Our kingdom ministry

JUNE 2014

WEEK STARTING JUNE 9

Song 24 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 8 fl9-16 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Leviticus 1-5 (10 min.) No. 1: Leviticus 4:16-31 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Those Whom the Bible Refers to as “Saints”—rs p. 352 fl1-p. 353 fl1 (5 min.)

No. 3: Absalom—Physical Beauty, Pride, and Deceit Led to Ugly Events—it-1 pp. 32-33 fl1 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 2

15 min: Have You Tried It? Discussion. By means of a talk, briefly review information from these recent articles in Our Kingdom Ministry: “New Initiatives for Public Witnessing” (km 7/13), “Helping Those Who Are Not Yet Ready for the Bible Teach Book” (km 12/13), and “Magazine Routes—Useful for Starting Bible Studies” (km 1/14). Invite audience to comment on how they have benefited from applying the suggestions in these articles.

15 min: “August to Be a Historic Month of Activity!” Questions and answers by the service overseer. Distribute a copy of the new tract entitled Where Can We Find Answers to Life’s Big Questions? and discuss its contents. Outline local arrangements for covering the territory. As this campaign overlaps with the invitation to the convention, the tract and the handbill may be offered at the same time.

Song 107 and Prayer

August to Be a Historic Month of Activity!

A New Tract Will Be Distributed

Earth Wide

¹ The 100th anniversary of the birth of God’s Kingdom is approaching. How appropriate it is that we honor Jehovah by means

• 1. What special campaign will be held earth wide as we approach the 100th anniversary of the Kingdom?

of a special campaign! During August we will engage in an earth-wide distribution of a new tract entitled Where Can We Find Answers to Life’s Big Questions? This tract encourages readers to look to the Bible for the answers and explains how jw.org can help them.

• ² Loud Shout of Praise: To help publishers expand their ministry, a special provision has been made for any who wish to auxiliary pioneer in the month of August. During that month, baptized publishers will be allowed to auxiliary pioneer with a 30-hour requirement. Although the conventions are in August, there are still four Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and thus publishers who work secularly or go to school during the week may be able to auxiliary pioneer. If you have a progressive Bible student or a child who would like to become a publisher, speak to the coordinator of the body of elders right away. How encouraging it would be for such ones to join us as publishers during this momentous month! Although many regular pioneers take vacation during August after fulfilling their yearly hour requirement, it may be possible for them to adjust their schedule in order to have a full share in this special campaign. Now is the time for families to discuss how they will contribute to the “loud shout of praise to Jehovah” that will go up during August.—Ezra 3:11; Prov. 15:22.

• ³ Although we have engaged in similar campaigns in the past, we hope that this one will be historic. Can we reach new peaks in hours, publishers, and auxiliary pioneers during August? As we end the 2014 service year, may Jehovah bless the efforts of his people earth wide to make the month of August the greatest witnessing month ever!—Matt. 24:14.

• 2. How can we contribute to the “loud shout of praise to Jehovah” that will go up during August?

• 3. What is the hope regarding this special campaign?

  For Britain and Ireland

  
  

  km14 06-E Bi Vol. 57, No. 6

  
  

WEEK STARTING JUNE 16

Song 111 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 8 ^17-24, box on p. 86 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Leviticus 6-9 (10 min.) No.1: Leviticus 8:18-30 (4 min. or less) No.2: Why We Do Not Pray to “Saints” —rs p. 353 ^2-4 (5 min.)

No.3: Absalom—Put Away All Selfish Ambition and Hypocrisy—it-1 p. 33 fl2-p. 35 fl1 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 37

30 min: “Remember Those in Nursing Homes.” Questions and answers. When considering paragraph 4, have a brief demonstration showing two qualified publishers meeting with a director of activities to inquire about having a group study at the facility.

Song 90 and Prayer

Remember Those in Nursing Homes

¹ Many people are facing the debilitating effects of advancing age. (Eccl. 12:1-7) Some older ones live in nursing homes, so it is not always possible for us to reach them through house-to-house preaching. This is true even in lands where aging parents traditionally move in with their children or other relatives. Although perhaps limited in mobility or memory, elderly ones and others who live in nursing homes may still be able to learn about, appreciate, and come to love Jehovah. How can we reach out to share the good news of “the happy hope” with them?—Titus 2:13.

• 1. Why is there a need to reach those in nursing homes with the good news?

