Our kingdom ministry

January 1993                       For United States of America                       Vol. 36, No. 1

• ¹ Men have made many proposals for peace and security, but none of these fulfill the real needs of people worldwide. Although religious, racial, and national hatreds, combined with political ambition and greed, appear to be major roadblocks to" a secure and peaceful world, true Christians know that the real obstacles are Satan the Devi (and man’sj-efusal to submit to JehovaFTGod.—Ps. 127:1; Jer. 8:9; 1 John 5:19.

• ² During January, we will endeavor to help our neighbors to see that God’s wav to peace and security is the only way and that Jehovah has the ultimate solution to all of mankind’s problems.

• ³ Use New Tracts: We can share this upbuilding message by using the new tracts that were introduced at our “Light Bearers” District Convention. A simple demonstration showed how to use Tract NO..J.9, Will This World Survive?, to start a conversation and lead into a Bible study. The striking fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy about the end of this world should arrest the attention of many.

• ⁴ Millions of people today are depressed. and they long for a time of healing and of true peace, security, and tranquillity. Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20) may be a real source of encouragement to many.

• ⁵ Tract No. 21, Enjoy Family Life, provides practical counsel on what can be done to improve family life even now while awaiting a wonderful future in God's new world.

• ⁶ Tract No. 22 gives a straightforward answer to the question Who Really Rules the World? It explains why humans have used the most heinous methods to torture and slafigK-ter one another despite the desire of

life. There are wicked spirit forces IrFheavenly places, and Satan’s most clever deception has been to induce many to believe that he and his demons do not really exist.

• ⁷ Start Bible Studies: A Bible study may be started with a tract.~a brochure, a magazine, or a book? If you learn that a householder already has one of our publications, tactfully offer to demonstrate how it can be used in a Bible study. The new tracts and the new brochure Does God Really Care About Us? are excellent tools to use in determining the extent of the householder's interest and in starting Bible studies. Additionally, any books published by the Society in 1983 or before may be featured in the field service when people show real interest in the truth. If your congregation’ has, Family Life, “Kingdom Come,” Truth, or Youtliibooks in stock, plan to make good use of them in the ministry.

’Genuine security can come only from the Creator. Jehovah God. We want to help as many as possible to open their hearts and minds to the truth of God’s Word and embrace the hope it holds out to us. May we make good use of the teaching aids we have to preach God’s way to peace and security.—Isa. 2:3, 4.

• ¹ At last summer’s “Light Bearers" District Convention, a speaker asked: “Can you pioneer? Will you pioneer?" He noted that these questions are relevant because Armageddon is very near, and this makes the preaching

  work more urgent than ever before, must be preached; this is Jehovah’s —1 Cor. 7:29a. ' ’ v                 work, and what a privilege it is to be

  absorbed in it from one’s youth on-

  
  

• ² There is no question that pioneer-

f ing is hard work. It requires selfdiscipline and good organization, fief. our labor in the ministry “iff not In vain." (1 Cor. 15:58) Can the same be said of other activities that we may choose to pursue and that consume our time and energy? Love for Jehovah impels Christians to be zealous in his service, and zeal for Jehovah’s service has led many into the pioneer work.—1 John 5:3; Rev. 4:11? just finishing high school are thinking seriously about pioneering. That is entirely appropriate. What other

The good news of God’s kingdom

ward!—Matt. 24:14.          “

‘Do you parents encbifrage your children to take up the full-time service? Do your children clearly understand that you want them to use their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength themselves for th» regular pinnppr work by sharing as auxiliary pioneers

,at every opportunity during their

to Jehovah warms his heart!—Prov,

• ⁵ Of Course,' not everyone has the circumstances that allow for pioneer service. However, whether married or single, young or old in years, have you

minister of the good news? (Col. 3:23) Many.young married couples are*⁴² working to expand their ministry sp'^ that one or both.can-pioneer.      {

• ⁶ If you are nflXJn a position to regular pioneer at present, can you serve as an auxiliary pioneer? Likely many publishers In your congregation are-/ planning to do that during April. Can.-/ ' blessings, additional blessings await those who are in a position to spend more time in the Kingdom service searching out sheeplike ones.—Acts

  
  
  

Week Starting January 4

Song 23

10 mini Local announcements and appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

25 min: “1993 ‘Divine Teaching’ District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Question-and-answer consideration of insert by secretary. First, read December 15, 1992, convention assignment letter. After considering paragraph 3 of article, read opening and closing paragraphs of Recommended Lodging Locations list from convention. Read paragraphs 4-6 and 12-14 of Insert. Emphasize need for all to select accommodations from Recommended Lodging Locations list even if attending a convention outside the assigned area, as noted in paragraph 12. Stress the Bible principles of honesty, obedience, loving concern for others, and so forth, from the article even if it appears that no one will be using motel rooms. Commend those cooperating with the Society’s rooming arrangement. Congregations that have deaf ones in attendance should highlight paragraph 15 for them.

