Our Kingdom Ministry

June 1992                         For United States of America                         Vol. 35, No. 6

• ¹ During this 20th century, there have been mass movements of population as a result of wars, oppression, and economic pressures. And with faster travel and communication, the world seems to be getting smaller. This has brought various religious groups into closer proximity. Thus, religion is often in the news as affecting the lives of people everywhere.

• ² Our preaching work has also been affected. It Is no longer unusual to contact people who are of a religious background with which we are unfamiliar.

• ³ To help us have a clearer understanding of other religions and their historical background, we have been provided with the book Mankind’s Search for God. It answers hundreds of questions about the basic beliefs of the world’s major religions. We will be using this book in our ministry during the month of June. What subjects from this valuable aid can we highlight to encourage sincere ones to learn more about God?

  Will You Share in Informal Witnessing This Summer?

  
  

' Our regular routine in life includes specific periods for talking to people about Jehovah. We set aside time for witnessing formally from house to house, making return visits, and conducting Bible studies. There are many other less formal occasions, though, when we can speak to people about the truth. We refer to this preaching as informal witnessing.

• ² Some publishers find many opportunities to engage in this form of the ministry. All of us can endeavor to be alert to such occasions this summer as we travel to and from conventions, take vacations, and visit with relatives. Will you take advantage of opportunities for informal witnessing during this time?

• ³ Make Advance Plans: Preparation and forethought will enable us to witness informally in an effective way. In this regard, we are well equipped with a variety of publications to help us accomplish this. In addition to The Watch

• ⁴ One fundamental question that is handled throughout the book is: Does man have an immortal soul that survives his death and goes on to an afterlife? In one form or another, nearly every religion teaches that concept. Other questions addressed in the book are: Is there such a place as hell where souls are tormented? What is the true hope for the dead? Is there one God, or are there many gods? Attention can be drawn to the questions on pages 17-18 of the book. Even when talking with an atheist oranagnostic, questions 4 and 5 may get his attention and perhaps result in a profitable conversation.

^SA11 mankind needs to search for God and to seek his favor now. World events show that Armageddon is coming on apace. It is a time for zealous action. What a privilege we have in urging others to seek Jehovah now, while he may be found! (Isa. 55:6, 7) How does the book Mankind’s Search for God assist people in their search for God? It provides thought-provoking tower and Awake!, we have several tracts that feature thought-provoking titles to stir interest. There are brochures that appeal to people of various backgrounds and religions. We also have pocket-size books that cover subjects of current interest. Which publications do you feel comfortable using? Give thought to this as a family. Then practice what you will say when the appropriate occasion comes up.

• ⁴ While on Vacation: An excellent time to witness informally is while on vacation. Are you planning a trip by plane, train, or bus? Then take along a Bible and one of the publications mentioned above. Reading such publications on public transportation often sparks a conversation. If you travel by automobile, think about what you can say when you stop at a filling station or restaurant or while staying at a hotel. For such occasions, you could keep a small supply of tracts handy to give to Information for persons of varied backgrounds. For example, paragraph 26 on page 297 points out to Muslims that true Christianity does not teach the Trinity doctrine. Notice how paragraph 43 on page 229 might stimulate the interest of Jewish people regarding the use of God’s name.

• ⁶ We have every reason to be enthusiastic about presenting this book. If we are well acquainted with its contents, we will find opportunities to arouse the Interest of sincere people of many religious backgrounds. May we show zeal for this service.

• ⁷ Jehovah is a generous and merciful God. How gracious his invitation to learn about him! There may be many more who will become praisers of Jehovah. During June, with the aid of the book Mankind’s Search for God, we will be able to help many in Christendom as well as those from nonChristian and godless backgrounds to start worshiping Jehovah “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:23,24) May we persevere in finding truth seekers and strengthen their relationship with the God of truth. He can be found!

interested persons. If you are at a highway rest stop that has a scenic background. perhaps you could begin to witness by asking someone: “Would it not be nice if the whole earth looked like this?” If you are at a beautiful beach or park, a similar introduction could be used.

• ⁵ At the District Convention: We can also find occasions to witness informally at the district convention. Many have found success in talking to motel and hotel employees or in speaking to people while on the street or at a bus stop. Be sure to wear a badge card during the convention. You may patronize the local restaurants and stores, and perhaps people will ask you what your badge card represents. This may lead to your giving a fine witness.

