Our Kingdom Ministry

August 2002                       For United States of America km-E Us 8/02 Vol. 45, No. 8

Set Spiritual Goals

’What a privilege it will be to praise Jehovah throughout eternity! To help us realize that goal, we can set more immediate spiritual goals and work toward attaining them. This enables us to direct our energies wisely. (1 Cor. 9:26) What goals would be realistic for you?

• ² Bible Study: Do you prepare for each congregation meeting? If so, do you allow time for research and meditation when you study? For example, when preparing for the weekly Watchtower Study and Congregation Book Study, do you just underline answers or do you look up the cited scriptures and also ponder the reasons for the explanations given? Could you make it your goal to do research on a few points each week from the assigned Bible reading for the Theocratic Ministry School? Such spiritual digging takes time and effort, but it yields rich rewards.—Prov. 2:4, 5.

• ³ Congregation Meetings: Another goal is to attend all five congregation meetings regularly. Arriving early enough to associate with fellow believers and to share in the opening song and prayer helps build up the spirit of the congregation. We might also strive to comment at each meeting and work at improving our comments. Perhaps you can show how a scripture in the paragraph bears on the discussion or point out how the material applies in everyday life. —Heb. 10:24, 25.

• ⁴ Field Service: Our ministry improves greatly when we set goals. Do you have a personal goal of hours that you plan to spend in service each month? Some find that helpful. Or could you improve in some aspect of your ministry, such as using the Bible in the house-to-house activity, making more meaningful return visits, striving to start a Bible study, or teaching more effectively on studies?

• ⁵ Parents, are you prompting your children to set goals in Jehovah’s service? Help them to see that serving as a pioneer, a missionary, or a member of the Bethel family is an excellent way to show the depth of their appreciation for Jehovah. —Eccl. 12:1.

• ⁶ As we examine our activities, set spiritual goals, and then work at reaching them, we will find greater joy in our service and be a source of encouragement to others.—Rom. 1:12.

  New Special Assembly Day Program

  
  

• ¹ While the media and secular educators glorify material wealth, God’s Word urges us to “Be Rich in Fine Works.” (1 Tim. 6:18) That is the theme of the special assembly day program beginning in September 2002. What encouragement will we receive at this assembly?

• ² The circuit overseer will discuss what it means to “Be Rich From God’s Standpoint,” and he will interview some who are exerting themselves to acquire spiritual riches. In his first talk of the day, the visiting speaker will show how God’s people are performing “Fine Works in This Time of Harvest.” Each of us will be encouraged to consider how we might share even more fully in the God-ordained harvest work being accomplished today.

• ³ How proud we are when we see Christian youths pursuing spiritual riches! This glorifies Jehovah and helps youths to lay a fine foundation for future privileges of service. The part “Commending Youths for Fine Works in Praising Jehovah” will highlight fine works that young Christians locally have been performing.

• ⁴ What are the results of pursuing fine works? The visiting speaker will discuss this in his final talk, “Continue in Fine Works and Reap Jehovah’s Blessings.” He will consider four areas in which we reap rich blessings: (1) as individuals, (2) as families, (3) as a congregation, and (4) as a worldwide organization.

• ⁶ Those who have made a dedication to Jehovah will have the opportunity to get baptized. If you are ready to take that step, let the presiding overseer know right away.

• ⁶ When the assembly date for your area is announced, be quick to make definite plans to be in attendance. Endeavor to arrive early so as to share in the opening song and prayer. Being present and attentive for the entire special assembly day program will strengthen us to continue pursuing a course that makes us truly rich from the standpoint of our God, Jehovah.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

  Week Starting August 12 cuss how we might adapt our pre

  
  

Song 76

13 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Using the suggestions on page 8, have two separate demonstrations of how to present the August 15 Watchtower and the August 22 Awake! In each case, show a different way to handle the conversation stopper “Why do you people call so often?”—See Reasoning book, page 20.