10 min: Local needs, or talk entitled “Maintain a Proper View of Entertainment," based on November 8, 1992, Awake!, pages 3-10.

Song 139 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 11

Song 162

io min: Local announcements. Outline any special arrangements for field service on January 18.

20 min: “Preach God’s Way to Peace and Security.” Question-and-answer coverage of article. Encourage publishers to use tracts in field service. After discussing paragraph 3, have well-prepared publisher demonstrate how a Bible study might be started either on initial call or on return visit, using the tract Will This World Survive? Publisher: “Good morning. We are talking to people today about the quality of life. Are you satisfied with what you observe taking place in the lives of people today?" Householder: “Not really." Publisher: “Do you think the situation will improve?” Householder: “I don’t know.” Publisher offers tract and says: “Some think that what is happening is in fulfillment of Bible prophecy and that the world’s end is near. What do you think?” Householder: “I don’t know. I guess it is possible." Publisher then refers to tract and explains that the end of the world does not mean the end of literal heavens and earth. Publisher arranges for another visit to consider Bible evidence that end of present system is near.

15 min: Avoiding Blood Transfusion Problems—Time to Renew Our Advance Medical DirectiyeTnElder handling this" part has new cards_dis-tributed to baptized publishers and carefully considers October 15. 1991,-. letter, which explains the use of these cards. In preparation, thoroughly review the Society’s letter of January 1, 1990. Those who_sign as witnesses should actually see cardholder sign the document. Encourage all to complete new cards before leaving Kingdom Hall. Baptized publishers should never leave home without their Advance Medical Directive/Release card. Unbaptized minor children with a Witness parent should always carry an Identity Card. A recent check at one congregation meeting showed that 1 out of every 5-publishers did-not-have his card with him, and no children had their Identity Cards. In conclusion, read and apply Proverbs 22:3.

Song 151 and concluding prayer.

Theocratic News

Australia: A new peak of 57,272 publishers was reached in August, closing the service year with 1,541 publishers above their previous peak. An all-time high of 31,712 Bible studies was reported.

Cyprus: August brought their eighth publisher peak for the service year, with 1,433 reporting. This was a 9-percent increase over last year’s average.

Dominican Republic: With 15,418 reporting in August, they attained a 20-percent increase in publishers over last service year. More than 20 percent of the publishers are in full-time service.

Ghana: An 18-percent increase over last year’s average number of publishers was reached in August, with 37,676 reporting field service.

Puerto Rico: A new peak of 25,315 publishers reported in August.

Togo: A 28-percent increase in publishers over last year’s average was reached in August. The service year closed with 7,100 publishers reporting. There were 728 new ones baptized during the year.

Song 130

10 min: Local announcements and Theocratic News. Read accounts report and Society acknowledgments of donations. Commend congregation for loyal financial support of local congregation as well as Society’s worldwide work.

20 min: “Wisely Using Vital Tools.” After brief introduction by chairman, there will be two demonstrations based on material outlined in paragraphs 2 to 5. At the conclusion of the first demonstration, householder accepts two magazines, asks what they cost, and makes a donation to the worldwide work. Publisher promises to return to answer the question, Why does God permit suffering? At the conclusion of the second demonstration, a home Bible study is started with an appropriate tract. Encourage all to engage householders in a Scriptural discussion when working in field service this weekend.

15 min: Why Christians Abstain From Blood. Talk by elder based on definition and first three subheadings under “Blood” in Reasoning book, pages 70-2.

Song 177 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 25

Song 128

10 min: Local announcements. Discuss main points from article “A Fine Privilege of Service.” As time permits, interview publisher who has an established magazine route. How did he get it started? How has it helped him cultivate interest or clearly discern extent of interest on part of householder?

15 min: “Can You Serve Jehovah as a Pioneer?” Discussion with audience. Interview a young person who is a regular pioneer or a publisher who pioneered as a young person. Highlight how parents and others can encourage youths to reach their goal of pioneering. Appeal warmly to all to consider seriously their possibilities of engaging in full-time service. Plan now to auxiliary pioneer in April.

