OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

• ¹ As was true in the first century, the growth that the Christian congregation is experiencing today is phenomenal. (Acts 2:41; 4:4) Last year, 366,579 new disciples were baptized, an average of over 1,000 each day! More than one million were baptized in the last three years. Indeed, Jehovah has kept on adding multitudes of believers.—Acts 5:14.

• ² The many new ones who lack experience in Christian living need assistance and training from those who are strong in the faith. (Rom. 15:1) Among the early Christians were some who, even years after their baptism, had failed to “press on to maturity.” (Heb. 5:12; 6:1) That is why, in his letter to the Hebrews, Paul highlighted areas in which Christians need to grow spiritually. What are these, and how can needed help be offered?

• ³ Acquiring Good Study Habita: In harmony with Paul’s instruction, being a good student involves actively learning, repeating, and using the “solid food” provided by Jehovah’s organization. (Heb. 5:13, 14; see the August 15, 1993, Watchtower, pages 12-17.) By engaging new believers In spiritual conversations and sharing with them precious gems of truth that you have uncovered through personal research, you may stimulate them to acquire good study habits. Perhaps occasionally you could invite a new one to join you in your personal or family study.

³ Attending Meetings Regularly: Your faithful example and loving words of encouragement will help new members of the congregation to avoid another area of concern mentioned by Paul—“the custom” some have of missing Christian meetings. (Heb. 10: 24, 25) Help them to appreciate that the meetings are their spiritual lifeline to the congregation. Take the Initiative to make them feel welcome as part of our brotherhood.

• ⁵ Approaching Jehovah With Confidence: To overcome fleshly weaknesses and personality flaws, we must seek Jehovah in prayer, expressing to him our deepest thoughts and most intimate concerns. New ones must learn that by supplicating Jehovah for help, as Paul urged, they need not falter. (Heb. 4:15,16; 10:22) Relating your personal experiences in this regard will strengthen a new one’s confidence that Jehovah hears heartfelt prayers.

• ⁶ Allocating Tima for the Ministry: Paul also showed that when we “always offer to God a sacrifice of praise," it is spiritually strengthening. (Heb. 13:15) Can you invite a new publisher to join you in your weekly arrangements for field service? Perhaps the two of you could prepare your presentations or consider a feature of the ministry that the newer one has not yet tried.

¹ The multitudes being added are a cause for great joy. Our expending ourselves In training and exhorting new members of the congregation will help them to develop the strong faith needed to ‘preserve alive their souls.’ —Heb. 3:12,13; 10:39.

• ¹ By means of the disciple-making work, we teach others what God requires of them. (Matt. 28:19, 20) A tremendous effort to do that is being put forth worldwide by more than five million Witnesses. Success is not measured by the hours spent, the literature placed, or the Bible studies started. We achieve our objective when people understand and act upon what they learn.

• ² Helping others spiritually involves “making the inexperienced ones understand.” (Ps. 119:130) Hearts are touched and people are motivated only when they “get the sense of it.” (Matt. 15:10) As our work expands and intensifies, we come to appreciate more and more the need to speak and teach with simplicity. That is why the Society has published the brochure What Does God Require of Us? It contains a well-rounded study course that covers the funaamental teachings of the Bible. The lessons are short, the wording is uncomplicated, and the instruction is easy to comprehend, giving the brochure wide appeal.

’This brochure will be featured along with the magazines during the months of April and May. It is recommended tfhat when you plan your weekly service activity, you arrange to offer the magazines on Saturdays but feature the brochure in your ministry during the rest of the week. Take the brochure to people who have readily accepted literature in the past. Remember that it can be especially useful In teaching children, people who speak a foreign language, and those who have limited reading ability.

• ⁴ Use a Simple Approach: When presenting the Require brochure, refer to page 2, where it explains that “this brochure is designed as a Bible study course.” Point to paragraph 3 on page 3 to show why the person needs to study the Bible. Stir his interest with some of the lesson titles that reveal simple Bible truths. Demonstrate how this brochure makes learning a pleasure, and offer to give him personal help.

• ⁵ Conduct a Progressive Study: Our goal is to do more than just conduct studies—we want to make disciples who will become firm supporters of true worship. The brochure can be covered in a matter of weeks and should lead right into a study of the Knowledge book. (See the footnote on page 31.) Right from the start, help the student identify Jehovah’s organization. (See Reasoning book, pages 283-4.) Emphasize the value of congregation meetings, and explain that attending them provides a comprehensive understanding of how to practice true worship.—Heb. 10:24, 25.

