Our Kingdom Ministry

• ¹ The early Christians took their ministry very seriously. Luke reported: “Every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus.” (Acts 5:42) Nothing, not even persecution, could hold them back! (Acts 8:4) They spoke to others about the truth every day.

• ² What about us? Ask yourself: ‘Do I sense the urgency of the times? Am I inclined to continue declaring the good news without letup?'

• ³ Modern-Day Examples of Preaching Without Letup: One sister, a victim of polio, was confined to an iron lung. She was not able to go to the Kingdom Hall or attend an assembly. But she was intensely occupied with declaring the good news. During her 37-year confinement, she was able to help 17 people learn the truth! How did she do it? Although unable to go from door to door, she found a way each day to witness informally to those who came in contact with her.

* Our brothers in Bosnia have had to cope with war and deprivation. Nevertheless, they regularly continue to preach to others. In Sarajevo the publishers have been averaging 20 hours each month talking to others about the good news, and they conduct an average of two Bible studies each. Despite their severe circumstances, they preach and teach without letup.

• ⁵ Young ones also manifest zeal for the ministry. A family of Witnesses in Rwanda were put in a room where soldiers prepared to kill them. The family asked permission to pray first. This was granted, and the young daughter, Deborah, prayed out loud: “Jehovah, this week Papa and I placed five magazines. How are we going to get back to these people to teach them the truth and help them get life?” Because of her strong faith and her love for the ministry, the entire family was spared.

• ⁶ Today, there is a need to watch for opportunities to witness to others and search out those “rightly disposed for everlasting life.” (Acts 13:48) In accord with local circumstances, congregation elders make arrangements for group witnessing at convenient times, whether in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings. Articles in Our Kingdom Ministry and parts on Service Meetings, circuit assemblies, and district conventions offer timely suggestions and encouragement to share in various avenues of Kingdom witnessing. Added to this, circuit and district overseers train publishers in street witnessing, show how to work business territory, and point out other ways to give a witness wherever people are to be found. All of this emphasizes no letup in declaring the good news!

• ⁷ Jesus’ apostles boldly declared: “We cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.” How did they persevere in spite of all obstacles? They asked Jehovah to help them, which he did, and “they were one and all filled with the holy spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:20, 29, 31) Everyone may not be blessed with outstanding experiences in the ministry, but if we truly desire to declare the good news without letup and if we put forth the effort to do so even on a daily basis, Jehovah will help us.

  Who Is Qualified to Preach?

  
  

• ¹ When it comes to the ministry, have you ever felt like Moses? He said: “Excuse me, Jehovah, but I am not a fluent speaker, neither since yesterday nor since before that nor since your speaking to your servant.” (Ex. 4:10) If you feel that way, you may be inclined to hold back. Yet, Jesus “ordered us to preach to the people and to give a thorough witness.” (Acts 10:42) So how do we become qualified preachers of the good news?

• ² It is not the extent of our secular education that qualifies us for the ministry. Paul said that “not many wise in a fleshly way were called” and that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." (1 Cor. 1:26; 3:19) Jesus selected his apostles from among the working class—at least four being fishermen by trade. The proud religious leaders viewed them with disdain as “men unlettered and ordinary.” Judged by worldly standards, the apostles were unqualified to preach. Yet, Peter’s masterful discourse delivered on the day of Pentecost moved 3,000 to be baptized!—Acts 2:14, 37-41; 4:13.

• ³ Jehovah Qualifies Us to Preach: Paul declared: “Our being adequately qualified issqes from God." (2 Cor. 3:5) Jehovah, the Source of wisdom, has taught millions to preach Kingdom truth to others. (Isa. 54:13) The effectiveness and fruitfulness of this work can be seen in the 338,491 who were baptized last year as living “letters of recommendation.” (2 Cor. 3:1-3) We have every reason to preach with boldness and conviction about the things we have learned from Jehovah.

• ⁴ God’s organization has established an international training program for ministers. By means of the Scriptures and a great variety of Bible study aids, we are schooled and trained to become “fully competent, completely equipped” to preach. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Many have been impressed with the scholarship found in the Society’s publications. For example, a Swedish periodical stated: “Behind the faith being preached by Jehovah’s Witnesses there is an amazing high-class and internationally oriented Bible science.”

