Our Kingdom Ministry

‘Satan defamed God’s name when he induced our first parents to sin. The Devil insinuated that Jehovah had lied to Adam. (Gen. 3:1-5) Since the divine name is linked with God’s ability to fulfill his word, Satan’s allegation was the height of slander. By progressively fulfilling his divine purpose, Jehovah has cleared his name of reproach and made it beautiful. —Isa. 63:12-14.

² We are the people whom Jehovah has ‘called by his name.’ (Acts 15:14,17) This gives us the opportunity to show how we feel about its sanctification. We find Jehovah’s name to be truly beautiful, as it represents everything good, kind, loving, merciful, and righteous. We are filled with awe at the greatness of God’s glorious name. (Ps. 8:1; 99:3; 148:13) What should we be moved to do?

• ³ Sanctify God’s Name: God’s name cannot be made holier than it already is. But by our clean conduct and Kingdom preaching, we can demonstrate that we hold God’s name in the very highest esteem. Let us exclaim: “Give thanks to Jehovah, you people! Call upon his name. Make known among the peoples his dealings. Make mention that his name is put on high.” (Isa. 12:4) How can we do this?

• ⁴ We can take advantage of every opportunity to proclaim Jehovah’s name and all that it stands for. Whether formally or informally, from house to house or from store to store, on the street or on the telephone, our preaching activity honors Jehovah. When we find interested ones who listen, we should make definite appointments to call back and teach them more about Jehovah. That means we must keep those appointments without fail and persevere in our efforts to start home Bible studies. Happily, every year hundreds of thousands are coming to know, respect, and sanctify Jehovah’s beautiful name.

• ⁵ Our wholehearted participation in the work of sanctifying God’s name clearly shows where we stand on the issue Satan raised in Eden. This is the most noble, honorable work we can perform. Let us highly esteem and zealously praise Jehovah’s beauteous name!—1 Chron. 29:13.

  Secular Education and

  
  

  Your Spiritual Goals

  J      --—---------------

  ‘Obtaining a good funda_: school, pay attention in class mental education when you are and do your homework assign-

  
  

young can provide the academic skills needed for you to read and write well and to get a general understanding of geography, history^ mathematics, and science.^n~tHeT)r60feSS;iyou can learn howTo think clearly, analyze facts, solve problems, and generate productive ideas. Such schooling will serve you well throughout your life. How can your secular education relate to yoiir spiritual goads in life and help y6iTTfr^?n!F “practical wjsdom and thinking abil-ity”?-groy. 3:21, 22, \

“Become uiefuP in God’s ments well. If you master good reading and study habits, 'you can more easily examine God’s Word and keep yourself spiritually strong. (Acts 17:11) Well-rounded knowledge will help you relate to people of various backgrounds, interests, and beliefs as you meet them in the ministry. The education that you acquire in school w^jl be useful ~as you carry out your Christian responsibilities in God’s organization.—Compare 2 Timothy 2:21^411.

• ³ Learn to Support Yourself: can also learn tne^Kills need-ed^to earn a living after gracP tfStion. (Compare 1 Timothy 5:8.) Choose your subjects ffifly. Instead of focusing on a field that has limited employment opportunities, consider learning a trade or a skilfthat will enable you to fincT suitable work anywhere. (Prov. 22: 29) Such training will make It possible for you to support yourself should you decide to serve where the need is greater. —Compare Acts 18:1-4.

• ⁴ Getting a good basic educa- ( tion while in school can help you to expand your ministry. Work hard to acquire skills^ needed to support yourself while you advance in Jehovah’s service. Thus your schooling will serve to aid you in reaching your spiritual goals.

  Service Meetings for August

  
  

Week Starting August 2

Song 39

10 mln: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Comment on May field service report for the country and the local congregation. Encourage all publishers to share in the field ministry during August.

