OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY <          J

JUNE 1987

Vol. 30, No. 6 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

JUNE 1-7

Offering booklets

• 1. What point(s) will you feature, and why?

• 2. How will you introduce the offer?

JUNE 8-14

Evening witnessing

• 1. What points should be kept in mind?

• 2. How will you approach householders?

JUNE 15-21

Increasing our activity

• 1. How might we assist one another to stay out longer today?

• 2. How can we make the best use of our time?

JUNE 22-28

How might we improve the quality of our ministry in the

• 1. House-to-house work?

• 2. Return visit work?

• 3. Bible study activity?

JUNE 29-JULY 5

How will you

• 1. Present the literature offer today?

• 2. Stimulate interest in a home Bible study?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Who Is God?

John 17:26—Why Jesus made known God’s name.

Ps. 83:18—What God’s name is.

’ Jeho^vah’s people have gladly followed Jesus’ command to “make disciples of people of all the nations." (Matt. 28:19) Over the years, we have used various means to get penpip in-teresteiTrn~ theTTingdom message. We have appealed to them to study God’s Word and exercise faith in the Kingdom promise. Books and magazines have been the hatir mpssagp carriers, but booklets, too, have played their part in helping to make disciples.

² Our June, literature offer will be five booklets for 25c. Even publishers with limited experience will find it easy to make this offer, and many booklets will undoubtedly be placed. The important thing to have in mind is that our booklets can help make disciples. If possible, each set of five should include at least one of the following three booklets: A~Secure future—How You Can Find It, Is There a God Who Cares? and There Is Much More to Life! Our aim is to start Bible studies with those wKb take the booklets, and these three have been especially designed for that purpose.

HOW WILL YOU PRESENT THE BOOKLETS?

³ It is best to feature only one booklet in making your presentation. When talking with someone who is disturbed about the growing uncertainty of life today, show him the front cover of the booklet A Secure Future—How You Can Find It and Mjj: if hp fepl° that nueh o-futttre re possible. Help him see that despite the problems men have created for the earth, conditions like those depicted on the cover are what the Bible promises. The booklet contains information regarding that Bible-based hope.

¹1f you prefer to use the booklet ThereIsMuch MoreJ^Life! you could say ^“Although many people today see life only from the standpoint of day-to-day living, some want to know from where we came, what the meaning of life is’ and what the future holds. Perhaps you have wondered about these matters. If so, you will be pleased to learn the Bible’s answer to life’s problems as they are explained in this booklet.”

⁵ Is There a God Who Cares? asks a question that is.on the minds~of many. When featuring this booklet, you could say: “In talking with people in the neighborhood, we are finding that there are some who have doubts as to God’s existence. Other persons feel that if there is a God whoxai£S. why would he permit humans to experience iintnld grjpf Mini I'llHwng¹' Phis booklet presents evidence to show that God does exist and that he cares for mankind. It offers a real hope for the future.”

⁶ You may prefer to use other presentations that are just as effective forvoii. ICeep in mind that our objective is to make discipjes, and placing booklets is a means Io that end. Jesus went Oh to say that making disciples should include “teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." Make the starting of new home Bible studies your goal in June, exercising faith in Jesus’ further words, “Look! I am with you.”—Matt. 28:20.

• ³ A Secure Future—How You Can Find It is designed primarily for those who believe the Bible but who are cnncprnpd with the growing uncertainty of life. It shows how security is possible both now and in the future for those who learn and apply Bible teachings.

• ⁴ There Is Much More to Life! offers encouragement to those who have been inclined to view life only from the§tandp~oi~nt of day-to-day living. Others want to know from where man came, the meaning of life, and what the future holds. This booklet is very timely for them also. Interest in this subject is not limited to any one age group. The material presented deals with questions that plague many today and gives satisfying answers.