• ⁵ With the direction given in our five weekly meetings, our program for Bible reading and study, counseling in the Theocratic Ministry School, personal assistance by others who are experienced ministers, and above all, the backing of Jehovah’s holy spirit, we can be confident that Jehovah views us as fully qualified to preach. “Yes, as sent from God, under God’s view, in company with Christ, we are speaking."—2 Cor. 2:17.

• ⁶ If we take hill advantage of the theocratic training provided by God through his organization, we have no reason to hold back or feel intimidated. We can joyfully preach to others, assured that Jehovah will bless our efforts.—1 Cor. 3:6.

  Service Meetings for August

  
  

Week Starting August 5

Song 56

10 mln: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

20 mln: “No Letup In Declaring the Good News.” Talk and audience discussion. Include excerpts from Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, page 673, paragraph 1.

15 mln: “Proclaim the Kingdom Good News With Brochures.” (Paragraphs 1-5) Use first paragraph in introductory talk. Make positive comments about the advantages of using the Life on Earth and “Look.!" brochures in the ministry. Arrange four well-rehearsed demonstrations, showing how the initial calls and return visits can be handled with these brochures. Have a young publisher, assisted by his parent, demonstrate the presentations with the Life on Earth brochure. Publishers may wish to pattern their presentations of other brochures on those here suggested.

Song 136 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 12

Song 192

19 mln: Local announcements. Accounts report. Include positive comments on “Ways to Share,” In December 1,1993, Watchtower, pages 29-31.

15 mln: “Proclaim the Kingdom Good News With Brochures.” (Paragraphs 6-8) Give a brief overview of the contents of the Government brochure. Demonstrate the suggested presentations for the Initial call and return visit. Encourage all to follow up their placements.

15 mln: “Contributions to Society’s Worldwide Work Support Expansion." Enthusiastic talk by elder. Include some statistics on progress of Kingdom work In some of the countries represented, as reported in Yearbook.

Song 9 and concluding prayer.

Wwk Starting August 19

Song 174

10 mln: Local announcements. Review Question Box.

15 mln: “Who Is Qualified to Preach?" An elder discusses article with two or three publishers. Emphasize that we are receiving the best training available, fully equipping us as ministers of God. We have no reason to feel Inadequate to preach.

20 mln: “How to Make Disciples With the Knowledge Book." Audience discussion of paragraphs 17-26 of the Jurje 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. Ar-Tange ahead of time to include local experiences of those who are conducting studies in the Knowledge book. They can make positive expressions about how they have applied suggestions found in the Insert and how they have been helped to conduct a more progressive home Bible study. Encourage all to save the Insert and review it personally whenever they start a new study.

Song 189 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 26

Song 104

10 mln: Local announcements. Review “New Special Assembly Day Program." Announce field service arrangements for September 2.

20 mln: Taking an Interest in Your Children’s Schooling. Talk by an elder. Review information in the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses and Education, pages 2-5, showing why we appreciate useful training provided in school. Discuss how to explain tactfully to teachers the reason why we keep spiritual goals rather than secular pursuits uppermost. Include points from “Conclusion,” on page 31. Encourage parents

Question box

■ What should be done when an assigned public speaker fails to arrive in time for the meeting?

Occasionally, unavoidable circumstances will prevent a brother from arriving in time to give his scheduled talk. If there is reason to believe that he will arrive shortly, the elders may decide to go ahead with the Watchtower Study; the Public Meeting could follow afterward. What If It becomes apparent that the speaker will not arrive? Perhaps one of the local speakers could give any talk he has already prepared.

Careful advance planning usually prevents this problem. The public talk coordinator should contact each speaker at least a week In advance to remind him of his assignment. The reminder should Include the time of the meeting, the Klng-to apply suggestions given In September 8, 1988, Awake!, page 11.

15 mln: Review Literature Offer for September. We will use the book Life —How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? Illustrate the versatility of this publication. Chapters 1-15 thoroughly research the controversy over how life got here; chapter 16 addresses a universally perplexing question, “Why Would God Permit Suffering?"; chapters 17-18 build faith in the Bible as being God’s trustworthy, inspired Word; chapters 19-20 highlight the Kingdom good news about life on earth in Paradise and explain how to attain it. Have a capable publisher use one of these approaches to demonstrate a brief presentation of the Creation book. If the congregation still has In stock copies of Making Your Family Life Happy or You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, these may be offered.

Song 113 and concluding prayer.

CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Lite.

