Week Starting December 7

Song 218

10 min: Local announcements and pertinent Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Suggest ways of stimulating interest In magazines to be featured in the field service this weekend.

15 min: “Incite Others to Look Intently at Jesus." Encouraging talk, outlining value of Greatest Man book In helping people take up right worship.

20 min: “Share Accurate Knowledge About Jesus Christ.” Questions and answers. Demonstrate use of new tract as suggested in paragraphs 2 and 3.

Song 205 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 14

Song 20

10 min: Local announcements. Include accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Commend congregation for generous support of local needs as well as Society Kingdom Hall Fund and Society’s worldwide work. As time permits, relate selected experiences in using tracts and possibly the Greatest Man book to help people take up right worship. Announce special witnessing arrangements for December 25.

10 min: “Keep Speaking About the Things You Have Seen and Heard.” Talk. Include selected local experiences on informal witnessing.

15 min: “Using Tracts to Produce Beneficial Results”—Part 1. Question-and-answer consideration of paragraphs 1 -8 of insert. After paragraph 5, demonstrate using the tract Enjoy Family Life to begin a conversation. After paragraph 8, demonstrate an informal witness with a tract.

10 min: Question Box. Talk by elder. Song 71 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 21

Song 53

8 min: Local announcements; include announcement for special witnessing on January 1. Suggest one or two talking points that can be used in introductory comments this weekend in field service.

15 min: “Follow Up Interest With Discernment During the Holiday Season.” Discussion with audience. Demonstrate points in paragraphs 3 and 4.

22 min: “Using Tracts to Produce Beneficial Results”—Part 2. Question-and-answer discussion of paragraphs 9-16 of insert. After paragraph 10, demonstrate how to start a Bible study with a tract. After paragraph 13, demonstrate how to use the tract Will This World Survive? to start a study.

Song 128 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 28

Song 196

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Demonstrate how to use literature that will be featured locally in January.

10 min: “Be Training Yourself With Godly Devotion as Your Aim." Encouraging talk by Theocratic Ministry School overseer. Explain clearly how Talk No. 2 is to be given, and remind those who are assigned Bible highlights that they should not make extensive comments on portion of Bible assigned for Talk No. 2.

13 min: “You Can Find Comfort in Times of Distress.” (w92 7/15 pp. 19-22) Encouraging talk by an elder.

12 min: Local needs.

Song 103 and concluding prayer.

¹ The Theocratic Ministry School progressively trains us to ‘handle the word of the truth aright.’ (2 Tim. 2:15) Have you joined? If not and you qualify, why not benefit from this fine provision by enrolling now?

’An important feature of the school is the weekly Bible reading program. Your personal study schedule-should include reading the assigned chapters in the Bible so that in time you will have read the entire Bible.

³ Beginning with the 1993 school schedule, the Bible reading covered by Talk No. 2 will be read In its entirety with no interruption at intermediate points. This means that the student handling this talk will include explanatory information in his introduction and' ‘conclusion onlj. The brother assigned the Bible highlights should limit his comments on the verses assigned for Talk No. .2 so that the speaker for that talk can fully develop his information on the Bible reading.

‘The school overseer will mark the Speech Counsel slip for those giving Talks No. 2,3, and 4. ffe is not expected.to follow the order on the counsel slip but may offer specific counsel on points where the student needs to improve. There is no need to mark the counsel slip of the speaker who gives Assignment No. 1, although private counsel may be given when there is a need.

⁵ AH who qualify should take full advantage oftSe spiritual provisions made by Jehovah, including the training offered in the Theocratic Ministry School. Such training can lead to a more productive ministry.—1 Tim. 4:7.

Angola: Magnificent increase continues to be reported. There was a new peak of 18,911 publishers in July, and 56,075 Bible studies were conducted.

India: The total number of publishers reporting in July was 12,169, or 14 percent more than last year’s average. Home Bible studies reached a new peak of 10,153.

Myanmar: A new peak of 1,958 publishers was reached in July.

Sao Tom6 and Principe: An all-time peak of 80 publishers shared in field service during July. The number of Bible studies being conducted—382 in July— reveals that this territory is indeed ripe for a rich harvest.

CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY

Schedule for congregation studies in the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.

