Our Kingdom Ministry

^or nearly 114 years, The Watchtower has been admonishing its readers to keep alert spiritually. Its companion magazine Awake! builds confidence in the Creator’s promise of a peaceful and secure new world within our generation. Together, these two publications have been faithful instruments lighting our way through a bedarkened world. (Isa. 60:2) The truth of God’s Word never changes, but our understanding of it becomes clearer as Jehovah uses these and other instruments to give us spiritual “food at the proper time.”—Matt. 24:45; Prov.4:18.

• ² Make the Best Use of Magazines: We can demonstrate our gratitude for the spiritual enlightenment we have received by enthusiastically encouraging people to read both The Watchtower and Awake! Ordinarily, we would not offer a subscription when making an initial visit in the house-to-house work or when witnessing informally. Many peo-pie obtain single copies of the magazines with some regularity and obviously enjoy reading them. These persons may appreciate the opportunity to receive a subscription for six months. However, it is best to offer single issues of the magazines to householders who are not well acquainted with our literature and whose appreciation for its value may be limited.

• ³ How can you discern if there is genuine interest? As you feature one or two points in a magazine, a tract, or a brochure, note the householder’s reaction. Does he listen attentively? Does he respect the Bible and follow along with the reading of Bible texts? Does he respond to viewpoint questions? If so, you may arrange for a return visit within a week or even sooner and enjoy a further discussion at that time. If it is clear that the householder is reading the literature you left and appreciates talking about spiritual things, you may ask him if he would appreciate receiving the magazines regularly.

• ⁴ Individual issues of the magazines may be offered to fellow workers, schoolmates, and relatives. The magazines may also be offered to business acquaintances and in street witnessing.

• ⁵ The new magazines should be made available to publishers as soon as they are delivered to the congregation. When you receive a new issue, become thoroughly familiar with it. What subjects deeply concern people in your area? World peace and security? The economy? Good government? The environment? Outstandingly, The Watchtower directs people to the only permanent solution, God’s Kingdom. (Dan. 2:44; Matt. 6:10) It is truly a priceless gift from our “Grand Instructor.”—-Isa. 30:20.

• ⁶ April and May offer excellent opportunities to devote more time to field service. Since May has five full weekends, many will be enrolling as auxiliary pioneers. All of us can set personal goals now to increase our field service during these two months and enthusiastically encourage everyone we meet to read The Watchtower and Awake!

  Help New Ones Make Progress

  
  

• ¹ On April 17,1992, nearly 11.5 million people worldwide gathered to celebrate the Memorial of Christ’s death. This was over two and a half times the total number of publishers associated with congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. How gratifying it is to see such multitudes flocking “to the mountain of Jehovah”! (Mic. 4:2) At present there are some seven million people who are showing a measure of interest in true worship and who are not yet public praisers of Jehovah. Surely Jesus’ words “the harvest is great” have never been so meaningful!—Matt. 9:37,38.

• ² During the month of April, we will make a special effort to help all those who qualify to have a share in the field ministry. The Congregation Book Study conductor, assisted by other capable publishers and pioneers in his group, will play a key role in this. Our threefold goal is (1) to arrange for a home Bible study with new ones who attend the special public talk and the Memorial this year; (2) to encourage those who are studying to qualify to be unbaptized publishers; and (3) to increase our personal participation in the field ministry.

• ³ A special effort should be made by all to welcome and get acquainted with new ones who attend any of our meetings. What can we do to encourage more of these interested people to have a regular home Bible study?

• ⁴ On an average, 585,441 Bible studies were conducted in the United States each month of the 1992 service year. Publishers may invite their book study conductor to accompany them on Bible studies so as to get acquainted with the students, (km 3/81 p. 4) Some of these Bible students may now be attending meetings and qualify to have a share in the house-to-house work. Are new ones witnessing informally with some regularity? Do they meet the qualifications for becoming unbaptized publishers as set out in Our Ministry, pages 97-9? If so, explain to them how they might get started in the house-to-house work after becoming approved as unbaptized publishers.

