Our Kingdom Ministry

September 1993                     For United States of America                    Vol. 36, No. 9

' With the beginning of the 1994 service year on September 1, it is now an appropriate time for all of us as Jehovah's people to establish clearly in our minds what we wish to accomplish as individuals and as an organization during this new service year.

• ² Keep Growing Spiritually: If we are newly associated with the truth, we should desire to become strong in the faith. (Heb. 6:1-3) If we are already spiritually strong, not only should we help new ones and others but we must also pay attention to our own spirituality, never feeling that we have all the necessary Bible knowledge and experience in Christian living. Do we consider the daily text, keep up with the Bible-reading"program set out in the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule, and prepare for the Congregation Book, Study and the Watchtower Study?JThat should be a minimum goal for all of us.

We must keep growing spiritually if we are to survive the destruction of this wicked system of things and be preserved into God’s new world.—Compare Philippians 3:12-16.

• ³ Remain Spiritually Clean: In order to be fully acceptable before Jehovah, we must be cleansed of “every defilement of flesh and spirit.” (2 Cor. 7:1) Once we are clean, why would we want to ‘roll in the mire’ of this wicked old world again? (Compare 2 Peter 2:22.) We must be determined to remain spiritually strong and clean. Then we will not be ignorant of Satan’s evil designs and be overreached, falling into sin and away from Jehovah’s favor.—2 Cor. 2:11.

• ⁴ Heed Wise Counsel: Proverbs 15:22 points out: “In the multitude oTcoun-selors there is accomplishment.’" Remember, though, that the man who spoke those words, Solomon, later allowed 'his wives to incline his heart to follow other gods’ because he failed to heed God’s counsel about not taking foreign wives. (1 Ki. ll:l-4)So unless we personally heed wise counsel, how can we expect to be effective in Jehovah’s service or set an example worthy of being imitated? (1 Tim. 4:15) The Bible’s counsel will help us to safeguard our heart. (Prov. 4:23) Loving what Jehovah loves, hating what he hates, constantly seeking his guidance and the doing of what pleases him are a sure protection. —Prov. 8:13; John 8:29; Heb. 1:9.

• ⁵ Our worship of Jehovah is not something mechanical, not a form of godly devotion like that of professed Christians in the world, but .spirited, active, and alive in accord with the truth as found in God’s Word—John 4:23, 24.

• ⁶ Our determination to do God’s will may be challenged daily. We should be fortified by the knowledge that “the entire association ” of our brothers faces similar tests and that it is Jehovah who will make us stropg. (1 Pet. 5:9,10) Thus we will be able fully to accomplish our ministry during the 1994 service year. —2 Tim. 4:5.

  Starting Home Bible Studies

  
  

• ¹ One of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences for true Christians is to teach someone the truth by means of a home Bible "study. Yet, some may not be enjoying this enriching feature of the ministry because they feel they are unable to start and conduct a Bible study. Many" outstanding publishers and pioneers once felt that way. However, by trusting in Jehovah and by applying suggestions from Our Kingdom Ministry, they learned how to start and conduct Bible studies, and they increased their joy in the ministry. You can have the same goal.

• ² Using the Direct Method and Tracts: One of the easiest ways to start a study is by the direct method. All some people need is a warm invitation to study the Bible. This can be eJone by merely asking the householder..“Would you like to have a personal home Bible study and increase your knowledge of the Bible and God’s purpose for the earth?"Or you could tell the householder that you would be happy to demonstrate the way in which a home Bible study is conducted. Although many may refuse this offer, think of your joy in finding someone who accepts it!

’ Another way to start a Bible study is by using one of our tracts. Although small in size, they present a message that is powerful and convincing. How can a study be started in a tract? Simply by giving the householder a tract that you believe will interest him. There take the initiative, and invite the householder to read the first paragraph with you. Look up the scriptures cited, and discuss how they apply to the material. On the first call, you might consider only one or two paragraphs. As the householder comes to appreciate that he is learning interesting things from the Bible, you may be able to Increase the time you spend in your discussions.

• ⁴ Using Just the Bihio; Sometimes a person is agreeable to discussing the Bible but seems reluctant to accept a formal study or make use of one of our publications. You can still start and conduct a Bible study by preparing interesting Scriptural discussions based on portions of the Live Forever book or the Reasoning book but then using only the Bible when" risiting the interested person. Such discussions may last 15 or 20 minutes, or longer, depending on the circumstances. If done regularly and with a progressive method~7or teaching Bible truths, you have started a Bible study, and it can be reported as such. When the time is right, introduce ttiS'Live Forever book, and conduct a formal study in it.