20 mln: “Build On Interest by Making Effective Return Visits.” Brief talk followed by demonstration of conversation outlined in paragraph 3. As time permits, certain key elements of the presentation, such as the introduction or the transition to the scripture text, may be repeated.

Song 160 and concluding prayer.

1993 “Divine Teaching” District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

iAll 1,419,889 attending the 1992 “Light Bearers” District Conventions in the United States branch territory heightened their appreciation for the privilege of serving as light bearers in a bedarkened world. (2 Pet. 1:19) How thrilling it was to have 14,049 dear ones symbolize their dedication by water baptism and join the grandThrong of light bearers! To be effective, light bearers need to imitate both our Grand Instructor and the Great Teacher. We indeed have a message of “substance,” and this year’s “Divine Teaching.” District Conventions will help us to be more effective in reaching people’s hearts with this vital information. (Ps. 119:160; Matt. 28:20) Missionaries all around the globe are already making plans to attend these conventions in their home country. Are you and your family making similar plans? Why not encourage your Bible students to attend this rich spiritual feast?

• ² Be sure to make your convention arrangements carefully and prayerfully so that you can be there to enjoy all four days of the delightful spiritual program, from the opening song to the closing prayer. Lovingly include in your plans those who may need assistance, especially newly interested ones, so that they also can attend every session. (Gal. 6:10) The program starts at 1:20 p.m. on Thursday and ends at approximately 5:00 p.m. On both Friday and Saturday, the program begins at 9:20 a.m. and closes with song and prayer at approximately 5:00 p.m. The Sunday morning session begins at 9:20, and the day’s program concludes at approximately 4:10 p.m. The following information will assist you with your preliminary preparations.

• ³ Instructions for Obtaining Rooms: After the Service Meeting for the week of January 4, congregations should post on the information board the Recommended Lodging Locations list for the district convention to which the congregation is assigned. This list gives all the motels presently cooperating with the Society’s rooming arrangement. Your cooperation with these arrangements will assist the convention organization in its efforts to provide sufficient rooming accommodations for everyone at reasonable prices.

• ⁴ What You Should Do: After—NOT before—your congregation posts the Recommended Lodging Locations list containing the addresses, phone numbers, and agreed-upon rates of the motels, you are free to phone the motel of your choice and make reservations. Identifying yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses or as a delegate attending the Watchtower convention will qualify you for the rates listed, which in most cases are greatly reduced.

  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, JANUARY 1993

  
  

• ⁵ One night’s DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED to hold the room. Your deposit should be sent directly to the motel AS soon as you make reservations. If your deposit is not received by the motel, your reservations can be canceled at any time. MOTELS ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO HOLD ROOMS WITHOUT A DEPOSIT. If you must cancel your reservation, you should immediately notify the motel, making the room available for other delegates.

• ⁶ If the motel you call first is filled, call your next selection from the list and so on. Often, everyone calls the motels closest to the convention facility being used; therefore, you may find it beneficial to try some motels farther away. These often have quality rooms at lower rates. The convention Rooming Department will continue to provide the congregations with revised lists, deleting motels that have been filled and listing additional motels until everyone has a room. Thus, if all the motels on the list are filled, please wait patiently for the next list, and you will be able to obtain a room.

• ⁷ Dormitories: A few conventions use school dormitories in addition to motels in order to accommodate everyone. Usually, congregations will receive information on these a month or so after receiving the first motel listing. Those needing accommodations of this type should follow the instructions on the list that is sent to the congregations by the convention.

• ⁸ Special Needs: This provision is only for exemplary publishers, including their well-behaved children, who are approved by the Congregation Service Committee. Arrangements to care for persons with special needs should be made by the congregation where they attend. Elders and others who are aware of the individual circumstances can lovingly extend help. This often requires that publishers consider the needs of those in full-time service, the elderly, the infirm, and perhaps others. Publishers may extend help by taking such ones with them or by caring for their needs in other ways—Jas. 2:15-17; 1 John 3:17,18.

