Our kingdom ministry

AUGUST 2010

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 9

Song 5

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cf chap. 8 ^18-22, box on p. 86

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 1 Kings 21-22

No. 1:1 Kings 22:1-12

No. 2: When Independence Leads a Person to Imitate the World, Under Whose Control Does He Come? (rs p.191 fl2-3)

No. 3: What Does Elijah’s Example Teach Us About Prayer? (Jas. 5:18)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 15

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Is Evolution Really Scientific? Audience discussion based on the Reasoning book, page 121, paragraph 4, to page 126, paragraph 2. Invite audience to relate experiences they have had using this material to give a witness atschool or on other occasions.

10 min: What Are Your Spiritual Goals? Audience discussion based on the Organized book, page 117, paragraph 2, to the end of the chapter. Invite audience to comment on how their parents or others helped them to set goals to pursue full-time service.

10 min: “A Provision for Christian Ministers.” Question-and-answer discussion. Announce the dates of the next circuit assembly if known. Invite audience to relate how a recent circuit assembly benefited them.

Song 117

A Provision for Christian Ministers

¹ In 1938, Jehovah’s organization began a new arrangement. Groups of congregations were invited to attend zone assemblies, now called circuit assemblies. For what pur-

1. What new arrangement began in 1938, and for what purpose?

pose? The January 1939 issue of the Informant (now Our Kingdom Ministry) answered: “These assemblies are a part of Jehovah’s Theocratic Organization for the conduct of his Kingdom service. The instruction provided there is essential for each one in order to properly do the work assigned.” When we consider the increase in Kingdom proclaim-ers from only 58,000 in 1938 to over 7,000,000 in 2009, it is obvious that circuit assemblies are accomplishing their purpose to help ministers “do the work assigned”!

• ² Theme for Coming Year: We look forward to the program beginning in September and the encouragement it will provide. The theme “You Are No Part of the World” is taken from John 15:19. What are some of the talks that will surely benefit Christian ministers? On Saturday we will hear the talk “FullTime Service Protects Us—How?” We will also enjoy a three-part symposium “Do Not Be Contaminated by . . .” “The Wild Beast,” “The Great Harlot,” and “The Traveling Merchants.” On Sunday we will hear a symposium with the theme “Love Jehovah, Not the World.” Other talks include “Continue as ‘Aliens and Temporary Residents’ ” and “Take Courage! You Can Conquer the World.”

• ³ After attending a recent circuit assembly, one sister who had slowed down in the ministry wrote that the program caused her to reevaluate her circumstances and to be determined to “get out in service and stop making excuses!” No doubt the circuit assembly program for the new service year will help all of us love Jehovah rather than the world. (1 John 2:15-17) Make sure you are present and attentive so as to benefit fully from this loving provision for Christian ministers!

• 2. What information will be presented at our circuit assembly for the new service year?

• 3. What benefits can we receive from being in attendance at the circuit assembly?

  For United States of America

  
  

  km10 08-E Us Vol. 53, No. 8

  
  

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 16

Song 44

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cf chap. 9 fl1-9

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 2 Kings 1-4

No.1:2 Kings 1:1-10

No. 2: Why Material Possessions Cannot Give Lasting Satisfaction (Eccl. 5:10) No. 3: Where Is God’s Name Found in Bible Translations That Are Commonly Used Today? (rs p.191 fl4-p. 193 fl7)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 9

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Help Your Studentto Become a Publisher. Talk based on the Organized book, page 78, paragraph 3, to the end of page 80.

10 min: Highlight the Practical Value of the Good News. Audience discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 159. Invite audience to comment on issues that are of concern to people in the local territory. Ask for suggestions on how we may address such concerns in our presentations.

10 min: “Food at the Proper Time.” Question-and-answer discussion. Announce the date of the next special assembly day if it is known.

Song 116

“Food at the Proper Time”

¹ After attending our special assembly day, we often say, “That was just what we needed!” One circuit overseer reported that after hearing the current program, some in his circuit expressed the desire to increase their share in the ministry. One traveling overseer

• 1. How did the current special assembly day program help you and others? said, “It helped us to think clearly about where we are in the stream of time as we review our choices in life.” Another said, “A number of publishers expressed the thought that this was a wake-up call for them to make sure that they are focusing on what is most important, the ministry.” How did the special assembly day help you?

