Our Kingdom Ministry

December 2008                   For United States of America km0812-E Us Vol. 51, No. 12

• ¹ Beginning in January, each congregation will designate one weekend every month, perhaps the first one, to concentrate on offering Bible studies. This would be either a Saturday or a Sunday, according to what is best locally. On that day if householders decline to accept such an offer, publishers may still offer the Bible Teach book or place the latest magazines. All elders and ministerial servants should arrange to have a full share in this activity and assist publishers to start Bible studies.

• ² The Congregation Service Committee will determine on which weekend a day will be set aside to offer Bible studies. Periodic reminders should be given so that publishers can prepare and put forth special effort to offer Bible studies from house to house and when visiting those who previously showed interest.

• ³ How to Prepare: We can find suggestions for starting Bible studies in the January 2006 Our Kingdom Ministry insert and on page 12 of the Reasoning book. Some may choose to use a tract, such as Would You Like to Know the Truth? Also, page 3 of the August 2007 Our Kingdom Ministry gives suggestions for starting Bible studies when visiting those who accepted the magazines. Elders and ministerial servants will be scheduled to conduct a brief 10- to 15-minute meeting for field service, during which one or two practical suggestions for starting Bible studies should be discussed or demonstrated.

• ⁴ Of course, not everyone will accept a Bible study or continue their study over an extended period. This should not cause us to hold back, since it is Jehovah who is drawing sheeplike ones to his organization. (John 6:44) Our responsibility is not just to sow seeds of truth but also to cultivate and water what has taken root, and that includes studying the Bible with righthearted ones. By so doing, we exercise the privilege of being God’s fellow workers. —1 Cor. 3:9.

  Preaching Requires Endurance

  
  

• ¹ For more than 30 years, the apostle Paul enjoyed a satisfying career as an evangeliz-er. As with any worthwhile endeavor. his preaching activity was not without its challenges. (2 Cor. 11:23-29) Yet, Paul did not give up. (2 Cor. 4:1) He understood that the strength to endure while fulfilling his ministry would come from Jehovah. (Phil. 4:13) In view of his example of faithful endurance, Paul could say: “Become imitators of me, even as I am of Christ.” —1 Cor. 11:1.

-’Enduring Trials Today: Each day, many of our brothers face ridicule, opposition, or indifference from family members, workmates, or schoolmates. (Matt. 10:35; John 15:20) Perhaps that is true in your case. On the other hand, you may be contending with a health problem, or you may have a daily struggle to block out distractions and temptations that test your faith and endurance. We can gain strength by considering the examples of faithful servants of old as well as those of fellow Christians today who have faced and overcome challenges.—1 Pet. 5:9.

• ³ We can gain power for remaining firm in our ministry by making sure that we have “put on the complete suit of armor from God.” (Eph. 6:10-13, 15) Prayer for endurance is also essential. God grants his holy spirit so that we can endure trials. (2 Cor. 6:4-7) To succeed in our spiritual warfare. we must heed God’s reminders to renew our spirit. (Ps. 119:24, 85-88) Just as a child might read a personal letter from a loving father over and over, our daily Bible reading reinforces our bond with Jehovah. We gain wisdom to cope with trials through regular personal study, thus allowing God’s thinking to influence our decisions and strengthen our integrity.—Prov. 2:10,11.

• ⁴ Endurance Brings Blessings: As was true in Paul’s case, our faithful endurance while fulfilling our ministry results in making Jehovah’s heart rejoice and in bringing blessings to us and to others. (Prov. 27:11) May we be determined to persevere in the ministry, thereby proving that our faith is durable and “of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being proved by fire.”—1 Pet. 1:6, 7.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting December 8

Song 19

to min: Local announcements. Briefly review the sample presentations for the December 1 Watchtower and the December Awake! found on page 8. Invite those in the audience who have had success placing these Issues to relate how they presented them. What article, question, and scripture have they used?

15 min: The Theocratic Ministry School for 2009. Talk by the school overseer. Discuss points needing emphasis locally from the October 2008 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. Review the role of the auxiliary counselor. 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 mln: “Are You Using the Reasoning Book?"* When considering paragraph 4, have a pioneer or other qualified publisher briefly demonstrate how to use the Reasoning book in the door-to-door ministry to answer the question, ‘Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses celebrate Christmas?’ Song 6

Week Starting December 15

Song 178

1O min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

10 min: Use Repetition in the Ministry. Talk and audience discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 207. Briefly demonstrate one or two suggestions from the material.