December 7: Chapters 23-25

December 14: Chapters 26-26

December 21: Chapters 29-31

December 28: Chapters 32-34

Using Tracts to Produce

Beneficial Results

¹ Jehovah’s modern-day organization has a history of successfully using tracts. The very name of our legal corporation, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, implies that tracts play a vital part in the dissemination of the good news. From 1881 to 1918, more than 300 million tracts were distributed by Jehovah’s people. Many of those who became part of the remnant of Christ’s brothers during this period were first introduced to the-truth by means of these early tracts.

• ² In 1987 renewed emphasis was placed on the use of small tracts with the release of four colorful ones that have been available since then. It was announced at the 1992 “Light Bearers” District Convention that this series of tracts was to be enlarged with the addition of four more colorful and thought-provoking tracts. They are Comfort for the Depressed, Enjoy Family Life, Who Really Rules the World?, and Will This World Survive? Are you using all eight tracts to produce beneficial results in your ministry?

• ³ Good results come from using the tracts effectively. We will need to familiarize ourselves with each of them. For example, have you read them over carefully to get in mind what each one discusses? Have you thought about what type of person each tract will appeallo? Thoroughly familiarizing yourself with each tract will build your confidence in using them in the house-to-house work as well as in many situations where you can give an informal witness.

• ⁴ Use in the House-to-House Ministry: One circuit overseer writes\“I am having fine success by starting most of my discussions with the tract.” Have you tried this approach? Why not use tracts as a means to introduce your conversation? With eight tracts, we now have eight stimulating introductions to choose from. Each tract gives us an opportunity to start a Bible study either on the initial call or on a return visit.

• ⁵ There are other opportunities for using tracts. During a conversation at the door, you may learn that the person has recently lost a loved one in death or that someone in the family is iU. People who experience great sorrow_or who are trying to cope with prolonged difficulties often develop negative emotions and become depressed. How loving it would be to share the encouraging message found in the tract Comfort for the Depressed! You may learn that the person was recently divorced or that he has lost his employment. Such experiences can be traumatic and take quite a toll on the family. Use the questions on page 2 of the tract Enjoy Family. Life: “Why are familiestoday bombarded with such serious problems? How can we enjoy family life?” Perhaps these are the very questions that the person has foremost in mind. Even if immediate interest is not apparent, it is possible that he will read the tract later on.—Eccl. 11:6.

• ⁶ In some congregations the territory has been worked frequently, and many people already have some of our literature. By using the tracts, we will have an opportunity to discuss something of interest with householders, draw them out, and get them to think about the Kingdom hope. Plant a question in their minds that can be discussed at a later time. Make a return visit, and develop this interest further. In time we may be able to begin studying with them using a brochure or a book they already have.

• ⁷ Use Tracts Informally: If we keep tracts within easy reach—in our shirt pocket, coat pocket, purse, or witnessing bag—we can use them on many different occasions, wherever people may be found. Use them when shopping, traveling, or talking to relatives or visitors. Tracts afford us the opportunity to give a brief witness. A tract-is something that does not overwhelm a person but is pointed and tactful. It is more readily accepted than a book or the magazines, since there is not so much to read.

• ⁸ Be alert to opportunities to offer the tracts informally at school or your place of employment, at restaurants, at a gas station, and so forth. When making arrangements to take her grandmother to the doctor, a sister made sure that she had some tracts with her. At the doctor’s office, she started a conversation with an expectant mother. After showing the tract Life in a Peaceful New World to the woman, the sister asked: “Would you like to raise your child in a world like the one pictured here?” She was able to follow up that conversation with a visit to the woman’s house. This led to a number of regular return visits.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, DECEMBER 1992

• ⁹ Bible Studies Can Be Started With Tracts: One circuit overseer reported that the congregation he was visiting started 64 home Bible studies during the week by using tracts when initially greeting the householder.

• ¹⁰ Have you tried offering a Bible study on initial house-to-house calls? By using a tract, you may be able to demonstrate briefly how a study is conducted. One sister did this using the tract Life in a Peaceful New World. Pointing to the picture, she asked the householder if she thought our earth would ever be like that. After the householder responded, the sister invited her to read 2 Peter 3:13 and Isaiah 65:17, which are highlighted in the tract. Our sister then said: “These promises are neither a dream nor a fantasy but are actually made in God’s Word, the Bible.” She then arranged to continue the conversation the following week. On the next visit, a number of the woman’s questions were answered and the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth was left. A Bible study resulted.

