Our Kingdom Ministry

April 2001                           For United States of America km-E Us 4/01 Vol. 44, No. 4

'‘The primary work of the Christian congregation is to preach the Kingdom message worldwide. (Matt. 24:14) That is a tremendous undertaking. To many observers, it seems to require resources far beyond what we possess. To others, fulfilling this assignment is almost inconceivable because we are subject to ridicule, opposition, and persecution. (Matt. 24:9; 2 Tim. 3: 12) Skeptics are convinced that this work is something impossible to accomplish. However, Jesus said: “With God all things are possible.”—Matt. 19:26.

• ² Positive Examples to Imitate: Jesus began his ministry as one man against a whole system of things. To try to prevent him from succeeding, opposers subjected him to every imaginable indignity, finally inflicting upon him an agonizing death. Yet, in the end, Jesus confidently declared: “I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33) Truly an incredible accomplishment!

• ³ Jesus’ disciples displayed the same courageous spirit and zeal in the Christian ministry. Many were flogged, beaten, thrown into jail, and even put to death. Yet, they were “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of his name.” (Acts 5:41) With the odds against them, they accomplished the seemingly impossible task of preaching the good news “to the most distant part of the earth.”—Acts 1:8; Col. 1:23.

• ⁴ How to Succeed in Our Day: We too have zealously taken up the Kingdom-preaching work in the face of seemingly impossible odds. In spite of bans, persecution, imprisonment, and other violent attempts to stop us, we are succeeding. How is this possible? ‘“Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ Jehovah of armies has said.” (Zech. 4:6) With Jehovah behind us, nothing can stop our work!—Rom. 8:31.

• ⁵ When we preach, we have no reason to be timid or fearful or to feel inadequate. (2 Cor. 2:16, 17) We have overpowering reasons to press forward in spreading the good news of the Kingdom. With Jehovah’s help, we will accomplish the “impossible”!—Luke 18:27.

  Planning Ahead—For What?

  
  

• ¹ All of us give some thought to our plans for the future. Those with the earthly hope are looking ahead to living forever in God’s righteous ngwjvorld. But there are influences that could snatch that 'hope out of one’s Heart. Earnest effort is required to keep building our lives around Kingdom interests and not to be sidetracked by the tempting desires of the flesh.—1 John 2:15zT7.

• ² The world simply cannot comprehend the aspirations of spiritual people. (1 Cor. 2:14) While others of mankind s'tfug-gle to attain fame, power, or wealth, we strive after spiritual treasures. (Matt. 6:19-21) If we tried to adjust our thinking to conform to the worlcfs view of the future, would we ever reach our spiritual'goals? Mun-dane things would soon consume our hearts. How can we prevent this?

• ³ “Put On the Lord Jesus Christ”: One way to determine whetheFwe are building our future around Kingdom interests is to examine pu^pon-versatjon. Are we constantly talking' about material things

  and mundane interests? If so, mill he was on, he took up a

  
  

we must consider whether our heart is losing its focus on spiritual values. We may need to give greater emphasis to( ‘putting on the Lord Jesus Christ rather than planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.’-^Rom. 13^. / 7^5 3   '

• ⁴ Youths can ‘put on Christ’ by planning ahead for the day when they enter the full-time ministry. A youth who wanted to regular pioneer was raised in a culture wnere the prevailing custorrTis for young men to become financially secure. Hence, he got deeply involved in business to the extent that he was just going through the motions of attending meetings and sharing in the ministry. Once he began trusting in the words of JeSus found at Matthew 6:33 and got off the figurative treadcareer in full-time service. Now, with a good conscience, he is serving Jehovah, asi he saysZto his full potential.’)

• ⁵ The Bible says that it is wise to plan for the future. (PrQv. 21:5) May all of us do so with Goel's will foremost in mind. —Eph. 515-17.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting April 9

Song 93

15 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Announce the congregation’s Memorial attendance. Invite audience to relate expressions of appreciation made by those who attended for the first time. Encourage everyone to view the video The Bible—Its Power in Your Life in preparation for the discussion at the Service Meeting the week of April 23.