• ⁵ In addition to finding opportunities in the field ministry, have you endeavored to start Bible studies with neighbors, associates, or family members? Was it some time ago? Have you tried again recently? If one method didn’t work, have you considered trying another?

• ⁶ You can be-successful at starting studies iLyou apply the suggestions given, persevere in the field service, and trustin Jehovah for his blessing. Never underestimate the power of the truth and the help that Jehovah gives. May you increase your joy in the ministry by starting and conducting home Bible studies.

  Service Meetings for September

  
  

Week Starting September 6

Song 164

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

20 min: Fortify Your Children for School. Talk with interviews and demonstration. Christian youths today face issues that many in congregation cannot even imagine. Parents especially must be well-informed about these challenges in order to fortify their children to cope with tests of integrity. Interview three young persons of various ages/What are some specific pressures at school that they must deal with daily? What helps them maintain their good relationship with Jehovah? Arrange for demonstration of a family considering toother paragraphs 2 and 3 on page 11 of School brochure. Children reveal that they are ridiculed and feel ostracized for upholding Bible’s high standards of morality. Family head encourages children by expressing his happiness with their example and reminding them that Jehovah is well pleased with their conduct. (Prov. 27:11) Brother handling part concludes by commendjng young ones, in congregation for their good works and exhorting them to communicate with their parents so that they may be strengthened spiritually throughout this school year. a_z ’ <

15 min: "Helping Others to Recognize a Great Treasure.” Question-and-answer coverage. Remind congregation that Interested people should be given opportunity to contribute to worldwide work. A publisher may simply state: “Although our literature is offered without charge, we are pleased to accept modest donations for our worldwide work.” Or you could say: “If you wish to make a modest donation to the advancement of this Bible educational work, you may do so. Your contribution

June Service report

TOTAL 861,513 Baptized 5,853

will be appreciated and used entirely for the advancement of the Kingdom good news.” When considering paragraph 4, have demonstration of publisher offering Live Forever book to a parent.

Song 108 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting September 13

Song 112

10 min: Local announcements. Include accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Commend congregation for generous support of local needs as well as Society’s worldwide work.

10 min: “Benefit Others by Using Magazines." Talk with demonstrations. Highlight value of making full use of both current and older issues of the magazines. Have two demonstrations, one featuring a current magazine and one showing how to use an older Issue to meet specific need of householder.

15 min: “What Will We Accomplish During This Service Year?" Talk with audience discussion. To be handled by presiding overseer. Review congregation’s past year of service and encourage all to make plans for increased activity during 1994 service year.

10 mln: “Study Live Forever and United in Worship Books.” After reviewing article with audience, have well-prepared publisher demonstrate how to change over from studying Greatest Man book to Live Forever book.

Song 17 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting September 20

Song 100

10 min: Local announcements. Highlight articles in current magazines that

Theocratic News

Chile: Of the 42,778 publishers reporting in April, 8,680 were pioneers. A new peak of 2,820 regular pioneers was reached. Total hours reported for April was 1,009,001.

Lesotho: Publishers reporting in April totaled 1,895, which was a 19-percent increase over last year’s average.

Portugal: A new peak of 41,472 publishers was reached in April There were new peaks also in total hours, return visits, and home Bible studies.

Venezuela: The hard work of 62,074 publishers during April resulted in new peaks in hours, return visits, and home Bible studies. may be featured this week in field service.

20 min: “Assist Sheeplike People to Build on a Solid Foundation." Discuss with audience. Highlight need to prepare for each return visit. Arrange for qualified publisher to demonstrate making a return visit on person who previously took Live Forever book, using information from either paragraph 3 or 5.

15 min: “Starting Home Bible Studies." Questions and answers. After paragraph 4, introduce lively demonstration of a return visit in which only the Bible is used, but based on portions of the Live Forever or Reasoning book, as suggested.

Song 84 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting September 27

Song 109

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News.

20 min: Where Are Our Loved Ones Who Have Died? Family discussion. Using selected material from pages 98-100 of Reasoning book, family head considers the loss in death of a close family friend. He focuses on helping his children to understand the Bible’s viewpoint. He asks questions to make sure that they comprehend what death means and are able to express themselves clearly according to their age. Also, he shows them how they can use the Reasoning book to comfort others.