• ⁹ Of course, the Rooming Department will endeavor to provide suitable rooming accommodations for publishers with special needs if they cannot be assisted by those in the congregation. These publishers may discuss their situation with the congregation secretary. The secretary should speak with the Congregation Service Committee to see if it is possible for the congregation to assist these individuals to care for their own rooming accommodations. If the congregation is unable to render the needed assistance, the secretary may give such persons a copy of the Special Needs Room Request form. Only those with special needs should fill out this form. It is to be filled out by the person making the request and returned to the secretary, who will check it for completeness, accuracy, and verification of the circumstances that qualify the person for such consideration. The circumstances are to be explained in detail by the secretary in the space provided on the form. All of this should be done well ahead of the convention. The secretary will then forward the form to the Rooming Department. The individual making the request will be notified directly about the accommodations.

• ¹⁰ Those with special needs should NOT go to the convention and request a room when they arrive because the Rooming Department must have the verification of the Congregation Service Committee.

• ¹¹ Private-home accommodations are set aside for those who would experience real hardship if such accommodations were not available. They are not intended for those who can afford motel rooms but who want free or inexpensive rooms just to save money. Neither is it proper for those making such requests to presume upon the hospitality of brothers by expecting to be accommodated extra days before or after the convention. These rooms are provided for the convention period ONLY. Those receiving such accommodations should see that they and their children act respectfully toward the home of their host and do not rummage through or damage the host’s possessions or enter private areas of the home. If householders experience any difficulties along this line, these should immediately be brought to the attention of the rooming overseer at the convention and he will be happy to help.

• ¹² Delegates Attending From Outside the Assigned Area: In nearly every case, the location assigned for you to attend is the one nearest your congregation. Having adequate seating, literature, food, rooming accommodations, and so forth, is based on the premise that the majority of publishers will attend the convention to which their congregation is assigned. However, if for good reason you will be attending a convention other than the one assigned and need accommodations, the congregation secretary can give you the address for that convention headquarters from the list on the back of the Special Needs Room Request form. Then you can request in writing a copy of the motel listing for that location, sending along a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Upon receipt of this list, use it to make your reservation.

• ¹³ Your Cooperation Needed: The success of this rooming arrangement depends on the cooperation of all of those involved. (Heb. 13:17) Thus, we are asking everyone to cooperate fully with the Society’s rooming arrangement and USE ONLY THE MOTELS ON THE CURRENT RECOMMENDED LODGING LOCATIONS list so that major difficulties we still experience in negotiating with the motels can be prevented. Most publishers are taking to heart the clear direction that has been given in previous convention inserts, and many good results are being experienced. However, it is still necessary to request that everyone PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES FOR OBTAINING MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

• (a) Do not locate and call motels in the convention city and ask them if they are on the current list or have special rates for the convention. Also, please do not use the same motel year after year without first checking to see that it is definitely on the current list.

• (b) Do not accept a higher price for a motel room than what is quoted on the list.

• (c) Please do not make reservations at a motel you do not intend to use or at more than one motel with the idea of checking them, selecting the best, and canceling the others. (Matt. 5:37) This is unfair, as it prevents the motels from getting business they could have had and deprives other publishers of the use of those rooms, which are often vitally needed.

• (d) Do not reserve rooms for yourself or others without giving names and immediately sending the deposits for each room.

• (e) Do not put more people in the room than the law and the management allow, which is normally no more than four or five persons, including children. Remember, you are paying a rate based upon the number of persons you agreed would be in the room.

• ¹⁴ Violations in these areas make it difficult to negotiate good rates, and they bring reproach on Jehovah’s name and organization. (Ps. 119:168) Therefore, the Society will be asking the Rooming Department to check with the motels to determine if any are experiencing such problems and who is involved. The convention organization is working hard to save our brothers as much expense as possible, so it is in the best interests of all to cooperate fully with the Society’s rooming arrangement so that this provision can continue. The listing gives a choice of good-quality accommodations at motels that cooperate. With this arrangement, our aim is to help delegates to be accommodated as comfortably and economically as possible so that they can enjoy the fine spiritual program at the convention.

• ¹⁵ Sign-Language Sessions: As you will note in The Watchtower of February 15, 1993, sign-language interpreting will be provided AT ONLY 16 specific convention cities. NO PROVISION for sign language will be made at any other conventions. This arrangement provides good-quality interpreting and larger groups for enjoyable, upbuilding fellowship. Deaf individuals should immediately make their plans to attend one of these 16 sign-language sessions. The elders should also check with each deaf person in their congregation to see if assistance is needed.