• ¹¹ Are you one who is newly baptized or perhaps an unbaptized publisher who is gaining experience in your ministry? If so, you may want to seek out those who are more experienced and ask for their suggestions on using tracts in your congregation territory. We have many examples in the Bible of those who received encouragement and direction from mature ones in the faith.—Acts 18:24-27; 1 Cor. 4:17.

• ¹² The Congregation Book Study conductor can be especially helpful in making arrangements for others to give you assistance in using tracts effectively. Parents have the responsibility to help their children make advancement in the preaching work. One young Witness was trained by her parents to offer the tract Life in a Peaceful New World. While with her mother on a Bible study, she offered a tract to the interested person’s husband. The husband was impressed that a young person would have such strong religious convictions. He thoroughly enjoyed reading the tract. Each time the young girl returned with her mother, she shared a scripture or Bible story that she had prepared especially for him. The man now reads the magazines regularly, has shown interest in the Revelation Climax book, and has attended a few meetings. All of this resulted because the parents took time to care for their responsibilities in teaching their daughter to make good use of the tracts.

• ¹³ Use Our New Tracts Effectively: In using the tract Will This World Survive?, you could introduce yourself and begin your conversation by saying: “Good morning. We are talking to people about the quality of life today. Do you think the quality of life will improve, or will it continue to decline? [Allow for response.] Some think that what is happening in the world today is in fulfillment of Bible prophecy and that the world’s end is near. What do you think?” After the householder responds, offer the tract and draw attention to the three questions in the second paragraph. Then follow the development of the tract to show how a world has ended before and that this one also will end. As the visit is concluded, arrange for another visit to consider the Bible evidence that the end of the world is near.

• ¹⁴ Many times we find ourselves in a position to share the Kingdom message with others only briefly, such as at work or at school. At your place of employment, a discussion may come up about recent news items concerning government. You could agree that despite all efforts made by leaders who may be well-meaning, the world has suffered terribly throughout history. Then refer to the bottom paragraph on page 2 of the tract Who Really Rules the World? Read the three thoughtprovoking questions. If there is no time for a brief conversation, give the person(s) the tract and make arrangements to discuss these questions at another time or place.

• ¹⁵ As individuals and families, take time to consider how to present each of these different tracts. Hold practice sessions. How can you use the tracts with the other literature being featured in the field ministry for the month? What appointments do you have coming up where you could take a few tracts along with you? Will you come in contact with someone this week who would benefit from the timely message these tracts offer?

• ¹⁶ Deep love for Jehovah and concern for people will motivate us to do all we can in making the good news known. Using tracts regularly will help us do that. One young boy, seven years of age, wanted to help his next-door neighbor make it into the new system, so he gave her a tract, and a Bible study was started. It sounds so simple! But do we appreciate this simple approach in our ministry? The next time we leave a tract with someone, it may lead to a Bible study too. If we make wise use of tracts in preaching the good news of the Kingdom, we are certain to experience beneficial results.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of September 7 to December 21, 1992. 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. It is best to memorize a talk so as to be free of all notes, [sg p. 63 par. 17]

2. To improve your voice quality, it is helpful to listen to a recording of your own voice, [sgr p. 64 par. 3]

> 3. We need not be tactful when talking to family members who are unbelievers. [s<? p. 72 par. 12]

• 4. The use of viewpoint questions is very helpful in reaching a person’s heart, [sg p. 76 par. 10]

/ 5. By remaining in the city of refuge, the unintentional manslayer would be impressed with the seriousness of what he had done and also the mercy of Jehovah in allowing him asylum. (Josh. 20:6) [Weekly Bible reading; see also w73 p. 304.]

F 6. As described in the account at Judges 6: 37-39, Gideon was being overly cautious. [Weekly Bible reading; see also w88 4/1 p. 30.]

• 7. Although Manoah did not actually see God, he felt that he had because he had seen the materialized angelic spokesman for God. (Judg. 13:22) [Weekly Bible reading; see also w88 5/15 p. 23.]

• 8. Samuel and his sons are usually not counted among the judges who served after Joshua. [Weekly Bible reading; see also w86 6/1 p. 31.]

S-97    #278    12/92

/ 9. Although not a priest, Samuel acted correctly in offering sacrifices, as recorded at 1 Samuel 10:8. [Weekly Bible reading; see also w71 p. 478.]

