Our Kingdom Ministry

July 2006                         For United States of America km-E Us 7/06 Vol. 49, No. 7

• ¹ In our ministry, we do more than teach others basic Bible truths. We help people get to know Jehovah as a person and build appreciation for his matchless qualities. When hon-esthearted ones learn the truth about God, it has a profound effect on them, moving them to make changes in their lives “in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him.”—Col. 1:9, 10; 3:9,10.

• ² Our New Study Aid: From the outset, the Bible Teach book draws attention to Jehovah’s qualities. The very first chapter answers the questions: Does God really care about you?, What is God like?, and Is it possible to get close to God? That chapter also highlights Jehovah’s holiness (par. 10), his justice and compassion (par. 11), his love (par. 13), his power (par. 16), and his mercy, graciousness, willingness to forgive, patience, and loyalty (par. 19). Paragraph 20 sums up the matter by stating: “The more you learn about Jehovah, the more real he will become to you and the more reason you will have to love him and feel close to him.”

• ³ How can we use the Bible Teach book to help Bible students draw close to Jehovah? After considering a paragraph that highlights one of God’s qualities, we might ask the student, “What does this tell you about Jehovah as a person?” or “How does this show God’s interest in you personally?” By occasionally using such questions during the study, we teach our students to meditate on what they are learning and help them to grow in appreciation for Jehovah’s matchless qualities.

• ⁴ Use the Review Box: At the conclusion of each chapter, invite the student to comment in his own words on each point in the box “What the Bible Teaches.” Direct attention to the cited scriptures. To draw up what is in the student’s heart, you might at times ask, “How do you feel about what the Bible teaches on this point?” By so doing, you not only emphasize the main points of the chapter but also get valuable insight into a student’s true belief. This will help the student to begin developing a relationship with Jehovah.

  Imitate Our “Happy God,” Jehovah

  
  

• ¹ Jehovah truly wants people to be happy. His Word fills us with anticipation for the marvelous blessings he has in store for mankind. (Isa. 65:21-25) It should be evident to others that we find joy in sharing “the glorious good news of the happy God” with them. (1 Tim. 1: 11) The way in which we speak about the Kingdom message should reflect our love for the truth and our genuine interest in the people to whom we speak.—Rom. 1:14-16.

• ² Admittedly, at times it can be a challenge to maintain a cheerful attitude. In some territories, we find few people who respond favorably to the Kingdom message. There may be days when we are dealing with difficult circumstances in our own life. To maintain a joyful spirit, we do well to reflect on just how much the people in our territory need to hear and get the sense of the Kingdom good news we are preaching. (Rom. 10:13, 14, 17) Meditating on this will help us to continue joyfully making known Jehovah’s merciful provisions for salvation.

• ³ Focus on the Positive: We also need to give attention to what we say. Although we may begin a discussion by mentioning a problem or a news item that is on people’s minds, we should avoid needlessly dwelling on negative things. Our commission is to bring “good news of something better.” (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15) This good news is a message based on God’s promises of a brighter future. (2 Pet. 3:13) With this in mind, use the Scriptures to “bind up the brokenhearted.” (Isa. 61:1, 2) This will help each of us to maintain a cheerful spirit and a positive manner.

• ⁴ People will without fail notice our cheerful attitude as we share in the preaching work. So, then, let us always reflect the disposition of our “happy God,” Jehovah, as we share the Kingdom good news with the people in our territory.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting July IO

Song 4

10 min: Local announcements. Using the suggestions on page 4 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the July 15 Watchtower and the July Awake! In one of the demonstrations, show how to handle the potential conversation stopper "We are already Christians here. "- See Reasoning hook, p. 19.

15 min: How the Congregation Is Organized and Governed. Talk and audience discussion based on chapter 4 of Organised to Do Jehovah’s Will.

20 min: “Build Appreciation for Jehovah’s Matchless Qualities.”* Include a demonstration showing ' how to use questions to help a Bible student reflect on the points in the review box at the end of chapter 1 of the Bible Teach book.

Song 88 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting July 17

Song 99

10 min; Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Briefly consider the August 15, 2000, Watchtower, page 32. Highlight the benefits of maintaining a regular program of daily Bible reading, even during vacation periods or at other times when we are out of our normal routine.

15 min: Love and Humility—Vital Qualities for the Ministry. A talk based on the August 15, 2002, Watchtower, pages 18-20, paragraphs 13-20.

20 min: “Imitate Our ‘Happy God,’ Jehovah.”* Invite the audience to comment on what helps them to maintain a cheerful disposition and a positive attitude when preaching in the local territory. Song 189 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting July 24

Song 218

15 min: Local announcements.

Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Using the suggestions on page 4 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the August 1 Watchtower and the August Awake! After each presentation, restate the opening comments that were used to arouse the householder’s interest.

