Our Kingdom Ministry

August 2004                       For United States of America km-E Us 8/04 Vol. 47, No. 8

• ¹ “By endurance on your part you will acquire your souls.” (Luke 21:19) Those words, which form part of Jesus’ prophecy concerning “the conclusion of the system of things,” make clear that in keeping our integrity, we must be prepared to face many trials. But in Jehovah’s strength, each of us can ‘endure to the end’ and “be saved.”—Matt. 24:3,13; Phil. 4:13.

• ² Persecution, health problems, financial difficulties, and emotional distress can make each day a trial. We must never forget, however, that Satan is trying to break our integrity to Jehovah. Each day that we remain loyal to our Father is another day in which we have helped furnish a reply to the Taunter’s challenge. How rewarding it is to know that our “tears” in the face of trial are not forgotten! They are precious to Jehovah, and our integrity makes his heart glad!—Ps. 56:8; Prov. 27:11.

• ³ Refined by Trials: Affliction can show up a weakness of faith or a personality flaw, such as pride or impatience. Rather than seeking to evade or end trials by unscriptural means, we must heed the counsel of God’s Word to “let endurance have its work complete.” Why? Because faithfully enduring trials helps us to become “complete and sound in all respects.” (Jas. 1:2-4) Endurance can help us to cultivate priceless qualities, such as reasonableness, empathy, and mercy.—Rom. 12:15.

• ⁴ Tested Quality of Faith: When we endure trials, we acquire a tested quality of faith that has great value in the eyes of God. (1 Pet. 1:6, 7) Such faith equips us to remain steadfast through future trials. Moreover, we can sense God’s approval, and this strengthens our hope, making it more real to us. —Rom. 5:3-5.

• ⁵ The ultimate reward for endurance is highlighted at James 1:12, which says: “Happy is the man that keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life.” Hence, let us remain steadfast in our devotion to Jehovah, confident that he will richly reward “those who continue loving him.”

  Conducting Progressive Bible Studies

  Part 2: Preparing to Conduct the Study

  
  

• ¹ Teaching effectively on a Bible study involves more than just discussing the material and looking up the cited scriptures. We need to present the information in a way that touches the student’s heart. This requires thorough preparation with the student in mind.—Prov. 15:28.

• ² How to Prepare: Begin by praying to Jehovah about the person and his needs. Ask Jehovah to help you reach the student’s heart. (Col. 1:9, 10) To get the theme clearly in mind, take a moment to consider the title of the chapter or lesson, the subheadings, and any visual aids. Ask yourself, ‘What is the thrust of the material?’ This will help you to focus on the main points as you conduct the study.

• ³ Carefully review the material paragraph by paragraph. Identify the answers to the printed questions, marking only the key words and phrases. Analyze how the cited scriptures relate to the main point of the paragraph, and decide which ones to read during the study. You may find it helpful to make brief notes in the margin of the publication. The student should clearly see that what he is learning is from God’s Word.—1 Thess. 2:13.

• ⁴ Personalize the Lesson: Next, consider the lesson with the particular student in mind. Try to anticipate his questions and the points that he may have difficulty understanding or accepting. Ask yourself: ‘What does he need to understand or work on in order to make spiritual progress? How can I reach his heart?’ Then adapt your teaching accordingly. At times, you may see a need to prepare an illustration, an explanation, or a series of questions to help the student grasp the meaning of a certain point or scripture. (Neh. 8:8) But avoid inserting additional information that contributes little to the theme. A brief review at the end of the study will help him to retain the main points.

⁶ What joy we have when new ones bear righteous fruit to Jehovah’s praise! (Phil. 1:11) To help them reach that goal, prepare well each time you conduct a Bible study.

Week Starting August 9

Song 57

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. If the suggestions on page 8 are practical for your congregation territory, use them to demonstrate how to present the August 15 Watchtower and the August 22 Awake! Other presentations may be used. Include mention of the donation arrangement. Remind audience to bring a copy of the Require brochure next week.

15 min: “Endurance Is Rewarded.”* Include brief comments on the December 15,2000, Watchtower, pages 22-3, paragraphs 15-18.

20 min: Using Tracts to Start Bible Studies. Talk and audience discussion based on the November 2001 Our Kingdom Ministry, pages 3-4. Highlight that we are willing to adjust to the circumstances of each student, as noted in paragraph 5. Include one or two brief demonstrations based on paragraphs 8-10. If another approach is effective locally, explain and demonstrate that presentation instead. Invite audience to relate experiences they have had using the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible?

