OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

APRIL 1988

Vol. 31. No. 4 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

APRIL 4-10

How can we encourage Memorial attenders to

• 1. Have a Bible study?

• 2. Attend meetings regularly?

APRIL 11-17

What will we highlight

• 1. In using current Topic for Conversation?

• 2. When featuring Watchtower subscription?

APRIL 18-24

Preaching with boldness

• 1. Why do we need to be bold, yet tactful?

• 2. What can we say to people who say we are doing a fine work?

• 3. Explain Ezekiel 33:8, 9.

APRIL 25-MAY 1

Tracts

• 1. Briefly review tract themes.

• 2. Why have a few available at all times?

• 3. When and where can they be used?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

The Bible Benefits Family Life. Gen. 1:27, 28—God instituted the family arrangement.

Isa. 48:17, 18—Family members benefit from heeding God’s Word.

• ¹ In many areas today a publisher may spend an hour or more in the field ministry without having an opportunity to witness to anyone or place any literature. Perhaps few people are at home, or when someone is found at home he may tell us he has his own religion and is not interested in changing. Another may say: “You are doing a fine work, but my religion supplies me with all the literature I need.” When this happens, do we just say “Thank you” and proceed to the next door, or do we at least attempt to explain the purpose of our call?

• ² Jesus met with similar problems in his ministry. When certain disciples of the Pharisees said: “Teacher, we know you are truthful and teach the way of God in truth,” he unhesitatingly gave such an effective witness that they marveled at what he said. He did not allow their flattery to deter him from giving a bold witness. —Matt. 22:15-22.

MORE URGENT NOW

• ³ Some day we will make our last call on the people in our territory. Every time we engage in the field ministry, we should do so with that thought in mind. (2 Cor. 6:2; Isa. 55:6) People must be warned that Jehovah’s “day of vengeance” is near, and they must be helped to find the

  Helping Others Appreciate Spiritual Things

  
  

• ¹ What a heartwarming occasion the Memorial proves to be! Each year we are reminded of the value of Christ Jesus’ sacrifice in behalf of all mankind. This very special celebration affords us the opportunity to help new ones appreciate more fully the spiritual things God has provided through his beloved Son. (Mark 9:7) How can we help those who attend the Memorial to associate regularly with the congregation?

• ² Undoubtedly, the majority who attend the Memorial, even for the first time, recognize in themselves a spiritual hunger that needs to be filled. (Matt. 5:3) What can we do to stimulate them to seek ways to care for this need?

• ³ One thing would be to call on them as soon as possible. Show a personal interest and offer to help them make spiritual progress. Many who attend the Memorial do not have a personal home Bible study. Help them to understand that in order to benefit fully from Christ Jesus’ sacrifice and have only way of survival.—Isa. 61:1, 2; Ezek. 33:8, 9.

• ⁴ When presenting the current literature offer, doing magazine work, or making a return visit, do not hold back from speaking the truth with dignity, tact, and good manners. Always show proper respect for the householder, and at the same time, do all you reasonably can to help the householder understand the purpose of your call.

ACCOMPLISHINGOUR PURPOSE IN APRIL

• ⁵ Your opening words are very important. What you say in your introduction often determines whether you will capture the person’s attention and be able to continue the conversation. What are some of the common objections in your area? It may be advisable to raise one of these in your introduction.

• ⁶ For example, if the people in your territory are religiously inclined and the territory is worked frequently, you might say: “You probably recognize that we are Jehovah's Witnesses. If you personally are associated with one of the churches in the area, you may wonder why we call so often. [Allow for comment.] One serious problem that concerns us is the (Continued on page 2, col. 1)

Jehovah’s approval, a regular study is needed. Endeavor to make arrangements for such a spiritual feeding program at their convenience.

• ⁴ If you make a visit the week following the Memorial and endeavor to arrange for a Bible study, at the same time you can extend a warm invitation to the special talk on April 10, “Why Live by Bible Standards?” Offer to accompany them to the Kingdom Hall, providing transportation if needed.

