Our Kingdom Ministry

December 2004                   For United States of America km-E Us 12/04 Vol. 47, No. 12

• ¹ “Thank you for all you do in behalf of all of us. It really makes a difference.” That comment weh expresses the gratitude we feel for our elders and ministerial servants. As God’s organization continues to expand, there is an ongoing need for mature men to serve in the nearly 100,000 congregations worldwide. If you are a baptized brother, your help is needed.

• ² “Reaching Out”: How can you reach out for additional service privileges? (1 Tim. 3:1) Basically, by setting a fine example in all aspects of your life. (1 Tim. 4: 12; Titus 2:6-8; 1 Pet. 5:3) Have a full share in the preaching work, and assist others to do likewise. (2 Tim. 4:5) Take a sincere interest in the welfare of fellow believers. (Rom. 12:13) Be a good student of God’s Word, and develop the “art of teaching.” (Titus 1:9; 1 Tim. 4:13) Diligently care for the assignments entrusted to you by the elders. (1 Tim. 3:10) If you are a family head, ‘preside over your household in a fine manner.’—1 Tim. 3:4, 5,12.

• ³ Serving in an appointed capacity involves hard work and requires a spirit of self-sacrifice. (1 Tim. 5:17) Therefore, in reaching out, focus on humbly serving others. (Matt. 20:25-28; John 13: 3-5, 12-17) Meditate on the disposition of Timothy, and seek to imitate it. (Phil. 2:20-22) Like him, let your fine conduct recommend you. (Acts 16:1, 2) As you cultivate the spiritual qualities needed to handle added privileges and apply any counsel for improvement that you receive, “your advancement [will] be manifest to all persons.” —1 Tim. 4:15.

• ⁴ Parents, Train Young Ones to Help: Children can begin learning to help from an early age. Train them to pay attention at meetings, to preach, and to be exemplary in conduct at the Kingdom Hall and at school. Get them involved in serving others, doing things such as assisting with Kingdom Hall cleaning, helping the elderly, and so forth. Allow them to experience the happiness that comes from giving. (Acts 20:35) Such training can help them to become the pioneers, the ministerial servants, and the elders of tomorrow.

  Conducting Progressive Bible Studies

  Part 4: Training Students to Prepare

  
  

• ¹ A student who reads the lesson beforehand, marks the answers, and thinks of how to express them in his own words should make rapid spiritual progress. Therefore, once a regular study has been established, prepare a lesson together to show the student how. With most students, it will be helpful to prepare an entire chapter or lesson together.

• ² Markings and Notations: Explain how to find direct answers to the printed questions. Show the student your copy of the study publication in which you have marked only the key words or phrases. As you consider the material, he may want to follow your example, marking in his copy only what is needed to help him recall the answer. (Luke 6:40) Then ask him to give the answer in his own words. This will allow you to see how well he understands the material.

• ³ A careful examination of unquoted scriptures is an important part of the student’s preparation for the study. (Acts 17:11) Help him to see that each cited text supports a point in the paragraph. Show him how to make brief notations in the margin of his study publication. Keep before him the fact that the Bible is the basis for what he is learning. Encourage him to make generous use of the cited scriptures in his comments during the study.

• ⁴ Survey and Review: Before the student begins his detailed preparation of the study material, it will be helpful for him to get an overview of the subject. Point out that he can survey the material by briefly examining the chapter title, subheadings, and illustrations. Explain that before concluding his session of preparation, he would be wise to take a moment to review the main points presented in the lesson, perhaps using the review box if one is provided. Such repetition will help him retain the information.

• ⁵ Training the student to prepare well for his study will help him to make meaningful comments at congregation meetings. It will also help him to develop study habits that will benefit him long after his personal Bible study is completed.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting December 13

Song 47

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage everyone to view the video No Blood —Medicine Meets the Challenge in preparation for the discussion next week. Outline special held service arrangements for December 25 and January 1. Use the suggestions on page 8 (if appropriate for your territory) to demonstrate how to present the December 15 Watchtower and the December 22 Awake! Other realistic presentations may be used. In each case, show a different way to handle the conversation stopper “I am already acquainted with your work.”—See Reasoning book, p. 20.

