OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

MARCH 1990

Vol. 33, No. 3

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

MARCH 5-11

Offering God’s Word book

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

• 2. What specific points will you refer to?

MARCH 12-18

Calling back on placements

• 1. How will you introduce yourself?

• 2. What will you talk about?

• 3. How will you suggest a Bible study?

MARCH 19-25

The Lord’s Evening Meal

• 1. Why start talking about the Memorial celebration now?

• 2. How will you invite newly interested ones?

• 3. Why explain what will take place?

MARCH 26-APRIL 1

• 1. Why should we keep speaking the good news without letup?

• 2. How can we maintain a proper attitude?

• 3. Why offer the Watchtower subscription?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Man’s Need for Wise Direction.

Prov. 14:12—Human wisdom not reliable.

Prov. 2:6, 7—Jehovah gives practical wisdom.

• ¹ If ever there was a time when strong faith was needed, it is now. Many people have no faith at all and no hope for the future. Religious and political leaders have raised false hopes so often that many people openly despair. Truly, as the apostle Paul explained, “Faith is not a possession of all people.” (2 Thess. 3:2) However, faith is a possession of Jehovah’s Witnesses. We have complete confidence that the promises found in God’s Word will be fulfilled.

• ² Strong faith makes Jehovah’s Witnesses stand out as different from other people. It motivates fine works that benefit others as well as ourselves, while bringing honor to God. Such faith results from allowing God’s Word to exert power in our lives. The present-day international brotherhood of genuine Christians demonstrates the value of building faith in the Bible as the inspired Word of God.—2 Tim. 3:16.

WHY HELP OTHERS BUILD FAITH

• ³ Since lives are at stake, we have strong reason for helping others to build their faith. With this in mind, during March we will offer The Bible —God’s Word or Man’s? for the first

  Continuing Our Ministry Without Letup

  
  

• ¹ The scene of this world is changing rapidly as we move deeper into the time of the end. (1 Cor. 7:31) In fulfillment of Bible prophecy, worldshaking events are taking place. As we contemplate what is happening both in the world around us and within the theocratic organization, we can appreciate how urgent it is that we preach “the good news” of the Kingdom.—Mark 13:10.

• ² It was our Leader and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, who gave the command to make disciples. In doing so, he guaranteed the success of that work by his promise, “I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) Jesus’ disciples took his words seriously, and even when facing strong opposition, “they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus.” (Acts 5:42) What a fine example they set for us!

• ³ As we read the 1990 Yearbook, we see that Jehovah has blessed our ministry by bringing about fine increases in new disciples. In some lands the increases reported are truly spectacular. The overall increase worldwide exceeds by far what any of us could have imagined just a few years ago. (Isa. 60:22) But what about our local time in the field. The purpose of this new book is to help people see that the Bible is God’s Word. It discusses and refutes many of the false charges leveled against God’s Word. It gives satisfying answers to a number of questions, such as: Is the Bible unscientific? Does it contradict itself? Is it just myth and legend? Did the miracles mentioned in the Bible really happen? Has archaeology disproved the historical accuracy of the Bible? In addition, this publication presents many fine proofs of the inspiration of the Bible. It also calls attention to the infallible prophecies of the Bible and its wonderful overall harmony.

• ⁴ The profound practical wisdom of the Bible and its power to change people for good are only part of the evidence that proves that the Bible is God’s Word. We are responsible to help people learn of this evidence. To do this, we must first teach them to believe what the Bible says.

• ⁵ How were most of us helped to build faith in God’s Word? Most likely it was by means of a home Bible study that someone patiently conducted with us. So the placing of a Bible (Continued on page 2, col. 1) territory? And what about our individual ministry? Are we rejoicing over our part in the ministry as well as over the collective ministry of our fellow workers everywhere? Are we continuing our individual effort in the ministry without letup?

OUR INDIVIDUAL PART

• ⁴ Quite obviously, not all territories are equally productive. (Compare Matthew 13:23.) It is also true that some territories, such as Ireland and Quebec, have become productive only after many years of hard work on the part of zealous ministers. There are many opposers in some areas, and in others the people in general are apathetic and unresponsive toward the Kingdom message. In still other places, there are so many workers in the field that there is little territory to be covered. But regardless of the type of territory we have to work in, our zeal must never falter. The apostle Paul wrote, “Let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out.” (Gal. 6:9) His words of admonition apply to all Christians. How will we be able to do that? What will help us to continue our ministry without letup?

