Our Kingdom Ministry

• ¹ Amid the spiritual and moral darkness of the present system of things, some six million worshipers of the true God, Jehovah, are “shining as illuminators” in 234 lands worldwide. (Phil. 2:15) This causes us to stand out. How do we reflect the precious light of truth that emanates from Jehovah?—2 Cor. 3:18.

• ² Our Actions: People are quick to notice our conduct. (1 Pet. 2:12) One woman observed that a Witness coworker was kind and helpful and did not use foul language or laugh at unclean jokes. When others tried to provoke the Witness by using profanity in his presence, he remained calm yet firm for what is right. What effect did this have on the woman? She recalls: “I was so impressed with his conduct that I started asking questions about the Bible. I began studying God’s Word and was later baptized.” She adds: “It was his conduct that convinced me to examine the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

• ³ Our attitude toward authority, our view of worldly practices, and our wholesome speech cause Jehovah’s Witnesses to stand out as a people who live by the Bible’s lofty standards. Such fine works can bring glory to Jehovah and attract others to his worship.

• ⁴ Our Words: Of course, those who see our fine conduct may not know why we are different unless we speak to them about our beliefs. Do those with whom you work or attend school know that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses? Do you look for opportunities to turn an ordinary conversation into a witness? Is it your resolve to “let your light shine before men” on every appropriate occasion? —Matt. 5:14-16.

⁶ Fulfilling our commission as light-bearers calls for a spirit of self-sacrifice. A whole-souled attitude will move us to forgo less important things in order to do as much as we can in the lifesaving work of preaching and making disciples.—2 Cor. 12:15.

⁶ By our actions and words, may we continue shining as illuminators. If we do, others may be moved to join us in giving glory to Jehovah.

• ¹ Once, when speaking with his disciples about marriage, Jesus referred to singleness as ‘a gift.’ Then he said: “Let him that can make room for it make room for it.” (Matt. 19:10-12) Some years later, the apostle Paul wrote about the advantages of singleness and encouraged others to follow his example in remaining unmarried. (1 Cor. 7:7, 38) Many today have ‘made room’ for singleness and are enjoying its advantages. What are some of these?

• ² Serving “Without Distraction”: Paul understood that singleness afforded him the opportunity to serve Jehovah “without distraction.” Likewise today, a single brother can reach out for Ministerial Training School, and a single person is generally freer to enter the pioneer work, learn another language, move to where the need is greater, serve at Bethel, or be available for other special privileges of service. He may have more time and opportunities to engage in deep personal study and meditation and to commune with Jehovah in heartfelt prayer. The unmarried person usually has more time to give of himself in assisting others. All such activity is to one’s “personal advantage.” —1 Cor. 7:32-35; Acts 20:35.

• ³ Such undistracted service to God brings rich rewards. After 27 years in Kenya, a single sister wrote: “There were so many friends and such a lot of work! We did things together [and] visited one another. ... I was able to use the extra freedom and mobility that singleness affords to keep busy in the ministry, and this has brought me great happiness.” She added: “Over the years my relationship with Jehovah has deepened.”

• ⁴ Making Room for it: Jesus said that the motive for cultivating the gift of singleness should be “on account of the kingdom of the heavens.” (Matt. 19:12) As with any gift, singleness must be used properly to bring joy and benefits. By seizing the opportunities that singleness brings and by relying on Jehovah for wisdom and strength, many unmarried people have come to understand the value of making room for the gift.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

  NOTE: Our Kingdom Ministry Praise Jehovah.”* Use the ques-will schedule a Service Meeting tions that are provided. Urge all

  
  

for each week during the summer months. Congregations may make adjustments as needed to allow for attending the “Give God Glory” District Convention. Where appropriate, use 15 minutes on the last Service Meeting before attending the convention to repeat pointed counsel from this month’s insert that applies locally. During the month of October, an entire Service Meeting will be arranged to review highlights of the convention program. In preparation for that discussion, all of us can take meaningful notes at the convention, including a list of specific points that we wish to apply personally in our own life and in the field ministry. Then we can encourage others by explaining how we have applied the suggestions.