/Io. By giving David his garments, his sword, his bow, and his belt, Jonathan showed recognition of and submission to David as the one anointed to be king. (1 Sam. 18:3, 4) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 1/1 p. 24 par. 4.]

Answer the following questions:

• 11. Why did Jehovah rightly decree extermination for Baal worshipers? [si p. 47 par. 7 (1983 e<L p./fc7 par. 8)] J- "

• 12. What are two advantages of'extempora-

neous speech? [sg pp. 59-60 pars^5-7]

How may tact be defined? [s# p. 69 par. 2].i-'t4^ZL^yvxOva.^7

When‘teaching another, why must we

endeavor to do more than simply convey knowledge? [sg p. 75 pars. 7, 8]

.what is involved in con-

versation? [sg p. 79 par. 3] -

• 16. If conversation of a group ceases to be upbuilding, what can we personally do about, it? £sg p. 83jjar. 2^

• 17. In view of Judges 4:4, can Deborah be viewed as one of the judges of ancient Israel? Explain. [Weekly Bible reading; see w86 6/1 p. 31.]

• 18. Why did Samson go to a prostitute’s place

in the Philistine city of G.aza?_ (Judg.

16:1) [Weekly Bible reading; see also w79 2/15 p. 31.]

• 19. Why did Jehovah feel ‘regret that he had caused Saul to reign as king’? (1 Sam. 15: 10, 11) [Weekly Bible reading; see also gll 3/22 p. 28.]             fa-**

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

• 20. The unusual supernatural events recorded at Joshua 10:10-14 are powerful re

  minders of-----__ . [si p. 45 par. 23more than God was (Manoah; E[i; Saul),

  (p. 46 par. 23)]                               (ISam. 2:29,30) [Weekly Bible reading;

  .JC

  21. Usually one’s mouth Should be ~

  inches from the microphone. [$p p. 68

  par. 19]

  
  

• 22. With the help of God’s spirit, we can be as strong spiritually as             was

physically if we but pray to Jehovah and lean upon him. [si p. 50 par. 27 (p. 50

par. 28)]

• 23. The book of Ruth highlights Jehovah’s purpose to produce             [si p. 51

par. 1 (p. 51 par. 1)]   '

• 24. The account at Judges 19:15 relates an

unusual case of Israelites the customary

ble reading; see also w75

aside in times of emergency. (1 Sam. 14: 31-34) [Weekly Bible reading; see also w86 9/1 p. 25.]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

26. The writing of Judges was completed (c. 1090; c. 1100; 1078) B.C.E. [si p. 46 par. 3 and box (p. 46 par. 3)] and proved herself to be loyal, submissive, and a willing worker, [si p. 52 par. 9 (p. 52 par. 9)]

• 28. In the year (917; 1017; 1117) B.C.E., there came a momentous change in Israel’s national organization, [si p. 53 par. 1 (p. 53 par. 1)]

• 29. The writers of 1 Samuel were (Samugl;

Gad; Nathan; David; Saul), [si p. 53

par. 2 (p. 53 par. 2)]

• 30. One who honored his family members

see also w87 12/15 p. 16 par. 8.]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

Josh. 22:9-31; Judg. 8:23; Ruth 2:9; 1 Sam.

21:13-15; Eph. 5:3, 4

• 31. God’s Word guides us as to the kind of speech to avoid,in our everyday life, [sp p. 56 par. 9] vy-A £ 5 , y

• 32. Jehovah does not approve of making women victims of sexual harassment. [Weekly Bible reading; see also w87 3/15 p. 5.]           X

• 33. When we are confronted with problems, Jehovah expects us to use our mental faculties and not simply wait on him to work out matters for us. [Weekly Bible reading; see also w87 4/15 p.,19 par. 14.]

• 34. Imperfect humans should resist the temptation to misuse power. [Weekly Bible reading; see also w86 8/15 p. 11 par. 13.]    -■i-'fC

• 35. Discernment will help us to avoid assigning bad motives to the actions of others.

27. (Ruth; Rahab; Deborah) left her homeland to pursue the worship of Jehovah

[Weekly Bible reading; see also w86 11/1 p. 23 par. 10.]