15 min: “Your Help Is Needed.”* Briefly interview an elder. Have him relate what encouraged him to reach out to serve in the congregation and what helped him to qualify. 20 min: “Witnessing to Relatives —How?”* Use the questions that are provided. Invite audience to make brief comments on how they have been able to arouse interest and give a witness to relatives.

Song 17 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 20

Song 68

5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: “How the Theocratic Ministry School Benefits Us.” Talk by the school overseer. Include comments from the October 2004 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. Arrange in advance for one or two to comment on how they are benefiting from the school.

25 min: “Benefit From the Video No Blood—Medicine Meets the Challenge.” An audience discussion of the No Blood video, using the questions provided on page 6. Afterward, read the last paragraph. Encourage all to be present next week for the discussion of a new provision to assist us to abstain from blood.

Song 50 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 27

Song 36

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for December. Using the suggestions on page 8 (if appropriate for your territory), demonstrate how to present either the January 1 Watchtower or the January 8 Awake!

25 min: Obeying God’s Command to Abstain From Blood. Talk by an elder, using manuscript supplied by the branch office. Mention at outset that DPA cards are not to be filled out tonight. While reading the manuscript, the speaker may add brief comments to emphasize key points but should not supplement the material with additional examples or scriptures. Cited scriptures may be read or quoted as time permits. At appropriate points, draw attention to statements in the box “New Provision to Assist Us to Abstain From Blood.” The secretary should provide all baptized publishers with a DPA card and the “Instructions for Filling Out the DPA Card” to enable them to follow along during the part. The secretary should also make sure that a sufficient quantity of Identity Cards are available.

io min: The Role of Your Conscience. Talk by an elder, based on the June 15, 2004, Watchtower, pages 23-4, paragraphs 16-19. Emphasize that decisions we face on matters of conscience are serious, since they involve our relationship with Jehovah.

Song 8 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 3

Song 27

Note: Congregations are not to move their Service Meeting for the week of January 3 to an earlier night unless the circuit overseer is visiting. In every congregation, the convention insert should be considered on the Service Meeting as scheduled. If there is a circuit assembly this week, book study overseers should announce the convention location and dates at their regularly scheduled book studies. A copy of the Recommended Lodging List should be made available by the overseer so that those in attendance can copy the hotel phone numbers for making their reservations. However, copies of this list should not be made for individual publishers.

5 min: Local announcements. Mention literature offer for January. 15 min: “Conducting Progressive Bible Studies—Part 4.” After an introduction of no more than one minute based on paragraph 1, have a five-minute demonstration based on paragraphs 2-3, portraying a Bible study conductor showing a student how to prepare for the study. Use a paragraph from either the Knowledge book or the Require brochure in the demonstration. Follow with a question-and-answer discussion of paragraphs 2-5, highlighting the key points from the demonstration.

25 min: “2005 ‘Godly Obedience’ District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”* To be handled by the congregation secretary. After considering paragraph 2, read the December 15, 2004, convention assignment letter. When discussing paragraph 4, consider all the points in the boxes on page 4. Encourage all to make their convention arrangements as soon as possible. Song 79 and concluding prayer.

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

September Service Report

Av. Av Av. Av.

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

Sp’IPios. 214 98.6 98.4 43.5 4.4

Pios. 93,503 67.1 47.2 20.9 1.9

Aux. Pios. 21,560 50.7 38.0 13.5 1.1

Pubs. 875,274 9.3 8.4 3.5 0.3

TOTAL 990,551 Baptized: 1,791

© 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.

2005 “Godly Obedience” District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

’As our Grand Instructor, Jehovah God arranges for us to assemble to be Instructed in his ways. (Isa. 30:20, 21; 54:13) He does this through the faithful and discreet slave class, which arranges for such meetings as our annual district conventions. (Matt. 24:45-47) Our sentiments are like those of the psalmist David, who sang: “Among the congregated throngs I shall bless Jehovah.” (Ps. 26:12) David clearly understood the value of being taught by Jehovah and was determined to be among His people whenever they gathered together.

