Our kingdom ministry

APRIL 2014

WEEK STARTING APRIL 14

Song 114 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 5 ^18-21, box on p. 55 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 11-14 (10 min.) No. 1: Exodus 12:37-51 (4 min. or less) No. 2: What Are Some Events Associated With the Presence of Christ?—rs p. 344 fl1-5 (5 min.)

No.3: Abner—Those Who Live by the Sword Die by the Sword—it-1 pp. 27-28 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 100

15 min: Make Good Use of the 2014 Yearbook. Discussion. Review “A Letter From the Governing Body.” Arrange in advance for some to relate an experience from the Yearbook that has been encouraging to them. Invite audience to comment on outstanding aspects of the worldwide report. Conclude by encouraging all to complete their reading of the Yearbook.

15 min: “Improving Our Skills in the Ministry—Being a Helpful Companion.” Discussion. Have two brief demonstrations showing a companion who is not helpful. After each one, invite the audience to comment on how the companion could have handled the situation better.

Song 45 and Prayer

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry—Being a Helpful Companion

Why Important: Jesus recognized the value of preaching with a companion. So when he dispatched 70 of his disciples to go ahead of him and preach, he sent them out in pairs. (Luke 10:1) A companion can provide needed support if his fellow publisher encounters a difficult situation or is unsure of how to answer a householder. (Eccl. 4:9, 10) He can share his experience and occasionally offer a suggestion that may help the one with whom he is working become a more effective evange-lizer. (Prov. 27:17) He can also encourage by means of his upbuilding conversation between doors.—Phil. 4:8.

How to Do It:

• • Pay attention when your partner is giving a witness. (Jas. 1:19) When a scripture is read, follow along in your copy of the Bible. This will put you in a better position to assist if needed.

• • Use good judgment to determine if and when you should join in the conversation. (Prov. 25:11) If you accompany another publisher on a Bible study, your occasional comments will likely be appreciated. However, when preaching from house to house, your service companion may prefer that you let him do the talking when it is his turn. Of course, if he is a new publisher or if he is not sure how to respond to a question or objection, he will likely appreciate your help. But whether you are accompanying a publisher in the house-to-house, return visit, or Bible study work, do not interrupt, take over the conversation, or introduce a different subject.

• • Share your experience. If, on occasion, you can give the publisher with whom you are working a suggestion to help him be more effective in the ministry, do not hold back. (Prov. 3:27) At an appropriate time, you might begin by saying: “How do you think that went?” or “May I offer a suggestion?” or “Here’s what I try to do.” Keep in mind that while others appreciate receiving a suggestion on occasion, they will be discouraged if every mistake is called to their attention.

Try This During the Month:

• • After working in the ministry with your field service partner, tell him what he said or did that made him a helpful companion.

  For United States of America

  
  

  km14 04-E Us Vol. 57, No. 4

  
  

WEEK STARTING APRIL 21

Song 132 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 6 ^1-8 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 15-18 (10 min.)

No. 1: Exodus 15:20-16:5 (4 min. or less)

No.2: Why Christians Are Not Required to Keep the Sabbath—rs pp. 345-346 ^3 (5 min.) No. 3: Abortion—Life Is a Precious Gift From God—it-1 p. 28 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 27

10 min: “Congregate the People.” Questions and answers.

10 min: “A Special Invitation.” Questions and answers. Give all in attendance an invitation, if available, and discuss its contents. Inform the congregation when their campaign will begin, and outline local arrangements for covering the territory. Have a brief demonstration.

10 min: “Maintain Your Conduct Fine Among the Nations.” Questions and answers. Also discuss applicable points from “2014 Convention Reminders” and the letter to all congregations dated August 3, 2013, regarding safety precautions when attending spiritual programs.

Song 125 and Prayer

“Congregate the People”

• ¹ Shortly af ter leaving Egypt, Jehovah instructed Moses to “congregate the people” at Mount Sinai to hear His words so that they might fear Him and instruct their sons in His ways. (Deut. 4:10-13) What a memorable and faith-strengthening occasion that must have been! During the next few months, Jehovah’s people will gather at district and international conventions to be instructed by Jehovah. What must we do in order to benefit to the full?