• ² Getting Sta rted: Usually a list of nursing-care facilities can be compiled by searching the local telephone directory. Check categories such as “nursing homes,” “group homes,” and “residential-care facilities.” The service overseer can take the lead in arranging for qualified publishers to visit each facility. With good planning and reliance on Jehovah, it is often possible to start a group Bible study.—Prov. 21:5; 1 John 5: 14, 15.

• ³ The manner in which the study is introduced depends on the type of facility. In large facilities with many residents and staff members, it is best to approach the receptionist and ask to speak with the director of activities. In small group homes for seniors—homes with a few residents and two or three caregivers—it may be best to schedule a time to speak directly with the owner of the home.

• ⁴ In either situation, explain that you are volunteering your time to encourage individuals who enjoy reading and discussing Bible accounts. Ask if there are any residents who might like to participate in a group Bible discussion for about 30 minutes a week. A variety of publications can be used, but many find that My Book of Bible Stories and The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived are well received. You may wish to show the publications to the director. The day, time, and meeting room location can be worked out with him or her and will typically be posted on an activities calendar in the nursing home. Do not shy away from identifying yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At the same time, help the di-

• 2. How can we compile a list of nursing-care facilities to visit?

• 3, 4. (a) Whom should we approach to introduce the group study? (b) How might we outline the study arrangement? rector to understand that you would not be coming to conduct a religious service but, rather, to promote Bible education.

  © 2014 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Our Kingdom Ministry is printed monthly by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain, The Ridgeway, London NW7 1RN (Registered in England as a Charity).

  
  

• ⁵ Conducting the Study: How you conduct the study depends on the circumstances and environment at the facility, so be flexible and discerning. The conductor should bring several copies of the publication being considered and should collect them at the end of the study. It may be necessary to bring enlarged copies of the material for some. Paragraphs can be read, questions can be asked, and responses can be given in our usual manner. Those willing and capable may be invited to read the paragraphs or Bible passages. During the study, be engaging, positive, and friendly. With the permission of the director, you can occasionally show one of the organization’s videos that builds faith in the Bible or highlights lessons from a particular Bible account. It may be possible to open and close the study with a simple prayer. Some publishers have even introduced Kingdom songs.

• ⁶ What if a resident objects to something that is read or stated during the study? Use discernment when you reply. (Col. 4:6) Perhaps you can share a brief Bible text that clearly addresses his concern. If it is not practical for you to do so, then it would be best to acknowledge his comment and offer to consider the matter with him separately after the study.

• ⁷ On occasion, a resident may ask a question or express a desire to learn more. One sister uses this approach: “That’s a very good question. But since that is your personal question, let’s wait until the end of our reading. Then you and I can discuss it

• 5. What practical suggestions will make the study enjoyable and beneficial?

• 6. How might an objection be handled?

• 7. What can you do if a resident has a personal question or shows exceptional interest? together.” It is often possible to arrange to conduct a personal Bible study with interested ones at another time and in a different setting.

• ⁸ It is usually best for the same Witnesses to conduct the group study at the facility each time. Any publishers who participate may count the time. Once the study is established, the publisher taking the lead may count one return visit every time the group study is conducted and one Bible study each month. Bible studies that are started with individual residents who are able to understand and learn may be counted in the usual way.

• ⁹ Keeping It Going: It is best to have a set day and time for the group study. The residents and staff will expect it to be held regularly and to start and end on time. (Matt. 5:37) Therefore, commitment, diligence, and orderliness are required. Experience has shown that it is best if two qualified publishers work together to conduct the group study. (Eccl. 4:9, 10) In large facilities, more publishers might be needed.

• ¹⁰ Friendliness and personal interest are also important. (Phil. 2:4) On the first visit, take time to meet each resident who attends. Make note of and try to memorize their names before the next study. However, some older people are offended if someone they do not know addresses them by their first name. Patience and compassion will make everyone feel welcome and appreciated.

• ¹¹ It is also essential to demonstrate respect for and show kindness to the facility staff and family members of the residents. Once the study arrangement is set, it is wise

• 8. How should group studies and any personal Bible studies that result be counted?

• 9, 10. What qualities are necessary for those involved in this work? Explain.