1O min: Question Box. Talk by an elder. Include the factors that are considered in selecting homes for use as book study locations.—See the February 1983 Our Kingdom Ministry Question Box.

20 min: “Be ‘Intensely Occupied’ With Your Ministry.”* Invite two or three publishers to relate experiences they enjoyed in helping others as recommended in paragraphs 3-5. Song 80 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 16

Song 145

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Only two weekends are left in April, so encourage everyone to participate in the ministry before the month ends.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: “Simplicity Is Best.”* Incorporate ideas from the article “Let’s ‘Get to the Point!’” in the July 1999 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4. Briefly demonstrate one or two simple presentations.

Song 146 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 23

Song 163

5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: “Planning Ahead—For What?” A talk. Include appropriate points from the November 1, 2000, Watchtower, pages 18-21.

25 min: “Impressions of the Video The Bible—Its Power in Your Life.” Audience discussion. Why not follow through on the idea offered in the experience related in the 1997 Yearbook, page 54, paragraph 1, about making good use of the Society’s videos? In June we will review the video Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault. Song 202 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 30

Song 215

IO min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for April. Book study conductors should check with everyone in their group so that all reports can be tallied by May 6.

15 min: “Witness as a Good Neighbor.”* Mention additional ways we can give a witness by our conduct. —See the November 1,1997, Watchtower, page 18, paragraph 16.

20 min: Pioneers Are Assisting Others. Talk and interviews conducted by the service overseer. Review the Pioneers Assist Others program as outlined in the September 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4. Relate the positive things that have been accomplished locally. Interview a pioneer who has helped someone else and a publisher who has been assisted. Show how both benefited from Working together in the ministry. Invite others to take advantage of this provision in coming months.

Song 216 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 7

Song 84

10 min: Local announcements.

15 min: “With God All Things Are Possible."* Briefly comment on what is stated in the Proclaimers book, page 443, showing the extent of preaching that was done in 1935 compared with statistics in the current Yearbook. Point out how this tremendous expansion once seemed to be an impossibility.

20 min: How Can Our Family Demonstrate Holiness? Elder and his family discuss August 1, 1996, Watchtower, pages 17-20. Review ways to manifest holiness at home, with relatives, in the congregation and neighborhood, and at school and work.

Song 70 and concluding prayer.

* Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion.

Impressions of the Video The Bible—Its Power in Your Life

In response to the following questions, express your heartfelt impressions of the message contained in this video. (1a) What has empowered millions of people to change their lives for the better? (Heb. 4:12) (1t>) What is necessary to unlock this power and put it to work in one’s life? (2) Which Bible texts were cited to help marriage mates (a) improve their communication and (b) control their temper? (3) How does the Christian view of marriage change family life for the better? (Eph. 5:28, 29) (4) How has Jehovah God set a perfect example in giving children the three things they all want and need, and how can parents today do the same? (Mark 1:9-11) (5) Why should parents personally teach their children the Bible, and what indicates the need for regularity in doing so? (Deut. 6:6, 7) (6) How can parents make family study interesting? (7) Besides Bible study, what else does God’s Word motivate parents to provide for their children? (8) How can the Bible’s advice help families to survive economically? (9) When applied, what Scriptural principles help minimize health problems? (10) How have the principles in God’s Word made a difference in your own life? (11) Why might watching this, video encourage someone you call on in the ministry to accept a home Bible study?

© 2001 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 of New York, Inc.; M. H. Larson, President; G. F. Simonis, Secretary-Treasurer; 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, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                    Printed in U.S.A.

Be “Intensely Occupied” With Your Ministry

• ¹ When we read that the apostle Paul worked at tentmaking while in Corinth, we might conclude that this limited his opportunity to preach. However, Acts 18:5 relates: “Paul began to be intensely occupied with the word, witnessing to the Jews to prove that Jesus is the Christ.” Why was Paul so occupied with the preaching activity? Even though many in Corinth had already become believers, the Lord confirmed that there were yet many more disciples to be made in that city. (Acts 18:8-11) Do we have similar reason to be intensely occupied with our ministry? Yes. Many more people can be found and taught the truth.

