OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

<_

JUNE 1988

Vol. 31, No. 6 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

JUNE 6-12

What points will you feature

• 1. In the Survival book?

• 2. In the Happiness book?

• 3. In the current magazines?

JUNE 13-19

With the current offer

• 1. How will you use the Topic for Conversation?

• 2. How can groundwork be laid to follow up interest?

JUNE 20-26

In your ministry today, how will you use

• 1. Illustrations?

• 2. Viewpoint questions?

JUNE 27-JULY 3

House-to-house record

• 1. What information will you write down?

• 2. When and how will you use the information?

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 “The Rock, perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice. . . . Righteous and upright is he.” (Deut. 32:4) These words of an ancient song highlight one of Jehovah’s cardinal attributes, that of justice. Having made us in his image and likeness, Jehovah rightfully expects us to ‘exercise justice in walking with our God.’—Mic. 6:8; Gen. 1:26.

• ² Our efforts to imitate Jehovah will be clearly manifest at all 119 “Divine Justice” District Conventions scheduled for the United States branch. (Eph. 5:1) Thousands of our brothers have been enthusiastically involved in making the necessary preparations, and it is with much anticipation that all of us look forward to this summer’s “Divine Justice” conventions. Have you made definite arrangements to be present at every session?

AN OUTSTANDING FEATURE

• ³ From Thursday through Sunday, a generous portion of spiritual food highlighting the need to uphold divine justice will be served by means of Bible lectures, demonstrations, interviews, and dramas. An outstanding feature of the conventions this year will be the arrangement for a number of cities to be tied in to a key city by telephone for special talks. During each of the six successive weeks that conventions are scheduled, there will be parts of the program originating from key cities. So no matter which convention your congregation has been assigned to attend, you will be able to benefit from the information presented by the Society’s representatives.

  Giving Cheerfully as a Pioneer

  
  

• ¹ “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) The apostle Paul appreciated Jehovah’s generosity and reflected this in his unstinting labors among the Thessalonians. Accordingly, he later wrote to them: "We were well pleased to impart to you . . . the good news of God.” —1 Thess. 2:8.

• ² Do we feel the same way about sharing this spiritual treasure with others? If so, can we take a serious look at our prospects for serving as an auxiliary ninnoor this summer and possibly entering the regular pioneer service in September?

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• ³ Getting into the auxiliary or regular pioneer work is not likely tn

• ⁴ Additionally, the program will include experiences and information about the activities of brothers and sisters who are serving in the missionary work. Some of these missionaries might attend your convention and may be on the program. Their example of standing firm for divine justice, often in the midst of very difficult circumstances, can incite us to live and act in harmony with divine justice in all our dealings.

HELPING OTHERS TO OBSERVE JUSTICE'

• ⁵ Have you personally invited your Bible students to attend the district convention? Would it not be a cause for joy if all the interested persons who were present at the Memorial celebration this year were also in attendance at the district convention? They could observe firsthand the happiness of Jehovah’s people and receive information to convince them of Jehovah’s ability and intention to put an end to all injustice. This convention could bring about a turning point in their life, motivating them to take a definite stand for the God of justice.

• ⁶ Even though we will be attending a convention and many will be taking a vacation during these two summer months, we will want to maintain a good schedule for field service, directing interested persons to the Kingdom hope. During the months of June and July, we will be offering either one or both of the books Happiness—How to Find It and Survival Into a New Earth for the contribution of $1.00 each. Before leaving (Continued on page 3, col. 3) happen if left to chance. Positive effort springing from a rightly motivated heart will bring Jehovah’s blessing. Take the matter to Jehovah in prayer. Express to him your heart’s desire. (1 John 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:1) Make an honest appraisal of your circumstances to see wherein you can make adjustments so as to meet the requirements. Rising a little ^earlier in the morning tn jnin-nth-er_pion£fi£S in field service may be all that is necessary for you to meet the pioneer schedule. Or perhaps evening witnessing will help you to achieve this.

• ⁴ A frank discussion with other pioneers, your service overseer, or

(Continued on page 4, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

NOTE: Our Kingdom Ministry will not outline a Service Meeting for the week starting July 18, thus allowing an open week for attending the “Divine Justice” District Convention. The Service Meeting for the week starting July 25 will be outlined to allow 10 minutes for local announcements and 35 minutes for a c_eview of the convention program highlights. Those congregations having earlier conventions will adjust their schedules and fit in the outlined Service Meetings accordingly. In this way all the material in Our Kingdom Ministry for June and July will be covered. Publishers should bring the appropriate issue of Our Kingdom Ministry to the Service Meeting for the weeks thus affected. The day-by-day review of the convention program may be assigned in advance to two or three quaiifipd brothers This well-prepared review will focus on key points for personal application and use in the field. Any experiences used or comments from the audience should be .brief and to the point.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 6

Song 57

10 min: Local announcements. Suggest appropriate presentations for current magazines, and encourage all publishers to participate in magazine work on second Saturday in June.