11. How can those conducting the group study show respect for the staff and family members of the residents?

not to change the time or format without first discussing it with the director. From time to time, ask the director for input on how the study is going. When family members visit during the study, take the initiative to meet them. Explain to them the purpose of the Bible study activity. Reassure them of your sincere interest in their family member. Invite them to sit in and listen to the study.

• ¹² Results: Traveling overseers and congregations report encouraging results from this avenue of service. In one case, about 20 residents attended the first discussion. This led to individual Bible studies with six residents. One was eventually baptized. A study in another home motivated an 85-year-old woman to associate with the local congregation and express her desire to be baptized. When one facility decided to consolidate its activities—eliminating the group study conducted by Jehovah’s Wit-nesses—the residents complained to the facility director! Eventually the study was started again and thereafter between 25 and 30 people attended.

• ¹³ The love we show to those in nursing homes leaves a deep impression on more than just the residents. For example, it is not unusual for staff members to sit in on and even participate in the study. The effort we put forth to show personal interest to those in nursing homes also gives a favorable witness to the community. (1 Pet. 2:12) After being told the purpose of the study, one administrator said: “What took you so long? When can you start?” Another director wrote: “I would heartily recommend this group study to any nursing-care facility in the area. Jehovah’s Witnesses provide this free service as part of their ministerial work in the community.” One nursing home in Hawaii gave Jehovah’s

12, 13. Relate experiences illustrating the benefits of witnessing in nursing homes.

Witnesses a Volunteer Service Award that described the volunteers as a “priceless treasure” to those in that facility.

¹⁴ The elderly are invited by Jehovah to praise him. (Ps. 148:12, 13) That invitation includes those in nursing homes. Are there nursing homes within your territory where elderly ones would benefit from hearing the good news? With the help of the local elders and the nursing-home directors, we may be able to give a good witness to those in nursing homes. When we remember those of advancing years, we imitate Je-hovah.—Ps. 71:9, 18.

• 14. Why should we want to reach out to assist those in nursing homes?

Group Discussions at a

Nursing Home

• Check in with the receptionist and director of activities when you arrive for the scheduled session.

• • Bring enough copies of the study publication for the group. Carry the publications in a dignified bag, and collect them following the study.

• • Be relaxed, friendly, and outgoing. Use the residents’ names.

• • Read and discuss one paragraph at a time.

• • Use short questions. Warmly commend all for their comments.

• • Deferdoctrinal orcontroversial questions to a time and setting where they can be considered privately with the inquirer.

• • Answer questions from staff and family members in a simple, direct manner.

• • Take advantage of opportunities to start personal Bible studies with residents, relatives, and staff members.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 23

Song 109 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study: cl chap. 9 fl1-7 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Leviticus 10-13 (10 min.) No. 1: Leviticus 12:1-13:8 (4 min. or less) No. 2: The Truth About Venerating Relics and Images of “Saints”—rs p. 354 fl1-p. 355 V1 (5 min.)

No. 3: Abusive Speech—Abusive Speech Is Displeasing to Jehovah—it-1 p. 35 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 82

10 min: The Literature Offer for July. Discussion. Briefly consider features of the literature that will be offered. Have one or two demonstrations.

20 min: “How to Help Those Who Have Difficulty Reading.” Questions and answers.

Song 55 and Prayer

How to Help Those Who Have Difficulty Reading

• ¹ Householders who have difficulty reading may be interested in spiritual things, but they could be intimidated by the Bible and other books. Offering such people the Bible Teach book, at least initially, may meet with little success. How can we help them spiritually? We asked experienced publishers from over 20 different countries what they do. Their suggestions follow.

• ² If the student has limited or no reading ability, you might start with a bro-

• 1. Teaching the Bible to those who have difficulty reading presents what challenge?

• 2. What tools are effective in helping someone who has difficulty reading? chure, either Listen to God or Listen to God and Live Forever. One pioneer from the United States shows the person both brochures and asks which one he is more comfortable with. The branch office in Kenya reports that these tools have been very effective there because in African society, people are traditionally taught through storytelling rather than question-and-answer discussions. Whereas an educated person might easily accept reading and questioning, that method might make someone with little formal education uncomfortable. If the student has some reading ability, many publishers like to start in the brochures Good News From God! or You Can Be God’s Friend! or perhaps My Book of Bible Stories.