• ² Spend More Time in Service During April: Likely it is your goal to keep busy in preaching the good news every month. But certain months especially lend themselves to our being “intensely occupied” with this activity. These include the month of April, at the height of the Memorial season. Have your circumstances allowed you to auxiliary pioneer or to increase your effort in the ministry this spring? Many publishers who are doing so have been richly blessed. (2 Cor. 9:6) If you are doing all that you can, remember that Jehovah is pleased with your whole-souled service. (Luke 21:2-4) Whatever your circumstances, make it your goal to be “intensely occupied” with your ministry during April. And do not forget to turn in your field service report at the end of the month so that your effort will be counted with that of the rest of Jehovah’s people.

• ³ Visit New Ones Who Attended the Memorial: In the United States last year, the Memorial attendance was 2,153,268. The total attendance for this year remains to be seen. Yet, reports indicate that there exists a marvelous potential for a greater “harvest.” (Matt. 9:37, 38) Therefore, as soon as possible, arrange to visit the interested ones who attended the Memorial to assist them spiritually. Postponing such visits could allow ‘the wicked one to snatch away the word of the kingdom sown in their hearts.’ (Matt. 13:19) A prompt visit will show that you are indeed “intensely occupied” with your ministry.

• ⁴ Continue to Assist the Inactive Ones: In February a special effort began to help inactive ones. If there are some who have not yet received a shepherding call, the elders should arrange to visit them well before April ends. The elders will endeavor to determine the underlying cause of the individual’s problem and how best to assist him to serve Jehovah actively again. This loving help shows that the elders take seriously their responsibility as shepherds of “the flock of God.” (1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28) The September 15, 1993, issue of The Watchtower, pages 22-3, provides excellent suggestions that can be used by the elders when addressing any of five typical problems that may be affecting inactive ones. Ideally, some can still be reactivated in the field ministry during April.

• ⁹ Help More to Become Unbaptized Publishers: Have your children qualified as new publishers of the good news? What about others with whom you are studying the Bible? If such ones are approved by the elders, would not April be a wonderful time for them to begin publishing? If a person is making progress and has studied the Require brochure and the Knowledge book, the Bible study may be continued in a second book—either the God’s Word book, the True Peace book, or the United in Worship book. Your goal is to help the student achieve greater insight into the truth, qualify as an unbaptized publisher, and become a dedicated and baptized Witness of Jehovah.—Eph. 3:17-19; 1 Tim. 1:12; 1 Pet. 3:21.

• ⁶ Your consistent and genuine interest in your Bible students may help them eventually to make the truth their own. One Witness met an elderly couple who heartily agreed to a Bible study. But the couple postponed the study three weeks in a row. Eventually the study was started. Then, the couple canceled the study almost every other week. Finally, though, the wife progressed to the point of baptism. “After she was baptized,” the brother recalls, “her eyes were filled with tears of happiness, which brought tears of happiness to both my wife and me.” Yes, being “intensely occupied” with the good news brings great joy!

• ⁷ Bible prophecy and world events indicate that we are living deep in the time of the end. Now is when all of God’s people need to be “intensely occupied” with making the good news known to others. The apostle Paul gives assurance that such labor is definitely “not in vain in connection with the Lord.”—1 Cor. 15:58.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

■ Literature offer for April and May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. Offer the Knowledge book or Require brochure, with a view to starting home Bible studies. June: What Does God Require of Us? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. Concentrate on starting home Bible studies. July: 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 Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, 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.

■ Beginning in April, district convention lapel badge cards for 2001 in Armenian, Chinese, English, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese will automatically be included with literature shipments. It will not be necessary to request these. Based on the size of each congregation, cards will be shipped in lots of 25. If additional badge cards are needed by the congregations, these should be requested on a Literature Request Form (S-14). It is necessary to request plastic badge card holders for any in the congregation who desire them.

