For United States of America km-E Us 11 /99 Vol. 42, No. 11

• ¹ Many people ask, “What makes Jehovah’s Witnesses different from other religions?” How would you reply? You could explain some of our Biblebased beliefs. But have you also thought about pointing out how much our public ministry sets us apart from other religions?—Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20.

• ² Today, few religious people feel motivated to share their beliefs with others. They may think that it is sufficient to obey Caesar’s laws, to lead a morally decent life, or to do kind deeds for others. However, they feel no obligation to help others learn what the Bible says about gaining salvation. How are we different?

• ³ Our zealous ministry stands in sharp contrast with the activities of other religions. For over 100 years, modern-day Witnesses have diligently preached the good news to the ends of the earth, in imitation of the early Christians. Our objective in doing so is to help as many people as possible bring their lives into harmony with God’s will. —1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9.

• ⁴ What Is Your Reputation? Are you known as a zealous preacher of God’s Word? (Acts 17:2, 3; 18:25) Because of your preaching activity, do your neighbors readily see the difference between their religion and yours? Are you known as one who is eager to share his hope with others? Do you have a regular routine for participating in the ministry? Remember that we distinguish ourselves not only by our name but also by our doing what that name describes—witnessing about Jehovah.—Isa. 43:10.

• ⁵ Love for God and for neighbor motivates us to engage in the preaching activity. (Matt. 22:37-39) That is why we, like Jesus and the apostles, want to take advantage of every opportunity to share the Kingdom message with others. May we continue to preach the good news zealously to those who are willing to listen. Doing so will help honesthearted ones to “see the distinction between ... one serving God and one who has not served him.”—Mal. 3:18.

• ¹ The prophet Amos declared that there would Bea famine in the land of Israel, “a famine, not for bread, and a thirst, not for water, but for hearing the words of Jehovah.”((Amos 8:lljpFor the benefit of tBb'se WhQ fluhger and thirst spiritually, Jehovah’s organisation is distributing an enormous amount of Bible literature worldwide?

• ² Thus far, we have printed 70 million Knowledge books and §1 million Require brochures. In teaching the truth, we appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of these^publications. However, literally multitudes of people who have rec^ive'd our literature have not vet~studied the Bible with us. What can we

  do about this?                 One Witness directly asked a

  y ^{a u} J Wr          -----

  
  

• ³ Each Placement Means a Potential Study! Consider the experience of a publisher who offered a study to a woman the first time he spoke to her_at the door. She immediately accented. Later she told him.KSu arSThe fitsf person who nas ever offeredt to study the Bible with me.^Jln your territory, how many people who already possess our literature might say the same thing? Each placement provides an opportunity for return visits an/i a home Bible

Since we often encounter people who already have our publications, how can we stini-lilate their interest in learning #hat our literature contains? householder if she had any Bible questions, only to have her Say. “No.” The sister pergist-ed,(purely you have some.’jThe woman did, and a study developed. Why not ask the householder iffhe would like tn learn the Bible’s viewpoint nn a question or a matter that concerns him? Be prepared to raise a 7 questioned interest if he cannot , tffjpk nf something' Such dts-cussions may pave the way for a regular study of basic Bible truths.

⁵ Bible study activity is the heart oTour ministry. Since we nevefkndw who might accept a study, do not hesitate to offer one to everyone you meet.TSRe tffe matter to Jehovah in prayer, and work in harmony with your prayers. You may soon find that someone to whom rau-eSer a study will accept it.'-v-l John 5: TO5>        ^x-----

Week Starting November 1

Song 156

io min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Review “See the Power of the Bible!”

15 mln: “Preaching Sets Us Apart.” Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion. Using the Knowledge book, page 173, paragraph 8, briefly relate what we might say to encourage a Bible student to reach out for a share in the ministry.

20 mln: "Who Might Accept a Bible Study?” Talk and demonstrations. In harmony with paragraph 4, suggest various ways to stimulate Interest in learning what our publications contain. Have two brief demonstrations showing how that might be done. Invite audience to tell how they have achieved success in starting studies. Song 198 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting November 8

Song 204

io mln: Local announcements. Accounts report. Remind brothers to prepare for next week’s discussion of first 18 paragraphs of November insert.