(Continued on page if, col. 3)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING MARCH 5

Song 108

10 min: Local announcements and appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Warmly commend publishers who have had a share in the field ministry already this month, and encourage all to participate zealously in the field during March. Give practical suggestions for offering current magazines in local territory. Remind publishers of congregation's arrangements for field _ service.

. 20 min: “Build Faith in God’s Word." Questions and answers. When discussing paragraph 3, have effective publishers in audience offer specific suggestions and comments on talking points that can be usedin field service. Have these comments prepared in advance.

Q, 15 min: Call Back to Stimulate Further Interest. Encourage publishers to make return visits promptly on all who showed interest in God’s Word book. Previous part mentioned need to make return visits and start Bible studies with interested persons. After brief discussion of need and warm encouragement for all to call back where interest was shown, present one or two brief demonstrations showing how to make a return visit where new book was placed.

Song 23 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 12

Song 192

C 7 mln: Local announcements. Accounts report, including acknowl-Z^edgments from the Society of any contributions sent in during February. Warmly commend congregation for generous support of Kingdom work through their monetary contributions. Review congregation’s field service arrangements, and encourage publishers to work with their respective service groups on weekend. Remind congregation that special public talk will be given on March 25. Refer to announcement in January 1990 Our Kingdom Ministry.

10 min: Question Box. Talk by elder, covering information in article.'Also, make specific reference to excellent tape recordings provided by Society, and help brothers to see how these can be used by individuals and in Christian households, z >

18 mln: “Presenting tht'Gopa News —With Discernment.” Questions and answers. After considering paragraph 3, have two brief demonstrations showing how to ad just presentation to householder’s circumstances. Demonstrations can end when this is accomplished, usually during or immediately following the introduction. 10 mi/^L*A Test of the Genuineness of Your Love.” Talk by ejflgr based on article beginnirfg on page 24 of December 1, 1989, Watchtower. Express appreciation for generosity of congregation in supporting Kingdom work locally and worldwideZccM*-*-/ Song 225 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 19

^<Song208 a

10 min: Local announcements. Include arrangements for weekend field service. Offer suggestions as to which articles in the current magazines may particularly appeal to people in the local territory, -r~₍j> 20 min: “A Time for Increased Activity.” Question-and-answer discussion of article. Mention number already enrolled as auxiliary pioneers for April and May. When discussing paragraph 5, refer to February 1990 Our Kingdom Ministry article “Outstanding Magazines Featured.” Briefly review talking points in April 1 issue of The Watchtower if it has been received. Warmly encourage all to consider possibility of increasing field activity in connection with special-talk arrangement and Memorial celebration as well as for entire two-month period.

15 min: Local needs or talk and dem- 7o ■castration highlighting value of reg- »<■ ular consideration of daily text and/¹, comments. Suggest how this can be done. Base talk on information in foreword of Examining the Scriptures Daily—1990.

Song^G and concluding prayer.

,’/_L WEEK STARTING MARCH 26

S5ngl26

10 min: Local announcements. Theo- D cratic News. Encourage all who can to ^r share in field service this weekend./# Sunday is first day of April and beginning of Watchtower subscription offer. All who will be auxiliary pioneering during April should have turned in applications, which are available from presiding overseer. As time allows, suggest appropriate presentations for current magazines.

20 min: “Continuing Our Ministry^ Without Letup.” Questions and answers. Have capable brother readU. paragraphs. Others in audience ftray read ’atut comment on cited scriptures. Make local application of information, helping publishers to cope with problems faced in territory and maintain a proper attitude. All should be determined to serve Jehovah with zeal right down to the end. jf < 15 min: Offer Watchtower Subscrip-1-tions. Briefly discuss importance of^ Watchtower subscription for all who⁷' would be seekers of life in Jehovah's new world. Demonstrate subscription offer. When using April issues of The Watchtower, publishers could endeavor to stimulate interest by pointing out that God will soon bring peace. Psalm 72:7 could be used to show that God’s Word promises peace. Lovers of peace will be encouraged by seeing the promise at Psalm 37:10, 11 that true peace will come soon. If time permits, also demonstrate a brief, direct presentation of the subscription.

