OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

May 1997                        For United States of America                        Vol. 40, No. 5

• ¹ On one occasion Jesus said: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me.” (Matt. 16:24) We certainly want to respond positively to Jesus’ words. Let us examine what is involved with each phrase of his invitation.

• ² “Let Him Disown Himself”: When we dedicate our lives to Jehovah, we disown ourselves. The basic meaning of the Greek word translated “disown" is “to say no.” That means we voluntarily surrender our own ambitions, desires, comforts, and selfish pleasures—being determined to please Jehovah throughout all eternity.—Rom. 14:8; 15:3.

’ “Pick Up His Torture Stake": The Christian’s life is a life of carrying the torture stake of sacrificial service to Jehovah. One way the spirit of self-sacrifice may be reflected is by exerting oneself in the ministry. So far this year, many publishers have been enjoying the auxiliary pioneer work. Perhaps you are among them and can affirm that the blessings you derive more than compensate for the sacrifices you make. Those who are unable to serve as auxiliary pioneers have frequently arranged to spend more time in the preaching work as congregation publishers. To that end, some congregations are scheduling their meetings for field service a few minutes earlier than they once did. With the arrival of spring, many publishers appreciate having this longer period for field service. Some have had excellent results too when they decided to call on ‘just one more house’ or to work ‘only a few minutes longer.’

‘Another way the spirit of selfsacrifice is displayed is by the setting of personal goals. With careful planning and by adjusting their schedule, some have become regular pioneers. Others have been able to arrange their affairs so as to make themselves available for Bethel or missionary service. Some have moved to an area where there is a greater need for Kingdom publishers.

• ⁵ “Continually Follow Me”: Although Jesus’ disciples experienced many trials, they were encouraged by his zeal and endurance in the ministry. (John 4:34) They felt renewed in their spirit by his presence and his message. That is why those who followed him radiated genuine joy. (Matt. 11:29) Let us likewise encourage one another to endure in the all-important work of Kingdom preaching and disciple making.

• ⁶ May we all react positively to Jesus’ invitation to follow him continually by cultivating the spirit of selfsacrifice. As we do, we will have great joy now and can look forward to even greater blessings in the future.

  Conducting Progressive Home Bible Studies

  
  

• ¹ What is it that a nurse in Tanzania, a youngster in Argentina, and a mother in Latvia have in common? The 1997 Yearbook (pp. 8, 46, and 56) reports that all three made rapid progress in their home Bible studies, thanks to their willingness to have more than one session each week in the Knowledge book. It has been recommended that whenever possible, publishers should endeavor to discuss one chapter of the book during each study session. However, some find that it is a challenge to do so. Although much will depend on the circumstances and the aptitude of each student, experienced teachers have found success by implementing the following suggestions.

• ² As was discussed in the June 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry Insert, it is necessary to train your students to prepare for the study. At the very start, it would be good to explain and demonstrate how this is done. Show them your personal study copy of the Knowledge book. Prepare the first lesson together. Help the students to find the key words or phrases that directly answer the printed question and then underline or highlight them. Some publishers have even given their students a highlighting marker. Encourage them to look up all the scriptures as they prepare for the study. In the process, you will also be training them to prepare for attending the Congregation Book Study and the Watchtower Study.—Luke 6:40.

• ³ A good teacher will draw out the student and not talk too much himself. He avoids becoming sidetracked on minor points. Rarely would he bring in outside material. Instead, he highlights the main points of the lesson. Some have provided students with additional literature to help them find answers to questions. Further, interested ones will receive additional detailed information through attending congregation meetings.

< It may not be necessary to look up all the cited scriptures in the lesson. Some main points might be explained from the quoted texts in the paragraph. During the review, highlight the key scriptures that were discussed and encourage the student to remember these.

• ⁵ How Long Should Each Session Last?: The study need not be limited to one hour. Some householders have time available and may desire to study longer. Or the student may wish to study more than once a week. This would be beneficial for those who can do so.