EXTEND THE INVITATION TO WITNESS

• ⁵ What about those who are studying already and perhaps attending meetings on a regular basis? What further progress do they need to make? Have you suggested that they try to witness to their friends, relatives, workmates, and others on an informal basis? This will help them to progress spiritually. They will be showing their gratitude for Jesus’ (Continued on page k, col. 2}

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING APRIL 3

Song 10

hl 2 min: Local announcements. Sum' marize information in “What Are Your Plans for April?” There is still time to submit an application for auxiliary pioneer service during April. Encourage resumption of evening witnessing if it was curtailed during winter months. Recommend that special effort be made on Saturday, April 9, to invite people to the special talk “Why Live by Bible Standards?” If time permits, ask audience to comment on what they plan to say when inviting friends, neighbors, and relatives to talk. Suggest using T-13, . Why You Can Trust the Bible.

018 min: “Not Missing the Purpose of Our Field Ministry.” Question-and-answer discussion. Feature two or three brief demonstrations using information on pages 13-15 of Reasoning book under “Last Days,” “When Many People Say: ‘I Have My Own Religion,”’ and “When Many People Say: ‘I’m Busy.’ ” Encourage enthusiastic participation in subscription offer.

J 15 min: “Helping Others Appreciate Spiritual Things.” Questions and answers. After paragraph 7, have an experienced publisher demonstrate how to invite a Bible student to share in the field ministry.

Song 126 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 10

Song 91

10 min: Lo5<L announcements and appropriate Announcements in Our Kingdom Ministry. Accounts report. Include Society donation ilcknowl-

Not Missing                (Cont'd)

worldwide breakdown of the family. The World Book Encyclopedia said: ‘Entire civilizations have survived or disappeared, depending on whether family life was strong or weak.’” From that point, lead into Genesis 1: 27, 28.

⁷ Problems associated with the family will be featured in the April and May issues of The Watchtower. Therefore, after reading Isaiah 48: 17,18, state with conviction that The Watchtower has helped millions of families to live happier, more productive lives. You may wish to mention how it has helped you personally. Comment briefly on one of the feature articles and let the person know edgments and commend brothers for material support of congregation. Demonstrate two 30- to 60-second presentations for current magazines.

15 min. Why Christians Must Be Honest. Talk based on cover articles in February 15,1988, Watchtower.

20 mii^""Setting Aside Time for Theocratic Provisions." Questions and answers. Draw out comments from audience as to how newly interested ones can be encouraged to prepare thoroughly for their weekly Bible study. Include comments on cited scriptures.

Song 177 and concluding prayer.

JF}

WEEK STARTING APRIL 17

Song /jicJ

12 mln: Kocalannouncements and Question Box. Have well-prepared publisher demonstrate subscription offer, tying it in with concluding comment on Isaiah 48:17,18 according to Topic ^^Conversation.

18 mifly'TIow Can We Help Our Pioneers? Talk based on key points from August 1986 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, paragraphs 12-20, and article in March 1, 1982, Watchtower on “Jehovah Sustains His Army of FullTime Servants.” Pioneers need and appreciate our support. Emphasize what local congregation can do to givjumcouragement and assistance.

15 ynfrc^Service overseer, interviews brothers assigned to care for literature and magazine departments, (om p. 124) Have them review briefly the functions of their departments. Explain how cooperation of all in congregation is important. Encourage placing orders for special items through the congregation rather than ordering directly from the Society, regularly picking up personal magazine order, giving notice well in advance for any changes in magazine order, and so forth. Include expressions of appreciation for the work ministerial servants do on behalf of the congregation and for the cooperation of the publishers in these necessary matters.

Song 223 and concluding prayer.

^UjCwEEK STARTING APRIL 24

Song 130

12 min: Local announcements. Theo-7? cratic News. Demonstrate brief presentation of current magazines to be offered this week. Feature one article in each issue that may have the most appeal locally. Encourage sharing in service on first Sunday of May.

18 min: Presenting the Good News/; —By Using Tracts at Every Oppor-Z tunity. Question-and-answer discussion. Include brief demonstrations of using tracts in informal witnessing at school and at work.                 ,

15 min: Local needs. Or talk on “Ig-j$ noring Warnings and Testing God’yy in December 15, 1987, Watchtower,Cl pages 21-5.

