OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

February 2007                     For United States of America km-E Us 2/07 Vol. 50, No. 2

• ¹ The apostle Paul valued his God-given commission to preach and referred to it as a “treasure.” (2 Cor. 4:7) He endured hardships and persecution in carrying out that commission. He tirelessly preached to anyone who happened to be on hand. He traveled many difficult and dangerous miles by land and by sea. How can we imitate Paul and show that we cherish our ministry? (Rom. 11: 13) What makes our ministry an incomparable treasure?

• ² A Superior Treasure: Earthly treasures are often accompanied by much heartache and yield only limited or temporary benefits. On the other hand, our ministry brings lasting benefits to us and to others. (1 Tim. 4:16) It helps sincere people come to know Jehovah, make needed changes in their lives, and gain a real hope of everlasting life. (Rom. 10:13-15) By highly esteeming our ministry, we acquire a satisfying purpose in life, a lasting sense of accomplishment, and an uplifting hope for the future.—1 Cor. 15:58.

• ³ Demonstrate That You Value Your Treasure: The value we place on something is often demonstrated by what we are willing to spend for it. What a privilege it is to spend our time and energy praising Jehovah! (Eph. 5:16, 17) The way we spend our time should show that we place more value on spiritual things than on material pursuits. Since we have something so precious to share, we will want to preach with enthusiasm and to be alert to tell the good news at every opportunity.

• ⁴ Priceless treasures are usually not hidden but are exhibited for others to enjoy. If we view our ministry as a treasure, it will be a prominent part of our life. (Matt. 5:14-16) With hearts full of appreciation, may we always imitate the apostle Paul and take advantage of every opportunity to show that we truly value our ministry, esteeming it as a treasure.

  Imitate Christ in Your Ministry

  
  

• ¹ Jesus set the example for us to follow in our ministry. His deep love for God and for people was demonstrated on many occasions and in many ways. He taught meek ones the truth and performed acts of loving-kindness in behalf of those who were afflicted and downtrodden. —Matt. 9:35.

• ² Jesus’ Example and Teachings: Jesus did not become sidetracked by involving himself in political affairs or mere humanitarian efforts to better the community. Nor did he allow any other well-intentioned pursuits to distract him or overshadow his primary work. (Luke 8:1) He focused on the preaching of the good news of God’s Kingdom as the only permanent solution to mankind’s problems. Jesus had a great work to do and limited time in which to do it. When people in Capernaum wanted Jesus to remain there, he said to his disciples: “Let us go somewhere else... that I may preach there also, for it is for this purpose I have gone out.” —Mark 1:38.

• ³ After giving his disciples training, Jesus sent them out with these specific instructions: “Preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.’ * (Matt. 10:7) He taught his followers that Kingdom interests should take priority in their lives. (Matt. 6:33) Jesus’ parting words to his disciples before he ascended to heaven made clear what they were to do. He said: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations.” —Matt. 28:19.

• ⁴ Importance of the Kingdom: Jesus’ main topic of discussion was God's Kingdom, and he urged his disciples to follow his example. Human efforts to solve mankind’s problems cannot be successful. (Jer. 10:23) Only God’s Kingdom will sanctify God’s name and provide permanent relief for mankind. (Matt. 6:9, 10) Teaching Kingdom truths to people who are “sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done” helps them to live a happy, successful life now and hold fast to a reliable hope for the future.—Ezek. 9:4.

• ⁵ Jesus continues to be involved in the preaching of the good news of God’s Kingdom, and he assures us of his support. (Matt. 28:20) To what extent does our ministry measure up to the model that Jesus set for us? (1 Pet. 2:21) In these momentous last days, may we do everything within our power to adhere closely to the example Jesus set in the ministry!

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting February 12

Song 52

IO min: Local announcements. Using the suggestions on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the February 15 Watchtower and the February Awake! In one of the demonstrations, show how to handle the potential conversation stopper “I’m not interested in religion.”—See Reasoning book, pp. 16-17.