25 min: ‘“Bear Thorough Witness’ —By Apartment Witnessing.”* To be handled by the service overseer or other elder. Make local application of the material.

Song 157

Week Starting December 22

Song 75

1O min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Mention the literature offer for January, and have an elder demonstrate how this may be presented.

15 min: Prepare to Offer the January 1 Watchtower and the January Awake! Audience discussion. After giving a brief overview of the magazines, ask the audience which articles may appeal to people in the territory and why. Using some of these articles, invite the audience to relate a question that they would use to start a conversation, then a scripture from the article that they would read before offering the magazines. Conclude by demonstrating how each magazine might be offered using the sample presentations on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory.

20 min: “A Special Day for Offering Bible Studies.”* Announce which weekend in January the congregation will focus on starting Bible studies. Review the suggestions found in paragraph 3 and have one or two approaches demonstrated.

Song 133

Week Starting December 29

Song 60

Congregation Bible Study:

jd chap. 12 1)1-10

Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Revelation 15-22 Theocratic Ministry School Review

Service Meeting:

Song 153

• 5 min: Local announcements.

10 mln: Local needs.

20 min: “Preaching Requires Endurance.”* As time permits, invite audience to comment on the cited scriptures.

Song 155

Week Starting January 5

Song 35

Congregation Bible Study:

jd chap. 12 1,11-22

Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Genesis 1-5

No. 1: Genesis 3:1-15

No. 2: Why Jesus Was a Great Teacher (lr chap. 1)

No. 3: What Is Not Vanity?

(1 Cor. 15:58)

Service Meeting:

Song 98

Note: Information regarding the district convention should not be considered before the week of January 5. Congregations are not to move their meeting ahead that week unless the circuit overseer is visiting.

5 min: Local announcements.

10 min: Imitate Jesus' Attitude Toward the Ministry. Talk and audience discussion based on “Come Be My Follower,'' pages 84-86. paragraphs 16-21.

20 min: “2009 District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”* To be handled by the congregation secretary. Before considering the article, read the December 15, 2008, convention assignment letter. Stress the importance of displaying the fruitage of the spirit at all times.—Gal. 5:22, 23.

Song 114

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

August Service Report

Av fw. Av Av.

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

United States

Turks & Caicos

We are pleased to report a new peak in the United States! The total of 1,105,789 publishers reporting is an increase of 21,784 over the previous peak of 1,084,005 set in August 2007. We are happy to report a new peak in the Turks and Caicos Islands! The total of 195 publishers reporting is an increase of 3 over the previous peak of 192 set in March 2008.

■ 2008 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. C. I. Wbody. 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

“Bear Thorough Witness”—By Apartment Witnessing

• ¹ Like the apostle Paul, our desire is to “bear thorough witness to the good news.” (Acts 20: 24) We therefore endeavor to reach as many in our territory as possible with the Kingdom message. This includes the large number of people who live in apartment buildings. At times, it can be a challenge to gain access to those living in such facilities. However, since apartments have a high concentration of people, they present many opportunities for us to spread the good news.

• ² In the face of the threat of crime and violence, a growing number of apartment buildings are locked and have doormen or surveillance cameras. (2 Tim. 3:1, 2) The management may have a policy that uninvited individuals are not allowed to enter. A superintendent or manager may be inclined to ask us to leave the premises, especially if one of the tenants complains. Therefore, being discreet and demonstrating good judgment are important.

• ³ When to Work: As in other types of territory, it is best to preach in apartments when the residents are likely to be at home. Suspicion may arise if we are present when most tenants are away. Many publishers have been successful in finding people at home in the early evening as well as during Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Working apartments too early, especially on weekends, may result in complaints to the management.

• ⁴ Gaining Entrance: Publishers should not contact the superintendent or any other apartment personnel prior to engaging in the ministry. If the locked building has an intercom outside the entrance, we can use it to find someone who agrees to let us in to speak with him. Depending upon the type of apartments, we may be able to make other door-to-door calls in the building after speaking with the person who permitted us to enter. In other cases, however, it would be wise to exit the building and use the intercom for contacting

• 1. What does ‘bearing thorough witness to the good news’ involve?

• 2. Why are discretion and good judgment necessary in apartment witnessing?