20 min: “Set Spiritual Goals.”* When discussing paragraph 5, include motivating comments about regular pioneering and missionary and Bethel service from the Our Ministry book, pages 114-16.

12 min: Local experiences. Invite the congregation to relate experiences they have had using the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? Have any Bible studies been started? If so, explain how or reenact one or two experiences. Review the box “Opportunities to Distribute the Tract” in the November 2001 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4.

Song 123 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 19

Song 182

12 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Discuss “New Special Assembly Day Program.” Announce date of the next special assembly day, and urge all to arrive early and be attentive during the entire program. Encourage publishers to invite newly interested ones and Bible students.

15 min: What Holds Them Back? Audience discussion and demonstration. In our ministry we commonly encounter people who are reluctant to discuss their beliefs. This poses a barrier that can prevent us from sharing the Kingdom message. If we recognize why a person holds back, this may help us to formulate an approach that will draw the individual out. Dis-sentation when we encounter the following types of people: (1) Those apathetic toward religion, even their own. (2) Those with an emotional attachment to religious customs practiced by their family and ancestors. (3) Those who are uncomfortable talking about their beliefs because they have little Scriptural support for them. (4) Those prejudiced against us because of misleading comments made by opposers. Adjust list as needed to suit the local territory, focusing on attitudes commonly encountered. Include a brief demonstration showing how to draw a person into a Scriptural conversation.

18 min: “Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellow-shipped.”* (Paragraphs 1-8) To be handled by a well-qualified elder, using the questions that are provided. Have each paragraph read aloud by a brother who is a capable reader. Song 136 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 26

Song 189

10 min: Local announcements. Using the suggestions on page 8, have a regular or an auxiliary pioneer demonstrate how to present the September 1 Watchtower and have a congregation publisher show how to present the September 8 Awake! Encourage all publishers to include a scripture in their presentation.

17 min: “Be a Communicator!”* In conclusion, encourage publishers to review the chapter “How to Improve Conversation Skills” in the book Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education, pages 62-5.

18 min: “Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellow-shipped.”* (Paragraphs 9-14) To be handled by a well-qualifled elder, using the questions that are provided. Have each paragraph read aloud by a brother who is a capable reader. Song 125 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting September 2

Song 84

1O min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for August. Briefly highlight the article “Read With Your Children” in the May 1, 1999, Watchtower, page 25.

20 min: Prepare Before You Go. Discussion and demonstration. Good planning contributes to our effectiveness in the ministry. Therefore, in advance: (1) Obtain the literature you will need. (2) Be sure to have sufficient house-to-house records and a pen or a pencil. (3) If you need transportation, make appropriate travel arrangements. (4) Think about the return visits you plan to make. (5) Prepare what you are going to say. If you will be conducting the meeting for field service, obtain sufficient territory. Discuss with the audience two or three ways that the Creation book can be offered in the ministry during September. Demonstrate one of the presentations, and include a scripture in the discussion.—See suggestions in Our Kingdom Ministry, September 1996, page 8, and June 1995, page 4.

15 min: Local needs. Or invite the congregation to relate experiences they have had witnessing informally, perhaps by sharing the good news with people in parking lots, on public transportation, in parks, in shopping centers, at truck stops, and in other public places. Reenact one or two experiences.

Song 99 and concluding prayer.

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

MAY SERVICE REPORT

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

Sp'IPiOS. 133 122.6 117 55.8 5.1

Pios 85,448 66.1 47.4 21.6 1.9

Aux.Pios. 29,718 49.4 39.5 13.2 1

Pubs   861,600   9.3   8.5 3.5 0.3

TOTAL 976,899          Baptized: 2,899

© 2002 Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses: W. L. Van De Wall, President: W. H. Nonkes, Secretary-Treasurer; 2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237. Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                         Printed in U.S.A.

Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped

• ¹ The bond between family members can be very strong. This brings a test upon a Christian when a marriage mate, a child, a parent, or another close relative is disfellowshipped or has disassociated himself from the congregation. (Matt. 10:37) How should loyal Christians treat such a relative? Does it make a difference if the person lives in your household? First, let us review what the Bible says on this subject, the principles of which apply equally to those who are disfellowshipped and to those who disassociate themselves.