Song 55 and concluding prayer.

What Are Your Plans for April?

• ¹ The month of April begins a period of increased field service activity for many of us. In some areas the weather has moderated and is more favorable for staying out in the field service for longer periods of time. April usually proves to be an ideal month for setting personal goals of increased activity in the ministry.

• ² What field service arrangements has your congregation made for April? Will there be additional meetings for field service, including evening witnessing? Will you be able to adjust your schedule so as to take advantage of these arrangements and work with others in the field service? Can you temporarily set aside other activity that is less important?

• ³ In addition to making calls on those who attend the Memorial, April would also be a good time for a renewed effort to locate interested persons who have been too busy to talk

(Continued on page 4, col. 3)

Copyright © 1988 by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., and International Bible Students Association. Our Kingdom Ministry (USPS 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Printed in U.S.A.

Announcements

• Literature offer for April and May: Watchtower subscription for one year for a contribution of $5.00. Six-month subscriptions are $2.50. June and July: Survival Into a New Earth or Happiness —How to Find It for contribution of $1.00 each.

• District convention badge cards for 1988 in English and Spanish will be consigned and included with April literature shipments. It will not be necessary to order these. Based on the size of each congregation, consignments in lots of 25 will be made. The literature account will be billed at the rate of two cents per card.

• Elders should be sure to notify the Society whenever a regular pioneer is removed or has to go off the list, using the S-206 form. Anyone who has to stop pioneering must wait six months before he or she can reapply. A new application must be submitted before reappointment can be made.

• New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—1986 Edition (Regular edition; bil2 with marginal references)                 —Dutch

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—1987 Edition (Deluxe edition), available in black or maroon

—Italian

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, (Deluxe pocket edition; DLbi25), available in black

—Japanese United in Worship of the Only True God

—Igbo Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace”           —Indonesian

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size)    —Romanian

“Look! I Am Making All Things New” (Brochure)     —Arabic, Gujarati,

Gun, Romanian, Sinhalese, Tamil The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever              —Estonian

The Government That Will Bring Paradise               —Romanian

Tract No. 13   —Cebuano, Estonian,

lloko, Polish, Tagalog Tract No. 14 —Cebuano, lloko, Italian, Polish, Tagalog, Thai

Tract No. 15    —Cebuano, Croatian,

Dutch, lloko, Italian, Portuguese, Tagalog, Thai

Tract No. 16    —Cebuano, Chinese,

Croatian, Dutch, German, Greek, lloko, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Tagalog, Thai

• Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

Our Incoming World Government —God’s Kingdom

—English, Spanish

JANUARY SERVICE REPORT

Av Av Av Av Pubs. Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios.      276 128.6  79.0 52.4

Pios.      58,022  80.5  36.2 28.2

Aux. Pios.  28,140  58.6  26.9 17.7

Pubs.    678,383   9.8   6.5  3.9

TOTAL 764,821

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,273

• ¹ Jehovah has been most generous in fulfilling his promises to make divine wisdom available to his servants today. (Isa. 55:1; Dan. 12:4; Rom. 11:33; 1 Cor. 2:8-10) Are we personally showing our appreciation by setting aside time to take full advantage" bl his program for instructing us in the way of truth?

• ² It requires some effort and selfcontrol on our part to set aside quality time for personal study endTneet-ing preparation. But do we not feel refreshed, yes, richly rewarded, when we buy out the necessary time each week tor theocratic education? (Eph. 5:15-17) What are some of the wonderful provisions that Jehovah has made for teaching us?

WHAT HE HAS ARRANGED

• ³ First and foremost, we have the Bible as our main textbook- A fine Bible-reading program has been scheduled for each week. Are we keeping up with it? Is there a need to set aside time in our personal schedule for this?