• ⁵ Is There a God Who Cares? (Continued on page If, col. 3)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

NOTE: Our Kingdom Ministry will schedule a Service Meeting for each week during the summer. Congregations may make adjustments as needed to allow for attending the district convention and then for a 30-minute review of the program highlights at the Service Meeting the following week. The day-by-day review may be assigned in advance to two or three qualified brothers who will be able to focus in on key points. This well-prepared review will help the brothers to remember key points for personal application and use in the field. Any experiences used or occasional comments from the audience should be brief and to the point.

WEEK STARTING MAY 31

Song 32

5 mln: Local announcements. Suggest that any tracts left over be used up in the early part of June.

20 min: “Booklets to Help Us Make Disciples.” Discussion of article with some audience participation. Have three demonstrations of placing booklets as suggested in paragraphs 3 to 5.

10 min: “Include Meetings in Your Vacation Plans.” Discuss article with audience, making it clear how one may find addresses of Kingdom Halls when away from home. Invite expressions showing how some have benefited from meeting with other congregations during vacation periods.

10 min: “Will You Cling to the Truth?” Talk based on article in March 15,1987, Watchtower.

Song 71 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 7

Song 156

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage all to share in magazine work on Saturday. Accounts report, including Society acknowledgments of contributions sent in during May.

20 mln: “Do You Want to Conduct a Bible Study?” After question-and-answer coverage of article, have well-prepared publisher demonstrate how to start a study in a booklet on initial call. After booklet offer is accepted, publisher can display A Secure Future—How You Can Find It and say: “This is a subject that just about everyone is interested in these days. Wouldn't you say so? Notice what the booklet says on page 3." (Read opening paragraph and then ask question on paragraph.) In conversational manner, draw householder’s attention to what Isaiah 32: 17, 18 says about security and ask: “Do such conditions appeal to you?” Chairman can point out that such an informal approach may allow for continued discussion of additional paragraphs and starting a study.

In another demonstration, show a return visit on someone who previously took set of booklets including Is There a God Who Cares f Publisher starts conversation by mentioning that when he called before he did not have time to point out some of the features of the booklet. Using his own copy of booklet, publisher draws attention to questions at the bottom of page 3 and comments on conditions that cause people to be concerned about whether God cares about mankind. Mentions to householder that the questions are designed to make the reader reason on the subject and suggests they go over a few njore paragraphs.

15 min: What Drew You to Serve Jehovah? Experiences from selected publishers relating what appealed to them about the truth and caused them to want to serve Jehovah. Discuss with publishers in advance so they have specific and upbuilding points in mind.

Song 181 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 14

Song 123 1j?min: Local announcements.

2'd^nin: “Auxiliary Pioneering—A Door to Greater Activity.” Question-and-answer coverage. Include opportunities for regular or auxiliary pioneers to comment on how pioneering has helped them stay close to Jehovah and improve their relationship with him.

15 min: “Do Yml Always Get the Point?” Talk on article in the April 1, 1987, Watchtofbe\

Song 128 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 21

Song 129^

10 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to share in magazine work on Saturday. Demonstrate 30-second presentation featuring one of current magazines.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News f —In Evening Witnessing.” Question-and-answer discussion. When discussing paragraph 3, have prepared publisher demonstrate a presentation for evening witnessing, highlighting points mentioned in the Reasoning book and November 1985 Our Kingdom Ministry. When considering paragraphs 4 and 5, outline precautions to take in view of local circumstances, considering some points found in April 1985 Our Kingdom , Ministry, page 8.               Z2 J

15 min: Local needs or Train Your 4 Child From Infancy. Talk by qualified elder based on article in May 22, 1987^r, Awake!

Song 162 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 28

Song 193

10 min: Local announcements andj/ Theocratic News. Include highlights' from June 1,1987, Watchtower article “A New School to Open!”

20 min: How Attending Conventions £ Over the Years Has Strengthened My Faith. Interview several of the more experienced and appreciative publishers, drawing from them experiences of attending conventions and the benefits derived. May also consult Watch Tower Publications Index for appropriate encouraging experiences.