Week Starting April 14

Song 20

15 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Using the suggestions on page 8, have two separate demonstrations of how to feature the April 15 Watchtower and the April 22 Awake! In each presentation, both magazines should be offered as a set, even though only one is featured. 10 min: Question Box. Talk by an elder.

20 min: “Shining as Illuminators.”* Conclude with a five-minute talk based on the June 1, 1997, Watchtower, pages 14-15, paragraphs 8-13. Emphasize why we avoid any secrecy when it comes to the Kingdom message. Song 134 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 21

Song 25

1O min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

15 min: “Gathering Together to to be present for every session, from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon. Stress the need to apply what we learn rather than just to hear. Consider the note above regarding what is planned for a Service Meeting in October, when there will be a review of district convention highlights. Encourage all to take notes.

20 min: “Make Room for It.”* Include interview of one or two who are making good use of their singleness to advance Kingdom interests. Have them comment on what helps them find contentment in their service.

Song 35 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 28

Song 51

10 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for April. Using the suggestions on page 8, have two separate demonstrations of how to feature the May 1 Watchtower and the May 8 Awake!

15 min: “Be an Example in Fine Works.”* Use the questions that are provided. Stress the need to abide by the rooming arrangements that have been put in place for our benefit. Explain why good conduct on the part of everyone is essential.

20 min: “Return Visits Lead to Bible Studies.”* To be handled by an elder, using the questions provided. Invite audience to include brief field service experiences that support the points being made. When discussing paragraph 5, reenact an experience from the local territory in which a Bible study was started.

Song 89 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 5

Song 120

10 min: Local announcements. Briefly review suggestions offered in the April 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 2, in the part entitled “Planning Ahead for Summer.”

20 min: “Well-Arranged Dress Shows Reverence for God.”* To be handled by an elder. Use the questions that are provided. Have each paragraph read aloud by a brother who is a capable reader.

15 min: A Good Report—A Cause for Rejoicing. (Prov. 15: 30) Audience discussion showing what the congregation accomplished as a result of the special effort put forth during March and April. Invite congregation to relate positive experiences they had in the following areas: (1) helping an interested one to attend the Memorial, (2) serving as an auxiliary pioneer, (3) encouraging an inactive publisher to resume his activity with the congregation, (4) helping a new one to begin publishing, and (5) cultivating the interest of those who attended the Memorial. Arrange some of these comments in advance. Give commendation, and encourage all to persevere in these efforts in the future.

Song 126 and concluding prayer.

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

January Service Report

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

Sp'IPlOS. 217 106.2  87.4 48.3

Pios 89,325  64.7  41.9 21.8

Aux Pios 17,778  49.2  34.5 14.0

Pubs. 879,099   9.0   7.7  3.6

TOTAL 986,419          Baptized: 1,436

© 2003 Christian Congregation ot 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.

Gathering Together to Praise Jehovah

• ¹ Jehovah is almighty in power, unsearchable in wisdom, perfect in justice, and the personification of love. As Creator, LifeGiver, and Universal Sovereign, he alone is worthy of our worship. (Ps. 36:9; Rev. 4:11; 15: 3, 4) This summer’s “Give God Glory” District Convention will strengthen our resolve to praise him as the only true God.—Ps. 86: 8-10.

• ² Good Planning Needed: For us to benefit fully from the spiritual feast Jehovah has in store, good planning is essential. (Eph. 5: 15, 16) Have you completed your arrangements for lodging, transportation, and time off from work or school? Do not leave these important matters to the last minute. If you delay in asking for time off, you may miss a portion of this joyful occasion. All of us need to be present for every session.

• ³ Make it your aim to arrive early at the convention site each day. That will enable you to be settled in your seat before the opening song and will help you to be in the proper frame of mind to receive the instruction that is presented. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. each day. Please do not save seats other than for those in your immediate family or car group.

• ⁴ It is requested that all bring a lunch rather than leave the convention site to obtain food during the noon break. Your cooperation with this arrangement contributes to a peaceful atmosphere and allows more time for association with fellow believers. (Ps. 133: 1-3) Please bear in mind that glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the convention facilities.

  Listening at Conventions

  • ■ Ponder the talk titles

  • ■ Look up scriptures

  • ■ Take brief notes

  • ■ Isolate points to apply

  • ■ Review what you learn

  
  

• 1. What is the convention theme, and why is Jehovah worthy of our praise?

