» ‘Just a few months ago, we ..t'ere making plans to attend the J1998 “God’s Way of Life” District i and International Conventions.

Now they have become memorable milestones in the theocratic history of the organization. We thoroughly enjoyed the rich spiritual food that we received at itfwse outstanding gatherings.

X ² The international aspect of * this year’s conventions was really thrilling. Whether missionaries and other delegates from foreign lands were present where we attended or not, all of us heard fine experiences in the Friday afternoon part entitled “Service in the Missionary Field.” The daily “Reports on Progress of the Harvest Work" from around the world were most encouraging.

• ³ Wonderful New Releases: The last talk on Friday answered a question that countless peo-

  ple who do not know the truth ed in secular matters, may not have asked: “Is There Life After? believe in God.

  
  

Death?” That ~m3sf Interesting' discourse concluded with the release of a new brochure, What Happens to Us When We Die? By now we have no doubt, read it and can see how valuable jt will be in helping people to see the truth about the condition of the dead and in comforting bereaved ong? with the resurrection hope.^J*^7

• ⁴ The Saturday afternoon program ended with the talk “The Creator—His Personality and His Ways.” It led us logically to the conclusion that there must be a Creator. To aid us in helping others to appreciate this fact, . the book Is There a Creator Who < Cares About You? was released. ' While it enhances our own faith ? in Jehovah and our appreciation ‘ for his personality and ways, the book is designed especially for 7 those who, although well educat-

• ⁵ A Heartfelt Resolution: The final talk of the convention emphasised the need for all of us to “K&ep Qn Walking in Jehovah’s Way: How appropriate it was to^ go on record in the resolution' as to our individual determination always to adhere to, advocate, and promote the superiority of God’s way of life! (Isa. 30:21) Now we must be determined to live up to these resolves. What a fine spiritual uplift⁴ we received by attending the “(Sod’s Way of Life” Conventiqp! a

  Jo You Road tho Maoazin

  
  

• ¹ A missionary couple in Africa had this to say about our magazines: “The Watchtower helps us to keep spiritually alert in our territory. We derive encouragement and strength from each issue.” Do you have the same deep appreciation for our journals? And are you as eager to read them?

• ² It takes considerable time to prepare magazine articles that can be read in only a few minutes. Knowing this, will you just skim the articles, look at the pictures, or occasionally read an article that happens to catch your eye? We are wise if we do more than that. We should take time to read and analyze all the articles in every issue of our magazines. The Watchtower is our principal journal for timely spiritual food. Awake! carries interesting and informative articles on a variety of subjects. What we learn by reading these magazines not only strengthens us spiritually but also prepares us for a more effective share in the ministry. Being faithful readers ourselves, we will be enthusiastic about offering the magazines to others.

• ³ How to Improve Reading Habits: Could you do better in keeping up with your reading of the magazines? Here are two suggestions that work for many. (1) Establish a regular reading schedule. Just by setting aside 10 or 15 minutes each day to read, you will be amazed at how much you can read in a week’s time. (2) Have a system to keep track of what you have read. Perhaps you can put a check mark at the beginning of each article you read. Without this, you could miss reading some articles or even a whole magazine. It is important to create a reading routine that works for you and to stick to it.—Compare Philippians 3:16.

• ⁴ “The faithful and discreet slave” has wisely responded to changing times by publishing articles that come to grips with the real needs of people. (Matt. 24:45) Truly, the magazines have touched our lives. The rate of our spiritual progress is, to a large extent, governed by the quality of our theocratic reading habits. A rich spiritual blessing is in store for those who make time to read all the magazines.

  Service Meetings for October

  
  

Week Starting October 5

Song 199

10 mln: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

15 mln: “We Benefited From the ‘God’s Way of Life’ Conventions.” Questions and answers. Display the new book and brochure, and point out ways we can put them to good use.

20 mln: " ’Sowing Kingdom Seed’ on Magazine Routes.” Audience discussion. Have some explain how they started and maintain a magazine route. Then demonstrate a magazine presentation where arrangements are made to return with the next issues. Suggest how the donation arrangement can tactfully be mentioned.

Song 133 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 12

Song 42

5 mln: Local announcements. Accounts report.

10 mln: “Overseers Taking the Lead —The Secretary.” A talk by the congregation secretary, reviewing his assigned duties. He emphasizes that all can cooperate by turning in field service reports promptly.

10 mln: They Have an Enthusiastic Pioneer Spirit. An encouraging talk based on the 1998 Yearbook, pages 104-7. Explain why there are so many pioneers in Japan, what allows housewives there to give priority to spiritual interests, what is behind every application to pioneer, and who make up the majority of the pioneers. Illustrate the fine influence that pioneering parents exercise. Highlight what conviction it takes to make the necessary adjustments in one’s life to pioneer. Encourage all to give serious, prayerful thought to reevaluating their prospects for pioneering.

20 mln: “Do You Read the Magazines?” Questions and answers. Review practical suggestions for scheduling time for personal reading that are found in the School Guidebook, study 4, paragraphs 5-6.