• ⁶ The summer months may offer us refreshment and relaxation, but let us not overlook the opportunities we have to give an informal witness. This method of preaching is fruitful, and Jehovah’s servants should share in it. As with Jesus, may our love for fellow humans move us to speak out on every appropriate occasion!—Matt. 5:14-16.

  Service Meetings for June

  
  

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

Week Starting June 1

Song 80

5 mins Local announcements and appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

10 min: Are Your Plans Complete for Attending the District Convention? Enthusiastic discussion between elder and ministerial servant. (Use brothers who will be attending convention with local congregation.) Discuss why we attend conventions. (Deut. 31:12, 13) All need to be attentive with objective of determining how they can use the information personally and in the field service. There is a need to make final check to see that all have transportation arrangements. There are some cautions all should have in mind. No one should plan late-night recreation during convention, since all of us need sufficient rest. We should plan on witnessing. To whom? People met on public transportation and at gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and so forth. We must be discerning when offering literature and should not leave literature indiscriminately in public places or with persons who do not show genuine interest.

15 min: “Mankind’s Need to Search for God.” Questions and answers. Build enthusiasm for our work in the field this month. Show how the publication can help people of various religions in your territory.

15 min: “Introducing Mankind’s Search for God." Discuss and demonstrate some of the suggestions in the article. In one demonstration show how to use the direct approach for starting studies. Also, show how the ten ways to identify the true religion on page 377 can be used effectively.

Song 225 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 8

Song 145

10 min: Announcements. Prepare in advance to have two regular or auxiliary pioneers comment on introductions they have found effective while working in local territory.

20 min: “Have a Self-Sacrificing Spirit!" Talk on article in the February 1,1992, Watchtower, pages 25-8. Emphasize that having a self-sacrificing spirit is not optional but a Christian requirement. We do not lose by sacrificing material things and recreational activities in order to pursue Kingdom interests first.

15 min: Read and discuss Society’s letter dated May 1,1992, regarding publishers cooperating with elders and Hospital Liaison Committees. Stress that this is an update of the previous letter about cooperating with elders and the Hospital’ Liaison Committees when facing a faith-challenging medical situation. Tie in the cited Bible texts. Give special emphasis to paragraphs 2 and 6.

Song 61 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 15

Song 34

10 min: Announcements. Mention highlights of March field service report. Show what part the local congregation had in the field service report for March. Give accounts report. Commend congregation for work done in field service and for generous financial support of congregation.

20 min: “Will You Share in Informal Witnessing This Summer?" Discuss and demonstrate points in article. Stress fact that we are Jehovah’s Witnesses at all times, so we want to look for opportunities to give a witness. Prepare in advance to have two short experiences where individuals engaged in informal witnessing with good results or where someone in the congregation became interested in the truth as a result of informal witnessing.

15 min: Discussion and demonstrations of Bible discussion and presentation of Mankind’s Search for God, using Isaiah 55:6, 7 and Acts 17:26, 27. Show how new and young ones can use a simplified presentation, using just Isaiah 55:6, 7. In demonstrations make it clear that literature is offered only to persons who show genuine interest and who really want to read it. After the person agrees to read the publication you are offering, you might say: “We know you will benefit greatly by reading this information. This work is supported by voluntary donations. If you wish to make a small donation toward our work today, we are pleased to accept it.” When householders contribute, publisher should put the donation in a separate purse or envelope. Such donations should later be placed in appropriate contribution box at Kingdom Hall for the Society’s worldwide work.

Song 154 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 22

Song 173

5 min: Announcements. Theocratic News. In covering items, compare present report with information on that branch for the 1986 service year, as found in the service year report in the 1987 Yearbook.

20 min: “Pioneering—An Expression of Love.” Q uestions and answers. After discussing paragraphs 3 and 4, interview three regular pioneers (or publishers who auxiliary pioneer regularly or periodically), Including, if available, one young regular pioneer who pioneered right after getting out of school. Ask how they arranged their affairs to pioneer, what motivated them to do so, what material sacrifices they have had to make, and what blessings they have received while serving as regular pioneers. 20 min: "Returning With the Goal of Starting a Bible Study." Discussion and demonstrations. Demonstrate suggested Bible discussion in paragraph 3. Use paragraphs 17-20 on pages 372-5 of book Mankind’s Search for God as a basis for starting a Bible study.

Song 135 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 29

Song 90

10 min: Announcements. Have two short demonstrations showing how to have a Scriptural discussion when presenting magazines in field service this weekend.