35 min: “Declare Abroad the Excellencies of Jehovah.” * To be handled by the service overseer. At appropriate points during the discussion, announce the time and location of the Memorial, arrangements for additional meetings for field service, and the congregation’s goal for auxiliary pioneers in April.

Song 147 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting February 19

Song 198

5 min: Local announcements.

20 min: “Imitate the Great Teacher When Using the Bible Teach Book.”* When considering paragraph 6, have a brief demonstration showing a publisher using the box at the end of chapter 6 in the Bible Teach book to review the chapter with his student.

20 min: Can You Start a Bible Study in March? Audience discussion. During the first half of March, we will be offering the Bible Teach book with the goal of starting Bible studies. Review the suggestions in the January 2006 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, pages 3-6. Using one of the suggestions on page 6 or another presentation appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to start a Bible study on the initial call. Invite audience to relate outstanding experiences they have enjoyed using the book, especially in starting Bible studies.

Song 220 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting February 26

Song 29

IO 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 March 1 Watchtower and the March Awake! In one of the presentations, show a publisher working business territory.

15 min: “Do Not Forget Those Who Are Inactive.”* Include comments on the May 1, 2004, Watchtower, pages 21-2, paragraphs 13-16.

20 min: “Imitate Christ in Your Ministry.”* As time permits, invite audience to read and comment on the cited scriptures.

Song 18 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 5

Song 32

15 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Give a copy of the special Memorial invitation to everyone in the audience, and review local arrangements for distributing it in the territory. Urge all to have a full share. Include a demonstration showing how the invitation may be used.

15 min: Preaching the Good News in an Orderly Manner. Talk and audience discussion based on Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will, from the subheading on page 102 to the end of the chapter.

15 min: “Entrusted With a Treasure.”* As time permits, invite audience to comment on the cited scriptures. Song 104 and concluding prayer.

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

October Service Report

Av Av Av Av Number of:               Hrs. Mags. fl.V. Bi.St.

Sp'l Pios.       327 104.2 69.0 36.7

Pios     102,752 69.8 34.3 18.4

Aux. Pios.   51,605  50.9 27.0 10.3

Pubs.    881,035  10.9  6.8  3.2

TOTAL 1,035,719 Baptized: 2,869

We are happy to report a new peak in regular pioneers! The total of 102,752 regular pioneers reporting is an increase of 2,125 over the previous peak of 100,627 in September of 2006.

© 2007 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 Oe Wall. President: W. H. Nonkes, Secretary-Treasurer; 2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237 Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn. NY and al additional mailing offices, postmaster: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry. 1000 Red Mills Road. Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                         Printed In U.S.A.

Declare Abroad the Excellencies of Jehovah

• ¹ “Yours, O Jehovah, are the greatness and the mightiness and the beauty and the excellency and the dignity; for everything in the heavens and in the earth is yours.” (1 Chron. 29: 11) How does our love and appreciation for Jehovah affect us? It moves us to ‘declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.’ (1 Pet. 2:9) We cannot stop telling others about our great God! We will have outstanding opportunities to proclaim Jehovah’s excellencies during the months of March, April, and May.

• ² Special Campaign to Advertise the Memorial: On Monday, April 2, we will highlight Jehovah’s excellencies by observing the Lord’s Evening Meal. A special invitation to this important event will be distributed earth wide from March 17 to April 2. All are encouraged to have a full share. This would be an excellent time for new ones to begin publishing the good news if they qualify. If you have Bible students or children who may qualify, take the initiative to speak with the elders.

• ³ This campaign will be similar to what was done in connection with the “Deliverance at Hand!” District Conventions. Congregations will be sent enough invitations so that each pub-

• 1. What moves us to declare abroad the excellencies of Jehovah?

• 2. What special campaign is planned to advertise the Memorial, and who may have a share?

• 3. What might we say to invite people to the Memorial?