15 mln: Question Box. A talk. Outline local arrangements to- keep the Kingdom Hall clean and in good condition.

20 mln: “What Will You Say to a Muslim?” Questions and answers. Highlight the need for discernment when conversing with people of other cultures. Demonstrate a well-prepared presentation. For more information on Islam, see February 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry insert; Reasoning book, pages 23-4; and Mankind’s Search for God, chapter 12.

Song 208 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting November 15

Song 211

8 mln: Local announcements. Outline special field service arrangements for November 25.

25 mln: “Use of the Internet—Be Alert to the Dangers!" Question-and-answer discussion of paragraphs 1-18. Read paragraphs 4-7, 12, 16, 17. Encourage all to prepare well for next week’s discussion of paragraphs 19-36. 12 mln: Parents—Do You Conduct a Regular Family Study? Talk and audience discussion. Explain why families need to study together. (See School Guidebook, pages 37-8.) Address the following hindrances to family study: (1) feeling that the children are too young to benefit, (2) thinking that attending congregation meetings is sufficient, (3) being tired because of busy schedules, and (4) being distracted by television viewing. (See May 15, 1994, Watchtower, pages 11-12.) Invite family heads to tell how they overcome obstacles to maintaining a good routine of family study. Emphasize that this takes effort, determination, and cooperation.

Song 217 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting November 22

Song 158

10 mln: Local announcements and field service experiences.

10 mln: What Is Your Attitude Toward Assignments? Talk by an elder. There is a long list of necessary tasks required to keep the congregation functioning: preparing program assignments; picking up others for meetings or taking them in service; assisting the elderly; and cleaning, repairing, and caring for the Kingdom Hall, Including lawn care and snow removal. How do you respond when asked to assist? Some may decline, accept reluctantly, or fail to follow through to completion. Discuss why accepting and fulfilling assignments is a happy privilege. Encourage all In the congregation to demonstrate a willing volunteer spirit.—Ps. 110:3, ftn.; Isa. 6:8.

25 mln: “Use of the Internet—Be Alert to the Dangers!” Question-and-answer discussion of paragraphs 1936. Read paragraphs 23-5 and 34-6. Song 223 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting November 29

Song 215

10 mln: Local announcements. Remind publishers'to turn in field service reports for November.

15 mln: Encourage New Ones to Attend Meetings. Discussion between an elder and one or two ministerial servants, based on the Doing God’s Will brochure, pages 14-15. Review why it is vital that new ones attend meetings. There they will receive the major part of their Instruction, encouragement, and assistance. Review the five weekly meetings, explaining the benefits of each. Discuss how meetings promote godly conduct, build spirituality, draw us to the organization, help us develop close ties with others, and assist us in understanding the purpose of our ministry. Encourage audience to use the brochure to stimulate new ones to come to meetings.

20 mln: Our Choice—The New World Translation. Talk and demonstrations. Among religious organizations, ours is unique in that we publish, use, and distribute a translation of the Bible produced by anointed worshipers of Jehovah. It is not that we desire to profit commercially or to disseminate sectarian beliefs. Rather, we are motivated by a desire to honor God’s name and to help others get to know him better. Other translations often render God’s Word in a form difficult to understand, so review the distinct advantages of the New World Translation. (See “All Scripture" book, pages 327-31. Note comments In paragraph 3, point out examples of Improved renderings In paragraph 6. and highlight benefits covered in paragraphs 22-3.) Have two brief demonstrations that suggest how we might respond when others say, “You have your own Bible.”—See Reasoning book, pages 279-80.

Song 205 and concluding prayer.

■ Literature offer for November: What Does God Require of Us? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. December: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life with the

(.Continued on p. 7, col. I)

August brought a new peak in regular pioneers! The total of 79,276 regular pioneers represents an increase of 626. or nearly 1 percent, over the previous peak in April 1999.

