Our Kingdom Ministry

August 1997                       For United States of America                      Vol. 40, No. 8

• ¹ Two essential features of our worship are attending congregation meetings and sharing in field service. The two go hand in hand. One influences the other. Christian meetings incite to fine works, the finest of which is the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work. (Heb. 10: 24) If we were to quit attending meetings, we might soon cease to preach because we would not be incited to do so.

• ² At weekly meetings, we receive spiritual instruction designed to motivate us to preach. The urgency of the times is kept before us, impelling us to take the Bible’s life-giving message to others. We are encouraged and strengthened to endure in the preaching work. (Matt. 24:13,14) By taking advantage of opportunities to comment at the meetings, we become more accustomed to expressing our faith before others. (Heb. 10:23) By enrolling in the Theocratic Ministry School, we receive training to be more effective ministers and to improve our teaching skills. —2 Tim. 4:2.

• ³ How Service Meetings Incite Us to Preach: All of us are encouraged to look over the material in Our Kingdom Ministry ahead of time. This information is then impressed on our minds as we attend the Service Meeting and see presentations demonstrated from the platform. When in field service, we can think back on Our Kingdom Ministry, recall the presentations that were demonstrated, and thereby give a more effective witness. This has been the experience of many publishers.

• ⁴ As a follow-up to Service Meetings, some make appointments with others to share together in the ministry. Publishers have field points fresh in mind and are stimulated to try them out because these meetings have encouraged them to have a share in the preaching work each week.

• ⁵ There is no substitute for our Christian meetings, where we gather with fellow worshipers and are incited to fine works. If our ministry is to flourish, we must regularly attend the congregation meetings. May we show appreciation for this wonderful provision from Jehovah by “not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together.”—Heb. 10:25.

  Older Ones Preach Without Letup

  
  

• ¹ As people grow older, many of them focus on retiring from their regular secular work and enjoying a carefree life during their remaining years. They may feel that they have worked hard enough and now deserve a rest. Or they may just want to enjoy life, whatever is left of it.—Luke 12:19.

• ² As Jehovah’s dedicated servants, we have a different focus on life. We know there is no retirement from God’s service. Our outlook is positive because we keep “everlasting life in view.” (Jude 21) Years of accumulated knowledge and experience may improve a person’s discernment and insight. This could enable one to become wiser and more balanced and to manifest a deeper appreciation for life. All these attributes serve one well as a minister of the good news.

’Growing old is not just a matter of physical aging; it also involves one’s mental attitude. If you expect to live a long time and you strive to stay young in your outlook, your chances of doing both may increase. Older people can enrich their lives by increasing their spiritual knowledge and sharing it with others. —1 Cor. 9:23.

• ⁴ Real-Life Examples: At the age of 86, one sister said: “When I meditate on the 60 years that have gone by since I learned the truth, God’s reassuring promise wells up in my heart. Yes, Jehovah who will act in loyalty with loyal ones is letting us reap bountiful joy.” (Ps. 18:25) One elderly brother recalled how the death of his wife came as a severe shock to him, after which his health deteriorated badly. He said: “Yet, by Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, I revived sufficiently to be able to enter the pioneer service two years later. How grateful I am to Jehovah that my health has actually improved with this increase in preaching activity!”

• ⁵ How commendable it is that so many older ones are determined to continue preaching to whatever extent their health and strength permit—without letup! They have good reason to exclaim: “O God, you have taught me from my youth on, and until now I keep telling about your wonderful works.” —Ps. 71:17.

  Service Meetings for August

  
  

Week Starting August 4

Song 16

7 mln: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Comment on May field service report for the country and the local congregation.

13 mln: “Meetings Incite to Fine Works.” Questions and answers. Show benefits of upbuilding conversation before and after meetings.—See School Guidebook, page 82, paragraphs 17-18.

25 min: “Rely on Jehovah to Make Things Grow.” Talk and demonstrations. Emphasize the need to make return visits where brochures are placed. Have two well-prepared demonstrations showing how to start studies. Include suggestions from the March 1997 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, paragraphs 7-11.

