NOVEMBER 1988

Vol. 31. No. 11 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 6 How will you present

• 1. The New World Translation? 2. The "Kingdom Come" book?

NOVEMBER 7-13 Witnessing to youths 1. What will you say?

• 2. What can you offer?

NOVEMBER 14-20 What does it mean to be 1. Adaptable and courteous? 2. Bold yet tactful?

NOVEMBER 21-27 Give suggestions on how to approach someone who 1. Studied before.

• 2. Regularly takes literature.

• 3. Feels we are doing a good work.

NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 4

How might you respond to someone who says:

• 1. “I go to church."

• 2. “We have our own literature."

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

The Key to Happiness.

Matt. 5:3—Being conscious of spiritual need.

Rev. 1:3—Observing God’s

Word.

A NEW PUBLISHER PEAK! 797,104 Report in August

How encouraging to see the 1988 service year come to a close with such an excellent report! The regular pioneers totaled 55,890, which Is 2,747 more than August of last year. This also gladdens our hearts. Our determination is to laud Jehovah for his loving-kindness In prospering our efforts.—Ps. 57:9.

• ¹ Of all the books ever written, the Bible is the only one that provides

  mankind with unfailing direction on

  
  

’s gift to man. Although the

Bible is the all-time best-seller surveys show that only a small oercent-age of those who possess a copy take ffie time to read it.fcan we help more people to benefit from God’s written' Word?

• ² No matter where people live on earth, they are faced with similar problems. Perplexing questions need answers, and only the Bible has the right answer^. Why are we here? Why do people grow old and die? Where are we headed? Why the increase in lawlessness? Why does God permit wickedness? What remedy is there for inflation, housing and food shortages, and so forth? We have to read and study the Bible in order to obtain satisfying answers to these and other questions.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS •>

• ³ In order to encourage peonleVo read and study God’s Word, we need to instill in them confidence that the Bible is inspired of God. (2 Tim. 3:16) We may be able to do this by using selected portions of the information under the heading “Bible” in the Req-. zoning book. Pages 60 through 64

  Are You Practicing the Things You Have Learned?

  
  

• ¹ What a delight it was to be in attendance during all four days of our “Divine Justice" District Convention! Indeed, each day the program overflowed with encouragement and practical suggestions on how we can manifest God’s justice and righteousness to a greater degree. Now that you have returned home to your regular routine of activities, are you ‘practicing the things that you learned, heard, and saw demonstrated’? (Phil. 4:9) It will be beneficial to review some highlights from the convention program.

• ² Recall the talk “Lead a Balanced, Simple Life” that was given on Thursday afternoon. This was based on Jesus’ counsel at Matthew 6:19-33. Have you thought deeply about what you can do to unburden yourself of unnecessary things, allowing more time for study, meeting preparation, and helping others? What adjustments can you personally make in order to lead a simple life give a variety of conclusive proofs that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.

• ⁴ Many have started to read the Bible but then stopped. Why? Perhaps it was because they became discouraged over not being able to understand what they read It may be that we can help such persons by encouraging them to read the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Some 50,000,000 copies of this easy-to-read modern-language translation have been produced in nine different languages, making it one of the main 20th-century Bible translations in use today.

• ⁵ Whenever we find people who show interest in reading the Bible, we should offerto study it with them. We should Hiow special interest in helping those who have the New World Translation. As was emphasized in the October Our Kingdom Ministry, we want to conduct progressive Bible studies. (Matt. 28: 19, 20) This means that we will try to reach the student’s heart so that duct and answer his Bible questions.

OFFERING THE BIBLE AND “KINGDOM COME" BOOK

• ⁶ During the month of November, we will feature the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and the book “Let Your Kingdom Come,” for (Continued on page if, col. 1) with fewer distractions and more involvement in spiritual matters? Seeking first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness decreases anxieties and increases our joy in life.