© 1999 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Out Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New Ibrk. 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.SA

• ¹ Jehovah’s people enjoy wholesome association with one another. They enjoy sharing experiences from the field ministry and appreciate hearing about events that occur in connection with Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Kingdom work around the globe. They like to be informed about anything outstanding that may happen to our brothers, such as a crisis or a natural disaster, and they want to know if there is something they can do to help. Such interest shows the unity of the brotherhood, proving that we do indeed love one another. —John 13:34, 35.

• ² Today, we hear about world events quickly. Radio and television broadcasts give live coverage of events in full detail to audiences all over the globe. The telephone also makes it possible to communicate immediately with people around the world. In communications a recent phenomenon that is taking the world by storm is the Internet.—See Awake!, July 22, 1997.

• ³ The invention of the telephone opened the way to fast personal communication worldwide. Although the telephone is very useful, caution is needed in the way it is employed, as it can be a tool for improper association or activities, and overuse of the telephone can be expensive. Television and radio have potential in the field of education. Sadly, though, much of the programming is morally corrupt, and attention to it is a waste of time. Wisdom dictates that we be very selective in the use of television and radio.

• ⁴ The Internet enables one to communicate inexpensively with millions of others throughout the world, and it opens the door to vast amounts of information. {Awake!, January 8,1998) The indiscriminate use of the Internet, however, can expose a person to great spiritual and moral dangers. How is this so?

• ⁵ Many are concerned about readily available information that shows how to build weapons, including bombs. Industry complains about the amount of time workers waste using the Internet. Much has been stated in our publications about the obvious spiritual dangers encountered on the Internet. Numerous Web sites present violent and pornographic materials that are entirely unsuitable for Christians. (Ps. 119:37) In addition to these dangers, there is a more insidious danger that Jehovah’s Witnesses in particular need to be on guard against. What is this danger?

• ⁶ Would you invite a stranger into your home without first finding out who he is? What if there was no way to find out? Would you allow such a stranger to be alone with your children? This is an indisputable possibility on the Internet.

• ⁷ Electronic mail can be sent to and received from people you do not know. The same is true when you converse electronically in a forum or in a chat room. Participants may at times claim to be Jehovah’s Witnesses, but often they are not. Someone may claim to be a youth when he is not. Or a person may even falsely claim to be of a certain gender.

• ⁸ Information passed on to you may come in the form of experiences or comments about our beliefs. This information is passed on to others who, in turn, pass it on to still others. The information is generally not verifiable and may be untrue. The comments may be a cover for spreading apostate reasoning. —2 Thess. 2:1-3.

• ⁹ With this danger in mind, if you use the Internet, ask yourself: ‘What do I use it for? Is there a possibility that I could be harmed spiritually by how I am using it? Could I be contributing to the spiritual injury of others?’

• ¹⁰ Web Sites of “Jehovah’s Witnesses”: Consider, for example, some Internet sites set up by individuals who claim to be Jehovah’s Witnesses. They invite you to visit their sites to read experiences posted by others who claim to be Witnesses. You are encouraged to share your thoughts and views about the Society’s literature. Some give recommendations about presentations that could be used in the field ministry. These sites offer chat rooms for individuals to connect to, allowing live communication with others, similar to talking on the telephone. They often point you to other sites where you can have on-line association with Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world. But can you tell for certain that these contacts have not been planted by apostates?

  km-E Us 11/99

  
  

  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, NOVEMBER 1999

  
  

• ¹¹ Having association via the Internet may not be consistent with the recommendation found at Ephesians 5:15-17. The apostle Paul wrote: “Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked. On this account cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.”

• ¹² The Christian congregation is the theocratic means through which we are fed spiritually by “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) Within God’s organization, we find direction and protection to keep us separate from the world as well as motivation to keep busy in the work of the Lord. (1 Cor. 15: 58) The psalmist indicated that he experienced joy and a feeling of security among God’s congregated people. (Ps. 27:4, 5; 55:14; 122:1) The congregation also provides spiritual support and assistance for those associated with it. Therein, you can find a group of loving, concerned, and caring friends—people you personally know who are ready and willing to help and comfort others in times of distress. (2 Cor. 7:5-7) Congregation members are protected by the Scriptural provision for disfellowshipping those who sin unrepentant-ly or who promote apostate thinking. (1 Cor. 5:9-13; Titus 3:10, 11) Can we expect to find these same loving arrangements when associating with others via the Internet?