• ² Will you be among “the congregated throngs” who will attend the “Godly Obedience” District Convention this year? If so, the following information will prove helpful in making your preparations to attend.

• ³ Plan Now to Attend Every Day: “The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage.” (Prov. 21:5) Do not those words emphasize the value of making plans without delay to attend the convention? To ensure that you will not miss any of the spiritually refreshing program, wisely start now to make whatever arrangements are needed for you to attend all three days. If you have to ask your employer for time off, do so right away. If you need to discuss your plans with your unbelieving mate, do not leave this to the last minute. Whatever challenges you face, make them a matter of prayer to Jehovah, trusting that with his help “your plans will be firmly established.” (Prov. 16:3) Additionally, it would be good to assist your Bible students with their preparations to be present at every session.

  Program Times

  
  

  Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:05 p.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.

  
  

• ⁴ Accommodations: For your convenience, rooming arrangements have already been made in each convention city. A Recommended Lodging List of available hotels will be posted on the information board after this article is considered at the Service Meeting. Please reserve rooms only at hotels on the list, and agree to pay only the rates shown. Your cooperation will make it possible for the branch office to continue to arrange for high-quality hotels at reduced rates. Bear in mind that the best quality hotels are not necessarily the closest to the convention site. Before you call to make your reservation, review the points in the box “How You Can Support the Rooming Arrangements.” When you call, follow the steps in the box “What Is the Best Way to Reserve a Hotel Room?”

• ⁵ Special Needs: The apostle Paul described certain brothers as being “a strengthening aid” to him. (Col. 4:7-11) One of the ways they helped was by providing personal services for Paul. How can you be “a strengthening aid” to others in connection with the convention? Elderly publishers, the inflrm, those in full-time service, and others may require practical assistance with transportation or accommodations. Relatives have the primary responsibility to care for such ones. (1 Tim. 5:4) If they cannot do so, however, fellow believers may be able to help. (Jas. 1:27) Book study overseers should check with those in their group who have special needs to be sure that their plans are in order well in advance of the convention.

How You Can Support the Rooming Arrangements

• ■ Stay only in hotels on this year’s Recommended Lodging List. Do not call hotels that are not on the list and ask if they have a rate for our convention. Hotels that are not on the list will often say they have a rate for Jehovah’s Witnesses.

• ■ To comply with fire safety laws, plan on having no more than four persons in each room, including children, unless the list indicates otherwise under the heading “Adults.”

• ■ If no rooms are available when you call 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 information at the top of the list. Please wait for a revised list to be received for your convention rather than calling a hotel not on the list.

• ■ Reserve only the rooms you will actually use.

• ■ To guarantee your reservation, you must make a deposit to the hotel for each room reserved. Otherwise, the hotel can offer your room to someone else.

• ■ Keep your first reservation.

• ■ If your congregation has its circuit assembly the week that the convention assignment letter is to be read, the secretary may make a copy of the Recommended Lodging List for each book study overseer to show to his group. No copies of the list are to be made for individual publishers.

• ⁶ Special Needs Room Request forms are available only for publishers whose accommodation needs cannot be cared for by family members or by their congregation. The Congregation Service Committee should consider the publisher’s qualifications, using the guidelines on the form as well as the letter dated December 14, 2004, addressed to all bodies of elders. This provision is only for publishers in good standing, along with their well-behaved children.

• ⁷ Attending Another Convention: To ensure that there is sufficient seating, literature, rooming accommodations, and so forth, publishers are encouraged to attend the convention to which their congregation is assigned. If circumstances require that you attend a different convention, please see your congregation secretary for the mailing address of the convention you will attend, which is printed on the back of the Special Needs Room Request form. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your request for the Recommended Lodging List or any additional information. If there is more than one convention being held in the city, indicate the dates of the convention that you will attend.

• ⁸ Volunteers Needed: Jesus set a perfect example in being humbly attentive to the needs of others. (Luke 9:12-17; John 13:5, 14-16) Those who volunteer to work at conventions reflect a similar spirit. To fill the needs of convention departments, local Convention Committees will soon be inviting others to work with them. There is especially a need for elders to volunteer and accept assignments. Their willing spirit provides a fine example for all in the congregation.—1 Pet. 5:2, 3.