• ² The program for the coming service year will also be just what we need. The theme is “Take Refuge in Jehovah,” taken from Psalm 118:8, 9. Here are some of the subjects to be discussed: “How Jehovah Is a Fortress in Times of Distress,” “Help Others Find Refuge Under Jehovah’s Wings,” “Imitate Jehovah in Providing Refuge,” “Young People, Make Jehovah Your Confidence!” and “Our Spiritual Paradise—Jehovah’s Provision for Refuge.”

• ³ In Order to Benefit: Once the date is announced, make definite plans to attend, and invite your Bible students to join you. In order for us to “bear fruit with endurance,” we must retain what we hear. (Luke 8:15) So listen carefully to the program, and take brief notes on the main points as well as instruction that you plan to apply in your life and ministry. Take time after the assembly to discuss the program as a family, and consider specific ways that you and your family can apply the information.

• ⁴ Like a tasty and nourishing meal, this year’s special assembly day has been prepared with much love and forethought. May Jehovah bless your efforts to attend and to benefit from this “food at the proper time” to spiritually nourish Christian ministers. —Matt. 24:45.

• 2. What will be considered on the program during the next service year?

• 3. How can we benefit fully from being in attendance?

• 4. Why should we look forward to our upcoming special assembly day?

  © 2010 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. Woody, 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.

  
  

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 23

Song 98

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cf chap. 9 ^10-16

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 2 Kings 5-8

No.1: 2 Kings 6:8-19

No. 2: Why Do Many Bible Translations Not Use the Personal Name of God or Use It Only a Few Times? (rs p. 193 ff8-p.194 fl4) No. 3: How Might Fleshly Desire Become a God? (Phil. 3:18,19)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 52

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Start a Bible Study on the Initial Call During September. Audience discussion. During September we will offer the Bible Teach book and endeavor to discuss a paragraph or two with the householder on the initial visit. Consider suggestions on how this may be done. Have one or two presentations demonstrated.

20 min: “You Can Witness Informally!” —Part 1. Question-and-answer discussion of paragraphs 1-8. Demonstrate one or two of the suggestions.

Song 31

You Can Witness Informally!

¹ How many in your congregation first came into contact with the truth through informal witnessing? You might be surprised by the answer. Informal witnessing involves sharing the good news with people whom we meet in our daily activities—when traveling, visiting relatives or neighbors, or shopping, as well as at school, at work, and so forth. In one group of over 200 baptized Wit-

• 1. (a) What is informal witnessing? (b) How many present at this meeting first came into contact with the truth through informal witnessing?

nesses, 40 percent were first contacted through informal witnessing! Therefore, this method of preaching is very effective.

• ² Evangelizers in the first century often witnessed informally. For example, while traveling through Samaria, Jesus witnessed to a woman who was drawing water at Jacob’s fountain. (John 4:626) Philip started a conversation with an Ethiopian court official who was reading from the book of Isaiah by asking: “Do you actually know what you are reading?” (Acts 8:26-38) When imprisoned in Philippi, the apostle Paul witnessed to a jailer. (Acts 16:23-34) Later, while under house arrest, Paul “would kindly receive all those who came in to him, preaching the kingdom of God to them and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:30, 31) You too can witness informally, even if you are shy. How?

• ³ Getting Started: Many of us find it difficult to start conversations with strangers. Even with regard to acquaintances, bringing up the truth may seem a bit awkward. We will be motivated to speak up, however, if we meditate on Jehovah’s goodness, the spiritual treasures he has given his servants, and the dire condition of people in the world. (Jonah 4:11; Ps. 40:5; Matt. 13:52) In addition, we can ask Jehovah to help us ‘muster up boldness.’ (1 Thess. 2:2) One Gilead student said: “I have often found that prayer helps when it is difficult for me to talk to people.” If you are hesitant to speak, say a brief, silent prayer.—Neh. 2:4.

• ⁴ As the name suggests, informal

• 2. What examples of informal witnessing do we find in the Scriptures?

• 3. What can help us to overcome shyness?

• 4. What goal might we initially set for ourselves, and why?

witnessing does not require that we begin the conversation with a formal introduction or a scripture. We may find it helpful to have the goal of simply starting a conversation without feeling that we must give a witness right away. Many publishers report that accomplishing this step gives them the confidence they need to introduce the good news eventually. If the person does not wish to converse, there is no need to force the issue. Politely conclude the conversation and move on.