• ⁵ We must not overlook encouraging one another in our Christian association. (Heb. 10:24,25) If any have slowed down in their ministry, book study conductors should make definite arrangements to provide help and encouragement. Sometimes a warm invitation to accompany us in field service is all that is needed.

• ⁶ To make April an outstanding month of field service activity will take the cooperation of all. The book study conductor’s enthusiastic lead can make the difference as he helps every member of his group to have a full share in the ministry. Additional meetings for service may be arranged. Elderly ones can be given special attention, and young people can be helped in practical ways. Parents should see to it that the entire family shares in the ministry during April. If all of us give our best to Jehovah in this time of the harvest, his rich blessing will be ours.

  Service Meetings for April

  
  

Week Starting April 5

Song 129 fy Q,

10 min: Local announcements. Review current issues of the magazines, highlighting articles that may be of particular interest in your territory. Arrange for two publishers, one older and one younger, to demonstrate brief Scriptural presentations.

15 min: “The Watchtower—Spiritual Food at the Proper Time.” Question-and-answer discussion. Include comments on'the need to discern genuine interest before offering subscriptions. Evidences of sincere interest include a willingness to converse and express an opinion, an involvement in the conversation, a kindly disposition, a willingness to follow along with the reading of Bible texts, and an invitation to return for further discussion, (km 5/90 p. 8) It is usually best to deliver the magazines a few times to confirm interest before offering a six-month subscription.

20 min: “Tie In the Tracts With Other Literature.” Question-and-answer coverage. Include brief presentations based on suggestions in paragraphs 2-6. Cover points from the box “Remember to Use Brochures.” Song 14 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 12

Song 15 J f

10 min: Local announcements. Relate any outstanding experiences in connection with the Memorial observance. Encourage all publishers to work with their field service groups this weekend. 20 min: “Simple and Effective Return -Visits.” Discuss with audience. Have one demonstration showing how to initiate conversation on return visit. Remind all of the need to inform householders about their privilege to contribute toward the worldwide work. Give suggestions on what can be said. This statement appears on the inside cover

January Service report

TOTAL 880,302 Baptized: 3,273

of The Watchtower: “This is part of a worldwide Bible educational work that is supported by voluntary donations.” Oth,er similar expressions may be used.

Question Box. Positive and ' encouraging discussion by service overseer or other elder who has served as an auxiliary pioneer. Interview one or two publishers who serve as auxiliary pioneers from time to time.

Song 39 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 19

Song 194 ft j/

10 min: Local announcements and pertinent Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Read accounts report and any donation acknowledgments. Read Luke 6:38, and commend congregation for their generosity in supporting worldwide work as well as needs of local congregation. lz' A_

20 min: “Help New Ones MakeTTog-ress.” A discussion between two or three book study conductors. After reviewing highlights of the article, explain what plans have been made to apply suggestions locally. How can we assist newly interested ones who attended the Memorial? What requirements must new ones meet if they wish to share in field service? What can be done to help individuals whose partici-

theocratic Mews

Outstanding Bible study activity was reported in November from the following countries where our work has recently gained official recognition:

Albania: A total of 99 publishers conducted 210 Bible studies.

Baltic States: These countries reported a combined total of 2,199 publishers and 4,632 Bible studies.

Bulgaria: Their 296 publishers reported 657 Bible studies.

A number of encouraging reports have also come from Africa:

Central African Republic: A new peak of 1,600 publishers was reached in October, and they reported 2,966 home Bible studies.

Chad: With 345 publishers in October, attendance at their six special assembly day programs was 654.

Rwanda: In November the 1,762 publishers reporting conducted 6,270 home Bible studies.