Song 71 and concluding prayer.

Build Faith                (Cont’dl

or a book is not the end of our faithbuilding efforts; it is only the beginning. If we have benefited from having someone study with us, we will want to return promptly to those with whom we place literature and offer a home Bible study to help them build faith.

NEW BOOK HELPS BUILD FAITH

^s When honestly evaluating the evidence, no sincere person can fail to accept that the Bible is God’s Word. This new book presents much of that evidence in an easily accessible form. We want to encourage others to accept the Bible as God’s Word and to live by its inspired counsel. Those who do so will come to echo joyfully the psalmist’s heartfelt prayer: “O see that I have loved your own orders. O Jehovah, according to your loving-kindness preserve me alive. The substance of your word is truth. and every righteous judicial decision of yours is to time indefinite.”—Ps. 119:159,160.

⁷ Through his Word, the Bible, Jehovah lovingly provides direction for all who seek his way of protection through the “great tribulation.” (Matt. 24:21) During March, we can encourage others to read and study God’s Word by offering the book The Bible—God’s Word or Man’sT for a contribution of $1.

Announcements

• Literature offer for March: The Bible —God's Word or Man’s? for a contribution of $1.00. April and May: Watchtower subscription. One-year subscriptions to semimonthly editions are $5.00. One-year subscriptions to monthly editions and sixmonth subscriptions to semimonthly editions are $2.50. Where the subscription is not obtained, two magazines and a copy of any brochure, except the School brochure, may be offered for the contribution of 80c. June: Survival Into a New Earth for the contribution of $1.00.

• The presiding overseer or someone assigned by him should audit the congregation accounts on March 1 or as soon as possible thereafter.

• New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Deluxe pocket edition; DLbi25}, available in black or maroon                  —Dutch

Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (Small size)

—Romanian

Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work       —Dutch,

German, Swedish

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth                —Russian

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!

—Hmong, Quechua Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide —Gujarati “Look! I Am Making All Things New” (Brochure)             —Welsh

The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever            —Malagasy

The Government That Will Bring Paradise               —Luganda

Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-1988              —French

• New Cassette Recordings Available: My Book of Bible Stories (set of four cassettes in an album; congregation and public: $8.00; pioneers: $6.00)

—Chinese (Mandarin) Jeremiah, Lamentations (set of four cassettes; congregation and public: $6.00; pioneers: $5.00)   —French

• The February 15, 1990, Spanish-language issue of The Watchtower should have listed an additional English-language convention for JUNE 21-24 as follows:

LOS ANGELES, CA (Sign language also), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave.

The Los Angeles, CA. convention listed for JULY 12-15 should have read as follows:

LOS ANGELES, CA (Spanish only), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave.

Also, please note that the three New York, N.Y., district conventions are now confirmed and are no longer tentative.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!:

March 5: Pages 243¹ to 251' March 12: Pages 251' to 258' March 19: Pages 258' to 264 March 26: Pages 265 to 270¹

• ¹ As the end of this present wicked system of things draws ever closer and we see how Jehovah is richly blessing our ministry, it is imperative for us to heed the apostle Peter’s admonition to ‘brace up our minds for activity.’—1 t’et. 1:13; Isa. 60:22.

• ² When Peter gave the above admonition, he was writing about the salvation that can be ours.thtough the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Our declaring the good news of the Kingdom is one important way we_have of demonstrating our faith and expressing our appreciation for the benefits we fF ceive because of Jehovah’s love expressed through the gift of his Son. (John 3:16) The Memorial season is a time to be even more active in this God-ordained work.

MEMORIAL CELEBRATION AND SPECIAL TALK

• ³ The Memorial celebration this year will be held after sundown on April 10. Even now, in anticipation of that special date, we can examine pur relationship with .TehovahGod and the manner in which we are remembering the sacrifice otlesus. Do we demonstrate our faith every day by adhering strictly to Jehovah’s righteous standards in pur thinking, speech, and conduct? Are we showing

  Question Box

  
  

• How should Jehovah’s Witnesses view tape recordings from sources other than the Society?