Song 107 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 19

Song 16

10 mln: Local announcements. Review talking points in the latest issues of the magazines. Relate experiences from 1997 Yearbook, page 45, and October 22, 1996, Awake!, page 32. Encourage all to share in magazine distribution this weekend. 15 mln: Local needs.

20 min: How to Prepare for the Watchtower Study. Audience discussion conducted by Watchtower Study conductor, based on the May 15, 1986, Watchtower, pages 19-20, paragraphs 16-18 and School Guidebook, study 7, paragraph 11, and study 18, paragraphs 4-6. Call for comments on the following questions: (1) Why is it vital that we get the maximum benefit from each study article in The Watchtower? (2) What should we do when we receive a new issue? (3) What is a good way to prepare for the Watchtourer Study? (4) What attention should be given to the cited scriptures and the theme of the lesson? (5) How can we review what we learned? (6) What key points should we meditate on when we conclude our personal study of the lesson? (7) How should we prepare a comment? (8) How might a variety of comments be given on a single question? Have some relate what they have personally done to help them derive the greatest benefit from the Watchtower Study.—See also Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry, pages 65-7.

Song 95 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 26

Song 98

10 mln: Local announcements. List the older publications that are in stock locally and that can be offered in the ministry as opportunities arise. Since there are vacation periods coming up in November and December, this would be a good time for baptized youths and others to consider auxiliary pioneering.

20 min: Godly Obedience In a Religiously Divided Family. Talk based on June 1, 1995, Watchtower, pages 26-9. Offer kindly encouragement and admonition that will help those with unbelieving mates to maintain a positive attitude and to associate actively with the congregation.

15 mln: Getting to the Meetings on Time. Discussion among two or three Congregation Book Study conductors or ministerial servants about the problem of arriving late for meetings. They acknowledge that unusual situations, Including emergencies, weather conditions, traffic, and so forth, can cause anyone to be delayed. However, some are chronically late. In a positive way, the group discusses and Illustrates what is needed to be punctualwhole-hearted appreciation for tn?prlvilege of attending meetings and for the spiritual food and association that are provided thereAty good advance planning and organization of personal affairs, p) willing cooperation among family members, @ leaving early and allowing time for unexpected problems, and^b) being genuinely concerned not to cause distractions for others in attendance. All agree that this problem of arriving late can be remedied by putting forth a consistent effort to improve.

Song 86 and concluding prayer.

CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY

Schedule for congregation studies in the brochure What Does God Require of Us?

October 5:    Lessons

October 12:    Lessons

October 19:    Lessons

October 26:    Lessons

July Service Report

Number of:		Av Hrs.	Av    Av Av Mags. R.V. Bi.St
Sp'l Pios.	130 119.5		94.2 55.0 4.6
Pios.	68,491	69.3	43.3 21.7 1.6
Aux. Pios.	22,352	59.6	38.4 13.2 0.8
Pubs.	857,200	9.4	7.7 3.4 0.3
TOTAL	948,133		Baptized: S,857

C 1998 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 ol New 5t»rk. 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

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR 1999

INSTRUCTIONS

During 1999 the following will be the arrangements when conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.

SOURCE MATERIAL: The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bi!2], The Watchtower [w], Awake! [g], “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” (1990 Edition) [si], The Secret of Family Happiness [/y], and Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2 [i(-2] will be the basis for assignments.

The school should begin ON TIME with song, prayer, and remarks of welcome and then proceed as follows:

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1:15 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant, and it will be based on The Watchtower, Awake!, or “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.” When based on The Watchtower or Awake!, this assignment should be delivered as a 15-minute instruction talk with no oral review; when based on the “All Scripture” book, it should be delivered as a 10- to 12-minute instruction talk with a 3- to 5-minute oral review following, using the printed questions in the publication. The objective should be not just to cover the material but to focus attention on the practical value of the information being discussed, highlighting what will be most helpful to the congregation. The theme shown should be used.