• ³ The need to benefit from all the training that Jehovah provides through his Word and organization was emphasized in the part “Accept Discipline and Become Wise.” One area where some may need to pay particular attention is in refining and improving their ministry. Do we regularly use the suggested Topic for Conversation, engaging the householder in a Bible discussion? Or are we content with brief magazine presentations? Do we apply counsel and suggestions on using the Reasoning book, following up interest, and conducting Bible studies?—Prov. 8:33.

• ⁴ Friday’s program included the talk “Be Clean in Mind and Body.” Divine justice requires that God’s people be clean spiritually, morally, (Continued on page If, col. 3}

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 31

Song 108

10 min: Selected Announcements from Out Kingdom Ministry and local announcements. Encourage all to share in witnessing on the first Sunday of November. Urge family heads to work with wife and children.

20 min: “Encourage Others to Read and Study God’s Word.” Elder handles part with questions and answers. When considering paragraph 6, have well-rehearsed demonstration using one of the suggested introductions along with the Topic for Conversation.

15 min: Be Prepared to Recommend the New World Translation. Elder who is effective in house-to-house ministry highlights appropriate portions of material on pages 276-80 of Reasoning book. Invite audience to . follow along and share in discussion of points under “New World Translation” that could be useful in local territory.

Song 131 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 7

Song 75

10 min: Local announcements. Discuss appropriate presentations for current magazines, and encourage all to share in magazine work on second Saturday.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News —To Children.” Question-and-answer discussion. After paragraph 5, have capable publisher demonstrate adapting current Topic for Conversation when speaking with a youth. How could literature be offered? How could conversation be terminated without offering literature?

15 min: Young Ones Praise Jehovah. Interview one or two mature publishers who started serving Jehovah during teen or preteen years. What made them respond to the Kingdom message? How did being a dedicated and baptized youth help them face problems while growing up? Also, interview one or two exemplary young publishers who have given a fine witness in school or who are effective in door-to-door ministry. Why are they effective? What has helped them to overcome the tendency to hold back? What role have parents and other mature ones in the congregation played in their progress? Christian parents will want to encourage their

such as indifference of people and frequently worked territory.

Song 54 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 28 ^>Song^l62 • -

12 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to share in field service on first Sunday of December. Review literature offer for December and have brief demonstration. Highlight specific points from publication featured.                    z. 4

18 min: Educating Our Tongue to Help the Discouraged. Many things tend to discourage people today: economic problems, loss of loved ones in death, illness, spiritual problems on the part of children or mate, and so forth. Giving way to discouragement makes us more vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. (Prov. 24:10; compare Luke 22:31.) Christians are under obligation to encourage and support one another. (1 Thess. 5:14; Gal. 6:2) In this we imitate Christ. (Matt. 11: 28-30) How? By being sympathetic. (Rom. 12:15) By being ready to respond in practical ways. (Jas. 2: 14-17; rs pp. 117-21) Using Reasoning book, have audience comment on what scriptures can be used to help persons in congregation and field deal with the specific problems outlined. Have two or three in audience prepared to give comments from seat to show how others encouraged them in time of need and when they faced personal problems. (Acts 28:15) Draw close to Jehovah, seek help of elders, and persevere in prayer, thus successfully fighting discouragement.—Jas. 4:8; Isa. 32:1, 2; Eph. 6: 17,18.

15 min: Cooperate Fully With Congregation Book Study Arrangement. Talk by service overseer or qualified book study conductor. Encourage all to participate in study and field service and to support group in caring for assignments such as cleaning and caring for Kingdom Hall. Give appropriate commendation and counsel according to local circumstances. Song 12 and concluding prayer.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?: November 7: Pages 95* to 102 November 14: Pages 103 to 111 November 21: Pages 112 to 120* November 28: Pages 120* to 127

• To or from subheading.

O 1988 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society ol 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.