August 5:   Chapter IS

August 12:   Chapter 16

August 19:   Chapter IT

August 26:   Chapter 18

dom Hall address and phone number, and clear directions on how to locate the hall. The speaker must make careful note of these details. He should take the assignment seriously, making any needed adjustments in his personal affairs so that he can fulfill this responsibility. If something unavoidable comes up that will prevent him from doing so, he should contact the public talk coordinator immediately so that a substitute can be arranged. Every effort ought to be made to avoid lastminute cancellations. If the speaker is delayed and will be a few minutes late, he can see to It that a phone call is made to the Kingdom Hall so that the brothers will know how to proceed.

Appreciation for public talk assignments, good advance planning and reminders, and careful oversight can ensure that the congregation will be able to enjoy a beneficial public talk every week.

Contributions to Society’s Worldwide Work Support Expansion

As foretold at Isaiah 54:2, 3, Jehovah’s pure worship continues to expand throughout the earth.

This includes various lands on the African continent and nearby islands. During the past ten years, restrictions on Kingdom activity have been lifted in such places as Angola, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Togo. In these and other lands where the field has been white for harvesting, Gilead missionaries, graduates of the Ministerial Training School, Bethel faml-ly members, and others have taken up assignments.

—Matt. 9:37,38.

Obviously, the increase of true worshipers in Jehovah’s organization calls for the construction of hundreds of new Kingdom Halls. It has also been necessary to plan for Assembly Halls and new or expanded branch facilities. Financing these projects as well as keeping the Kingdom work moving forward not only in Africa but also in other parts of the world has drawn heavily on the contributions to the Society’s worldwide work.

Kingdom Hall in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, built in 9 days

Economically built Kingdom Hall in Nigeria

Ij

Assembly Hall in Mozambique

Mozambique branch facilities, to be ready for occupancy in fall of 1996

Sierra Leone branch, scheduled for completion this summer

New Kenya branch, In capital, Nairobi

Madagascar branch, to be completed soon

Open-sided Assembly Hall and new branch under construction in Senegal

Zimbabwe branch under construction

Completed open-sided Assembly Hall in Mauritius, along with branch facilities, to be completed in spring of 1997

Proposed branch buildings for Malawi

By checking the field service chart in the 1996 Yearbook, you can get a better picture of what the publishers in these countries are doing in the ministry. Outstanding increases have taken place in many lands, and the potential for growth is reflected in the ex-

The pictures and drawings on two pages of this insert give you some idea of what the Society has been endeavoring to accomplish in the African field. What is shown is some of the construction that is now under way and projects that will begin soon. ceptional Memorial attendances. When we keep in mind what is being accomplished as part of the global Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work on other continents, it impresses on us what a privilege we have to support in a material way the cause of true worship.—Luke 16:9; 1 Tim. 6:18.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of May 6 to August 19,1996. Use a separate sheet of paper to write down answers to as many of the questions as you can in the time allotted.

[Note: During the written review, only the Bible may be used to answer any question. References that follow the questions are for your personal research. Page and paragraph numbers may not appear on all references to The 'Watchtower.]

Answer each of the following statements True or False:

• 1. Whether we are able to give much or little, it is Scriptural to earnestly beg for the privilege of assisting our faithful Christian brothers who find themselves in need of life’s necessities. (2 Cor. 8:1-4) [jv p. 314 par. 1]

• 2. ‘Gog of Magog’ is a symbolic reference to the governments of this world. (Ezek. 38:2) [Weekly Bible reading; see w918/15 p. 27 par. 2.]

• 3. Just as Oholah was the older sister of Oholibah, as depicted in Ezekiel chapter 23, so Roman Catholicism is the older sister of Protestantism, and both organizations have defiled themselves by committing spiritual adultery with the commercial and political powers of the world. [Weekly Bible Reading; see w89 4/1 30.]

• 4. Jehovah’s Witnesses have increased in number to the point that they outnumber the population of scores of individual nations. [jv p. 278 par. 3]

• 5. Cornelius was the first Gentile to become a Christian, [it-1 p. 513 pars. 3, 4]

• 6. James 4:17 and Ezekiel 33:7-9 harmonize, showing that it is knowledge of what God requires of us that makes us accountable to him. [Weekly Bible reading; see w93 4/1 p. 7 par. 1.]

• 7. Daniel proved himself to be a true prophet by explaining the meaning of the dream image after King Nebuchadnezzar described it to him. [Weekly Bible reading; see Daniel 2:7-9, 26.]