• ² How to Treat Expelled Ones: God’s Word commands Christians not to keep company or fellowship with a person who has been expelled from the congregation: “Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a re-viler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man.. .. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.” (1 Cor. 5:11,13) Jesus’ words recorded at Matthew 18:17 also bear on the matter: “Let [the expelled one] be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector.” Jesus’ hearers well knew that the Jews of that day had no fraternization with Gentiles and that they shunned tax collectors as outcasts. Jesus was thus instructing his followers not to associate with expelled ones.—See The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, pages 18-20.

• ³ This means that loyal Christians do not have spiritual fellowship with anyone who has been expelled from the congregation. But more is involved. God’s Word states that we should ‘not even eat with such a man.’ (1 Cor. 5:11) Hence, we also avoid social fellowship with an expelled person. This would rule out joining him in a picnic, party, ball game, or trip to the mall or theater or sitting down to a meal with him either in the home or at a restaurant.

• ⁴ What about speaking with a disfellowshipped person? While the Bible does not cover every possible situation, 2 John 10 helps us to get Jehovah’s view of matters: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never re-

• 1. What situation can test a Christian’s loyalty?

• 2. According to the Bible, how are Christians to treat those expelled from the congregation?

• 3, 4. What sort of fellowship with disfellowshipped and disassociated people is forbidden? ceive him into your homes or say a greeting to him.” Commenting on this, The Watchtower of September 15,1981, page 25, says: “A simple ‘Hello’ to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?”

• ⁵ Indeed, it is just as page 31 of the same issue of The Watchtower states: “The fact is that when a Christian gives himself over to sin and has to be disfellowshiped, he forfeits much: his approved standing with God; . . . sweet fellowship with the brothers, including much of the association he had with Christian relatives.”

• ⁶ In the Immediate Household: Does this mean that Christians living in the same household with a disfellowshipped family member are to avoid talking to, eating with, and associating with that one as they go about their daily activities? The Watchtower of April 15, 1991, in the footnote on page 22, states: “If in a Christian’s household there is a disfellowshipped relative, that one would still be part of the normal, dayto-day household dealings and activities.” Thus, it would be left up to members of the family to decide on the extent to which the disfellowshipped family member would be included when eating or engaging in other household activities. And yet, they would not want to give brothers with whom they associate the impression that everything is the same as it was before the dis-fellowshipping occurred.

• ⁷ However, The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, page 28, points out regarding the disfellowshipped or disassociated person: “Former spiritual ties have been completely severed. This is true even with respect to his relatives, including those within his immediate family circle. . . . That will mean changes in the spiritual fellowship that may have existed in the home. For example, if the husband is disfellowshiped, his wife and children will not be comfortable with him conducting a family Bible study or leading in Bible reading and prayer. If he wants to say a

• 5. When disfellowshipped, what does a person forfeit?

• 6. Is a Christian required to cut off all association with a disfellowshipped relative living in the same household? Explain.

• 7. How does spiritual fellowship within the home change when a family member is disfellowshipped? prayer, such as at mealtime, he has a right to do so in his own home. But they can silently offer their own prayers to God. (Prov. 28:9; Ps. 119:145, 146) What if a disfellowshiped person in the home wants to be present when the family reads the Bible together or has a Bible study? The others might let him be present to listen if he will not try to teach them or share his religious ideas.”

  krrt-E Us 8/02

  
  

  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, AUGUST 2002

  
  

• ⁸ If a minor child living in the home is disfel-lowshipped, Christian parents are still responsible for his upbringing. The Watchtower of November 15,1988, page 20, states: “Just as they will continue to provide him with food, clothing, and shelter, they need to instruct and discipline him in line with God’s Word. (Proverbs 6:20-22; 29:17) Loving parents may thus arrange to have a home Bible study with him, even if he is disfellow-shipped. Maybe he will derive the most corrective benefit from their studying with him alone. Or they may decide that he can continue to share in the family study arrangement.”—See also The Watchtower of October 1, 2001, pages 16-17.