■ Assignments No. 3 and No. 4 in the “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2001” are drawn from designated pages and paragraphs in the Reasoning book. When counting paragraphs in the book, only the ones that are indented are to be counted. ■ It is necessary for the Society to maintain an up-to-date record of addresses and telephone numbers for all presiding overseers and secretaries. If there is a change at any time, the secretary should complete and send a Presiding Overseer/Secretary Change of Address (S-29) form to the Society promptly. This includes any changes in area codes.

■ Congregation secretaries should maintain an adequate supply of the forms Application for Regular Pioneer Service (S-205) and Application for Auxiliary Pioneer Service (S-205b). These can be ordered on the Literature Request Form (S-14). Maintain at least a one-year supply. Review all regular pioneer application forms to make sure they are complete. If applicants cannot recall the exact date of their baptism, they should estimate the date and keep a record of it.

■ A large-print edition of Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind I is being prepared for the benefit of the visually impaired. This magazinesize paperback book will be 512 pages with no illustrations, and the type size will be comparable to the large-print editions of The Watchtower that have two study articles. Only English will be available at this time. Other languages will be announced as they become available. This can be listed on the request form as Isaiah’s Prophecy I-Large Print.

■ District Convention Update: The two Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, district conventions listed as “tentative” in the February 15, 2001, issue of The Watchtower are now definite.

■ Whenever personal travel plans include attending congregation meetings, a circuit assembly, or a district convention in another land, your request for information regarding dates, times, and locations must be directed to the branch office that oversees the work in that land. Addresses of branch offices are listed on the last page of the current Yearbook. ■ The Watchtower in Portuguese will be available on audiocassette beginning with the April 1, 2001, issue.

■ New Publications Available:

A Book for All People  —Malayalam,

Swahili, Twi

“All Scripture’’—Authentic and Beneficial (Brochure for use in 2001 Theocratic Ministry School) —Russian Bible                 —Hmong

Bible Topics for Discussion

—Laotian Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20)              —Hiligaynon

Does God Really Care About Us?

—Hebrew

Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21)

—Hiligaynon

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

—Armenian Hellfire—Is It Part of Divine Justice?

—Armenian, Twi How Can Blood Save Your Life ?

—Hebrew How to Find the Road to Paradise (for Muslims) —Finnish, Wolof How to Start and Continue Bible Discussions              —Laotian

Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind I         —Amharic, Dutch

Is There a Creator Who Cares About You?                —Finnish

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?   —Arabic,

Chinese, Chinese (Simplified)

Jehovah—Who Is He? (Tract No. 23)

—Bengali, Czech, East Armenian, Ewe, Hiligaynon, Japanese, Kazakh, Mongolian, Malayalam, Sinhala, Swahili, Telugu

Jesus Christ—Who Is He? (Tract No. 24) —Cebuano, Czech, Ewe, Finnish, Indonesian, Marshallese, Polish, Russian, Sinhala, Slovak, Slovenian, Twi

Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life                   —Gun

Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (Small size)

—Malayalam Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15)    —Bambara, Bari, Sango

“Look! I Am Making All Things New”

—Palauan

My Book of Bible Stories (Small size)

—East Armenian, Tuvaluan New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures    —Romanian

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—Large Print (set of four volumes)            —Japanese

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Deluxe; available with black or maroon leather cover)

—Greek New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Large size)    —Polish

Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy!