Song 78 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 11

Song20

5 min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

15 min: “Older Ones Preach Without Letup.” Questions and answers. Include experience about elderly grandmother who auxiliary pioneered, from July 1, 1988, Watchtower, page 13.

25 min: “Kingdom Hall Construction in the United States” and “International Kingdom Hall Construction.” Questions and answers.

Song 71 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 18

Song14

io mln: Local announcements. Review “New Special Assembly Day Program.”

10 min: Local needs.

25 min: Make Return Visits, Using the Brochure When Someone You Love Dies. Show how to raise a question and refer to the brochure for the answer. For example, the brochure answers the following questions: Is there any hope for the dead? (Pages 5-6) Is it wrong to grieve? (Pages 8-9) How can one cope with grief? (Page 18) How can others help? (Pages 20-3) How can children be helped to understand death? (Page 25) What comfort does the Bible give? (Page 27) Then, briefly discuss with two capable publishers how they have used this brochure on return visits to answer questions commonly asked about death. Demonstrate how to use the brochure when making a return visit.

Song 94 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 25

Song23

10 min: Local announcements. Remind all to turn in field service reports. Announce service arrangements for September 1.

15 min: “Get the Best out of School.” Father discusses article with children, including helphil points from December 22, 1995, Awake!, pages 7-11.

20 min: Preach With a Purpose. An elder and one or two ministerial servants review Our Ministry book, pages 8-12. Focus on the compelling reasons why we should maintain a positive, progressive attitude toward our ministry and always cooperate closely with the organization.

Song 100 and concluding prayer.

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

August 4: Chapter* 117-1 IB August 11: Chapter* 110-120 August 18: Chapter* 121-122 August 25: Chapter* 123-124

Get the Best out of School

‘This is the time of year when many youths ask: “Do I have to go back to school already?” Although there may be some challenges and anxieties associated with returning to school, there are also many benefits to be gained by young people who apply themselves so as to get the best out of their education.

• ² A good basic education can contribute to one’s spiritual progress. What a person does during his youth has a great bearing on what he can accomplish as an adult. Even in the matter of schooling, “whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7) Youths who diligently study their school lessons can acquire skills that will make them more useful to Jehovah.

• ³ Careful forethought is required if one is to make the right choices of school courses. Parents should help their children select the ones that offer the most practical training in order to reach spiritual goals in life. By developing their skills, youths will have the advantage of being able to support themselves in the pioneer work. Their basic education should help them to praise Jehovah no matter where they serve.

• ⁴ Young people, try to get the best out of your school years. In doing so, focus on living a full life in sacred service, rather than on pursuing a worldly career. Endeavor to use your life doing Jehovah’s will. Thereby, you will make your way successful, to Jehovah’s praise.—Ps. 1:3.

© 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 of New Wrk. Inc., and International Bible Students Association. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn, NY f 1201-2463. 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

• ¹ When we look at the worldwide field, it is heartwarming to see the grand increase fbeing experienced by Jehovah’s earthly organization. Last year in the United States alone, 246 new con grp Pattons were formed, while a total of 3,288 congregations were added worldwide. With all this growth,"it is not surprising that there is a need for more Kingdom Halls.           , * _{.f.

  
  
  

• ² Many brothers and sisters show outstanding zeal and support for Jehovah’s organization by volunteering their time and assets in Kingdom Hall construction. The 75 Regional Building Cornmit-tees operating in the contiguous United States care foF the needs of about 140 congregations each in their assigned region. ™ approximately - 200 new Klngd                  " d another 200 are renovated. The regional committees have been entrusted with the oversight of these projects, and their labors are appreciated. The entire arrangement for Kingdom Hall construction is accom' plished through the Christian spirit of giving and ¹ self-sacrifice—the opposite of the-spirit-socom-monly displayed in the world.A2 Tim. 3:2, 4/^