• 3. When is it best to work apartments, and why?

• 4, 5. How may we gain access to some apartments that have a locked entrance? the next resident. We should use good judgment in deciding how many tenants we will contact in this way on the same occasion.

• ⁵ Some tenants may prefer that you tell them the purpose of your visit over the intercom. If so, introduce yourself in a friendly manner. Use the householder’s name if it is shown on the directory. In a concise way, mention your subject. Some have been successful by reading an introduction directly from the Reasoning book.

• ⁶ If the building has a doorman who does not permit us to work the apartments, we can endeavor to witness to him. Many doormen enjoy reading our literature. We may even be able to start a Bible study and conduct it in the lobby. If the doorman permits us to visit a specific tenant who has demonstrated interest, it is usually best not to take the liberty of knocking on other doors in the building.

• ⁷ Appearance and Decorum: Carrying large, bulky briefcases can make us conspicuous. Therefore, we may consider using a more discreet case or none at all. Some publishers put the featured literature in a slim portfolio and carry their Bible in their hand or pocket.

• ⁸ It is best not to congregate in large groups, especially in lobbies or parking lots, as this will draw unnecessary attention. Appropriate precautions should be taken when preaching in apartments that are in high-crime areas. (Prov. 22:3) For example, two or three pairs of publishers might work on the same floor within earshot of each other, perhaps taking turns knocking at the door while the others wait.

• ⁹ When entering an apartment building, wipe your shoes and close the door securely behind you. By showing such courtesy, we alleviate the tenants’ reasons for complaint. Once inside, proceed purposefully to the elevator or to the floor that is to be worked rather than loitering at the entrance. This will dispel the suspicion of onlookers.

• 6. What should we do when working buildings that have a doorman?

• 7. What should we keep in mind regarding our witnessing case?

• 8. How should the group be organized for apartment witnessing?

• 9. How may we demonstrate courtesy, and why is this important?

• ¹⁰ In many apartment buildings, noise carries in the hallways. Therefore, do not speak louder than is necessary to be comfortably heard by the householder. When talking to other publishers, keep your voice low, but speak in a calm, moderate tone so as to avoid arousing suspicion. So that tenants will not be unduly disturbed, some publishers alternate from one end of the hallway to the other end until the floor is worked, instead of knocking on one door after another down a corridor. In addition, knocking on the door in a loud or authoritative manner may frighten those inside.

• ¹¹ If the door has a peephole, stand so that anyone looking out can see you and your companion. Look directly at the peephole, and when you detect that someone is looking out, say a warm greeting and begin your presentation. If the person asks, ‘Who is it?’ you may find it best to give your name and that of the person with you. The householder may then feel better about opening the door. If not, you may still give your presentation through the door.

• ¹² Not-at-Homes: A frequent complaint of superintendents is that they have to pick up literature from the hallway or the grounds. Literature left outside the door can easily fall to the floor and become litter. Therefore, any literature left at not-at-homes should be placed completely out of sight.

• ¹³ Irate Householders: If we meet an irate householder who may be inclined to call the superintendent, it is best to leave that particular floor and return at another time. In other cases, it would be wise to leave the building entirely in order to avoid a possible confrontation with the superintendent. Even if the householder does not specifically request that future calls not be made on him, it would be better to make note of the apartment number as a do-not-call and place this with the territory card. As with other do-not-calls, these addresses should be contacted periodically to determine the householder’s wishes.

• 10. How may we avoid making unnecessary noise in the hallways?

• 11. What suggestions may help when we knock on a door with a peephole?

• 12. How may we avoid problems when leaving literature at not-at-homes?

• 13. What should we do if we meet an irate householder?

• ¹⁴ If You Are Asked to Leave: If while working the building you are asked to leave by the superintendent, security personnel, maintenance personnel, or any other apartment representative, it is wise to comply immediately. Whenever possible, we want to avoid confrontation with resulting threats of legal action and appeals to police. In most cases, apartment personnel are not prejudiced against Jehovah’s Witnesses but are simply doing their job.

• ¹⁵ At times, when a building representative asks you to leave, you may be able to explain in a kindly and tactful manner the reason for your visit. (1 Pet. 3:15) We recognize his responsibility in keeping the residents happy and in maintaining the security of the building. Perhaps he will allow you to remain in the building. But if not, take your leave graciously. If circumstances allow, you may ask for permission to leave literature at regular intervals in the lobby or laundry room. (Col. 4:6) The service overseer should be kept up-to-date regarding such incidents.