Song 74 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 16

Song 189

10 min: Local announcements.

15 min: Inculcate the Truth in Your Children. Talk based on the Family Happiness book, pages 55-9. Discuss the four ways parents can help their children to form a close personal relationship with Jehovah, making practical application of the material. 20 min: “Conducting Progressive Bible Studies—Part 2.”* Include a five-minute demonstration. A publisher asks an elder how to help a Bible student to progress. The elder mentions that a common pitfall is spending too much time during the study discussing minor details and side points. Using lesson 9 of the Require brochure, he shows the publisher how to (1) focus on the main points in the material, (2) use the cited scriptures effectively, and (3) tailor the lesson to the needs of the student. He notes that good preparation is needed each time a study is conducted.

Song 85 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 23

Song 33

15 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Demonstrate how to present the September 1 Watchtower and the September 8 Awake! In one of the presentations, demonstrate witnessing to a schoolteacher.

10 min: “New Arrangement for Reviewing Assembly Programs.” Talk and audience discussion based on the article on page 4. Mention the dates of the next circuit assembly and special assembly day programs if these are available. Those who wish to be baptized should make this known to the presiding overseer well in advance.

20 min: Offering the Creator Book During September. Talk and demonstration. Mention some comments that have been made about the publication. (w99 6/15 pp. 25-6) Give an overview of the contents of the book, and highlight some specific points that might appeal to those in the local territory, (km 2/99 p. 1; km 4/99 p. 2; km 9/99 p. 2) Outline a simple presentation that consists of an introduction from the Reasoning book or Our Kingdom Ministry, a scripture, and a point or chapter from the Creator book. Have a capable publisher demonstrate the presentation.

Song 220 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 30

Song 90

10 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for August.

15 min: “Ministerial Training School —A Large Door That Leads to Activity.” Talk and audience discussion. Include comments on the 2004 Yearbook, pages 239-40. Mention the meeting for those interested in attending Ministerial Training School that is held in connection with the circuit assembly. Encourage those who qualify to attend this meeting.

20 min: Have You Benefited? Audience discussion. Review the following suggestions that appeared in Our Kingdom Ministry during the past service year: Write your introduction on an index card, (km 10/03 p. 8) Offer commendation that is personal, specific, and sincere. (km 11/03 p. 1) Witness when people are more likely to be at home, (km 12/03 p. 1) Set definite times for Bible reading, meeting preparation, and the field ministry, (km 1/04 p. 4) Use the “Good Land” brochure when doing personal study and Bible reading, (km 3/04 p. 2) Set a goal to read the entire Bible, (km 4/04 p. 1) Witness in business territory, (km 7/04 p. 4) Use tracts to start Bible studies, (km 8/04 p. 2) Invite audience to comment on benefits they received from applying these suggestions.

Song 145 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting September 6

Song 197

5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: Local needs.

25 min: “Demonstrate the Pioneer Spirit.”* Briefly interview one or two pioneers. Have them comment on how the example of parents, elders, or others encouraged them to pursue the full-time ministry.

Song 142 and concluding prayer.

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

© 2004 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.

Ministerial Training School —A Large Door That Leads to Activity

• ¹ Through the prophet Jeremiah, Jehovah foretold: “I will raise up over [my people] shepherds who will actually shepherd them; and they will be afraid no more, neither will they be struck with any terror, and none will be missing.” (Jer. 23:4) Such a shepherding work is being accomplished today among people of all the nations. This is being done by tens of thousands of congregation elders. In addition, a company of young men as numerous as dewdrops have offered themselves willingly in Jehovah’s service. (Ps. 110:3) What a blessing these humble brothers are to the congregations of God’s people! As the spiritual ingathering work continues, there is yet a need for qualified men to make themselves available to serve their brothers.

• ² A fine provision to train single elders and ministerial servants for increased responsibilities is the Ministerial Training School. More than 22,000 students from some 140 countries have received this training in the 999 classes that have been held since the school’s inception in 1987. For these brothers, the school has proved to be “a large door that leads to activity.”—1 Cor. 16:9.

