Our Kingdom Ministry

December 2006                   For United States of America km-E Us 12/06 Vol. 49, No. 12

’The glorified Jesus counseled the first-century congregation in Ephesus: “I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first.” (Rev. 2:4) Evidently, many had lost their first love for Jehovah. When we were learning the truth, we developed a strong love for God and neighbor, and this moved us to share our newfound hope with zeal. What will prevent us from losing the love we had at first and from slowing down in the ministry?

• ² Personal Study and Meeting Attendance: What caused us to develop love for God and neighbor when we first learned the truth? Was it not all that we learned about Jehovah from our study of the Scriptures? (1 John 4:16, 19) Therefore, so that our love “may abound yet more and more,” we must continue taking in accurate knowledge, digging into “the deep things of God.”—Phil. 1:9-11;

1 Cor. 2:10.

• ³ Maintaining a good routine of personal study can be a real challenge in these last days filled with many anxieties and distractions. (2 Tim. 3:1) We must set aside time in our schedule to take in spiritual food. Attending congregation meetings regularly is also vital, especially as we “behold the day drawing near.”—Heb. 10:24, 25.

• ⁴ The Ministry: Zealous participation in the ministry helps us to keep our first love for God. As we preach the good news, we remind ourselves of Jehovah’s loving promises, and this helps us to keep our hope bright and our love alive. Teaching Bible truths requires that we do research to understand them clearly ourselves, and this strengthens our faith.—1 Tim. 4:15, 16.

• ⁵ Jehovah is deserving of all things, including our love. (Rev. 4:11) Do not allow yours to fade. Keep your first love strong by earnest personal Bible study, regular meeting attendance, and zealously declaring to others what is most dear to your heart.—Rom. 10:10.

  Call Back on All Who Show a Measure of Interest

  
  

• ¹ Many of us are in the truth today because someone took note of our favorable response to the Kingdom message and patiently returned—perhaps a number of times—to cultivate that interest. We likewise should conscientiously call back on all who show a measure of interest. Really, making return visits is Included in our commission to “make disciples.”—Matt. 28:19, 20.

• ² Discern interest: Even if an individual does not accept literature, his facial expression, tone of voice, or choice of words may reveal a measure of appreciation for the Kingdom message. On that basis we may make a return visit. One brother made calls on an individual for five consecutive weeks without placing literature. On the sixth visit, the person accepted literature, and eventually a Bible study was started.

• ³ If you detect interest, return promptly, perhaps a few days later. Do not give “the wicked one” opportunity to snatch away what has been sown in the person’s heart. (Matt, 13:19) Be sure to keep your word if you made arrangements to go back at a specific time.—Matt. 5:37.

• ⁴ In Street Work: Do you endeavor to follow up on the interest you find while in street work or when witnessing informally? At the end of your conversation, you could say: “I enjoyed our discussion. Where can I reach you so that we can talk again?” When appropriate, some publishers may choose to give the interested person their phone number or ask to exchange phone numbers. If people see you in street work at the same location on a regular basis, they may not be reluctant to give you their phone number or address. Even if they refuse to give you contact information, you can still try to further their interest the next time you meet them on the street.

• ⁵ When we see plants that we have watered and cultivated flourish, it brings us joy. Similarly, we can receive much joy by making return visits and helping individuals to progress spiritually. (1 Cor. 3:6) Make it your aim to call back on all who show a measure of interest.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting December 11

Song 174

10 min: Local announcements. Using the suggestions on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the December 15 Watchtower and the December Awake! In one of the demonstrations, show how to handle the potential conversation stopper “I'm not interested.’’—See Reasoning book, p. 16.

15 min: The Theocratic Ministry School for 2007. Talk and interviews to be conducted by the school overseer. Discuss points needing emphasis locally from the October 2006 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. Explain that the school overseer does not announce in advance the speech quality that a student is working on. Since we will finish reading the Hebrew Scriptures from Isaiah 24 to the end of Malachi during 2007, this year will be an opportune time for brothers assigned to prepare Bible highlights and for others who offer comments to make use of our publications that illuminate these prophetic books. Interview two or three publishers from among the following: a new student, a young student who is making good progress, and an experienced student. Have them relate the effects of the school on their ministry and on their spirituality. Encourage all to be diligent in fulfilling their assignments, in participating in Bible highlights, and in applying the suggestions given weekly from Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education.