17 mln: “Highly Esteem Jehovah’s Beautiful Name.” Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a questlon-and-answer discussion. Highlight the cited scriptures.—See Live Forever book, pages 184-5.

18 mln: “Secular Education and Your Spiritual Goals." A father discusses article with his son or daughter. They also review related material from the December 22,1995, Awake!, pages 7-11.

Song 148 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 9

Song 138

8 mln: Local announcements. Accounts report.

12 mln: Pioneers Assist Others —What Progress Has Been Made? Talk and interviews conducted by the service overseer. Review direction provided in the September 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4. Relate how this was organized locally, and give an update on the progress made by those assisted. Interview one or two pioneers and some of the publishers who benefited from their help. Encourage those next in line to be assisted to take full advantage of this provision.

25 min: “Has the Door to Pioneering Now Opened for You?” Questlon-and-answer discussion conducted by an elder. In a positive way, show the possibilities that exist for more publishers to pioneer. Interview pioneers who can relate from their own experience how they were able to overcome common obstacles and succeed. Analyze the “Sample Regular Pioneer Schedules,” emphasizing how good planning can make the hour requirement attainable. Announce that any who wish to have a pioneer application can obtain one after the meeting. Song 202 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 16

Song 131

10 min: Local announcements. Only two weekends are left in August, so encourage everyone to participate in the ministry before the month ends. Review “New Special Assembly Day Program.”

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: Are You Having a Share in Making Disciples? Audience discussion. In view of the great amount of literature being placed, our alm should be to start Bible studies so that we can help people benefit from the publications they receive. Have publishers comment on the problems that hinder them from conducting more studies: (1) It is difficult to find people who are willing to study. (2) Some people who show Interest say that they are too busy to study. (3) After a study is started, it is hard to find the person at home to keep the study regular. Also address the feelings that some publishers may have about the Bible study work: (1) ‘I don’t feel qualified as a teacher.’ (2) ‘I don’t have the time to conduct a weekly study.’ (3) ‘I hesitate to obligate myself to another person.’ (4) Tm satisfied to share in the other features of the ministry.’ Offer positive suggestions on how to overcome these obstacles in order to share personally in the disciplemaking work. Have successful publishers relate the Joy that they have experienced in the Bible study work. —See April 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, paragraphs 3-8,15.

Song 100 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 23

Song 94

10 mln: Local announcements.

15 mln: Help Newly Interested Ones to Appreciate the Sanctity of Marriage. Elder leads audience discussion based on Reasoning book, pages 248-50. We encounter couples who respond to the Kingdom message but who are slow to make progress because they are living together without the benefit of a legal marriage. Discuss how to help them understand why Christians must uphold honorable marriage. (See January 8, 1992, Awake!, pages 26-7.) Give suggestions about what we can tactfully say to help such couples see why they cannot be part of the congregation until their marriage is legally registered.

20 min: “What Will You Say to a Buddhist?" Questions and answers. We often wonder what to say when we find people in the territory who profess a non-Chrlstlan religion that features ideas, practices, and rituals that are foreign to us. This article begins a five-part series on this subject. Demonstrate a well-prepared presentation. For more information on Buddhism, see February 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry insert; Reasoning book, page 21; and Mankind’s Search for God, chapter 6.

Song 133 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 30

Song 99

1O mln: Local announcements. Remind all to turn in field service reports for August. Congregation Book Study conductors should check with everyone in their group so that all reports can be tallied by September 6.

17 mln: We Love Our Brothers. Talk by an elder, Including an audience discussion based on December 1, 1995, Watchtower, pages 15-17, paragraphs 7-11. Emphasize the mutual benefits enjoyed when we get to know our brothers well, share encouragement, and assist one another to endure trials. Suggest how this can be done to a greater extent. Invite audience to relate experiences showing how they were refreshed and strengthened by loving encouragement from others.

