Our Kingdom Ministry

December 2005                   For United States of America km-E Us 12/05 Vol. 48, No. 12

■How rewarding it is to see people’s eyes light up as they come to understand the truth from God’s Word! Sharing with others the knowledge of God and his purpose for mankind truly is satisfying. Such education can lead a person to everlasting life.—John 17:3.

• ² Why Superior: Education is offered today by almost every means possible and on every subject imaginable. (Eccl. 12: 12) But such knowledge cannot compare in value to “the magnificent things of God.” (Acts 2:11) Has the education offered in the world been able to draw mankind any closer to the Creator and to knowing his purpose? Has it helped people to understand what happens when we die or why there is so much suffering? Has it given people hope? Has it helped to improve the family arrangement? No. Only through divine education can we find real answers to life’s most important questions.

’Divine education provides something that is sorely lacking in today’s world—moral development. God’s Word uproots racism, tribalism, and nationalism from the hearts of those who accept and apply its teachings. (Heb. 4:12) It has moved people to renounce every kind of violence and to ‘clothe themselves with the new personality.’ (Col. 3:9-11; Mic. 4:1-3) Moreover, divine education has given millions the strength to overcome deeply embedded practices and traits that displease God—1 Cor. 6:9-11.

⁴Why Urgent Now: Our Grand Instructor alerts us to the meaning of the times in which we live. His prophetic judgments contain up-to-date information that must be proclaimed earth wide. (Rev. 14:6, 7) Christ is ruling in the heavens, the world empire of false religion will soon be devastated, and God’s Kingdom is poised to destroy all earthly governments. (Dan. 2:44; Rev. 11:15; 17:16) Hence, it is urgent for people to recognize God’s nowreigning King, to get out of Babylon the Great, and to call upon the name of Jehovah in faith. (Ps. 2:11, 12; Rom. 10:13; Rev. 18:4) May we have the fullest share possible in imparting to others the education that leads to life.

’The apostle Paul set a fine example in always adapting his presentation of the good news to the background and thinking of his audience. (1 Cor. 9:1923) We should endeavor to do the same. With a little forethought, we can often tailor the sample presentations that appear in Our Kingdom Ministry to fit the needs of the people in our territory. As we approach a door, we may notice indications of the householder’s interests and incorporate these into our presentation. However, there is yet another way that we can be adaptable in our ministry.

• ² Build on What Others Say: When presenting the good news, we frequently pose a question and invite householders to respond. How do you view the response? Are you inclined to offer a token acknowledgment and just continue with your prepared presentation? Or does what you say reflect that you are taking into consideration the householders’ comments? If you show a sincere interest in what others say, you may be able to use additional tactful questions to find out what is really on their mind. (Prov. 20:5) Thus you can focus on aspects of the Kingdom message that most directly address the listener’s concerns.

• ³ This requires that we be willing to talk about subjects other than those we had originally planned to discuss. If we begin by commenting on a problem that is in the news and the householder mentions a local or personal issue that concerns him, our genuine interest in meeting the needs of the householder will move us to center the Bible discussion on what matters most to him.—Phil. 2:4.

• ⁴ Tailoring Our Approach: When the householder raises a question, we might find it beneficial to continue the discussion at a later time after we have been able to look up additional information on the subject. We can also offer publications that provide a more thorough consideration of the topic. All of this reflects our sincere interest in helping others come to know Jehovah.—2 Cor. 2:17.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting December 12

Song 32

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. 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. After each demonstration, comment on how easily a scripture can be included in the presentation. 15 min: “A School That Helps Us Make Practical Application.” Talk by the school overseer. Include comments from the October 2005 Our Kingdom Ministry insert.

20 min: “Education That Leads to Life.”* Arrange in advance for one or two to comment on how they have benefited from divine education. Song 101 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 19

Song 160

5 min: Local announcements. Outline special field service arrangements for December 25 and January 1. Remind all to bring the January 2006 issue of Awake! to next week’s Service Meeting.

15 min: “Show Personal Interest —By Being Adaptable.”* Include a brief demonstration showing how a publisher can adjust his approach based on the comments of the householder.

25 min: “Could Your Child Make a Mature Decision?”* To be handled by an elder. Have each paragraph read aloud by a brother who is a capable reader. Discuss all cited scriptures. After considering paragraph 2, contrast the situations of the two youths mentioned in paragraphs 1617 and in the box on pages 16-17 of the June 15, 1991, Watchtower. In conclusion, encourage parents to review that entire article in The Watchtower and to follow through immediately by having discussions and practice sessions with their children about the Bible-based command regarding blood, equipping them to express their beliefs with conviction. Family heads should be sure that each baptized child is carrying a DPA card and that each unbaptized child is carrying an Identity Card. Whenever one is being hospitalized and blood transfusions are an issue, the elders should contact the local Hospital Liaison Committee for assistance.

