Our kingdom ministry

APRIL 2012

WEEK STARTING APRIL 9

Song 123 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 19 fl1-5, boxes on pp. 149-150 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 22-24 (10 min.)

No. 1: Jeremiah 23:15-23 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Why Life in the New World Will Never Be Boring (5 min.)

No. 3: Applying Scriptural Counsel Can Improve a Marriage—rs p. 254 fl1-4 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 36

5 min: Announcements.

15 min: Make Good Use of the 2012 Yearbook. Use “A Letter From the Governing Body” as the basis for an introductory talk. Then, invite audience to relate encouraging developments or experiences from “Highlights of the Past Year.” Next, invite comments on outstanding aspects of the worldwide report. Conclude by encouraging all to complete their reading of the Yearbook.

15 min: “Three Tips for Improving Your Teaching.” Questions and answers. When considering paragraph 2, have a demonstration showing a publisher considering the first paragraph on page 3 of the Bible Teach book with a householder. After the publisher reads the quote from Job 10:15, he then gives a one- to two-minute explanation of who Job is. Afterward, ask the audience why this was not good teaching, even though the details he gave about Job were accurate.

Song 10 and Prayer

Three Tips for Improving Your Teaching

¹ All Christian ministers are teachers. Whether we are making the initial call, returning to further the interest, or conducting a Bible study, we are imparting information. And the information we teach is not ordinary.

• 1. Why should we seek to improve our teaching?

We are shedding light on “the holy writings,” which can make people “wise for salvation.” (2 Tim. 3:15) What an awesome privilege! Here are three tips for improving our teaching.

• ² Simplicity: When we know a subject well, it can be easy to forget how complicated the information may seem to someone who does not. So when conducting a Bible study, do not clutter your teaching with a lot of unnecessary details. Instead, highlight the main points. A lot of talking does not necessarily mean better teaching. (Prov. 10:19) It is generally best to read only the key scriptures. After reading a scripture, focus on the aspect under consideration. The Sermon on the Mount, recorded at Matthew chapters 5 to 7, contains very profound truths, and yet Jesus taught with simplicity and an economy of words.

• ³ Illustrations: Illustrations stimulate thinking, stir emotions, and aid in remembering. Do not feel that you must be a storyteller to give good illustrations. Jesus often used short, uncomplicated ones. (Matt. 7:3-5; 18: 2-4) Simple pictures drawn on a piece of paper can also be very useful. With a little forethought, you can come up with effective illustrations.

• ⁴ Questions: Questions require your student to think. Therefore, be patient after you ask a question. If you quickly give the answer yourself, you will not really know what your student understands. If he answers wrongly, it may be better to lead him to the correct conclusion with additional questions instead of simply correcting him. (Matt. 17:24-27) Of course, none of us are perfect teachers. Therefore, the Bible encourages us to pay constant attention to our teaching. Our doing so will bring everlasting benefits to us and to those listening to us.—1 Tim. 4:16.

• 2. How can we teach with simplicity?

• 3. What is the value of illustrations, and what kind are often the best?

• 4. How can we use questions effectively?

WEEK STARTING APRIL 16

Song 85 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 19 V6-11 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 25-28 (10 min.) No. 1: Jeremiah 27:1-11 (4 min. or less) No. 2: What Can We Learn From the Bible About Mary?—rs p. 254 fl5-p. 255 V2 (5 min.)

No. 3: What the Scriptures Say About Honoring the Elderly (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 90

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Develop Ability as a Teacher —Part 3. Talk based on the Ministry School book, pages 59-61.

20 min: “Jehovah’s Witnesses—Faith in Action, Part 1: Out of Darkness.” Questions and answers. Use the information in the first and last paragraphs for a brief introduction and conclusion.

