Our Kingdom Ministry

December 2002                    For United States of America km-E Us 12/02 Vol. 45, No. 12

• ¹ “I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth.” (Luke 4:43) With those words, Jesus identified the theme of his ministry—God’s Kingdom. The message we proclaim today also centers on the Kingdom, as foretold at Matthew 24:14: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” What truths about God’s Kingdom do people need to hear?

• ² God’s Kingdom now rules from the heavens and will soon replace all human rulership. The Devil has already been ousted from heaven, and the present wicked system of things has entered its last days. (Rev. 12:10, 12) Satan’s wicked old system will be completely destroyed, but God’s Kingdom will not be shaken. It will remain forever.—Dan. 2:44; Heb. 12:28.

• ³ The Kingdom will satisfy the wholesome desires of all obedient humans. It will provide relief from suffering caused by war, crime, oppression, and poverty. (Ps. 46:8, 9; 72:12-14) An abundance of food will be available to all. (Ps. 72:16; Isa. 25:6) Illnesses and disabilities will be but a distant memory. (Isa. 33:24; 35: 5, 6) As mankind grows to perfection, the earth will be transformed into a paradise, and people will dwell together harmoniously.—Isa. 11:6-9.

• ⁴ We show that we want to be subjects of God’s Kingdom by the way we live now. The Kingdom message should influence our entire life course, including our goals and priorities. For example, while we have an obligation to provide for our household, we cannot allow material concerns to choke Kingdom interests. (Matt. 13:22; 1 Tim. 5:8) Rather, we must heed Jesus’ admonition: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things [life’s material necessities] will be added to you.” —Matt. 6:33.

• ⁵ It is urgent that people hear and act on the Kingdom message while there is yet time. May we help them to do so by “using persuasion concerning the kingdom of God.”—Acts 19:8.

  Remember Faithful Older Ones

  
  

• ¹ Although a widow and despite advancing age, 84-year-old Anna “was never missing from the temple.” Her faithfulness moved Jehovah to grant her a special blessing. (Luke 2:36-38) Today, many brothers and sisters display a spirit like that of Anna despite facing challenging circumstances. When such faithful ones must contend with health problems or limitations due to old age, they may at times feel discouraged. Let us consider some practical ways in which we can encourage them and help them maintain a good spiritual routine.

• ² Meetings and the Ministry: When others lovingly offer to provide transportation, many faithful older ones can more easily attend Christian meetings regularly. This builds up these faithful, longtime servants spiritually and benefits the congregation as well. Have you had a share in this fine work?—Heb. 13:16.

• ³ Participating regularly in the ministry brings true Christians joy and satisfaction. But doing so can be a challenge for the elderly and the infirm. Is it possible that one of these dear ones could accompany you as a “fellow worker” in some feature of the witnessing work? (Rom. 16:3, 9, 21) Perhaps you could invite him or her to share with you in telephone witnessing or to go with you on a return visit or a Bible study. If the older one is homebound, could a Bible student come to that one’s home for studies?

• ⁴ Study and Association: From time to time, some invite an older or infirm one to attend their family study, even holding the study in that one’s home. One mother took her two young children to an older sister’s home for their study in My Book of Bible Stories, and all were encouraged by the association. Such individuals also appreciate being invited for a meal or some other social occasion. If infirm ones are too weak for an extended visit, perhaps you could call or stop by briefly to read to them, pray with them, or share an upbuilding experience. —Rom. 1:11, 12.

• ⁵ Jehovah treasures faithful older ones. (Heb. 6:10, 11) We can imitate him by expressing our appreciation for them and by helping them to maintain a good spiritual routine.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting December 9

Song 193

12 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Using suggestions on page 8, have demonstrations of how to present the December 15 Watchtower and the December 22 Awake!

15 min: “Proclaim the Kingdom Message.”¹ When discussing paragraph 3, include suggestions on how to read directly from the Bible when sharing the good news— km 12/01 p. 1 par. 3.