• ⁶ As Isaiah 60:8 portrays, today hundreds of thousands of new prais-ers of Jehovah “come flying just like a cloud, and like doves to their birdhouse holes” into the congregations of his people. Let all of us do our part in working closely with Jehovah as he speeds up the ingathering of sheeplike ones.—Isa. 60:22.

NOTE: Our Kingdom Ministry will schedule a Service Meeting for each week during the summer months. Congregations may make adjustments as needed to allow for attending the “Faith in God’s Word” District Convention and then for a 30-minute review of the program highlights at the Service Meeting the following week. The day-by-day review of the district convention program should be assigned in advance to two or three qualified brothers who will be able to focus on outstanding points. This well-prepared review will help the congregation remember key points for personal application and for use in the field. Comments from the audience and experiences related should be brief and to the point.

Week Starting May 5

Song 130

io min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

12 min: “Follow Jesus Continually.” Questions and answers. Include experiences from the June 1, 1993, Watchtower, page 12.

23 min: “Show Genuine Concern for All the Interest Found." Audience discussion. Stress the need to follow up all Interest. Suggest some tactful ways to request the home address of those met in public places so that we can witness to them further. Have capable publishers demonstrate two of the presentations suggested in paragraphs 6-9. Review the box, “How to Be Successful in Making Return Visits,” on page 3 in the March 1997 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. Encourage all to schedule some time each week to make return visits.

Song 151 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 12

Song 133

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

12 min: Question Box. Talk by an elder.

23 min: “1997 ‘Faith in God’s Word' District Convention.” (Paragraphs 1-15) Questions and answers. Read paragraphs 8, 10, and 13. Stress the Scriptural importance of carefully maintaining our modest Christian appearance and conduct and of property supervising our children.

Song 162 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 19

Song 139

7 min: Local announcements. Announce special field service arrangements for May 26.

20 min: “Conducting Progressive Home Bible Studies.” Capable brother discusses article with one or two publishers who do well in conducting studies. Using portions of the Knowledge book as examples, they relate teaching techniques that help them to keep the study moving at a steady pace and that allow them to discern what the student is actually learning.—See June 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, paragraphs 5, 8, 12, and 21.

18 min: “1997 ‘Faith IrTcfod s Word' District Convention. (Paragraphs 16-22) Questions and answers. Read paragraph 16 and the cited scriptures. Emphasize need for orderliness and consideration for others, especially when it comes to seating. Conclude with a brief talk reviewing “District Convention Reminders.” Song 165 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 26

Song 148

15 min: Local announcements. Review literature offer for June. Using the Knowledge book, explain how the thoughts in paragraphs 17-19 on pages 10-11 could be used to prepare a brief presentation. Give a reminder about mentioning the donation arrangement. Encourage all to concentrate on endeavoring to start studies. Stress the need to help interested ones progress quickly.—See the January 15, 1996, Watchtower, pages 13-14.

12 min: “Why Do We'Keep Going Back?” Questions and answers. Include points from the box on page 570 in the Proc/aimefsJjogJj, 18 min: Local needs. Tajk'b/an eT der or a discussion by two elders, addressing a spiritual need of the congregation. Give Scriptural exhortation and practical suggestions for improvement.

Song 174 and concluding prayer.

■ What cautions are needed when we are in association with someone of the opposite sex in connection with our ministry?

We have reason to expect that our brothers and sisters intend to adhere to the highest moral standard in their personal conduct. Nevertheless, we live in an unclean and permissive world that has few moral limitations. While we may have the best of intentions, we must be on guard constantly to avoid causing reproach or getting involved in something improper. This includes being careful while engaged in the ministry.

In field service we often encounter people of the opposite sex who manifest what appears to be a sincere interest in the truth. If we are alone when we make the call and there is no one else at home, usually it would be best to give a witness at the door rather than go inside. If there is interest, arrangements can be made to return when we will be accompanied by another publisher or when others in the household will be present also. If this is not possible, it would be wise to turn the call over to a publisher of the same sex as the householder. This also applies to conducting Bible studies with someone of the opposite sex.—Matt. 10:16.