What Is the Best Way to Reserve a Hotel Room?

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

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

• 5. Do not accept a higher rate than what is shown on the list.

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

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

• ⁹ What Others See: A hotel sales manager said: “You people are our very favorite group. You are so well behaved compared with any other group. The maids all comment on how nicely they are treated and how they receive tips. In fact, everyone wants to work the weekend you are here!” Another hotel representative commented: “Jehovah’s Witnesses are the easiest group to work with.” Perhaps your exemplary conduct contributed to these statements. Imagine how happy Jehovah must feel when he sees us acting in a way that brings such praise! —1 Pet. 2:12.

• ¹⁰ Through “the faithful steward,” Jehovah God has arranged for his people to assemble for spiritual instruction this coming summer. (Luke 12:42) Making preparations to attend all three days will require effort but will be well worth it. This year’s “Godly Obedience” District Convention will without fail strengthen our resolve to serve Jehovah now and on into eternity. May we be determined to follow the psalmist’s admonition: “In congregated throngs bless God.”—Ps. 68:26.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered orally at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning December 27, 2004. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of November 1 through December 27, 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. What is one of the best ways to arouse the interest of the audience in a subject? [be p. 218 par. 3]

• 2. List five characteristics of an effective conclusion, [be p. 220 par. 4-p. 221 par. 4]

• 3. How can we ensure that our statements are accurate? [be p. 224 box]

• 4. How can we make sure that our presentations at the meetings reflect high regard for the congregation’s role as “a pillar and support of the truth”? (1 Tim. 3:15) [be p. 224 pars. 1-4]

• 5. When it comes to current events, quotations, and experiences, how may we apply Proverbs 14:15? [be p. 225 par. 1]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. How can the time from the Flood back to Adam’s creation be calculated? [si p. 286 par. 12]

• 7. How can the date for the start of Jesus’ ministry be determined, and what basis is there for believing that it lasted just three and a half years? [si p. 291 par. 16]

• 8. (a) When did “the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem” go forth? (b) How many years would elapse from that time until Jesus would appear as the Messiah? (Dan. 9:24-27) [si p. 291 pars. 18-19]

• 9. What is included in a sincere apology that results in ‘making peace with our brother’? (Matt. 5:23, 24) [w02 11/1 p. 6 pars. 1, 5]

• 10. What does 2J£ings 13:18, 19 teach us about accomplishing God-assigned tasks? [w02 12/1 p. 31 pars. 1-2]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. Why could the Israelites give to an alien resident or sell to a foreigner an unbled dead animal that they themselves would not eat? (Deut. 14:21)

• 12. What lesson is provided for us at Deuteronomy 20:5-7?

• 13. Why was seizing “a hand mill or its upper grindstone as a pledge” likened to seizing “a soul”? (Deut. 24:6)

• 14. Since the Israelites were forbidden to eat any fat, what is meant by their eating “the fat of rams”? (Deut. 32:13, 14)

• 15. What is a modern-day parallel to Achan’s sinful course? (Josh. 7:1-26) [w86 12/15 p. 20 par. 20]

  How the Theocratic Ministry School Benefits Us

  
  

• ¹ Jehovah’s people have the distinct privilege of receiving theocratic education. (Isa. 54: 13; John 6:45) The extent to which we benefit from it, however, depends largely on the effort we exert. Can you discern the positive effects the Theocratic Ministry School is having on your spirituality?

• ² Appreciative Comments: Many school overseers have noted that the in-depth study of speech qualities has improved their congregations’ effectiveness in the field ministry. In addition, one school overseer has found that as a result of the provision for audience participation in Bible highlights, more are keeping to the schedule of Bible reading. Concerning Assignment No. 2, many brothers have commented favorably on the benefits of focusing on the material without preparing an introduction and conclusion. Those assigned this part are now concentrating more attentively on improving their reading skills.—1 Tim. 4:13.