• 8. The water that flows from the visionary temple described at Ezekiel 47:1 represents the cleansing power of baptism. [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/15 p. 27 par. 20.]

• 9. The example of Balaam stands as a warning to all who are headstrong and who persist in ignoring God’s will as they pursue selfish gain. (Jude 11) [it-1 p. 244 par. 4]

• 10. The faithful secretary of the prophet Jeremiah who was promised preservation through the siege and destruction of Jerusalem was Ebed-melech. [it-1 p. 259 par. 5]

Answer the following questions:

• 11. In what ways did Charles Taze Russell demonstrate that he took to heart Jesus’ words about seeking first the Kingdom? (Matt. 6:33) [jv p. 284 par. 1]

• 12. Of what do the conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses give undeniable evidence? |jv p. 254 pars. 2, 3]

• 13. In what way must Jehovah’s anointed Witnesses and their associates be like Ezekiel? (Ezek. 11:25) [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/15 p. 16 par. 3.]

• 14. Why were separate meetings for young ones in the congregation discontinued in 1938? Liv p. 246 par. 1]

• 15. In what ways did Queen Athaliah imitate her mother, Jezebel? [it-1 p. 209 par. 3]

• 16. What is the meaning of the divine name, Jehovah? [kl p. 25 par. 7]

• 17. When a true Christian falls into need, who has the primary responsibility to provide material assistance, and what is the Scriptural basis for your answer? [jv p. 305 par. 1]

  S-97    # 289a    8/96

  
  

• 18. Who substituted for Naomi in levirate marriage to Boaz? [it-1 p. 347 par. 8]

• 19. What prophet referred to the earth as a “circle,” and where in the Scriptures is this written? [kl p. 17 par. 14]

• 20. What does seeking first the Kingdom really mean? [jv p. 295 par. 1]

Provide the word(s) or phrase needed to complete each of the following statements:

• 21. In fulfillment of Ezekiel 21:26, the “high” kingdom of was ‘brought low’

by being destroyed in , and the “low"kingdoms were “put on high,” leaving them in control of the earth without interference by a typical of God. [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 9/15 p. 19 par. 16.]

• 22. Part of the book of is actually

written in advance, focusing on the power struggle of the great dynasties down through the centuries, [si p. 138 par. 1]

• 23. The expression “my servant David” at Ezekiel 34:23 was written long after the death of; it is a prophetic statement and refers to[si p. 137 par. 31]

• 24. Between January 1946 and August 1948, Jehovah’s people provided

and for Witnesses living in at

least 18 countries that were affected by

[jv P- 308 pars. 3, 4]

• 25. Milestones in spiritual growth were reached in 1931 when we adopted the name, in 1935 when the was identified, in 1950, when the was released, and in 1962

when we had our understanding corrected about[jv p. 260 par. 3p. 264 par. 2]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 26. The experience of (Abigail; Dorcas; Dinah) illustrates the truthfulness of the principle at 1 Corinthians 15:33. [it-1 p. 627 par. 3]

• 27. Cyrus conquered the city of (Jerusalem; Babylon; Nineveh) by diverting the waters of the (Tigris; Jordan; Euphrates) River so that his troops could enter the city, [it-1 p. 567 par. 1]

• 28. His given name was Joseph, but because of his warmheartedness and generosity, he became known as (Andrew; Barnabas; Bartholomew), meaning “Son of (Sorrow; Joy; Comfort).” [it-1 p. 257 pars. 3, 4]

• 29. Belshazzar, the firstborn son of (Cyrus; Nabonidus; Nebuchadnezzar), is mentioned in the Bible account only by (Ezekiel; Daniel; Isaiah), and archaeological evidence agrees with the historicity of the account, [it-1 p. 282 par. 11]

• 30. The fall of Babylon was foretold by (Daniel and Hosea; Joel and Amos; Isaiah and Jeremiah), [kl p. 18 par. 17]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

2 Chron. 14:2-5; Ps. 78:40, 41; Isa. 55:10, 11; Dan. 1:8, 11-13; 1 Cor. 9:16

• 31. To emphasize the importance of the preaching work, a 1949 Watchtower declared: “Jehovah has made preaching the most important work any of us could do in this world.” [jv p. 292 par. 4]

• 32. Young Christians should not hesitate to respectfully make known to authorities and fellow students that they will not violate their godly conscience. [Weekly Bible reading; see w9211/1 p. 14 par. 17.]