• To assist in standardizing Kingdom ITalls, the Society has suppUed regional committees^yitt/a U.S. standard Kingdom Hall design package containing plans on CAD (Computer Aided Design/ Drafting). This has helpecKto economize both the tim^-and the resources of volunteer workers. It has al^cratssisted in the wise administration of the Society Kingdom Hall Fund. Elders now make their selection from these basic designs. After receiving this new tool, one Regional Building Committee stated^’We were very pleased and indeed quite excited to receive the design package.... Brothers experienced in architecture and engineering have es-') timated a saving in time of 50 to 60 percent by using these nW designs. Having this package will also

:orm, consistent st

>As congregations

operate in supporting the standar dom Halls, we anticipate that the load of the many dedicated architects, engineers, an3 contractors who voluntarily offer ttieir assistance will be considerably lightened. f

Volunteers Support a Fino Work: The Society is'grateful to the many volunteers who help with Kingdom Hall construction. It is truly gratifying to see tens of thousands of volunteers offer themselves in all aspects of Kingdom Hall construction.

The success*^ this pro

is possible because of

such a willing, generou# and cooperative spirit on  the part of volunteer /vorkers, who sacrifice timj

e well spent with theipedn-1. es.' (Ps. 110:3; Col. 3:2jyThis j

that could otherwis gregations and f

loving response makes them worthy ~6f our commendation, appreciation, and full support-^RonLj 12:10; Heb l3j>>

" ^s All who'arequalified to assist Regional'Build-ing Comjnittees on a regular basis have been < asked to-Zomplete Kingdom HaU Volunteer Work-^ xyr Questionnaire forms (S-82). The congregation^ C*sends these to the regional committee, indicating a

worker’s qualifications and availabiUty. When there ¹ are adjustments in a volunteer’s status, as when 4 one moves; or is appointed as a ministerial servant h or an elder, new forms should be fiUed out promptly and submitted through the congregation secretary. If a volunteer no longer nuallfies^he elders should immediately inform the regional committee by letter. When more forms are needed, they may be requested on the monthly Literature Request form. The circuit overseerdoo is interested in those who havF volunteered for this field of sacred service. Therefore, he reviews the file containing the copies of the Kingdom Hall volunteer worker questionnaires each time he visits the congregation.

• ⁶ Keeping Construction Costs to a Minimum: / Regional Building Committees have been directed

pervision of a capable elder. Brothers working in this department pursue purchasing leads diligently in order to search out favorable prices through comparison shopping and competitive bidding. In this way, a determination can be made as to which suppliers should be used and which materials should be purchased. Sometimes, during the work on a Kingdom Hall project, qualified brothers in the local congregation are invited to assist in this department.

• ⁷ To ensure that funds will be used as economl— cally as possible, the Regional Building Committee must approve all expenditures from the building/ fund,’ either by countersigning checks or by initialing vouchers. Whenever a Kingdom Hall project, whether new construction or renovation, involves using volunteer help from congregations other than the one(s) that will meet in the hall, the {regional committee has oversight of the project. ?

:                OUR KINGDOM MINISTRy/aOgUsT 1997

• ⁸ Anyone who contracts to do some of the work on a Kingdom Hall should be required to provide proof of workmen’s compensation insurance and liability insurance coverage with necessary minimums met, naming the congregation as an additional insured, as well as lien waivers.

• ⁹ Assisting With the Need in Other Branches: There are occasions when other branches need assistance from regional committeesnn the United States. Such help is often necessary to repair the damage after some disaster or to provide training for a local Regional Building Committee. It is a real expression of love when responsible brothers from this country are willing to travel at their own expense to assist in another country Whgn a request by a branch office isapproved, tnesociety selects a regional committeethat may have a slack period in the Kingdom Hall construction schedule within its own region to serve in this way. This makes for an orderly arrangement.