Song 56 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 26

Song 85

1O min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for December. If your congregation will change meeting times for the new year, announce the new times. Mention the literature offer for January, and point out where suggested presentations can be found.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: New Features of Awake! Talk and audience discussion. Mention the adjustments to Awake! announced in the March 2005 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 1, paragraphs 5-6. Include comments on “To Our Readers” in the Awake! of January 2006, pages 3-4. Point out examples of how the magazine straightforwardly directs readers to the Bible. Invite the audience to comment on the new feature on page 31. We will continue to offer The Watchtower and Awake! as a set on the initial call. Of course, we will place only one copy of each issue of Awake! with those on our magazine route and with others who accept the magazines regularly. Using the suggestions on page 8 (if appropriate for your territory), demonstrate how to present the January 1 Watchtower and the January Awake! Other realistic presentations may be used. The January issue of Our Kingdom Ministry will include a second presentation for the January Awake! featuring one of the secondary articles. Both presentations may be used throughout the month.

Song 222 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 2

Song 5

Note: Congregations are not to move their Service Meeting for the week of January 2 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 Congregation Book Study overseer so that those in attendance can write down the hotel phone numbers for making their reservations. However, copies of the list should not be made for publishers.

5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: “Make Wise Use of Our Bible-Based Literature.”* Include comments on the September 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 1.

25 min: “2006 ‘Deliverance at Hand’ District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”* To be handled by the congregation secretary. After considering paragraph 1, read the December 15, 2005, convention assignment letter. Encourage all to make their convention arrangements as soon as possible.

Song 48 and concluding prayer.

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

TOTAL 1,035,802 Baptized: 2,126

August proved to be a month of remarkable activity. The total number of publishers recorded was 1,035,802. This is the second-highest number of Kingdom pro-claimers ever recorded in the United States!

© 2005 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.

2006 “Deliverance at Hand” District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

• ¹ King Hezekiah of ancient Judah used runners to hand deliver letters summoning the people to assemble together in Jerusalem. (2 Chron. 30:6, 13) The response of the people revealed their attitude toward true worship. (2 Chron. 30:10-12) In the coming months, servants of Jehovah today will have a similar opportunity to demonstrate their heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of gathering together to worship Jehovah. A letter has been delivered to your congregation inviting you to attend the “Deliverance at Hand” District Convention. How will you respond to that invitation?

  Program Times

  
  

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

  
  

• ² Make Arrangements Now: To benefit fully from the spiritual program that is being lovingly prepared, we need to be present for the entire program. Wisely start now to make whatever arrangements are needed for you and your family to attend all three days. (Prov. 21:5) Such preparations may include asking your employer for time off, discussing your plans with a nonWitness mate, making hotel reservations, and assisting Bible students to be in attendance each day. Do not leave these important matters to the last minute. Rather, make them a matter of prayer to Jehovah, trusting that “he himself will act.”—Ps. 37:5.

• ³ Jehovah’s organization has gone to great lengths to ensure that sufficient accommodations are available in each convention city.

• 1. How did God’s people demonstrate their appreciation for true worship in ancient times, and what similar opportunity do we have today?

• 2. What can we do now so as to benefit fully from the convention?

• 3. Why should we cooperate with the arrangements that have been made for our accommodations?

Appreciation for the self-sacrificing efforts of the hardworking brothers who assisted in making these arrangements, consideration for our fellow convention delegates, and respect for theocratic order should move us to cooperate fully with the guidelines provided in this article.—1 Cor. 13:5; 1 Thess. 5:12, 13; Heb. 13:17.

• ⁴ Hotel Reservations: A Recommended Lodging List of available hotels will be posted on the information board after this article is considered at the Service Meeting. Using the instructions in the box on page 4, please reserve rooms only at hotels on the list and agree to pay only the rates shown. Please do not call hotels that are not

on the list and ask if they have a rate for your convention. Such hotels will often say that they have a rate for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Your cooperation will help toward the goal of obtaining high-quality hotels near the convention site at the best rates possible each year.—1 Cor. 14:40.