—Ga, Swahili Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work —Latvian, Vietnamese Reasoning From the Scriptures

—Myanmar Sing Praises to Jehovah (29 songs)

—Hindi The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever                 —Tigrinya

The Government That Will Bring Paradise                  —Kirundi

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived

—Bulgarian, Tigrinya

(Continuedonp. 7, col. 1)

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of January 1 to April 23, 2001. 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.}

1. Although we should never allow mere sentiment to blind us to gross wrongdoing, we can imitate Joseph’s example by mercifully forgiving a repentant individual who has sinned against us. (Gen. 42:21; 45:4, 5) [w991/1 p. 31 pars. 2-3]

- 2. Other than its list of genealogies, 1 Chronicles contains merely a repetition of material found in the books of Samuel and Kings, [si p. 75 par. 1]

• 3. The Bible refers to only one “antichrist,” who will appear at some future time, [rs p.32]

• 4. Jesus showed his humility by accepting the unique assignment of coming to earth from the heavenly realm and becoming a lowly human, inferior to the angels. (Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 2:7) [w99 2/1 p. 6 par. 3]

' 5. Shishak’s invasion of Judah and the plundering of “the treasures of the house of Jehovah and the treasures of the king’s house” are confirmed by archaeology. (2 Chron. 12:9) [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 2/1 p. 26 par. 4.]

/ 6. Infant baptism was not practiced by first-century Christians, [rs p. 55]

• 7. One should serve God with no thought of a r^yaigjn [w99 4/15 p. 16 par. 1]

C 8. In referring to Jehovah’s “doings,” as recorded at Psalm 103:2, David had in mind Jehovah’s physical creation. [w99 5/15 p. 21 pars. 5-6]

?'9. The temples built by Solomon, Zerubba-bel, and Herod, as well as the tabernacle built by Moses, all picture the same thing, [si p. 87 par. 16]

S-97    #303   4/01                                       5

Christian congregation, [si p. 78 par. 23]

Answer the following questions:

• 11. Why did Jehovah’s judgment rest heavily on Ahab’s house? (1 Ki„ 16:31; 2 Kj. 9:7, 26) [si p. 74 par. 34]

• 12. As indicated at Matthew 24:45-51, what

  13.

  
  

is characteristic of those who become apostates,? [rs p. 35]^^?^

What'sobering lesson about strengths

can we learn from the case of Judean

King Uzziah? (2 Chron. 26:15-21) [Weekly Bible reading! see w99 12/1 p. 26. pars. 1-2.]

• 14. Rather than instituting a ritual, what was the powerful lesson Jesus provided for us by washing the feet of his apostles? (John 13:4, 5Uw99 3/1 p. 31 par. 1]

• 15. Why was the account at 1 Chronicles 14:

8-17 of interest in Isaiah’s day, and why should it be of interest to Christendom * today? (Isa. 28:21) [Weekly Bible reading!

16.

attractive to many Israelites? [w99 4/1 p. 29 pars. 3-6] -f A

What practical lesson can be learned from Hezekiah’s work to protect and increase Jerusalem’s water supply? (2 Chron. 32:3, 4) [Weekly Bible reading; see w96 8/15,p. 6 pgrs. 1-2.]              /

How can Josialrs example be an encour

agement for young people today to serve God and stand firm against false wor-

ship? (2 Chron. 34:3, 8, 33) [Weekly Bible reading; see w90 8/1 p. 5 par. 2J_.   * .

• 24. “Being baptized for the purpose of being dead ones,” as Paul stated at 1 Corinthians 15:29, means being immersed in a f course of life that will lead to a

iff like that of Christ and then to a

0 to spirit life as he was. [rs p. 57]

• 25. In order for a true Christian to succeed where Solomon failed, he must put aside alUzy/4^ in his worship and comply with         words to ‘love

Jehovah his God with his whole heart.’ (Matt. 22:37; 1 Chron. 28:9) [Weekly Bible reading; see w86 6/1 p. 19 pars. 17-18.]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 26. The account at 2 Kings 17:5, 6 relates how (Tiglath-pileser; Shalmaneser V~-Esarfhg^don) invaded thenoFthern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel and began a Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

Ex. 21:22, 23; Prov. 25:11; Rom. 12:2; 2 Pet. 3:15, 16; Rev. 16:13, 14

Willing effort is required to change our thinking and fill our mind with divine truth. [w99 4/1 p. 22 par. 2]            /