The Society provides an abundance of spiritual food in various forms, including cassette tape recordings. These include cassette recordings of the Bible itself and others based on Society publications, such as The Watchtower, Awake!, My Book of Bible Stories, and Listening to the Great Teacher. Kingdom melodies and several dramas have been produced. However, we need to exercise caution with regard to private tape recordings that circulate and that may appear to be similar in nature. Because of our being such a trusting brotherhood, some may at times accept and listen to copies of tapes from others without ascertaining their origin.

Sometimes recorded talks that circulate border on speculation or make use of sensational information. Would it not therefore be wise to follow Paul’s counsel at 2 Timothy 3:14? There Paul, after warning about impostors, stressed the importance of knowing the persons we are listening to. We need to make sure that we do not listen to anything that goes “beyond the things that are written” in the Holy Scriptures and in the spiritual food provided by “the faithful and love for others by exerting ourselves in preaching about the Kingdom and in making disciples? In a special way each year at the Memorial celebration, we remember what Jehovah God and Jesus have done for us. (Luke 22:19; ICor. 11:23,24) Such contemplative remembrance should move us to positive action according to our individual abilities and circumstances.

• ⁴ On March 25, most congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world will present a special talk on the subject “Reach Out forthe Real Life!” What a fine opportunity for new ones to begin associating with the congregation! Those who attend the special talk should be encouraged to be present for the Memorial celebration on April 10.

INCREASE DISTRIBUTION OF OUTSTANDING MAGAZINES

• ⁵ The Watchtower and Awake! play an important role in our public ministry, while providing spiritual food and timely reading for all of ns. All Kingdom publishers will appreciate the special effort that has gone into preparing the magazines fox April and May. We will be highlighting these issues when presenting (Continued on page 4, col. 1) discreet slave.”—1 Cor. 4:6; Matt. 24:45-47.

In some areas tapes for teaching children the Bible are being advertised and sold. These tapes purportedly originate with brothers and have been circulated among some congregations. While the motive may appear to be good, would this not amount to using theocratic connections for personal advantage? (See Our Kingdom Service, June 1977, page 4, and December 1979, page 4; Our Kingdom Ministry, September 1987, page 4.) Jehovah’s organization is providing more than enough Bible-based instruction to train our children. Therefore, we discourage the circulation of such tapes.

Some individuals may make tape recordings of congregation meetings or assembly and convention programs for their personal use. Such recordings may also be appreciated by members of the congregation who for some good reason are not able to be present at the meetings. However, these should not be made for distribution among the brothers in general or offered for sale to others. May we make full use of all that Jehovah has provided through his organization for our spiritual encouragement and upbuilding.

With Discernment

• ¹ The apostle Paul emphasized the need to use discernment in presenting the good news to people with differing beliefs and backgrounds. In our day, some people profess to be religious, while others are not spiritually inclined and do not appreciate spiritual values. As publishers of the good news, we must make the Kingdom message appealing “to people of all sorts" by using discernment in the ministry.—1 Cor. 9:19-23.

UNDERSTANDING THE HOUSEHOLDER

• ² The practical application of discernment in the field service involves the ability to adapt our presentation to the householder’s interests. This requires good preparation. By being thoroughly familiar with the wide variety of subjects considered in the books and magazines available, the publisher can be ready to present the good news with a variety of talking points. As we talk to older ones, youths, family heads, housewives, women in the work force, and others, we need to take into account their personal circumstances and use discernment in selecting material to present.

• ³ As you approach the householder, be alert to the surroundings. You may be able to discern that the householder is a parent, of a particular religious background, quite interested in the care of his home, and so forth. With this information, you can adjust your introduction to fit the householder’s circumstances and interests. By tactful, discreet questions and attentively listening to the person’s comments, you may discern his beliefs and feelings and then determine the best way to continue your presentation.

TAILORING YOUR PRESENTATION

• ⁴ If on your approach to the house you observe toys or children, you Increased Activity         (Cont’d)

subscriptions. Endeavor to become thoroughly familiar with each issue as soon as you receiveTF. This will stimulate your zeal for presenting it in the field when offering subscriptions and individual copies or when presenting two magazines with one of the brochures to those who do not subscribe.