• 2, 3. How will good planning enable us to benefit fully?

4. Why is it requested that all of us bring a lunch to the convention?

• ⁵ Listen and Learn: Ezra prayerfully prepared his heart to receive the word of God. (Ezra 7:10) He inclined his heart to Jehovah’s teachings. (Prov. 2:2) We can begin preparing our hearts for the convention even before we leave home by meditating on the convention theme and discussing it with our family.

• ⁸ In a large auditorium, there can be many sights and sounds to grab our attention. Such distractions can easily turn our minds away from the speaker. When that happens, valuable information is lost.

The suggestions found in the accompanying box can help us to improve our concentration.

⁷ Show Consideration for Others: Cameras and camcorders may be used during the program, but to avoid distracting others, do so only from your seat. Cell phones and pagers must be set so that they do not disturb others. For the benefit of those who are hard-of-hearing, the program will be broadcast in the vicinity of the convention site via FM radio. An announcement providing necessary details will be made at the beginning of the first session. You will need to bring your own small FM receiver with earphones. No personal equipment should be connected to the convention site’s electrical or sound systems.

• ⁸ How we look forward to gathering together to praise Jehovah! May we be determined to glorify him by attending every session, by listening attentively, and by applying what we learn.—Deut. 31:12.

• 5. How can we begin preparing our hearts for the convention?

• 6. What can help us maintain our focus on the program? (See box.)

• 7, 8. How can we show consideration for others, and what provision is available for those who are hard-of-hearing?

Be an Example in Fine Works

• ¹ When we gather in large numbers at district conventions, the way we act and how we treat others become especially noticeable to onlookers. Each of us, therefore, needs to give special attention to the Bible’s admonition: “Be sound in mind, in all things showing yourself an example of fine works.” (Titus 2:6, 7) Extra effort may be required to ‘keep an eye, not in personal interest upon just our own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others.’ (Phil. 2:4) Let us consider some areas in which we can apply this encouragement at our upcoming “Give God Glory” District Convention.

• ² Rooming Arrangements: An excellent opportunity for us to display fine works is when making rooming arrangements. Please reserve only the hotel room you plan to use. Be sure to make the appropriate deposit in advance. During the busy check-in and checkout times, it is especially appreciated if we display the fruitage of God’s spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23) For example, it may not be possible for everyone to obtain a nonsmoking room, even if you requested this when you made your reservation.

• ³ Our personal interest in others should be seen in our use of any complimentary breakfast arrangements. It is not appropriate to take to the convention site food that has been provided for hotel guests. It is appreciated when we conscientiously observe

• 1. Why do we need to be especially conscious of our conduct at the district convention?

• 2. What should we bear in mind in connection with rooming arrangements?

• 3. How can we “work what is good toward all” at the hotel?

  Be Considerate of Others

  • ■ Reserve only the room you plan to use

  • ■ Be patient during check-in and checkout

  • ■ Do not abuse breakfast arrangements

  • ■ Properly supervise your children

  • ■ Leave an appropriate tip

  
  

hotel rules and show consideration for the staff by leaving in the room a customary tip. In these ways we “work what is good toward all” and thus give a fine witness to others.—Gal. 6:10.

⁴ Parents and Children: In a world where so many youths are ill-mannered, our children stand out as different, and this brings praise to Jehovah and his organization. At times, however, problems have resulted when children were not properly supervised. (Prov. 29:15) Parents should not leave their children unattended at the hotel, including the swimming pool, or at the convention site.

⁵ Before the convention some parents have found it helpful to review with their children the kind of behavior that is expected of them. (Eph. 6:4) They help their children understand that genuine Christian love “does not behave indecently” or “look for its own interests.” (1 Cor. 13:5) The district convention is a time set aside to be taught by Jehovah, and children as well as adults can show respect for this arrangement by their conduct both at the convention site and elsewhere.—Isa. 54:13.

⁶ Our fine conduct can do much to counter misconceptions and attract people to true worship. (Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12) May all of those with whom we come in contact at our district convention receive a favorable witness by the way we act and how we treat them. In this way we will ‘show ourselves an example of fine works’ and glorify Jehovah.—Titus 2:7.