IO min: “They Have Set an Example of Faithfulness.” A talk including a few published experiences of special pioneers or interviews of any local special pioneers who may be serving with the congregation.—See the Watch Tower Publications Index under “Special Pioneers.”

20 min; Be Steadfast, Unmovable. (1 Cor. 15:58) Interview two or three publishers or pioneers who have served faithfully for many years. How did they learn the truth? What was the preaching work like when they began preaching? What challenges have they faced? What blessings have they experienced as a result of remaining steadfast for true worship?

Song 12 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting July 31

Song 28

10 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for July. Mention the literature offer for August.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min; “Cultivate Good Habits, Reap Rich Blessings."' Invite audience to comment on what efforts they have made to establish and maintain a good spiritual routine and the blessings they have reaped as a result.

Song 130 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 7

Song 209

10 min: Local announcements. Briefly review how the sample presentations that appear in Our Kingdom Ministry can be tailored to the needs of the local territory. —See the January 2005 Our Kingdom Ministry, p. 8.

15 min: Meetings That Incite to Love and Fine Works. A talk based on the March 15, 2002, Watchtower, pages 24-5. Include a brief interview highlighting- what effort the publisher puts forth to attend meetings regularly and how he or she has benefited from doing so.

20 min; Be Progressive and Adaptable in Our Ministry. Talk and audience discussion based on the December 1, 2005, Watchtower, pages 28-30. In a talk based on paragraphs 6-11, highlight how Paul was attentive, flexible, and resourceful in preaching and teaching. Then invite the audience to comment on the questions for paragraphs 12-14, making local application. Include a demonstration showing how publishers might adapt their approach in the ministry, taking into consideration the needs, circumstances, and cultural background of people in the local territory.

Song 83 and concluding prayer.

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

March Service Report

It is upbuilding to see that during five of the last seven months we have surpassed the one million-publisher mark!

Announcements

■ Literature offer for July and August: What Does the Bible Really Teach? When householders already have this publication, use an appropriate brochure that the Congregation has in stock. September: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a special effort to start Bible studies on the initial call. Follow up all placements by making return visits with the objective of starting Bible studies. October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, offer the Keep on the Watch! brochure and seek to cultivate further interest in the Bible.

■ Starting in September, circuit overseers will give the public talk entitled “What Is Your Standing With God?”

■ Beginningtheweekof January 8,2007, we will study Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! at the Congregation Book Study. A large-print edition of the book is being prepared. Congregations should have on hand appropriate supplies of the regular and large-print editions in time for the study.

■ The annual inventory of all literature and magazines on hand should be taken on or as close to August 31,2006, as possible. 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 forms. Please mail the original to the branch office no later than September 6. Keep a copy for your files. The third copy may be used as a work sheet.

■ On September 1 and 2,2006, an inventory will be taken of all literature on hand at Wallkill Bethel. Because of this, no congregation literature requests will be processed for pickup during those days.

■ The secretary should see that the Regional Building Committee is kept up-to-date on the status of all baptized publishers who have submitted Kingdom Hall Volunteer Worker Questionnaire (S-82) forms. When there are adjustments in a volunteer’s status, such as when one moves or is appointed as a ministerial servant or an elder, a new form should be filled out promptly and submitted. If a volunteer’s mailing address or telephone number changes or if he is no longer approved as a volunteer worker, the elders should Immediately inform the Regional Building Committee by letter. The completed forms in the congregation file should be made available for the circuit overseer’s review when he visits the congregation.

■ A packet of legal material is available to assist publishers who are involved in lawsuits over child custody and visitation matters in which our religion is under attack. The packet should be requested by the body of elders only in a case in which it is evident that the publisher’s religious beliefs will be at issue. For those facing secular issues on child custody or visitation, helpful information can be found in Awake! of December 8,1997, pages 3-12; in Awake! of October 22,1988, pages 2-14; and on the chart found in Awake! of April 22,1991, page 9.

They Have Set an Example of Faithfulness

• ¹ The year 1937 witnessed the beginning of a new avenue of full-time service—the special pioneer activity. Capable men and women, experienced in the Christian ministry, willingly accepted assignments to serve wherever the organization directed. Now, decades later, special pioneers continue to set an example of faithfulness worthy of imitation. —Heb. 6:12.

• ² They Took the Lead: At the outset, special pioneers spearheaded the preaching work by using the portable phonograph at the householder’s doorstep. They also used recordings as the basis for Bible discussions on return visits. This was done in large cities where congregations were already established. Later, special pioneers were sent into areas where there was a greater need for Kingdom proclaimers. They followed up on all interest and conducted Bible studies. As a result of their earnest efforts, hundreds of new congregations were formed. Their tireless evangelizing contributed to the tremendous expansion of the organization that we see today. (Isa. 60:22) Special pioneers continue to play an important role in spreading the good news “in all creation that is under heaven.”—Col. 1:23.