When giving counsel, it is important to choose the right words. [w99 1/15 p. 23 par. 1]

• 33. Jehovah has indicated that a person would be called to account for injury to ₂ an unborn child, [rs p. 25] ty P-/        '

• 34. The influence of Satan the Devil is push-// ing the nations to the world situation u that will result in war against God. [rs/3 p.48]

• 35. Twisting the Scriptures to fit our own ideas can result in lasting harm, [rs p. 65]

Announcements (Continued)

The Guidance of God—Our Way to Paradise —Bengali, Czech, Gujarati, Malayalam, Persian, Urdu

Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook             —Hungarian

The Secret of Family Happiness

—Solomon Islands Pidgin

Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-1995            —Korean, Polish

Watch Tower Publications Index 1996-1997           —Ukrainian

Watch Tower Publications Index 1996-1998                 —Korean

WatchTower Publications Index 1997

—Dutch, French, Spanish Watch Tower Publications Index 1998

—French

Watch Tower Publications Index 1999

—French, Italian What Does God Require of Us?

—Ateso, Edo, Fon, Gun, Kannada, Luganda, Luo, Luvale, Pona-pean, Rutoro, Samar-Leyte, Swahili (Congo), Tshiluba, Tuvaluan, Zande

What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe?

(Tract No. 14)       —Hiligaynon

What Happens to Us When We Die?

—Papiamento What Hope for Dead Loved Ones?

(Tract No. 16)       —Hiligaynon

What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It?—Armenian, East Armenian

When Someone You Love Dies

—Armenian, Hebrew Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses? (Tract No. 73) —Assamese, Telugu Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22)              —Hiligaynon

Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13)              —Hiligaynon

Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19)

—Hiligaynon You Can Be God’s Friend!

—Dutch, Urdu

■ New Audiocassettes Available: Acts of Apostles (set of three cassettes) —Korean Appreciating Our Spiritual Heritage (Drama, single cassette)

—German, Polish Daniel (single cassette) —Finnish Families—Make Daily Bible Reading Your Way of Life! (Drama, single cassette) —Croatian, Serbian Keep Your Eye Simple (Drama, single cassette)               —Dutch

Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life (five cassettes in an album)

—Japanese Marked for Survival (Drama, single cassette)           —Norwegian

My Book of Bible Stories (four cassettes in an album) —Czech The Secret of Family Happiness (four cassettes in an album) —Japanese

To the Romans (single cassette)

—Korean

When Someone You Love Dies (single cassette) —Danish, German, Spanish

Why Respect Theocratic Arrangements? (Drama, single cassette)

—Spanish

■ New Videocassettes Available:

Noah—He Walked With God —Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean

The Bible—Accurate History, Reliable Prophecy             —Czech

What Does GodRequire of Us?

—Mexican Sign Language

Young People Ask—How Can I Make Real Friends?         —Japanese

JANUARY SERVICE REPORT

Av Av Av. Av.

Number of:             Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios.	132 122.4 104.3 54.7 4.9
Pios.	90,477 64.1 45.3 21.2 1.6
Aux. Pios	15,025 49.2 37.8 14.0 1.0
Pubs.	834,684   8.8   8.0 3.4 0.3
TOTAL	940,318          Baptized: 1,543

Question Box

■ When would it be appropriate to form an additional Congregation Book Study group?

Forming a new group should be considered when it is necessary in order to maintain an attendance of about 15 or fewer at each of the book study locations, including the Kingdom Hall. Why is this recommended?

When Congregation Book Study groups are kept small, the conductor is better able to give attention to each one who attends. Additionally, all have ample opportunity to comment in a setting that is conducive to making public declaration of their faith. (Heb. 10:23; 13:15) Having smaller groups in several locations throughout the congregation’s territory makes attending the Congregation Book Study and meetings for field service more convenient. Congregations that have increased the number of locations have found that the combined attendance at the book study has also increased.