Usher can have 50 copies and each pioneer can have 150 copies. Keep your presentation brief, perhaps saying: “This is your invitation to an upcoming important yearly event. You will be warmly welcomed. The details are on the invitation.” Of course, if the householder has questions, take the time to answer them. The appendix article on the Lord’s Evening Meal found in the Bible Teach book beginning on page 206 may be helpful in this regard. On weekends, we will offer the current magazines along with the special invitation. Keep track of any interest found, and arrange to call back.

⁴ Wherever possible, this special invitation should be handed personally to each householder. Therefore, make a record of not-at-homes, and arrange to call again at another time. Congregations that have a generous supply of invitations left over may leave them at not-at-homes during the last week before the Memorial, but not before that. Make sure that your return visits, Bible students, relatives, workmates, neighbors, and other acquaintances also receive an invitation.

⁶ Auxiliary Pioneering: Can you declare Jehovah’s excellencies more fully by auxiliary pioneering during March, April, and May? Doing so will likely require some adjustments in your daily schedule. (Eph. 5:15-17) You can be sure that making an effort to do more in Jehovah’s service will bring joy and

• 4. How will the special Memorial invitations be distributed?

• 5. Why should we begin now to make our plans to auxiliary pioneer?

Jehovah’s blessing. (Prov. 10:22) Since the Memorial season is approaching, now is the time to begin making plans. —Prov. 21:5.

⁶ One 90-year-old sister enjoyed the privilege of auxiliary pioneering last year. She stated: “Even though I really love gardening and wanted to start planting, I realized I needed to get my priorities straight. With a desire to put Kingdom interests first, I decided to auxiliary pioneer in March.” Was she blessed for her efforts?

She says, “I feel more a part of the congregation, and this has drawn me closer to Jehovah.” Can we analyze our priorities and make similar adjustments as needed?

• ⁷ Meeting the auxiliary pioneer requirement of 50 hours may not be as difficult as you think. Prayerfully consider your daily activities, make a schedule, and then note it on your theocratic calendar. You know your personal circumstances best. If you have poor health and lack stamina, perhaps you could share in the ministry for a couple of hours each day. If you work full-time or go to school, you may be able to auxiliary pioneer by sharing in the ministry in the evenings or on weekends.

• ⁸ Many have been able to auxilia-

• 6. What can we learn from the experience of a 90-year-old sister who auxiliary pioneered last year?

• 7. Is it difficult to serve as an auxiliary pioneer?

• 8. What enabled one married couple to auxiliary pioneer?

  Can We Have 160,000 Auxiliary Pioneers in April?

  • ■ Analyze your priorities

  • ■ Discuss goals as a family

  • ■ Talk to others about your plans

  
  

ry pioneer as a family. In previous years one married couple hesitated to enroll because they felt their circumstances did not allow them to auxiliary pioneer. What did they do about it? “We prayed to Jehovah to help us accomplish what we had wanted to do together for so long.” With proper planning they were able to reach their goal. They added: “It was wonderful. We enjoyed many blessings together. Our suggestion is, try it. If we did it, you may be able to do it too.”

⁹ Why not set aside time during your next family study to consider how all can increase their activity during the coming months? Even if your entire family cannot auxiliary pioneer, perhaps one member can do so with help and cooperation from the other members of the household. If not, possibly your family can set goals to spend additional time in the ministry during these special months of activity.

¹⁰ Help One Another: Enthusiasm is contagious. Talk about your desire to auxiliary pioneer. This may encourage others to apply. In addition, those who have pioneered in the past may be able to give you suggestions that will help you to arrange your affairs and sched-

• 9. What might you do during your next family study to prepare for the coming months of special activity?

• 10. Why should we talk to others about our desire to auxiliary pioneer during this Memorial season?

ule so as to reach your goal. (Prov. 15: 22) If you are able to auxiliary pioneer, why not invite another publisher, perhaps someone with similar circumstances, to join you in this enjoyable activity?