⁵ While shopping at the market, one shy sister first makes eye contact and offers a friendly smile. If the person smiles back, she makes a brief comment. If the person responds favorably, this gives her the confidence to converse further. She listens carefully and tries to discern which aspect of the good news would appeal to the person. Using this approach, she has placed much literature and even started a Bible study.

⁶ Initiating Conversations: What can we say to initiate a conversation? When Jesus conversed with the woman at the well, he started by simply requesting that she give him a drink. (John 4:7) So perhaps we can start a conversation with a friendly greeting or question. As you talk you may find an opportunity to introduce a Scriptural thought and perhaps plant a seed of truth. (Eccl. 11:6) Some have found success by making an intriguing statement that arouses curiosity and prompts an inquiry. For example,

• 5. What helps one shy sister to witness informally?

• 6. How might we start a conversation in an informal setting?

while waiting to see the doctor, you may spark a conversation by saying, “I’ll be glad when I won’t get sick anymore.”

⁷ Being observant will also help us to strike up conversations. If we observe a parent with well-behaved children, we might commend the parent and ask, “What has helped you to be a successful parent?” One sister takes note of the subjects discussed by others at work and then shares specific information based on what her coworkers are interested in. When she learned that a woman at her job was planning to get married, she gave her an Awake! that discussed how to plan a wedding. This led to further Bible discussions.

• ⁸ Another way to start conversations is by reading our literature where oth

ers can see us. One brother opens The Watchtower or Awake! to an article with an intriguing title and quietly begins to read it. If he notices someone nearby looking at his magazine, he asks a question or makes a brief comment on the article. This often leads to a conversation and a witness. Simply leaving one of our publications where it is visible may arouse the curiosity of workmates or classmates and prompt them to inquire about it.

• ⁹ Creating Opportunities: In view of the urgency of the preaching work, we should not view informal witnessing as something that can be left mere-

• 7. How will being observant help us to witness informally?

• 8. How can we use our literature to start conversations?

• 9, 10. (a) How can we create opportunities to witness informally? (b) How have you been able to do this?

ly to chance. Rather, we should seek to create opportunities to give a witness as we go about our daily activities. Think ahead about the people you are likely to meet, and consider how you might start a friendly conversation. Keep a Bible handy as well as literature that you can share with those who show interest. —1 Pet. 3:15.

• ¹⁰ By being resourceful, many publishers have found ways to create opportunities to witness informally. A sister who lives in a high-security apartment building uses the facility’s recreation area to put together jigsaw puzzles of beautiful nature scenes. When people stop and comment on the beauty of the scene, she uses that opportunity to start a conversation and tell them about the Bible’s promise of “a new heaven and a new earth.” (Rev. 21: 1-4) Can you think of ways that you could create opportunities to witness informally?

• ¹¹ Following Up Interest: If you find a listening ear, try to follow up the interest. If appropriate, you might say to the person: “I have thoroughly enjoyed talking with you. Where can I reach you so that we can talk again?” Some publishers just hand their address and phone number to the person and say: “I enjoyed our conversation. If you would like to know more about what we discussed, here is how you can contact me.” If you cannot personally follow up the interest, arrange for the appropriate congregation to do so by promptly submitting a Please Follow Up (S-43) form to your congregation secretary.

11. How may we follow up the interest we find when witnessing informally?

• ¹² The time we spend doing informal witnessing should be reported. Therefore, be sure to keep a record of it, even if it is only a few minutes a day. Consider this: If every publisher witnessed informally for five minutes each day, that would add up to more than 17 million hours each month!

• ¹³ We have the noblest reasons to witness informally—love for God and neighbor. (Matt. 22:37-39) Hearts filled with appreciation for Jehovah’s qualities and purposes impel us to speak about “the glory of the splendor of his kingship.” (Ps. 145:7, 10-12) Genuine concern for our neighbors moves us to take advantage of every appropriate opportunity to share the good news while there is still time. (Rom. 10:13,

• 14 ) With a little forethought and preparation, all of us can witness informally and perhaps experience the joy of introducing the truth to someone of honest heart.

• 12 . (a) Why keep track of and report the time we spend witnessing informally? (b) What results have been obtained through informal witnessing? (See the box “Informal Witnessing Gets Results!”)

• 13 . What should motivate us to witness informally?

Suggestions for Starting Conversations

■ Pray for help to get started

■ Choose those who seem friendly and unhurried

■ Establish eye contact, smile, and comment on something of mutual interest

■ Be a good listener

Informal Witnessing Gets Results!