• ⁹ Relatives Not in the Household: “The situation is different if the disfellowshipped or disassociated one is a relative living outside the immediate family circle and home,” states The Watchtower of April 15, 1988, page 28. “It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum,” in harmony with the divine injunction to “quit mixing in company with anyone” who is guilty of sinning unrepentantly. (1 Cor. 5:11) Loyal Christians should strive to avoid needless association with such a relative, even keeping business dealings to an absolute minimum.—See also The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, pages 29-30.

• ¹⁰ The Watchtower addresses another situation that can arise: “What if a close relative, such as a son or a parent who does not live in the home, is disfellowshiped and subsequently wants to move back there? The family could decide what to do depending on the situation. For example, a disfellowshiped parent may be sick or no longer able to care for himself financially or physically. The Christian children have a Scriptural

• 8. What responsibility do Christian parents have toward a minor disfellowshipped child living in the home?

• 9. To what extent should a Christian have contact with a disfellowshipped relative living outside the home?

• 10, 11. What will a Christian consider before allowing a disfellowshipped relative to move into the home?

and moral obligation to assist. (1 Tim. 5:8) . . . What is done may depend on factors such as the parent’s true needs, his attitude and the regard the head of the household has for the spiritual welfare of the household.”—The Watchtower of September 15,1981, pages 28-9.

• ¹¹ As for a child, the same article continues: “Sometimes Christian parents have accepted back into the home for a time a disfellowshiped child who has become physically or emotionally ill. But in each case the parents can weigh the individual circumstances. Has a disfellowshiped son lived on his own, and is he now unable to do so? Or does he want to move back primarily because it would be an easier life? What about his morals and attitude? Will he bring ‘leaven’ into the home?—Gal. 5:9.”

• ¹² Benefits of Being Loyal to Jehovah: Cooperating with the Scriptural arrangement to disfellowship and shun unrepentant wrongdoers is beneficial. It preserves the cleanness of the congregation and distinguishes us as upholders of the Bible’s high moral standards. (1 Pet. 1:1416) It protects us from corrupting influences. (Gal. 5:7-9) It also affords the wrongdoer an opportunity to benefit fully from the discipline received, which can help him to produce “peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.”—Heb. 12:11.

• ¹³ After hearing a talk at a circuit assembly, a brother and his fleshly sister realized that they needed to make adjustments in the way they treated their mother, who lived elsewhere and who had been disfellowshipped for six years. Immediately after the assembly, the man called his mother, and after assuring her of their love, he explained that they could no longer talk to her unless there were important family matters requiring contact. Shortly thereafter, his mother began attending meetings and was eventually reinstated. Also, her unbelieving husband began studying and in time was baptized.

• ¹⁴ Loyally upholding the disfellowshipping arrangement outlined in the Scriptures demonstrates our love for Jehovah and provides an answer to the one that is taunting Him. (Prov. 27: 11) In turn, we can be assured of Jehovah’s blessing. King David wrote regarding Jehovah: “As for his statutes, I shall not turn aside from them. With someone loyal you will act in loyalty.”—2 Sam. 22:23, 26.

• 12. What are some benefits of the disfellowshipping arrangement?

• 13. What adjustment did one family make, and with what result?

• 14. Why should we loyally support the disfellowshipping arrangement?

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of May 6 to August 19, 2002. 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. Jeremiah 18:1-6 shows that Jehovah causes people to do things against their will. [Weekly Bible reading; see w99 4/1 p. 22 pars. 3-4.]

• 2. The false prophets stole the force and effect of God’s words by encouraging the people to listen to lies rather than to the true warning from God. (Jer. 23:30) [Weekly Bible reading; see w92 2/1 p. 4 par. 3.]