• ¹¹ Many elders make the necessary arrangements to participate in this special avenue of service. (Heb. 13:7) This is indeed encouraging to the congregation! Elders also build enthusiasm by their conversations with others. A few kind words of encouragement or some practical suggestions may be just what is needed to move some to auxiliary pioneer. The service overseer will likely be arranging additional meetings for field service so that all can engage in group witnessing, even after work or school. These arrangements should be announced regularly. He will also make sure that all have sufficient territory and literature.

• ¹² Even if circumstances prevent you from auxiliary pioneering, you can offer encouragement to those who enroll, and you can pray for them. (Prov. 25:11; Col. 4:12) Perhaps you may be able to make arrangements to share with them in the ministry an additional day during the week or to stay out longer than you usually do.

• ¹³ Goa! of 160,000 Auxiliary Pioneers in April: The all-time peak of auxiliary pioneers for the United States branch was 153,774, reached in April 2000. Therefore, a realistic goal for this coming April is 160,000 auxilia-

• 11. How can the elders generate enthusiasm for auxiliary pioneering in the coming months?

• 12. What might you be able to do if you cannot auxiliary pioneer?

• 13. What goal has been set for the United States, and how can your congregation contribute toward reaching it? ry pioneers. We can reach it if an average of just 1 out of every 6 publishers in each congregation engages in the auxiliary pioneer work. Of course, some congregations will have even more publishers whose circumstances allow them to auxiliary pioneer. Such a congregation goal is easily within reach for most congregations. Imagine the excitement this will generate in your congregation and the positive effect it will have on the preaching work in your territory!

• ¹⁴ Why is April an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer? The Memorial will be at the beginning of the month, giving us ample opportunity to make follow-up visits on those who attend. We will be offering the magazines, with the objective of placing the Bible Teach book on return visits and starting Bible studies. Therefore, auxiliary pioneering in April will provide many opportunities for starting Bible studies. In this country the days are longer and the weather is usually mild. In addition, the month of April has five Sundays and a worldly holiday, making it easier for those who work secularly and those who attend school to enroll.

• ¹⁵ Each Memorial season that passes brings us one year closer to the end of this system of things. The time left to tell others about our great God is reduced. (1 Cor. 7:29) Once this Memorial season has passed, the precious opportunities it gave us to praise our heavenly Father will be gone forever. May we make preparations now to do all we can during March, April, and May to declare abroad the excellencies of Jehovah!

• 14. Why is April an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer?

• 15. Why should we have a sense of urgency as this Memorial season approaches?

Imitate the Great Teacher When Using the Bible Teach Book

• ¹ The Great Teacher, Jesus, always explained things in a simple, clear way. To stimulate the thinking of his listeners, at times he first asked them for their viewpoint. (Matt. 17:2427) He directed attention to God’s Word. (Matt. 26:31; Mark 7:6) He was careful not to overwhelm his disciples with too much information, knowing that they would continue to learn. (John 16:12) Jesus was also Interested in whether his disciples believed and understood what he taught them. (Matt. 13:51) The Bible Teach book is designed to help us teach in a similar manner.

• ² Introductory Questions: When you begin a chapter, it is good to call attention to the introductory questions under the title. Raise the questions rhetorically to whet the student’s appetite. Or you could invite him to comment briefly on the questions. There is no need to discuss his comments at length or to correct every wrong statement. You may simply thank him for his thoughts and begin consideration of the material. His comments on the introductory questions will help you to know if you need to give more attention to a certain portion of the lesson.

• ³ Scriptures: The study should center on the Scriptures. (Heb. 4:12) However, it is not necessary to read every

• 1. How did Jesus teach?

• 2. In what ways can we use the introductory questions for each chapter?

• 3. How can we keep the study simple?

cited text. Emphasize those that show the Scriptural basis for our beliefs. Texts that provide background information may not need to be read. The Bible Teach book presents the truth in an uncomplicated way. Keep the study simple. Focus on the main points, and avoid the tendency to talk too much about details or to bring outside material into the discussion unnecessarily.