Song 116 and Prayer

Jehovah’s Witnesses

—Faith in Action,
Part 1: Out of Darkness

In the Bible, light is associated with truth, whereas darkness is associated with falsehood. (Ps. 43:3; Isa. 5:20) Satan introduced darkness into the world when he deceived Eve, and eventually he plunged mankind into deep darkness. (Rev. 12:9) The video Jehovah’s Witnesses—Faith in Action, Part 1: Out of Darkness chronicles how spiritual light began to emerge from darkness. (Isa. 60: 1, 2) After viewing the video, can you answer these questions?

(1) How did deep darkness develop after the death of the apostles? (2) Beginning in the 1100’s, what developments helped people to discern that the church had gone off course? (3) Who were Henry Grew and George Storrs? (4) What events in the life of Charles Russell had a profound effect on him? (5) How did Brother Russell, his father, and a few acquaintances carry out their Bible study class, and what Scriptural conclusions did they come to? (6) How did this Bible study group come to merge with Nelson Barbour’s group, but what caused Brother Russell to withdraw? (7) What occurred in July 1879 that began a new era of spiritual light? (8) Thereafter, what did the growing number of Bible Students do to spread the good news? (9) Years in advance, what did the Bible Students expect to occur in 1914? (10) What challenges did the Bible Students face after Brother Russell died? (11) What did the Bible Students do after Brother Rutherford and his associates were released from prison? (12) How has viewing this video deepened your appreciation for Jehovah’s organization? (13) How has this video strengthened your determination to continue zealously preaching despite obstacles? (14) How could we use this video to help our relatives, Bible students, and others?

What a precious spiritual heritage those early Bible Students left for us! In a spiritually darkened world, they were courageous and zealous light bearers. May we imitate their example and “go on walking as children of light.”—Eph. 5:8.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 23

Song 45 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 19 ^12-20, box on p. 152 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 29-31 (10 min.)

No. 1: Jeremiah 31:15-26 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Does God Expect Christians to Keep a Weekly Sabbath? (5 min.)

No. 3: Was Mary Truly a Virgin When She Gave Birth to Jesus?—rs p. 255 ^3-4 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 130

10 min: Announcements. Take one to two minutes to point out a few of the articles in the May magazines that may have appeal in your territory. Next, using the cover series of The Watchtower, invite the audience to give suggestions on an interest-arousing question to ask, and then invite suggestions on a scripture to read. Do the same for the cover series of Awake! and, if time allows, for one other article from either magazine. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.

25 min: “Our District Conventions—Powerful Testimony to the Truth.” Questions and answers. Discuss applicable “2012 District Convention Reminders.” When considering paragraph 9, invite the service overseer to explain local arrangements for distributing the invitations.

Song 119 and Prayer

2012 DISTRICT CONVENTION

REMINDERS

■ Program Times: The program will begin at 9:20 a.m. all three days. The doors will open at 8:00 a.m. When the introductory music is announced, all of us should go to our seats so that the program can begin in a dignified manner. The program will conclude at 4:55 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 3:40 p.m. on Sunday. ■ Parking: At all convention sites where we control the parking, the spaces will be available to attendees at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Only those with a state-approved license plate or placard for the disabled will be allowed to park in the area reserved for them. Parking is usually limited, so carpooling should be done to the extent possible.

Our District Conventions

—Powerful Testimony to the Truth

¹ Ancient Israelites gathered three times a year for seasonal festivals. Although only the males were required to attend, often entire families traveled to Jerusalem to enjoy these happy conventions. (Deut. 16:15, 16) Such events gave opportunity to reflect on and discuss important spiritual truths. What are some of these truths? One is that Jehovah is a generous, loving Provider. (Deut. 15:4, 5) Another is that he can be relied on for guidance and protection. (Deut. 32:9, 10) Israelites could also reflect on the fact that as a people for Jehovah’s name, they must properly reflect his righteousness. (Deut. 7:6, 11) Today our annual district conventions benefit us similarly.

• ² The Program Shines Light on Truth: At our district conventions, we enjoy talks, dramas, demonstrations, and interviews that shine light on vital Bible truths. (John 17:17) Already, much work has gone into the up-

• 1. The seasonal festivals gave Israelites opportunity to reflect on and discuss what important spiritual truths?