We need to be careful when choosing someone to work with in the ministry. Although publishers of the opposite sex may work together at times, this is best done when with a group. Ordinarily, even while in the ministry, it is not wise for us to be spending time alone with someone of the opposite sex who is not our marriage mate. Hence, the brother in charge of the service group should use good judgment when assigning publishers, including teenagers, to work together.

By always using good judgment, we will avoid “giving any cause for stumbling” to either ourselves or others.—2 Cor. 6:3.

• ¹ The apostle Paul reminded Timothy that “all Scripture is inspired of God.” (2 Tim. 3:16) Since God’s Word is inspired, we have every reason to exercise faith in it. The theme of this year’s district convention is “Faith in God’s Word.” The program will strengthen our faith in the Bible, whether we have known the truth for many years or have just recently come into contact with Jehovah’s organization. All of us should arrange to be in attendance for the entire program. How upbuilding it will be if newly interested persons, particularly those with whom we study the Bible, attend with us!

• ² Three-Day Convention: This year a three-day district convention program has been arranged for our benefit. The February 15, 1997, Watchtower lists 193 conventions to be held in the contiguous United States. By now you have been informed of the convention to which your congregation is assigned, and you should have made definite plans to attend all three days of the program. Have you approached your employer to get the needed time off? If you have school-age children and your convention falls during the school term, have you kindly informed their teachers that your children will be absent on Friday for this important part of their religious training? —Deut. 31:12.

• ³ In addition to English, there will be conventions in American Sign Language, Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

• ⁴ The program will begin each day at 9:30 a.m. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. The only ones permitted to enter before that time will be those with work assignments, but they will not be allowed to save seats until the building opens for everyone. —Phil. 2:4.

• ⁸ Do Well by Paying Attention: The apostle Peter reminded first-century Christians that they would do well to pay attention to the prophetic word as to a lamp shining in a dark place. (2 Pet. 1:19) The same is true of us. Living in this old world that is under Satan’s control is like being in a dark place. We are grateful to have been called out of spiritual darkness. (Col. 1:13; 1 Pet. 2:9; 1 John 5:19) To remain in the light, we need to keep our faith strong by paying attention to the inspired Word of Jehovah. Our district convention this summer will encourage us to do just that.

• ⁶ Effort may be required on our part if we are to concentrate on the program, but we certainly will be blessed for doing so. We should endeavor to come to the convention site well rested so that we will be alert during the sessions. Allow ample time to get to the convention site each day in order to be in your seat before the program begins. Then join in the opening song and prayer at the start of each day’s program. Adults should set the example, and parents should train their children. —Eph. 6:4.

• ⁷ If we look over the titles of the parts before the day’s program begins, we can try to anticipate what points might be brought out during that session. This will enhance our interest in the material when it is presented. We may look for points that will help us express to others why we believe in God and in his sure promise to reward those earnestly seeking him. (Heb. 11:1, 6) It has been recommended that we take brief notes to help us remember the main points of the program. If we take too many notes, we may miss some key points because we are too busy writing.

• ⁸ Last year many adults and youths were again observed walking aimlessly through the corridors, milling around outside, and visiting with others while the program was in progress, rather than listening to what “the faithful and discreet slave” had provided for our benefit. Jesus promised to give us spiritual food at the proper time. (Matt. 24:45-47) Therefore, we ought to be present to benefit from that food and not show a lack of appreciation. (2 Cor. 6:1) It also seems that when some children get restless, they often ask to use the rest room as an excuse to get up and walk around. Proper training at home will usually make frequent trips to the rest room unnecessary. At times, older youths sit together in remote places, talking, whispering, and passing notes to each other. Our young people, who face many pressures today, need to concentrate on the material being presented, not to be doing other things during the program. Youthful desires that do not harmonize with Bible principles should be avoided. (Compare 2 Timothy 2:22.) The attentiveness of all, adults and youths, will honor Jehovah and make him rejoice.