18 mln: Give a Reason for Your Hope. An elder interviews one or two exemplary teenagers who are In public school. They are continually confronted with situations in which worldly peers want to know why our teenagers choose not to join them in their activities. While taking advantage of such opportunities to explain their Bible-based convictions, our youths need to be firm in their resistance. The group discusses how they might respond if they are offered tobacco or drugs. Review the reasoning presented in the Young People Ask book, pages 277-81. Explain how defending their resolve to do what Is right serves as a protection and gives a good witness.

Song 129 and concluding prayer.

© 1999 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society ot Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society ol New 'fork. 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

Has the Door to Pioneering Now Opened for You?

• ¹ Our 1999 yeartext reminds us that we are still within Jehovah’s “day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2) But his day of salvation will soon end. Then his “day of judgment” will begin. (2 Pet. 2:9) While Jehovah continues to extend the opportunity for salvation to mankind, how thrilling it is to see ever-increasing numbers respond!

• ² Jehovah’s people have risen to the challenge of reaching the responsive ones before it is too late. For many Kingdom publishers, this has meant entering the pioneer service. Has the door to pioneering now opened for you? Why do we ask?

• ³ Appreciation Expressed: As announced in the January 1999 Our Kingdom Ministry, the hour requirement for both regular and auxiliary pioneers has been reduced. To meet the new requirement, regular pioneers need to devote 70 hours to the ministry each month for a total of 840 hours per service year. Auxiliary pioneers will spend 50 hours in the service each month. Here are a few of the many expressions of appreciation that have been received as a result of these adjustments:

“WTiaf a blessed gift from our heavenly Father!”

“No words can convey the emotions of joy, love, and gratitude for this provision!”

“It will make meeting our schedules so much easier!”

“Our prayer is that many more will now take up the full-time ministry and enjoy the blessings that come from serving Jehovah in a large way.”

• ⁴ As we approach the climax of God’s day of salvation, it is evident that Jehovah desires his people to give a final, mighty shout of praise. The magnitude and intensity of this message is increased (1) by the steady growth in the number of Kingdom proclaim-ers and (2) by each one’s seeking to Increase what he is able to do in Kingdom preaching. Jehovah, the one “who makes it grow,” has brought success in both ways by blessing the willing spirit of all who have accepted salvation.—1 Cor. 3:6, 7; Ps. 110:3.

• ⁵ Do Not Miss Its Purpose: It was with respect to Jehovah’s day of salvation that Paul admonished fellow Christians: “Working together with him [Jehovah], we also entreat you not to accept the undeserved kindness of God and miss its purpose." We will not “miss its purpose” if we see this as “the especially acceptable time” to work for the salvation of others at every opportunity. (2 Cor. 6:1, 2) Today, Paul’s words take on greater urgency. Christians manifesting a heartfelt love for Jehovah count it a privilege to share as fully as possible in the ministry that he has assigned them. Are you now able to share more fully in the ministry as a regular pioneer?

  GOAL: 90,000 REGULAR PIONEERS!

  
  

• ⁶ It Is a Reasonable Goal: In the United States, it is our goal to see 90,000 regular pioneers enrolled by September 1. We believe that this is a reasonable and attainable goal. Why are we so confident? In March 1997 we saw 116,335 brothers and sisters auxiliary pioneer, and in April 1998 nearly 90,000 did so. The majority reported 60 hours —just 10 hours short of the new regular pioneer requirement! Even if only 15,000 of those who have auxiliary pioneered enroll as regular pioneers before the end of this service year, we could start September with 90,000 or more full-time pioneers!

• ⁷ A Schedule Is Needed: Does 70 hours of field service a month still seem a little out of reach for you? Perhaps thinking in terms of 17 hours a week will help. Using the sample schedules on the next page, try to create a regular pioneer schedule that will fit your personal circumstances. In working it out, talk with experienced pioneers to get their input on how they balance pioneer service with personal and family responsibilities. Ask your circuit overseer how pioneers in the circuit schedule their service activity each week. Then look to Jehovah to bless your plans to pioneer.—Prov. 16:3.