• 2. How will the district convention program shed light on the truth?

■ Seat Saving: Seats may be saved only for those living in your home or traveling in your vehicle or for your current Bible students. —1 Cor. 13:5.

■ Noon Meal: Please bring a lunch rather than leave the convention site to obtain a meal during the noon break. A small cooler that can be placed under a seat may be used. Large family-size picnic coolers and glass containers are not permitted in the convention facility.

■ Donations: We can show our appreciation for the convention arrangements by making voluntary contributions to the worldwide work at the convention. Any checks should be made payable to “Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Beginning this year all conventions will accept debit/credit card donations in addition to cash and checks. coming convention. Jehovah’s organization is preparing a program that has been specifically designed to address the current needs of the worldwide field. (Matt. 24:45-47) Are you eager to see and hear what will be presented?

• ³ Of course, we will get the most benefit if we are present and pay close attention all three days. If you have not already done so, talk to your employer about taking time off from work. Be sure to get sufficient rest each night so that you can be alert during the program. Many find that keeping their eyes focused on the speaker and taking brief notes helps them remain attentive. Do not allow your cell phone or pager to disturb you

or others. Avoid talking, texting, eating, or drinking during the program.

• ⁴ In Sabbath years, when Israelite families congregated to hear the Law being read during the Festival of Booths, they had their “little ones” with them “in order that they may listen and in order that they may learn.”

• 3. What must we do to benefit from the program?

• 4. How can parents help their children benefit during the convention?

  Our good conduct while in the convention city adorns the truth

  
  

■ Accidents and Emergencies: If a medical emergency arises at the convention site, please contact a nearby attendant, who will immediately notify First Aid so that our qualified first-aid personnel can assess the seriousness of the situation and render assistance. If it is necessary, our first-aid personnel will call 911. This will prevent emergency-response services from receiving many cell-phone calls.

■ Medication: If you require prescription medication, please be sure to bring an adequate supply with you, since none will be available at the convention. Diabetic syringes and needles must be disposed of properly as hazardous waste and not in trash receptacles at convention venues and hotels.

■ Footwear: Each year a number of injuries occur that are related to footwear. It is best to (Deut. 31:12) How encouraging it is to see families sitting together during the convention and the young ones staying awake and paying close attention! Each evening, why not consult your notes and discuss together points from the program that you especially enjoyed? “Foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy,” so parents do well to supervise their children, including those in their teenage years, during the noon break and while at the hotel, rather than letting them be “on the loose.”—Prov. 22:15; 29:15.

⁵ Our Good Conduct Adorns the Truth: Our good conduct while in the convention city adorns the truth. (Titus 2: 10) Hotel personnel take note when a group follows hotel rules and demonstrates patience and graciousness with the staff. (Col. 4:6) When branch office representatives were negotiating with a hotel last year, the sales director told them: “We love to have your people come to our hotel because of the kind of people they are. They are so well-mannered and kind, and they always treat our staff and facility with such respect.”

• 5. How will our good conduct while at the hotel adorn the truth?

choose modest, well-fitting shoes that will allow you to walk safely on ramps, stairs, gratings, and so forth.

■ Hearing Impaired: The program will be broadcast in the auditorium on an FM radio frequency. To receive it, you will need to bring a small battery-operated FM receiver with earphones.

■ Baby Strollers and Lawn Chairs: Baby strollers and lawn chairs should not be brought to the convention site. However, child-safety seats are acceptable if they can be secured in a seat next to the parents.