• ⁹ If it becomes necessary for one of the attendants to give anyone counsel in these matters, it should be accepted as a loving provision from Jehovah. (Gal. 6:1) All need to remember that the reason we put forth effort to attend the convention is so that we may ‘listen and learn.’ (Deut. 31: 12) Also, “a wise person will listen and take in more instruction.” (Prov. 1:5) In the time remaining before you attend the convention, discuss as a family the need to sit together in the audience, remain seated during the program, and be keenly attentive, in order to gain the full benefit of the program.

• ¹⁰ Adornment That Pleases Jehovah: Jehovah’S people are on display for all the world to see. (1 Cor. 4:9) We are generally noted for our fine standard of dress and grooming. Applying the Scriptural principles found at 1 Timothy 2:9, 10 and at 1 Peter 3:3,4 has resulted in great changes in the appearance of many compared with how they looked when they began associating with the Christian congregation. This is in sharp contrast to the steadily deteriorating standards of dress and grooming that we see in the world. We want to be on guard that we do not become like the world in our appearance—wearing outlandish clothing, promoting worldly fads in hairstyles, or being immodestly dressed. Our exemplary dress and grooming should help new ones who attend the convention to see how Christians ought to adorn themselves.

• ¹¹ While the general impression left as a result of last year’s conventions was very favorable, worldly dress and grooming continue to be a problem with some of the brothers and sisters, especially during leisure time. While making our plans to attend the convention, we should analyze ourselves as to our dress and grooming. Parents, wisely monitor what your young children and teenagers are going to wear. Make sure we are not letting worldly styles and fads have a bad effect on our Christian appearance.

• ¹² Maintain Fine Conduct: Fine conduct is a mark of true Christians. (1 Pet. 2:12) Our behavior wherever we may be—at the convention, at restaurants, and in hotels, as well as when traveling—can give a fine witness and help others to see what faith in God and in his Word can do for people. This may move some to come to know Jehovah. (Compare 1 Peter 3:1, 2.) We have the privilege of glorifying God by our conduct. The management of one hotel in Alabama said that our delegates are “the nicest and best behaved group they host.” They added: “It will be a privilege to have you back in the future.” A convention and visitors bureau in the northwestern United States wrote: “Each year, the Watchtower Society conference is eagerly awaited by our entire community. Your members are a true delight; conducting themselves with the utmost courtesy and respect. Our businesses recognize this and treasure the return of their ‘family’ of guests each year.” Reports like these are a pleasure to read, are they not? There is a need to remain vigilant, however, so that we may preserve the good reputation of Jehovah’s people.

• ¹³ Many reminders have been given about controlling our children, not letting them run around hotels unattended, disturbing other guests. Each year, the Society receives reports that some of our children are unsupervised in and around the swimming pool or are seen running in hallways and public areas of hotels. One manager who stayed overnight at his hotel was awakened twice after 11:00 p.m. by groups of our children knocking on each room door looking for other Witnesses. Although the conventions provide us the opportunity to visit and associate with our brotherhood, parents must still keep in mind their obligation to provide supervision for their children at all times. This is a responsibility that Jehovah places on every parent. (Prov. 1:8; Eph. 6:4) The unsupervised actions of children can undermine the good reputation that other Witnesses of Jehovah have worked hard to build.—Prov. 29:15.

• ¹⁴ If a hotel provides a complimentary breakfast during your stay, you should not see this as an opportunity to stock up for the noon meal. Hotels have reported that some of our brothers and sisters have come down with plastic bags and filled them with fruit, Danish pastries, and bagels to be consumed later, leaving little for the other guests. Such hotel amenities are provided as a courtesy for guests while at the hotel and must not be abused. To take more than what you will eat during your breakfast meal would really demonstrate a greedy spirit, and it is also dishonest. If an improper attitude on the part of fellow Witnesses is observed, it would be a kindness to remind them of how they should be acting. Also remember, no cooking is to be done in hotel rooms unless they are equipped with a kitchen for that purpose. If you bring an ice chest to your room, please be sure it does not leak or sweat and damage the carpet, furniture, or walls of the room.