• ³ Purpose of the School: The aim of the Ministerial Training School is to train and equip qualified men for responsibilities wherever there may be a need in the organization. The school heightens their abilities for taking the lead in the evangelizing work, sharing in shepherding the flock, and teaching in the congregation. After graduating, some students are assigned as special pioneers or traveling overseers in their home countries or abroad. Others receive assignments to serve with their home congregations or in areas where there is a greater need within the branch territory.

  How They Benefited From the Training

  “The training has truly enhanced my ministry and my ability to shepherd with wisdom, using the Scriptures.”

  “The school has given me a lot more confidence in handling my various responsibilities in the congregation.”

  “It has changed almost every aspect of my life, including the way that I feel about theocracy and God’s organization.”

  “The training I received helped me appreciate the need to make myself available to serve where there is a need.”

  
  

• ⁴ During the eight-week course, students undertake an intensive study of the Bible. They carefully consider a wide array of Bible teachings as well as shepherding responsibilities and guidelines for handling problems in Christian living. They also learn what the Scriptures teach about administrative, judicial, and organizational matters. They receive specialized training in public speaking and are given personal assistance to accelerate their spiritual development.

⁵ Requirements: Understandably, the requirements to attend the school are high. Applicants must have served as elders or ministerial servants for at least two consecutive years. All must be single and between the ages of 23 and 50. Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak fluently the language in which the school is conducted, and they must be in good health, not requiring special care or diet. Preference is given to those in regular pioneer service.

• ⁶ Those who volunteer must be willing and able to serve wherever they are needed. This calls for a spirit like that of the prophet Isaiah, who eagerly offered himself to do a special work, saying: “Here I am! Send me.” (Isa. 6:8) He also demonstrated humility throughout his life. Those making themselves available for the Ministerial Training School should be motivated by love for their brothers and a desire to serve them rather than a desire for prominence or special status. After receiving such fine training, graduates are expected to apply what they learned to the benefit of others. —Luke 12:48.

• ⁷ Benefits: During the eight weeks of intense training, graduates are “nourished with the words of the faith and of the fine teaching.” (1 Tim. 4:6) This equips them to assist and encourage others in their assigned congregations and circuits. In many locations where graduates of the Ministerial Training School have been assigned, field activity has increased; pioneer service has been encouraged, especially among younger ones; and more personal attention has been given to the many new ones associating with God’s people.

• ⁸ Are you a single elder or ministerial servant between the ages of 23 and 50? Why not consider applying for the Ministerial Training School? Are you a young brother contemplating your long-range goals in Jehovah’s service? Why not keep your life simple and free of distractions so that you can enter this “large door that leads to activity”? It can bring you much joy and satisfaction. Indeed, the Ministerial Training School has proved to be a blessing not just to the graduates of the school but to the congregations of God’s people worldwide.

  New Arrangement for Reviewing Assembly Programs

  
  

As Satan’s world continues to advance from bad to worse, Jehovah fortifies us “to repudiate ungodliness and worldly desires and to live with soundness of mind and righteousness and godly devotion amid the present system of things.” (Titus 2: 12) Among the provisions that he makes through “the faithful and discreet slave” are the annual circuit assembly and special assembly day programs. (Matt. 24:45) How strengthening we find these spiritual gatherings to be!

To help us to retain and put into practice the instruction that is provided, a new arrangement for reviewing these assembly programs will be used during the 2005 service year. Pages 5-6 of this insert contain articles that provide a preview of what will be presented as well as review questions for each assembly program. Congregations will consider this information at the Service Meeting shortly before and shortly after they attend their assemblies. How will this be arranged?

One or two weeks before the congregation attends the circuit assembly, a ten-minute talk based on the article “New Circuit Assembly Program” will be presented on the Service Meeting to build anticipation for the program. The speaker will also draw attention to the review questions and encourage all to take notes in preparation for the review that will follow a few weeks after the assembly.

Within a few weeks after the assembly, a 15-minute review of the first day of the assembly program will be included on the Service Meeting. The following week, 15 minutes will be devoted to reviewing the second day of the program. The review questions provided in this insert will serve as the basis for those discussions. The review should focus on the practical value of the information. The elders may arrange to abbreviate, eliminate, or reschedule other Service Meeting parts to accommodate these review sessions.

The same arrangement will be followed in connection with the special assembly day program, except that there will be one 15-minute part to review the entire program. All of us will want to save this insert and use it to benefit fully from the fine instruction that Jehovah provides.—Isa. 48:17, 18.

CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY REVIEW

This material will be used to preview and review the circuit assembly program for the 2005 service year. The article “New Arrangement for Reviewing Assembly Programs,” which appears on page 4 of this insert, explains how this is to be handled. During the review, apportion the time so that all the questions are asked. The review should focus on how we can apply the information that was presented.

FIRST DAY MORNING [OR AFTERNOON] SESSION

• 1. What will help us to acquire godly wisdom?

• 2. What effort have those in the circuit put forth to reach more people with the good news?

FIRST DAY AFTERNOON [OR EVE

NING] SESSION

• 3. Why is it vital for Christians to remain undefiled inwardly? What does this require that we do?

• 4. How can we show ourselves to be peaceable with our brothers?

• 5. What is reasonableness, and how can we demonstrate it in the way we use our time?

• 6. What do we learn from the examples of Saul and Noah? In what ways can we show that we are “ready to obey”? (Jas. 3:17)

• 7. How can Christians guard against leading a double life?

• 8. How can we imitate Paul’s example in speaking God’s wisdom?

SECOND DAY MORNING SESSION

• 9. Why must we be careful in selecting the activities we pursue, and what will help us to do so?

• 10. What effort are those in the circuit putting forth to attend meetings regularly, and how have they benefited from doing so?

• 11. How can family heads build up their households?

• 12. What needs of the circuit were brought to our attention?

SECOND DAY AFTERNOON SESSION

• 13. As brought out in the public talk, what righteous works have been produced by the wisdom from above?

• 14. Why is it foolish to trust in ourselves or in those who are not guided by divine wisdom? In what areas do we need to be on guard?

• 15. From what pitfalls does divine wisdom protect us?

• 16. Why is it vital for us to apply the counsel that was provided on the circuit assembly program?

  New Circuit Assembly Program

  
  

In these “critical times hard to deal with,” we need godly wisdom to gain and retain Jehovah’s approval. (2 Tim. 3:1) The circuit assembly program for the 2005 service year will provide us with practical counsel and encouragement as it develops the theme “Be Guided by ‘the Wisdom From Above.’”—Jas. 3:17.

The first symposium, “Manifesting ‘the Wisdom From Above’ in Our Life,” will help us to see what is involved in being chaste, peaceable, reasonable, and ready to obey. Then the circuit overseer will give attention to three other aspects of heavenly wisdom. The district overseer will conclude the first day by showing how Christian ministers, although viewed by some as “unlettered and ordinary,” are equipped to speak God’s wisdom.—Acts 4:13.

On the second day, a symposium entitled “Pursue the Things That Are Upbuilding” will help us to identify and avoid things that can tear us down spiritually. It will also show us how we can build up others at congregation meetings, in the field ministry, and in the family circle. The public talk, “How Godly Wisdom Benefits Us,” will deepen our appreciation for the benefits we receive as we apply divine principles in our lives. The concluding talk, “Acting Upon Divine Wisdom Safeguards Us,” will strengthen our resolve to turn to Jehovah for wisdom during these last days.

A highlight of every assembly is the baptism of new disciples. The Theocratic Ministry School and the Watchtower Study for the week will also be featured on the program. Jehovah desires all of us to benefit from the wisdom he provides. We will be spiritually enriched by the counsel and encouragement that await us at our circuit assembly.—Prov. 3:13-18.

SPECIAL ASSEMBLY DAY REVIEW

This material will be used to preview and review the special assembly day program for the 2005 service year. The article “New Arrangement for Reviewing Assembly Programs,” which appears on page 4 of this insert, explains how this is to be handled. During the review, apportion the time so that all the questions are asked. The review should focus on how we can apply the information that was presented.

MORNING SESSION

• 1. Why is there an ever-growing need to listen to Jehovah? What does it mean to listen? (“Why Listen to Jehovah’s Voice”)

• 2. How can families maintain a good program of spiritual activity? (“Families That Listen Without Distraction to God’s Word”)

• 3. How have those in the circuit taken advantage of opportunities to witness informally? (“Doing All Things for God’s Glory”)

• 4. What lessons can we learn from the warning example found in Hebrews chapters 3 and 4? How is Jehovah speaking to us today? (“Listening When God Speaks Safeguards Us”)

• 5. How did you benefit from the baptism talk? (“Dedication and Baptism”)

AFTERNOON SESSION

• 6. What can we discern about Jesus as a youth, and how are youths in the circuit imitating his example? (“How Attentive Listening to God’s Word Fortifies Our Youths”)