These combined reports give striking evidence that Jehovah is now fulfilling his promise to speed up the ingathering work in our day.—Isa. 60:22.

pation has been irregular in the past? How can all be encouraged to have a full share each month? How can stronger publishers assist in helping others? —Rom. 15:1, 2. ft

15 min: “To the House of Jehovah Let Us Go.” Question-and-answer coverage of paragraphs 1-8 of insert. Briefly review highlights of pubheations mentioned in paragraph 7. Have capable publisher demonstrate how to help a new person understand why we are organized into congregations. (w84 11/1 p. 15 pars. 6, 7) Highlight features of our meetings that are in sharp contrast with Christendom’s religious services. Encourage those conducting Bible studies to include each week a brief discussion designed to help the student develop a greater appreciation for the organization and the need to be part of it.

Song 28 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 26

Song 180                 ft-

10 min: Local announcements and Theocratic News. Invite individuals to relate experiences about their expanded field service activity during the month, such as being an auxiliary pioneer, starting new Bible studies, or assisting interested ones who attended the Memorial.

15 min: “Born Again.” Reasoning book, pages 76-80. Demonstration of two publishers meeting someone during house-to-house work who asks, “Have you been born again?” Publishers respond in one of the ways suggested on pages 79-80. Afterward, publishers discuss making return visit using points from scriptures in paragraphs 1-3 on page 78. q ii i 20 min: “To the House of Jenovah Let Us Go.” Question-and-answer coverage of paragraphs 9-14 of insert. Using suggestions in paragraphs 12 and 13, have publisher demonstrate how to talk to someone who is holding back.

Song 127 and concluding prayer.

Congregation Book Study

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

April 5:      Chapters

April 12:      Chapters

April 19:      Chapters

April 26:      Chapters

“To the House of Jehovah Let Us Go”

• ¹ David responded with eagerness to the invitation: “To the house of Jehovah let us go.” (Ps. 122:1) Jehovah’s “house,” represented by the temple, was the gathering place for those who had a desire to worship the true God. It was a sanctuary of security and peace. Today, the worldwide Christian congregation is God’s “house,” “a pillar and support of the truth.” (1 Tim. 3:15) All the provisions for salvation are made available through this channel. For that reason, “to it all the nations must stream” if they desire to enjoy the blessings promised under God’s Kingdom rule.—Isa. 2:2.

• ² This “house” comprises more than 69,000 congregations in 229 lands. The doors of Kingdom Halls around the world are open, with more than four million zealous workers extending the invitation: “Come!. . . Let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” (Rev. 22:17) Many have heard this message and responded with appreciation. Others have been touched but have not yet come to Jehovah’s house by associating with the Christian congregation. Such have a “spiritual need” that can be satisfied with provisions found only in the congregation. (Matt. 5:3) We live in critical times, with the end of this system rapidly approaching. An indifferent or reluctant attitude can result in perilous delay. It is urgent that people reach out to “draw close to God” by drawing closer to his organization. (Jas. 4:8) How can we help them?

• ³ Direct Interest to the Organization: From our initial contact with interested persons, we should be directing their attention to the organization. While we may be able personally to locate scriptures and explain fundamental doctrines, we are not the source of such knowledge. Everything we have learned has come from the organization, channeled through the slave class that supplies “food at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45-47) From the start, new ones need to realize that pure worship involves more than just us or even the local congregation; there is an organized, theocratic, worldwide society operating under Jehovah’s direction.

• ⁴ The direction we receive originates with Jehovah, who has promised to guide and teach us. (Ps. 32:8; Isa. 54:13) This instruction is disseminated primarily through our literature. If we can help interested ones develop a high regard for the literature, recognizing it as a source of lifesaving instruction, they will be far more likely to read and apply its message than to discard it quickly. We should always present and use this literature in a way that cultivates respect for it. This teaches new ones to appreciate the organization and to rely upon its provisions.

• ⁵ Let interested ones know that there is a central meeting place in the community where instruction is regularly provided. Give them the Kingdom Hall address and the meeting times. Explain the differences between our meetings and the religious gatherings they may have attended in the past. Everyone is welcome; there are no collections or personal solicitations for funds. While appointed ministers conduct the programs, everyone has opportunity to participate by offering comments and sharing in program parts. Families are welcome; children are included in our Bible discussions. Our ministers do not wear special robes or garments. The Kingdom Hall is tastefully decorated and has no candles, statues, or images. Those who attend are primarily residents of the local neighborhood.