• ¹⁵ Keep in mind that tipping is appropriate when you receive a personal service, especially since many who serve the public, such as waiters, waitresses, maids, and bellmen, are dependent to a large extent on tips to make a living. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we want to show good manners in this regard too.—See Awake! of June 22, 1986, pages 24-7.

L ^Covering Convention Expenses: .All of US will have expenses in connection with attending the conventions. There is another expense that we do well to consider. Facilities that are used for conventions are expensive. There are also other expenses that must be cared for. Our generous voluntary contributions at the conventions are greatly appreciated.—Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 9:7 1113

• ¹⁷ Seating: The directions that have been given for a number of years will continue to apply, namely, SEATS MAY BE SAVED ONLY FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS AND ANY WHO MAY BE TRAVELING WITH YOU IN YOUR CAR. It has been good to see that more are complying with these directions in recent years, and this has heightened the loving atmosphere displayed at the conventions. At most sites some seats are more easily accessible than others. Please show consideration, and leave the more convenient seats for those whose circumstances require them.

• ¹⁸ Cameras, Camcorders, and Audiocassette Recorders: Cameras and recording equipment may be used at conventions. However, our use of them must not be distracting to others in attendance. We should not walk around during the sessions taking pictures, as that would disturb others who are trying to concentrate on the program. No recording devices of any sort are to be con-J riected to theelectrical or sound systems, nor should this equipment block aisles, walkways, or the view of others.

• ¹⁹ First Aid: The First Aid Department is for emergencies only. It is not able to care for the chronically ill. That is why you should consider the health needs of yourself and your fam-?~ily in advance. Please bripg your own aspirin, digestive aids, bandages' safety pins, and similar items, as such things will not be available at the convention. Any known to be at risk of seizures, insulin shock, heart problems, and so forth, should anticipate their needs to the extent possible. They should have the necessary medication, and a member of the family or the congregation who understands thelr^Ituatioh should be present with them at all times~to provide any needed assistance. Problems have arisen at conventions when individuals with chronic health problems were left alone and heeame ill The convention administration has had to contact emergency medical services to take them to a hospital. If some with special health needs do not have family members who can assist them, their con- * gregation elders will need to be apprised of the situation and make necessary arrangements to help. No provision will be made at the conventions for special rooms to accommodate those who have allergies.

• ²⁰ Food at the Convention: Having no food service at conventions has resulted in many more being free during all the sessions to concentrate^ on the spiritual food. A number of expressions o^ appreciation for this simplification have been re-. ceived since the arrangement was instituted. All should plan to bring their own practical, nourish-^" ing food items for the noon break, such as thosq^ suggested in the May 1995 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, paragraph 26. No glass containers and no ’ alcoholic beverages are to be brought into the convention iacffity. Food coolers must be small enough to fit under your seat. Some in the audience have been observed eating and drinking during the program. Doing this is disrespectful. Where there is a food court within the convention facility or there are vendors on the outside, some brothers have been observed patronizing these during the program Such a practice is inappropriate^

• ²¹ We truly appreciate our spiritual feast and the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere of fellowship during our short noon breaks. In keeping with the ‘ purpose of this arrangement, instead nf leaving ‘ the facility at the noon break to purchase food, * please bring something with you. Thus, you will have more time to enjoy the fellowship of your brothers and sisters.