• ⁵ It is important to reserve only the hotel rooms you will actually use during the convention. Unless you have agreed to do so beforehand and submit definite names, please do not reserve rooms for other delegates. This artificially inflates the number of rooms reserved for the convention and makes it harder for other delegates to make a reservation. Each room should be reserved in the name of one of the persons who will occupy it.

• ⁶ 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. If no rooms are

4-6. What important points should we keep in mind when making hotel reservations, and why? (Include box on page 4.)

How to Make Your Hotel Reservation

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

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

• 3. 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.

Please

■ Stay only in hotels on the Recommended Lodging List.

■ Reserveonly the rooms that you will actually use.

■ Keep your first reservation.—Matt. 5:37.

■ Plan on having no more than four persons per room, including children, unless the list indicates otherwise.

available after you have called 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, not the branch office, 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.

⁷ Special Needs: Proverbs 3:27 says: “Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it.” How can you do good to others in connection with the convention? Elderly publishers, the infirm, those in full-

7, 8. How can those with special needs be cared for?

time service, and others may require practical assistance with transportation or accommodations. Relatives have the primary responsibility to care for the needs of such ones. (1 Tim. 5:4) If they cannot do so, fellow believers may be able to help. (Gal. 6: 10) 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.

* 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, 2005, addressed to all bodies of elders. This provision is only for publishers in good standing, along with their well-behaved children.

• ⁹ Attending Another Convention: To ensure that there will be sufficient seating, literature, rooming accommodations, and so forth, you are encouraged to attend the convention to which your 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.

• ¹⁰ Willing Volunteers: There is no question that much joy will come to all who attend the convention and benefit from the spiritual food and opportunities for upbuilding association. Our happiness will be even greater if we volunteer to assist with the work

• 9. (a) Why should we attend our assigned convention? (b) What steps should be followed if circumstances require that you attend a different convention?

• 10. What is one way we can contribute to the joy of the upcoming convention? that must be done to make the convention a success. (Acts 20:35) Local Convention Committees will soon be inviting others to share in this work. Can you make yourself available?—Ps. 110:3.

¹¹ While attending a district convention, a five-year-old boy said: “The district convention is my favorite part of worshipping Jehovah.” That heartfelt comment helps all of us

• 11. What do you appreciate about the annual district convention, and what should be your determination?

to appreciate how much we enjoy attending our annual district convention. It is truly as the psalmist sang: “A day in your courtyards is better than a thousand elsewhere.” (Ps. 84: 10) David expressed in song his desire to ‘dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of his life so as to look with appreciation upon Jehovah’s temple.’ (Ps. 27:4) It pleased David greatly to be among Jehovah’s worshippers. May we imitate his appreciation for true worship by being in attendance for all three days of the “Deliverance at Hand” District Convention.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered orally at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning December 26, 2005. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of November 7 through December 26, 2005. [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 can we do to ensure that our exhortation is given “on the basis of love”? (Philem. 9) [be p. 266]

• 2. In what ways can we “exhort by the teaching that is healthful”? (Titus 1:9) [be p. 267 pars. 1-2]

• 3. Why is it important to make our talks encouraging, and how can we do this? [be p. 268 pars. 1-3, box]

• 4. In imitation of Moses, how does our helping others to call to mind what Jehovah has done for his people inspire courage? (Deut. 3:28; 31:1-8) [be p. 268 par. 5-p. 269 par. 2]

• 5. Why would speaking with delight about what Jehovah is doing right now and about what he will do in the future be encouraging to our audience? [be pp. 270-1]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. What is the Septuagint, and why is it of interest to Christians? [si p. 307 par. 12-p. 310 par. 14]

• 7. Who were the Masoretes, and what notable contributions did they make to Bible translation? [si p. 310 par. 18; p. 311 pars. 20-1]

• 8. What provides the basic text for the Hebrew section of the New World Translation in English, and why can it be said that this translation is authoritative and reliable? [si p. 312 pars. 28, 30]

• 9. How did early Christians display an intense desire to publish the Word of God? [si p. 315 pars. 1-5]

• 10. What does a study of existing manuscripts and texts of the Holy Scriptures reveal about the Bible? [si p. 320 par. 32]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. Does the fact that David was not permitted to build the temple indicate that Jehovah did not approve of the wars fought by David? (1 Chron. 22:6-10)

• 12. In his temple dedication prayer, how did Solomon acknowledge that Jehovah is not only attentive to the needs of his servants as a group but also aware of the unique situation of each individual who fears him? (2 Chron. 6:29, 30)

• 13. What are “the goat-shaped demons” referred to at 2 Chronicles 11:15?