18 min: Bear Fruit in Every Good Work. Talk, with audience participation. To be handled by an elder. Review the history and progress of the local congregation, including the efforts that led to the formation of the congregation. Arrange in advance for some who were present at that time to relate encouraging experiences. Consider the prospects for further increase, and encourage all to support congregation activities zealously. Song 119 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 16

Song 29

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Outline special field service arrangements for December 25 and January 1.

15 min: Those Having Insight Will Understand. (Dan. 12:3, 10) A demonstration. Interested person asks: “How can I be sure you have the correct understanding of what the Bible teaches?” Publisher explains how to use the topical method when doing Bible research. (w96 5/15 pp. 19-20) Using one or two examples from the Reasoning book, pages 112-17, he shows how we have come to understand God’s purpose for the earth by carefully analyzing Scripture texts. Publisher explains how the same method can be used to understand correctly other Bible teachings and offers a Bible study.

20 min: “Remember Faithful Older Ones.”¹ Include comments on August 1, 1994, Watchtower, page 29. Mention the provision for the infirm to report field service time in increments of 15 minutes. Arrange for a few to relate experiences showing how association with such ones brings mutual blessings.

Song 154 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 23

Song 148

10 min: Local announcements. Using suggestions on page 8, demonstrate how to present the January 1 Watchtower and the January 8 Awake! Encourage everyone to view the video No Blood—Medicine Meets the Challenge in preparation for the discussion at the Service Meeting the week of January 6.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: “Do You Contribute to an Accurate Report?”¹ When discussing paragraph 2, include comments on Our Ministry book, pages 106-8.

Song 165 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 30

Song 152

Note: Congregations are not to move their Service Meeting to an earlier night during the week of December 30 unless the circuit overseer is visiting. All congregations should consider the convention insert as scheduled. The Recommended Lodging List should be posted on the information board at the conclusion of the Service Meeting.

10 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for December. If your congregation will change meeting times for the new year, kindly urge everyone to attend regularly at the new times. Mention the literature offer for January, highlighting the books that the congregation has in stock.

15 min: Review Worship God Book. Talk and audience discussion. Explain the arrangement for the new book to be used as the second study book. (km 6/00 p. 4 pars. 5-6) Invite audience to comment on features of the publication they appreciate. Highlight that certain portions of the book use questions and scriptures to prompt the student to think deeply on God’s Word. Feature the example found on pages 47-9, paragraph 13.

20 min: “2003 ‘Give God Glory’ District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”¹ To be handled by the congregation secretary, with the focus on paragraphs 3-10. Before considering the insert, read the December 15,2002, convention assignment letter. When covering paragraph 10, emphasize the secretary’s role as convention coordinator for the congregation. Warmly commend all for making their convention arrangements as soon as possible. Song 147 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 6

Song 67

5 min: Local announcements.

23 min: Assistance in Obeying God’s Law on Blood. Talk by a qualified elder, based on the outline provided by the branch office. The secretary should have a sufficient quantity of the following items on hand for distribution: Advance Medical Directive/ Release card, Identity Card, the health-care durable power of attorney (DPA) form, and the Advance Directive Guide. These documents will be made available to baptized publishers after tonight’s meeting, but they should NOT be filled out tonight. Signing, witnessing, and dating of cards may be done at the next Congregation Book Study, with assistance where necessary from the book study overseer. Those signing as witnesses should actually see the individual sign the document. The Advance Directive Guide should be carefully considered before completing the DPA. If you have already executed a DPA, it will not be necessary to complete another one unless your current one is dated prior to 2001 (August 1,2001, for North Dakota) or does not express your present wishes. If you have moved to another state, you should execute a new DPA form for that state. Unbaptized publishers may write out their own directives for themselves and their children by adapting language from these documents according to their own circumstances and convictions.

17 min: “You Must See the Video No Blood—Medicine Meets the Challenge. ” To be handled by a qualified elder. Get right into a discussion of the No Blood video with the audience, using the questions that are provided in the box on page 7. Afterward, read the last paragraph in the box.

Song 79 and concluding prayer.

© 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.