20 min: “Do Not Lose the Love You Had at First.”* As time permits, invite audience to comment on the cited scriptures.

Song 193 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 18

Song 150

1O min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Review Question Box. Outline special field service arrangements for December 25 and January 1.

15 min: “Call Back on AU Who Show a Measure of Interest.”* Invite the audience to comment on how they have been able to obtain contact information from interested persons they have met when doing informal witnessing or street work and to relate any outstanding experiences from making return visits on such ones. One or two comments may be arranged in advance.

20 min: “A Volunteer Spirit Brings Blessings.”* Interview one or two publishers who are noted for their volunteer spirit. How have they demonstrated a volunteer spirit? What adjustments were necessary, and how were they able to make these? What blessings have they enjoyed as a result?

Song 108 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 25

Song 210

1O min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Using the suggestions on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the January 1 Watchtower and the January Awake! At the conclusion of each presentation, raise a thoughtprovoking question that can be answered on the next visit using the Bible Teach book.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: “Do You Have a Personal Territory?”* Include brief comments from the service overseer on the boundaries of the congregation’s territory assignment, on how often the territory is being worked, and on the availability of personal territories.

Song 219 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 1

Song 158

Note: Congregations are not to move their Service Meeting for the week of January 1 to an earlier night unless the circuit overseer is visiting. All congregations should consider the convention insert as scheduled. The Recommended Lodging List should be posted on the information board at the conclusion of the Service Meeting. 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 to each 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. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for December.

15 min: Reporting on the Progress of the Ministry. Talk and audience discussion based on Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will, from the subheading on page 83 to the end of the chapter.

25 min: “2007 ‘Follow the Christ!’ District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses."* To be handled by the congregation secretary. Before considering the insert, read the December 15, 2006, convention assignment letter. When considering paragraph 8 of the insert, read each point in the box “Steps in Making Your Hotel Reservation.” Encourage all to make their convention arrangements as soon as possible.

Song 65 and concluding prayer.

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

August proved to be a month of remarkable activity. We are happy to report a new peak in the total number of publishers! The total of 1,059,325 publishers reporting is an increase of 19,042 over the previous peak of 1,040,283 in August of 1998.

© 2006 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.

2007 “Follow the Christ!'*

District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

¹ Moses provided direction for all Israelites and alien residents to assemble together every seven years to have the Law read to them. For what purpose? “In order that they may listen and in order that they may learn.” (Deut. 31:10-12) Jehovah saw the need for assembling his people in large groups. Soon Jehovah’s people will again be assembling for the three-day “Follow the Christ!” District Conventions.

• ² Have you started making preparations? Do you need to request time off from your employer? Can you help your Bible students or unbelieving family members to attend the convention with you? Are there others in the congregation who need assistance to attend? Are you planning to attend a convention different from the one to which your congregation is assigned? Will you need a hotel room? The following information will help you to prepare.

• ³ Attend All Three Days: Jehovah provides an abundance of spiritual food for his people. (Isa. 25:6) This includes the spiritual banquet served at our annual conventions. It has been observed that the Friday attendance is considerably

1, 2. (a) How did Moses encourage the Israelites to benefit from assembling together? (b) What preparations do we need to begin making now?

• 3. (a) What fulfillment of Isaiah 25:6 is occurring today? (b) What has been observed regarding the Friday convention attendance, and what should we personally do? lower than that on other days. Make it your goal to enjoy all three of the refreshing convention days that Jehovah’s organization has prepared for us! If you need to request time off from your secular employment, make it a matter of prayer. Then ‘muster up boldness’ to talk with your employer as soon as the date of your convention is announced. (1 Thess. 2:2; Neh. 2:4, 5) It may prove helpful to explain to him that your annual convention is part of your worship. Doing this at an early date may make it easier for your employer to make adjustments so as to accommodate your request.