• ⁸ Make It a Family Project: Have you considered making pioneering a family project? You might sit down as a family and discuss how—with careful planning and good cooperation—one or two members of the family may be able to pioneer. Understandably, some will find that an honest evaluation of their circumstances does not allow for regular pioneering right now. If so, set pioneering as a future goal. But start making plans to work toward a definite date to begin pioneering. Perhaps you can auxiliary pioneer several times during the year to work up to regular pioneer service.

• ⁹ The more than 75,000 regular pioneers currently on the list in the United States have varied circumstances. Not all are in the best of health, and the majority have family and financial obligations. Over 26,000 pioneers are past the age of 50, and about 10,000 of them are over the age of 65. Some 27,000 are single, and about 8,000 are 20 years of age or younger. Approximately one fourth of all the pioneers are brothers, many of whom have family and congregational responsibilities. All of these are “buying out the opportune time” for pioneering, which in many instances has meant living a simpler yet more contented life.—Col. 4:5.

• ¹⁰ Do You Need to Simplify? Simplifying your life can be the key that opens the door to pioneering for you. Is your life like a large house with unnecessary rooms and furnishings, requiring much time, money, and work to care for? If so, adapting to more modest circumstances may allow for pioneering. Can you reduce the amount of time you spend in secular work? Can you buy out time from nonessential activity or show greater balance in the amount of time spent in recreation?

• ¹¹ The Bible, at 1 Timothy 6:8, admonishes us: “Having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things.” Being content with less is an important factor in doing our utmost in Jehovah’s service and makes it easier to give priority to spiritual interests. (Matt. 6:22,33) On page 104 of the 1998 Yearbook in the report on Japan, several suggestions are offered as to why there is such a fine pioneer spirit in that land. Consider one: “It is generally true that Japanese homes are quite modest, thus requiring little time for upkeep, and for the most part, lives are traditionally kept simple.” Is that not the essence of 1 Timothy 6:8?

• ¹² Around the globe, God’s servants are preaching the good news with ever-increasing intensity before Jehovah’s day of salvation comes to an end. Commendably, last year an average of nearly 700,000 shared in some form of pioneer service each month. Can you adjust your life in order to join them? We Invite you to carefully and prayerfully examine your circumstances as you answer the question: “Has the door to pioneering now opened for you?”

  Sample Regular Pioneer Schedules Needed: 17 hours a week One Weekday and the Weekend      Two Evenings and the Weekend
  	Day	Hours			Day	Hours
  	Friday	8			Monday	3
  	Saturday	6			Wednesday	3
  	Sunday	3			Saturday	8
  	Total Hours:	17			Sunday	3
  Two Weekdays and Saturdc			IV		Total Hours:	17
  	Day	Hours		Create Your Own Regular Pioneer Schedule
  	Tuesday	7
  	Thursday	7
  	Saturday	3			Day	Hours
  	Total Hours:	17			Monday
  Tt	tree Weekdays and Sundi		iy		Tuesday
  					Wednesday
  	Day	Hours			Thursday
  	Monday	5			Friday
  	Wednesday	5			Saturday
  	Friday	5			Sunday
  	Sunday	2			Total Hours:	17
  	Total Hours:	17

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of May 3 to August 23, 1999. 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. Parents need not compromise Bible principles to deal reasonably with their children, [fy p. 108 par. 14]

• 2. The theme for the entire Bible is the vindication of Jehovah through the Kingdom ruled by the promised “seed.” (Gen. 3:15) [si p. 17 par. 30]

• 3. There is very little archaeological and other external evidence testifying to the accuracy of the events recorded in Exodus, [si p. 20 par. 4]

■  4. Those who live in extreme poverty are

not in a position to contribute financially to promote Kingdom interests. [w97 9/15 p. 5 par. 7]

r-" 5. Paying a due compensation to parents and grandparents is part of our worship to Jehovah. (1 Tim. 5:4) [w97 9/1 p. 4 pars. 1-2]

■ 6. The Sabbath observance was originally a sign between Jehovah and all nations. [Weekly Bible reading; see rs p. 345 par. 3.]