• 33. God’s original purpose for mankind and the earth will be accomplished, [kl p. 9 par. 10]

• 34. Faithful servants of Jehovah courageously oppose apostasy and work diligently to promote pure worship, [it-1 p. 183 pars. 11,12]

• 35. God has feelings, and the choices we make matter to him. [kl p. 14 par. 8]

Announcements

■ Literature offer for August: Any of the following 32-page brochures: Does God Really Care About Us?, Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making All Things New," Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Government That Will Bring Paradise, What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It?, and When Someone You Love Dies. Where appropriate, brochures such as Our Problems —Who Will Help Us Solve Them?, Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?, and Will There Ever Be a World Without War? may be offered. September: Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? Congregations having You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth or Making Your Family Life Happy in stock may offer these books. October: Individual copies of both The Watchtower and Awake! Where Interest Is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. November: Knowledge That

• ¹ “Be Persons Taught by Jehovah” is the theme for the new special assembly day program starting in September. (John 6:45) Divine teaching from Jehovah truly helps us to live satisfying Ilves. It develops within us a keen appreciation for our spiritual heritage. Our efforts to help others hear the good news make us useful members of society. This special assembly day will highlight the blessings that are enjoyed by persons taught by Jehovah.

• ² The program will contrast the benefits of divine teaching with the dangers of worldly learning. We will see more clearly how Jehovah provides the highest form of education—education based on his Word, the Bible. Emphasis will be placed on three areas of worship in which we experience delight in being taught by God. Additionally, youths will be encouraged to Imitate outstanding Bible examples such as David and Timothy and to build their lives around spiritual activities. Our Leads to Everlasting Life. A special effort will be made to follow up on all placements, with a view to starting home Bible studies.

■ An adequate supply of forms for use during the 1997 service year is being sent to each congregation. Please use these forms with good discretion. They should be used only for their intended purpose.

■ Each congregation will receive three Literature Inventory forms (S(d)-18). The congregation secretary should meet with the literature servant early in August and set a date for taking inventory of the congregation’s stock of literature at the end of the month. An actual count must be made of all literature In stock, and the totals are to be entered on the Literature Inventory form. The total number of magazines on hand can be obtained from the magazine servant. Please mail the original to the Society no later than September 6. Keep a carbon copy for your flies. The third copy may be used as a work sheet. The Inventory should be supervised by the secretary, and the complet-faith will be strengthened as the loyalty of older ones is also highlighted. Newly dedicated ones who qualify will be able to get baptized. Well In advance of the assembly day, they should inform the presiding overseer of that desire.

• ³ The main discourse of the special assembly day Is entitled “Taught by Jehovah to Do His Will.” It will stress reasons why all of us need to keep learning, to be stabilized in the faith, and to continue making advancement. We will be urged to imitate Jehovah by teaching others the truth that leads to everlasting life. Upbuilding experiences will be included to show how the publications of the Society have helped many to be taught by Jehovah. The positive accomplishments of Jehovah’s global teaching program will be highlighted.

• ⁴ Make definite plans to attend. Encourage all interested ones to be present. Look forward to being taught many good things by our Grand Instructor.—Isa. 30:20. ed form should be checked by the presiding overseer. The secretary and the presiding overseer will sign the form.

■ Congregations should begin requesting the 1997 Calendar of Jehovah's Witnesses with their September literature request. The calendars will be available In Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, and Ukrainian.

■ From August 28, 1996, to August 31, 1996, the Society will be taking an inventory of all literature on hand in Brooklyn. Because of this inventory, no congregation literature requests will be processed for shipment or for pickup during those days.

■ New Publications Available:

Does Fate Rule Our Lives? Or Does God Hold Us Responsible? (Tract No. 71)           —Macedonian

In Search of a Father (for Buddhists)

—Vietnamese Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life      —Hindi, Tamil, Tongan

Should You Believe in the Trinity?

—Bulgarian Sing Praises to Jehovah (Small size)

—Turkish The Government That Will Bring Paradise                 —Czech

Watch Tower Publications Index 19911994 —German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Swedish

Watch Tower Publications Index 19861990                  —Serbian

Will Suffering Ever End? (Tract No. 75)               —Chinese

■ New Compact Discs Available: Watchtower Library—1995 Edition

—English ■ New Videocassettes Available: Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name —Russian

Proclaim the Kingdom Good News With Brochures

• ¹ What a joy it is to know the truth and to be among those who are zealously proclaiming the good news! People who are outside God’s organization desperately need to hear the Kingdom good news. The truth about the Kingdom is explained with simplicity in the brochures Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making All Things New," and The Government Thai Will Bring Paradise. They vividly portray life on earth under God’s Kingdom, and they direct the reader to the Kingdom realities that are explained in God’s Word. Of course, placing a brochure with an interested person is only the start of our work. (1 Cor. 9:23) Let us promptly follow up all placements, with the objective of offering a study in the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. How can we accomplish this during August?