’A full share in this special work during April and May is sure to bring us the joy that comes from helping sincere ones to “acquire understanding” that leads to life—Prov. 4:5.

Week Starting April 7

Song 100

12 mln: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Mention talking points in current magazines.

15 min: “Multitudes Are Being Added.” Questions and answers. Review key suggestions covered in August 15,1993, Watchtower, pages 12-17.

18 min: “Help Inexperienced Ones Understand." Questions and answers. Review features of the Require brochure: simplified study method, timely questions, appealing illustrations, abundant Scripture references. Stress the goal of starting studies that eventually lead Into the Knowledge book. Have a capable publisher demonstrate how to start a study using the approach outlined in paragraph 4. Encourage all parents in the congregation to study the brochure with their young children.

Song 130 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 14

Song 107

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. As time permits, briefly relate local field experiences about placing the Require brochure or starting Bible studies using it.

15 min: “Directing Students to the Organization Behind Our Name.” (Paragraphs 1-6) Questions and answers. Read paragraphs 5-6 and the cited scriptures. Relate local experiences about the reaction of Bible students to seeing the video Jehovah’s Witnesses —The Organization Behind the Name.

20 min: “Teach Others What God Requires." Audience discussion of paragraphs 1-4. Have presentations in paragraph 5 demonstrated, using four different settings—on the street, at a house, in a business place, and at a park. Remind all to pick up brochures and magazines for field service before leaving the Kingdom Hall tonight.

Song 126 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 21

Song 113

15 min: Local announcements. Explain that it is not too late to submit an application for auxiliary pioneering in May. Review the Question Box, and let the congregation know if certain books are needed to fill out the library in the Kingdom Hall.

15 min: “Directing Students to the Organization Behind Our Name.” (Paragraphs 7-14) Questions and answers. Have a capable teacher demonstrate how to have a kindly heart-to-heart discussion with a student about the need to attend meetings.

15 min: Making Full Use of Our Literature. Talk by an elder. (See September 1995 Our Kingdom Ministry, pages 3-5.) Reports show that congregations often order many more magazines than they actually distribute each month. Up to 50 percent are never reported as placements. (Show what the statistics indicate locally.) What happens to these magazines? Many end up on a shelf or are thrown away. How can this be avoided? Each publisher should carefully estimate his needs and order only what he can place. Make it a practice to offer magazines to all we contact. Do not let older issues go to waste. Share in magazine service regularly. Bear in mind that we need to mention the donation arrangement and to turn in all donations promptly.

Song 128 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 28

Song 121

15 min: Local announcements. Remind all to turn in their field service reports for April. Announce the names of those who will auxiliary pioneer in May. Outline the additional arrangements that are being made locally for meetings for service. During May a special effort should be made to follow up brochure placements with the goal of starting studies. Briefly suggest ways we can tactfully request the name and address of people we witness to informally. You could give your name and address first and ask if there is a phone number where they can be reached. Invite audience to offer other suggestions that have worked for them.

15 min: “Why Do They Do It?” An elder discusses article with two or three regular pioneers. (If not available, use ones who enroll often as auxiliary pioneers.) Include highlights from article “Pioneers Bestow and Receive Blessings,” in the January 15, 1994, Watchtower. Have each one explain why he or she has taken up the pioneer service. Ask them to relate experiences showing how they have been blessed for doing so.

15 min: Local needs. Elders may use this time to present information on specific local needs.

Song 129 and concluding prayer.

• ¹ It was foretold about the Christ that ‘sheer zeal for God’s house would eat him up.' (Ps. 69:9) Jesus’ zeal for the true worship of Jehovah Impelled him to put the ministry first. (Luke 4: 43; John 18:37) This same zeal to bear witness to the truth is reflected today in the ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Last service year, an average of 645,509 worldwide shared in some form of pioneer service each month. In view of our dedication to God, each of us should prayerfully consider whether we can arrange our circumstances in order to serve as an auxiliary or a regular pioneer. —Ps. 110:3; Eccl. 12:1; Rom. 12:1.

• ² Living in a system of things that is selfishly materialistic, many in the world find it hard to understand why anyone would work so hard in the ministry for something that brings no monetary benefits and no glory. Why do pioneers do it? They know that they are engaged in a lifesaving work. Motivated by deep love for Jehovah and for their fellowman, they feel a strong, personal obligation to help save lives. (Rom. 1:14-16; 1 Tim. 2:4; 4:16) A pioneer couple summed it up well by saying: “Why are we pioneering? Could we ever justify it before Jehovah if we did not?”