4, 5. How can children bring praise to Jehovah, and what responsibility do parents have?

6. What effect can our fine conduct have on others?

Well-Arranged Dress Shows Reverence for God

• ¹ Soon we will have the privilege of being Jehovah’s guests at the 2003 “Give God Glory” District Convention. How thankful we are to Jehovah for inviting us to such a rich spiritual feast! We can demonstrate our reverence for him and our appreciation for his spiritual provisions by the way we dress and groom ourselves.—Ps. 116:12, 17.

• ² Clean and Orderly: Our appearance should reflect the standards of our God, who is clean and orderly. (1 Cor. 14:33; 2 Cor. 7:1) Our person, hair, and nails should be clean, and we should be neatly groomed. Sloppy grooming is common today. However, just because a movie star or sports hero looks disheveled is no reason for a Christian to do so. If we follow fads, people may have difficulty seeing the distinction between those who are serving the true God and those who are not serving him.—Mal. 3:18.

• ³ Dress That Befits Christian Ministers: When the apostle Paul wrote to the Christian overseer Timothy, he encouraged “women to adorn themselves in well-arranged dress, with modesty and soundness of mind, ... in the way that befits women professing to reverence God, namely, through good works.” (1 Tim. 2:9, 10) To ensure that our attire is well-arranged requires careful thought. Clothing should be neat, clean, and modest—not gaudy, sensuous, or provocative.—1 Pet. 3:3.

• ⁴ Paul also cautioned against going overboard with “styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls or very expensive garb.” (1 Tim. 2:9)

• 1. How can we express appreciation for our upcoming district convention?

• 2. Why is it important for us to be clean and neatly groomed?

• 3. How can we ensure that our appearance will be in harmony with the counsel found at 1 Timothy 2: 9,10?

• 4, 5. What cautions should Christian men and women heed?

  Present a Dignified Appearance

  • ■ When traveling

  • ■ At the convention

  • ■ During leisure activities

  
  

Being balanced in the use of jewelry, makeup, and other adornments is a wise course for Christian women to follow.—Prov. 11:2.

• ⁵ The counsel Paul directed toward Christian women also applies in principle to Christian men. Brothers should avoid styles that reflect the thinking of the world. (1 John 2:16) For example, in some lands baggy, oversized clothing is popular, but this style does not present a fitting appearance for a minister of God.

• ⁶ During Leisure Activities: When attending the program, most brothers and sisters set an excellent example in the matter of dress and grooming. However, reports indicate that some become lax when traveling to and from the convention or when engaging in leisure activities after the sessions. Really, our personal appearance—whether during the program or at other times—influences how others view God’s people. Since we wear our convention badge cards, we should always dress in a way that befits Christian ministers. This often moves others to compliment us and opens the way to give a witness.—1 Cor. 10:31-33.

• ⁷ Just as a kind smile enhances the appearance of our face, so well-arranged dress and grooming dignifies the message we bear and the organization we represent. Some who observe us during the “Give God Glory” District Conventions this year may be moved to inquire why we are different and may eventually say: “We will go with you people, for we have heard [and observed] that God is with you people.” (Zech. 8:23) May each of us show our reverence for Jehovah by our dress and grooming.

• 6. Why should we maintain a high standard in our dress and grooming when traveling to and from the convention, while at the convention, and following the sessions each day?

• 7. What effect can our well-arranged dress and grooming have on others?

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered orally at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning April 28, 2003. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of March 3 through April 28, 2003. [Note: Where there are no references after the question, you will need to do your own research to find the answers.—See Ministry School, pp. 36-7.]

SPEECH QUALITIES

• 1. What factors may contribute to a lack of fluency? [be p. 93]

• 2. True or False: Pausing should be avoided, since it can allow people’s minds to wander and give them opportunities to interrupt. Explain.