• ⁴ Is anything else needed, or is reading the Bible enough? (Jas. 1: 5, 6) We also need the visible organization that Jehovah is using to supply us regularly with an abundance of spiritual food. This spirituaQfpod at the proper time/ is provided m the form of Bible-based publications, arrangements for congregation meetings, circuit assemblies, and district conventions.—Matt. 24:45.

• ⁵ Another of Jehovah’s provisions for theocratic education is that of loving shepherds. (Acts 20:28) When they visit us, elders may have specific information they want to discuss. Are we alert to apply quickly the suggestions they give? Conscientious overseers study diligently to keep abreast of the organization. (2 Tim. 2:15) They recognize that they have a serious responsibility before Jehovah to feed and protect the flock. All of us can benefit from their experience and the time they spend in our behalf.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book United in Worship of the Only True God:

April 3: Pages 144, par. 11 to 148, par. 6

April 10: Pages 148, par. 7 to 151

April 17: Page 152 (first and second sections)

April 24: Page 152 (third and fourth sections)

HELPING OUR CHILDREN AND OTHERS

• ⁶ Instructing our children in the trutliTs an especially Important aspect of theocratic education. Christian parents do not view it as optional for their children. Skillfully providingC“discipljne and mental-regulating’y is so important. (Eph. 6:4) It often spells the difference between their growing to spiritual maturity or leaving the truth entirely. Time is needed for this instruction. There is no substitute.

• ⁷ Ne\yer ones can be helped to appreciate the value of the time they set aside for their weekly Bible study. We should encourage them to be well prepared for each study. Right from the beginning we want them to be thoroughly “taught the word.” (Gal. 6:6) If we do our part in teaching them, it will not be long before they will be eagerly participating with us in the evangelizing work. Theocratic education does not stop when they learn “the elementary things.” (Heb. 5:12-6:3) We want tO help them “press On tn maturity " This takes time.

• ⁸ These are only a few of Jehovah's provisions for teaching us what we need. Other provisions are the circuit overseer's visit, the Pioneer Ser-viceJSchaoj, and the Kingdom Ministry School.

• ⁹ All thanks are due Jehovah for providing the only education that will protect and guide us through these final days. May we make it our determination to set aside time to take full advantage of the theocratic provisions that our Grand Instructor has made for us. We can be sure that as we do so, we will keep progressing on the way to life everlasting.—Isa. 30:20, 21; Phil. 3:13-16.

Question Box

• Should pioneers obtain literature for family members at pioneer rates?

It is good to keep in mind why the Society makes it possible for pioneers to obtain literature at a reduced cost. This is a loving provision of the Society, at its expense, to help pioneers defray some of their expenses.

Accordingly, all publishers who are members of a pioneer’s household and who are not pioneers, whether children or adults, should obtain their literature and magazines for field service at the regular publisher rates.

By Using Tracts at Every Opportunity

• ¹ Some plants may produce hundreds or even thousands of seeds. In this way, Jehovah ensured that such plant life would always flourish on earth.—Gen. 1:29, 30.

• ² Similarly, in his great generosity, Jehovah makes the seed of Kingdom truth abundant not only in the mouths of his devoted servants but also in the form of the printed page. Think of the hundreds of millions of books, booklets, magazines, and brochures that have been distributed over the years. Last year a new set of tracts was produced. Are we using the tracts to spread the good news at every opportunity?

• ³ In order to use the tracts effectively, we need to familiarize ourselves with them. Note that they are colorful and are printed on durable paper. Their handy size makes it convenient to carry some with us wherever we go. Most importantly, the Bible-based message in each tract is clear, to the point, and persuasive. Do you see the many opportunities there are to make use of them?

¹ House-to-House Work: Many publishers find that offering a free tract in their introduction opens the way for a conversation with the householder. You may wish to try this with the current Topic for Conversation, using Life in a Peaceful New World or Why You Can Trust the Bible. During a discussion at a door, you may learn that the person recently lost a loved one in death. How appropriate it would be to share the comforting message contained in the tract What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? Or the conversation may reveal that the person has some misconceptions about what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe. The tract What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe? may be just what is needed. Often the householder is willing to accept a tract even if the literature offer is refused. We do not know what effect one tract may have on that person or on others in his household who may read it.—Eccl. 11:6.