• 3. At Jeremiah 25:15, 16, “this cup of the wine of rage” that makes “all the nations ... act like crazed men” refers to the stupefying effect of false religion. [Weekly Bible reading; see w94 3/1 p. 20 par. 13.]

• 4. According to the way in which Jeremiah’s prophecy was applied by Matthew, “the land of the enemy” refers to the land of death, from which the young victims killed by Herod the Great would return by means of a resurrection. (Jer. 31:15, 16; Matt. 2:17,18) [Weekly Bible reading; see w79 6/15 p. 19 par. 13.]

• 5. Jeremiah 37:21 provides assurance that Jehovah can sustain his faithful servants during hard economic times. [Weekly Bible reading; see w97 9/15 p. 3 par. 4-p. 4 par. 2.]

• 6. The book of Lamentations expresses deep sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, [si p. 130 par. 1]

• 7. Lamentations 5:7 clearly shows that Jehovah directly punishes children for the sins of their parents. [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/1 p. 27 box.]

• 8. The mark on the forehead referred to at Ezekiel 9:4 means that knowledge alone will save a person. [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/15 p. 14 par. 18.]

• 9. The “gifts in men” mentioned at Ephesians 4:8 are Christian elders, who are appointed by holy spirit and are given authority to care for the spiritual interests of fellow believers. (Acts 20:28) [wOO 8/1 p. 6 par. 3]

• 10. In the modern-day application of Ezekiel chapter 23, Protestantism can be likened to Oholibah and Roman Catholicism, to her older sister Oholah. [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/15 p. 21 par. 22.]

Answer the following questions:

• 11. What three prophets were outstanding during the critical years from 617 to 607 B.C.E., which culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem? [si p. 133 par. 2]

• 12. How is genuine appreciation for Christ’s ransom sacrifice reflected, in response to the invitation at Luke 9:23? [wOO 3/15 p. 8 par. 1]

• 13. In what way did Jehovah ‘fool’ Jeremiah? (Jer. 20:7) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 5/1 p. 31 par. 6.]

• 14. What did Jesus mean when he said that the holy spirit “will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you”? (John 14:26) [wOO 4/1 p. 8 pars. 7-8]

• 15. According to Jeremiah 35:18, 19, what hope is held out for the modern-day Rechabite class? [Weekly Bible reading; see su p. 131 par. 7.]

• 16. In what way were the Nephilim “mighty ones” and “men of fame”? (Gen. 6:4) [wOO 4/15 p. 27 par. 9]

• 17. How did Baruch lose his spiritual balance, and what lesson can we learn from his experience? (Jer. 45:1-5) [Weekly Bible reading; see w97 8/15 p. 21 pars. 14-16.]

• 18. When and how was the prophecy at Jeremiah 50:38 fulfilled? [Weekly Bible reading; see dp p. 150 pars. 2-3.]

• 19. What does the fate of Jerusalem, “the virgin daughter of Judah,” portend for Christendom, according to Lamentations 1:15? [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/1 p. 27 box.]

• 20. What is the significance of the statement “Remove the turban, and lift off the crown,” as recorded at Ezekiel 21:26? [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/15 p. 19 par. 16.]

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

• 21. A modest person stays within the of good and acknowledges that there are to what he

ought to do and is able to do. (Mic. 6:8) [wOO 3/15 p. 21 pars. 1-2]

• 22. Although holy spirit may not remove or, it can help us to them. (1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 4:7) [wOO 4/1 p. 11 par. 6]

• 23. The prophet Daniel discerned from Jeremiah’s writings that Jerusalem’s desolation would last; the astounding accuracy of this strengthens faith in Jehovah’s power of (Jer. 25:12; Dan. 9:2) [si p. 129 par. 37]

• 24. The book of Lamentations should inspire and in true worshipers

and serve as a warning to those

who disregard Jehovah God. [si p. 132 par. 13]

• 25. Abraham’s example of being yielding when handling a difference is an encouragement for us not to allow or

to ruin our precious relationship with our brothers. (Gen. 13:5-12) [wOO 8/15 p. 24 pars. 3-4]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 26. Job valued Jehovah’s (knowledge; mercy; judgment) and thus dealt (insightfully; mercifully; justly) with his slaves. (Job 31: 13,14) [wOO 3/15 p. 26 par. 1]

• 27. At Jeremiah 16:2-4, the prophet was commanded to remain single (to reflect his self-sacrificing spirit; to prefigure the course of singleness taken by the Messiah; to confirm the certainty of Jehovah’s word regarding Jerusalem’s destruction). [Weekly Bible reading; see w78 4/15 p. 31 par. 2.]