The brothers assigned this talk should be careful to keep within the time limit. If they are given private counsel, appropriate notations should be made on their speech counsel slip.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 6 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant who will effectively apply the material to local needs. This should not be just a summary of the assigned reading. A 30- to 60-second overall review of the assigned chapters may be included. The principal objective, however, is to help the audience to appreciate ivhy and how the information is of value to us. The students will then be dismissed to their various classrooms by the school overseer.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 2: 5 minutes. This is a Bible reading of the assigned material to be given by a brother. This will apply in the main school as well as in the auxiliary groups. The reading assignments are usually short enough to permit the students to present brief explanatory information in the opening and concluding remarks. Historical background, prophetic or doctrinal significance, and application of principles may be included. All the assigned verses should be read without a break. Of course, when the verses to be read are not consecutive, the student may cite the verse where the reading continues.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 3: 5 minutes. This will be assigned to a sister. The subject for this presentation will be based on The Secret of Family Happiness or Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2. (See Assignment No. 4 for information on how to develop the material based on a Bible character.) The setting may be an informal witness, a return visit, a home Bible study, or some other feature of field service. In some cases, it may include a parent sharing information with a minor child. The participants may be either seated or standing. The school overseer will be particularly interested in the way the student helps the householder or child to reason on the material and understand how the scriptures are applied. The student assigned this part should know how to read. One assistant will be scheduled by the school overseer, but an additional assistant may be used. The student may determine whether to have the householder read certain paragraphs when considering the Family Happiness book. Not the setting but the effective use of the material should be given prime consideration.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 4: 5 minutes. When this assignment is based on information dealing with a Bible character, it will be assigned to a brother or a sister. When it is based on the Family Happiness book, it will be assigned to a brother. For each assignment a theme is set forth in the schedule. When this assignment is based on a Bible character, information can be found in Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, under his name. The student should study Scriptural references in the material in order to get a clear picture of the Bible character—the events of his life, as well as his personality, traits, and attitude. Thereafter, the student should develop the assigned theme for this presentation and select appropriate scriptures to be used. Additional scriptures that highlight Bible principles that tie in with the theme may be included. The purpose of considering a Bible character is to show what can be learned from his example. Acts of faithfulness, courage, humility, and unselfishness furnish good examples to be followed; unfaithful acts as well as undesirable traits stand as strong warnings to turn Christians away from an improper course. When assigned to a brother, this talk should be given with the Kingdom Hall audience in mind. When a sister is given this part, it should be presented as outlined for Assignment No. 3.

•SUPPLEMENTAL BIBLE-READING SCHEDULE: This is set forth in brackets after the song number for each week. By following this schedule, reading about ten pages a week, the entire Bible can be read in three years. No parts on the school program or the written review are based on the supplemental reading schedule.

NOTE: For additional information and instruction regarding counsel, timing, written reviews, and the preparation of assignments, please see page 3 of the October 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 4 Bible reading: Revelation 16-18

Song No. 23 [‘2 Kings 16-19]

No. 1: How God Inspired the Bible (u>97 6/15 pp. 4-8)

No. 2: Revelation 16:1-16

No. 3: Protect Your Child From Harm (fy pp. 61-3 pars. 24-8)

Nb. 4: Matthew—Theme: God Is Not Partial

Jan. 11 Bible reading: Revelation 19-22

Song No. 126 f 2 Kings 20-25]

No. 1: Revelation—Why Beneficial (si pp. 268-9 pars. 28-34)

No. 2: Revelation 22:1-15

No. 3: Parents—Keep the Lines of Communication Open (fy pp. 64-6 pars. 1-7)

No. 4: Matthias—Theme: God Requires That Overseers Be Spiritual Men

Jan. 18 Bible reading: Genesis 1-3

Song No. 84 fl Chronicles 1-6]

Nb. 1: Introduction to Genesis (si pp. 13-14 pars. 1-8)

No. 2: Genesis 1:1-13

Nb. 3: Teach Children Moral and Spiritual Values (fy pp. 67-70 pars. 8-14)

No. 4: Melchizedek—Theme: Jesus Christ, a High Priest According to the Manner of Melchizedek

Jan. 25 Bible reading: Genesis 4-6

Song No. 66 fl Chronicles 7-13]

Nb. 1: Beware of Imputing Wrong Motives (w97 5/15 pp. 26-9)

Nb. 2: Genesis 4:1-16

Nb. 3: Why Discipline and Respect Are Vital (fy pp. 71-2 pars. 15-18)

No. 4: Mephlbosheth (No. 2)—Theme: Loving-Kindness—A Mark of God’s True Servants

Feb. 1 Bible reading: Genesis 7-9

Song No. 108 fl Chronicles 14-21]

No. 1: The Bible Account of the Flood Is True (p97 2/8 pp. 26-7)

No. 2: Genesis 7:1-16

Nb. 3: Teach Children the Godly View of Work and Play (fy pp. 72-5 pars. 19-25)

No. 4: Meshach—Theme: Maintaining Integrity During Youth Brings Rewards

Feb. 8 Bible reading: Genesis 10-12

Song No. 132 fl Chronicles 22-29]

No. 1: The Truth About Lying (p97 2/22 pp. 17-19)

No. 2: Genesis 12:1-20

Nb. 3: Child Rebellion and Its Causes (fy pp. 76-9 pars. 1-8)

No. 4: Micah (No. 7)—Theme: The Power of Illustrations

Feb. 15 Bible reading: Genesis 13-15             ,

Song No. 49 [’2 Chronicles 1-8]

No. 1: Human Weakness Magnifies Jehovah’s Power (u:97 6/1 pp.24-7)

No. 2: Genesis 14:8-20

Nb. 3: Mlcaiah (No. 2>—Theme: Preach With Courage

No. 4: Do Not Be Permissive or Overly Restrictive (fy pp. 80-1 pars. 9-13)

Feb. 22 Bible reading: Genesis 16-19

Song No. 188 f 2 Chronicles 9-17]