[Note to Body of Elders: Please read the Society’s December 15, 1992, convention assignment letter and the first and last paragraphs of the Recommended Lodging Locations list for your congregation during the Service Meeting for the week of January 4. After that meeting, post the letter and the list on the information board. NO one, including the ELDERS, SHOULD MAKE MOTEL RESERVATIONS BEFORE THIS SERVICE MEETING. In this way all congregations will receive the information the same week. The congregation secretary should handle convention-related material and announcements on future Service Meetings.]

Announcements

■ Literature featured for January: Any 192-page book published in 1983 or earlier. If the congregation has no stock of such books to be offered, 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 Ai Hand! April and May: Watchtower subscription, note: Congregations that will need the abovementioned campaign items should request them on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14).

■ Starting in February, and no later than March 7. the new public talk for circuit overseers will be “Looking at Youths From Jehovah’s Standpoint" ■ The special public talk for the 1993 Memorial season will be given worldwide on Sunday, March 28. The subject of the talk will be “ ‘Acts of God'—How Do You View Them?" An outline will be provided. Those congregations having the visit of the circuit overseer, a circuit assembly, or a special assembly day that weekend will have the special talk the following week. No congregation should have the special talk before March 28.

■ Beginning January 1,1993, a monthly edition of The Watchtower will be available in the Lithuanian language, thus bringing to 112 the number of languages in which this magazine is published. Also In January the Telugu edition of The Watchtower will become a semimonthly publication.

■ New Publications Available: Albanian: TheGreatest ManWho Ever Lived. Arabic: Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19); Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21). Armenian: What Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe? (Tract No. 14); What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract No. 16). Bengali: Our

October Service Report

Av.    Av.   Av.

Number of:Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’IPiOS      209 125.8 66.9 52.0

PiOS.      73,073  82.5 31.4 25.1

Aux. PiOS.  36,838  59.2 24.1 15.5

Pubs    766,766  10,2 5.7 3.8

TOTAL   876,886 Baptized: 3,305

The new peak of 73,073 regular pioneers is the second consecutive peak in regular pioneers for the new service year.

Problems—Who Will Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus). Chinese: Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Chinese (Simplified): Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); ‘Look! I Am Making All Things New" (Brochure); The Bible. French: Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). German: Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21). Italian: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Jap* anese: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Korean: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21). Polish: Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Jehovah's Witnesses and the Question of Blood; Watch Tower Publications Scripture Index 1960-1989. Portuguese: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (Small size). Sinhalese: Does God Really Care About Us? Swahili: “Look! I Am Making All Things New" (Brochure); Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!; The Government That Will Bring Paradise; Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). Swedish: Does God Really Care About Us?; New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (bi 12); Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). Tagalog: Does God Really Care About Us?; Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). Tahitian: Does God Really Care About Us? Turkish: Win This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). Ukrainian: Does God Really Care About Us?; Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21). Vietnamese: Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19).

■ New Audiocassettes Available: English: Doing God’s Will With Zeal (Drama; single audiocassette). Spanish : The First of Samuel, The Second of Samuel (set of four audiocassettes).

CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY

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

January 4: Chapter 35 to subheading ’Prayer, and Trust in God’

January 11: Chapter 35 from subheading ’Prayer, and Trust in God' to end of chapter

January 18:   Chapters 36-38

January 25:   Chapters 39-42

A Fine Privilege of Service

• ¹ One reader said that he had learned much more of real value by reading The Watchtower and Awake! than he did during six years of university schooling. It is not uncommon for sincere readers to make such heartwarming expressions of appreciation after reading these magazines for just a short time. How privileged we are to share our magazines regularly with those who truly value them!

• ² Many people, although having some interest in the truth, have not progressed to the point of accepting a home Bible study. But their interest may be cultivated if someone calls back regularly with each new issue of The Watchtower and Awake! Yes, faithfully delivering magazines on a magazine route has helped move people eventually to agree to having a regular Bible study.

• ³ We benefit personally by having a magazine route if we read the magazines first and take note of specific points that will be of particular interest to each person on our list.

• ⁴ Keep in mind that it is the extent of the householder’s interest, and not the size of his donation, that determines whether you should include his name on your list of magazineroute calls. If the person shows real interest when accepting the magazines, you may explain that outstanding articles appear in our magazines every two weeks and that you will be happy to deliver them. Be sure to follow through on a regular basis, taking advantage of opportunities to converse with the householder-on Bible subjects. We know you will enjoy this fine privilege of service.