³ Commend: Those who have not learned to read may feel embarrassed, and many have low self-worth. Helping them feel comfortable is often the first step toward teaching them the truth. Most people who cannot read are intelligent and are able to learn. Show them due respect, and treat them with dignity. (1 Pet. 3: 15) They will be motivated to continue the study if they feel that their efforts are worthwhile and that they are making spiritual progress. So be generous in commending them.

⁴ Even if the student has limited reading ability, encourage him to prepare for his study. Some publishers in South Africa encourage their students to ask a family member or friend who can read well to help the students. A publisher in Britain motivates his students to prepare by letting them use his book for a few

• 3. What insights regarding those who cannot read will help us to be effective in teaching them?

• 4. How can we encourage those with limited reading ability to prepare for the study? paragraphs during the study so that they can see how much easier it is to find the answers when they are underlined. One brother in India encourages his students to look at the pictures in the lesson for the next week and meditate on them in advance.

• ⁵ Be Patient: Regardless of the publication you use, focus on the main points, and help your student to understand them well. In the beginning, discussions of 10 to 15 minutes may be best. Do not try to cover too much material, perhaps just a few paragraphs each session. Be patient if the student reads slowly. He will likely be motivated to improve his reading ability as he develops appreciation for Jehovah. To help your student do that, it is good to invite him to attend the meetings from the start.

• ⁶ If Bible students learn how to read, they will make faster spiritual progress. (Ps. 1:1-3) Many have helped their students by using the publication Apply Yourself to Reading and Writing for a few minutes at the end of each study. If the student gets discouraged, perhaps you can build up his confidence by pointing out some things that he was able to learn how to do. Assure him that Jehovah will bless his efforts, and encourage him to pray for help. (Prov. 16:3; 1 John 5:14, 15) Some publishers in Britain encourage their students to set reasonable but progressive goals—perhaps first mastering the alpha-

• 5. How can we demonstrate patience when conducting the study?

• 6. How can we help individuals learn how to read?

  Those who have not learned to read may feel embarrassed, and many have low self-worth.

  Helping them feel comfortable is often the first step toward teaching them the truth

  
  

bet, then finding and reading selected scriptures, and finally reading from simplified Bible publications. Helping people learn how to read often involves motivating them to want to do it, not just teaching them how.

⁷ Jehovah does not look down on those with little secular education. (Job 34:19) It is the person’s heart that Jehovah is searching. (1 Chron. 28:9) So do not hold back from introducing the truth to those who have difficulty reading. You have many excellent tools that you can start with. Eventually, you can transfer the study to the Bible Teach book and give him a more rounded understanding of the Scriptures.

• 7. Why should we not hold back from introducing the truth to those who have difficulty reading?

If the householder cannot read, try this:

• • Initially use Listen to God, Listen to God and Live Forever, or anoth-ersuitable publication.

• • Treat him with dignity, and commend generously.

• • Keep discussions brief, and do not try to cover too much material.

• • Help him develop his reading skills.

As he demonstrates appreciation for the truth and an appetite for learning, you may be able to transfer the study to the Bible Teach book.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 30

Song 5 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 9 ^8-20 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Leviticus 14-16 (10 min.)

Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 58

10 min: “Prompt Follow-Through Needed.” Talk. Afterward, briefly demonstrate how to start a Bible study on the first Saturday in July using the sample presentation on page 8.

20 min: Personal Study Makes Strong Ministers. Discussion based on the Ministry School book, pages 27-32. Interview a publisher who is known for his good study habits.

Song 69 and Prayer

Prompt Follow-Through Needed

Since our redesigned Web site was launched, online requests for Bible studies have increased dramatically. Additional requests have been generated by new public witnessing initiatives. The branch office processes these as quickly as possible. For example, if a request is made on jw.org, the elders in the interested person’s territory often receive notification from the branch office just two days later. Reports from the field indicate, however, that some who request a Bible study have not been contacted for several weeks. How can we ensure that help is given before the person’s interest fades?—Mark 4:14, 15.

If a person who does not live in your territory shows interest, promptly fill out a Please Follow Up (S-43) form and give it to the secretary no later than your next meeting. Within a day or two, the secretary should give the information to the appropriate congregation or submit it to the branch office using the Congregation tab on jw.org. Elders should check the Web site regularly. If they receive a notice to call on someone, they should follow through quickly. Any publisher asked to make the call should consider it a priority. If the person is not at home, perhaps you could leave a note with your contact information.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning June 30, 2014.