No. 1: What Your Prayers Reveal (w97 7/1 pp. 27-30)

No. 2: Genesis 18:1-15

No. 3: Filling a Child’s Basic Needs Can Prevent Rebellion (fy pp. 82-4 pars. 14-18)

No. 4: Miriam (No. 1)—Theme: Beware of Murmuring

Mar. 1 Bible reading: Genesis 20-23

Song No. 54 [‘2 Chronicles 18-24]

No. 1: How to Train Your Conscience (tc97 8/1 pp. 4-6)

No. 2: Genesis 23:1-13

No. 3: Mordecai (No. 2)—Theme: Loyalty, a Rewarding Quality

No. 4: Ways to Help a Child Who Errs (fy pp. 85-7 pars. 19-23)

Mar. 8 Bible reading: Genesis 24-25

Song No. 121 ['2 Chronicles 25-31]

No. 1: From What Does the Truth Set Us Free? (w97 2/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Genesis 24:1-4,10-21

No. 3: Moses—Theme: Appreciate Jehovah’s Training

No. 4: Handling a Determined Rebel (fy pp. 87-9 pars. 24-7)

Mar. 15 Bible reading: Genesis 26-28

Song No. 197 f 2 Chronicles 32-36)

Nb. 1: Music’s Place in Modem Worship (w97 2/1 pp. 24-8)

No. 2: Genesis 26:1-14

No. 3: Protect Your Family From Destructive Influences (fy pp. 90-2 pars. 1-7)

No. 4: Naaman (No. 2)—Theme: Humility Reaps Rich Blessings

Mar. 22 Bible reading: Genesis 29-31

Song No. 4 ['Ezra 1-7]

Nb. 1: The Earth Will Not End In Fire (ff971/8 pp. 26-7)

Nb. 2: Genesis 31:1-18

No. 3: Nabal—Theme: Do Not Repay Evil for Good

Nb.4: God’s View of Sex (fi/pp. 92-4 pars. 8-13)

Mar. 29 Bible reading: Genesis 32-35

Song No. 143 ['Ezra 8-Nehemlah 4]

No. 1: Miraculous Healing From God—When? (w97 7/1 pp. 4-7)

Nb.2: Genesis 35:1-15

Nb. 3: Help Your Children to Choose Good Friends (fy pp. 95-7 pars.14-18)

No. 4: Nadab (No. 1)—Theme: Abuse of Privileges Brings Jehovah’s Disfavor

Apr. 5 Bible reading: Genesis 36-38

Song No. 106 [•Nehemiah 5-11]

Nb. 1: Salvation—What It Really Means (w97 8/15 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Genesis 38:6-19,24-26

No. 3: Nathan (No. 2)—Theme: Do Not Withhold Correction From the One Needing It

No. 4: Selecting Wholesome Family Recreation (fy pp. 97-102 pars. 19-27)

Apr. 12 Bible reading: Genesis 39-41

Song No. 34 f Nehemiah 12-Esther 5]

No. 1: Why Report What Is Bad? (u:97 8/15 pp. 26-9)

No. 2: Genesis 40:1-15

No. 3: Scriptural Insight for Single-Parent Families (fy pp. 103-5 pars. 1-8)

No. 4: Nathanael—Theme: Keep Free From Deceit

Apr. 19 Bible reading: Genesis 42-44

Song No. 124 f Esther 6-Job 5]

No. 1: Why Anger Must Be Controlled (p97 6/8 pp. 18-19)

Nb.2: Genesis42:1-17

No. 3: The Challenge of Making a Living as a Single Parent (fy pp. 105-7 pars. 9-12)

No. 4: Nebuchadnezzar—Theme: Jehovah Humiliates Those Walking in Pride

Apr. 26 Written Review. Complete Revelation 16-Genesis 44

Song No. 18 f Job 6-14]

May 3 Bible reading: Genesis 45-47

Song No. 90 [’Job 15-23]

Nb. 1: Do Harvest Festivals Please God? (tz>97 9/15 pp. 8-9)

No. 2: Genesis 45:16-46:4

Nb. 3: Maintaining Discipline in a Single-Parent Home (fy pp. 107-10 pars. 13-17)

Nb. 4: Nebuzaradan—Theme: Jehovah’s Word Never Falls

May 10 Bible reading: Genesis 48-50

Song No. 76 [’Job 24-33]

Nb. 1: Genesis—Why Beneficial (si pp. 17-19 pars. 30-5)

No. 2: Genesis 49:13-28

Nb. 3: Winning the Battle of Loneliness (/y pp. 110-13 pars. 18-22)

No. 4: Nehemiah (No. 3)—Theme: Be an Example to the Flock

May 17 Bible reading: Exodus 1-4

Song No. 2 [’Job 34-42]

No. 1: Introduction to Exodus (si pp. 19-20 pars. 1-8)