• ¹⁰ Because of the ever-increasing need for Kingdom Halls in other lands, there is a need to use existing funds as wisely as possible. In the June 15,1995, letterro all congregations in the United States, we were encouraged to economize as much as possible in the construction of new Kingdom Halls and in the remodeling of existing ones. This request has been met with fine cooperation. Thus, as announced in the March 1997 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, a portion of the Society Kingdom Hall Fund is now being used to nrnvirip loans to congregations in lands where a very urgent need exists for more Kingdom Halls but where there are limited resources and severe economic problems.

• ¹¹ The need for more Kingdom Halls in certain lands is emphasized in the 1997 Yearbook. For example, mention is made of Ukraine, where 47 Kingdom Halls have been built thus far and construction of another 56 is under way. The need in such countries is very evident. The report states\“Many more Kingdom Halls are needed in Russia- The increase in the number of Witnesses there is very rapid, but about 85 percent of the congregatiqns under the Russia branch do not have permanent meeting places. In Zimbabwe, where there are some 800 congregations, it has been necessary for many of these to meet out in the open. This has caused some newly interested ones to hold back from attending.” Similar situations exist in other countries in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

^a Although the love of the greater number of mankind has cooled off in these last days, God’s people continue to show evidence of their love for

one another, a love that reaches beyond racial and territorial boundaries. (Matt. 24:12? In imitation of our heavenly Father, maywe continue to show such love through our willing support of Kingdom Hall construction, both in the United States and abroad. Our doing so-wilTbrihg Jehovah’s rich blessing^nd approval.-^Mal. 3:10; Heb. 6:10?^—

international Kingdom Hall Construction ?

• ¹ There is an ongoing need for Kingdom Hall ^construction worldwide. During just the last ser’ vice year, 3,288 new congregations were formed.

Many of these congregations are in Africa, Asia, ,Central and South America, and Eastern Europe.

• ² Previous issues of Our Kingdom Ministry have reported on the progress of Kingdom Hall construction in a number of lands. Still, reports show that one country with 568 congregations has just one Kingdom Hall. Another country has one Kingdom Hall for every 129 congregations. Another has a ratio of one for 41 congregations. Several other countries, with a total of over 1,000 congregations, have not yet been able to construct even one Kingdom Hall This is because of economic problems. While much work has been done, there continues to be a need. We feel sure that the congregations in the United States would like to assist many of these congregations in other countries to have suitable Kingdom Halls.

• ³ This is ip harmony with gjCorinthians 8:14, which says: (“By means of an equalizing your surplus just now might offset their deficiency.” JVlany countries have their own Kingdom Hall Fund, but their economic situation does not permit the local brothers to carry the load of building Kingdom Halls as needed. However^with help from brothers') in other lands, the Society has been able to help/, build 413 new Kingdom Halls and remodel 727 oth-\ ers in just a four-month period in 75 different^ countries. In view of the continuing demand, there is a need to draw on the Kingdom Hall Fund in this/; country to assist with construction in other coun- a tries. While the funds in the United States will con-⁷ tinue to provide loans for needed Kingdom Hall A construction in this country, to the degree that„ these needs are being met and as funds are available, they will also be used to assist congregations outside the United States. We rejoice to see more Kingdom Halls built worldwide to Jehovah’s praise.—Ps. 102:16; Hag. 1:7, 8.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of May 5 to August 18,1997. 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. Hezekiah followed in the footsteps of his father, Ahaz, by promoting the worship of false gods in Judah, [it-1 p. 1103]

• 2. Features of the last days are found only in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. [kl p. 102 box]

• 3. John the Baptizer’s question found at Luke 7:19 reveals that he lacked faith. [Weekly Bible reading; see w87 1/1 p. 16.]