Announcements

■ Literature offer for December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. January: Any 192-page book published in 1983 or earlier. If the congregation has no stock of such books, the book True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It? should be used and may be requested from Brooklyn. February: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. March: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! NOTE: Congregations that will need the above-mentioned campaign items should request them on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14).

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

■ The Memorial for 1994 will be Saturday, March 26, after sundown. This advance notice of the date for the 1994 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 And other facilities.

■ The Society has produced another new tract in English and in Spanish for use among the Jewish population. The title is Jehovah’s Witnesses—What Do They Believe? (Tract No. 18). Congregations that have a Jewish population in their territory may wish to request a supply of this tract. As it becomes available in other languages, announcement will be made.

■ A new brochure that makes reference only to the Hebrew Scriptures has also been produced. Although this brochure, entitled WUl There Ever Be a World Without War?, has been prepared especially for the Jewish population, its message would be entirely appropriate for use throughout the field. It is now available in English and in Spanish.

J Congregations should begin requesting bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! for 1992 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, Korean, Polish, 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 specialrequest items.—See the Watchtower Publications List, paragraphs 24 and 25. ■ New Publications Available: Bulgarian: The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever; United in Worship of the Only True God. Cebuano: Does God Really Care About Us?; Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). Chinese: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20). Chinese (Simplified): DoesGod Really Care About Us?; WUl This World Survive? (Tract No. 19); Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20). Croatian: Questions Young People Ask—Ansivers That Work. Czech: Mankind’s Search for God. Faeroese: Does God Really Care About Us? Finnish: Does God Really Care About Us?; WUl This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). French: WUl This World Survive? (Tract No. 19); Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21). Hiligaynon: Does God Really Care About Us? lloko: Does God Really Care About Us? Japanese: Does God Really Care About Us?; Sing Praises to Jehovah—Large Print (Lyrics only). Lithuanian: The Government That Will Bring Paradise. Macedonian: You Can

Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size). Norwegian: Does God Really Care About Us?; WUl This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). Pangasinan: Does God ReaUy Care About Us? Persian: The Government That WUl Bring Paradise. Polish: WiU This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). Romanian: Making Your FamUy Life Happy.

■ New Audiocassettes Available: Hungarian: Listening to the Great Teacher (set of four audiocassettes and a book in an album); My Book of Bible Stories (set of four audiocassettes in an album). Italian: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Solomon (set of three audiocassettes); Daniel (single audiocassette); Hosea through Malachi (set of three audiocassettes). Norwegian: Beware of Losing FaUh by Drawing Away From Jehovah (Drama; single audiocassette).

■ New Videocassettes Available: Italian: Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name. Japanese: Jehovah's WUnesses—The Organization Behind the Name.

September Service Report

The United States reports a new peak in regular pioneers for September 1992. The 71,774 regular pioneers reporting represent an increase of 3,552, or 5.2 percent, over the last peak in October 1991.

Question box

■ Should we telephone the Society to obtain answers to Bible questions or for personal advice?

Many people use the telephone to do things quickly, but often more than speed is involved. In the world it is common to put priority on per-sonqZ'conyenlence; people avoid exerting themselves.

What a COritrast we And with God’s advice! He urges nsto.seefcfor knowledge, as for hidden treasure, which implies our being willing to exert ourselves. Experience proves that our doing so results in more lasting satisfaction.—Prov. 2:1-4.

Such effort is Atting if a question arises as we prepare for a share in meetings or if we face a personal problem. Instead of simply telephoning the Society, we will beneAt by personally doing research in the Bible and our publications, especially the Watch Tower Publications Index, with its valuable Scripture and subject indexes.

After we have thus ‘sought for hid treasures,’ we can approach one of the local elders if we still need help-The~elders have considerable Bible knowledge and experience in searching for information. Their balanced help would especially bejittlng.if we need advice about a personal problem or decision, for they are close_to usand our situation.—Compare Acts 8:30, 31.

If jt still seems that more information is needed directly from the Society, it is usually better to send a letter. The elders may be of assistance too in preparing this. Such a letter will allow time for the reply to be based on adequate research or reAec-tlon, which usually is impossible with a telephone call.

• ¹ In our field ministry during December. we will feature the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. What will you say to start a timely Bible discussion, and how will you introduce this excellent publication?

• ² Using Our New Tracts: Some publishers have found success in using tracts to discern'a person’s interest even before offering other literature. How can we be helped to accomplish this? By featuring our new tract Win This World Survive?