Nb. 2: Exodus 4:1-17

No. 3: Nicodemus—Theme: Trembling at Men Is What Lays a Snare

No. 4: How to Give Support to Single-Parent Families (fy pp. 113-15 pars. 23-7)

May 24 Bible reading: Exodus 5-8

Song No. 42 [’Psalms 1-17]

No. 1: Poor yet Rich—How Can It Be? (w97 9/15 pp. 3-7)

No. 2: Exodus 7:1-13

No. 3: Noah (No. 1)—Theme: Obedience Is Essential for Life

No. 4: The Benefits of Facing Sickness With a Godly Attitude (/y pp.116-19 pars. 1-9)

May 31 Bible reading: Exodus 9-12

Song No. 24 [’Psalms 18-28]

No. 1: What It Means to Be No Part of the World (ff97 9/8

pp. 12-13)

Nb. 2: Exodus 12:21-36

No. 3: The Value of a Healing Spirit (fy pp. 120-1 pars. 10-13)

No. 4: Obadiah (No. 4)—Theme: Be Fearless and Show Love for God’s Servants .

June 7 Bible reading: Exodus 13-16

Song No. 58 [’Psalms 29-38]

No. 1: How to Find Hope Amid Despair (u:97 5/15 pp. 22-5)

Nb. 2: Exodus 15:1-13

Nb. 3: Set Priorities and Help Children to Cope With Illness in the Family (fy pp. 122-3 pars. 14-18)

Nb. 4: Onesimus—Theme: Hold a Good Conscience

June 14 Bible reading: Exodus 17-20

Song No. 115 [’Psalms 39-50]

Nb. 1: How Christians Honor Elderly Parents (u>97 9/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Exodus 17:1-13

Nb. 3: Paul—Theme: Enemies of the Truth Can Change

Nb. 4: How to View Medical Treatment (fy pp. 124-7 pars. 19-23)

June 21 Bible reading: Exodus 21-24

Song No. 5 [’Psalms 51-65]

No. 1: True Science and the Bible Agree (p97 7/8 pp. 26-7)

Nb. 2: Exodus 21:1-15

Nb. 3: How Can a Believing Wife Maintain Peace In a Divided Household? (fy pp. 128-32 pars. 1-9)

No. 4: Peter—Theme: Be Courageous and Energetic for True Worship

June 28 Bible reading: Exodus 25-28

Song No. 47 [’Psalms 66-74]

Nb. 1: Know Jehovah, the Personal God (w9710/1 pp. 4-8)

No. 2: Exodus 25:17-30

No. 3: Philip (No. 1)—Theme: Be Tactful and Prudent

No. 4: How Can a Believing Husband Maintain Peace In a Divided Household? (fy pp. 132-3 pars. 10-11)

July 5 Bible reading: Exodus 29-32

Song No. 174 [’Psalms 75-85]

Nb. 1: Do Not Allow the Spirit of the World to Polson You (w97 10/1 pp. 25-9)

No. 2: Exodus 29:1-14

No. 3: The Scriptural Training of Children in a Divided Household (fy pp. 133-4 pars. 12-15)

Nb. 4: Philip (No. 2)—Theme: Be a Spiritual Person

July 12 Bible reading: Exodus 33-36

Song No. 214 [’Psalms 86-97]

Nb. 1: Be Trustworthy and Keep Your Integrity (w97 5/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Exodus 34:17-28

Nb. 3: Keeping a Peaceful Relationship With Parents Who Have a Different Religion (fy pp. 134-6 pars. 16-19)

Nb. 4: Phlnehas (No. 1>—Theme: Be Decisive for What Is Right

July 19 Bible reading: Exodus 37-40

Song No. 38 [’Psalms 98-106]

Nb. 1: Exodus—Why Beneficial (si pp. 24-5 pars. 26-31)

No. 2: Exodus 40:1-16

Nb. 3: The Challenge of Being a Stepparent (fy pp. 136-9 pars. 20-5)

No. 4: Phlnehas (No. 2)—Theme: Never Treat Jehovah With Disrespect

July 26 Bible reading: Leviticus 1-4

Song No. 26 [’Psalms 107-118]

No. 1: Introduction to Leviticus (si pp. 25-6 pars. 1-10)

Nb. 2: Leviticus 2:1-13

No. 3: Do Not Allow Material Pursuits to Divide Your Household (fy pp. 140-1 pars. 26-8)

No. 4: Phoebe—Theme: Defend Your Brothers With Courage

Aug. 2 Bible reading: Leviticus 5-7

Song No. 9 [’Psalms 119-125]

Nb. 1: The Key to Real Happiness (u>97 10/15 pp. 5-7)

'No. 2: Leviticus 6:1-13

No. 3: The Damaging Effects of Alcoholism (fy pp. 142-3 pars. 1-4)

No. 4: Pilate—Theme: Giving In to the Crowd Incurs Responsibility

Aug. 9 Bible reading: Leviticus 8-10

Song No. 210 [’Psalms 126-143]

No. 1: Discerning the Principle Reflects Maturity (w9710/15 pp. 28-30)