2003 “Give God Glory” District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

'Through his faithful prophet Isaiah, Jehovah commanded: “Pay attention to me, O my people; and you national group of mine, to me give ear.” (Isa. 51:4) In this increasingly critical time of the end, do we not agree that paying attention to Jehovah’s commands is more important than ever? One of the ways we “give ear” to Jehovah is by obeying his command to congregate for worship. How we look forward to the special opportunity that our annual district conventions afford! The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has again arranged for many district conventions to be held in the United States branch territory in 2003.

• ² As indicated in the July 1, 2002, issue of The Watchtower, international conventions will also be held in selected cities, with delegates attending from around the world. Since a limited number of cities will host the international conventions, only congregations assigned to those conventions will be able to attend. But the international aspect will be felt at all district conventions. Missionaries will be present at conventions in many locations, and there will be an opportunity to hear some of their experiences. What can we do to benefit fully from the arrangements now being made for our summer conventions?

• ³ Be in Attendance Every Day: To benefit fully from the instruction provided through the faithful and discreet slave class, we want to make sure that we are there for the entire program. (Matt. 24:45) Do you need to ask your employer for time off to attend every day of the convention? Before Nehemiah asked King Artaxerxes for permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls, he “prayed to the God of the heavens.” (Neh. 2:4) You should likewise pray to Jehovah for courage to ask your employer for time off to attend all three days of the convention. What if your employer is reluctant to let you have the time off? Perhaps explaining that the instruction we receive at our conventions helps us to be honest, diligent, and trustworthy workers may help him respond favorably. Additionally, if we have unbelieving family members, it would be loving to inform them of our convention plans as soon as possible.

  Program Times

  
  

  Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 4:05 p.m.

  
  

• ⁴ Use the Recommended Lodging List to Make Your Reservations: The local Rooming Department has spent the past several months obtaining sufficient hotel rooms for the convention. Your congregation has now received a Recommended Lodging List, which will be posted on the information board after this insert is considered at the Service Meeting. Book study overseers may make a copy of the list for their group only if the congregation has its two-day circuit assembly the week that the convention assignment letter is to be read. Even in such cases, however, copies of the Recommended Lodging List should not be made for individual publishers.

⁵ Using the instructions in the box on page 4, be sure to make your reservations only from the hotels on the current list. Please do not call hotels not on the list and ask if they have a rate for the convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In the past, some hotels have said that they had a rate for Jehovah’s Witnesses, even though these hotels were not on the list. The number permitted to occupy a room is indicated on the list under the heading “Adults,” with the maximum usually being four persons, including children. Please adhere to this requirement.

• ⁶ To guarantee your reservation, you must send a deposit to the hotel for each room reserved within ten days of making the reservation. Otherwise, the hotel can offer your room to someone else. If you send a deposit by check or money order, be sure to write on it your confirmation number.

• ⁷ If no rooms are available after calling all the hotels on the list or if you have a problem with a hotel, inform your congregation secretary. He should contact your convention’s Rooming Department, using the telephone number at the top of the Recommended Lodging List. Rather than calling a hotel that is not on the list, wait for a revised list to be received for your convention.

• ⁸ Helping Those With Special Needs: Are there some in your congregation who may need help in attending the convention? The special needs of the elderly, the infirm, or those in fulltime service are cared for mainly by their Christian relatives, but elders and others who are aware of the circumstances of such ones can also provide loving assistance.

• ⁹ The Congregation Service Committee will review all Special Needs Room Requests submitted by publishers. Using the guidelines outlined on the form, the service committee should determine whether each request is a special need that cannot be cared for locally. Such a provision is only for publishers in good standing, along with their well-behaved children. The Rooming Department will contact the congregation secretary if they have any questions regarding a special needs request.

• ¹⁰ Attending Another Convention: If circumstances require that you attend a convention other than the one to which you are assigned and you need to obtain a hotel room, please see your congregation secretary. He can provide you with the address of the convention headquarters, which is printed on the back of the Special Needs Room Request form. Mail your request to the appropriate address, and include with it a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If there is more than one convention held in the city, be sure your request indicates the dates you wish to attend. The Rooming Department from that city will then send you the most recent Recommended Lodging List for the specified convention.