• ⁴ Appendix: The appendix covers 14 topics that supplement the main text. Discussing these topics during the study is optional. For some subjects, you may choose to encourage your student to read the supplementary material on his own, especially if he understands and accepts the information in the main text. For example, if the student already believes that Jesus is the Messiah, it may not be necessary to consider with him the topic “Jesus Christ—The Promised Messiah” when discussing chapter 4, “Who Is Jesus Christ?” On other occasions, it may be beneficial to take time during the study to discuss the appendix material or a portion thereof.

• ⁵ If you choose to discuss the appendix material, you may prepare questions in advance and consider the paragraphs

• 4. What determines whether we should take time during the study to consider information from the appendix?

• 5. If we choose to consider information from the appendix, how may we do it? with the student just as you would the main text. Or depending upon the needs of the student, you may choose to take a few minutes during the study to review the information with him. That will allow you to make sure he understands the material that he read on his own.

⁶ Review Box: The box at the end of each chapter provides statements that usually answer the introductory questions. You can use these statements to review the main points of the chapter. Some publishers have found it helpful to read each statement and perhaps the accompanying scriptures with the student. They then ask the student to explain briefly how the scriptures prove the statement. This shows the teacher whether the student clearly understands the main points of the lesson and how these are supported by the Bible and whether he agrees with them. It also trains the student to use the Bible to explain the truth to others.

• ¹ The most effective way to fulfill our commission to teach people and to make disciples is to imitate Jesus’ methods of teaching. (Matt. 28:19, 20) The Bible Teach book can help us to do that. Make good use of it to teach others the truth in a clear, simple, and interesting way.

• 6. How can the review box at the conclusion of each study be used?

• 7. How can we use the Bible Teach book to fulfill our commission?

Announcements

■ Literature offer for 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. April and May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. When making return visits on interested people, including those who attended the Memorial or other theocratic events but who are not actively associated with the congregation, concentrate on starting Bible studies using the Bible Teach book.

■ The secretary and the service overseer should review the activity of ah regular pioneers. If any are having difficulty meeting the hour requirement, the elders should arrange for assistance to be given. For suggestions, review the annual S-201 letters.

■ The special public talk for the 2007 Memorial season is entitled “You Can Feel Safe in This Troubled World!" See the related announcement in the October 2006 Our Kingdom Ministry.

■ 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.

■ For those who wish to make donations to the worldwide work electronically, a set of instructions is available to explain this arrangement. For further information, call (718) 560-5000 or write to Watchtower, Attn: Treasurer's Office, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201-2483.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning February 26, 2007. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of January 1 through February 26, 2007. [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. When should practical application of our material be made, and in what manner should this be done? [be p. 158 pars. 2-4]

• 2. Why is it important to help others see the practical value of the information we are presenting, and how can we do this? [be p. 159 pars. 3-4]

• 3. Why is our choice of words important? [be P-160]                              '

• 4. What will help us to use a variety of words accurately? [be p. 161 pars. 5-6; p. 162 pars. 1, 4]

• 5. What are some advantages of speaking from either a mental outline or a written one? [be p. 166 pars. 1-3]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. What is involved in preparing a reading assignment? [be p. 43 pars. 2, 4]

• 7. What is vital if we are to cultivate Jehovah’s love of right and hatred of wrong? (Heb. 5:14) [w05 1/1 p. 9 par. 11]

• 8. What should we remember if we read something in the Bible that causes us to wonder whether God acted in a just or right way? [w05 2/1 p. 24 par. 7]

• 9. How should we react when there is a conflict between God’s law and human demands? [w05 4/15 p. 12 par. 9]

• 10. How does Isaiah focus attention on the Kingdom by Messiah and on the forerunner, John the Baptizer? [si p. 123 par. 35]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. What is “the envelopment” and “the woven work” mentioned at Isaiah 25:7?