• ⁶ Direct interest Progressively on Bible Studies: The primary purpose of a Bible study is to teach the truth of God’s Word. It should also build in the student an appreciation for Jehovah’s organization and make him aware of the vital need to become part of it. The great work done by Jesus and his disciples in the first century attracted sincere ones and united them for work under a central governing body. In communities where the response was good, congregations were formed to give regular training and instruction. Those associated were strengthened spiritually, helping them to endure times of tribulation. (Heb. 10:24, 25; 1 Pet. 5:8-10) In our day it is Jehovah’s purpose “to gather all things together again in the Christ.” (Eph. 1:9, 10) As a result, we have a worldwide “association of brothers.”—1 Pet. 2:17.

• ⁷ The weekly Bible study should include instruction that will help students appreciate the organization and take advantage of provisions for their salvation. Take a few minutes each week to relate or describe something about the organization and how it functions. You can find helpful talking points in the November 1,1984, Watchtower. The brochures Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century and Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide discuss major facets of the organization and how they may benefit us. Arranging for Bible students to view the video Jehovah’s Witnesses —The Organization Behind the Name will let them see for themselves what it is accomplishing. Selected reports and experiences from the Yearbook can show the success of the work in countries and cultures other than our own. Other publications may also be used. Over a period of time, progressively explain such things as why we go from house to house, the purpose of our meetings, how we finance our work, and the worldwide scope of our activity.

• ⁸ Getting acquainted with other Witnesses can have a stimulating effect on new ones, broadening their concept of the congregation. To that end, invite other publishers to sit in on the study from time to time. Someone in the congregation with a similar background or similar interests might add a new dimension to your student’s outlook. Perhaps an elder can accompany you just to get acquainted. Arranging for the circuit overseer or his wife to visit the study may prove to be a real blessing. If there are Witnesses who live close by, getting them acquainted with the Bible student may provide additional encouragement for the student to attend congregation meetings.

• ⁹ Encourage New Ones to Come to Meetings : New ones need to realize how important it is to attend the meetings. Try to stimulate their interest. Point out articles that will be covered in the Watchtower Study. Mention titles of upcoming public talks. Relate highlights of the material to be covered in the Theocratic Ministry School and Congregation Book Study. Express your own feelings about what you learn at these meetings and why you feel the need to attend. If you are able, offer transportation. A phone call before the meeting might provide an additional incentive to attend.

• ¹⁰ When a Bible student does come to a meeting, make him feel welcome. Introduce him to others, including the elders. If he is attending the public talk, introduce him to the speaker. Show him around the Kingdom Hall. Explain the purpose of the literature and magazine counters, contribution boxes, library, and yeartext. Let him know that not only is the hall a house of worship but it is also a center from which the preaching work is locally organized.

• ¹¹ Explain how our meetings are conducted. Show the student the publications we use. Point out that the Bible is our primary textbook. Everyone can participate, including young children. Explain that all the music and lyrics in our songbook were composed by Jehovah’s Witnesses for use in our worship. Call attention to the variety in the backgrounds of those attending. Make positive comments about the spirit of friendliness and hospitality. This kindly, sincere interest may be one of the strongest factors in prompting the student to come again.

• ¹² Why Some May Be Holding Back: Often, in spite of all you do, some are reluctant to move closer to the organization. Do not quickly give up. Try to put yourself in their place. Up to this time, likely they have not really felt the need to attend religious services except on special occasions. Members of the family or close friends may be pressuring them. They may feel intimidated by neighbors who make disparaging remarks. And, of course, they may be subject to a variety of distractions associated with social and recreational pursuits. They may view these as insurmountable barriers; you need to help them to see things in proper perspective and “make sure of the more important things.” —Phil. 1:10.