" 4. At Jesus’ last Passover with his disciples, it was only Peter who said to him: “I will by no means disown you.” [Weekly Bible reading]

5. There is no Biblical evidence indicating that the apostle Peter was a married man. [Weekly Bible reading]

^f 6. The Kingdom that Jesus preached about is subsidiary, or secondary, to God’s universal sovereignty, [kl p. 91 par. 4]

7. Herod Antipas was the ruler who ordered the beheading of John the Baptizer. [it-1 p. 1095]

T' 8. When Jesus told the Pharisees; that the Kingdom of God was in their midst, he was referring to himself as the future King. (Luke 17:21) [kl p. 91 par- 6]

9. There is no reasonable explanation as to why the book of Luke contains a vocabulary that is larger than the three other Gospels combined, [si p. 187 par. 2]

' 10. No members of the Governing Body were able to visit Eastern European lands while our work was under ban in that part of the world, [jv p. 506 par. 1]

Answer the following questions:

11. What film released by the Society in 1954 gave audiences worldwide a glimpse of the magnitude of Jehovah’s organization?]^? P- 480 gar^j-.

• 12 .iZ' \&at "waysa*re*some puijlishers meeting the challenge of finding people to speak with in the ministry? [jv, p. 516 pars. 1-3]

• 13. Why did Jehovah instruct Elijah to “anoint Hazael as king over Syria”? (1 Ki. 19:15) [it-1 p. 1046]

• 14. What did Jesus mean when he said: “Have salt in yourselves, and keep peace between one another”? (Mark 9:50) [Weekly Bible reading; see iu85 5/15 p. 24 par. 12.]

• 15. What valuable lesson may we learn from Jesus’ reaction to the poor widow’s contribution? (Mark 12:42-44) [Weekly Bible reading; see w87—12/ly p. 29 par. 7-p. 30 par. 1.]

• 16. How are some of Peter’s characteristics seen in Mark’s style of writing, and what may account for this? [si p. 182 n^irs. 5-6]                      A'"*

• 17. Wh/n we^m^Sr^fiOtth^vv^^^W and Luke 11:2-4, why may we conclude that the model prayer was not meant to be repeated word for word? [Weekly Bible reading; see w90 5/15 p. 16 par. 6.]

• 18. In what way is our confidence in the reliability of the Bible strengthened when we read texts such as Luke 3: 1, 2? [si p. 188 par. 7]

S-97   #292a   8/97

I         f f ~       1 C-'l—- f *

• 19. What scriptures in Psalms and in Hebrews show that Jesus did not begin to rule immediately after ascending to heaven? [kl p. 96 par. 15]

• 20. Since we know that Jesus never lacked faith in God, why did he cry out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) [Weekly Bible reading see w87 6/15 p. 31.]

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

• 21. The marriage of Herod Antipag^and Herodias was both Vt^/k^urfnd under Jewish law. [it-1 p. 1100] '

• 22. Moses asked his brother-in-law^ /y/W/- , to act as a

the nation of Israel during their move from the reginn of Mount Sinai toward the,          . [it-1 p. 1126]

• 23. 7\4zv^-*^(Vking of Tyre, assisted Solomon in building the temple at Je-• rusalenvby providing          and

p. 1121]

• 24. Harold King/and Stanley Jones were sent to (Zfa.A'irf. ⁱⁿ 1947, making it one of the first countries of the Orient to which Gilead-trained missionaries were sent, [yv p. 489 par. 2]

• 25. Sibia and Light were names of gfinZS used by missionaries for witnessing in the West Indies, [jv p. 463 par. 1]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 26. To meet the need for missionaries, (the Theocratic Ministry; the Kingdom Ministry; Gilead) School was established in (1939; 1943; 1946). [jv p. 458 par. 2]

• 27. (Alexander; Diotrephes; Hymenaeus), a first-century apostate" evidently taught that the resurrection was symbolic and that there would be no

resurrection of the dead in the future. [it-1 p. 1164]

• 28. The slaughter of boys under two years of age shortly after Jesus’ birth was ordered by (Herod Agrippa I; Herod Antipas; Herod the Great), [it-1 p. 1093]        *

• 29. Ishmael’s poking fun at Isaac, mentioned at Genesis 21:8, 9, marks the beginning of a period of (400; 430; 450) years of affliction of the Jews, which ended with Israel’s deliverance from (Assyria; Babylon; Egypt) in (537; 740; 1513) B.C.E. [it-1 p. 1216]