  Program Times

  
  

  Friday and Saturday 9:20 a.m. - 5:05 p.m. Sunday 9:20 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.

  
  

⁴ Preparing Your Bible Students and Family: What a pleasure it would be to have your Bible students attend the convention at your side, experiencing firsthand the warmth of our Christian brotherhood “in the large congregation”! (Ps. 22:25) Inform them well in advance so that they can set aside the time to attend. Share with them the reasons you personally enjoy attending the conventions. You can prepare the students for what to expect by showing them our videos that contain scenes of previous conventions, especially the video United by Divine Teaching. Let unbelieving family members also know your plans. Perhaps they can arrange to view the drama or attend at least one day of the convention with you.

• 4. How can we prepare our Bible students and unbelieving family members for the convention?

  toe Us 12/06

  
  

  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, DECEMBER 2006

  
  

Steps in Making 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.

Guidelines to Follow:

• ■ Stay only in hotels on the Recommended Lodging List.

■ Do not call hotels that are not on the list and ask if they have a rate for our convention. Call ONLY hotels on the recommended fist.

■ Hotels are not to begin taking reservations for our conventions before the Service Meeting during the week of January 1, 2007. Do not call for convention reservations prior to this time.

■ Accept only the room rates shown on the list.

■ Each room reserved should be in the name of the person who will actually occupy it.

■ Use the reservation phone numbers on the list. Do not make your hotel reservation online unless the list indicates this should be done.

■ To comply with fire regulations, do not exceed the number of adults allowed in the hotel room, as shown on the list.

■ Do not inform your congregation secretary that there are no more rooms available unless you have called ALL the hotels on the list.

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

■ If you must cancel a reservation, do so as early as possible. Be sure to receive a cancellation number.

• ⁵ Assisting Your Brothers and Sisters: The apostle Paul advised those Christians who were rich in a material way “to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be liberal, ready to share.” (1 Tim. 6:17, 18) We can show the generous spirit that Paul espoused if we consider the situation of the elderly and infirm, those in full-time service, single-parent families, and perhaps others in the congregation who may need assistance to attend the convention. Filling the needs of such ones falls first on relatives in the truth, but the elders and others can show discernment and offer kind assistance as needed—Gal. 6:10; 1 Tim. 5:4.

• ⁶ If someone in the congregation needs help in obtaining accommodations, the Congregation Service Committee should decide if the publisher qualifies to submit a Special Needs Room Request. Before submitting this to the convention’s Rooming Department, the guidelines found on the form and in the December 14, 2006, letter addressed to all bodies of elders should be consulted.

• ⁷ Attending Another Convention: The March 1, 2007, Watchtower will contain a list of all the conventions in the United States and Canada. If you need the Recommended Lodging List or any additional information for a convention other than the one to which your congregation is assigned, you may write the particular convention, using the address that the congregation secretary will find on the back of the current Special Needs Room Request form. So that the convention headquarters can reply to you, be sure to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your letter.

• 5, 6. (a) How can we demonstrate the generous spirit referred to at 1 Timothy 6:18? (b) What provision is made for helping some who may need assistance in obtaining accommodations?

• 7. What guidelines are provided if we need to attend a convention other than the one to which our congregation is assigned?

⁸ Reserving a Hotel Room: A Recommended Lodging List of available hotels will be posted on the congregation information board at the conclusion of your Service Meeting for the week of January 1. Follow the instructions in the box '‘Steps in Making Your Hotel Reservation.” If no rooms are available after you have called all the hotels on the list or if you have a problem with a particular hotel, inform your congregation secretary. He should contact the convention Rooming Department, using the information at the top of the list. Do not call the branch office. If the hotels listed are not accepting additional requests, please wait for the congregation to receive a revised list for your convention rather than calling a hotel not on the list.

⁹ Cooperate With the Arrangements: When we walk onto the convention site, it is evident that much work has gone into preparing for our arrival. Loving brothers serving as attendants greet us, provide us with programs, and assist us with locating seats. Brothers and sisters have cleaned

• 8. What are the directions we are to follow when making hotel reservations? (See the box “Steps in Making Your Hotel Reservation.”)