• ¹³ Give Scriptural reasons to persevere. Stress that all of us urgently need the encouragement and spiritual upbuilding that we receive from our association together. (Rom. 1:11, 12) Jesus made it clear that family opposition is not a valid reason to hold back. (Matt. 10:34-39) Paul urged us not to be ashamed to identify ourselves publicly as Jesus’ disciples. (2 Tim. 1:8, 12-14) Personal pursuits and distractions have to be controlled; otherwise, they become a snare. (Luke 21:34-36) Those who merit Jehovah’s blessing have to be whole-souled, never halfhearted. (Col. 3:23, 24) Instilling appreciation for such Bible principles may open the way for them to progress spiritually.

¹⁴The Doors Are Open: Jehovah’s house of true worship is elevated above all others. The invitation is being sounded in 229 lands around the world: “Come,... let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah,... and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” (Isa. 2:3) A positive response by new ones can save their life. Directing their interest to Jehovah’s organization is one of the best ways we can help them.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of January 4 to April 19, 1993. 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. In conducting a Bible study, it may sometimes be better not to answer all the questions brought up, but to save certain ones for future consideration. [80 p. 94 par. 14]

• 2. One of the main objectives of the Theocratic Ministry School is to help us to become more effective in the field ministry. [80 p. 96 par. 1]

• 3. In the Theocratic Ministry School, the points on which counsel is to be given will always be those on which the student was previously notified to work, [80 p. 101 par. 7]

• 4. Until now there has been no support of 1 Kings by archaeology, [si p. 65 par. 4 (1983 ed., p. 65 par. 4)]

• 5. It is not enough for the counselor merely to tell a speaker that he did well or that he needs to work again on a particular speech quality. [80 p. 103 par. 13 (1971 ed., p. 103 par. 15)]

• 6. Often a weakness in door-to-door presentations is that the introduction is too long, and the householder wonders when the Witness will get to the point. [80 p. 115 par. 14]

• 7. If a congregation has voice-amplifying equipment, then it is not necessary to counsel student speakers on the matter of volume. [80 p. 117 par. 6]

• 8. When giving a student talk, pauses are so important that it is suggested that a speaker even indicate on his manuscript or outline where he especially wants to pause. [80 pp. 120-1, pars. 20, 23]

• 9. The prediction of the spirit medium in En-dor did not come true in any respect. (1 Sam. 28:19) [Weekly Bible reading; see w79 2/15 p. 6.]

• 10. The experience of David and Bath-sheba should emphasize to parents that their conduct can greatly affect their children. (2 Sam. 12:13, 14) [Weekly Bible reading; see w86 3/15 p. 31.]

Answer the following questions:

• 11. Wherein did Eli and Saul fail? [si p. 57 par. 27 (p. 57 par. 27)]

• 12. When writing letters, how can you show interest in the one to whom you are writing? [80 p. 89 par. 13]

• 13. How can we effectively direct our hearers to the Bible when giving a talk? [80 p. 122 par. 3]

• 14. What is meant at 2 Samuel 18:8, which says: “The forest did more in eating up the people than the sword did”? [Weekly Bible reading; see w87 3/15 p. 31.]

• 15. Who caused David to take a count of the Israelites? (2 Sam. 24:1) [Weekly Bible reading; see w92 7/15 p. 5.]

• 16. At 1 Kings 8:12, why did Solomon state: “Jehovah himself said he was to reside in the thick gloom”? [Weekly Bible reading; see w79 7/15 p. 31.]

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• 17. How have there proved to be people like the queen of Sheba in our day? (1 Ki. 10: 4,7) [Weekly Bible reading; see su p. 149 par. 8.]

• 18. What archaeological evidence supports the account at 1 Kings 14:25, 26? [Weekly Bible reading; see ce p. 212 par. 31.]

• 19. What does 1 Kings 15:14 mean when it says that ‘Asa did not remove the high places’? [Weekly Bible reading; see w80 12/1 p. 28 ftn.]