• 3. Of what value is proper sense stress to a speaker or a public reader? (Neh. 8:8) [be p. 101]

• 4. How can one develop proper sense stress? [be pp. 102-3]

• 5. What are the principal ideas that should be emphasized when reading aloud from a publication at a Bible study or at a congregation meeting? [be p. 105]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. What can parents do to train children “in order that they may listen and in order that they may learn” at Christian meetings? (Deut. 31:12) [be p. 16]

• 7. What is the spiritual paradise? [wOl 3/1 pp. 8-10]

• 8. How does Proverbs 8:1-3 show that godly wisdom is available to all, and according to Colossians 2:3, where can it be found? [wOl 3/15 pp. 25, 28]

• 9. How can we make God’s name known? (John 17:6) [be pp. 273-5]

• 10. What important details do people need to know concerning the “good news of the kingdom”? (Matt. 24:14) [be pp. 279-80]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. (a) In the first century, what was “the disgusting thing” mentioned at Mark 13:14? (b) To what did its “standing where it ought not” refer?

• 12. How does Luke’s Gospel establish that Jesus was the natural heir to David’s throne? (Luke 3: 23-38) [w92 10/1 p. 9 par. 3]

• 13. What was the point of Jesus’ statement recorded at Luke 12:2?

• 14. In Jesus’ illustration of the lost drachma coin, why is the reaction of the angels remarkable? (Luke 15:10) How should their example affect us?

• 15. Which two covenants are mentioned at Luke 22:29?

S-97   #310   4/03

Announcements

■ Literature offer for April and May: Feature individual copies of both The Watchtower and Awake! When making return visits on interested people, which may include those who attend the Memorial and/or other theocratic events but who are not actively associated with the congregation, concentrate on placing the new book Worship the Only True God. Every effort should be made to start a home Bible study, especially if some individuals have already studied the Knowledge book and the Require brochure. June, July, and August: Offer the Knowledge book or the Require brochure. When householders already have these publications, use another appropriate brochure that the congregation has in stock.

■ Those planning to tour the U.S. branch facilities may wish to arrange their visits on a weekday (Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) rather than on Saturday morning. This will allow them to view Bethel departments in full operation. Those wishing to tour on Saturday morning are certainly welcome. However, they will receive only a limited tour, since many Bethel family members are sharing in the field ministry or other theocratic activities at that time.

■ DISTRICT CONVENTION CHANGE: Because of circumstances beyond our control, the dates for the district convention in Uniondale, New York, on September 5-7, 2003, have been changed to July 25-27, 2003.

• ■ DISTRICT CONVENTION CORRECTION: The address appearing on page 30 of the March 1, 2003, Watchtower for the district conventions to be held in Columbia, South Carolina, is incorrect. The correct address is as follows: The Carolina Center, 801 Lincoln Street.

• ■ Beginning in April, district convention badge cards for 2003 will automatically be included with literature shipments. It will not be necessary to request these unless you have a foreign-language group associated with your congregation. Based on the size of each congregation, cards will be shipped in lots of 25. If additional badge cards are needed by the congregation, these should be requested on a Literature Request Form (S-14). Plastic badge holders must be requested for any in the congregation who desire them.

■ DISTRICT CONVENTION PARKING: At all convention sites where we have secured control of the parking facilities, the spaces will be made available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. No parking tickets will be used, but convention badge cards will serve as identification for parking. Only those who have a state-approved disabled license plate or placard will be allowed to park in the parking reserved for the disabled. Being aware that considerable expense is involved, we can show our appreciation by making voluntary contributions to the worldwide work at our Kingdom Hall or at the convention. Any checks contributed at the convention should be made payable to “Watch Tower.” Since parking space is usually limited, carpooling should be done to the extent possible rather than having only one or two persons per car. At a few locations, this parking arrangement cannot be fully Implemented this year. Congregations affected by any variation in this arrangement will be so advised by their local convention headquarters.

■ Whenever personal travel plans include attending congregation meetings, an 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.

Question box

■ What cautions should we heed when witnessing to prison inmates?

Worldwide there are at least eight million prison inmates, some of whom show an interest in the good news. (1 Tim. 2:4) One branch office receives some 1,400 letters each month from inmates and their family members requesting literature or a personal visit. While the interest of many inmates is sincere, experience has shown that some feign interest, seeking to take selfish advantage of God’s people. In view of this, all should heed the following cautions regarding witnessing to prison inmates.