• ⁵ Informal Witnessing: During the course of our daily routine, we may have contact with any number of worldly persons. Wherever we are, the tracts help us to be prepared to give a witness. Opportunity for a brief oral witness can be enhanced by offering a tract for the person to read later.

• ⁶ At your workplace, do workmates or others speak about the pressures and problems of living in this system of things? Would they like to know what has given you a hope for the future? If they truly are “sighing and groaning” over the world’s unrighteous conditions, the information in Life in a Peaceful New World will strike a responsive chord in their hearts, opening the way for further discussion.—Ezek. 9:4.

• ⁷ Do you young ones at school hear teachers or fellow students question the reliability of the Bible? Why You Can Trust the Bible contains a faithbuilding message showing the scientific and historical accuracy of the Bible that may stimulate their interest in learning more.

• ⁸ Jesus said that our field for witnessing is the entire inhabited earth. (Matt. 13:38; 24:14) Thus, wherever there are people—at work, at school, in the waiting room of a doctor or a dentist, at the Laundromat or where we shop, at the homes of relatives or neighbors, or even at our own door when people stop for various reasons—let us take every opportunity to spread the seeds of Kingdom good news, trusting that some of these will fall on “fine soil” and result in further fruitage to Jehovah’s praise.—Matt. 13:23.

Helping Others             (Cont’d)

sacrifice and the truths they are learning.

• ⁶ The Bible student may hesitate to speak with others, thinking they will not listen to the truth. He may need to learn that each individual is important to God, who sees the heart and knows when someone is ready to accept the good news. Help your student to realize that it is God’s will “that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4; Acts 17:26, 27) Show him that Jesus Christ was sent by God to give himself as “a ransom in exchange for many.” (Matt. 20:28) If your student can be helped to appreciate this, he will see why he should try to talk about the truth to everyone whenever he has the opportunity. His personal conviction will be strengthened, and he will have the joy that comes from giving of the most valuable treasure he possesses. —Gal. 6:6; Acts 20:35.

• ⁷ Those who qualify should be invited to participate in the field ministry during the month of April. (Matt. 9:

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Honduras reached a new peak of 4,896 publishers in November. The congregation publishers averaged 13.7 hours in the field.

• ♦ Iceland reached a new peak of 203 publishers for November. This is an 8-percent increase over last year’s average.

• ♦ Tahiti had an increase of 7 percent in November for a new peak of 825 publishers. They also had a new peak of 1,215 studies.

• ♦ Togo had a new peak of 3,379 publishers in November as well as a new peak of 108 regular pioneers.

Plans for April              (Cont’d)

with you during the winter holiday season or who were not at home when you called. Although you may have already made several attempts to give a further witness, why not look through your records and call on these individuals again in an endeavor to renew their interest in the good news? Perhaps evening calls would be productive.

• ⁴ Many brothers and sisters have arranged to auxiliary pioneer this April. These include some with family responsibilities and even some with full-time secular jobs. The 60-hour requirement means an average of only 2 hours per day for the month.

• ⁵ If circumstances do not allow you to auxiliary pioneer during April, it may be possible for you to increase your field service activity by spending some time in the field with the pioneers or with others who are also endeavoring to increase their ministry for the month. You can be assured that Jehovah will bless your efforts. By his spirit he will give you strength to reach your goal.—Prov. 20:18; 21:5a.

37, 38; om pp. 97-9) Jehovah favors those who are inclined to serve him even if their ability is limited. Truly, all of us are greatly privileged to be sharing in a lifesaving work in imitation of our Savior, Jesus Christ. (Matt. 28:19, 20) By fulfilling the commission to preach, we will all be heeding the counsel given by the apostle Paul: “Working together with him, we also entreat you not to accept the undeserved kindness of God and miss its purpose.”—2 Cor. 6:1.

⁸ We do not know how many more will yet come to appreciate the privilege of serving Jehovah. But we are assured that by continuing to help others appreciate spiritual things we will receive grand blessings, and so will they.—2 Cor. 6:2.

4