• 9, 10. (a) What preparations have been made for us before we arrive at the convention site? (b) How can we show appreciation and gratitude for all the work done in our behalf? (Read Hebrews 13:17.) the facility and arranged a beautiful stage. Vital work has also been accomplished behind the scenes to prepare program parts, negotiate with hotels, and care for numerous details.

• ¹⁰ For each convention, many individuals have been working for months to make the needed arrangements, and their families have also contributed by allowing them the time to care for such important matters. Do we not appreciate the sacrifices that have been made for our personal benefit? We can show our gratitude by complying with the instructions in this article and with any further direction we may receive prior to our convention. (Heb. 13:17) The willing cooperation of everyone makes it possible for all things to “take place decently and by arrangement.”—1 Cor. 14:40.

• ¹¹ As we “behold the day drawing near,” gatherings of God’s people are all the more important. (Heb. 10:25) At our Christian conventions, the faithful and discreet slave class provides information to help us “take care to carry out all the words” that Jehovah wants us to follow. (Deut. 31:12) Start making plans now to attend all three days of the “Follow the Christ!” District Convention and thereby benefit from all the spiritual instruction and delightful fellowship!

11. (a) Why are gatherings of Jehovah’s people so important in our time? (b) What can each of us do now?

Question box

■ Would it be appropriate to arrange yard sales or other fund-raising events to help the congregation?

It is common for religious organizations to sponsor fundraisingevents, such as dinners, sales, or festivals. While some may feel that these are for a good cause, the events amount to forms of solicitation. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not obtain financial support in that way.

The second issue of the Watch Tower, August 1879, said this about our refusal to imitate the churches and solicit funds: “‘Zion’s Watch Tower’ has, we believe JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor petition men for support. When He who says: ‘All the gold and silver of the mountains are mine,’ falls to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend the publication.”

We continue to follow the Scriptural principle: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) Contribution boxes are kept in the Kingdom Hall so that individuals can make voluntary donations if they wish. (2 Ki. 12:9) Contributions are not solicited; neither are they given with the idea of obtaining something in return.

A Volunteer Spirit Brings Blessings

• ¹ When Goliath taunted the battle lines of Israel, any of the soldiers could have fought him. But it was a shepherd boy, untrained in warfare, who volunteered. (1 Sam. 17:32) When the exiled Jews went back to Jerusalem but failed to rebuild the walls, it was a cupbearer to the king of Persia who volunteered to leave his privileged position in the palace and to travel to Jerusalem in order to organize the work. (Neh. 2:5) Jehovah blessed both of these men, David and Nehemiah, for the spirit they showed.—1 Sam. 17:45,. 50; Neh. 6:15, 16.

• ² Today, the volunteer spirit is lacking in the world. In these ‘‘last days,” people lead very busy lives, and many are “lovers of themselves.” (2 Tim. 3: 1, 2) It is easy for a person to become so absorbed in personal interests that he overlooks opportunities to volunteer his services when there is a need to help others. However, as Christians, we desire to imitate Jesus, who took the initiative to help others. (John 5:5-9; 13:12-15; 1 Pet. 2:21) How can we demonstrate a volunteer spirit, and what blessings will we receive?

• ³ In Behalf of Our Brothers: We can impart a “spiritual gift” to others by volunteering to comment when meeting parts call for audience participation. (Rom. 1:11) Commenting honors Jehovah, impress-

• 1. How did David and Nehemiah demonstrate a volunteer spirit?

• 2. Why should Christians demonstrate a volunteer spirit?

• 3. How does the volunteer spirit contribute to congregation meetings? es the truth more firmly on our mind and heart, and adds to our enjoyment of the meetings. (Ps. 26:12) We can also volunteer to give a talk in the Theocratic Ministry School when a substitute is needed. This will help us to improve our teaching ability.

‘Brothers can demonstrate the volunteer spirit by reaching out to care for responsibilities in the congregation. (Isa. 32:2; 1 Tim. 3:1) All can help to keep assemblies and conventions running smoothly by volunteering to work in the various departments. When we volunteer to work with the traveling overseer in the ministry or to provide a meal for him, this results in “an interchange of encouragement.” (Rom. 1:12) When we offer to provide practical assistance to fatherless boys, widows, the sick and infirm, mothers with young children, and others in the congregation, we experience joy and Jehovah’s favor.—Prov. 19:17; Acts 20:35.