• 28. At Proverbs 4:7, wisdom refers to (being acquainted with facts; seeing how the facts relate to one another; putting knowledge and understanding to work). [wOO 5/15 p. 21 par. 1]

• 29. No human can be absolutely certain as to the original Hebrew pronunciation of the divine name because Biblical Hebrew was originally written with (only vowels; only consonants), [rs p. 195 par. 1]

• 30. The chariot of God described in Ezekiel chapter 1 represents (God’s Messianic Kingdom; Jehovah’s angelic spirit organization; Jehovah’s communication with the remnant). [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/15 p. 11 par. 5.]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

Deut. 7:25, 26; Prov. 4:18; 5:21; Jer. 46: 28; Rom. 15:4

• 31. This command provides a pattern as to how Jehovah’s people should view any images that they may formerly have venerated. [rs p. 186 par. 3]

• 32. A particular way in which Jehovah provides comfort is through his written Word, which contains a marvelous hope for the future. [wOO 4/15 p. 5 par. 4]

• 33. Parental discipline should not surpass reasonable limits nor go beyond its purpose of correcting and teaching. [Weekly Bible reading; see kl p. 148 par. 20.]

• 34. Since Jehovah enables his servants to understand his purpose in a progressive manner, increased knowledge often requires adjustments in one’s thinking, [rs p. 205 par. 4]

• 35. Any act of sexual uncleanness, regardless of how secret, is not hidden from the eyes of God. [wOO 7/15 p. 31 par. 3]

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 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. September: Life —How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? Before requesting additional supplies from Brooklyn, please check if nearby congregations have a surplus on hand. October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, offer the Require brochure, making a special effort to start Bible studies. November: What Does God Require of Us? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. If people already have these, an older publication may be offered. You may check if nearby congregations have a surplus of older publications on hand if you do not have any in stock.

■ Congregations should begin requesting the 2003 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Examining the Scriptures Daily—2003, and 2003 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses with their next literature request. All of these publications will be available in Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian (Cyrillic), Slovak, Spanish, and Swedish. In addition, the 2003 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses may be requested in Afrikaans, Armenian, Bulgarian, Danish, Dutch, East Armenian, Hebrew, Hindi, Thai, Turkish, and Ukrainian. Examining the Scriptures Daily—2003 may also be requested in Amharic, Armenian, Bengali, Bulgarian, Cambodian, Cebuano, Chinese (Simplified), Danish, Dutch, East Armenian, Ewe, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Iloko, Indonesian, Macedonian, Malayalam, Papiamen-to (Curasao), Persian, Punjabi (Gur-mukhi), Samoan, Solomon Islands Pidgin, Swahili, Tagalog, Thai, Tigri-nya, Turkish, Twi, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. The 2003 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses may also be requested in Cebuano, Dutch, Iloko, Indonesian, and Tagalog.

■ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on September 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. When this has been done, make an announcement to the congregation after the next accounts report is read.

■ The annual inventory of all literature and magazines on hand should be taken on or as close as possible to August 31, 2002. This inventory is similar to the actual count taken monthly by the literature coordinator, and the totals should be entered on the Literature Inventory form (S-18). The total number of magazines on hand can be obtained from the magazine servants in each congregation in the literature group. Each coordinating congregation will receive three Literature Inventory forms (S-18). Please mail the original to the branch office no later than September 6. Keep a copy for your files. The third copy may be used as a work sheet. The secretary of the coordinating congregation should supervise the inventory. He and the presiding overseer of the coordinating congregation will sign the form.