• ² The brochure “Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!” may be offered tcith a very brief presentation. As you display its cover, you might say:

■ “I would like to show you something that contains a beautiful message.” Open the Life on Earth brochure, and read the first paragraph of the introduction. Then continue: “It also answers this question [turn to the heading above picture number 8): ‘Why does man die?’ You will find it interesting to study the pictures and read the scriptures that are in this brochure. If you want to do that, you may keep this copy.” If the brochure is accepted, then add: “This is a worldwide volunteer work that is supported by small donations. If you care to make a donation, I will be pleased to accept it.""

• ³ What will you say when making a return visit on a placement of the “Life on Earth" brochure? You could try this approach:

■ Show picture number 49 in the Life on Earth brochure and ask, “Isn’t this a beautiful picture? [Allow for response.] It is in the brochure that I left with you last visit. I would like to ask you the question on the next page.” Turn to picture number 50 and read the question: “ ‘Do you want to live forever in that beautiful paradise?’ [Allow for response.] If that is your wish, notice what it says you should do: ‘Then learn more about what God says.’ [Read John 17:3.] I would be happy to study the Bible with you free of charge. Would you like that?” Make a definite appointment to return.

• ⁴ When offering the brochure “Look! I Am Making All Things

New," you might start by displaying the entire cover picture and asking:

■ “What do you think it would take to make the whole earth look like this?” Allow for response. Describe some of the features of the picture, which are related on page 3. Then say: “Most people feel it is impossible to make a world like this. But it is not impossible for God to accomplish. [Share points in paragraph 43; then read Isaiah 9:6,7.] God has promised to bring about a new world in which people from all nations will enjoy a wonderful paradise. I’d like you to read this brochure. It will show how you and your family can enjoy a marvelous future of God’s making.”

• ⁵ On the return visit, you could use the “Look!” brochure to explain why there is a need to learn more about the Bible. Perhaps show the cover again and say: ■ “When I first showed you this picture, we agreed that we would love to live in such a wonderful world. To make this possible, there is something all of us need to do.” Open the “Look!" brochure to paragraph 52; read the paragraph and the scripture at John 17:3. Relate the information to the illustration in paragraph 53 about a proper Bible education, and then explain that Jehovah’s Witnesses offer such instruction free of charge in the home. Offer to demonstrate our study method, using the Knowledge book.

• ⁶ When offering the brochure “The Government That Will Bring Paradise," you might try saying this:

■ “I’ve heard many people say they would like to live under a government that can really solve the big problems we face today. [Mention local problems such as unemployment, rising crime, or drug abuse.] These things make us feel very insecure about the future for ourselves and our loved ones. Do you think there will ever be a government that will solve these problems? [Allow for response.] Perhaps you have prayed the Lord’s Prayer. If so, did you know that you are actually praying for a righteous government?" Turn to page 3 in the Government brochure, and read the first two paragraphs. Offer the brochure.

’’If the brochure “The Government That Will Bring Paradise” was placed, you could begin the discussion on the return visit by saying:

■ “Previously we discussed the need for a righteous government that can solve man’s problems. The brochure that I left with you points to God’s Kingdom as our only hope. Some people wonder what that government could do to improve our lot in life. The Bible shows that Christ has already proved he will succeed where human leaders have failed." Open the Government brochure to page 29, and read the last four paragraphs. Then say: “Is that not a wonderful future? Would you like to see it?" Allow for response. Read John 17:3. Encourage learning more through a home Bible study.

⁸ If you are using other brochures, you can prepare your own presentations, using those suggested above as models. When appropriate, explain briefly that interested people may make small donations to the worldwide Kingdom-preaching work. Prepare well and seek Jehovah’s blessing as you proclaim the Kingdom good news.

® 1996 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society ot Pennsylvania. All rights reserved Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society ol New *>rk. Inc., and International Bible Students Association, 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. NY 11201-2483. Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn. NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, c/o Watchtower. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. NY 11201-2483.                     Printed in U S A

8