} 20 min: “Imitating Jehovah by Exercising Justice.” Question-and-answer discussion of article. After discussing paragraph 6, demonstrate one or two ways to witness informally while traveling or attending conventions. Include brief appropriate experiences from audience as time allows.

1 15 min: Maintain a Good Service Record During Summer Months. Encouraging talk by service overseer or other qualified brother. Travel, attending convention, and vacation trip may tend to disrupt a good service schedule. Help brothers see need to be regular in field service during summer months, even when away from home. Make practical suggestions. Encourage attending meetings and going out in field service with congregation where vacationing. Also, have well-prepared publisher demonstrate how current literature offer may be made in house-to-house ministry.

Song 20 and concluding prayer.

jCJ ^WEEK sTartVkIg⁷JUNE 13 1* sbng 72 •

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements .from Our Kingdom Ministry. “Divine Justice” District Conventions jiegin this week. Accounts report. .Express ap-preciatron fur financial support of congregation. Include Society’s acknowledgment of any contributions sent by congregation;

20 min: “Gjving Cheerfully as a Pioneer.” Questions and answers. Use final five, minutes to interview publishers whip are starting to auxiliary pioneer'this month or next. Or interview regular pioneer who started as auxiliary pioneer. What has helped thesd publishers to enter pioneer service? r-v; —

15 min: Local needs. If Tftf^articu-lar need, presiding overseerljffi service overseer can give encouraging report and talk on progress of local ministry. Include comments on coverage of territory, average hours, studies being conducted and new studies started, number who have pioneered thus far during service year, and so forth. Commend brothers for fine work being done.

Song 132 and concluding prayer.

, Xf*? WEEK STARTING JUNE 20 ‘5

10 mln f'-T.'o'cal announcements. Two or three brief demonstrations of appropriate magazine presentations for this Saturday. Additional talking points may be suggested by audience^gs time permits.

20 mi nr “Presenting the Good News—From House to House.” Questions and answers. Illustrate point made in paragraph 3 by a prepared brief local experience. After discussing paragraph 4, have one or two publishers prepared to express how they personally have benefited from engaging in house-to-house ministry. Encourage all publishers to have scheduled time each week for witnessing from house to house with regular literature offer.

15 min: “Jesus’ Life and Ministry.”^ §Eirjtrd talk with illustrations of' ways to use this series of articles in ' The Watchtower. Are parents using these articles to help children grow in love for Jesus and in appreciation for what he did for mankind? Adults too benefit from consideration of these articles. As time permits, relate selected experiences on use of these articles.

Song 21 and concluding prayer. /I

WEEK STARTING JUNE 27 Jp*

Song 71

10 min: Local announcements.^ Theocratic News. Encourage publishers to be out in field service on first Sunday in July. Relate preselected experiences highlighting placement of Survival and Happiness books from house to house.

20 min: “Experience the Benefits^ of the Reasoning Book.” Audience discussion. Intersperse brief local experiences to illustrate suggested uses of Reasoning book. As time permits, have publishers comment on how they have improved their ministry by using the Reasoning book in field service.

15 mln: “Young People Ask . . . ”A Elder presides over discussion by several exemplary young publishers about value of these articles in Awake! Can include comments on how they have benefited personally or how they have used these articles to help others.

Song 121 and concluding prayer.

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

June 6: Pages 177, par. 4 to 183

June 13: Pages 184 to 187, par. 9

June 20: Pages 188, par. 10 to 191

Schedule for congregation studies in the booklet Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Question of Blood:

June 27: Pages 3 to 9

© 1988 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (USPS 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., and International Bible Students Association, 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 June and July: Survival Into a New Earth or Happiness—How to Find It for contribution of $1.00 each. August: One of the following 32-page magazine-size brochures for 30e: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, or The Government That Will Bring Paradise. September: Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? for a contribution of $3.00. Small-size books are $1.50.

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

• If the Congregation Book Study will not be conducted during the convention week, half of the material assigned for that week can be studied the week before the convention and the other half the week following the convention. In this way none of this important information will be missed.

• In response to the January Our Kingdom ministry article “Do Not Let Your Hand Rest,” many publishers are preparing to work unassigned territory or to assist a congregation temporarily in the coverage of its territory. Since many more now know when their summer or fall vacation period will be, perhaps more can buy out time as a family or as a congregation and share in working such territory where it is available.