• ³ Another sister wrote this about her decision to start pioneering: “My husband and I made plans to live on a single income, which meant giving up all nonessentials. Yet, Jehovah richly blessed us, never abandoning us to poverty or need. ... I have found a real reason for living —that of helping needy ones to come to know that Jehovah, the true God, is not far from those who seek him." Seeing the urgency of the times, pioneers are content with the necessities of life while they earnestly seek to acquire spiritual treasures that will last forever.—1 Tim. 6:8,18,19.

• ⁴ If your personal circumstances permit, why not join the hundreds of thousands of your brothers and sisters worldwide who are pioneering? That way you can experience their same joy.

Directing Students to the Organization . Behind Our Name

aJuw*_u/t A™           ?_________________________________

• ¹ “It is a message spoken in more than 200 languages. It is a message heard in more than 210 lands. It is a message delivered personally wherever people may be found. It is all part of the greatest preaching campaign the world has ever known, a message uniting millions earth wide. Jehovah’s Witnesses have been organized to accomplish this work for more than a hundred years!”

  Students make faster spiritual progress when they see the organization for themselves

  
  

• ² Thus begins the narration of the video * Je-jftovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind'the Name. It proceeds to answer the questions: Who really are Jehovah’s Witnesses? How is their activity organized? Directed? Financed? It impresses upon viewers the fact that “Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide have been trained as an organization to assist their neighbors to build faith in the Bible,” and it encourages them to see for themselves the organization behind our name. After seeing this video, a woman who< was studying burst into tears of joy and appreciation and said: “How can anyone not see that this is the organization of the true God, Jehovah?”—Compare 1 Corinthians 14:24, 25. X

• ³ Another woman had studied the Bible off and on for a long time, but she could not accept the fact that the Trinity is a false doctrine. Then she and her husband were shown our video. ^They were very impressed with the presentation and watched it twice the same night. At their next study, the wife expressed her desire to become a Witness. She said she had been focusing on her belief in the Trinity and failed to look at our organization and the people in it. From the video she realized that she had found God’s true organization. She wanted to start preaching from house to house right away. After it was explained to her what the necessary steps are for becoming an unbaptized publisher, she said: “Let’s get busy with it.” She resigned from her church, started in the field service activity, and became proficient at refuting the Trinity.           -p

• ⁴ It has been well established' that Bible students make better spiritual progress and grow to maturity more rapidly when they recognize Jehovah’s organization and associate with it. Significantly, after the 3.000 were baptized at Pentecost, “they continued devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to association together.” (Acts 2:42, ftn.) It is essential that we help students to do the same today. How can we? ,

• ⁵ Shoulder the Responsibility: Every disci-/C pie maker must realize that it is his responsibility f to direct the Bible student to God’s organization. (1 Tim. 4:16r~Each study session should be viewed as a stepping-stone toward the happy day when the new one will symbolize his dedication to Jehovah by water baptism. One of the questions that he will be asked during the baptism ceremony is: “Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?” Hence, it is important that he realize he cannot serve God without actively associating with the true Christian congregation.—Matt. 24:45-47; John 6:68; 2 Cor. 5:20.

• ⁶ Continue to educate the student about the lo- )/-cal congregation and the international organiza- J tion behind Jehovah’s Witnesses. Do this at each f Bible study session, beginning with the first one. From the very start, invite the student to the 1/ meetings, and keep on inviting him—Rev. 22:17.

• ⁷ Use the Tools That Are Provided: Our best publications for use in conducting home Bible ^z studies are the brochure What Does God Require of Us? and the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. Both highlight the need for association with the congregation. The end of lesson 5 in the Require brochure states: “You need to keep learning about Jehovah and obeying his requirements. Attending meetings at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses will help you to do so.” The Knowledge book repeatedly encourages the student to associate at meetings. Chapter 5, paragraph 22, extends this invitation: “Jehovah’s Witnesses . . . warmly urge you to share with them In worshiping God ‘with spirit and truth.’ (John 4:24)” Chapter 12, paragraph 16, states: “As you continue this study and make it your custom to attend the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, your faith will be fortified even more.” Chapter 16, paragraph 20, says: “Make it your custom to attend the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” It adds: “This will help you to understand and then apply the knowledge of God in your life and will bring you happiness. Being a part of the worldwide Christian brotherhood will help you to stay close to Jehovah.” Chapter 17 thoroughly discusses how one finds true security among God’s people. As we study with others, it is our responsibility to emphasize these portions of the material.