• ² “Be Ready”: Jehovah commanded the Israelites to “be ready” for that historic gathering at Mount Sinai. (Ex. 19:10, 11) Likewise, careful preparation is needed by all who will attend the conventions, not just by those who will have a part on the program. For example, many will need to arrange to take time off from their secular job. Perhaps your situation is similar to Nehemiah’s. He wanted to leave his work as King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer in order to go to Je-

• 1. District and international conventions have what similarities to a momentous gathering of the Israelites shortly after they left Egypt?

• 2. What must we do to “be ready” for our convention?

2014 Convention Reminders

■ Program Times: The doors to the building will open at 8:00 a.m. The introductory music will begin at 9:20 a.m. all three days. At that time, all of us should go to our seats so that the program can begin in a dignified manner. The closing song and prayer will be introduced at 4:55 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 3:50 p.m. on Sunday.

■ International Conventions: Some areas will host international conventions. Keep in mind that the branch office has invited specific congregations and foreign delegates after carefully calculating the number of seats, parking spaces, and hotel rooms available. Overcrowding may occur if publishers attend an international convention to which they have not been invited. If circumstances require you to attend a convention other than the one to which you are assigned, you should not choose an international convention.

■ Parking: At all convention sites where we control the parking, the spaces will be available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is usually limited, so carpooling should be done to the extent possible. Only those with a license plate or placard for the disabled will be allowed to park in the area reserved for such ones.

■ Seat Saving: When the doors to the facility are opened each morning, please do not rush to the seating area of your preference as if competing with fellow attenders. A selfsacrificing spirit that moves us to seek the

rusalem and help rebuild its walls, but he knew that the king might not be agreeable. Nehemiah said a prayer and then courageously presented his graciously worded request. The king allowed him to leave and even gave support to the building project! (Neh. 2:1-9) In addition to requesting time off from your employer, have you confirmed your travel arrangements and accommodations? The elders will be happy to help any who may need assistance. Plan to arrive early for each session, and be ready to “pay more than the usual attention” to what you will hear.—Heb. 2:1.

³ Another important facet of our readiness involves preparing our heart so that we may listen and learn. (Ezra 7:10) The convention program will be posted in advance on the jw.org Web site and will list the titles for all the talks along with one or two key scriptures for each one. This provides excellent material to consider during our Family Worship evening in the weeks leading up to our assigned convention. Some publishers print out the program and use it for taking brief notes during the convention.

• 3. What will help us to prepare our heart for the program?

good of others identifies us as true Christians and moves onlookers to praise God. (John 13: 34, 35; 1 Cor. 13:4, 5; 1 Pet. 2:12) Seats may be saved only for those living in your home or traveling in your vehicle or for your current Bible students. Special seating has been provided for the elderly and the infirm. Since this seating is limited, only one or two persons directly assisting the elderly or infirm individual may sit with him.

■ 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

• ⁴ ‘Teach Your Sons’: One of the stated purposes of the convention at Mount Sinai was for Israelite parents to “teach their sons.” (Deut. 4: 10) The convention gives parents an excellent opportunity to do the same. Parents should have their children sit with them during the sessions and help them pay attention. At the end of each day and later during their family worship, families can discuss the program together.

• ⁵ The momentous convention at Mount Sinai helped the Israelites to appreciate their unique privilege of being God’s people. (Deut. 4:7, 8) Our upcoming convention is designed to benefit us in a similar way. For three days we will be able to step out of the harsh wilderness of Satan’s world and enjoy spiritual refreshment and upbuilding association in our spiritual paradise. (Isa. 35:7-9) With Jehovah’s day drawing near, may we not forsake this opportunity to meet together for an interchange of en-couragement!—Heb. 10:24, 25.

• 4. How can parents use the convention to teach their children?

• 5. How will we benefit from attending the upcoming convention?

be made payable to “Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Donations can also be made by means of a debit or credit card.

■ 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 the convention facility or hotel.

■ Safety Precautions: Please be especially mindful of preventing potential injuries that can be caused by slipping and tripping. Each year injuries occur that are related to footwear, especially high-heeled shoes. It is best to 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 hear it, you will need to bring a

A Special Invitation

• ¹ If you were planning a special meal for friends or family, one that required much effort and expense to prepare, you would likely be enthusiastic when extending invitations. Similarly, much work has gone into preparing the spiritual feast that will be presented at our 2014 district and international conventions. Beginning three weeks before the start of our convention, we will have the privilege of inviting others to attend. What will help us to extend the invitations with enthusiasm?