15 min: “ApostolicSuccession."Service overseer accompanies a pioneer making return visit on person who raised question: “Is not the pope a successor of the apostle Peter?” Base discussion on Reasoning book, page 37 to first heading on page 39.

20 min: Local needs. Could review points presented at last circuit assembly or special assembly day program that can be applied locally.

Song 167 and concluding prayer.

Pioneering—An Expression of Love

■ Literature offer for June: Mankind’s Search for God. July: Any of the following brochures: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making All Things New," Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, or The Government That Will Bring Paradise. August: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. September: Life-How Did II Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? NOTE: Congregations that have not yet requested the above-mentioned campaign items should do so on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14).

• ■ The presiding overseer or someone assigned by him should audit the congregation accounts on June 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. Make announcement to the congregation when this has been done.

• ■ Since the convention this year will be three days, there is no need to cancel the Congregation Book Study the week of the convention.

• ■ As announced in the letter dated August 15, 1991, to all congregations in the United States, individuals interested in obtaining the magazine file case should make their request through the congregation. Please bear in mind that this is a special-request item.

• ■ It is important for individual publishers and family groups to make definite arrangements for sharing regularly in the field ministry during the summer convention and vacation months. If you are away from your home congregation at the end of the month, be sure to send your field service report to the congregation secretary in sufficient time for it to be included with the congregation report for that month.

• ■ New Publications Available:

English: Sing Praises to Jehovah—Large Print (Lyrics only). Indonesian: Mankind’s Search for God. Italian: “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial" (Revised). Sepedi: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size). Tamil: Questions Young People Ask —Answers That Work.

• ■ New Audiocassettes Available:

Spanish: Album of Hebrew Scriptures—Volume 3 (Proverbs to Malachi; set of 22 audiocassettes in an album).

• ■ New Videocassettes Available:

English: Purple Triangles. Spanish: Jehovah's Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name.

• ¹ Love for Jehovah and for our fellowman is what moves us to participate more fully in the preaching activity. As our love for Jehovah and for people grows, we are stimulated to plan for an even greater share in the ministry. Our love expands as we increase in “accurate knowledge” of God's Word. (Phil. 1:9, 10) The more we learn about Jehovah’s will, the more we appreciate the urgency of the times in which we are living. This Intensifies our concern for others. Many are expressing their loving concern by taking up the pioneer service.

• ² Can you make necessary adjustments to become an auxiliary or a regular pioneer? Granted, not all of us are able to pioneer. But each one of us should analyze his circumstances prayerfully.

• ³ Few Christians find that they have much free time to pioneer; therefore, it becomes necessary to ‘buy out the opportune time’ from those unnecessary things that are presently demanding our time. (Eph. 5:15-17) Our love for God and for people should make us willing to sacrifice some of our personal desires and comforts in order to express our love more fully. (Mark 12:33) Many of the things we acquire, and perhaps feel are normal, may be viewed as luxuries in other parts of the world.

• ⁴ What can parents do to assist their children to think in this God-oriented way? Parents should put theocratic goals before their children from an early age. As they approach graduation from school, are they thinking of secular goals or of spiritual ones? We want to help our youth see the lasting benefits that come from entering the pioneer service at an early age. This is storing up treasures in heaven. (Matt. 6:19-21) It pleases God and gives evidence of our loyalty and devotion to him. And it saves the lives of others.

• ⁵ It is God’s will that ‘all sorts of people should be saved.’ (1 Tim. 2:4) Can we show that this is also our will? We can if we are willing to put Kingdom interests first. We can also do this by having confidence that Jehovah will provide the necessities of life. (Matt. 6:31-33) Economic conditions may worsen, but Jehovah’s promise to care for us never changes—Ps. 37:25.

• ⁶ Exerting ourselves to share in the field ministry as much as our circumstances allow is an expression of love. For some this will mean being a regular pioneer. Why not do all you can to start by September 1, 1992?

Congregation book Study

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

Theocratic News

Korea: A new peak of 68,310 publishers was reached in January. Seven congregations reported that all baptized publishers were in some form of fulltime service. One congregation reported 12 regular pioneers, 15 auxiliary pioneers, and no congregation publishers. Nigeria: The January report showed a new peak of 156,001 publishers, a 7-percent increase over last year's average.

MARCH SERVICE REPORT

Av. Av. Av. Av.

TOTAL 872,261          Baptized: 3,131

• ¹ Many today feel that their choice of religion is a very private matter. Thus, it can be challenging to talk to our neighbors about this subject. But now we have the book Mankind’s Search for God, which has proved to be an invaluable aid in preaching to people of varied religious backgrounds.