• • While at a garage waiting for his car to be repaired, a brother witnessed to those around him and gave them handbills inviting them to the public talk. At a convention a year later, a brother he did not recognize greeted him warmly. It was one of the men to whom he had given a handbill at the garage the year before! The man had gone to hear the public talk and had turned in his name for a Bible study. Both he and his wife had been baptized.

• • A sister who learned the truth through informal witnessing considers her special territory to be the people she meets through her three children. Her territory includes neighbors and parents she meets at school and at meetings for parents. Whenever she introduces herself, she makes a simple but heartfelt statement that the Bible is a valuable aid to her in rearing her children, and then she moves on to some other topic. But having broken the ice, she finds it much easier to bring the Bible into subsequent discussions. By using this method, she has helped 12 persons to baptism.

• • When a sister was visited by an insurance salesman, she took the opportunity to give a witness. She asked him if he would like to be guaranteed good health, happiness, and everlasting life. He said yes and asked her which insurance policy she was talking about. She showed him the Bible’s promises and offered one of our publications, which he read in one evening. A Bible study was arranged. He began attending meetings and was later baptized.

• • While traveling by plane, a sister began talking with the woman seated beside her and was able to give a witness. At the conclusion of the flight, the sister gave the woman her address and phone number and encouraged the woman to ask for a Bible study the next time that Jehovah’s Witnesses visited. The very next day, two Witnesses called at the woman’s door. The woman started studying the Bible, made rapid progress, got baptized, and was soon conducting three Bible studies of her own.

• • A 100-year-old blind brother who lives in a nursing home often says, “We need the Kingdom.” This has led to questions from nurses and patients that enable him to explain what the Kingdom is. One of the women who works there asked him what he will do in the Paradise. He replied, “I will see and walk again and burn my wheelchair.” Since he is blind, he asks her to read the magazines to him. When the brother’s daughter visited, the worker asked the daughter for permission to take the magazines home. A nurse told the daughter, “Our new theme in the nursing home is: ‘We need the Kingdom.’ ”

• • A sister waiting in line at a restaurant overheard a group of elderly men sitting nearby who were discussing political issues. One man stated that the government cannot solve our problems. The sister told herself, ‘This is my chance.’ She said a brief prayer and approached them. After introducing herself, she told them about a government that will solve mankind’s problems, God’s Kingdom, and offered them a brochure that she had with her. Just then the manager approached. The sister thought he was going to ask her to leave. Instead, he told her that he had been listening and would like a brochure too. An employee who was also listening approached with tears rolling down her face. She was a former Bible student who wanted to resume her study.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 30

Song 96

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cf chap. 9 V17-21, box on p. 96

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 2 Kings 9-11

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Q Service Meeting:

Song 49

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: “Have You Used the Back Cover?” Audience discussion. Using a suggestion from the article, demonstrate how the September 1 Watchtower may be offered. Then choose one or two of the articles in the September Awake! and invite audience to suggest questions and scriptures that could be used in a presentation. Demonstrate how the Awake! may be offered.

20 min: “You Can Witness Informally!” —Part 2. Question-and-answer discussion of paragraphs 9-13 and the box on page 6.

Song 122

Have You Used the Back Cover?

When people pick up a magazine, they usually look at the cover then impulsively turn it over and glance at the back. The back cover of the public edition of The Watchtower has several interest-arousing questions and statements along with the page numbers indicating where the information can be found.

We can use this feature to get good ideas for introductory questions to start a conversation. If we work the territory frequently, we can vary our presentation by using different questions throughout the month. If a householder is busy, we could shorten our presentation by showing one of the questions on the back cover and saying, “If you would like to learn the answer, I can leave these magazines with you, and we can talk more when you have time.” Some publishers may want to start conversations by showing the back cover to the householder and inviting him to choose a question that interests him. Then they may point out where the answer is found and read a scripture chosen in advance. Perhaps you can think of other ways to use the back cover to stimulate interest in The Watchtower.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning August 30, 2010. The school overseer will conduct a 20-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of July 5 through August 30, 2010.