■ Fragrances: Most conventions take place in enclosed areas with mechanical ventilation. Therefore, it would be loving on our partto limit the use of strong fragrances, colognes, and

• ⁶ When we wear our convention badge, this not only serves to advertise the convention and enable other delegates to identify us but also gives a witness to onlookers. People in the convention city will observe that those wearing a convention badge are dressed neatly and modestly, not with the unkempt and provocative styles common in the world. (1 Tim. 2:9, 10) Therefore, we should give attention to our dress and grooming while in the convention city, including when we check in at the hotel. Arriving in shorts and a T-shirt would not reflect dignity. Even if the convention is at an open-air stadium, our clothing should be dignified. If we choose to change clothes after the program concludes and go to a restaurant, we should remember that we are still convention delegates and should not dress in an overly casual manner.

• ⁷ At the seasonal festivals, the Israelites enjoyed upbuilding association with fellow worshippers from other parts of the nation

• 6. How can we adorn the truth by the way we dress while in the convention city?

• 7. What is one way to enjoy our Christian unity during the convention?

  Three weeks before the start of our convention, we will participate in a campaign to invite others to attend

  
  

perfumes that may cause reactions in people with respiratory or related problems.—1 Cor. 10:24.

■ Please Follow Up (S-43) Forms: A Please Follow Up form should be used to provide information regarding any interest found through informal witnessing during the convention. Publishers should bring one or two forms to the convention. Completed forms may be submitted to the Book Room or given to your congregation secretary on your return.—See the May 2011 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 3.

■ Restaurants: Honor Jehovah’s name by your fine conduct at restaurants. Leave a tip if this is customary.

■ Hotels:

(1) Please do not reserve more rooms than and the world, and this promoted unity. (Acts 2:1, 5) During district conventions our unique Christian brotherhood is on full display. This pleasant aspect of our spiritual paradise often impresses observers. (Ps. 133:1) Rather than leaving the facility during lunch to purchase food, how much better it is to bring a light lunch with us and take advantage of the opportunities to meet and converse with brothers and sisters sitting nearby!

⁸ Observers are often impressed by our well-organized and orderly conventions, especially when they learn that all the work is done by volunteers. Are you able to ‘offer yourself willingly’ to work at the convention? (Ps. 110:3) Entire families often volunteer to work as a way to train their children to give of themselves. If you are shy, working at the convention is a good way to meet other delegates. One sister remarked: “Except for my family and a handful of friends, I didn’t know many there. But when I helped with the cleaning, I met a lot of brothers and sisters. It was great fun!” Widening out our circle of friends

8. What reasons are there to volunteer to work if our circumstances permit?

you will actually use, and do not have more people stay in your room than what is allowed.

• (2) Do not cancel your reservation except for an emergency situation, and notify the hotel as soon as it occurs.—Matt. 5:37.

• (3) Please note that if you use a debit or credit card when registering at a hotel, it is standard practice for them to place a “hold” on enough funds in your account to cover your total room cost plus any possible damages or incidentals during your stay. You will not be able to use any of those funds until your account is settled within a few days after you depart.

• (4) Take a luggage cart only when you are ready to use it, and return it immediately so that others may use it. by assisting at the convention will bring us much joy. (2 Cor. 6:12, 13) If you have never volunteered, ask the elders how you can qualify to assist.

• ⁹ Invite Others to Hear the Truth: Three weeks before the start of our convention, we will, as in previous years, participate in a campaign to invite others to attend. Congregations will want to cover as much of their territory as possible with the invitation. (See the box “How Will We Offer the Invitation?”) Any leftover invitations should be brought to the convention. These will be used by delegates to witness informally while in the convention city.

• ¹⁰ Do people respond to this annual campaign? At one convention, an attendant helped a married couple find a seat. They told him that they received the invitation and “thought it looked interesting.” They drove over 200 miles to attend! In another case, a sister going from house to house gave the invitation to a man who seemed curious about the convention. So she took time to discuss the invitation with him. A few days later while attending the convention, the sis-

• 9. How will we invite others to attend the convention?

• 10. Relate experiences proving that our annual invitation campaign produces results.

• (5) Tip hotel workers when they carry your luggage, and leave a tip for the housekeeper each day.

• (6) Cook only in rooms where cooking is permitted.

• (7) Do not abuse any complimentary breakfast, coffee, or ice provisions that are made available for guests to consume while they are at the hotel.