Announcemen ts

• Literature offer for November: New World Translation with the “Kingdom Come” book for a contribution of $5.00. December: My Book of Bible Stories or You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth for a contribution of $3.00. Smallsize Live Forever book is $1.50. The brochure “Look! I Am Making All Things New" may be offered for a contribution of 30e when regular offer is not accepted. January and February: Any 192-page book published prior to 1980, for contribution of 50e. Books reprinted on bettergrade paper not to be used in this offer. Alternate offer for congregations that do not have older books: Happiness—How to Find It or “Let Your Kingdom Come” for a contribution of $1.00 each.

• From time to time the Society receives inquiries from publishers in the United States who are considering naturalization. Whether one should apply for U.S. citizenship or not is entirely a personal decision. It is not necessary to be a citizen of a particular country in order to be baptized or to preach the good news of the Kingdom. Each individual must make his own final decision. A factor to consider is whether the naturalization law may require one to violate Bible principles and conscience. The Society’s publications in the past have commented on the general topics of oaths and citizenship. Sufficient information to assist one who is making a decision on citizenship is provided by examining these topics in the Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985.

• Congregations should begin ordering the 1989 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses on their November literature orders. (See the 1988 Cost List, paragraphs 7-10.) The Yearbook will be available in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish. Until the Yearbook is available and shipments are made, it will appear as “Back Ordered” on congregation invoices. Yearbooks are controlled stock items (See the Cost List, paragraphs 23-25.) and will cost $1.00 for congregation and public; 50c for pioneers. Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1,1988, may receive a free copy for which the congregation may request credit.

• Each issue of Awake! during 1989 will contain a progressive segment of a series entitled “Religion’s Future in View of Its Past." These articles will examine the future of religion by taking a look back at religion’s history and applying the principle of cause and effect. Publishers are encouraged to make well-prepared presentations and feature this information whenever appropriate. In this way, people who are concerned with the decline of religion today can be helped to learn of the Kingdom hope.

• • No arrangements are being made for public talks to be given on the book Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!

• • New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—1985 Edition (Deluxe edition), available in black or maroon                —German

• ¹ When a householder opens the door, the publisher of the good news is faced with the challenge of introducing the Kingdom message in an appropriate way. Within the next ten seconds, the householder will often decide whether to listen to the presentation or to dismiss the Witness.

As Kingdom preachers, we know the information we bring is vitally ini-P2£iant, and we really want to help those with whom we speak. (Rom. 10:14) But we will have the opportunity to share the Bible truths we bring only j£_our introduction holds the person’s attention.—Col. TT5: compare Proverbs 25:11.

• ² In considering the appropriateness of our introduction," it would tie good to ask ourselves if perhaps we hgye lapsed into using Xhe_samn in-~ treduction repeatedly because it is easy to remember or because we feel comfortable with it. Are there expressions in our introduction that might generate prejudice in some territories? Is it specific enough to arouse interest from the outset, or docs it allow the householder tn_ter-minate the discussjop before we even get into our subject? How can we arouse the householder’s interest early in our discussion? Effective introductions do not just happen, t hey reqUlrti-IiardwpnG careful preparation, ana regular rehearsals.

SELECTING THE RIGHT INTRODUCTION

• ³ Beginning on page 9 of the Reasoning book, there is’ an excellent section entitled “Introductions for Use in the Field Ministry.” A review of the opening remarks in this section will no doubt be very helpful. At the outset, we are reminded that different approaches are needed for different kinds of territories, people, and circumstances. Selection of the right introduction requires careful consideration.

• ⁴ As you introduce the Kingdom message, can you show how it will benefit the householder personally? As an example, consider the first introduction under the heading “Crime/Safety” on page 10 of the Reasoning book. In the first statement, a subject of vital concern to the householder is introduced. The subsequent discussion would show the Kingdom’s role in eliminating crime.