• ¹⁶ Perhaps, after a reasonable period of time, publishers can discreetly attempt to work in the building. However, if problems persist, the elders should contact the branch office for assistance rather than publishers attempting to resolve matters on their own. If publishers are not able to work the apartments, efforts can be made to contact the tenants in other ways, such as by telephone witnessing or writing letters. Some publishers engage in street witnessing in front of or in the immediate vicinity of the apartment building during the morning and evening hours when people generally go to work and return home.

• ¹⁷ The end of this wicked system is coming soon. Only those who call on the name of Jehovah will be saved. “However, how will they call on him in whom they have not put faith? How, in turn, will they put faith in him of whom they have not heard?” (Rom. 10:13, 14) Many who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life” live in apartments. (Acts 13:48) By being discreet and demonstrating good judgment, we can reach them with the good news.

14, 15. What should we do if we are asked to leave by an apartment representative?

16. What should we do if problems persist when trying to work an apartment building or complex? 17. Why is apartment witnessing important?

2009 District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

• ¹ All of us look forward to the 2009 district convention and the new opportunities to gather with fellow praisers of Jehovah, who are “conscious of their spiritual need.” (Matt. 5:3) With Jehovah’s day fast approaching, we urge each one to be in attendance for all three days so as to benefit fully from the warm Christian fellowship as well as the spiritual encouragement to stand firm in the faith. (Zeph. 1:14) Let teachers and employers know that the convention is an essential part of your worship. Courageously make your plans early and seek Jehovah’s blessing; you can be sure of his support.—Isa. 50:10.

• ² International Conventions: Since these conventions will be held in a limited number of countries and cities, only those assigned should attend. Our cooperation with this arrangement will prevent overcrowding. (1 Cor. 14: 40; Heb. 13:17) However, a good number of district conventions will have an international flavor, since many missionaries, Bethelites in foreign service, and international servants will be attending a convention in their home country.

• ³ Helping Others Attend: Do some in your congregation need assistance to attend the convention? When you help others

• 1. (a) What blessings will we enjoy by attending all three days of the district convention? (b) What plans should we make now?

• 2. What international flavor might we anticipate even if we have not been invited to attend an international convention?

• 3. How can we manifest Christian love to some in our congregation? to do so, you are “keeping an eye, not in personal interest upon just your own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others.”—Phil. 2:4.

  Program Times:

  
  

  Thursday (International Conventions Only) 1:20 p.m. - 4:55 p.m.

  Friday and Saturday 9:20 a.m. - 4:55 p.m.

  Sunday 9:20 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  
  

⁴ Obtaining Information: To reduce telephone calls to the branch office regarding convention dates and locations, please first consult the March 1, 2009, issue of The Watchtower or your congregation secretary

for the information you need.

⁶ If you will attend a convention other than the one to which your congregation is assigned, you may obtain a Recommended Lodging List by writing to the rooming headquarters’ address, located on the back of the current Special Needs Room Request form. These forms will soon be sent to congregation secretaries. To receive a reply, be sure to include a stamped, selfaddressed envelope with your letter.

⁶ Special Needs: When a publisher requests assistance in obtaining accommodations, the Congregation Service Committee should determine if the publisher qualifies to submit a Special Needs Room Request form. They should review the guidelines on the form and in the December 14, 2008, letter addressed to all bodies of elders before the congregation secretary sends the form to the Rooming Department.

4, 5. If circumstances require that you attend a convention other than the one to which your congregation is assigned, how should you proceed?

• 6. What is the procedure to follow when a publisher with special needs requests assistance with accommodations?

Rooming Instructions:

■ Do not make hotel reservations before your Service Meeting the week of January 5, 2009.

■ Try to make your reservation in the month of January.

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

■ Accept only the rate shown on the list.

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

■ Fire regulations require that you not exceed the number of adults that the list allows for each hotel room.

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

■ Do not call hotels that are not on the list to ask if they have a rate for our conventions.

■ If there are no rooms available after calling ALL the hotels listed or if you have a problem with a hotel, inform your congregation secretary. He should communicate with the convention Rooming Department by using the contact information on the Recommended Lodging List.