After an appropriate greeting, you might say:

■ “We are asking people if they would agree that Jesus Christ was the greatest man who ever lived. [Allow time for reply.] Of course, many men have influenced the course of human affairs, and some have contributed to the progress of the human race, but notice what sets Jesus Christ apart from all others. [Read John 17:3.] No one else has the power to grant everlasting life to mankind. [Turn to page 3j>f the tract.] When Jesus was here on the earth, he described events that would occur prior to the world’s end. But he also encouraged his disciples to rejoice because these events would mean thaf deliverance was getting near."'After briefly discussing some features Of the sign of Christ’s presence, direct attention to the back page, which shows some of the blessings of his Kingdom rule.

³ A young publisher or one who is new or inexperiencedmlght feature the illustrations in a tract as a means of introduction.

Using the tract “Will This World Survive?,”apublisher could open topages 3 and 4 and say:

■ “Notice these two pictures, one of a plane dropping bombs in wartime and the other of a starving child. [Turn to page 5.] Look at these pictures of an earthquake and of a sick man in a hospital bed. [Pause.] The Bible shows that such terrible things will soon come to an end?

• ⁴ If the person appears to be interested, read Revelation 21:3.4 either directly from the Bible or as quoted in the tract on page 6. Depending on the interest shown, you could highlight additional information. When genuine interest is manifested, you may be able to explain briefly the overall nature of our work, leave the Greatest Man book, and arrange for a return, visit.

• ⁵ Lay Groundwork for a Future Visit: Of course, whether we left a tract, the Greatest Man book, or other literature or just had a pleasant conversation, we might say? “The next time I come, I would like to share an Interesting fact with you concerning the city where Jesus was bom."]Be sure to take careful note of the call and the interest shown.

• ⁶ The Kingdom offers the only genuine hope for mankind. Let us showjjur earnest desire to share with all that we meet the “accurateTcnowledge of the sacred secret of God, namely, Christ.” —CoL 2:2.

  Follow Up Interest With Discernment During the Holiday Season

  
  

• ¹ December is a month when many of those who have shown interest in our message will likely be busy with holiday activities. Therefore, when following up interest, we will need to be discerning and perhaps be prepared to get to the point quickly, unless the householder shows a desire for a longer conversation.

• ² Give Advance Thought to What We Will Say: We should always have clearly in mind what we want to say. This requires referring to our notes on the previous visit and refreshing our memory as to points covered in the conversation and any unanswered question that was left with the householder.

• ³ If the suggestion in paragraph 5 of the above article was used, upon returning we could say:

■ “At this time of year, many people are thinking about the birth of Christ. The last time we spoke, I promised to share an interesting fact with you about the city where Jesus was bom. Did you know that the Bible foretold 700 years in advance that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem?" Allow for a response. Then, after reading Micah 5:2, you could say: “That is an amazing prophecy, is it not? While this is an interesting Biblical fact, did you know that Bible prophecies are also coming true in our day?” If the person has time, we could continue the conversation, or if he is busy, we might offer to return and discuss this further with him.

'If the tract “Will This World Survive?” was left, we might say the following:

■ “Note what is stated here on page 3, under the subheading ‘The Sign.’ This concerns prophecies that Jesus said would mark the last days. [Consider two or three prophecies with the householder.] Would you say that there is evidence these prophecies are being fulfilled in our day?” If genuine interest is discerned and time permits, you may wish to suggest he examine the Greatest Man book. Show how chapter 111 goes into more detail with regard to the sign that Jesus gave. If only the tract is left, on the next visit you could lead the discussion into another tract or a brochure such as The Government That Will Bring Paradise or “Look! I Am Making AU Things New."

• ⁵ Offering a Home Bible Study: If we leave the Greatest Man book with the householder or he already has a copy, it would be good to demonstrate a home Bible study by using chapter 111. We can use a method similar to that used at the Congregation Book Study. If the study continues to progress, we could change over to studying one of the brochures or go directly into the Live Forever book.

• ⁶ Let us always be prepared to follow up on all interest. We must be discerning and always endeavor to pave the way for a future visit by raising interesting questions at the end of each conversation. This will help us to be “completely equipped for every good work."—2 Tim. 3:17.

© 1992 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 o( 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