~ 7. When a child gets old enough to begin making his own decisions, he bears an increased measure of responsibility for his actions, especially with regard to divine law. (Rom. 14:12) [fy p. 135 par. 17]

' 8. Moses wrotethe book of Leviticus in the year 151$B.C.E. [si p. 25 pars. 3-4]

ET-9. Jesus’ words recorded at Luke 21:20, 21 were fulfilled in 66 C.E. when the Roman armies under the command of General Tittrs retreated from Jerusalem. [w97 4Zl o. 5 pars. 3-4]

S-97   #298               '

'/lo. The teaching of Epicurus was dangerous for Christians because it was based on his faithless outlook, which is described at 1 Corinthians 15:32. [w9711/1 p. 24 par. 5]

Answer the foUowi

prohibition against eating fat that is stated at Leviticus 3:17? [Weekly Bible 2.]

• 12. Wny hasoehovah permitted Satan the Devil to exist? (Ex. 9:15, 16) [Weekly Bible readingjsee w92 3/15 p. 10 par. 14.] Atu

• 13. When a family member faces serious illness, what initial steps should be taken by the family in order to set priorities^ (^roy J.5:?g)[fff p. 122 par. 14]

• 14. In what sense was the nation of Isra-

  15.

  
  

el “a kingdom of priests”? (Ex. 19:6) [Weekly Bible reading; see w95 7/1 p. 16 par. 8.] .4/ay       —

What is the difference between an eye

that is “simple” and one that is “wicked”? (Matt. 6:22, 23) [w97 W/l p. 26, par. 5] VU*

• 16. How could David be spoken of as walking “with integrity of heart and with uprightness” when he made mistakes? (1 Ki. 9:4) [w97 5/1 p. 5 par. 2]

• 17. What modern-day privileges are foreshadowed by the Israelites’ doing “just so” in connection with the tabernacle? (Ex. 39:32) [Weekly Bible reading; see w9512/15 p. 12 par. 9.]/^

• 18. What is indicated by the fact that Jehovah revealed himself as “I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be”? (Ex. 3:14) [Weekly Bible reading; see w95 3/1 p. 10 par. 6.]

  19. What lesson is taught by the incident 27. involving Nadab and Abihu record

  
  

ed at Leviticus 10:1, 2? [Weekly Bible

reading; see w84 2/15 p. 29 par_r3.Lr

• 20. Under the Mosaic Law, why dra child-

birth make a woman “unclean”? (Lev. 12:2,5) [Weekly Bible rpading^ee w84

Provide the word(s) or phrase needed

• 21. Although there is no miracle cure for loneliness, a single parent can endure it with strength from 9"^^-__>

which is acquired through persistent            (1 Tim. 5:5) \fy p. 112

par. 21]

• 22. A tragedy in one’s life may be the result             because of our own

  28.

  
  

Whether a family successfully copes with serious illness or not depends to a large extent on the (financial security; attitude; insurance policies) of its members. TProv. 17:22) [fy p. 120 par. 10]

The one who says in his heart “there is no Jehovah” is called “senseless” because that one is (morally deficient; uneducated; lacking in abjjffi to reason). (Ps. 14:1) [w9710/1 pf6 par. 8]

When Adam and Eve rebelled, the most important thing they lost was their (perfection; relationship with God; garden home), which was the key to their happiness. [w97 10/15 p. 6 par. 2]

The book of (Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus) mentions the requirement” (5f holiness more often than any other Bible book, [si p. 26 par. 9]

23.