• 30. As recorded in (Matthew 10; Matthew 24; Luke 21), Jesus gave specific service instructions to those he sent out to preach, [si p. 180 par. 31]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

Mark 7:20-23; 13:10; Luke 8:31; Acts 12:20-23; 17:11

Vw-cA. 7 tz -S

• 31. We should be alert to identify any ungodly or corrupting influence that may come into our mind and heart and should remove it before it takes root. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 11/1 p. 14 par. 16.]

• 32. The demons will join Satan in deathlike inactivity during “the thousand years.” (Rev. 20:3) [Weekly Bible reading]

• 33. A spirit of urgency is needed in or-/ der for the worldwide witness work to be accomplished in a limited time. [Weekly Bible reading; see w95 10/1 ^P '²⁷‘-¹

• 34. Tens of thousands of people have been taught to read and write by Jehovah’s Witnesses, giving people the opportunity to study the Bible personally, [fu p. 466 pars. 3-4]

/J- ' JL& “J

• 35. Men should be careful about taking credit to themselves because conceit is very distasteful to God, as it is also to many humans, [it-1 p. 1097; see also w94 9/1 p. 21.]

Announcements

■ Literature offer for 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. Ssptsmber: The Secret of Family Happiness. October: Individual copies of The Watchtower and Awake! Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. Starting in the latter part of the month, Kingdom News No. 35 will be distributed. November: Distribution of Kingdom News No. 35 will continue. Congregations that complete their territo-

May Service report

ry by reaching householders in each home or dwelling with a copy of Kingdom News No. 35 may offer the Knowledge book.

■ In every community at various times during the year, there are worldly holidays that excuse children from school and give time off from secular work. These make excellent opportunities for the congregation to have an increased share in the field ministry. The elders should anticipate when these occasions will arise and notify the congregation well in advance of the arrangements that are being made for group witnessing during holiday periods.

■ An adequate supply of forms for use during the 1998 service year is being sent to each congregation. Please use these forms with good discretion. They should be used only for their intended purpose.

■ Each congregation will receive three Literature Inventory forms (S(d)-18). The congregation secretary should meet with the literature servant early in August and set a date for taking inventory of the congregation’s stock of literature at the end of the month. An actual count must be made of all literature in stock, and the totals are to be entered on the Literature Inventory form. The total number of magazines on hand can be obtained from the magazine servant. Please mail the original to the Society no later than September 6. Keep a carbon copy for your files. The third copy may be used as a work sheet. The inventory should be supervised by the secretary, and the completed form should be checked by the presiding overseer. The secretary and the presiding overseer will sign the form.

■ Congregations should begin requesting the 1998 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses with their September literature request. The calendars will be available in Albanian, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, and Ukrainian.

■ From August 28, 1997, to August 30, 1997, the Society will be taking an inventory of all literature on hand in Brooklyn. Because of this inventory, no congregation literature requests will be processed for shipment or for pickup during those days.

“Do All Things for the Sake of the Good News” is the theme of the new special assembly day program starting in September. (1 Cor. 9:23) The Kingdom good news is the most important news heard today. The program will help us appreciate the unique privilege we have to be bearers of this wonderful news. It will also embolden us to keep declaring the good news without letup. —Acts 5:42.

The program will show us how to utilize our theocratic training fully so that we can accomplish the most in the ministry. We will hear from some who have made adjustments to expand their' service, including young people who are giving their all to further the good news. —Compare Philippians 2:22.

The principal talk, to be delivered by a guest speaker, will emphasize the need for us to remain “fit to be entrusted with the good news.” (1 Thess. 2:4) We will be helped to see that if we are to retain the privilege of sharing the good news with others, we must continually measure up to God’s requirements and standards in our thinking and conduct. The blessings that we receive from doing this will also be highlighted.