• 14. Since Baasha’s rule began “in the third year of Asa” and lasted only 24 years, how can we reconcile Baasha’s coming “against Judah” in “the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa”? (1 Ki. 15:33; 2 Chron. 16:1)

• 15. How does 2 Chronicles 20:22, 23 vividly illustrate what is about to happen to Satan’s world?

Could Your Child Make a Mature Decision?

¹A mature decision about what? Blood transfusions. As shown in the article entitled “Walk as Instructed by Jehovah” in the June 15, 1991, issue of The Watchtower, children of Jehovah’s Witnesses have had to take a mature stand to prove that their desire to obey God’s law on blood is as important to them as it is to their parents. Could that also be required of your minor child?

• ² What Does the Law Say? In the United States, the highest court that has ruled on a mature minor’s right to refuse blood transfusions is the Illinois Supreme Court. In reviewing the case of a 17-year-old sister, the court decreed: “If the evidence is clear and convincing that the minor is mature enough to appreciate the consequences of her actions [and] to exercise the judgment of an adult, then the mature minor doctrine affords her the common law right to consent to or refuse medical treatment.” Thus, in assessing whether a child is mature enough to make his own decision, doctors or officials may interview the patient to hear him express his personal objection to taking blood. The youth would need to understand reasonably the gravity of his medical condition and the consequences of his options for treatment and clearly and firmly express his own religious belief about God’s law on blood.

• ³ What Would Your Child Say? Are your children able to express themselves on this issue? Do they believe with all

• 1. What stand have Witness youths taken regarding the use of blood? Give an example.

• 2. What legal standard did one court apply to a minor who refused blood transfusions, and what do Christian parents and their minor children learn from this?

• 3. What questions should parents seriously consider, and why?

their heart that it is a divine command to ‘abstain from blood’? (Acts 15:29; 21:25) Can they explain their belief from the Scriptures? Would they courageously defend their firm decision about blood if doctors believed that their life was in jeopardy, even if their parents were not present? Since “time and unforeseen occurrence befall [us] all,” how can you prepare your children for any unexpected challenge to their integrity?—Eccl. 9:11; Eph. 6:4.

• ⁴ Parents, What Can You Do? You have the responsibility to teach your children God’s view of blood. (2 Tim. 3:14, 15) A clear explanation is found in the Reasoning book, pages 70-4. Study it carefully with your family. Using the feature “If Someone Says—” on pages 74-6, conduct practice sessions with your children to help them gain experience in explaining what they believe and why. (1 Pet. 3:15) Other provisions for educating us about the blood issue include the brochure How Can Blood Save Your Life? and The Watchtower of June 15, 2004, pages 14-24. In addition, the video programs TransfusionAlternative Health Care—Meeting Patient Needs and Rights and No Blood—Medicine Meets the Challenge, which are currently available on the DVD entitled Transfusion Alternatives—Documentary Series, give convincing information about the reasonableness and effectiveness of bloodless medicine and surgery. Has your family watched and discussed these presentations recently?

• ⁵ Help your children ‘prove to themselves what the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God’ is regarding blood. Then they can make a mature decision that has Jehovah’s blessing.—Rom. 12:2.

• 4, 5. (a) What responsibility do parents have, and how can they fulfill it? (b) What provisions are available to assist parents?

Announcements

■ Literature offer 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 1991 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 Revelation Climax book as an alternative offer. March: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a special effort to start Bible studies.

■ As a reminder, all congregations should notify the branch office of their meeting times as they will be on January 1. If this has not been done, the congregation secretary should immediately submit a Congregation Meeting Information (S-5) form.

■ The branch facilities in Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York, will be closed on the following dates: March 11, 2006 (Gilead graduation); May 12-13, 2006 (spring cleaning); September 9, 2006 (Gilead graduation); and October 7, 2006 (annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania). There will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on those dates.

■ The Memorial invitations for 2006 in the primary language of each congregation will soon be sent. 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 (S-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 2007 will be on Monday, April 2, 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 well qualified to give the talk, he should be selected.

• ¹ As we consider the material listed in the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2006, we strive to benefit from Scriptural teachings by relating them to our sacred service and everyday life. We make it a point to practice the things we learn.—John 13:17; Phil. 4:9.

• ² Offering Comments: The schedule for this year allocates an additional minute to audience participation in Bible highlights. This means that the brother assigned to present the highlights should be careful to complete his portion in five minutes instead of six. Those offering comments from their seats should also be mindful of their timing. With careful forethought, the one commenting can express helpful information in 30 seconds or less. Approximately ten individuals should be able to make meaningful comments during the five minutes allotted for audience participation.