• ³ All Can Benefit: Commenting at meetings can be a delight. (Prov. 15:23) Having the oral review questions in advance enables us to prepare for and participate in the review readily. Additionally, with the January 1,2004, issue of The Watchtower, highlights from Bible books have appeared that correspond with our assigned reading in the Theocratic Ministry School. These articles have helped many to make upbuilding comments during Bible highlights.

• ⁴ Everyone enrolled in the school has the special privilege of preparing and delivering assignments. All of us can benefit from the school overseer’s positive comments from the platform. Individual students profit further from points of counsel that he may offer in private after the meeting. The exercises featuring speech qualities at the end of each chapter of the book Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education provide additional help.

• ⁵ As practical and Scriptural ideas are brought to your attention during and after the school, make note of these in your copy of the Ministry School textbook. Reflect on what you have learned, and consider how this aspect of divine education is enhancing your spirituality.

  Benefit From the Video No Blood

  —Medicine Meets the Challenge

  
  

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 deciding whether their young children should see it.

(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?

Acceptance of any treatments presented in the video is an individual, conscientious decision.—See the June 15, 2004, Watchtower, pp. 22-4, 29-31, and the October 15, 2000, Watchtower, pp. 30-1.

Announcements

■ Literature otter for December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. As an alternative offer, you may use My Book of Bible Stories, The Bible-God’s Word or Man’s?, or You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. January: Any book published prior to 1990 that the congregation may have in stock. If you do not have any of these in stock, please check if nearby congregations have a surplus of older publications on hand that you can use. Congregations that do not have older books may offer Worship the Only True God. February: Draw Close to Jehovah. If this publication is not available, you may use the Creation book (large or small size) or the Revelation Climax book as an alternative offer. March: Keep on the Watch! Where genuine interest is shown, offer the Knowledge book, making a special effort to start Bible studies.

■ The cover series “Understanding Your Doctor” appearing in the January 22, 2005, issue of Awake! is designed to help people to deal more understandingly with their physicians. However, the articles will no doubt be of interest to doctors themselves, since the series addresses why some physicians have been attracted to the Bible’s message of hope. You may wish to order extra copies and make a special effort to give a copy to your doctor as well as to other health care professionals. Congregations should notify the branch at once of any increased orders for this issue.

■ The Memorial invitations for 2005 in the primary language of each congregation will soon be sent to the congregation. If other languages are spoken in your territory and you would like a supply of invitations in those languages, these should be requested as soon as possible on a Literature Request Form (8-14). A listing of the languages in which Memorial invitations are available will appear in the “Announcement to All Congregations,” which is mailed each month. Please request only those languages needed for your territory.

■ Please note that the Memorial for the year 2006 will be on Wednesday, April 12, 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. In such instances, 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 Memorial, the body of elders should select one of the more qualified elders to be the speaker Instead of simply taking turns or using the same brother every year. If there is an elder of the anointed who is able to give the talk, he should be selected.

• ■ Beginning the week of June 27, 2005, we will study Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! at the Congregation Book Study.

  New Provision to Assist Us to Abstain From Blood

  
  

The Governing Body has approved combining the essential elements of the durable power of attorney (DPA) document and the Advance Medical Directive/Release card into a single legal document, which we shall refer to generally as a DPA card. A DPA card has been prepared for each state. The actual title of the DPA card varies from state to state.

You will need to All out the DPA card for your state of residence only. The DPA card is valid indefinitely anywhere in the United States and will serve as a statement of your wishes when you travel internationally. In the future, you should fill out a new DPA card if (1) you need to make any changes to your DPA card, such as changing your wishes, health-care agents, addresses, and telephone numbers, or (2) your DPA card has been lost or destroyed.

The DPA card should be prayerfully considered and carefully filled out at home. However, before signing the card, it is important that the legal formalities be closely followed. For example, if your card says that two witnesses are required to see you sign, they should be present when you sign it. Book study overseers may periodically check with those who have not filled out new cards to see if assistance is needed.

Before folding the DPA card, make good-quality photocopies for your health-care agent, alternate health-care agent, and doctor as well as for your own records. You may also want to provide copies for other family members and the congregation secretary. Copies should be single-sided on standard-size (8 1/2" x 11") paper, with the DPA card centered on the page. The original DPA card, not a photocopy, should be kept on your person.