^s Worthy of Imitation: Some special pioneers have been serving in the full-time ministry for decades. Over the years, these loyal men and women have had their faith refined under various circumstances. (1 Pet. 1:6, 7) They have been willing to sacrifice material comforts in order to serve in places of special need. Some are now advanced in years and face poor health, or they confront other challenging circumstances. (2 Cor. 4:16, 17) Yet, they “keep on thriving during gray-headedness.” (Ps. 92:14) They put their trust in Jehovah and experience his blessing.—Ps. 34:8; Prov. 10:22.

’Special pioneers certainly deserve our warm commendation. If you are privileged to have special pioneers assigned to your congregation, take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with them and benefit from their experience. Show appreciation for their service as faithful Kingdom proclaimers. Draw strength from their steadfastness. All who imitate their faith can likewise enjoy Jehovah’s favor and blessing because “those acting in faithfulness are a pleasure to him.”—Prov. 12:22.

Cultivate Good Habits, Reap Rich Blessings

• ¹ When you first became a Christian, you likely put forth much effort to develop a healthy routine of spiritual activities that included Bible study, Christian meetings, the field ministry, and prayer. As a result of Jehovah’s blessing on your efforts, you grew spiritually. Perhaps now a number of years have passed since you were baptized. Are you maintaining the good spiritual habits you developed as you were becoming a Christian?

• ² Examine Your Routine: Is it your habit to read a portion of God’s Word each day? What rich blessings we reap by doing so! (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:2, 3) In ancient Israel, each king was to read in his copy of the Law “all the days of his life.” With what benefits? He would develop a humble heart and learn to fear Jehovah so as not to turn aside from His commandments. (Deut. 17:18-20) Likewise today, daily Bible reading helps us to remain blameless and innocent amid this wicked, corrupt world. It also helps us to be fully equipped for the ministry.—Phil. 2:15; 2 Tim. 3:17.

• ³ Jesus had the custom of going to the synagogue, where the Scriptures were discussed. (Luke 4:16) No doubt this fortified him to face the trials he was to suffer. We too are strengthened by the spiritual instruction imparted at con-

• 1. Why is it beneficial to examine your spiritual routine?

• 2. How do we benefit from daily Bible reading?

• 3. What blessings do we reap from regularly attending meetings? gregation meetings and the wholesome “interchange of encouragement.” (Rom. 1:12) Gathering together with our brothers helps us to endure the difficulties of these last days. (Heb. 10:24, 25) Is it still your custom to attend all the meetings?

⁴ The inspired record tells us that the apostles shared in declaring the good news “every day in the temple and from house to house.” (Acts 5:42) While we may not be able to preach every day, can we make it our habit to participate in some form of the ministry every week? By doing so, we will surely become more proficient in handling God’s Word, and we will likely enjoy encouraging experiences in sharing Bible truth with others.

⁰ The prophet Daniel was richly blessed for serving Jehovah “with constancy” throughout his life. This included the habit of praying regularly to Jehovah. (Dan. 6: 10,16, 20) Likewise, as we regularly turn to Jehovah in heartfelt prayer, he will bless us with his holy spirit. (Luke 11:9-13) More than that, Jehovah will respond by drawing close to us, allowing us to enjoy an intimate relationship with him. (Ps. 25:14; Jas. 4:8) What a grand reward! May we, therefore, work diligently to maintain good spiritual habits and reap rich blessings from Jehovah.

• 4. How does sharing in field service each week benefit us?

• 5. Why is it vital to pray to Jehovah regularly?

“WATCHTOWER, July 15

Announcing jbhovah's kingdom

“Do you think that we will ever see a government that solves mankind’s problems? [Allow for response.] Jesus taught his disciples to pray for such a government in his words recorded at Matthew 6:9, 10. [Read.] This magazine explains why God’s Kingdom is superior to human governments and describes the blessings it will bring to mankind.”

Awake! July

When meeting a young person, you might say: “Many your age are thinking about marriage. Where do you think you can find reliable information on the subject? [Allow for response.] Notice who originated marriage. [Read Matthew 19:6.] This magazine outlines some Bible principles to help us build a happy marriage.”

"Watchtower. Aug. i

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

“It is all too common today to see people mistreating others. Do you think things would change if more people applied these words of Jesus? [Read Matthew 7: 12. Then allow for response.] This magazine shows from the Bible how the basic right to human dignity will be realized.”

Awake! Aug.

“All of us are interested in good health care. Are you aware that many doctors today hesitate to transfuse blood? [Allow for response.] This magazine explains why. It also explains from the Bible why God considers blood valuable.” Read Leviticus 17:11.

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