  
  
  

  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, APRIL 1997

  
  

• ⁸ The brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide is a fine tool that has been produced to acquaint individuals with the only visible organization Jehovah is using today to accomplish his will. The detailed information it contains about our ministry, meetings, and organization will encourage the reader to associate with us in worshiping God. Once a Bible study is established, it is recommended that we give the student a copy of this brochure to read on his own. There is no need to

study it with him as was done in the past.

• ⁹ Some of the videos that the Society has produced are excellent tools for directing students to the organization behind our name. It would be good if they could watch (1) The New World Society in Action, the review of the 1954 film that captured the smooth, efficient, and loving spirit with which Jehovah’s organization functions; (2) United by Divine Teaching, which examines the peaceful unity that has been displayed at our international conventions in Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia; (3) To the Ends of the Earth, which marked the 50th anniversary of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead and shows the effect the missionaries have had on the worldwide preaching work; (4) Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault, which tells the thrilling story of the Witnesses’ courage and triumph in the face of Hitler’s brutal persecution of them; and, of course, (5) Jehovah’s Witnesses —The Organization Behind the Name.

• ¹⁰ Set Progressive Goals Regarding Meetings: It has to be explained to students that we need both the private tutoring that is provided in the home Bible study setting and the classroom discussions that are provided at congregation meetings. (John 6:45) A new one needs to progress equally in his understanding of both the Scriptures and the organization. To that end, there is no substitute for attending the meetings. (Heb. 10:23-25) Start inviting the person to the congregation meetings right away. Some newly interested ones start attending meetings even before having a regular home Bible study. Of course, we want to set the proper example ourselves by being in regular attendance.—Luke 6:40; Phil. 3:17.

  Do not delay inviting students to attend meetings

  
  

• ¹¹ Share enough information about the meetings and how they are conducted so that the student will feel at ease when attending his first meeting. Since some people are very uneasy when going to new places for the first time, it may be advantageous to accompany the student to the Kingdom Hall when he attends his first meeting. He will feel more at ease if you are with him as he meets members of the congregation. By all means, be a good host to your visitor, making him feel welcome and comfortable.—Matt. 7:12; Phil.

2:1-4.

• ¹² Encourage the student to attend a special assembly day, circuit assembly, or district convention at the first opportunity. Perhaps you can include him in your transportation arrangements.

• ¹³ Instill Heartfelt Appreciation: Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry, page 92, explains: “If your own deep appreciation for Jehovah’s organization is reflected in your conversations with interested people, it will be easier for them to grow in appreciation and will move them to make greater advancement in getting to know Jehovah.” Always speak positively, never negatively, about your local congregation. (Ps. 84:10; 133: 1, 3b) In the prayers that you offer on the Bible study, mention the congregation and the student’s need to associate regularly with it.—Eph. 1:15-17.

• ¹⁴ We certainly want new ones to develop heartfelt appreciation for the delightful companionship and spiritual security that are found among God’s people. (1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 2:17; 5:9) As Jehovah’s Witnesses, let us do all we can to direct students of God’s Word to the organization behind our name.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of January 6 to April 21, 1997. 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. Years before the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead was established, the good news was brought to foreign fields by Witnesses who learned the truth abroad and returned to their homelands to preach, [jv p. 428 par. 2]

• 2. Gideon was able to defeat the Midi-anites because of his military background, [it-1 p. 933 pars. 1-2]

• 3. In fulfillment of Zechariah 9:2-4, Tyre was completely destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. [si p. 169 par. 4]

• 4. Eve was correct when she stated that she had produced a son (Cain) “with the aid of Jehovah.” (Gen. 4:1) [it-1 p. 772 par. 2]

• 5. Although C. T. Russell was well-known as a gifted public speaker, it was his sincere interest in people that made him an effective evangelizer. [jv p. 404 par. 2]

• 6. The black race did not descend from Ham’s son Canaan, whom Noah cursed, [it-1 p. 1023 par. 5]

. 7. Among the “goats” mentioned at Matthew 25:31-46, who will suffer everlasting cutting-off, will be active members of Babylon the Great and their religious leaders. [Weekly Bible reading; see w95 10/15 p. 26 pars. 1315.]