• ¹¹ We Are a Theatrical Spectacle: Do people see the contrast between Jehovah’s Witnesses and those of this world? Absolutely! Note some comments from hotel managers in one city: “We’ve always had dealings with conventions, but you have been the most cooperative and kind.” “Last week we had another religious group with us. The difference between you and them is obvious.” “We know we can always count on your help and cooperation.” Do not such comments help us appreciate how the “wisdom from above” has a positive effect on our personality? (Jas. 3:17) Since we are “a theatrical spectacle to the world,” may our conduct at all times reflect the dignity and splendor of our God, Jehovah.—1 Cor. 4:9.

• ¹² Since “the scene of this world is changing,” we need our district conventions to help us stay spiritually focused. (1 Cor. 7:31) Making arrangements to attend every day will require effort, but it is well worth it. This year’s “Give God Glory” District Convention has been prepared to help us remain steadfast as we await the execution of Jehovah’s judgment upon Satan’s world. May we let nothing prevent us from receiving the instruction Jehovah has prepared for us.—Isa. 51:4, 5.

How to Make Your Hotel Reservation

• 1. Call hotels during regular business hours, using the telephone numbers on the Recommended Lodging List.

• 2. Inform the hotel that you are attending the convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

• 3. Provide the dates you will check in and check out of the hotel.

• 4. Be sure that you are receiving the room rate(s) shown on the Recommended Lodging List. Do not accept a higher rate.

• 5. If no more rooms are available, call another hotel on the list.

• 6. Make your reservation, and ask for a confirmation number.

• 7. Make your deposit by credit card, check, or money order. Never send cash. If deposit is made by check or money order, write the confirmation number on the front. Mail within ten days.

• 8. If you have any problems, speak with your congregation secretary.

Please:

■ Stay only in hotels on the Recommended Lodging List.

• ■ Reserve only the rooms you will actually use.

• ■ Keep your first reservation.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of September 2 to December 23, 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. Meditating on Jehovah’s marvelous qualities is a vital step in drawing close to him. (Ps. 143:5) [wOO 10/15 p. 4 par. 6]

• 2. The joining of the two sticks mentioned at Ezekiel 37:15-24 has a modern parallel in that in 1919 the faithful anointed ones were unified under Christ, their “one king” and “one shepherd.” [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/15 p. 25 par. 13.]

• 3. Though higher critics of the Bible have called in question the historicalness of the book of Daniel, archaeological finds over the years have completely routed their assertions. [si p. 138 par. 4]

• 4. When what we hear comes from a seemingly authoritative source or someone who claims to have great knowledge, there can be no solid reason to reject it as false. [wOO 12/1 p. 29 pars. 7-8]

• 5. The expression “the minor prophets” aptly describes the lesser importance of the last 12 books of the Hebrew Scriptures, [si p. 143 par. 1]

• 6. Amos was one of “the sons of the prophets” when Jehovah called him and sent him to prophesy to Judah and Israel. (2 Ki. 2:3) [si p. 148 par. 1]

• 7. Obadiah 16 foretells national extinction for the Edomite people as a result of their hatred for Judah. (Obad. 12) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 4/15 p. 30 box.]

• 8. The “pure language” spoken of at Zephaniah 3:9 includes the proper understanding of the truth about God and his purposes. [Weekly Bible reading; see wOl 2/15 p. 27 par. 18.]

• 9. The reason that Jesus felt intense emotional pressure in the garden of Gethsemane is that he was concerned about how his death as a despised criminal would affect Jehovah and His holy name. (Matt. 26:38; Luke 22: 44) [wOO 11/15 p. 23 par. 1]

• 10. The “Philistine” that becomes “like a sheik in Judah,” as described at Zechariah 9: 6, 7, prophetically describes members of the other sheep today who are trained by “the faithful and discreet slave” and given authority as needed. (Matt. 24:45) [Weekly Bible reading; see w95 7/1 p. 23 par. 14.]