No. 2: Leviticus 10:12-20

No. 3: Helping a Family Member Who Is an Alcoholic (fy pp. 143-7 pars. 5-13)

No. 4: Rabshakeh—Theme: God Is Not to Be Mocked

Aug. 16 Bible reading: Leviticus 11-13

Song No. 80 [’Psalm 144-Proverbs 5)

No. 1: Beware of "Epicureans” (u)9711/1 pp. 23-5)

No. 2: Leviticus 13:1-17

No. 3: Domestic Violence and Ways to Avoid It (fy pp. 147-9 pars. 14-22)

No. 4: Rachel—Theme: Accept Life's Adversities Without Jealousy or Despair

Aug. 23 Bible reading: Leviticus 14-15

Song No. 137 [’Proverbs 6-14]

No. 1: These Really Are the Last Days (w97 4/1 pp. 4-8)

No. 2: Leviticus 14:33^7

No. 3: Rahab—Theme: Faith Without Works Is Dead

No. 4: Is Separation the Answer? (fy pp. 150-2 pars. 23-6)

Aug. 30 Written Review. Complete Genesis 45-

Leviticus 15

Song No. 145 [’Proverbs 15-22]

Sept. 6 Bible reading: Leviticus 16 18

Song No. 222 ["Proverbs 23-31]

No. 1: When Suffering Will Be No More (w97 2/15 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Leviticus 16:20-31

No. 3: Rebekah—Theme: Include Jehovah When Choosing a Mate

No. 4: The Scriptural Way to Handle Marital Problems (fy pp. 153-6 pars. 1-9)

Sept. 13 Bible reading: Leviticus 19-21

Song No. 122 ["Ecclesiastes 1-12]

No. 1: Why Asceticism Is Not the Key to Wisdom (<;9710/8

pp. 20-1)

No. 2: Leviticus 19:16-18,26-37

No. 3: Rehoboam—Theme: Reject Arrogance and Bad Advice

No. 4: Rendering the Marriage Due (fy pp. 156-8 pars. 10-13)

Sept. 20 Bible reading: Leviticus 22-24

Song No. 8 ["Song of Solomon 1-Isaiah 5]

No. 1: Is AU Complaining Bad? (w9712/1 pp. 29-31)

Nd. 2: Leviticus 23:15-25

Nd. 3: Reuben (No. 1)—Theme: Wrong Acts Can Have Lasting Consequences

No. 4: The BibUcal Grounds for Divorce (fy pp. 158-9 pars. 14-16)

Sept. 27 Bible reading: Leviticus 25-27

Song No. 120 ("Isaiah 6-14]

Nd. 1: Leviticus—Why Beneficial (si pp. 28-30 pars. 28-39)

No. 2: Leviticus 25:13-28

No. 3: Ruth—Theme: True Love Is Loyal

No. 4: What the Scriptures Say About Separation (fy pp. 160-2 pars. 17-22)

Oct 4 Bible reading: Numbers 1-3

Song No. 30 ("Isaiah 15-25]

No. 1: Introduction to Numbers (si pp. 30-1 pars. 1-10)

No. 2: Numbers 1:44-54

No. 3: Growing Older Together (fy pp. 163-5 pars. 1-9)

No. 4: Salome (No. 1)—Theme: Serve Jehovah With Modesty

Oct 11 Bible reading: Numbers 4-6

Song No. 97 ("Isaiah 26-33]

Nb. 1: Jehovah Rules With Compassion (w9712/15 pp. 28-9)

No. 2: N umbers 4:17-33

No. 3: Reinvigorating the Marriage Bonds (fy pp. 166-7 pars. 10-13)

No. 4: Samson—Theme: Guard Your Precious Relationship With Jehovah

Oct 18 Bible reading: Numbers 7-9

Song No. 96 ("Isaiah 34-41]

No. 1: Where True Happiness Can Be Found (u>97 3/15 p. 23)

Nd. 2: Numbers 9:1-14

No. 3: Enjoy Your Grandchildren and Adjust as You Age (fy pp. 167-70 pars. 14-19)

No. 4: Samuel—Theme: Serve God From Your Youth Up

Oct. 25 Bible reading: Numbers 10-12

Song No. 125 ("Isaiah 42-49]

Nd. 1: Jehovah Cares for the Afflicted (w97 4/15 pp. 4-7)

Nd. 2: Numbers 10:11-13,29-36

No. 3: Dealing With the Loss of Your Spouse (fy pp. 170-2 pars. 20-5)

No. 4: Sapphira—Theme: Have No Part in Deception

Nov. 1 Bible reading: Numbers 13-15

Song No. 64 ("Isaiah 50-58)

No. 1: Why Miracles Alone Do Not Build Faith (u«7 3/15 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Numbers 14:13-25

No. 3: Sarah—Theme: The Beauty of a God-Fearing Wife

Nb. 4: Christian Ways of Honoring Elderly Parents (fy pp. 173-5 pars. 1-5)