15 min: Offer for July—Live Forev-d er book. Demonstrate current Topic for Conversation and transition into offer for the month. (See pe p. 41 par. 18.) Also, ask audience for suggestions on points they have used effectively in placing the book. Briefly discuss appropriate presentations for holiday weekend. Encourage full participation in field service on Saturday and on first Sunday of July.

Song 92 and concluding prayer.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace”:

June 7: Chapter 11

June 14: Chapter 12

June 21: Chapter 13

June 28: Chapter 14

Announcements

• Literature offer for June: Five older 32-page booklets for 25e. If possible, include in each set one of the following: A Secure Future—How You Can Find It, Is There a God Who Caresf or There Is Much More to Life! July: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth for contribution of $2.50. Small-size edition is $1.25. August: One of the following 32-page magazinesize brochures may be offered for a contribution of 30e: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making All Things New," The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, and The Government That Will Bring Paradise. September: Life—How Did It Get Here! By Evolution or by Creation! for contribution of $2.50.

• • Congregations may request credit for booklets placed over the counter with publishers and pioneers for use in the June offer of five booklets.

• • The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit congregation’s accounts on June 1 or as soon as possible thereafter.

• • It is suggested that everyone read Joshua 1:1-10:15 in preparation for one of the dramas to be presented at the “Trust in Jehovah” District Convention.

• • Since the convention this year will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the regular Congregation Book Study will be conducted during the convention week.

• • New Publications Available:

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

—Estonian, Tokelauan

• • New Cassette Recordings Available: Isaiah (set of four; congregation and public: $6.00; pioneers: $5.00)

—English

• • Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

Kingdom News No. 30

—English, Spanish Kingdom News No. 31

—English, Spanish Kingdom News No. 32

—English, Spanish Kingdom News No. 33

—English, Spanish

• ¹ “Now that I have made arrangements for my vacation, how can I locate the nearest Kingdom Hall?” Does that question come up at times when you plan a vacation? Many find that some of their most memorable experiences on vacation are enjoyed when they attend meetings and share in field service with the local congregation. This helps them to “wid;. en out” in their hearts, resulting in a greater appreciation “for the whole association of brothers.”—2 Cor. 6: 11-13; 1 Pet. 2:17.

• ² You may travel to areas where you are already acquainted with the local congregation because of previous visits. But how can you locate the nearest congregation when you have

  Auxiliary Pioneering—A Door to Greater Activity

  
  

• ¹ Jehovah’s people eagerly look forward to a future when we will be under God's Kingdom rule only, free from the burdens of this system of things. What sheer pleasure we will experience in waking up each morning to contemplate the prospect of spending all of our time, energy, and strength directly in Jehovah’s service, transforming the earth into a paradise, instructing resurrected ones in Jehovah’s ways, or engaging in other worthwhile theocratic activity!

• ² Even now, Jehovah’s people in ever-increasing numbers are getting a foretaste of the joys of serving Jehovah full-time. In recent years, many have found that their circumstances allow for taking up the pioneer work. These have reasoned that in this way they are able to be more fully occupied in Jehovah’s service. They have offered themselves willingly and are seeking to have a greater share in Kingdom service during this period of ingathering.—Ps. 110:3.

PROGRESSIVELY EXPANDING YOUR MINISTRY

• ³ In anticipation of the greater activity we hope to share in, many are making wise use of stepping-stones that progressively enable them to expand their Kingdom service. One such stepping-stone is the auxiliary pioneer service. Many who have taken up this activity have been richly blessed in seeing “that Jehovah is good.” (Ps. 34:8) They have been moved to submit a second auxiliary pioneer application with a little check in the box indicating that not been in that area before? Some local newspapers give the Kingdom ffall address along with meeting times. The local telephone directory may have a listirig'un’der “Jehovah’s Witnesses” or “Kingdom Hall.” Otherwise, you may find a policemanpostman. or other knowledgeable resident who can either direct you to the Kingdom Hall or assist you in contacting brothers living in the community. It is a good idea to look up the congregation as soon as you arrive in the area.