• 12. How can people ‘see’ and “hear” Jehovah? (Isa. 30:20, 21)

• 13. True or False: Hezekiah’s prayer recorded at Isaiah 38:3 was motivated by sheer desire to live longer.

• 14. How could the Israelites serve as Jehovah’s witnesses, and how can we imitate them? (Isa. 43:10)

• 15. In harmony with the prophetic pattern set forth at Isaiah 52:11,12, what is required to ‘carry the utensils of Jehovah’?

Do Not Forget Those Who Are Inactive

⁴Are you acquainted with anyone who has become inactive? Perhaps he has stopped associating with the congregation and has drifted away. You may have contacted such a person while engaging in the house-to-house ministry. We must keep in mind that the individual continues to be our spiritual brother. We want to confirm our love for him and help him to return to the congregation and to ‘the shepherd and overseer of our souls.’ - 1 Pet. 2:25.

• ² Demonstrate Interest: A. brief telephone call or visit may assure one who has become inactive that we have not forgotten him. What could we say? We may be encouraging by simply letting the person know that we were thinking of him. Keep the conversation positive and upbuilding. (Phil. 4:8) We might mention a point that we enjoyed from a recent meeting. We could also invite him to an upcoming meeting or assembly and offer to save him a seat or provide transportation.

• ³ A sister who had been inactive for more than 20 years was found in the territory. Although she was unwilling to accept a Bible study, the sister who found her called back, leaving the current magazines. After the district convention, the publisher shared some convention highlights with the inactive sister, and eventually she was reactivated.

• 1. Why should we reach out to encourage those who have become inactive?

• 2. How may we offer encouragement to an inactive one?

• 3. How was one sister reactivated?

• ⁴ When Someone Returns: When an inactive brother begins coming back to the meetings, how should we treat him? Well, how did Jesus treat his disciples after they had temporarily abandoned him? He warmly referred to them as his “brothers” and showed confidence in them. He even gave them an important assignment. (Matt. 28:10, 18, 19) Shortly thereafter, they were busy declaring the good news “without letup.”—Acts 5:42.

• ⁵ Before offering to study the Bible with someone who has become inactive or before inviting a brother who has been inactive a long time to accompany us in the ministry, we should seek direction from the elders. If we come across an inactive publisher in the territory, we should inform the elders so that they can render needed assistance.

• ⁶ As the Bible clearly shows, only those who run the course to the finish will receive salvation. (Matt. 24:13) Therefore, take note of those who may have stumbled or drifted away. If we patiently reflect Jehovah’s love by demonstrating sincere interest in such ones, we may experience the joy of seeing them resume their sacred service alongside us.—Luke 15: 4-10.

• 4. How should we treat someone who resumes his association by attending meetings?

• 5. Mention situations in which we should speak to the elders about someone who is inactive.

• 6. What joy may we experience from helping those who are inactive?

™Watchtower® Feb. is

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

“Some feel that man is ruining the earth. Do you ever worry about that? [Allow for response.] Notice this reassuring promise. [Read Revelation 11:18.] This magazine presents information on what makes this planet unique. It also shows what the Bible says about the earth’s future.”

Awake! Feb.

“Do you think that this is a reason why we see so much trouble in the world? [Read 1 John 5:19. Then allow for response.] This article shows what the Bible says about the identity of 'the wicked one’ and how we can avoid his powerful influence.” Feature the article that begins on page 12.

'Watchtower® Mar. 1

ANNOUNCING JEHOVAH'S KINGDOM

“Many people feel that all religions lead to God. Do you think it matters which religion a person chooses? [Allow for response.] Notice this recommendation. [Read 1 John 4:1.] This magazine discusses how we can test teachings to see if they come from God. It also explains how different religions got started.”

Awake! Mar.

“In your opinion, what are some challenges facing young people today? [Allow for response.] This verse highlights one challenge —having the right kind of friends. [Read Proverbs 13: 20.] This magazine discusses the dangers of using the Internet to find friends and how youths can be protected.”

8