S-97   #291a   4/97

• 8. As a result of severe persecution in / Europe, the number of publishers there decreased dramatically during World War II. [jv p. 454 par. 2]

• 9. Forgiving others clears the way for ■ our sins to be forgiven by God. [Weekly Bible reading; see w94 9/15 p. 7.]

• 10. Gabriel is one of only two faithful an-' gels the Bible mentions by name, [it-1 p. 876 par. 5]

Answer the following questions:

• 11. What striking method was used in

  12.

  13.

  
  

London, England, in 1938 to advertise the convention talk “Face^the Facts”?< [jv p. 447 par. 2]

What two roles filled by Jesus Christ

were described at Zechariah 6:12, 13? [si p. 172 par. 25]

The arrangement for congregations to share in making contributions to the Society Kingdom Hall Fund is an

example of the application of what principle? [jv p. 344 pars. 3-4]

from Jesus’ sacrifice at thisjtime? \kl pm, 68-9 pars. 17-19]

15. Wnyshould we not hesitate to explain to householders that our work is

supported by voluntary donations? \iv, p. 349 par. 4]

In what sense did “Elijah the prophet” make an appearance in the first century, in fulfillment of Malachi 4:5? [si p. 174 par. 15]

• 17. How did sin spread to all mgn? [kl p. 58 par. 13]

• 18. Where in the book of Matthew do we ^r- find the sound counsel Jesus gave on i settling serious difficulties? [Weekly Bible reading; see w95 7/15 p. 22.]

• 19. WhaVtslft? “denarius^ ^rnenti^ed'in Jesus’ parable recorded at Matthew 20:1-16? [Weekly Bible reading; see gt 97 par. 6.]

• 20. List two things that have been proved

by God’s permission of wickedness, [kl pp. 77-8 pars. 18-20]

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

• 21. The first three Gospels are often called synoptic, meaning “

[si p. 175 par. 3]

• 22. Greed caused           , Elisha’s at

  leprosy, [it-1 p. 905 par. 2]                         ~ , .      . ,,              , ..

  ^{J L} . ^r                       God is not the cause of the numer-

  23. Refusing to heed a warning frcmj^to^ _Ous hardships that plague mankind, chiefs of the military forces,                     _p. 71 par. 3]         /.

  
  

tendant, to try to benefit materially from his master’s cure of was assassinated by Ishmael and his men. [it-1 p. 903 par. 12]

• 24. Jehovah used the prophets

and            rekindle His people’s

enthusiasm for temple reconstruction. [it-1 p. 1018 pars. 4-5]

• 25. The “spirit” that departs from humans at death is the           that

originates with God. (Ps/ 146:4) [kl p. 81 pars. 5-6]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 26. There is evidence that Matthew wrote his Gospel in (Hebrew; Aramaic; Greek) and later translated it into (Hebrew; Aramaic; Greek), [si p. 176 par. 6]

• 27. (Jezebel; Sarah; Hagar) figured in a symbolic drama in which she represents the nation of fleshly Israel, which was cast off from Jehovah’s favor. [it-1 p. 1018 par. 2]

• 28. Many West Africans first became acquainted with the truth through the stimulating Bible discourses of (Edwin Skinner; W. R. Brown; Juan Muniz), [jv p. 433 pars. 2-5]

• 29. (Haman’s; Hamath’s; Hanun’s) prideful attempt at genocide of the Jews was frustrated by Queen (Ruth; E_s-ther; Deborah), [it-1 p. 1024 par. 2]"

• 30. Jesus became the Messiah at his (birth; baptism; resurrection), which took place in the year (2 B.C.E.; 29 C.E.; 33jgE.). [kl p. 65 par. 12]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below: 1 Sam. 1:12-16; Matt. 4:8-10; Matt. 16:19; Jas. 1:13; 1 John 5:19

• 32. Jesus’ true followers refuse to become involved in the political affairs of this world. [Weekly Bible reading; see w96 5/1 p. 12 par. 9.] y r?'/#

• 33. Knowledge concerning the Kingdom of God would open up the way to heaven for Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles. [Weekly Bible reading; see w91 3/15 P-5.] '•/?