• 1. Why is the principle recorded at Exodus 23:2 so important when choosing entertainment and recreation? [May 5, w11 7/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 3-7]

• 2. How serious was the command requiring priests to wash before offering sacrifices to Jehovah, and how does it serve as a strong reminder for God’s servants today? (Ex. 30:18-21) [May 19, w96 7/1 p. 9 par. 9]

• 3. Why was Aaron not punished for making the golden calf? (Ex. 32:1-8, 25-35) [May 19, w04 3/15 p. 27 par. 4]

• 4. How does the Christian view of courtship and marriage relate to God’s forbidding Israelites to marry people who worshipped other gods? (Ex. 34:12-16) [May 26, w89 11/1 pp. 20-21 pars. 11-13]

• 5. Why is the experience of Bezalel and Oholiab particularly encouraging to us? (Ex. 35:30-35) [May 26, w10 9/15 p. 10 par. 13]

• 6. “The holy sign of dedication” on the turban worn by Israel’s high priest provided what reminder, and what does this sign teach us about dedication? (Ex. 39:30) [ June 2, w01 2/1 p. 14 pars. 2-3]

• 7. What responsibility do all Christians have in reporting the serious wrongdoing of a fellow Christian? (Lev. 5:1) [June 9, w97 8/15 p. 27]

• 8. What important role did communion sacrifices play in Israel’s day, and what does this provision symbolize for us today? (Lev. 7:31-33) [June 16, w12 1/15 p. 19 pars. 11-12]

• 9. What may have been involved in the sin of Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu, and what lessons do we learn from this account? (Lev. 10:1, 2, 9) [June 23, w04 5/15 p. 22 pars. 6-8]

• 10. Why did childbirth make a woman “unclean”? (Lev. 12:2, 5) [ June 23, w04 5/15 p. 23 par. 2]

WEEK STARTING JULY 7

Song 99 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 9 V21-24, box on p. 96 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Leviticus 17-20 (10 min.) No. 1: Leviticus 19:19-32 (4 min. or less) No.2: Why Spirit-Anointed Christians, or “Saints,” Are Not Free From Sin—rs p. 355 V2 (5 min.)

No.3: Abyss—What the Bible Says About the Abyss—it-1 pp. 35-36 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 14

10 min: Offer the Magazines During July. 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: What Did We Accomplish? Discussion by the secretary. Outline what was accomplished during the Memorial season, and commend the congregation for its activity. Invite audience to relate experiences enjoyed while distributing Memorial invitations or while serving as auxiliary pioneers.

Song 123 and Prayer

Announcements

September: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines.

■ Beginning with the classes that will be held toward the end of the 2014 service year, the Pioneer Service School will be taught in six days, Monday to Saturday.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in July

“How do you think God feels about our prayers? Do you think he values them or merely tolerates them?” Allow for response. Show the back of the July 1 Watchtower, and consider together the material under the first question and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to discuss the next question.

>415067 July 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom    "    *

“Since God is almighty, do you think that he should be held responsible for all the bad things that happen in the world? [Allow for response. Then read James 1:13.] This magazine explains why bad things happen and what God will do to end evil and suffering.”

!"#$ July

“Sooner or later, almost everyone is faced with some type of tragedy, such as a natural disaster, a life-threatening illness, or the death of a loved one. When these things happen, do you think that it’s important to maintain a positive attitude? [Allow for response.] Many people have found the Bible to be helpful in coping with tragedies. [Read Romans 15:4.] This magazine explains how the Bible can help us when we experience a tragedy.”

■ Literature offer for June: What Does the Bible Really Teach?, or any tracts available. July: Good News From God! or one of the following 32-page brochures: Does God Really Care About Us?, A Book for All People, The Bible—What Is Its Message?, or What Is the Purpose of Life? How Can You Find It? August: Special campaign distribution of the new tract Where Can We Find Answers to Life’s Big Questions? to advertise the jw.org website, in conjunction with the invitation campaign for the convention.

Field Service Highlights

In spite of appalling flood conditions affecting many parts of the country, January proved to be an excellent month for field service. Over 2 million hours were spent in the ministry, 59,029 home Bible studies were reported and 1,760,181 magazines were placed. What a remarkable achievement! Added to this was

yet another all-time peak in regular pioneers—12,109! Ireland, too, reported another new peak of 745 regular pioneers.

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