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

• 20. When writing a letter to give a witness, always show on the outside

of the envelope, [sgr p. 87 pars. 7, 8]

• 21. To avoid private speculation when preparing a talk, the should be

used and relied upon, [s# p. Ill par. 13]

• 22. To accomplish the purpose of a talk, no more material should be introduced than . [s<7 p. 112 par. 19]

• 23. When 1 Samuel 25:37 says Nabal’s “heart came to be dead inside him,” it means that he evidently had. [Weekly Bible reading; see also w80 6/15 p. 30.]

• 24. The covenant described at 2 Samuel 7: 12, 13 is the. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 2/1 p. 14.]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 25. Jeremiah evidently completed the writing of 1 Kings in (1040; 607; 580) B.C.E. [si p. 64 (p. 64)]

• 26. Second Samuel covered the period between (c. 1180-1078; 1077-c. 1040; 1040-911) B.C.E. [si p. 59 par. 3 (p. 59 par. 3)]

• 27. Care must be exercised to use in the introduction only (what interests the audience; what makes you enthusiastic; what contributes to your purpose in speaking), [s# p. 114 par. 8]

• 28. Today, the modern-day Rephaim are (dictatorial rulerships; the clergy; the United Nations). (2 Sam. 21:20) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 1/1 p. 20 par. 8.]

• 29. According to 1 Kings 6:1, Solomon began to build the temple in (1037; 1034; 1020) B.C.E. [Weekly Bible reading; see si p. 285 par. 8 (p. 284 par. 8).]

• 30. At 1 Kings 18:21-40, the real issue was which god (had the most devotees; had the support of superior authorities; should be served). [Weekly Bible reading; see w84 7/15 pp. 8-9.]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

2 Sam. 1:26; 6:6, 7; 13:14, 15; 1 Ki. 1:1; Heb. 10:23-25

• 31. Each one has a personal responsibility to comment at the meetings. [s<? p. 92 par. 7]

• 32. Good intentions do not alter God’s requirements. [si p. 63 par. 30 (p. 63 par. 30)]

• 33. There is a superlative bond of loving unity between the “other sheep” and the remnant. (John 10:16) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 1/1 pp. 25-6.]

• 34. Just because a young man expresses passionate love for a girl and insists on having relations with her does not necessarily mean that he sincerely loves her. [Weekly Bible reading; see yy p. 140 par. 22.]

• 35. It is not uncommon for older people to find it hard to keep warm. [Weekly Bible reading; see also #82 6/8 p. 22.]

Announcements

□ Literature featured for April and May: Watchtower and Awake! magazines as well as any brochure (except the School brochure). June: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. July: Any of the following brochures may be used: Does God Really Care About Us?, Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making All Things New,” Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, or The Government That Will Bring Paradise. NOTE: Congregations that will need the above-mentioned campaign items should request them on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14).

■ Where practical, elders should arrange for the congregation to share in evening witnessing as daylight hours increase.

■ Beginning in April, district convention badge cards for 1993 in Chinese, English, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese will automatically be included with literature shipments. It will not be necessary to request these. Based on the size of each congregation, cards will be shipped in lots of 25. If additional badge cards are needed by the congregation, these should be requested on a Literature Request Form (S(d>14). It is necessary to request plastic badge card holders for any in the congregation who desire them.

■ New Publications Available:

Amharic: Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13); What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe? (Tract No. 14). Arabic: Does God Really Care About Us? Cambodian: The Government That Will Bring Paradise; Will 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). Dutch: Jehovah’s Witnesses—What Do They Believe? (TractNo. 18; for Jews). Greek: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Korean: Watch Tower Publications Index 1971-1985. Laotian: Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). Maltese: Does God Really Care About Us? Polish: Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Russian: A Peaceful New World—Will It Come? (Tract No. 17; for Jews); Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20). Samoan: Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). Swahili: Should You Believe in the Trinity? Tamil: What Do

Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe? (Tract No. 14); What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract No. 16). Thai: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide. Ukrainian: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Vietnamese: What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract No. 16).