• ² We will be moved to have a full share in the campaign if we reflect appreciatively on how much we personally benefit from the spiritual banquet that Jehovah provides at our conventions. (Isa. 65:13, 14) We should remember, too, that our annual campaign yields results. Some people we invite will attend the convention with us. Regardless of how many respond, however, our diligent efforts during

• 1. When will the invitation campaign for the 2014 conventions begin?

• 2. What will move us to have a full share in the campaign?

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 part to limit the use of strong fragrances, colognes, and 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. Completed forms may be submitted to the Book Room or given to your congregation secretary on your return home. the campaign will bring praise to Jehovah and reflect his generosity.—Ps. 145:3, 7; Rev. 22:17.

• ³ Each body of elders should determine how the congregation can give the invitations wide distribution, including whether to leave them at not-at-homes or offer them in public witnessing within the territory. On weekends the magazines should be offered along with the invitation when appropriate. If the first Saturday of the month falls within the dates of the campaign, emphasis should be placed on distributing invitations rather than on starting Bible studies. After the campaign concludes, how happy we will be to know that we participated enthusiastically and that we invited as many people as possible to join us at the spiritual banquet that Jehovah provided!

• 3. How will the invitations be distributed?

What Will You Say?

After giving a customary greeting, you might say: “We are involved in a global campaign to invite people to a very important event. The date, time, and address are printed on this invitation.”

■ Restaurants: Honor Jehovah’s name by your fine conduct at restaurants. Dress in a way that befits a Christian minister. Leave an appropriate tip if this is customary.

■ Hotels:

• (1) Please do not reserve more rooms than 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 so that others needing accommodations can use the room. (Matt. 5:37) If you do have to cancel your reservation, be sure to get a cancellation number. If you cancel a room less than 48 hours ahead of time, your deposit will not be refunded.

• (3) Please note that if you use a debit or credit card when registering at a hotel, it is standard practice for the hotel to place a hold on funds in your account to cover your to-

“Maintain Your Conduct Fine Among the Nations”

• ¹ We attract the attention of the public during our conventions each year, so it is important that by our conduct we properly represent the God we worship. (Lev. 20:26) Our good manners as well as our dress and grooming should clearly identify us as Christ’s true followers. As we attend the upcoming district or international conventions, how can we ‘maintain our conduct fine among the nations’ and thus give glory to our heavenly Father?—1 Pet. 2:12.

• ² Display the Christian Personality: The love we show toward one another and the way we deal with “those on the outside” stand in stark contrast to the dominant spirit of the world. (Col. 3:10; 4:5; 2 Tim. 3:1-5) We should be kind and patient when dealing with hotel personnel and restaurant workers, even if problems arise. Good manners also dictate that we

• 1. Why is it important for us to maintain good conduct during the upcoming conventions?

• 2. What opportunities to display the Christian personality will we have during the convention?

tal 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.

• (5) If it is the custom in your country, tip hotel workers when they carry your luggage, and leave a tip for the housekeeper.

• (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 by taking these items to the convention.

• (8) At all times, display the fruitage of the spirit when dealing with the hotel staff. They are caring for a large number of leave the customary tip for those providing personal services.

• ³ Parents should closely supervise their children at the convention site, in restaurants, and at the hotel. (Prov. 29:15) The manager of one hotel restaurant said to a couple: “We just love you people. Your families and your children are so well-mannered and polite. All the staff were talking, and we wish that you were staying here every weekend.”

• ⁴ Modest Dress: Our dress during the convention should be appropriate and modest, not reflecting the extreme styles common in the world. (1 Tim. 2:9) Even when checking in and out of the hotel and during times of leisure before and after the sessions, we want to avoid an overly casual or slovenly appearance. Thus we will be proud to wear our convention badge and not be embarrassed to give a witness when we have an opportunity. Our appearance and fine conduct while attending the upcoming conventions will not only attract honestheart-ed people to the Bible’s life-saving message but it will also bring joy to Jehovah.—Zeph. 3:17.

• 3. What reminder is given to parents, and why?

• 4. While in the convention city, what attention should we give to our appearance?

guests and appreciate our kindness, patience, and reasonableness.

• (9) Parents should supervise their children at all times around the hotel, including the elevators, 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 that they can assist you.