Answer the following questions:

• 11. How can our responsibility to preach be compared to Ezekiel’s responsibility as a watchman? (Ezek. 33:1-11) [Weekly Bible reading; see w881/1 p. 28 par. 13.]

• 12. What parallel to Ezekiel’s vision regarding the dry bones was seen in modern times? (Ezek. 37:5-10) [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 12.]

• 13. What is the most convincing proof of divine inspiration of the book of Zechariah? [si p. 169 par. 5]

• 14. What is represented by the city in Ezekiel’s vision? (Ezek. 48:15-17) [Weekly Bible reading; see w99 3/1 p. 18 par. 22.]

• 15. How can it be reasoned on the basis of Isaiah 2:2-4 that events taking place in Israel today do not specifically fulfill Bible prophecy? [rs p. 223 par. 3]

• 16. What lesson can be learned from Daniel’s reaction to the king’s decree that no petition be made to any god or man other than the king for 30 days? (Dan. 6:7-10) [Weekly Bible reading; see dp p. 125 pars. 25-8.]

• 17. In proclaiming what message of Jehovah has the remnant been like a lion among the nations? (Mic. 5:8) [Weekly Bible reading; see w817/15 p. 23 par. 10.]

• 18. What is meant by the expression “with his own rods you pierced the head of his warriors,” at Habakkuk 3:14? [Weekly Bible reading; see wOO 2/1 p. 22 par. 15; w81 8/1 p. 29 pars. 6-7.]

• 19. What is indicated by the use of the word “probably” at Zephaniah 2:3? [Weekly Bible reading; see wOl 2/15 p. 19 par. 8.]

• 20. According to Zechariah 8:6, in the years since 1919, how has Jehovah accomplished what might have seemed too difficult from a human standpoint? [Weekly Bible reading; see w961/1 p. 16 pars. 18-19.]

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

• 21. We speak to Jehovah by means of , which is worshipful address to God; in turn, the principal means by which he speaks with us is through his (Ps. 65:2; 2 Tim. 3:16) [wOO 10/15 p. 5 pars. 2-3]

• 22. Jesus Christ can be identified as Michael by comparing Jude 9 with 1 Thessalonians 4: 16 (Revised Standard), where Jesus Christ’s command for the resurrection to begin is described as “”; moreover, the name Michael means “

,” evidently indicating that Jesus is the one who takes the lead in upholding Jehovah’s sovereignty and destroying God’s enemies, [rs p. 218 pars. 1-2]

• 23. “The going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem” occurred in , marking the beginning of 69 weeks of years, which ended with the appearance of the Messiah in

(Dan. 9:25) [Weekly Bible reading; see dp p. 190 par. 20-p. 191 par. 22.]

• 24. Joel 2:31, which tells of the sun turning into darkness, parallels Matthew 24:29, 30, where describes his coming as

the Son of man with[si p. 147 par. 13]

• 25. -------- prophecy concerning Assyria

and its capital city,, exalts Jehovah’s justice and supremacy and gives us confidence that Jehovah will mete out justice to all the wicked, [si p. 160 par. 11]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 26. The book of Ezekiel emphasizes that Jehovah is (generous; humble; holy) and makes known that (the development of one’s personality; the sanctification of Jehovah’s name; being a good neighbor) is more important than anything else, [si p. 137 par. 33]

• 27. Ezekiel, who lived at the same time as Daniel, confirms that Daniel was an actual person, naming him along with (Noah and Job; Moses and Joshua; Elijah and Elisha), [si p. 138 par. 2]

• 28. In harmony with Daniel 2:34, 35, 45, the stone that strikes and crushes the image represents (Armageddon; hard-hitting judgment messages proclaimed by God’s people; the Messianic Kingdom), [si p. 142 pars. 20,23]

• 29. The symbolic nation of locusts mentioned at Joel 1:4-6 represents (the nation of Israel; anointed Christians; the Roman armies). (Acts 2:1,14-17) [Weekly Bible reading; see w98 5/1 p. 9 par. 9.]