• 1. How will meditating on Solomon’ s inauguration prayer enhance our appreciation for Jehovah’s personality? (1 Ki. 8:22-53) [w05 7/1 p. 30 par. 3; it-2 p. 989 par. 4]

• 2. Why can it be said that despite his many mistakes, David walked before Jehovah “with integrity of heart”? (1 Ki. 9:4) [w97 5/1 p. 5 pars. 1-2]

• 3. Why did the queen of Sheba say concerning Solomon: “Happy are these servants of yours who are standing before you constantly, listening to your wisdom!”? (1 Ki. 10:4-8) [w99 11/1 p. 20 pars. 5-7]

• 4. What can we conclude from the fact that Jehovah ordered that Abijah be given a decent burial? (1 Ki. 14:13) [cl p. 244 par. 11]

• 5. What was significant about the timing of Elijah’s first visit to Ahab? (1 Ki. 17:1) [w08 4/1 p. 19, box]

• 6. What did Elijah mean by the expression “limping upon two different opinions”? (1 Ki. 18:21) [w08 1/1 p. 19 pars. 3-4]

• 7. As demonstrated in Elijah’s case, for what purpose does Jehovah use his power in connection with his servants? (1 Ki. 19:112) [cl pp. 42-43 pars. 15-16]

• 8. Why did Naboth refuse to sell his vineyard to Ahab, and what lesson can we learn from the event? (1 Ki. 21:3) [w97 8/1 p. 13 pars. 18-20]

• 9. In what way did the woman in Shunem ‘restrict herself’ in behalf of Elisha? (2 Ki. 4:13) [w97 10/1 p. 30 pars. 6-8]

• 10. Why did Elisha not accept Naaman’s gift? (2 Ki. 5:15, 16) [w05 8/1p.9par.2]

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 6

Song 69

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cf chap.10 ^1-10

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 2 Kings 12-15

No.1:2 Kings13:1-11

No. 2: Ways in Which We Can Receive Holy Spirit No. 3: Which Form of the Divine Name Is Correct, Jehovah or Yahweh, and Why Is It Important to Know and Use God’s Name? (rs p. 195 fl1-p.197W

Q Service Meeting:

Song 60

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Why We Are Not False Prophets. Audience discussion based on the Reasoning book, page 136, paragraph 2, to the end of page 137. Have one suggestion from page 137 demonstrated.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Interview one or two exemplary publishers who have served Jehovah faithfully for many years. How has the preaching work changed since they first started in the ministry? What Kingdom growth have they witnessed in the local area and worldwide? How has the organization helped them to progress as an evangelizer?

Song 121

Announcements

■ Literature offer for August: Keep on the Watch! or What Does God Require of Us? If the congregation does not have a supply of these brochures, offer any 32-page brochures that are in stock except How Can Blood Save Your Life?, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Education, and Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe? September: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Endeavor to start Bible studies on the initial call. October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, present the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? and endeavor to start a Bible study. November: The Bible—What Is Its Message?

■ Starting in September, circuit overseers will give the public talk entitled “Turn Your Eyes Away From Worthless Things!”

Field Service Highlights

In the United States, more than 1.1 million publishers made over 6.2 million return visits in April. Additionally, 2,227 individuals were baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah, and 23 new congregations were formed. We are also pleased to report the continued growth in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Six new all-time peaks were reported in April, including the peak of 250 publishers who conducted a peak of 710 Bible studies. What a joy to share in Jehovah’s great spiritual harvest!

What to Say About the Magazines

>41567 August 1

Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom

WATCIITO6ER September 1

Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom        ■

“What do you think people need in order to be happy? [Allow for response. Then turn to Matthew 5:3.] This is just one statement of Jesus on the subject of happiness. This article discusses what we learn from Jesus on how to find real happiness.” Feature the article that begins on page 16.

!wa#e! August

“A lot of movies today feature demons, sorcerers, and witchcraft. Do you think that demons are real? [Allow for response. Then read 1 Corinthians 10:20.] This article shows what the Bible says about demons and how we can protect ourselves from them.” Feature the article that begins on page 20.

Mention a news item of local concern. Then say: “Have you ever wondered why people do such bad things? [Allow for response.] The Bible gives us reason for hope. [Read 2 Peter 3:13.] This magazine shows what the Bible says about the causes of badness and how God will soon bring evil deeds to an end.”

!"#e$ September

“Do you think that cell phones, e-mails, chat rooms, and other modern ways to connect with people have alleviated loneliness or contributed to it? [Allow for response.] Here is one suggestion to help us cope with loneliness. [Read Acts 20:35.] This magazine gives additional practical advice from the Bible.”

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