15 min: Offer Magazines During October. Arrange for three demonstrations, one featuring the current Watchtower, one featuring the current Awake!, and one wherein the householder is quite busy and accepts a tract. After each demonstration analyze with audience why presentation was effective. When appropriate Interest is demonstrated, subscriptions to the magazines or Mankind's Search for God may be offered. Song 21 and concluding prayer.

Congregation book Study

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

September 6 Chapters 117-118

September 13: Chapters 119-120

September 20: Chapters 121<122

September 27 Chapters 123-124

Announcements

■ Literature to be used during September: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. October: Mankind’s Search for God or copies of Awake! and The Watchtower. Subscriptions may be offered on return visits. November: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures with the book The Bible —God'S Word or Man’s? December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. NOTE: Congregations that will need the above-mentioned campaign items should request them on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14). Please request needed extra magazines for October distribution.

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

■ Beginning November 8, 1993, .and running through May 2,1994, the book Making Your Family Life Happy will be considered at the Congregation Book Study.

■ It is important that groups of 30 or more persons planning to visit the Society’s facilities first correspond by mail with the Central Tour Desk at 124 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn, NY 11201. This includes those groups that will be visiting Brooklyn Bethel, Watchtower Farms, the Watchtower Educational Center project site in Patterson, or the Jersey City Assembly Hall. Please provide information on the number com

• ¹ Tracts, brochures, magazines, and books—all can be used to initiate home Bible studies with interested people. Because of its widespread distribution and appeal, the book The Greatest Map Who Ever Lived has been used to start studies. Certainly, everyone should be encouraged to read and study it. We have done this by preparing for and attending the Congregation Book Study regularly.

• ² However, there are two books in particular that should'be studied with new ones to help them understand basic doctrines of the Bible as ingTfhey are: You Can Live Forever ing and the date and time for each location. The Society will provide a description of the tours that are available as well as a map giving directions to each location. Any publisher needing ACCOMMODATIONS MAY OBTAIN LODGING INFORMATION THROUGH THE CONGREGATION ELDERS.

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

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

■ A new Watchtower Publications List has been prepared and four copies are being sent to each congregation. They should be distributed to the secretary and the brothers caring for literature, magazines, and accounts.

■ The Society is now producing English bound volumes of The Watchtower for the years 1970 to 1979 as permanent stock items. Any interested in obtaining these bound volumes should request them through the congregation. Please bear in mind that bound volumes are special-request items.

■ New Publications Available:

Albanian: 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). English: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of in Paradise on Earth and ,United in Worship of the Only True God. It Is recommended that as soon as reasonably possible, those conducting home Bible studies in other publications change over to one of these books. If a study was being conducted m the Greatest Man book, encourage the student to continue reading it on his own. A Bible study should be continued until the Live Forever and the United in Worship books have been completed, even though a person may get baptized before the second book is finished. This procedure will give an added measure of depth and spiritual stability to the Bible student.

God’s Kingdom (Book); What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? (Brochure). English for the Deaf: Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13); Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). French: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom (Book); What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? (Brochure). Portuguese: What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? (Brochure). Russian: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size). Spanish: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom (Book); What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? (Brochure).

■ New Audiocassette Available: English: Doing What Is Right in Jehovah's Eyes (Drama; single cassette).

■ New Videocassettes Available: Arabic: Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name.

Benefit Others by Using Magazines

• ¹ How happy we are to receive the latest issues of The Watchtower and Awake! We cherish the opportunity to read them as soon as possible so that we may benefit from the information that is presented. In addition to looking for material that may help us personally, it is a good idea to look for points.that can be used in offering the magazines to otHers. We may wish to mark portions that would be especially appealing to those in our congregation’s territory or even make notes in the margins of our copy to remind ourselves of talking points and how the article could be presented locally.

• ² Our journals have enduring value. Although we may primarily give attention to presenting the current magazines, there is no need to discard older issues, since the informatlOnltself does not go out of date. Keep back issues in your book bag so that they will be available when witnessing. These may be especially useful when a specific need of the householder becomes known. When an older magazine is left, it is all right to mention briefly to the householder his opportunity to contribute to the worldwide work.

  Helping Others to Recognize a Great Treasure

  
  

• ¹ When we preach to others about the good news of the Kingdom, one of our aims should be to help honesthearted ones appreciate the excelling value of God’s Word. (Phil. 3:8) Our Bible-based literature plays an important part in spreading the Kingdom message. For example, the Live Forever book has helped hundreds of thousands of people to serve Jehovah as a result of the Bible truths they have learned.