• ²² How glad we are that the “Faith in God’s Word” District Conventions will be starting soon! All of us want to be sure that our preparations have been made to attend the whole program, so that we can enjoy to the full the fine spiritual banquet Jehovah has prepared for us through his organization. In that way we will become “completely equipped for every good work” in the days _? ahead.—2 Tim. 3:17. _r           . tfo/k

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Baptism: Baptismal candidates should be seated in the designated section before the program begins on Saturday morning, A modest bathing suit and a towel should be brought by each one who plans to be baptized. In the past some have worn attire that was not appropriate and that detracted from the occasion. Elders reviewing with baptismal candidates the questions in the Our Ministry book should make sure that each one understands these points. After the baptism talk and prayer by the speaker, the session chairman will call for a song. After the last stanza, the attendants will direct the candidates to the immersion site. Baptism in symbol of one’s dedication is an intimate and personal matter between the individual and Jehovah. Thus, it is inappropriate for candidates to embrace each other or to hold hands while being baptized.

Badge Cards: Please wear the 1997 badge card at all times while in the convention city and while traveling to and from it. This often creates opportunities for us to give a fine witness. Badge cards and holders should be obtained through your congregation, as they will not be available at the convention. Do not wait until a few days before the convention to ask for cards for you and your family. Remember to carry your current Advance Medical Directive/Release card.

Rooming: We are asking for the cooperation of everyone in using. ONLY the listing of accommodations provided by the convention. If we bypass the Society’s arrangement and secure accommodations at a hotel not on the approved list or pay more than the agreed-upon rate at one of the listed hotels, we undermine much of the hard work of our brothers Who negotiate with the hotels for better rates. Have in mind that the convention room rates also apply on Thursday and Sunday nights. IF YOU EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM WITH A HOTEL, please do not hesitate to notify the Rooming Department while you are stilT at the convention so that they can assist you in resolving the matter right away. Please realize that it may not be possible for everyone to get a nonsmoking room at a hotel, even if the request was made when the reservation was booked. The same applies to your preference for king, queen, of~dbuble beds. Congregation secretaries should be sure that Special Needs Room Request forms are promptly forward’-ed to the appropriate convention address. If you must caqcel an accommodation made through the spbulaTheeds arrangement, you should immediately notify both the landlord or hotel and the conventionRooming Department so that the room can be reassigned.

Baby Strollers and Lawn Chairs: In most locations, baby strollers cannot be used in places of public assembly. Fire regulations prohibit placing them in corridors 'and aisles or between' rows of seats. Since large crowds may cause congested conditions, strollers are potentially dangerous both to the baby and to any who could stumble over them. So please do not bring strollers to the convention site. Infant or child car seats are permissible, since these can be secured in seats next to the parents. Please do not bring lawn chairs. They are dangerous and are not allowed at large public facilities. Your cooperation is important and appreciated.

Volunteer Service: Can you set aside some time at the convention to assist in one of the departments? Serving our brothers, if onlyfor a few hours, will be very helpful and brings much personal satisfaction. If you can assist, please report to the Volunteer Service Department at the convention. Children under 16 years of age can also make a fine contribution by working under the direction of a parent(6f)other responsible adult.

Words of Caution: Keep alert to potential problems so as to avoid unnecessary difficulty. Often thieves and other unscrupulous individuals prey on people who are away from their home environment. Be sure your vehicle is locked at all times, and never leave anything visible to tempt someone to break in. Thieves and pickpockets focus their attention on large gatherings. It would not be wise to leave any valuables at your seat. You cannot be sure that everyone around you is a Christian. Why offer any temptation? Reports have been received of attempts made by some"outsiders to lure children away. KEEP YOUR CHILDREN IN SIGHT AT ALL TIMEg, ' -^cr "— ~    ’’     *

’Tglevision and video services available in many hotels often feature lewd, pornographic programs. Be alert to this snare, and do not permit children to have unsupervised access to the television in the room. Parents may wish to prevent their children from activating “pay TV” in their hotel room by requesting the hotel to lock out this feature during their stay.

Please dp not phone or write the management of the convention auditorium, seeking information about any convention matters. If the information is not available from the elders, you may write to the address of a specific convention, as found on the back of the Special Needs Room Request forms, one of which is posted on the congregation’s information board.

■ Literature offer for May: Individual copies of The Watchtower and Awake! and the brochure What Does God Require of Us? June: Knowledge That 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.