• Contributions that congregations send to the Society for the advancement of Kingdom work, as well as contributions to the Society Kingdom Hall Fund or special contributions for other designated purposes, are acknowledged on the Society’s monthly statements to the congregations. These acknowledgments include brief expressions of appreciation. The presiding overseer should observe such acknowledgments and have these called to the attention of the congregation each month when the accounts report is given. The Society wants the brothers to know that their contributions have been received and that they are appreciated.

• Congregations that have in stock the books The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life and Is This Life All There Is? in the English language on a better grade of paper should not use such publications in literature campaigns featuring older publications at a reduced price. Rather, these should be placed in the field at the regular price for pocket-size bound books.

• New Publications Available:

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

—Japanese

True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It?

—Papiamento, Portuguese United in Worship of the Only True God —Hiligaynon, Papiamento “Look! I Am Making AU Things New" (Brochure) —Fijian, Hindi, Moore

• ¹ What a tremendous work Jehovah has commissioned his dedicated people to accomplish in these last days! (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Without divine help to carry out this worldwide campaign, it would be an insurmountable task. How thankful we are for angelic assistance in declaring the Everlasting good news!—Rev. 14:6, 7.

• ² It requires genuine effort on the part of evangelizers in order to reach the hearts of people of “every nation and trlbp and tongue.” But by means of his earthly organization, Jehovah has provided the needed help for us to do this. One such provision is the book Reasoning From, the Scriptures, whictTcontains a wealth of material on 76 subjects that can be used in discussions with people from varied backgrounds and walks of life.

• ³ No doubt the consideration of this publication in the Theocratic Ministry School is benefiting you spiritually. But are you endeavoring to use this information in your ministry? Can you see improvement in your ability to reason with people? Although you may personally answer yes, it has been reported that many brothers and sisters are not using nta Reasoning book- and some do not carry it with them when engaging in the" ministry. Why is this so? Perhaps it is because they have riot become familiar with the book’s valuable features. Many who have applied themselves in using the Reasoning book have found that they can count on it for help at the right time, providing answers to a multitude of questions that people ask.

• ⁴ One of its many helpful features is the index starting on page 439. It does not list every aspect of each principal subject, but it does provide many references that you will find beneficial when addressing certain situations.

• ⁵ For example, we sometimes meet people who question the Bible’s reliability. They may attempt to discredit the Scriptures or the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They may ask a question such as, “Where did Cain get his wife?” Although you will not find this listed under “Principal Subjects” in the front of the book, if you look in the index under “Cain," you will find that the answer to that question is on pages 301-2. Or someone may say that the love of God is violated by tiro destruction oi the wicked. If you look under “Love" in the index, you are referred to page 48, where you will find a way to reason with the person.

• ⁶ Another helpful feature, found on page 445, is “Scriptures Often Misapplied?^{1 2}A householder may raise a question about a Bible text or try to use it in support of a false belief. He may cite 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 in support of his belief that some will on earth. Reference is made to page 312 for a discussion of these verses, it someone argues that the earth will be burned up and refers to 2 Peter 3:7, clarifying information can be found on pages 113 and 436. So if you are asked to explain a scripture, have your Reasoning book handy, and see if the scripture is listed in this part of the book.

• ⁷ Young and old alike can experience the benefits of this publication. Using it is not difficult, but it does require effort and practice. Become familiar with the 41 introductions presented on pages y-lb. Also, there are 47 ways to work around potential conversation stoppers listed on pages 15-24. Are you making an effort to use some of them, especially those that would be effective in talking with people in your territory?

• ⁸ We are delighted with the privilege of preaching in this time of the end. Jehovah certainly has given us what we need to make our work effective. Let us continue to use one of our most valuable instruments, the Reasoning book.

Justice                   (Cont’d)

for the convention or for your vacation, make plans to give a witness while traveling. Look for opportunities to talk to others while at motels or restaurants, or on other appropriate occasions.

• ⁷ May we fully immerse ourselves in theocratic activity this summer. As we assemble together for the “Divine Justice” District Conventions and as we participate in the field ministry, we will want to manifest our love for justice, imitating our God, Jehovah, “a lover of justice.” —Ps. 37:28.

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS _______________________________________4x________________________________>

  
  

  also^- strengthens our hope in God’s promises. Ouffitroility to use the Bittle effectively i§~enhanced. We are aidetk iijjpyercoming the fear of meniriSreater empathy can be cultivated as we note firsthand what people suffer because of not knowing Jehovah and not living by his righteous standards. ,We are also helped to develop thyfruitage of God's spirit in our own lives.—Gal. 5:22, 23.

  OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

  ⁵ Do you find that many are not at home when you call during the day? What about ingrained indifference, especially in frequently worked ICT-ritory? Do not allow these things to discourage you. Pyqy to Jehovah, and he will help you to approach the territory with a proper frame of mind. Look upon each door as potentially having a sneepiiKe person behind it. As Jesus instructed, let the individual show whether he is deserving.—Matt.' 10:11-14.      "

  “ E'ven in territory that is frequently worked, there may be manv people who are not witnessed to often because they are rarely found atliome. Calling at various limes Ih order to meet different members of the household and keeping an accurate house-to-house record make for more tnorougn territory coverage.