• ² Our ministry involves more than simply leaving literature with anyone willing to take It. We need to introduce the message in an appealing manner, listen with discernment to what the householder says, and then be ready to 'reason with him from the Scriptures.’ —Acts 17:2.

• ³ How Can This Be Done? Our introductions can open the way for householders to show whether they are truly interested in the Bible and its message.

You could say:

■ “We’re calling to discuss the meaning of what’s happening around us in the world today. Among many people there has been declining interest in God and in his standards for living as set out in the Bible. This has greatly influenced the attitude of people toward one another. Have you noticed this? (Allow for comment You may refer to specific instances.] Please note the attitude of those mentioned at 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and tell me whether you think this sounds like the world today. [Read; allow for comment.] Is there sound reason to expect better conditions in the future?” If interest is displayed, refer to the picture on pages 12 and 13 of the Live Forever book and direct attention to paragraphs 12 and 13. If interest is limited, then the Peaceful New World tract could be offered.

’ If a parent comes to the door,

we may start our conversation this way:

■ “We're talking to people who are interested in how we can better cope with the problems of family life. We all try to do the best we can, but if there is something that can help us to have greater success, we’re interested, aren’t we? [Allow for response.] The Bible gives direction in this matter as found at Colossians 3:12-14. [Read.] So, what is necessary to enjoy a successful family life? Note what is stated in this publication in the chapter entitled ’Making a Success of Family Life.”’ Read paragraph 3 on page 238 of the Live Forever book. If the householder is busy or does not readily respond, try presenting a recent magazine that discusses family matters or the tract Enjoy Family Life.

• ⁵ We never want to lose sight of our purpose in giving a thorough witness about the Kingdom. (Matt 24:14) By making good use of the Bible and the wonderful provisions of theocratic literature available to us, we can confidently look to Jehovah for his blessing in accomplishing his will during these momentous times.—Gal. 6:9.

  Assist Sheeplike People to Build on a Solid Foundation

  
  

• ¹ Building a house requires careful planning and concentrated effort. After the house is designed, the building site must be prepared and a solid foundation Jaid The project takes shape progressively until it is finally completed. Likewise, we must assist sheeplike people to learn the truth progressively. We endeavor to stimulate interest on the initial call. Thereafter, we make return visits, laying a foundation by teaching basic truths about God and his purpose for mankind.—Luke 6:48.

• ² Before the foundation can be laid, though, we need to prepare the building site, as it were, taking into consideration the circumstances of the householder. What subject was previously considered? What scriptures were used? What was the response? What publication was Jef t? When returning. have specific points in mind, and progressively build the foundation. With each call the householder’s knowledge grows and his faith in God increases.

• ³ If a “Live Forever” book was placed, you might say:

■ “I’m so glad to find you at home. You may recall that when we had our last discussion, we considered the declining interest in God locally. The Bible clearly outlines that God is interested in mankind and that righteous ones will be blessed through his Kingdom. [Read Matthew 6:9, 10.] By means of this Kingdom, righteousness and justice will prevail.” Read Isaiah 11:3-5, and then draw the householder’s attention to the first two paragraphs of chapter 1 of the Live Forever book. Demonstrate how the material can be studied.

’ If the Peaceful New World tract was placed ori ffie initial call, the main points previously considered, about the need for better conditions and the Bible’s promises, could be reviewed. Emphasize that in order to live in the new world, we must take in accurate knowledge. Read John 17:3. Explain that after taking in such knowledge, we must do God’s will. Read 1 John 2:17. Draw the householder's attention to specific points from page 5 of the tract.

• ³ If the subject of family life was highlighted when placing the “Live Forever” book on the initial call, you might say:

■ “The last time that I called, we discussed the subject of family life. We agreed that in order to have a happy family life, the guidelines found in the Bible must be followed. What do you think is needed in order to make a -suic-cess of marriage?" Allow for response. Highlight specific points from the information outlined on pages 243-6Jn the Live Forever book. Ask for the householder’s comments on the illustrations and consider selected points as appropriate. Stress the practical value of Bible principles.

• ⁸ If the Enjoy Family Life tract was left, review the key Bible principles outlined on pages 4 and 5. If interest is stimulated, offer the Live Forever book. Point out chapter 29, “Making a Success of Family Life," and show how this could be considered with the householder and his family.

• ¹ All of us should have a regular share in making return visits. Follow up on all Interest shown by making effective return visits during September.

c 1993 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 ot 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.

4