• 7. What are some ways in which parents can begin training babies and young children in Jehovah’s ways? (“Little Ones Who Listen to God and Learn”)

• 8. What are some specific areas in which we need to pay attention to Jehovah, his Son, and “the faithful and discreet slave”? (Matt. 24:45) Why is it vital that we do so? (“Pay Constant Attention to Divine Instruction”)

  New Special Assembly Day Program

  
  

If we see or hear a warning signal but do not act on it, the results could be disastrous. It is even more important to act on the spiritual direction that Jehovah provides. This will be emphasized in the special assembly day program for the coming service year. The theme is “Pay Attention to How You Listen.”—-Luke 8:18.

In his first talk, the visiting speaker will consider how the counsel in the opening chapters of Paul’s inspired letter to the Hebrews applies to us today. In the concluding talk, “Pay Constant Attention to Divine Instruction,” he will help all to examine whether they are truly listening to Jehovah, his Son, and “the faithful and discreet slave.”—Matt. 24:45.

Several parts on the program will be especially beneficial for families. “Families That Listen Without Distraction to God’s Word” will help us to keep the things of the world from choking our spirituality. It will include interviews of those who have made changes in order to put spiritual things in first place. “How Attentive Listening to God’s Word Fortifies Our Youths” will include interviews of youths who have taken a stand for the truth at school, with their peers, or in the ministry. “Little Ones Who Listen to God and Learn” will help us not to underestimate the learning ability of young ones. Interviews with young ones and their parents will help us to see the good that comes from training children from infancy in Jehovah’s ways.

While Satan “is misleading the entire inhabited earth,” Jehovah is showing his faithful servants the way in which they should walk. (Rev. 12:9; Isa. 30:21) Listening attentively to his counsel and obediently applying it in our lives make us wise, bring us happiness, and lead to everlasting life.—Prov. 8:32-35.

Announcements

■ Literature offer for 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. September: Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? As an alternative offer, you may feature Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, offer the Require brochure, making a special effort to start Bible studies.

■ Since October will have five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.

■ 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.

■ Congregations should begin requesting the 2005 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Examining the Scriptures Daily—2005, and the 2005 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses with their next literature request. A listing of the languages in which these items are available will appear in the “Announcement to All Congregations,” which is mailed to all congregations each month.

■ The annual inventory of all literature and magazines on hand should be taken on or as close as possible to August 31,2004. This inventory is similar to the actual count taken monthly by the literature coordinator, and the totals should be entered on the Literature Inventory (S-18) form. The total number of magazines on hand should be obtained from the magazine servant(s). The secretary of the coordinating congregation should supervise the inventory. He and the presiding overseer of the coordinating congregation will sign the form. Each coordinating congregation will receive three Literature Inventory (S-18) forms. Please mail the original to the branch office at 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483, no later than September 6. Keep a copy for your files. The third copy may be used as a work sheet.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered orally at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning August 30, 2004. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of July 5 through August 30, 2004. [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. How can we explain the reason for our hope “with a mild temper and deep respect”? (1 Pet. 3:15) [be p. 192 pars. 2-4]

• 2. Why is it important to speak with conviction? (Rom. 8:38, 39; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 Pet. 5: 12) [be p. 194]

• 3. How is conviction manifested? [be p. 195 par. 3-p. 196 par. 4]

• 4. What is tact, why is it important, and how can we balance this quality with firmness? (Rom. 12:18) [be p. 197]

• 5. Before speaking, what will a tactful person consider? (Prov. 25:11; John 16:12) [be p. 199]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. How might our conversations and Bible study habits indicate the extent to which we have made progress in the truth? [be p. 74 par. 3-p. 75 par. 2]

• 7. What is meant by “buying out the opportune time for yourselves,” and how can we do that? (Eph. 5:16) [w02 11/15 p. 23]

• 8. How do the Scriptures make it plain that all humans are equal before God, and how should this affect our ministry? [w02 1/1 PP- 5, 7]

• 9. What is the significance of the Creator’s unique name, Jehovah? [w02 1/15 p. 5]

• 10. What made Abel’s sacrifice “of greater worth” than Cain’s, and what lesson can we draw from this regarding our “sacrifice of praise”? (Heb. 11:4; 13:15) [w02 1/15 p. 21 pars. 6-8]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. How can Leviticus 18:3 help us to avoid acquiring a twisted sense of right and wrong? (Eph. 4:17-19) [w02 2/1 p. 29]