• 34. If on occasion we are misjudged by someone, a humble attitude and a respectful reply will usually achieve the greatest amount of good, [it-1 p. 1031 par. 5] /

• 35. Christians have good reason to keep

separate from the world, [kl p. 60

par. 18]

Announcements

■ Literature offer for April and May: Individual copies of The Watchtower and Awake! on Saturdays and the brochure What Does God Require of Us? at other times during the week. June: Knowledge Thal Leads to Everlasting Life. Concentrate on starting home Bible studies. July and August: Any of the following 32-page brochures: Does God Really Care About Us?, Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Government That Will Bring Paradise, What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It?, and When Someone You Love Dies.

■ Those associated with a congregation should send all new and renewal subscriptions for The Watchtower and Awake!, including their personal subscriptions, through the congregation.

■ The Society does not fill individual publishers’ requests for literature. The presiding overseer should arrange for an announcement to be made each month before the congregation monthly request for literature is sent to the Society so that all interested in obtaining personal literature items may advise the brother handling literature. Please keep in mind which publications are special-request items.

■ Beginning in April, district convention badge cards for 1997 in Chinese, English, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese will automatically be included with literature shipments. It will not be necessary to request these. If additional badge cards are needed by the congregations, these should be requested on a Literature Request Form (S-14). It is necessary to request plastic badge

CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY

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

card holders for any in the congregation who desire them.

■ An English translation of the brochure Lasting Peace and Happiness —How to Find Them has been produced in addition to the Chinese and Simplified Chinese editions. Since this brochure is designed for use only in studying with Chinese people, it will not be widely distributed in the English-language field.

■ A packet of legal materials is available to assist publishers who are involved in lawsuits over child custody and visitation matters where our religion is under attack. The packet should be requested by the body of elders only in such a case if it is evident that the publisher’s religious beliefs will be at issue. Helpful information can be found for those facing secular issues on child custody or visitation in Awake! of October 22, 1988, pages 214, and the chart found in Awake! of April 22, 1991, page 9.

• ■ New Publications Available:

Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15)     —Hiligaynon, Sinhalese

The Government Thal Will Bring Paradise                  —Slovenian

What Does God Require of Us? —Welsh

• ■ New Videocassettes Available: Purple Triangles —Italian. Portuguese To the Ends of the Earth —Portuguese United by Divine Teaching    —Polish

■ New Compact Discs Available: Kingdom Melodies Volume 4 (cdm-4)

Question box

■ What publications should be put in the Theocratic Ministry School library?

An abundance of spiritual publications have been provided for the benefit of God’s people. Since many publishers do not possess all of these personally, the Theocratic Ministry School library at the Kingdom Hall provides means for research in publications that might not otherwise be available. Thus, it should be well equipped with a variety of Bible translations, the current publications of the Society, copies of Our Kingdom Ministry, bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake!, and the Watch Tower Publications Indexes. Additionally, a good modern dictionary should be added. If available, encyclopedias, atlases, or reference books on grammar and history may be useful. However, our primary focus should be on the publications provided by “the faithful and discreet slave.” —Matt. 24:45.

In some cases it is reported that books of a questionable nature have been put in the Theocratic Ministry School library. It would not be appropriate to include fictional material, Bible commentaries that highlight higher criticism, or books on philosophy or spiritism. The Theocratic Ministry School library should include only material that will enable those using it to make continued spiritual advancement.—! Tim. 4:15.

The school overseer is responsible for the library, although another brother can be assigned to help him in caring for it. He should see that the library is kept current, with new publications being added as soon as they become available. Each book should be clearly marked on the inside cover with the name of the congregation to which it belongs. Annually, the books should be checked to see if any need repair or replacement.

Everyone can cooperate in caring for the library. Care should be exercised in handling and using the books. Children should not be allowed to play with them, nor should anyone mark them. A neat sign may be displayed as a reminder that the books are not to be taken from the Kingdom Hall.

With new congregations constantly being formed, it is likely that many libraries are limited in size. Some publishers who own our older publications might consider donating them to the congregation. The elders may want to order the Society’s reprints of Watchtower bound volumes. In these ways, the Theocratic Ministry School library will prove very useful in helping all to uncover the hidden treasures of God’s Word, which give knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.—Prov. 2:4-6.

Requires

• ¹ Many people can still be found who have been spiritually deprived of “hearing the words of Jehovah.” (Amos 8:11) While some believe that God exists, they are unaware of his purpose and requirements. Thus, there is a need for us to teach them lifesaving Kingdom truth. By being properly equipped and prepared to witness at every opportunity, we can reach those who want to learn what Jehovah requires.