• 30. “The kingdom of the Son of his love” mentioned at Colossians 1:13 is (the Messianic Kingdom; Christ’s rule over the Christian congregation from Pentecost of 33 C.E. onward; the Thousand Year Reign of Christ), [rs p. 232 par. 4]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

Hos. 6:6; Joel 2:32; Zech. h:6, 7; 13:3; Rom. 12:2

• 31. We must not allow the cultural or secular standards of this system of things to shape our thinking. [wOO 11/1 p. 21 par. 5]

• 32. What pleases God is, not a multitude of formalistically offered sacrifices, but expressions of loyal love based on knowing him. [Weekly Bible reading; see si p. 145 par. 16.]

• 33. Knowing, respecting, and relying on the person bearing the divine name is essential for salvation. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 3/15 p. 30 box.]

• 34. God’s purpose is accomplished, not because of any human power, but by means of his spirit, which enables his servants to overcome mountainous obstacles and to endure in divine service, [si p. 169 par. 2]

• 35. The loyalty that marks Jehovah’s organization transcends every human relationship, such as that of close flesh-and-blood relatives. [si p. 171 par. 24]

Announcements

■ Literature offer for December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Alternative offers are: The Bible —God’s Word or Man’s?, My Book of Bible Stories, or You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. January: Any 192-page book published prior to 1988 may be offered. Congregations that do not have older 192-page books may offer Mankind’s Search for God. February: The new book Draw Close to Jehovah will be featured. March: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. A special effort will be made to start home Bible studies.

■ The branch facilities in Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York, will be closed on the following Saturdays: March 8, 2003 (Gilead graduation); May 10,2003 (spring cleaning); September 13, 2003 (Gilead graduation); and October 4, 2003 (annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania). There will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on those dates.

■ The Memorial invitations for 2OO3 in the primary language of each congregation will soon be sent to your congregation. If other languages are spoken in your territory and you would like a supply of invitations in those languages, these should be requested immediately on a Literature Request Form (S-14). Memorial invitations are available in Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese, Chinese (Simplified), Croatian, Dutch, East Armenian, English, French, Greek, Gujarati, Hmong, Iloko, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Macedonian, Marshallese, Papiamento (Curasao), Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi (Gurmukhi), Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Please request only those languages needed for your territory.

■ Please note that the Memorial for the year 2004 will be on Sunday, April 4, after sundown. This advance notice is given so that brothers may make necessary reservations or contracts for available halls when there are several congregations using the Kingdom Hall and other facilities must be found. The elders should have an agreement with the management ensuring that there will be no disturbances from other activities in the building so that the Memorial observance can proceed in a peaceful and orderly manner. Because of the importance of the occasion, in assigning a Memorial speaker, the body of elders should select one of the more qualified elders instead of simply taking turns or using the same brother every year. If there is a capable elder of the anointed who can give the talk, he should be selected.

■ All baptized publishers present at the Service Meeting the week of January 6 may obtain the Advance Medical Directive/Release card and the Identity Card for their children.

September Service Report

How well informed are you about the options that are available in the field of bloodless medicine? Do you understand what some of the transfusion alternatives are and how they work? Watch this video, and test your knowledge with the following questions. —Note: Because the video includes brief surgical scenes, parents should use discretion in viewing the video with small children.

(1) What is the main reason why Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood transfusions, and where is that principle found in the Bible? (2) When it comes to medical care, what do we desire? (3) What basic right do patients have? (4) Why is it rational and responsible to reject blood transfusions? (5) When severe blood loss occurs, what two urgent priorities do doctors have? (6) What health risks are associated with blood transfusions? (7) What are some of the tools that surgeons have available to them to minimize blood loss during surgery? (8) What should you want to be informed about regarding any transfusion alternative? (9) Can serious and complicated surgeries be performed without the use of blood transfusions? (10) What are a growing number of physicians willing to do for Jehovah’s Witnesses, and what may eventually become the standard of care for all patients?