■ On August 30 and 31, 2002, an inventory will be taken of all literature on hand at Brooklyn Bethel. Because of this, no congregation literature requests will be processed for pickup during those days.

What to Say About the Magazines

• ¹ To carry out our commission to preach and make disciples, we must impart information to others. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Communication can be a challenge even among friends. What can help us to reach strangers with the good news?

• ² From Stranger to Friend: Try to put yourself in the place of those you approach in the ministry. In today’s world, it is understandable that some might be suspicious, or even fearful, of strangers. This can stifle communication. How can you overcome the initial apprehension of those you meet? Before we ever say a word, one way we communicate is by our modest personal appearance. Our well-arranged dress and dignified bearing help to allay fears. —1 Tim. 2:9, 10.

• ³ Another aid to communication is a relaxed, friendly manner. This helps put others at ease and makes them more inclined to listen. Good preparation is necessary in this regard. When we have clearly in mind what we are going to say, we tend to be less nervous. And this peaceful frame of mind on our part can draw others to our message. One woman said this about the visit of a Witness: “What I remember about her smiling face was the peace. I was intrigued.” This opened the way for the woman to listen to the good news.

• ⁴ Qualities That Attract: We need to take a sincere personal interest in others. (Phil. 2:4) One way to do this is by not dominating the conversation. After all, communication also involves listening. When we invite our listeners to express themselves and we listen with interest to their comments, they sense that we care about them. So when your listeners speak, do not be in a hurry to revert to your prepared presentation. Commend them if you can do so sincerely, and try to build on what they say. If their comments reveal something that is close to their heart, adapt your presentation to address their concerns.

• ⁵ Modesty and lowliness of mind lubricate the gears of communication. (Prov. 11:2; Acts 20: 19) People were drawn to Jesus because he was “mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:29) On the other hand, a superior attitude repels. Thus, although we are firmly convinced that we have the truth, we wisely avoid speaking in a dogmatic manner.

• ⁶ What if the person’s comments reflect beliefs that are out of harmony with what the Bible teaches? Are we under obligation to correct him? Yes, in due course, but we do not have to try to do so on the initial call. Often it is advantageous to build on ideas we hold in common with our listener before sharing Bible teachings that he may find more difficult to accept. This requires patience and tact. Paul set a fine example in this regard when witnessing to the judges of the Areopagus. —Acts 17:18, 22-31.

• ⁷ Above all, unselfish love will help us to be effective communicators. Like Jesus, we must feel pity for people who are “skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36) This moves us to bring them the good news and to help them get on the road to life. Ours is a message of love, so let us keep telling it in a loving way. By so doing, we imitate Jehovah God and Jesus Christ —the foremost Communicators in the universe.

Watchtower Aug. 15

“What do you think is the highest form of loyalty? [Allow for response.] This article stresses loyalty to the true God. [Point to page 5, and read 2 Samuel 22:26.] Did you know that loyalty to God can help prevent people from acting unlov-ingly toward others? I know you will enjoy reading about it.”

Awake! Aug. 22

“Have you ever worried that mankind’s pollution problem is out of control? [Allow for response.] A main cause of the problem is wastefulness. Jesus taught his followers not to be wasteful. [Read John 6: 12.] This magazine shows how following Bible principles can help families avoid the throwaway mentality.”

WATCHTOWER Sept. 1

Announcing Jehovah-s Kingdom        ■

“Have you noticed that in many places neighbors don’t know one another the way they used to? [Allow for response.] Jesus stated a principle that is a key to being a good neighbor. [Read Matthew 7:12.] These articles show how we can be good neighbors and encourage others to do the same.”

Awake! Sept. 8

“For many today, life is filled with uncertainty. [Read Ecclesiastes 9:11.] Where can reliable guidance be found? [Allow for response.] Some turn to numerology. Is this the means by which your destiny can be revealed? Where can you find reliable information about the future? Awake! provides the answers.”

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