⁵ Another way for us to volunteer our time and effort is to assist in cleaning and maintaining the Kingdom Hall. In addition, because many people are coming into the truth, there is a growing need for new Kingdom Halls and volunteers to build them. One couple made themselves available to assist the local Regional Building Committee even though the couple were un-

• 4. What are some other ways that we can demonstrate the volunteer spirit?

• 5. What matters involving the Kingdom Hall require willing volunteers? skilled in the building trades. Over time, the couple were given training and now assist in laying bricks. The wife remarked: “Working side by side with others has resulted in very close friendships. At the end of the day, we are physically tired but spiritually refreshed.”

⁶ By Preaching: The most important volunteer work that we can perform today is the Kingdom-preaching work. As people are helped to understand and apply the Bible’s counsel, they gain a purpose in life and the strength to overcome harmful habits. They learn the Bible’s uplifting hope for the future. By providing Bible education, we perform a joyful volunteer service with long-lasting benefits. (John 17:3; 1 Tim. 4:16) Perhaps our circumstances might allow us to have a greater share in this work by auxiliary or regular pioneering, by moving to where the need is greater, or by learning another language.

⁷ King David prophesied that at the time the Messiah would begin his rulership, God’s people would “offer themselves willingly.” (Ps. 110:3, ftn.) With Jehovah speeding up the final spiritual harvest, there is much work for which to volunteer. (Isa. 60: 22) Have you said: “Here I am! Send me”? (Isa. 6:8) Truly, by our demonstrating the volunteer spirit, we please Jehovah and reap rich rewards.

• 6. Why is the ministry the most important volunteer work we can perform?

• 7. Why is volunteering especially important today?

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: The Knowledge book or any book published prior to 1991 that the congregation may have in stock. If you do not have any of these in stock, please cheek if nearby congregations have a surplus on hand that you can use. Congregations that do not have these books may offer the Keep on the Watch! brochure. February: Draw Close to Jehovah. If this publication is not available, you may use the Worship God book. March: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a special effort to start Bible studies.

■ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts for the months of September, October, and November. When this has been done, an announcement should be made to the congregation after the next accounts report is read.—See Instructions for Congregation Accounting (S-27).

■ The Memorial invitations for 2007 tn 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 Ail Congregations,” which is mailed each month.

Please request only those languages needed for your territory.

■ Please note that the Memorial for the year 2008 will be on Saturday, March 22. 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. Because of the importance of the Memorial observance, 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. However, if there is a capable elder of the anointed who can give the talk, he should be selected.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following review questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry Schoo! during the week beginning December 25, 2006. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of November 6 through December 25, 2006. [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 should guide our decision in selecting appropriate comments to introduce a scripture? [be p. 148 par. 4-p. 149 par. 1]

• 2. What are some methods we can employ to ensure proper emphasis on our words and expressions? [be p. 151 par. 4-p. 152 par. 3]

• 3. Since it is a serious thing to teach others God’s Word, what is required if we are to ‘handle the word of the truth aright’? (2 Tim. 2:15) [be p. 153 pars. 1-3, box; p. 154 pars. 1-2]

• 4. In what ways can we make clear the application of scriptures we read? [be p. 154 par. 4-p. 155 par. 3]

• 5. Why is it vital to make the practical value of our material clear, and what are some ways that this can be accomplished? [be p. 157 pars. 1-4, box; p. 158 par. 1]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. In what sense was Solomon a congre gator? [si p. 112 pars. 1-3]

• 7. How does Ecclesiastes harmonize with the teachings of Jesus? [si p. 114 par. 16]

• 8. What evidence is there for the canonicity of the Song of Solomon? [si p. 115 pars. 3-4]

• 9. How does the Dead Sea Scroll of Isaiah give convincing proof that our Bible today represents the original inspired writing? [si p. 118 par. 6]