It will no doubt be helpful to view the No Blood video along with any Bible students, nonWitness mates or relatives, workmates, teachers, and schoolmates who might raise questions about our stand on blood. Acceptance of any treatments presented in the video is an individual, conscientious decision.—See “Questions From Readers” in the June 15 and October 15, 2000, issues of The Watchtower.

Do You Contribute to an Accurate Report?

• ¹ Many Bible accounts include specific numbers, which help to convey a vivid picture of what took place. For example, Gideon vanquished the camp of Midian with just 300 men. (Judg. 7:7) Jehovah’s angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. (2 Ki. 19: 35) At Pentecost 33 C.E., about 3,000 were baptized, and shortly thereafter the number of believers grew to some 5,000. (Acts 2:41; 4:4) It is evident from these accounts that God’s ancient servants put forth much effort to compile a complete and accurate record.

• ² Jehovah’s organization today instructs us to report our field service activity each month. Our faithfully cooperating with this arrangement contributes to the effective oversight of the preaching work. Reports may reveal that an aspect of the ministry needs attention or that more workers are needed in a certain part of the field. In the congregation, field service reports help the elders identify those with potential to expand their ministry as well as those who may need assistance. And reports on the progress of the Kingdompreaching work provide encouragement for the entire Christian brotherhood. Are you doing your part to contribute to an accurate report?

• ³ Your Personal Responsibility: At the end of the month, do you find it difficult to remember what you have done in the ministry? If so, why not record your activity each time you share in field service? Some use a calendar or a diary. Others carry a blank field service report slip with them. At the end of the month, promptly submit your report to your book study overseer. Or, if you prefer, you may place your report in the report box at the Kingdom Hall. If you forget to turn in your report, promptly contact your book study overseer rather than wait for him to approach you. Conscientiously reporting your activity shows respect for Jehovah’s arrangement and loving consideration for the brothers assigned to collect and tabulate the reports—Luke 16:10.

• ⁴ Book Study Overseer’s Role: As an alert and attentive shepherd, the book study overseer takes an interest in the group’s activity throughout the month. (Prov. 27:23) He knows whether each publisher is having a regular, meaningful, and joyful share and is quick to offer assistance if any have not participated for an entire month. A word of encouragement, a practical suggestion, or an invitation to accompany him in field service is often all that is needed.

• ⁵ At the end of the month, the book study overseer makes sure that all in the group have followed through on their responsibility to report their activity so that the secretary can submit an accurate congregation report to the branch office by the sixth of the next month. As the end of the month approaches, it may be helpful for him to give the group a reminder and have report slips available at the book study location. If any are forgetful about reporting their activity, he can provide appropriate reminders and encouragement.

• ⁶ Submitting our field service reports promptly contributes to a report that accurately reflects what was accomplished in the field. Will you do your part by promptly reporting your activity each month?

“WATCHTOWER Dec. 15

Announcing Jehovah s Kingdom

“At this time of the year, many think about Jesus’ birth. Did you know that there are valuable lessons we can learn from the Bible’s account of his birth? [Allow for response. Then point to page 5, and read 2 Timothy 3:16.] This issue of The Watchtower considers some of these lessons.”

Awake! Dec. 22

“Do you feel that parents have reason to be concerned about how today’s violent entertainment is affecting their children? [Allow for response.] Many parents use this Bible verse as a guideline. [Read Psalm 11:5.] This issue of Awake! helps families to examine the risks associated with electronic games.”

Watchtower Jan. 1 Announcing Jehovah'S Kingdom

“When people lose a loved one in death or suffer from an illness, they often wonder, ‘Why does God allow this?’ Perhaps you have asked the same question. The Bible shows that God feels for those who suffer. [Read Isaiah 63:9a.] This magazine explains why we can be sure that God will end suffering.”

Awake! Jan. 8

“Do you think that government should interfere with freedom of speech? [Allow for response.] What if the speech involves talking to others about religion, as we read here? [Read Acts 28: 30, 31.] Recently, this question was brought before the U.S. Supreme Court. You are invited to read about it in this issue of Awake!”

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