  Wisely Using Vital Tools

  
  

• ¹ As you witness from door to door, your goal should be to engage each householder in a constructive. Scriptural conversation by using the Bible and other vital tools. (Compare 2 Corinthians 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:15.) What are people in your territory concerned about these days? Are they worried about the economic situation and the decline in the quality of family life? A few introductory remarks on either of these topics may lead to a line Bible discussion.

• ² You could say:

■ “In these challenging times, many people are finding it hard to make ends meet. Do you think human governments will solve our financial problems in a way that will be fair to everyone? [Listen to reply.) I personally found this thought to be most encouraging...”

• ³ Then you could read Psalm 72: 12-14 and round out the conversation by selecting an additional text from those found on pages 154-5 of the Reasoning book. Or after reading one scripture, you could refer to a paragraph in the tract Life in a Peaceful New World. Many publishers—including young ones—are successfully starting Bible studies in one of the tracts by reading a paragraph and then asking the householder for his opinion on what was read.

• ⁴ In some communities you may prefer to use this approach:

■ “Many people would like to see a return to traditional family values. Do you think it is up to each individual to determine what those values should be, or should there be one standard for everyone? [Allow response.) Many agree that if the Bible’s wise advice were followed, there would be a marked improvement in the quality of family life.”

• ⁵ At this point you may either introduce and discuss the apostle’s statement at Colossians 3:12-14 or endeavor to start a home Bible study on the initial call by using points under the subheading “Which Way to Success?" in the tract Enjoy Family Life.

• ⁶ If the householder manifests interest, show him the value of one of the Society’s 192-page bound books you are featuring during the month. If you are not sure of the extent of his interest, make wise use of other vital tools by sharing an appropriate point in a tract, a magazine, or a brochure.

• ⁷ If you are able to start a study on the first call, make definite arrangements to continue the discussion at a later date. You might lay the groundwork for your next visit by telling the householder that when you return you would like to share the answer to the commonly asked question: “Why does God permit suffering?” The article below will suggest how the subject may be developed on the return visit.

  Build On Interest by Making Effective Return Visits

  
  

ing came up. and I promised to return with some information for you. Many people feel that if God truly cares about us, he would put an end to suffering. Perhaps you have felt, the same way. [Allow householder to answer.) The Bible assures us that God really does care. [Read 1 John 4:8.) God has good reasons for having allowed suffering to continue until now. One of those reasons is explained at 2. Peter .3:11 [Read.] Other reasons are outlined in this brochure." Then turn to pages 1244 of theb.rochure Does God Really Care About Us? and discuss a point of interest.

• ⁴ Some householders may be interested in a more thorough explanation, and several return visits may be necessary before they are completely satisfied with the answer. A number of the Society's 192-page bound books that will be featured, during January include a chapter that can be used as a basis for further discussion of the subject.

• ⁵ As you bring the discussion to_a close, raise, another question and tell the householder you will be happy to share some interesting information with him when you return. Many people would like to know what happens to a person at death. Why not arrange to discuss that topic at a convenient time?

• ⁶ It will be helpful for you to keep three basic principles in mind. Be jleXz if/le. The householder may not be used to setting aside a specific time for Bible discussion. Be brief. Do not stay too long or cover too many points at first. In most cases, there will be a more favorable response to your visits if you cover just a few points in a short time. Be warm and friendly. Show the householder that you are personally interested in him as an individual.

• ⁷ Our immediate goal is to engage the householder in a Scriptural conversation. Then we want to start a productive home Bible study in a suitable publication, such as the Live Forever book. That joy may be yours if you patiently build on the initial interest by making effective return visits.

1993 Watch '■ ■••• r B ;■ ■■ nd Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (USPS 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society r' :. r. v.jrk, is; and Internationa^{1 2 3} Bible Students Association. 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn. NY 11201. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y,, and at additional mailing offices. postmaster: Send address changes to Watchtower. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. NY 11201.                 Printed in U.S.A.

8

¹

Every well-prepared talk includes an interest-arousing introduction, an informative body, and a motivating conclusion. The introduction captures the attention of the audience, but without the body and the conclusion. the talk would be incomplete. The same principle applies to our ministry. It is a fine thing to arouse the interest of the householder on the initial call, but wemustkeepi>uUdmg qn that initial-interest by making effective return visits.

²

Why does God permit suf* fering? What a thought-provoking question that is! Do you not agree that this subject is on the minds of many people today? That is why. in the article above, it was suggested that you raise this question *at the end_oJLthe initial calLwith a view to answering it when you make the return visit.

³

You might say this:

■ “Hello. The last time we spoke, the subject of God’s permission of suffer