• ² During April and May, we will have very timely issues of The Watchtower and Awake! to distribute. Additionally, for the first time, we will feature the brochure What Does God Require of Us? Its eye-catching illustrations and thought-provoking questions give this brochure wide appeal. The following suggestions are offered to help us use our excellent publications to good advantage.

• ³ Searching Out People: In areas where many people are not at home when we call from house to house, it is proving beneficial to search out and talk to people wherever they are found. The September 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry insert encouraged us to preach the good news everywhere—on the street, on public transportation, and in parks, parking lots, and business places. It also made us conscious of the need to create opportunities to preach informally. As an example of this, a pioneer sister went to the zoo and took with her a supply of the August 8, 1996, Awake! with the series “Endangered Species—Why Be Concerned?” Within an hour, she placed 40 copies with some very appreciative animal lovers! What success have you enjoyed thus far preaching the good news everywhere? The Watchtower and Awake! as well as the Require brochure are especially suited for all kinds of witnessing because they feature information that touches people’s lives and stimulates thinking ability.

• ⁴ Starting Conversations: The back page of the October 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry gives details on how to prepare your own presentation for the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. The same suggestions will work well when preparing your presentation for the Require bro-chureCWhat we say can be as brief as a few sentences or long enough to include a Scriptural thought. It is important to select the opening words carefully, since they may determine whether the person you approach will continue to listen.'.Some have been successful with thisr opening comment: “I read an article that was encouraging to me, and I want to share it with you.” Or an interesting question can be raised to draw the other party into a conversation.

^bIf appropriate in your area, you might try asking questions like the following in your presentations this month:

■ “Today we see so much graffiti, litter, and pollution. What will it take to clean up the earth and make it a better place in which to live?” Allow for a response, and then explain that you have information that assures us of how and when the earth will become a global garden. Share a specific comment, a brief scripture, and a colorful illustration from a current magazine, and then offer it to the individual for him to read. Mention that many who enjoy reading our publications offer a donation, which we gladly put toward our worldwide work. Before you end the conversation, try to arrange to continue it at another time.

■ “Do you think that God meant for us to live surrounded by troubles sualyas those we are faced with to-dayT After the person answers, you coulu say: “Likely you are familiar with the prayer Jesus taught his followers to pray, asking for God’s Kingdom to come. Have you given thought to just what the Kingdom of God really Is?” Turn to lesson 6 in the Require brochure, and read* the questions that are posed at the beginning of the lesson .’Then, as you read paragraph 1. point out the answer to the first question. Explain that the rest of the questions are answered Just as concisely. Offer the brochure, mention the arrangement for donations, and offer to meet again to share more information about the Kingdom.

■ “Many thinking people are beginning to view the religions of the world as the cause of man’s problems rather than being the solution.

What do you.think about that?” AL-y ter~hstening to the person’s view- ( point, show something from one of the current magazines that may capture his interest about false religion’s failure or its approaching downfall. Ask if he would like to read it. Exchange names, and offer to make contact again so that you can explain how it is that true religion has not failed mankind. Wherever appropriate, explain how the interested person may make a small donation.

■ “With so many problems In family life today, have you ever wondered what is the secret for obtaining family happiness?" Wait for a response,A and explain that in the Bible, God reveals the real secret of family happiness. Perhaps you could read Isaiah 48:17. Then turn to lesson 8 in the Require brochure, and pointtp some of the cited Bible verses that provide re-liable"guidance for each member of the family. Read the list of questions at the beginning of the lesson. Ask if the person would like to read the answers. If so, give him the brochure and explain that although there is no charge for it, we do accept modest donations to support our worldwide work. Offer to return another time to share more of the practical guidance that the Bible contains for.happy family life.

⁶ The insert in the Maren 19sJ7 Kingdom Ministry encouraged us to-* muster up boldness to make return visits. It recommended using the Require brochure to start Bible studies, if not on’the initial call, then on the return visit. Mankind’s greatest need is to learn what God requires and then to do it. (Col. 1:9, 10) We will greatly benefit others during April and May if we can begin to teach them what we know about Jehovah's requirements for life.—1 Cor. 9:23.

© 1997 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society ot New Vtrrk. Inc., and International Bible Students Association. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. NY 11201-2483. Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn. NY and at additional mailing offices, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, c/o Watchtower. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. NY 11201-2483                      Printed in U.S.A.

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