• ² What will you say to arouse the householder’s interest in reading this book? What points or features will you highlight that will appeal to professed Christians? to those with nonChristian beliefs? or to those without faith? The following suggestions will help us be prepared to show our neighbors the need to “search for Jehovah” and to “call to him while he proves to be near.” (Isa. 55:6) The suggestions can be adapted to local circumstances.

¹ Why Investigate What We Have to Say?: Since many profess to be satisfied with their religion and are not' interested in changing, we may need to tailor our introduction to help the householder examine with an open mind what we have to say.

'After an appropriate greeting, you could say:

■ “In talking to our neighbors, we find that many people are satisfied with their religion and do not wish to change. But if people took the time to examine the beliefs of others, do you think this could lead to better understanding and less hatred in the world? [Allow householder to respond.] Notice what the Bible says about those who love God and how they should feel about others.” After reading Acts 17:26, 27, direct attention to paragraphs 15 and 16 on page 10 of the book Mankind’s Search for God.

⁵ Many have found that turning to a chapter in the book that discusses the householder’s religion will capture his attention. Note how this could be done.

'After introducing yourself, you might say:

■ “With so many religions today, have you ever wondered how we can determine if our religion is approved by God?” After the householder comments, direct his attention to the box on page 377 of the book Mankind’s Search for God, which shows ten ways to identify the true religion, noting particularly point number 7. Ask the householder if he agrees that one practicing true religion should feel that way about other races and nationalities. If time allows, look up the three scriptures cited. Then conclude by stating that the other nine reasons given have similar sound Scriptural backing.

⁷ Other Helpful Features: The extensive subject index in the back of the book can also be used. For example. what if many people in the territory feel that all religions are just different roads leading to God? Then look under the heading “Religion" where there Is a subheading entitled “‘all religions equal’: 12.” This illustrates how the index can help us find talking points. When speaking with those who do not believe in God, we might show them paragraphs 1 and 2 on page 329, which address the question of modern disbelief. The five "Questions That Require an Answer” on pages 17-18 may especially interest those who question whether the Bible teaches what most religions preach.

’By using effective transitions to introduce the book Mankind’s Search for God, we may be able to help the people with whom we talk to search for the one true God, Jehovah.

• ¹ After initially locating an interested person, thoroughness is needed on our part to keep this interest alive. Making return visits may lead directly into lifesaving Bible discussions and Bible studies. Consider these suggestions for making effective return visits. At the end of the initial call, you might lay the groundwork for a return visit by asking:

■ “Have you ever wondered why there are so many religions?" Upon returning you could say: “The last time I was here, the question was raised as to why there are so many religions. There are a number of reasons for this. I would like to read something Interesting that I found in my review of this question." Turn to page 322 of the Reasoning book and read the section under the subheading “Why are there so many religions?"

• ² Can God be found in all religions? For God to be with a religion, It must be producing the right fruitage. To start a return visit, you could ask:

■ “How should religion affect a person’s conduct? What Jesus Christ stated at Matthew 7:17-20 gives us the guidelines that true religion is expected to follow.” Read the scripture directly from the end of paragraph 19 on page 12 of the book Mankind’s Search for God. Then ask the householder what he sees in the picture on page 13. “While millions claim to believe in God, many deny him by their works.” Next, read the first two sentences of paragraph 20. “These violent actions identify religions that do not follow the direction given by Christ to love one another, even our enemies. On my next visit, perhaps we can discuss what a religion must be doing if it is bearing good fruitage.”

• ³ What does the future hold for those who seek the true God? A discussion of this question right from the book Mankind’s Search for God may lead to a Bible study.

To begin a conversation, you might say:

■ “With economic conditions as they are now, many people wonder If they can have a positive view of the future. I have found the Bible to be very encouraging when it talks about the future. Let me share with you God’s promise in Isaiah 65:21,22,25. [Read and comment briefly on the scripture.] The book Mankind’s Search for God answers some interesting questions on this, beginning in paragraph 17 on page 372.” Then demonstrate the Bible study arrangement, using paragraphs 17-20. “Next week I would like to consider the question, What is the foundation for the new world promised in the Bible?”

• Make wise use of the time left to share in the thorough witness now being given in all nations of the earth. (Compare Acts 20:21.) Making return visits with the goal of starting a Bible study could mean everlasting life for those to whom we preach.

® 1992 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry IUSPS 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.

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