Remember to Use Brochures

When witnessing from house to house or informally, the conversation frequently turns toward a subject covered by one of our attractive brochures. Everyone should especially have this in mind while featuring The Watchtower and Awake! during April and May. By always having several different brochures along with the magazines you will be featuring in the ministry, you will be equipped to offer just what is needed to give an effective witness. During April and May, feel free to use any one of the brochures (except the School brochure) along with or instead of the magazines you will be featuring.—Compare Proverbs 15:23.

Question box

■ How should serving as an auxiliary pioneer be viewed?

Auxiliary pioneering should be viewed as both a privilege and a serious responsibility. Tens of thousands of publishers each month are appointed to serve as auxiliary pioneers, and some do so continuously. We commend these zealous publishers whose circumstances permit them to spend the required 60 hours in field service each month that they serve as auxiliary pioneers. Elders as well as others should encourage publishers who apply for auxiliary pioneer service to take their appointment seriously and avoid any inclination toward a casual attitude.

As with regular pioneers, those who volunteer as auxiliary pioneers for one or more months should first count the cost. (Luke 14:28) This includes determining ahead of time whether they can reasonably expect to spend the required amount of time in the field ministry without neglecting other Christian responsibilities. A person’s decision to enroll as an auxiliary pioneer should be made after prayerful consideration of his personal circumstances. It should not be prompted by emotions stirred because others are applying. It should be a reasoned-out decision, accompanied by making a written schedule for fulfilling the requirements. It is important to read the application carefully and decide in one’s own heart that he can honestly say yes to what is required.

Of course, extra exertion is involved. Certain months during the year lend themselves well to becoming “intensely occupied” with preaching the good news. (Acts 18:5) These include the Memorial season of March and April and the months when the circuit overseer visits the congregation. Many publishers gladly discipline themselves to follow a somewhat stringent schedule so as to have an extra share in the preaching work during these periods of special activity, appreciating that rich blessings are often the result. (2 Cor. 9:6) Many publishers make special efforts to pioneer during vacation months and any month during the year that happens to have five full weekends. But in signing up, they appreciate the need to adhere to the principle ‘Let your Yes mean Yes’ by doing their very best to report 60 or more hours each month they serve as auxiliary pioneers. —Matt. 5:37.

Publishers who may not be able to pioneer can help by making themselves available to work with the auxiliary pioneers, arranging definite appointments with them. It is helpful to stay out in service longer with the pioneers when possible. Pioneers may especially appreciate having the support of other publishers during early morning, late afternoon, or early evening hours. Auxiliary pioneers are glad to be invited to work with others in making return visits and starting home Bible studies. Those who can thus be supportive of the auxiliary pioneers are bound to reap the greater happiness that comes from giving. —Acts 20:35.

Diligence on the part of the many auxiliary pioneers is deeply appreciated. Those able to join them can expect rich blessings. (Prov. 10:4) When can you next share in the joys of increased activity as an auxiliary pioneer?

‘Of all the magazines being published today, only The Watchtower and Awake! can help sincere readers find the path to everlasting life. As you converse with people during April and May, some will show unmistakable interest in the Kingdom message, and you may draw their attention directly to the latest magazines or one of the Society’s colorful brochures. Others may initially show little interest. In such cases, first you might discuss a point or two in a tract; then if the householder shows further interest, tie in the tract with the magazine or brochure you are featuring.

² You could say:

■ “Most people would agree that in today’s world, there are more problems than solutions. Did you know that many of our most serious problems were foretold in the Bible?” Then you may turn to pages 4 and 5 of the tract Will This World Survive? and discuss some of the problems.

³ If you are featuring the April 1 Watchtower and the householder shows interest in what you have read from the tract, you can point to the article entitled “Follow the Light of the World” and explain how Jesus Christ will ultimately solve all man’s problems. Then offer to return at a convenient time to discuss the matter further.