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

• ⁷ Making Your Hotel Reservation: The Recommended Lodging List of available hotels will be posted on the information board at the conclusion of your Service Meeting for the week of January 5. Before

• 7. (a) How may we proceed with making a hotel reservation? (b) What reminders will assist us in keeping a good reputation with hotel management? (See box “Rooming Instructions.”) making your hotel reservation, carefully review the box “Rooming Instructions.” When making your hotel reservation:

■ Call hotels during daytime business hours using the phone numbers on the list.

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

■ Provide the dates you will check in and check out.

■ If all rooms are booked, call another hotel on the list.

■ Make your reservation, and request a confirmation number.

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

• ⁸ We realize that some may have their own preference regarding hotels. However, when we use hotels not listed on the Recommended Lodging List or accept a rate higher than what is listed, we undermine the rooming arrangement. Please do not reserve rooms that you do not plan to use or cancel a hotel reservation at the last minute in order to use a different hotel. By cooperating with this arrangement, you will assist everyone to obtain a hotel room at a reasonable rate.—1 Cor. 10:24.

• ⁹ Works That Glorify God: When we demonstrate the fruitage of the spirit in all our affairs, giving particular attention to our speech and demeanor when dealing with hotel staff and others in the convention city, we add to the good reputation of Jehovah’s people and avoid stumbling others. (1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Cor. 6:3, 4) May your attendance and conduct glorify God in such ways at the 2009 district convention! —1 Pet. 2:12.

• 8. How can we assist all to obtain a hotel room at a reasonable rate?

• 9. What should be our primary concern as we prepare for and attend the 2009 district convention?

Announcements

■ Literature offer for December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. If individuals say they have children, offer Learn From the Great Teacher. January: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, publishers may offer any 192-page book printed on paper that discolors or any book published prior to 1992 with the exception of Creation, Greatest Man, Mankind’s Search for God. and Young People Ask. February: Offer one of the following, as available: Is There a Creator Who Cares About You?, The Secret of Family Happiness, or The Bible—God's Word or Man’s? March: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a diligent effort to start Bible studies.

■ The video program The Bible —Mankind’s Oldest Modem Book will be considered at a Service Meeting in March. If needed, copies of the DVD The Bible—A Book of Fact and Prophecy—On DVD, which contains this program, should be requested through the congregation as soon as possible. ■ Please note that the Memorial for the year 2010 will be on Tuesday, March 30, 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.

• ■ The Memorial invitations for 2009 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 by using the jw.org Web site or, if that is not possible, by submitting the 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.

• ■ 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 do so by using the jw.org Web site or, if that is not possible, by sending a letter.

• ■ The presiding overseer should arrange for the congregation’s accounts to be audited for the months of September, October, and November. The same person should not be used for consecutive audits. When the audit is complete, an announcement should be made to the congregation after the next accounts report is read.—See Instructions for Congregation Accounting (S-27).

■ The secretary of each congregation holding title to property should review paragraphs 42-44 in the form entitled Information Regarding Ownership of Kingdom Halls (TO-36). Even after real-estate tax exemption has been obtained, an annual filing is required in some states. Check carefully with your local tax assessor's office to confirm whether any action is required. All taxes and assessments are to be paid within the time provided. If any tax or assessment is questioned, promptly follow through on the matter so that either it is removed or a proper challenge is filed within the applicable time limit.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning December 29, 2008. The school overseer will conduct a 20-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of November 3 through December 29, 2008.

SPEECH QUALITIES

• 1. Why is it effective to give exhortation “on the basis of love”? (Philem. 9) [be p. 266 pars. 1-3]

• 2. How can we instill courage in others? [be p. 268 par. 4-p. 269 par. 2]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 3. How is Paul’s letter to Titus “fine and beneficial” to us today? (Titus 3:8) [si p. 241 par. 8]

• 4. Why was Peter’s first letter timely? [si p. 251 par. 1]

• 5. What effect should the symbolisms of Revelation have on us? [si p. 263 par. 1]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 6. Why might Paul have linked “not slanderous” with “neither enslaved to a lot of wine” at Titus 2:3? [w94 6/15 p. 20 par. 12]

• 7. Does Satan’s “having the means to cause death” indicate that he can cause the premature death of anyone he chooses? (Heb. 2:14) [w08 10/15 “Jehovah’s Word Is Alive —Highlights From the Letters to Titus, to Philemon, and to the Hebrews”]

• 8. Who is “the human covenanter” of the new covenant? (Heb. 9:16) [w08 10/15 “Jehovah’s Word Is Alive—Highlights From the Letters to Titus, to Philemon, and to the Hebrews”]

• 9. What does it mean to be peaceable, and what questions might we ask ourselves in this regard? (Jas. 3:17) [w08 3/15 p. 24 par. 18]

• 10. What is meant by the expression “God is greater than our hearts”? (1 John 3:20) [w05 8/1 p. 30 par. 19]

Are You Using the Reasoning Book?