• ⁵ How can we clear out obstacles to the householder’s willingness to consider our message? The headings on pages 14 and 15 in the Reasoning book offer excellent suggestions. For example, think about how you might use the introduction under the heading “When Many People Say: ‘I Have My Own Religion.’” The first statement may arouse the interest of the householder. Can you use this approach in your territory?

• ⁶ How can we demonstrate our genuine interest in the welfare of the householder? (Mark 6:34) A sincere, friendlv smile can help. Friendliness attracts others and is in keeping with our purpose to help people. Our interest in the householder is also shown by encouraging him to offer his comments. An honest request for his opinion can do much to help him listen to our message. An example of this is seen in the second introduction under “Kingdom”• on page 12. Have you used this? In general, people like to give their opinion, and they will be curious about what question you are going to ask. If we are to retain their interest, though, we must listen to their response and then adjust our presentation to take advantage of what we have learned about their views.

BEING ALERT TO CIRCUMSTANCES

• ⁷ When you approach the door- observe the surroundings. Are there toys in the yard, clothes hanging on a line, religious articles at the entrance, and so forth? When the householder comes to the door, are we greeted by a man or a woman, someone young or old, a mother, a father, or a child? Any of these factors can help US^{1 2}to select an appropriate introduction tailored to the needs and interests of the person who greets us.

• ⁸ The introductions suggested in the Reasoning, book have all been tried, and they have proved successfuL-Why not make an effort to use them in your territory? See which ones are most effective. Likely you will find that with good preparation, including regular practice sessions your introductions will become more effective and you will have greater success in spreading the Word of life.—Matt. 13:18-23.

  IPRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS ----

  
  

To Children

• ¹ A look around you at most congregation meetings and certainly at large conventions provides abundant evidence that there is a vast crowd of ‘young men, virgins, and boys’ —yes, children—praising Jehovah. (Ps. 148:12) This should remind each of us of the need to give young ones we meet in field service every opportunity to learn of Jehovah and his promises. Our being alert and prepared to witness to children will afford them this opportunity. There are several factors that should be considered.

• ² A positive attitude toward children and their capacity for developing a love for Jehovah is needed. Bible examples, such as Samuel, David, and Timothy, provide assurance that those young in years can be unswervingly devoted to God. (1 Sam. 2:18; Ps. 71:17; 2 Tim. 3:14, 15) There are also modern-day examples.

WHEN A YOUNG ONE ANSWERS THE DOOR

• ³ When a youth answers the door, do you customarily ask to speak with the parents? Do you then proceed to the next door if the parents are not at home? That young person’s life is precious also. Why not adjust your presentation and share the good news with him or her? A simple presentation explaining what Paradise will be like or a brief statement regarding what the future holds could be used to arouse interest. For example, many children are familiar with the Lord’s Prayer and can readily understand comments as to what the answer to that prayer will mean in the way of changed world conditions.

• ⁴ In witnessing to children, it is important to respect parental authority. Discretion should be used in offering literature to children. Depending on their age, it may be appropriate to ask if their parents al-

Encourage Others        (Cont’d)

a contribution of $5.00. By offering these two publications enthusiastically, we may be able to encourage more people to read and study God’s Word. A.s an introduction to the current Topic for Conversation, you may want to adapt the second introduction under “Bible/God" on page 10 of the Reasoning book. Or an adaptation of the first introduction under “Family/Children” on page 11 may be appropriate for you and your territory. Being prepared with these two low them to choose their own reading material. If they are not at liberty to accept literature but do show interest, witness to them orally and arrange to call back when their parents are at home. This may be a stepping-stone to helping the parents as well.

• ⁵ Being adaptable and alert includes being aware that we have what young people need. Jehovah’s organization has prepared appealing publications with timely information designed to reach young people of all ages. The Great Teacher and Bible Stories books hold special interest for those tender in years. The Youth and Family Life books contain pertinent information to aid those who are older. And what a treasure is to be found in the Watchtower and Awake! magazines! The Awake! feature “Young People Ask ...” and the Watchtower series “Jesus’ Life and Ministry” would be appropriate to offer to children. The four-color illustrations throughout both magazines can stir the imagination of youths and arouse in them a desire to know the God who is responsible for the endless marvels of creation. Not to be overlooked are the colorful brochures, such as Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! So when you prepare for field service, give thought to what you can take along that would appeal to young people.