■ Volunteer Service: Any who wish to volunteer should report to the Volunteer Service Department at the convention. Children under 16 years of age can also make a fine contribution by working under the direction of a parent, guardian, or other adult approved by a parent or guardian.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 28

Song 35 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 6 ^9-15 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 19-22 (10 min.) Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 113

5 min: Start a Bible Study on the First Saturday. Talk. Outline local arrangements for field service on the first Saturday in May, and encourage all to have a share. Include a brief demonstration using the sample presentation on page 8.

15 min: “Exciting Design for New Tracts!” Questions and answers. Include a two-part demonstration showing how to offer one of the new tracts from house to house and then how to continue the conversation when making a return visit on someone who showed interest.

10 min: “New Video for Starting Bible Studies.” Talk. Play the video or its audio track for the audience. Invite audience to suggest other ways to use the video.

Song 75 and Prayer

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning April 28, 2014.

• 1. What enabled Joseph to flee from committing immorality with Potiphar’s wife? (Gen. 39:7-12) [Mar. 3, w13 2/15 p. 4 par. 6; w07 10/15 p. 23 par. 16]

• 2. How is Joseph a good example for those who face injustice and adversities? (Gen. 41:14, 39, 40) [Mar. 10, w04 1/15 p. 29 par. 6; w04 6/1 p. 20 par. 4]

• 3. What basis was there for Joseph to extend mercy to his brothers? [Mar. 17, w99 1/1 p. 30 pars. 6-7]

• 4. How did the tribe of Benjamin eventually fulfill the prophecy at Genesis 49:27? [Mar. 24, w12 1/1 p. 29, box]

• 5. What does Exodus 3:7-10 teach us about Jehovah? [Mar. 31, w09 3/1 p. 15 pars. 3-6]

• 6. How did Jehovah live up to one aspect of the meaning of his name in the days of Moses? (Ex. 3:14, 15) [Mar. 31, w13 3/15 pp. 25-26 pars. 5-6]

• 7. According to Exodus 7:1, how was Moses made “like God to Pharaoh”? [Apr. 7, w04 3/15 p. 25 par. 7]

• 8. Despite witnessing Jehovah’s saving power that delivered them from Egypt, what attitude did the Israelites later display, and what lesson can we learn? (Ex. 14:30, 31) [Apr. 14, w12 3/15 pp. 26-27 pars. 8-10]

• 9. Why does the expression “carry you on wings of eagles” appropriately express how Jehovah lovingly dealt with the young nation of Israel? (Ex. 19:4) [Apr. 28, w96 6/15 p. 10 par. 5-p. 11 par. 2]

• 10. How is it that Jehovah brings “punishment for the error of fathers” upon future generations? (Ex. 20:5) [Apr. 28, w04 3/15 p. 27 par. 1]

Exciting Design for New Tracts!

¹ Five new tracts were released at the 2013 “God’s Word Is Truth!” District Conventions. Additionally, Kingdom News No. 38, entitled “Can the Dead Really Live Again?” has been added to the series of tracts. All six of these tracts have an exciting new design. What are the reasons for the new format? When we offer them from house to house, how can we make good use of their design features?

• 1. What items for the ministry have an exciting new design?

• ² Why the New Design?: Effective house-to-house presentations often include these four steps: (1) Ask a viewpoint question to start a conversation. (2) Share a thought from the Scriptures. (3) Offer literature for the householder to read. (4) Leave a question to answer next time, and make arrangements to return. The tracts’ new design helps us easily to follow all four steps.

• ³ How to Use Them: (1) After giving a greeting, show the householder the intriguing multiple-choice question on the front of the tract, and ask for his opinion. (2) Open the tract, and consider “What the Bible Says.” Read the scripture directly from the Bible when circumstances allow. If the householder has time, discuss “What That Can Mean for You.” (3) Offer the tract, and encourage him to read the rest at his convenience. (4) Before you leave, show him the question on the back under “To Think About” and make arrangements to discuss the Bible’s answer next time.

• 2. What is the purpose of the new design?

• 3. How might we offer one of the new tracts in the ministry?

New Video forStarting

Bible Studies

A brief video entitled Why Study the Bible? is reaching a vast audience on jw.org. The video is designed to motivate interested people to accept our offer of a free Bible study. It can be accessed by selecting “Request a Bible Study” at the bottom of the home page or by scanning the QR (quick response) code printed on the back of each of our new tracts. Here are some ways that we can make good use of the video.