. [w97 5/15 p. 22 par. 7]

of his magnificent

Announcements

■ Literature offer for August: Any of the following 32-page brochures may be used: Does God Really Care About Us?, Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making All Things New," Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Government That Will Bring Paradise, What Happens to Us When We Die?, What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It?, and When Someone You Love Dies. The brochures A Book for All People, Our Problems—Who Will Help Us Solve Them?, Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?, and Will There Ever Be a World Without War? may be offered where appropriate. Septsmbsr: Knowledge Thai Leads to Everlasting Life. October: Individual copies of The Watchtower and Awake! Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. November: What Does God Require of Us? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life.

■ In every community at various times during the year, there are secular holidays for which children are excused from school and employees are given time off from work. These are excellent opportunities for the congregation to have an increased share in the field ministry. The elders should plan ahead for these occasions and notify the congregation well in advance of the arrangements that are being made for group witnessing during holiday periods.

■ Congregations should begin requesting the 2000 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses with their September literature request. The calendars will be available in Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, 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 27,1999, to August 31, 1999, the Society will be taking an inventory of all literature on hand at Brooklyn Bethel. Because of this inventory, no congregation literature requests will be processed for shipment or for pickup during those days.

■ Adjustments have been made to the telephone numbers for the Society’s facilities In Brooklyn and Patterson, New York. The new telephone numbers are as follows: Brooklyn (718) 560-5000 and Patterson (914) 3061000. The telephone number for Wallkill, New York, (914) 744-6000, remains the same. As a reminder, correspondence with the Society regarding congregation matters should be handled through the local body of elders.

■ An adequate supply of forms for use during the 2000 service year Is being sent to each congregation. These forms should not be wasted. They should be used only for their intended purpose.

■ New Publications Available:

A Peaceful New World—Will It Come?

(Tract No. 17)           —Kazakh

Does Fate Rule Ou r Lives?—Or Does God Hold Us Responsible?     —Russian

Hellfire—Is It Part of Divine Justice?

(Tract No. 74)           —Russian

How to Find the Road to Paradise (for

Muslims)              —Bengali

How to Improve Your Speaking and Teaching Ability           —Hindi

IsThere a Creator Who Cares About You? —Arabic

Jehovah—Who Is He? (Tract No. 23)

—German, Polish, Russian

Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work               —Hindi

Watch Tower Publications Index 19861995                  —Spanish

What Happens to Us When We Die?

—Danish, Dutch, Faeroese, Norwegian, Slovenian, Swedish

What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract No. 16)                —Kazakh

Who Are Jehovah's Witnesses? (Tract No. 73)                 —Russian

MAY SERVICE REPORT

The special assembly day program beginning in September 1999 has as its theme: “Searching Into the Deep Things of God.” (1 Cor. 2:10) What valuable things will we learn?

In their quest for knowledge, many people are not refreshed by what they find. The Bible invigorates us, as will be shown by the circuit overseer in his part entitled “Searching God’s Word Brings Refreshment.” The visiting speaker will make the connection between searching into the deep things of God and preaching the good news as he addresses the question “How Do You View Kingdom Preaching?”

How can parents help their children to dig deep into God’s Word? Practical suggestions will be provided in the part “Inculcate God’s Word in Your Children.” Christian youths are influenced in a wholesome way by association with spiritually mature ones in the congregation. Examples of how they are favorably affected will be highlighted in the portion “Youths Who Learn From Older Ones.”

Why should we diligently search for hidden spiritual treasure at this time? Jehovah is a Revealer of secrets. The visiting speaker will explain what Jehovah has revealed in ancient and modern times in the talk “Jehovah Progressively Reveals Deep Things.” This will strengthen our resolve to continue “searching into the deep things of God.”

Plan now to attend. Those who wish to symbolize their dedication to Jehovah by baptism should inform the presiding overseer as soon as possible. Our earnest desire to delve into God’s Word will be fortified by what we hear. So do not miss this special day of spiritual instruction!