■ New Publications Available:

“All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial”           —Hungarian

Elementary Bible Teachings —Persian Hellfire—Is It Part of Divine Justice?

(Tract No. 74)           —Persian

How to Start and Continue Bible Discussions                   —Persian

Jehovah’s Witnesses—What Do They Believe? (For Jews) (Tract No. 18)

—Italian Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life            —Hebrew, Persian

Lasting Peace and Happiness—How Can You Find Them?

—Chinese (Simplified) Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15)              —Indonesian

My Book of Bible Stories (Small size)

—Amharic Should You Believe in the Trinity?

—Albanian Sing Praises to Jehovah (29 songs)

—Samoan

Sing Praises to Jehovah (100 songs)

—Amharic Sing Praises to Jehovah—Large Print (Lyrics only)          —Romanian

Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?

—Persian

What Does God Require of Us?

—Turkish

What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe?

(Tract No. 14)          —Sinhalese

What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract

No. 16)                 —Sinhalese

Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses? (Tract

No. 73)                 —Croatian

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on

Earth (Small size)       —Tlgrinya

■ New Audiocassettes Available:

A Revelation to John (single cassette)

—Danish

Awake! on cassette        —Danish

Deuteronomy (set of two cassettes)

—Danish

Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting

Life (five cassettes in an album)

—Italian

Leviticus (set of two cassettes) —Danish Numbers (set of three cassettes)

—Danish

Preserving Life in Time of Famine (Drama, single cassette)       —Italian

The First of Peter through The Letter of

Jude (single cassette)     —Danish

The Secret of Family Happiness (four cassettes in an album)    —English

To the Hebrews, The Letter of James (sin

gle cassette)              —Danish

What Does God Require of Us? (single cassette)       —German, Spanish

■ New Videocassettes Available:

Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against

Nazi Assault            —German

Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization

Behind the Name —Serbian Purple Triangles           —French,

Greek, Spanish

• ¹ Have you ever asked yourself that question, perhaps as you were preparing for a day in service? In some areas where our territory is worked repeatedly, householders may recognize who we are and quickly turn us away. Only a few may respond in a favorable way. Yet, there are many powerful reasons why we keep going back.

• ² First of all, we are commanded to continue preaching the Kingdom message until the end comes. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) The prophet Isaiah wondered how long he would have to continue his preaching work. The answer he received is recorded at Isaiah 6:11. There is no question about it—he was told to keep going back to the people with God’s message. Likewise today, though they may turn us away, Jehovah expects us to continue calling on the people living in our territory. (Ezek. 3:10,11) This is a sacred responsibility that has been entrusted to us.—1 Cor. 9:17.

’Another reason for us to keep going back is that this gives us an opportunity to show the depth of our devotion to Jehovah. (1 John 5:3) Besides, when we contemplate what the near future holds for mankind, how can we hold ourselves back from lovingly trying to warn our neighbors? (2 Tim. 4:2; Jas. 2:8) Our being faithful in carrying out our assignment provides repeated opportunities for them to respond to God’s message of salvation, so that they will not be able to say they were not warned.—Ezek. 5:13.

• ⁴ Additionally, we never know when some people will have a change of heart. It can be prompted by a change in their personal circumstances, a tragedy in their family, or world conditions that cause them to think seriously about their future. Then again, something we say at their door may trigger a favorable response. (Eccl. 9:11; 1 Cor. 7: 31) Also, people move. We may find new residents in our territory who will respond to the good news—perhaps young adults who are now living on their own and are thinking seriously about their purpose in life.

’Will we keep going back? Yes! The Scriptures give us ample motivation to return to the people again and again. In the end, when the preaching work is finished, Jehovah will bless us for our continued effort in the ministry, and he will bless those who have responded appreciatively to the Kingdom good news. —1 Tim. 4:16.

Show Genuine Concern for All the Interest Found

• ¹ The worldwide Kingdom proclamation will soon come to a close, after which all those “who do not know God” will suffer destruction. (2 Thess. 1:7-9) Thus, genuine concern for the lives of others is moving Jehovah’s people to reach as many as possible with the Kingdom message.—Zeph. 2:3.