Nov. 8 Bible reading: Numbers 16-19

Song No. 78 ("Isaiah 59-66]

No.l: Why Poverty Does Not Justify Stealing (p9711/8 pp. 18-19)

NO. 2: Numbers 18:1-14

No. 3: Show Love and Empathy (fy pp. 175-8 pars. 6-14)

No. 4: Saul (No. 1)—Theme: The Destructive Power of Envy and Presumptuousness

Nov. 15 Bible reading: Numbers 20-22

Song No. 46 [" Jeremiah 1-6]

Nb. 1: How the Bible Came to Us—Part 1 (w97 8/15 pp. 8-11)

No. 2: Numbers 20:14-26

No. 3: Always Look to Jehovah for Strength (fy pp. 179-82 pars. 15-21)

No. 4: Sennacherib—Theme: Jehovah Delivers His People

Nov. 22 Bible reading: Numbers 23-26

Song No. 59 [" Jeremiah 7-13]

No. 1: How the Bible Came to Us—Part 2 (u>97 9/15 pp. 25-9)

No. 2: Numbers 23:1-12

No. 3: Develop Godly Devotion and Self-Control (fy pp. 183-4 pars. 1-5)

Nb. 4: Shadrach—Theme: Remain Without Blemish in an Ungodly World

Nov. 29 Bible reading: Numbers 27-30

Song No. 180 [" Jeremiah 14-21)

No. 1: How the Bible Came to Us—Part 3 (u>9710/15 pp. 8-12)

No. 2: Numbers 27:1-11

Nb. 3: The Proper View of Headship (fy pp. 185-6 pars. 6-9)

Nb. 4: Sheba (No. 4)—Theme: Instigators of Evil Reap What They Sow

Dec. 6 Bible reading: Numbers 31-32

Song No. 170 [" Jeremiah 22-28]

Nb. 1: The Roots of Modem Christmas (w9712/15 pp. 4-7)

Nb. 2: Numbers 31:13-24

No. 3: The Vital Role of Love in the Family (fy pp. 186-7 pars. 10-12)

No. 4: Shechem (No. 1)—Theme: The Consequences of Sexual Immorality Can Be Devastating

Dec. 13 Bible reading: Numbers 33-36

Song No. 51 [" Jeremiah 29-34]

No. 1: Numbers—Why Beneficial (si pp. 34-5 pars. 32-8)

No. 2: Numbers 36:1-13

No. 3: Shlmel (No. 12)—Theme: Obedience Can Save Your Life

No. 4: Doing God’s Will as a Family (fy pp. 188-9 pars. 13-15)

Dec. 20 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 1-3

Song No. 159 ["Jeremiah 35-41]

Nb. 1: Introduction to Deuteronomy (si pp. 36-7 pars. 1-9)

No. 2: Deuteronomy 2:1-15

Nb. 3: Simeon (No. 1)—Theme: Uncontrolled Anger Brings Dishonor and Grief

Nb. 4: The Family and Your Future (fy pp. 190-1 pars. 16-18)

Dec. 27 Written Review. Complete Leviticus 16-Deuteronomy 3

Song No. 192 [" Jeremiah 42-48]

■ Literature offer for October: Individual copies of The Watchtower and Awake! Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. November: Knowledge Thal Leads to Everlasting Life. December: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life with the New World Translation. January: Any 192-page book published prior to 1985 that the congregation may have in stock. Congregations that do not have a supply of such books may offer True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It? or You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth.

• ■ The insert in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry is the “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1999" and should be kept for reference throughout 1999.

• ■ If the meeting times for your congregation will change January 1, there may be a need to order a new supply of handbills to show the adjusted meeting times.

• ■ Memorial invitations for 1999 in the primary language of each congregation have been included with the annual shipment of forms. If other languages are spoken in your territory and you would like a supply of invitations in those languages, these should be requested immediately on a Literature Request Form (S-14). Memorial invitations are available in Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Croatian, English, French, Greek, Ilo-ko, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Please request only those languages needed for your territory.

■ Congregations should begin requesting Examining the Scriptures Daily—1999 with their October literature request. The booklets will be available in Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Chinese (Simplified), Croatian, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Iloko, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Until these booklets are available and shipments are made, they will appear as “Pending” on congregation packing lists. Examining the Scriptures booklets are special-request Items.

• ■ New Publications Available:

Apply Yourself to Reading and Writing

—English Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life             —East Armenian

• ■ New Audiocassettes Available:

Doing God’s Will With Zeal (Drama, single cassette)             —Korean

Doing What Is Right in Jehovah’s Eyes (Drama, single cassette)  —Korean

Families—Make Daily Bible Reading Your Way of Life! (Drama, single cassette)                    —English

Jehovah's Judgment Against LawDefying People (Drama, single cassette)                  —Korean

Marked for Survival (Drama, single cassette)                    —English

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

• ■ New Videocassettes Available: The Bible—Its Power in Your Life

—Japanese

'The congregation secretary plays a vital role in ensuring that “all things take place decently and by arrangement.” (1 Cor. 14:40) As a member of the Congregation Service Committee, he cares for the congregation’s communications and important records. Although his duties may not be as visible to everyone as those of other elders, his services are greatly needed and appreciated.