• 10. What can help a speaker to eliminate his need for extensive notes? [be p. 42 par. 1]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. How is it that “those who are seeking Jehovah can understand everything”? (Prov. 28:5)

• 12. How does ‘the hard work of the stupid ones make them weary’? (Eccl. 10:15)

• 13. How did the Shulammite maiden prove to be like “a garden barred in,” and how is she a fine example for unmarried Christian women? (Song of Sol. 4:12)

• 14. By inviting the Israelites to “set matters straight,” was Jehovah indicating that he was willing to negotiate a reasonable settlement with his people? (Isa. 1:18a)

• 15. How was Isaiah 11:6-9 fulfilled in ancient times, and what is the larger fulfillment?

Do You Have a Personal Territory?

• ¹ A personal territory is one that is assigned to you. It may be conveniently located so that you can reach it Quickly and preach either alone or with another publisher. While it is beneficial to support congregation arrangements for group witnessing when possible, having a personal territory to work on other occasions can help in giving a thorough witness, especially in congregations that have a large amount of territory.—Acts 10:42.

• ² Benefits: Some have found additional benefits preaching in a personal territory near their workplace during their lunch break or immediately after work. Others have enjoyed working together as a family in their neighborhood for an hour or so before the Congregation Book Study. As a result, the return visits and Bible studies obtained were in a nearby area, resulting in an economy of effort, time, and expense. Because more can be accomplished in less time, having a personal territory may help some to auxiliary pioneer from time to time or even to enroll as regular pioneers. In addition, working a personal territory and becoming familiar with the householders can assist us in gaining their trust and tailoring our presentation to their concerns, making our ministry more effective.

• ³ One pioneer who was encouraged by the circuit over-

1. What Is a personal territory? 2. What are some benefits of having a personal territory?

• 3. What was the experience of one pioneer who obtained a personal territory? seer to obtain a personal territory relates: “I accepted this advice and soon became well acquainted and friendly with the householders in my territory. I adjusted the times of my visits according to their convenience. As a result, my return visits rose from 35 to over 80 a month, and I have seven home Bible studies.”

• ⁴ How to Do It: If you want to request a personal territory, speak to the territory servant. Feel free to invite another publisher to work along with you, and keep a record of the not-at-homes. You should try to complete the territory within four months. If you have difficulty doing so, you may ask your Congregation Book Study overseer or others for assistance. At the end of four months, you can either return the completed territory or ask to work it again. However, you should not keep the same territory indefinitely but return it so that others may request it. If you are in a congregation where territory is limited and it is not possible to obtain a personal territory, perhaps you can request a portion of a territory from your book study overseer.

• ⁵ Our commission to preach “in all the inhabited earth” is a daunting assignment. (Matt. 24:14) It requires good coordination of effort. Supplementing group witnessing with preaching in a personal territory can help us to reach as many people as possible with the good news.

• 4. How may you obtain and work a personal territory?

• 5. What is required in order to fulfill our commission to preach?

""WATCHTOWER? Dec. 15

ANNOUNCING JeHOVAH’J KlNGllGM

“During this time of year, many people reflect on what the angels announced at Jesus’ birth. [Read Luke 2:14.] Do you think that peace on earth will really come about? [Allow for response.] This magazine discusses how Jesus will soon bring true peace to the earth.”

Awake! Dec.

“There are conflicting religious opinions regarding the use of alcoholic beverages. How do you think God feels about their use? [Allow for response.] Though Jesus’ first miracle was to turn water into wine, the Bible also gives this warning. [Read Proverbs 20:1.] This article explains the Bible’s balanced viewpoint on the matter." Feature the article that begins on page 18.

“Watchtower*. Jan. 1 A NN<WNCINGJP.| IOVAII ■? KiNGjJOM

“Do you feel that a person’s success can be measured by the amount of wealth he possesses? [Allow for response. Then read 1 Timothy 6:9, 10.] While the Bible does not condemn money, it does indicate that real success is not dependent upon wealth. This magazine explains that.”

Awake!' Jan.

“Do you think that we will ever see this come true? [Read Isaiah 33:24. Then allow for response.] This magazine explains what medical science is accomplishing and how the Bible’s promise will be fulfilled.”

8