• ¹³ It has become apparent that the opposite is true. Some Web sites are clearly vehicles for apostate propaganda. Such Web sites may claim otherwise, and those who sponsor a site may give a detailed explanation to affirm that they truly are Jehovah’s Witnesses. They may even request information from you in order to verify that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

• ¹⁴ Jehovah wants you to exercise discernment. Why? Because he knows that it will safeguard you from various dangers. Proverbs 2:10-19 opens by saying: “When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you.” Safeguard you from what? From such things as “the bad way,” those leaving upright paths, and people who are immoral and devious in their general course.

• ¹⁶ When we go to the Kingdom Hall, there is no question that we are with our brothers. We know them. No one requires authentication of this because the brotherly love manifested makes it obvious. We are not personally required to provide credentials to prove that we truly are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is here that we find the true interchange of encouragement that Paul spoke about at Hebrews 10: 24, 25. Web sites that encourage on-line association cannot be depended on to provide this. Having in mind the words of Psalm 26:4, 5 can alert us to dangers that could easily be encountered when using Web sites on the Internet.

• ¹⁸ There are no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by and accessible to Internet users. Often, children and teenagers are easy targets of crime and exploitation in this environment. Children are trusting, curious, and anxious to explore the relatively new world of cyberspace. Parents therefore need to supervise their children and give them sound Scriptural guidance about using the Internet, just as they would guide them in their choice of music or movies.—1 Cor. 15:33.

• ¹⁷ Sadly, some who were once our brothers and sisters have had to be disfellowshipped because of association that started by meeting worldly individuals in chat rooms on the Internet and eventually led to immorality. In shocked disbelief, elders have written that some had actually left their husbands or wives to pursue a relationship that began on the Internet. (2 Tim. 3:6) Other individuals have disowned the truth because of believing information provided by apostates. (1 Tim. 4:1, 2) Given these very serious dangers, does it not seem reasonable to be cautious about becoming involved in chat sessions on the Internet? Certainly, exercising the wisdom, knowledge, thinking ability, and discernment spoken of at Proverbs 2:10-19 should safeguard us in this.

• ¹⁸ Noticeably, there have been a number of individuals who have created Web sites ostensibly to preach the good news. Many of these sites are sponsored by indiscreet brothers. Other sites may be sponsored by apostates who wish to lure unsuspecting ones. (2 John 9-11) Commenting on whether there is a need for our brothers to create such Web sites, Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1997, page 3, stated: “There is no need for any individual to prepare Internet pages about Jehovah’s Witnesses, our activities, or our beliefs. Our official site [www.watchtower.org] presents accurate information for any who want it.”

• ¹⁹ Study Aids via the Internet? Some have felt that they are rendering a service to the brothers by posting researched information in connection with various theocratic activities. For example, a person may do research based on a public-talk outline and then post this, thinking that such information will benefit those who need to prepare the same outline. Others will post all the scriptures for an upcoming Watchtower Study or provide source material for the Theocratic Ministry School or the Congregation Book Study. Some may offer suggestions for field ministry presentations. Are such really helpful?

• ²⁰ The publications provided by Jehovah’s organization stimulate our minds with upbuilding thoughts and train us “to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) Can we say that this is achieved if others do our research for us?

• ²¹ The Beroeans were spoken of as “more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica.” Why? Because “they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) Although Paul and Silas preached to them, they could not make the truth their own without becoming personally involved.

• ²² Using another person’s research for a talk or for other meeting preparation really defeats the purpose of personal study. Is it not your desire to build up your own personal faith in God’s Word? Based on personal coh-viction, you can then make public expression of your faith—in your talks, in comments at the meetings, and in the field ministry. (Rom. 10:10) Using another person’s research does not fit the description given at Proverbs 2:4, 5 to personally ‘keep seeking and searching for the very knowledge of God as for hid treasures.’