² When correspondence is received from the Society or others, the secretary attends to it and sees that a response is made when needed. He makes certain that the letters that are received are circulated among the elders and then files them for reference. He checks magazine and literature order forms and sends them to the Society. He directly oversees those handling accounts and subscriptions as well as all convention-related matters.

’Since the secretary must send the congregation’s monthly field service report to the Society by'the sixth of the month, it is imperative that all of us report our field activity promptly at the end of each month. He then posts the service reports on the Congregation’s Publisher Record cards. Any publisher may ask to see his personal record of activity.

⁴ When a publisher moves in or out of the congregation, the secretary requests from or sends to the elders of the other congregation a letter of introduction along with the Congregation’s Publisher Record cards for that one. —Our Ministry, pp. 104-5.

’The secretary reviews the activity of the pioneers, keeping the elders, and especially the service overseer, apprised of any problems that the pioneers might be experiencing. He alerts the Congregation Book Study conductors to publishers who are irregular in field service. Both the secretary and the service overseer take the lead in coordinating efforts to care for inactive ones.—Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1987, p. 1.

’Having a better appreciation of the secretary’s duties, may we do what we can to help make his stewardship easier for him to fulfill.—1 Cor. 4:2.

• ¹ Song 133 in Sing Praises to Jehovah is enti- of your seed falls on soil that is fine/May often tied “Sowing Kingdom Seed.” It is based on depend much on you.” How can we increase Jesus’ illustration that likens the disciple- the effectiveness of our ministry? One way is making work to the sowing of seed. (Matt. 13: by establishing and maintaining a magazine 4-8,19-23) The song’s lyrics read: “How much route.

• ² Several objectives can be achieved through a magazine route. (1) Regular visits every two weeks enable you to build a friendly relationship with the interested person. (2) You keep that one regularly supplied with the lifesaving information contained in The Watchtower and Awake! (3) Through your conversations you may help the person to form a longing for Scriptural truth, which can lead to a Bible study.—1 Pet. 2:2.

• ³ How to Start a Magazine Route: Whenever someone shows interest in the magazines, explain that outstanding articles appear in every issue and that you will be pleased to deliver them every two weeks. After leaving, make a note of the person’s name and address, the date of the call, the dates of the issues placed, the article featured, and the subjects that especially interested the person.

• ⁴ You can start a route with only a few people on it. Then work to build it up by adding others with whom you place magazines. As your route grows, you can organize it geographically so that it will be easier to cover. Keep a careful record of which issues have been placed on each call and when. Add notes about your conversations and about how to continue developing the person’s interest in the truth on the next visit. r ⁶ Include Business and Professional People: Experience has shown that storekeepers and other professionals are likely to accept our magazines on a regular basis. One elder even had the mayor of his town on his magazine route. A publisher started a study with the 80-year-old owner of a building-supply company after having taken the magazines to him for ten straight years!

• ⁶ A pioneer sister entered a store and met a couple who did not receive her very warmly. However, since they accepted the magazines, she decided to add the couple to her magazine route. In time, the sister wanted to stop calling on them because they were so unfriendly and never had much to say, even when she asked a viewpoint question. But the sister prayed about the matter and eventually placed the Live Forever book with the couple. After reading it, the wife exclaimed: “At last, I have found the truth!” A Bible study was started, and later the couple got baptized. The pioneer’s perseverance indeed bore good fruitage.

• ⁷ Making the Return Visits: When you receive a new magazine, read every article. Look for points that will appeal to each person on your route. Then when you return, you can say: “As I read this article, I thought of you and how it might interest you.” Publishers of all ages can enjoy having a magazine route. Even a young child can say: “I’m glad to see you again. Your latest copies of The Watchtower and Awake! have arrived. I think that you will like this article entitled...”

• ⁸ Stir anticipation for upcoming articles by drawing attention to the box entitled “In Our Next Issue.” When articles appear as a series, point this out and encourage the reader not to miss any portion of it. Do not forget that each time you deliver the magazines to a person who is on your magazine route, a return visit may be counted. And above all, remember that our goal is to develop these calls into home Bible studies.

• ⁹ Visit People on Your Route on a Regular Basis: You can cover your magazine route at any time that is practical—on a weekday morning, in the late afternoon, in the early evening, or on the weekend after spending time in the house-to-house work. If you are unable to cover your route because of being sick or away on vacation, ask another publisher in your family or congregation to deliver the magazines for you. In that way, the ones on your route will not fail to get their magazines on time.

• ¹⁰ One way to sow Kingdom seed is to take The Watchtower and Awake! regularly to all of those on your magazine route. As you teach them Scriptural truth, they may get the sense of the word of the Kingdom and eventually bear Kingdom fruit along with you.—Matt. 13:8, 23.

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