The Identity Card with the print date of 3/99 for unbaptized children of Witness parents has not changed. Parents should ensure that a card for each minor child is properly filled out and signed and that the child carries it at appropriate times.

Unbaptized publishers may adapt the language of the DPA card and Identity Card in order towrite out health-care instructions for themselves and their children. The secretary should provide a DPA card for all newly baptized publishers during the year.

Witnessing to Relatives—How?

• ¹ What greater joy could we have than to enter the new world with our loved ones, united with them in worship of Jehovah! By our witnessing to relatives, this joyful prospect may become reality. To do so in a refreshing manner, however, requires discernment. A circuit overseer observed: “The best results are achieved by those who awaken curiosity in their relatives by witnessing in measured doses.” How might we do this?

• ² Awaken Their Curiosity: Give careful forethought to how you might stir the interest of your relatives. (Prov. 15:28) What are their concerns? What challenges are they facing? Perhaps you could share an article or mention an appealing scripture on a subject that is of special interest to them. If your relatives do not live nearby, perhaps you can do this in a letter or by telephone. Without overwhelming them, sow seeds of truth, and look to Jehovah to make those seeds grow.—1 Cor. 3:6.

• ³ Jesus instructed a man from whom he had expelled many demons: “Go home to your relatives, and report to them all the things Jehovah has done for you and the mercy he had on you.” (Mark 5:19) Imagine the impression this must have made on his relatives! Although you may not experience anything quite so dramatic, likely your relatives have an inter-

• 1. Why is discernment needed when witnessing to relatives?

• 2. How can sincere interest in our relatives help us to awaken their curiosity?

• 3. How might the interest that our relatives have in us open the way for a witness? est in your activities or those of your children. Mentioning a talk you had in the Theocratic Ministry School, a convention you attended, a visit to Bethel, or a personal milestone might open the way for you to share with them something further about Jehovah and his organization.

⁴ Be Discerning: When witnessing to relatives, avoid telling them too much at once. Recalling the time when he began to study the Bible, one brother admitted: “I then showered my mother for hours on end with explanations about almost everything I had learned from the Bible, and this often led to arguments, especially with my father.” Even when a relative expresses interest in the Bible’s message, answer in a way that leaves the person wanting to know more. (Prov. 25:7) Always show respect, kindness, and patience, just as you would when speaking with strangers in the ministry.—Col. 4:6.

⁵ At one point, Jesus’ relatives thought he had lost his mind. (Mark 3:21) Later, however, some became believers. (Acts 1:14) If your initial efforts to share the truth with your relatives are not well received, do not give up. Circumstances and attitudes can change. Continue to look for another opportunity to share a point that may awaken their curiosity. You may have the joy of helping them start on the road to everlasting life. —Matt. 7:13, 14.

• 4. What pitfalls should we avoid when witnessing to relatives?

• 5. What should we do if relatives do not respond favorably when we witness to them?

"Watchtower Dec. 15

Announcing Jehovah-s Kingdom

“At this time of year, people around the world remember the birth of Jesus in a wide variety of ways. Did you know that Bible prophecy links the birth of Jesus with lasting peace? [Allow for response. Then read Isaiah 9:6, 7.] This magazine explains how that peace will be accomplished.”

Awake! Dec. 22

“Have you noticed that society seems to be placing more and more emphasis on how people look? [Allow for response.] This magazine discusses some of the dangers of becoming obsessed with beauty. It also highlights the value of the kind of beauty that matters most.” Read 1 Peter 3:3, 4.

'Watchtower Jan. 1

Announcing Jehovah'S Kingdom

“Most religions teach that people should love their neighbor. [Read Matthew 22:39.] Why, then, do you think that so many of the wars and conflicts in the world involve religion? [Allow for response.] This issue of The Watchtower examines the question, Can religion unite mankind?”

Awake! Jan. 8

“How would you answer this question? [Read question on cover. Then allow for response.] Earth’s resources are dwindling at an alarming rate. Yet, note this reassuring promise. [Read Psalm 104:5.] This issue of Awake! explains how our planet will soon be on the road to complete recovery.”

8