In many cases inmates are given a witness by means of correspondence. It is strongly recommended that sisters not write to male prisoners, even if it is with the goal of giving spiritual help. That responsibility should be handled only by qualified brothers. Qualified sisters may be assigned to correspond with female inmates who express sincere interest in Bible truth. Money or personal gifts should not be sent to inmates, despite the fact that such may be requested.

When an incarcerated person shows interest, his name and address should be turned over to the congregation in the area of the prison facility. Usually the qualified brothers there know how to handle the various situations that can arise. If the congregation is not known, the information should be sent to the branch office.

It is not objectionable for the assigned brothers to hold meetings with prisoners so that several may study at one time. However, special events in which publishers mingle freely with inmates should not be held in prisons. Furthermore, it is ill-advised for publishers to visit a prison indiscriminately and have close association with prisoners.

May we be “cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves” as we share the good news with prison inmates. —Matt. 10:16.

Return Visits Lead to Bible Studies

• ¹ Jesus commissioned his followers not only to preach but also to “make disciples . . . , teaching them.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) A preacher proclaims, but a teacher does more. He instructs, explains, and offers proof. One way we teach others is by making return visits on interested ones with a view to starting Bible studies with them.

• ² On whom should you make return visits? Be sure to call back on all who accept literature or who show even a spark of interest in the good news. If you And interest when witnessing in a public setting, seek to obtain the person’s address or telephone number so that the interest can be cultivated. Be optimistic about starting Bible studies. Continue to search for those who will accept an offer to study the Bible, and you will likely And them.—Matt. 10:11.

• ³ Show Personal Interest: Preparation for an effective return visit begins on the initial call. Successful evan-gelizers take note of what interests the householder, and they use that as a basis for further discussions. Some And it advantageous to raise a question at the conclusion of the call in order to prime the householder for the next visit. Our sincere interest in people keeps us thinking about them even after we have left the door, and

• 1. Why is the return visit work so important?

• 2. On whom should we call back?

• 3, 4. What is involved in making effective return visits? it prompts us to call again without delay. If possible, try to return while the interest is still fresh—perhaps even within a day or two.

⁴ When making a return visit, seek to build on your previous discussion. Make it your aim to share at least one upbuilding Scriptural point each time, and be willing to listen. Get to know the householder better. Then on subsequent visits, share the truths from God’s Word that most directly address his concerns.

• ⁵ Be Bible-Study Conscious: Make return visits with the objective of starting a Bible study. How can this be done? Mention that you would like to share an interesting point, and open to a paragraph in the Knowledge book or Require brochure that you think will appeal to the person. Read the paragraph, consider the question, and discuss one or two of the cited scriptures. This can be done right at the doorstep in Ave to ten minutes. Conclude by raising the next question and making arrangements to continue the discussion at another time.

• ⁶ Cultivating all interest we And is a vital aspect of our ministry. Therefore, set aside time in your weekly schedule for making return visits. Doing so will add to the effectiveness of your ministry and bring real joy.

• 5. What simple approach could be used for starting Bible studies?

• 6. How can we show that we appreciate the importance of making return visits?

^Watchtower Apr. 15

Announcing Jehovah ■$ Kingdom     ■

“In recent years many people have observed a decline in spiritual values. Have you noticed this? [Allow for response. Then read Psalm 119:105.] Spiritual values can help people avoid many pitfalls in life. This magazine points to where true spiritual values can be found.”

Awake! Apr. 22

“In today’s fast-paced world, many wonder if children are growing up too fast. Does this concern you? [Allow for response. Then read Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 4.] Childhood should not be a time for bearing adult burdens. This issue of Awake! discusses how parents can safeguard their children’s childhood.”

""Watchtower May 1

“Some questions are beyond human ability to answer. Notice this example. [Read Job 21:7.] Have you ever had a question you wanted to ask God? [Allow for response.] This magazine explains how people in all parts of the earth have found satisfying answers to three of life’s most serious questions.”

Awake! May 8

“Most of us know someone who has diabetes. Do you know much about this disease? [Show cover of magazine, and allow for response.] This magazine explores the causes and treatment of diabetes. It also discusses the Bible’s promise of a permanent cure for all diseases.” Conclude by reading Isaiah 33:24.

8