• ⁶ Jehovah’s execution of judgment will affect all, including “young man and virgin and little child.” (Ezek. 9:6) The fact that some who have served Jehovah for many years embraced the truth at a tender age should help us see the need to give a witness to children we meet in the ministry. We can show loving concern just as Jesus did and bring a blessing by sharing the good news with them. (Matt. 19:14, 15) Be positive and give an appropriate witness to young ones, with the hope that they too may become praisers of Jehovah.

introductions will equip you to assist many people during November.

• ⁷ As we come closer to the end of this system of things, many more individuals with questions will no doubt be searching for answers that can be found only in God’s Word. May we be diligent in offering them what they need. Let us persist in encouraging others to read and study God’s Word. November's offer of the New World Translation and “Kingdom Come" book opens up a fine way for us to do this.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ American Samoa reported a new peak of 124 publishers in June, a 23-percent increase. More than 25 percent of the publishers were in pioneer work that month.

• ♦ An all-time peak of 35,797 publishers was reached during June in Colombia. A peak of 64,266 Bible studies was also reported.

• ♦ Fiji had their 42nd consecutive peak with 1,398 reporting in June. They had 2,271 studies, their 13th consecutive peak.

• ♦ Jamaica, with a peak of 8,545 publishers, reports that 13,727 attended their special assembly day series.

Things You Have Learned (Cont’d) mentally, and physically. (2 Cor. 7:1) Are you ‘practicing what was learned’ in this important matter? How? We will maintain spiritual cleanness by remaining separate from this world’s unclean religions and from apostates. Disciplining of the mind is needed if we are to avoid unclean thinking habits or entertaining wrong sexual desires, which lead to mental and moral uncleanness. (Job 31:1, 9-11) Have you taken firm steps to avoid movies, TV programs, or reading matter that could have a corrupting influence on you or those in your family? It was also pointed out that some have neglected personal hygiene and tidiness at home. If any have a weakness in this area, surely adjustments can be made in personal habits to ensure physical cleanness. Every member of the family needs to cooperate to maintain the cleanness and orderliness of a household. Particularly when representing Jehovah in the ministry would we want to be neatly groomed and wear clothing that is neat, clean, and modest in appearance. We thereby honor our holy God.—1 Pet. 1:14-16.

⁵ Future issues of Our Kingdom Ministry will remind us of still other vital aspects of divine justice that we learned about at this summer’s convention. This will be helpful to all as we put into practice these principles of righteousness in our daily lives and in our ministry. Unlike many in Christendom who listen with pleasure to the Bible’s message but do not act upon it, we derive much happiness and personal benefit from being “doers of the word, and not hearers only.”—Jas. 1:22-25; Ezek. 33:32.

4

¹

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

—Bassa (Cameroon), Bena, Boulou, Douala, Maltese, Medumba

²

New Cassette Recordings Available:

Jeremiah, Lamentations (set of five; congregation and public: $7.50; pioneers: $6.25)          —German

Album with complete Greek Scriptures (set of 18 cassettes in album; congregation and public: $30.00; pioneers: $20.00) —Italian

Ezekiel (set of five; congregation and public: $7.50; pioneers: $6.25)

—Spanish

AUGUST SERVICE REPORT

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

Sp’IPios.      210 123.6  75.0 50.7  5.2

Pios.       55,890  63.7  27.4  21.8  2.6

Aux. Pios.   33,255  59.4  24.4  14.8  1.3

Pubs.     707,749  10.0   6.0   3.7 0.5

TOTAL   797,104

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 628