• ³ Meeting times are about the same in most places. However, keep in mind that Kingdom Halls in some areas may have meetings in different

(Continued on page 4, col. 2) they wish to serve continuously as an auxiliary pioneer until further notice. Getting experience at this level of activity has helped many prepare for regular pioneering. The transition is an easy one, they have found. Could you auxiliary pioneer in June, July, and August, progressively using such activity as a stepping-stone to starting regular pioneer service in September? —Compare Malachi 3:10.

¹ The summer months offer splendid opportunities for baptized youths to expand their ministry. What activity could you young ones engage in this summer that would be more beneficial than a month or two in the auxiliary pioneer service? What an enriching experience this could be! There is much joy to be found in sharing with others the precious truths you have learned. You can open up to other sheeplike ones the same bright hope for the future that you have. Your young friends in the congregation who are not yet dedicated will be encouraged by your example, and perhaps some of them will be moved to ‘roll their works upon Jehovah’ and have their plans for the future become “firmly established.”—Prov. 16:3.

• ⁵ Those youths who are not yet baptized are warmly invited to consider how they can expand their Christian activity. While they may work most often with their parents, at times they could also work with zealous responsible youths or older persons. Think what a source of mutual refreshment and encouragement there can be as young and old accompany one another in the ministry!—Rom. 1:12; Isa. 40:30, 31.

• ⁶ Jehovah’s blessing enriches us spiritually and moves us to give our best in his service. May the effort that we each put forth according to our ability and our circumstances be pleasing to Jehovah as we prepare ourselves to serve him eternally.

MARCH SERVICE REPORT

Av     Av.   Av

Pubs.  Hrs.  Mags.  R.V. Bi.St.

Sp'IPios.     275 130.1  90.4 55.0

Pios.      52,112  86.6  43.6 30.9

Aux. Pios.  53,171  60.1  31.1  17.3

Pubs.    634,611  10.0   6.9  3.8

TOTAL   740,169

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,485

In Evening Witnessing

• ¹ As Jehovah speeds up the ingathering work, more congregations are being formed everywhere, publishers and pioneers are increasing in numbers, and many publishers are spending more time in the field ministry. In some areas it may well be that there is very little territory to be worked. Publishers may be calling at the same homes quite often. However, it is also observed that many of the people are not at home when we call at their doors during the daytime, and some rarely have opportunity to hear the Kingdom message even though we are working the territory regularly.

• ² You will be encouraged to know that this situation is changing in many congregations where the pyb,-lishers have begun to concentrate on evening witnessing. Publishers have reportecTHnding someone at almost every home in certain territories, whereas earlier in the day very few were home. It is also reported that in general people appear to be relaxed toward the end of the day and are more inclined to listen when approached with the Kingdom message.

BE REASONABLE

• ³ There are certain points we need to keep in mind if we are to be successful in evening witnessing. People may be somewhat apprehensive about unexpected and unknown visj-fdrs, especially after dark. Thought should be given-to how we will approach the householders. A review of what is stated on page 9 of the Reasoning book can be helpful. We need to convey genuine concern for the welfare of people. This can encourage the householders to feel at ease and to express themselves openly. The Reasoning book also reminds us to observe formalities that are customary arid that are expected of visitors. This would include properly introducing ourselves and observing local customs in this regard.

Uninvited calls at inappropriate householder’s security measures should be respected. This might include using an intercom or speaking to a person through the door and allowing him to see you through a peephole in the door.—See km 11/85 pp. 4-5 pars. 23, 24, 31.