What Will You Say to a Buddhist?

• ¹ In some lands more than half of those getting baptized are from a Buddhist background. What is attracting these ones to the truth? How can you present the good news to a Buddhist?

• ² Show Genuine Concern: Many former Buddhists have said that it was not profound reasoning that attracted them to the truth. Rather, they were touched by the genuine personal concern shown to them. An Asian woman living in the United States was so impressed with the friendliness of the sister who called on her that she agreed to study. She could not speak English well, but the sister was patient. When the woman was tired or unable to study, the sister would simply make a friendly visit and arrange for the next session. Eventually the woman, her two sons, and her aged mother got baptized. She returned to the land of her birth and assisted many others to learn the truth. One of her sons now serves at the branch office. What blessings resulted from reflecting Jehovah’s ‘kindness and love for man’!—Titus 3:4.

• ³ Buddhist Thought: Buddhists generally are tolerant of other ideas, but they do not consider it necessary to adhere to specific dogma. So their individual beliefs vary. A common theme in one branch of Buddhist teaching is that life is full of suffering, but by means of enlightenment, one can stop the continuous cycle of rebirth into unsatisfactory lives. It is said that to be liberated from this cycle, one must achieve Nirvana, a state that cannot be described because it is not a place or an event but, rather, a void in which pain and evil are nonexistent. (See What Happens to Us When We Die?, pages 9-10.) What does this tell us? That it would be counterproductive to engage people in debates on Buddhist philosophy. Instead, discuss common problems that are of concern to all.

• ⁴ Emphasize Mutual Interests: Since Buddhists generally equate life on earth with suffering, the concept of everlasting life on earth may strike them as absurd. Still, all of us share the desire to enjoy happy family life, to see suffering eliminated, and to know the meaning of life. Note how such mutual needs can be highlighted.

• ⁵ You might try this introduction:

■ “Today we live in a world where many innocent people suffer. What do you believe is needed to bring an end to pain and misery for all? [Allow for response.] There is an ancient promise that is very comforting to me. [Read Revelation 21:4.] Of course, that time has not yet come, but when it arrives, we would like to see it, wouldn’t we?” Then offer a publication that explains how suffering will end.

• ⁶ To an older person, you could say:

■ “Perhaps you are as concerned as I am about the current flood of degraded ideas and the effect that these are having on our children. Why is there such an increase in immorality among young people? [Allow for response.] Did you know that this was foretold in a book that started to be written long before the founding of the Muslim, Christian, and Hindu religions? [Read 2 Timothy 3:1-3.] Note that these conditions prevail despite continuous learning. [Read verse 7.] This publication helped me to understand the truth that most people never learn. Would you like to read it?” Offer an appropriate book or brochure.

• ⁷ Buddhists generally respect the Bible as a sacred writing. So read from it directly. (Heb. 4: 12) If the person feels uneasy about the influence of Western culture, mention to him that all of the Bible writers were Asians.

• ⁸ Which Publications Work Best? Published especially for Buddhists, the tract Will Suffering Ever End? is printed in Chinese, Japanese, Sinhalese, and Thai. In addition, many publishers have successfully used the following literature: the books Mankind’s Search for God, The Secret of Family Happiness, and Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work; the brochures “Look! I Am Making All Things New," and What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It?; and, if still available, Kingdom News No. 35, Will All People Ever Love One Another? Most Buddhists who are now learning the truth study the Require brochure first and then the Knowledge book.

• ⁹ Although Buddhist missionaries are said to have arrived in Athens nearly 400 years before Paul preached there, it is uncertain whether he ever met a person influenced by Buddhist thought. However, we do know how Paul felt about witnessing to people of all sorts. He made himself “the slave to all” so that he “might by all means save some.” (1 Cor. 9:19-23) We can do the same by showing personal interest in people and by emphasizing the hope that we hold in common as we witness to everyone we meet.

8