• (8) Display the fruitage of the spirit in dealing with the hotel staff. They are caring for a large number of guests and appreciate our kindness, patience, and reasonableness.

• (9) Parents should supervise their children at all times around the hotel, including

How Will We Offer the Invitation?

In order to cover our territory, we may need to be brief. We might say something like this: “Hello. We are sharing in a global effort to distribute this invitation. Here is your copy. You will find more details on the invitation.” Be enthusiastic. When sharing in the distribution on the weekends, you should also offer the magazines when appropriate.

ter saw the man and one of his friends at the convention, and they were carrying one of the new releases!

¹¹ The seasonal festivals were a loving provision from Jehovah to help the Israelites “serve him in faultlessness and in truth.” (Josh. 24:14) Similarly, our attendance at our yearly district conventions helps us to “go on walking in the truth” and is a vital part of our worship. (3 John 3) May Jehovah bless the efforts of all lovers of truth to attend and benefit to the full!

11. Why is attendance at our annual district conventions important?

the swimming pool, lobby area, exercise room, and so forth.

• (10) The room rate shown on the Recommended Lodging List is the full price per day, excluding tax. If you are overcharged, refuse these charges and inform the Rooming Department at the convention as soon as possible.

• (11) If a problem arises with your hotel room, inform the Rooming Department while at the convention so they can assist you.

■ Volunteer Service: Any who wish to volunteer should report to the Volunteer Service Depar tment at the convention. Children under 16 years of age can work under the direction of a parent or guardian or other adult approved by a parent or guardian.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 30

Song 125 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 20 fl1-7, box on p. 156 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 32-34 (10 min.) Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 82

10 min: Announcements. Use the sample presentation on page 8 to demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in May.

10 min: How to Overcome Objections About Religion. Discussion based on the Reasoning book, page 330, paragraph 4, to page 333, paragraph 2. Have one or two suggestions briefly demonstrated.

10 min: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have Acts 4:1-13,18-20 read. Consider how this account can help us in our ministry.

• 5 min: “Two Coins of Little Value.” Talk.

Song 126 and Prayer

Two Coins of Little Value

One important way that we support Kingdom interests is by contributing financially to the worldwide preaching work. What if we are of limited means?

On one occasion Jesus saw a poor widow contribute to the temple treasury two coins of little monetary value. Love for Jehovah moved her to give “out of her want, ...allof what she had, her whole living.” (Mark 12:4144) Jesus took note, indicating that her contribution had great value in God’s eyes. Similarly, first-centur y Christians did not view the responsibility of providing financial support for the ministry to be the privilege of only wealthy Christians. The apostle Paul cited the example of the Macedonians who, despite “deep poverty . . . kept begging . . . with much entreaty for the privilege of kindly giv-ing.”—2 Cor. 8:1-4.

Therefore, if we can only contribute ‘two coins of little value,’ we should remember that many small contributions can add up to a large amount. Our giving from the heart will please our generous heavenly Father, for “God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Cor. 9:7.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning April 30, 2012. The date when each point is scheduled for discussion is included so that research can be done when preparing for the school each week.

• 1. Why is the Bible book of Jeremiah beneficial for us? [Mar. 5, si p. 129 par. 36]

• 2. How might Jehovah deliver us from persecution today? (Jer. 1:8) [Mar. 5, w05 12/15 p. 23 par. 18]

• 3. When and how did the anointed return to “the roadways of long ago”? (Jer. 6: 16) [Mar. 12, w05 11/1 p. 24 par. 12]

• 4. Why can it be said that there is “balsam in Gilead” today? (Jer. 8:22) [Mar. 19, w10 6/1 p. 22 par. 3-p. 23 par. 4]

• 5. In what way does Jehovah “feel regret” after pronouncing judgment? (Jer. 18: 7, 8) [Apr. 2, jr p. 151 box]

• 6. How did Jehovah fool Jeremiah, and what lesson can we draw from this? (Jer. 20:7) [Apr. 2, jr p. 36 par. 8]

• 7. In what sense were Israel’s enemies sanctified? (Jer. 22:6-9) [Apr. 9, it-2 p. 1166 par. 8]

• 8. Why could Jehovah rightly say to his ancient people: “I have drawn you with loving-kindness”? (Jer. 31:3) [Apr. 23, jr pp. 142-145 pars. 8-11]

• 9. How is God’s law written in hearts? (Jer.