  ⁷ The God-ordained proclamation of the good news from house to house is fast nearing completion. We want to be able to report hacfr to Jehovah and say in all good conscience:^! have done, just as you have commanded me.”y(Ezek. 9:11) Zealous house-to-house activity will enable us to do this.

  
  

From House to House

• ¹ Our work of pleaching the good news of the Kingdom is commanded by the greatest authorities m the universe, the Sovereign Lord Jehovah and his enthroned Son, Jesus Christ.—Matt. 28:18; Rev. 14:6, 7.

• ² Jesus set the pattern by “jour; neying from city to city and from vi 1 fage to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God.” (Luke 8:1) His disciples did not miss the lesson he taught both by word and by example. (Matt. 13:51, 52) They appreciated the importance of the public preaching work. Eveh after being flogged because of their outspokenness, they did not stop but continued daily in the temple and from house to house k‘declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus.”J( Acts 5:41, 42; 20:20) In modern times this work is being accomplished only bv Jehovah's Witnesses, who spent over 739 million hours in the preaching activity last service year, much of which involved house-to-house work.—Hag. 2:7; Isa. 60:22.

WHAT HOUSE-TO-HOUSE WORK ACCOMPLISHES

• ³ As indicated at Ezekiel 33:33 and 38:23, our house-to-house preaching activity plays an important part in the sanctification of Jehovah’s name. The good news of the Kingdom is set squarely before individual householders, giving them opportunity to show where they stand. (2 Thess. 1:8-10) Hopefully, they will be moved to take their stand on Jehovah’s side and receive life.—Matt. 24:14; John 17:3.

¹ Regular house-to-house work

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Burma had a new peak of 1,552 publishers in January. It was good to see 2,216 in attendance and 58 baptized at their four “Trust in Jehovah” District Conventions.

♦ A peak of 122,608 publishers was reported by the Federal Republic of Germany for January. Bible study activity continues to progress rapidly, with a new peak of 60,566.

♦ The island of Guam reached a new peak of 278 publishers during January, an 8-percent increase over last year's average.

♦ Ireland reports their fifth consecutive publisher peak with 2,795 for January. Congregation publishers averaged 13.2 hours in the field.

• ♦ Madagascar had a 14-percent increase in January with a new peak of 2,764 publishers. Congregation publishers averaged 13.6 hours, 7.4 return visits, and 1.6 Bible studies.

• ♦ South Africa had a new peak of 43,184 publishers for January, a 7-percent increase over last year's average.

• ♦ Trinidad had a new peak of 5,116 publishers In January for a 9-percent increase.

• ♦ Venezuela’s peak of 40,001 publishers for January represents an 11-percent increase over last year's average.

• ♦ Zimbabwe had a new peak of 15,935 publishers in January and a new peak of 15,206 Bible studies.

  MARCH SERVICE REPORT

  
  

Av     Av    Av

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

Sp’IPIos.      287 131.5  83.3  56.5

Pios.       57,060  85.5  37.5  30.0

Aux. Pios.   39,170  60.1   26.7  17.6

Pubs. 666,187   9.9    6.2   3.9 0.5

TOTAL   762,704

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,794

nances, or other serious obstacles, i'nev avoid making anything in this old system the big thing in their life. (1 Cor. 7:29-31) As some pioneers put it, they have just learned to ‘work around their problems’ in order to pioneer.—Compare 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

⁷ Indeed, all who willingly give out of a good heart according to their individual circumstances are pronounced happy by Jehovah. (Isa. 65: 14) They reap bountifully in the way of inner peace and contentment along with increased fruitfulness by helping people to come on Jehovah’s side. Such blessings and many more can be yours if you take up the invitation to give cheerfully as an auxiliary or regular pioneer.—2 Cor. 9:6; Prov. 11:25.

4

¹

The Government That Will Bring Paradise                —Gilbertese

Tract No. 13             —Arabic

²

Giving Cheerfully          (Cont’d)

your Congregation Book Study conductor could provide helpful suggestions. (Prov. 15:22; 16:3) Family members can also be of encourage" merit, especially if they are fellow worshipers. The experience of many auxiliary and regular pioneers with family obligations to care for has been that their family members rally to their side and rejoice over~~thg improved spiritual atmosphere in the household that results from (a' member’s pioneering,

DEVELOP A GOOD ROUTINE

⁵ Learning to schedule your activity is very important. Even in material giving, Paul recommended that the brothers in Corinth folloMiajaU tern of regularity so as to be sure of