• ¹ The apostle Paul endeavored to ‘reason from the Scriptures.’ (Acts 17:2, 3; 18:19) In so doing, he imitated Jesus, who frequently quoted the Scriptures and used illustrations to help his listeners understand God’s will. (Matt. 12:1-12) The book Reasoning From the Scriptures has been designed to help us do the same.

• ² Preparing Effective Introductions: Reasoning From the Scriptures contains interestarousing introductions on pages 9-15. Learning and using different introductions, especially if you cover the territory frequently, will add variety to your ministry and help you become more versatile and effective in starting conversations. Introductions may be read directly from the book when engaging in telephone witnessing or when speaking over the intercom in high-security buildings.

• ³ Overcoming Conversation Stoppers: Why not anticipate the conversation stoppers that may arise in your territory and take a few minutes before preaching to review pages 16-21 for a potential reply? Will some householders likely be Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, or Muslims? If so, the information on pages 21-24 will be helpful.

• ⁴ Answering Questions: The Reasoning book can also assist us when a question or a controversial subject is raised.

• 1. How did the apostle Paul and Jesus teach others?

• 2. How may we use the Reasoning book to prepare effective introductions?

• 3. What is found on pages 16-24 of the Reasoning book that will help us in the ministry?

• 4. How may we use the Reasoning book when a question or a controversial subject is raised?

You may simply tell the person that you would like to show him something interesting that you have on the subject and take out your Reasoning book. Since the subjects are listed in alphabetical order, turn to the main heading that you think will have the information you need. Then scan the questions in boldface type. If you do not quickly see what you are looking for, turn to the index at the back. Once you find the appropriate information, read it directly from the publication. If you are discussing a specific scripture, you may find what you need on page 445 under “Scriptures Often Misapplied.”

• ⁵ Other Uses: Some keep a copy of the Reasoning book at their job or at school to help them answer questions such as, ‘Why don’t you celebrate holidays?’ Youths have found the information under the headings “Creation” and “Evolution” helpful in preparing school reports. Are you going to visit someone who is sick or who has lost a loved one in death? The material under “Encouragement” may help you to provide Scriptural comfort. The Reasoning book also has helpful information for those preparing talks and conducting meetings for field service.

• ⁶ When preaching, our goal is not to win arguments; neither is it simply to convey information. We want to reason skillfully from the Scriptures. As we make good use of the Reasoning book, we show that we are paying constant attention to our teaching.—1 Tim. 4:16.

• 5. What are some other beneficial uses of the Reasoning book?

• 6. What is our goal when preaching?

-Watchtower Dec. 1 ANNOUNCING Jr.HOVAIl'X KINGDOM

“Have you noticed that people differ in their standards of cleanliness and hygiene? [Allow for response.] Here is one reason why cleanliness is important. [Read 1 Peter 1:16.] This article gives some practical suggestions for maintaining cleanliness.” Feature the article that begins on page 9.

Awake! Dec.

“Many try to honor Jesus this time of year. According to this verse, what would you say is the best way to honor him? [Read John 14: 15. Allow for response.] The exact date of Jesus’ birth is not known, and you may be surprised to learn why December 25 was adopted as the date for Christmas.” Feature the article that begins on page 10.

Watchtower Jan. 1 Announcing Jehovah'S Kingdom

“People the world over differ in their views about Mary, the mother of Jesus. What are your thoughts? [Allow for response.] The Bible shows that Mary had a unique role in history. [Read Luke 1:30-32.] This magazine discusses what we can learn from her example.”

Awake! Jan.

“Many of the world’s lakes and rivers are drying up, and millions of people don’t have access to clean drinking water. Do you think man is capable of providing a lasting solution to this problem? [Allow for response. Then read Jeremiah 10:23.] This magazine discusses the ultimate solution as described in the Bible.”

8