31:33) [Apr. 23, w07 3/15 p. 11 par. 2]

• 10. What was the purpose of making two deeds of the same transaction? (Jer. 32:10-15) [Apr. 30, w07 3/15 p. 11 par. 3]

WEEK STARTING MAY 7

Song 120 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 20 ^8-15, box on p. 161 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 35-38 (10 min.) No. 1: Jeremiah 36:14-26 (4 min. or less) No. 2: Was Mary Always a Virgin?—rs p. 255 fl5-p. 256 ^2 (5 min.)

No. 3: Can the Actions of Humans Really Affect God’s Feelings?—Judg. 2:11-18 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 91

5 min: Announcements.

20 min: Have You Tried It? Discussion. By means of a talk, review information from these recent articles in Our Kingdom Ministry: “Do Not Hold Back” (km 10/11), “Direct Your Blows Wisely,” and “Preach to ‘People of All Sorts’” (km 1/12). Invite audience to comment on how they have tried to apply the suggestions in these articles and how they have benefited.

10 min: Local needs.

Song 14 and Prayer

Announcements

■ Literature offer for April and May: 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. When making return visits on those who attended the Memorial or other theocratic events but who are not actively associating with the congregation, concentrate on starting studies using the Bible Teach book. June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Endeavor to start Bible studies on the initial call. If householders already have the book and do not accept the offer of a Bible study, offer an older magazine or any brochure that addresses the person’s interest. July: Feature one of the following 32-page brochures: A Satisfying Life—How to Attain It, The Bible—What Is Its Message?, or Was Life Created? When making return visits, introduce the Bible Teach book or if more appropriate to the person’s needs, one of the brochures Listen to God or Listen to God and Live Forever, and try to start a Bible study.

■ The meeting schedule for the week preceding your district convention may be adjusted to review counsel and reminders about attending the convention. A month or two following your convention, a local needs part may be used to review convention points that the publishers have found to be helpful in the ministry.

■ Whenever your personal travel plans include attending a district convention in another land, you will find helpful information on the jw.org Web site by selecting the Conventions link under the Lookup tab.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in May

“Do you see religion as a force for love and peace or for hatred and violence? [Allow for response.] Let me show you something interesting on the subject.” Hand the householder the May 1 Watchtower, and consider together the material under the first subheading on page 16 and at least one of the scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

WATCHTO6ER May 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

“Many believe it’s good for religion to be involved in politics, whereas others feel that religion and politics shouldn’t mix. What do you think? [Allow for response.] Notice how Jesus reacted when people wanted him to become involved in the politics of his day. [Read John 6:15.] This magazine explains why Jesus responded the way he did and discusses the best way that Christians can help their community.”

!"#$ May

“Almost everyone we speak to has been dealt with unfairly at one time or another. Do you think there is a solution for injustice? [Allow for response.] Notice this prophecy about a ruler who will end injustice. [Read Psalm 72:11-14.] This magazine discusses the Bible’s promises for a more just tomorrow.”

Field Service Highlights

We are happy to report a new peak of 176 regular pioneers in the Bahamas during November 2011, an increase of 6 over the previous peak in September 2011. Also, when compared to the same month last year, the following increases in hours were reported: 5.8 percent in the Bahamas, 15.9 percent in Bermuda, 2.6 percent in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and 2.8 percent in the United States. These consistent increases reflect our heart’s desire to remain ‘steadfast and unmovable’ in the Lord’s work.—1 Cor. 15:58.

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