Do not miss this vital program. Newly dedicated ones who wish to get baptized at the special assembly day should inform the presiding overseer immediately. Invite all with whom you study to attend. Let us allow Jehovah to fortify us to do all things for the sake of the good news and thus complete the greatest work this side of Armageddon.

Rely on Jehovah to Make Things Grow

• ¹ “I experienced for the first time the unique joy of helping to establish a new congregation. This took more than two years of diligent work, constant prayers and reliance on Jehovah who ‘makes things grow.’ ” So wrote a conscientious pioneer who learned the need to rely on Jehovah for growth. (1 Cor. 3:5-9) In our search for spiritually inclined people, we too have need of God’s backing if our ministry is to bear fruit.—Prov. 3: 5,6.

• ² Growth Requires Cultivation: The seed of truth needs to be cultivated if it is to grow. Calling again within a day or two of the initial visit often produces good results. Be warm and friendly. Put the other person at ease. Do not do all the talking. Allow him to get to know you, and show that you are interested in him as a person.

’During July and continuing through August, we are concentrating on offering a variety of brochures to the people we meet. However, we also need to follow through on the interest that is found and on the placements that are made. We do this by making return visits and offering Bible studies. (Matt. 28:19,20) To this end, the Require brochure may be used to start studies. You may find the following four suggestions helpful.

• ⁴ If you talked with someone who was concerned about the way the world is headed, you might renew the conversation by saying:

■ “I believe that you are as concerned as I am about the moral breakdown in human society. We hear distressing reports of domestic violence, resulting in abuse to children, parents, and marriage mates. And it seems that many people think nothing of lying or stealing to satisfy their own desires. Do you think it matters to God how people live their lives? [Allow for response.] God established certain standards for man to live by, and they are really not burdensome to us.” Read 1 John 5:3. Then present the Require brochure, and open it to lesson 10. Read the first paragraph. Point out the italicized words and phrases at the beginning of paragraphs 2-6, and ask the householder which practice he or she feels is the most harmful to society. Read the related paragraph and look up one or two of the scriptures as opportunity allows. Conclude by reading paragraph 7, and then make arrangements to call back for a further discussion.

• ⁵ To those whom you have met that are family oriented, you could say something like this:

■ “Do you think it is reasonable to expect that the Creator would give us the tools we need to build a successful family life?” Allow for response. Introduce the Require brochure, turn to lesson 8, and explain that it contains principles from the Bible for every member of the family. Offer to demonstrate how to use the brochure with the Bible to get the greatest benefit from it. Follow the instructions that are found on page 2 of the brochure. Make arrangements to call back to continue the study of the lesson, or if you complete it, to study another lesson that the householder chooses in the brochure.

• ⁶ Here is a direct approach you might use to offer our Bible study program. Show the “Require” brochure, and say: ■ “This brochure contains a well-rounded-out study course covering the basic teachings of the Bible. On each page, you will find answers to questions that have troubled people for centuries. For example, What is God’s purpose for the earth?” Turn to lesson 5, and read the questions at the start of the lesson. Ask the householder which one interests him the most, and then read the corresponding paragraph(s), looking up appropriate scriptures. Explain that the satisfying answers to the other questions can be found just as easily as this one. Suggest that you return again to discuss another question and answer.

• ⁷ Or you might prefer to try a simplified approach for starting a Bible study by saying:

■ “Did you know that by taking just a few minutes, you can find the answer to an important Bible question? For example, . . .” Then state a question that appears at the beginning of one of the lessons in the brochure, one that you think would appeal to the individual. For some ideas of questions that you might use, see paragraphs 15 and 16 in the March 1997 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, entitled: “Muster Up Boldness to Make Return Visits.”

• ⁸ Joyfully accepting the challenge of making return visits and conducting Bible studies is part of being God’s “fellow workers.” (1 Cor. 3:9) As we work hard to cultivate the interest we find and then rely on Jehovah to make things grow, we will experience the real satisfaction that no other work can produce.

3