• ⁶ Can you make room in your personal schedule to auxiliary pioneer during April and May? If several publishers in the congregation arrange to pioneer at the same time, they can help and encourage one another during this special period of increased activity. The elders will be pleased to help by making additional arrange-might open the present Topic for Conversation by saying: “We have been talking with parents in the community about guidelines they provide for their children. Many parents are concerned about the lack of moral guidance for children in the school system. Have you observed a problem along these lines?” Listen to the householder’s response. If the response indicates that the householder has a religious leaning, you might continue: “It is interesting that the Bible points to the need for us and our children to receive wise direction. Notice what is stated here at Proverbs 14:12.” After reading the scripture, you might say: “I was reading something just recently that stressed how practical the Bible’s counsel is for us." Turn to page 174 of The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? and read the last paragraph in the chapter. Offer the book for $1.

• ⁵ If the householder’s response indicates that he does not value the Bible’s advice, you can show discernment by altering your presentation and saying: “Do you mind if I ask why you came to that conclusion?” After listening to the response, you might continue: “I can understand why you feel the way you do. In fact, recently I read something in this publication that I’m sure you would find interesting.” Turn to page 6 and read paragraphs 3 and 4. Also, read the first sentence in paragraph 5 on page 7. Ask the householder if he would like to consider what other people accept as proof of the Bible’s authenticity.

• ⁶ As we prepare well and show discernment in Jehovah’s service, we will be able to say as did the apostle Paul, “I have become al) things to people of all sorts, that I might by all means save some.”—1 Cor. 9:22; Prov. 19:8.

mepts for group witnessing where necessary.

• ⁷ Think seriously about your own circumstances, such as family responsibilities, physical health, secular work, or school schedule. If you are unable to pioneer at thistime, to what extent can you increase your participation in the field ministry? Certainly Jehovah is pleased with whole-souled service .that expresses our love and appreciation for him and for the precious gift of his Son, Jesus. As we examine ourselves in the light of God’s Word and brace up our minds for activity, we can be confident of having Jehovah’s spirit to sustain us in offering acceptable sacrifices of praise.—Heb. 13:15.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Australia was pleased to report a new peak of 51,152 publishers in October, a 5.3-percent increase over the same month last year. There were 5,422 subscriptions obtained, an excellent total compared with 2,981 last October.

* Hong Kong reported a new peak of 2,032 publishers for October. The total of 4,511 subscriptions obtained was the best ever in a subscription campaign, more than twice the number previously obtained in one month.

* Jamaica had a peak of 8,701 publishers in October.

* In October, Nigeria reported 139,150 publishers, their second peak for the new service year. They also had new peaks of 9,244 regular pioneers and 183,701 home Bible studies.

* District conventions in the Solomon Islands were attended by 2,339, with 37 baptized. The peak publisher figure was 777.________________________________

DECEMBER SERVICE REPORT

Av Av. Av. Av.

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

Spl Pios.     226 125.4  74.5 55.5

Pios.      65,050  75.6  32.1 25.8

Aux. Pios.  44,672  55.7  24.2 15.0

Pubs. 696,274   9.2   5.6  3.6

TOTAL 806,222

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,556

4

¹

To or from subheading.

' To or from chapter heading.

Without Letup             (Cont’d}

⁵ We can keep active and make our ministry successful if we put our trust in Jehovah and rely upon his strength to sustain us. Always have in mind that Jehovah is the one who makes the field productive. (1 Cor. 3:6) In answer to our prayers for help, Jehovah provides counsel, practical instruction, and an abundant supply of Bible literature for our personal use and for helping others to come to know him. Are we taking full advantage of these provisions?

MAINTAIN A RIGHT ATTITUDE

^G If we have a negative attitude, that can be a serious obstacle in the way of a productive ministry. If we have formed an unfavorable opinion about the people in our territory on the basis of their previous unresponsiveness, that attitude will be reflected in our tone of voice, facial expression, and lack of diligent preparation for the field service. We have received the commission to preach and teach, and we have not been told that the work is finished. Our desire to be obedient and submissive to divine direction should move us to continue our ministry without letup.

⁷ Jehovah’s purpose regarding the warning of the wicked and the gathering in of disciples will be accomplished before the end comes. We can share in the joy of the ministry now and look forward to eternal blessings among God’s people if we demonstrate our faith and love by continuing our ministry without letup.