ⁱIf the April 8 “Awake!” is being highlighted, you could use the introduction outlined in paragraph 2 of this article and then add:

□ “Many are skeptical of the ability of religion and politics to solve our problems, but they wonder whether science has the answer.” Then read an appropriate point in the article “Can Science Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century?” It is quite likely that this article will appeal to many young people, especially students.

⁵ When featuring the “Look!” brochure, you might use a different approach:

□ “Many people wonder what happens to us when we die. Some say we go either to heaven or to hell; others are not sure. The Bible’s answer is both surprising and reassuring.” Then you could introduce and discuss portions of the tract What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? Thereafter you could refer to pages 16 and 17 in the brochure if the householder shows interest in the tract.

• ⁶ When witnessing to Jewish people, use the tract A Peaceful New World —Will It Come?, which features quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures. You could ask the householder the two questions presented in the first paragraph of the tract. After he responds, direct his attention to the first paragraph on page 3. This points to the Messiah as the means by which the peaceful new world will come. If the householder shows further interest, use the April 1 Watchtower in the way suggested in paragraph 3 of this article.

• ⁷ If you are a new publisher, you will no doubt appreciate a simple approach. Why not obtain a supply of the tract Will This World Survive? and follow the suggestions outlined above in paragraph 2?

• ⁸ We are honored to bring the message of salvation to the homes of people. In our search for ‘deserving ones,’ let us make good use of our tracts and tie them in with other literature when interest is found.—Matt. 10:13.

  Simple and Effective Return Visits

  
  

• ¹ Do you regularly make return visits, or do you generally find it difficult because of not knowing what to say? There is no need to feel intimidated. Three things will help you to be successful: (1) good preparation; (2) ability to discuss one or two points on a few simple Bible subjects; and (3) willingness to listen to the viewpoint of the householder.

• ² In preparing to make the return visit, consider what subject would be appropriate to discuss with the householder. Is he a student? Many students will have extra time to discuss Bible topics this month as they enjoy a break from their studies. You will likely find some to be open to the Kingdom message. Did you raise a question at the end of your previous visit, or did the householder show interest in a particular subject? Review your notes, and use the Reasoning book to locate the information you will need to make an effective return visit. When you make the call, be warm and friendly. Greet the householder by name.

• ³ If you placed The Watchtower and Awake! with the householder, your return visit could be based on one or two simple points you have selected from a magazine. If you placed a tract on the initial call, you may either comment on the tract itself or follow up the placement by referring to an appropriate point in a magazine or a brochure.

• ⁴ If you placed “A Peaceful New World—Will It Come?,” simply say:

■ “The last time I called, we spoke about God’s promise of a peaceful new world. As we discussed, better conditions will come by means of God’s Kingdom. What do you think is required for us to be a part of that peaceful new world?” Allow the householder to comment, then share the thought at Psalm 37:9,11, 29.

• ⁵ If you placed “What Hope for Dead Loved Ones?,” these brief

remarks may get a discussion started:

tn “At the end of our last conversation, I left you a tract entitled What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? The third paragraph raises some interesting questions: ‘Why do people die? Where are the dead? And how can we be sure they can live again?’ The next subheading, entitled ‘Death, and What Happens When We Die,’ answers each question. I happen to have an extra copy of the tract here. Notice what it says in the fourth paragraph.” Then as the householder follows along, read the paragraph, including the two scriptures, and ask the householder for his viewpoint. Listen carefully to what he has to say, and follow through accordingly.

• ⁸ During the course of the discussion, the householder may express a number of viewpoints that are not. accurate. It is not necessary to take issue with everything he says. Rather, stick to the topic being discussed. Any unscriptural ideas he may have can be corrected during future return visits.

• ⁷ By all means plan to follow up on any interest by making simple and effective return visits during April.

'&> 1993 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania All rights reserved Our Kingdom Ministry (US PS 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York. Inc., and International 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.

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