There may be special circumstances that make it advisable to form another group, even if it will be rather small. This may be true in an isolated area or where present locations are crowded or lack adequate seating. When needed, a group can be formed that meets during the day for the benefit of older ones, night workers, or sisters with nonWitness husbands.

Each book study group should have several spiritually strong and active publishers assigned as well as a qualified conductor and reader. Brothers should reach out to fill these needs in the congregation.

Elders can promote the advancement of the congregation by ensuring that the congregation’s book study groups are reasonable in size and spiritually well cared for and that they meet at convenient locations. Whenever it is practical, new groups should be formed so that all can take full advantage of the benefits of this unique spiritual arrangement. Could you offer your home as a book study location? Many who have done so have experienced spiritual blessings.

Simplicity Is Best

• ¹ Why do young publishers often hold the attention of those with whom they share the Kingdom message? One reason is that their expressions are simple. Some publishers may feel that to witness effectively requires an eloquent presentation. However, experience shows that a simple and clear presentation is the best.

• ² Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God in a simple, straightforward manner and trained his disciples to do the same. (Matt. 4:17; 10:5-7; Luke 10:1, 9) He used uncomplicated introductions, questions, and illustrations to capture the attention of his listeners and reach their hearts. (John 4:7-14) We do well to imitate his example and give presentations that are easily understood.

• ³ The “good news of the kingdom” is the message we are to proclaim. (Matt. 24:14) Using the Kingdom as your basic theme will help keep your presentation simple. Speak of things that concern your listeners. Women are often more interested in their family than in political subjects. Of immediate concern to a father are his employment and his family’s safety. Young people are interested in their future; older people, in better health and their security. People are usually more concerned about local events than what happens in distant lands. After conversing about matters of common interest, direct attention to the blessings that obedient mankind will enjoy under God’s Kingdom rule. A few simple, well-chosen words combined with a scripture can be the best means to stir your listener’s interest.

• ⁴ You might start a conversation by saying:

■ “No doubt you agree that mankind is plagued with many incurable diseases. But did you know that God has promised he will soon eliminate all forms of sickness, as well as death?” Allow for a response, and then read Revelation 21:3, 4.

• ⁵ With clear and simple presentations, may you reach the minds and hearts of more people in your territory, aiding them to learn about Jehovah and the prospect of enjoying everlasting life.—John 17:3.

Witness as a Good Neighbor

• ¹ Jesus said to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39) Undoubtedly, you “work what is good” toward fellow believers, but can you widen out in your love toward those people who live nearby? (Gal. 6:10) In what ways?

• ² By Identifying Yourself: Do your neighbors know that you are a Witness? If not, why not call on them in field service? The results may surprise you! Or if you would feel more comfortable, try to witness to them informally. When outdoors, you might see them working in their yard or casually walking by on the street. Approach them with a warm smile. Endeavor to speak about your beliefs, the location of the Kingdom Hall, and what goes on there, and let them know whoever else from the neighborhood attends. Extend an invitation to the meetings. Be determined to bear thorough witness about the good news to everyone you know.—Acts 10: 42; 28:23.

• ³ By Your Exemplary Conduct: Your neighborly conduct speaks volumes about you and may open the way to give a witness. It also ‘adorns the teaching of God.’ (Titus 2:7,10) Show genuine interest in your neighbors. Be friendly and understanding. Respect their right to privacy and quiet surroundings. If one of them becomes ill, be considerate and offer to help. When a new family moves into the neighborhood, stop by to welcome them. Such kind acts leave a favorable impression and are pleasing to Jehovah.—Heb. 13:16.

• ⁴ By the Appearance of Your Property: Being a good neighbor includes caring for your home so that it is presentable. A home and yard that are clean and attractive are a witness in themselves. But a home that is dirty or that has discarded items lying around will likely detract from the Kingdom message. Thus, it is very important to keep your home, yard, and vehicles clean and in good repair.

• ⁵ Displaying concern for those outside the Christian congregation demonstrates love for your neighbors. What may be the outcome? It may well be that “as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses,” some of them will “glorify God.”—1 Pet. 2:12.

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