• ³ Talks That Teach: The Bible highlights and the instruction talk should focus on the value of the material as it applies to our ministry and other aspects of our daily lives. A speaker should do more than simply awaken in his listeners a desire to act. He should specify what action is needed, show how it can be accomplished, and draw attention to the benefits of taking such action. It should be possible to say, “This is how this text provides guidance for us,” or “This is how we might use these verses in the ministry.” Elders and ministerial servants who are aware of local circumstances should strive to make the practical application of the material as specific as possible.

• ⁴ Citing Biblical examples can be particularly effective in making practical application. After referring to a Scriptural example, a speaker could say, “You too may find yourself in a situation similar to this.” He should make sure that any application of the Biblical example is in harmony with the context, with the Bible as a whole, and with what has been published by “the faithful and discreet slave.”—Matt. 24:45.

• ⁸ Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge and understanding successfully. “Wisdom is the prime thing.” (Prov. 4:7) As we go on acquiring practical wisdom through our studies in the Theocratic Ministry School, may we also hone the art of imparting it to others.

Make Wise Use of Our Bible-Based Literature

• ¹ “I have been reading your publications since 1965. I refer to the Bible when reading, and everything in your literature corresponds to the Bible. I’ve always wanted to know the real truth about God and Jesus, and I honestly can say that I am finding true answers through your material and the Bible.” That is what one man wrote to the headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In the same letter, he requested a Bible study.

• ² Like that grateful man, millions of people worldwide appreciate the Bible study aids provided by “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24: 45) Each year, a tremendous amount of literature is produced to help honesthearted people “come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) How can we make wise use of our Bible-based literature?

• ³ Avoid Waste: Over a period of time, we could accumulate more literature than we will actually use. What can we do to avoid wasting our valuable publications? Discernment is needed when picking up literature for use in the ministry. Rather than obtaining many copies of a publication that we will be offering, we might pick up just one or two copies and return for more after those are placed. This would prevent a

1, 2. How do many people feel about our literature, and what question does this raise?

• 3. How can we avoid wasting literature? large supply of literature from accumulating in our homes. Similarly, if we have a large number of unplaced magazines, it would be appropriate to reduce the number that we request.

• ⁴ Overstocked Items: If the congregation is overstocked with certain publications, the literature coordinator may wish to check with other congregations in the area to see if they can use the extra literature. Publishers can offer older publications to unbelieving family members, Bible students, and others. Those who are newly associated with the congregation may appreciate having these older publications for their personal theocratic library.

• ⁵ We want our literature to achieve its intended purpose, namely, to help sincere people learn more about Jehovah’s marvelous purposes. Just as Jesus did not waste leftover food after he miraculously fed the crowds, our goal should be to make the best use of the valuable Bible-based literature that is provided. (John 6: 11-13) The lifesaving message contained in our publications cannot touch the hearts of righteously inclined people if it remains on our shelves or in our book bags. Therefore, we must be reasonable when picking up literature for the ministry and make wise use of it to benefit others.—Phil. 4:5.

• 4. What can be done if a congregation has overstocked items?

• 5. How can we demonstrate appreciation for our literature?

™Watchtower® Dec. 15

Announcing Jehovah'S Kingdom

“Many people are concerned over how commercialized the holiday season has become. Do you think that it has lost its focus? [Allow for response.] This magazine considers how holiday customs have changed over time. It also discusses how we can truly honor God and Christ.” Read John 17:3.

Awake! Dec. 22

“Some 85 years ago, a disease epidemic killed more people in 24 weeks than AIDS has killed in 24 years. Some call it the worst plague in history. Have you heard of the Spanish flu? [Allow for response.] This magazine considers whether such a thing could happen again. It also gives reason for hope.” Read Isaiah 33:24.

" WAICirrOWliR Jan. 1

Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom

“Humans have the capacity to do much good, yet they often do unspeakably evil things. Have you ever wondered why? [Allow for response.] This magazine gives the Bible’s answer. It also explains how good will ultimately triumph over evil.” Read Romans 16:20.

Awake! Jan.

“Do you ever wonder what the world will be like in 20 or 30 years? [Allow for response. Then read Psalm 119:105.] The Bible illuminates the path ahead so that we can discern what the future holds. This magazine examines prophecies that show where we are now in the stream of time and why we can expect a bright future.”

8