• ² Every month, millions of hours are spent in searching out those who want to hear “good news of something better.” (Isa. 52:7) In response to the current literature offer, many have accepted copies of The Watchtower and Awake! or the brochure What Does God Require of Us? Genuine concern for these people should prompt us to follow through on all the interest found.—Prov. 3:27.

• ³ Keep Accurate Records: More will be accomplished if you keep a complete and accurate record of the interest and placements. Information such as the householder’s name and address, day and time you called, literature placed, and the subject discussed will help you to be more effective when returning. Also, if you write down some comments made by the householder in your initial conversation, you may be able to refer to them effectively as you resume the discussion on the return call.

• ⁴ Be Prompt in Making Return Visits: How many of those who accepted literature from you last month have you tried to visit again? Have weeks passed by without any further contact? Genuine concern for their everlasting welfare should move you to return as soon as possible, preferably within a few days, so that the conversation will still be fresh in mind. By returning promptly to further their interest, you may be able to forestall Satan’s efforts before he “comes and takes away the word that was sown in them."—Mark 4:15.

• ⁵ Preparation Is Essential: Your effectiveness in making return visits is directly related to how well you prepare. Plan your approach before going. The back page of the April 1997 Our Kingdom Ministry provides several presentations that may be used with good success when you offer the magazines or the Require brochure. The next thing is to have some thoughts in mind to share when you return. What can be said when you follow up interest? How can a Bible study be started?

• ⁶ When following up a discussion on what it will take to clean up the earth and make it a better place in which to live, you might say:

■ “On my previous visit, we agreed that drastic steps need to be taken before the earth can be made into a peaceful paradise. Do you think humans have what is needed to accomplish this task? [Allow for response.] Please note why it will be necessary for God to intervene in man’s affairs.” Read Psalm 37:38. Then turn to lesson 5 in the Require brochure, and use selected portions of paragraphs 4-5 to show how God will fulfill this prophecy. Follow through by offering a Bible study using the brochure.

• ⁷ If you discussed God’s Kingdom and placed the “Require” brochure on the initial call, when returning you could say something like this:

■ “When we last spoke, we identified God’s Kingdom as being a real government that will rule the entire earth. The Bible shows that Christ Jesps will be its ruler. Can you see any benefits in having this kind of government and leader?” Allow for response. Open the Require brochure to lesson 6. Using selected points in paragraphs 6-7 and the illustration on page 13, show what God’s Kingdom will do for mankind in the future. Read Daniel 2:44, and if appropriate, introduce the Knowledge book and offer a Bible study.

* If you found someone who acknowledged that the world’s religions have created problems for humanity, you might ask this on the return visit:

■ “Have you ever wondered how we can know which religion has God’s approval? [Allow for response.] This brochure What Does God Require of Us? gives the identifying marks of true religion.” Turn to lesson 13, and highlight the five italicized points in paragraphs 3-7. You may continue by saying: “In addition to finding the true religion, we must find out what God requires of us individually.” Read John 4:23, 24. Offer to discuss this further. Turn to lesson 1 in the brochure, and demonstrate how we study.

• ⁹ When you return to continue a discussion about family happiness, you could say something similar to the follotving: ■ “When we first met, I shared with you the secret of family happiness, which is to apply the counsel found in God’s Word, the Bible. When it comes to addressing the needs of a modem family, do you believe that the Bible is out-of-date or up-to-date?” Allow for response. Present the Knowledge book. Turn to chapter 2, and read the quotation in paragraph 13. Using the points in paragraph 3, offer a family Bible study.

• ¹⁰ By keeping accurate records, making essential preparation, and returning promptly to further their interest, we can demonstrate the kind of neighbor love that will attract them to the way of salvation—Matt. 22:39; Gal. 6:10.

© 1997 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society ol Pennsylvania. All rights reserved Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society ol New tork. 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.SA

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