• When making a return visit, say to the householder: “May I show you a short video that explains how you can get answers to your Bible questions?” If he agrees, show him the video on your mobile device oron his own computer.

• ⁴ The return visit is easy too. Simply use the cited scriptures on the back of the tract to answer the question you raised at the conclusion of your last visit. Before you leave, point out the picture of the Good News brochure, show the householder the brochure and the designated lesson that contains more information on the subject, and offer the brochure. If he accepts it, make arrangements to discuss the brochure on your next visit. You have started a Bible study! Or instead of offering the brochure, you could offer another tract and arrange to return to discuss it with the householder.

• ⁵ Tracts have been used in our ministry for over 130 years. Although their size and format have varied, they have been a very effective witnessing tool. May we make good use of this new design to continue spreading Bible knowledge earth wide. —Prov. 15:7a.

• 4. How could we use the new tracts on the return visit?

• 5. What value do tracts have in our ministry?

• • Ifwe place one of the new tracts while engaging in informal or public witnessing, point out the QR code and encourage the person to scan it with his mobile device. Since in many languages the QR code takes you directly to the video on our Web site, it may be possible to play the video on the spot using your mobile device.

• • Tell coworkers, schoolmates, relatives, and other acquaintances about the video, and offer to show it to them. Or e-mail them a link to the video, and invite them to view iton their own.

By making use of this new provision, we may be able to start more Bible studies, spiritually assisting those who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life.”—Acts 13:48.

WEEK STARTING MAY 5

Song 33 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 6 V16-21, box on p. 65 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 23-26 (10 min.) No. 1: Exodus 25:1-22 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: There Is No Bible Record of Adam’s Keeping a Sabbath Day

—rs p. 346 fl4-p. 347 V2 (5 min.)

No. 3: Abraham—Abraham’s Early History Is an Example of Faith—it-1 pp. 28-29 V3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 117

10 min: Offer the Magazines During May. Discussion. Start by demonstrating how the magazines may be offered, using the two sample presentations on this page. Then analyze the sample presentations from beginning to end. Conclude by briefly encouraging all to become well-acquainted with the magazines and to share enthusiastically in offering them.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: How Did We Do? Discussion. Invite publishers to comment on how they benefited from the part “Improving Our Skills in the Ministry—Being a Helpful Companion.” Ask the audience to relate good experiences.

Song 103 and Prayer

Announcements

■ Literature offer for April: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. May and June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? or one of the following tracts: How Do You View the Bible?, How Do You View the Future?, What Is the Key to Happy Family Life?, Who Really Controls the World?, or Will Suffering Ever End? July: Feature one of the following 32-page brochures: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever.

■ The meeting schedule for the week preceding your district or international convention should be adjusted in order to review counsel and reminders from the insert in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry and the letter to all congregations dated August 3, 2013, regarding safety precautions when attending spiritual programs. A month or two following your convention, a local needs part may be used to review specific convention points that the publishers have found to be helpful in the ministry.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in May

“We are making brief visits to discuss this intriguing question. [Show the first question on the back of the May 1 Watchtower.] What’s your opinion?” Allow for response. Consider together the material under the question and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to discuss the next question.

WAT4HTO6I7 May 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

“We’re visiting briefly because many people are interested in what the future holds. When you think about the future, how do you feel? Are you confident, or are you worried? [Allow for response. Then read one of the scriptures from the box “What God Has Revealed About the Future.”] This magazine outlines some of the things that God says will happen and explains why we can be sure that they will occur.”

!"#$ May

“We’re making brief visits to help people manage their stress. Does it seem to you that people are more stressed today than they were in the past? [Allow for response.] Many have found that the practical advice found in the Bible helps them manage their stress. Here’s one example. [Read Matthew 6:34.] This magazine explains how Bible principles can help us to manage four common causes of stress.”

Note: This issue may be of special interest to businesspeople.

Field Service Highlights

We are pleased to report that during the month of October 2013 there were three new all-time peaks in regular pioneers: 161,892 in the United States, 3,198 in Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands. What a fine example these pioneers display in focusing on Kingdom interests!—Matt. 6:22.

and 57 in the

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