• 12. What was prophetically depicted by the “two loaves” that were presented by the high priest as “a wave offering” during the Festival of Weeks (Pentecost)? (Lev. 23:1517) [w98 3/1 p. 13 par. 21]

• 13. In a case of adultery such as that noted in Numbers chapter 5, in what sense would a guilty woman’s ‘thigh fall away’? (Num. 5: 27) [w84 4/15 p. 29]

• 14. Why did Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses because of his Cushite wife? (Num. 12:1)

• 15. What was “the book of the Wars of Jehovah”? (Num. 21:14)

Demonstrate the Pioneer Spirit

'Whether they can serve as pioneers at present or not, all Kingdom publishers can manifest the pioneer spirit. They are intensely concerned with the command to preach and make disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 18:5) They care about people and make sacrifices in order to accomplish their ministry. (Matt. 9:36; Acts 20:24) Jehovah’s servants are willing to do whatever is needed to help others learn the truth. (1 Cor. 9:1923) Let us consider the example of one who showed such a spirit, Philip the evangelizer.

² Preaching and Teaching: Philip cared for weighty responsibilities in the first-century congregation. (Acts 6:1-6) Yet, he was foremost a zealous preacher of the good news. (Acts 8:40) So today, while caring for their assigned duties, elders and ministerial servants can demonstrate the pioneer spirit by taking an enthusiastic lead in the ministry. How this invigorates the spirit of the congregation! —Rom. 12:11.

’Following Stephen’s death, a wave of persecution caused great disruption in the lives of the disciples. Philip, however, continued to preach, and he was instrumental in opening up the work among the Samaritans. (Acts 8:1, 4-6, 12, 1417) We can imitate his example by continuing to make known the good news when we undergo trials and by preaching impartially to all whom we meet. —John 4:9.

• 1 . How would you describe the pioneer spirit?

• 2 . How can elders and ministerial servants imitate Philip’s zeal for the ministry?

• 3 . How can we display the pioneer spirit when we face trials?

• ⁴ Philip’s skill as a teacher of God’s Word can be seen in the account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. (Acts 8:26-38) Developing the ability to use the Bible and to ‘reason from the Scriptures’ is yet another way that we manifest the pioneer spirit. (Acts 17:2, 3) Like Philip, we seek to share the good news wherever people can be found and on every appropriate occasion.

• ⁵ Family and Congregation: Philip’s attitude and example no doubt had a positive effect on his daughters. (Acts 21:9) Similarly, Christian parents who center their lives on Kingdom interests encourage their children to do the same. Although tired from a busy week, a parent who eagerly preaches to others can leave a lasting impression on the heart of a child. —Prov. 22:6.

• ⁶ Philip extended hospitality to Paul and Luke, zealous Christians who were expending themselves in Jehovah’s service. (Acts 21:8, 10) How can we show our appreciation and support for zealous ones today? Perhaps we could offer to work with the pioneers for a morning or an afternoon on a day when few share in the ministry. (Phil. 2:4) We can also invite them to our homes for upbuilding association. Whatever our circumstances, may all of us strive to demonstrate the pioneer spirit.

• 4. What example did Philip set as a teacher?

• 5. What can help Christian parents to instill the pioneer spirit in their children?

• 6. How can we show appreciation for the pioneers in our congregation?

™Watchtower Aug. is

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

“Today, people seek advice from many sources on marriage and raising children. Where do you think the best counsel can be found? [Allow for response.] This issue of The Watchtower discusses some of the wise counsel on family life provided by mankind’s Creator.” Read Psalm 32:8.

Awake! Aug. 22

“How important do you think it is for fathers to be involved in the lives of their children? [Allow for response.] This issue of Awake! discusses the growing problem of absent fathers. It also explains how fathers can have a positive impact on their children.” Read Proverbs 13:1.

"Watchtower sept. 1

“All of us want to be happy. Do you think that the things mentioned here can really bring happiness? [Read Matthew 5:4a, 6a, 10a. Then allow for response.] This magazine explains the meaning of those words from the famous Sermon on the Mount and discusses what else it takes to be happy.”

Awake! Sept. 8

“It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will suffer from mental illness at some point in their life. Many of us know someone who is afflicted. [Open to article.] This article offers helpful suggestions on what we can do if someone we love has such a condition.”

8