• ⁵ We should be cautious, reasonable, and discreet at all times. There may be areas in our territory that are considered more dangerous than others. We would be wise to take the needed precautions when working such areas.—Jas. 3:17; see km 4/85 p.8.

BENEFITS

• ⁶ There are a number of reasons why evening witnessing could be effective m your congregation. A more thorough witness can be givenUe-CSiisemorejeopTg arc reached, in the house-to-house ministry. Many householders who are not at home during the daytime or on weekends

  may likely be reached when the territory is worked in the evening. Some of the publishers who have difficulty geftmg out in service on weekends . may be able to spend an hour or two each week in evening house-to-house work. Regular and auxiliary pioneers can have more opportunities to work in the field service with congregation publishers. Some have arranged to conduct a home Bible study in the evening, following an hour or so in the house-to-house ministry.

  ¹ Long summer evenings are par-ticuFafly Appropriate ‘for various forms of field service and especially for making house-to-house calls. However, evening witnessing need not be limited to daylight hours during summer months. Discreetly calling at homes djaring early evening hours the year round has proved-to be beneficial in carrying out our commission to preach the Kingdom good news.

  ⁸ Does your congregation have grotip arrangepients~tdr evening wlt-nessing? Have you participated in this service activity? Forethought and preparation are needed. But many blessings are to be enjoyed by those who take advantage of all opportunities available to accomplish our ministry of the good news. —2 Tim. 4:5.

  
  

Vacation Plans             (Cont’d)

languages. By telephoning the Kingdom Hall in advance, you can make sure that the meeting you plan to attend is in your language, and you can ask for directions to help you find the hall.

¹ Vacation-time gives us an opportunity to be awav from our secular activity and enjoy a few days of relaxation. However, we do not want to take time off from serving jenovah. When attending meetings and sharing in the field ministry with the congregation where we are spending our vacation, we may find special refreshment for ourselves as well as be a source of encouragement to the local brothers.—Heb. 10:24, 25; 13:15,16.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

• ♦ Australia had a new peak of 44,365 publishers for January. A peak of 2,225 regular pioneers reported that month.

• ♦ Curacao had a new peak in January of 1,351 publishers. Attendance for the zone overseer's talk was 2,860.

♦ The first district convention ever held In Guinea was a big success with 12 persons baptized and 1,132 in attendance on Sunday. It was held in January and attended by delegates from Liberia and Sierra Leone. The brothers were very enthused about this convention.

♦ At the Gilead graduation on March 1, 1987, the opening of a new Ministerial Training School was announced. It will commence in October in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Further details are found in the June 1, 1987, issue of The Watchtower.

Bible Study                (Cont’d)

answers questions such as: Why would a God of order allow men to become soaisorderjy? Is it possible to learn'wht/God has^permitted wickedpens to us?

• ⁶ Young publishers who have never conducted Bible studies, new publishers who feel inadequate because of lack of experience, and even more experienced ones who presently find themselves without a study may discover that starting a Bible study in one of these "Booklets is easier than starting a. study in a honk

• ⁷ Rehearse simple introductions that lead into one of the booklets. Make an effort to start a study, on the initial call- Use the illustrations to teach the householder and stimulate his thinking. Be consistent in making this effort to start Bible studies during June.

• ⁸ Remember that making simple presentations can help us in starting Bible studies. Try to get {he booklet into the householder’s hands so he can follow, your discussion oftTie points closely. After discussing a point, simply ask the question at the bottom of the nage and’ endeavor to draw out his thinking on the point.

• ⁹ If you genuinelv want to conduct a Bible study, put forth sincere effort and ask for Jehovah’s help- As you regularly engage in the house-to-house ministry, watch for opportunities to start Bible studies on the initial call. Promptly follow up all interest. Be discerning, enthusiastic, and posilive- The inspired promise is sure when it says:U‘God himself will show us favor and bless us . . . that your way may be known in the earth.”+-Ps. 67:1, 2.

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