• ²³ For example, when looking up scriptures in your own copy of the Bible, you can briefly review the context of each scripture. You can ‘trace all things with accuracy,’ as did Luke when he wrote his Gospel. (Luke 1:3) The extra effort will also help you to be skillful in looking up scriptures in the ministry and when giving talks. Many have stated that they are impressed with Jehovah’s Witnesses because they know how to use their Bibles. The only way that this can apply to us is if we make it a practice personally to look up scriptures in our own Bibles.

• ²⁴ Using Our Time Wisely: Another consideration in this regard has to do with the amount of time spent creating, reading, and responding to information posted on the Internet. Psalm 90:12 encourages us to pray: “Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in." Paul stated: “The time left is reduced.” (1 Cor. 7:29) And further: “Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.”—Gal. 6:10.

• ²⁵ Such counsel highlights the need for us to be judicious in the use of our time. How much more profitable it is to spend time reading God’s Word! (Ps. 1:1,2) That is the best association we can have. (2 Tim. 3:16,17) Parents, are you teaching your children the value of using their time wisely in Kingdom pursuits? (Eccl. 12:1) Time spent in personal and family Bible study, meeting attendance, and field ministry far outweighs time spent browsing the Internet, expecting to gain benefits.

• ²⁶ In this regard, it is the course of wisdom to focus our attention on spiritual matters and on those things relevant and essential to our fives as Christians. This calls for the making of well-considered choices respecting the information that merits our time and thought. As Christians, that which is relevant to our lives was summed up by Christ, who said: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33) Are you not happiest when your life is filled with Kingdom pursuits rather than any other activity?

• ²⁷ Internet E-Mail: Although sharing personal experiences or thoughts among family or friends who live far apart is appropriate, is it really loving to pass these on to others who may not know your family or friends? Or should these be posted on a Web page for just anyone to read? Are these personal messages to be copied and sent indiscriminately to people whom you may or may not know? Likewise, if you receive messages from others that were clearly not intended for you, is it loving to pass them on to still others?

• ²⁸ What if the experience you pass on is not accurate? Would this not be sharing in perpetuating an untruth? (Prov. 12:19; 21:28; 30:8; Col. 3:9) Certainly, keeping “strict watch that how [we] walk is not as unwise but as wise persons” would move us to consider this. (Eph. 5:15) How happy we are that the Yearbook, The Watchtower, and Awake! are filled with verifiable experiences that encourage us and motivate us to keep walking in “the way”! —Isa. 30:20, 21.

• ²⁹ There is also another danger. The apostle Paul said concerning some: “They also learn to be unoccupied, gadding about to the houses; yes, not only unoccupied, but also gossip-ers and meddlers in other people’s affairs, talking of things they ought not.” (1 Tim. 5:13) This argues against spending time and effort passing on frivolous information to our brothers.

• ³⁰ Think, too, of the amount of time that it takes to keep up with a large quantity of E-mail. Interestingly, the book Data Smog stated: “As one spends more and more time online, e-mail quickly changes from being a stimulating novelty to a time-consuming burden, with dozens of messages to read and answer every day from colleagues, friends, family, . . . and unsolicited sales pitches.” Further, it states: “Many electronic glutizens have picked up the very bad habit of forwarding every entertaining nugget they receive—jokes, urban myths, electronic chain letters, and more—to everyone on their electronic address book.”

• ³¹ This has been evident in the E-mail circulated among many of the brothers—such items as jokes or humorous stories about the ministry; poetry presumably based on our beliefs; illustrations from various talks heard at assemblies, conventions, or at the Kingdom Hall; experiences from the field ministry; and so forth—things that seem innocent enough. Most routinely forward such E-mail without checking the source, making it difficult to know who really is the originator, which ought to make one wonder if the information is really true.—Prov. 22:20, 21.

• ³² Such often-frivolous messages are not the kind of healthful words that Paul had in mind when he wrote to Timothy, saying: “Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 1:13) The “pure language” of Scriptural truth has “the pattern of healthful words” based mainly on the Bible’s theme of the vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty by means of the Kingdom. (Zeph. 3:9) We should make every effort to devote all our available time and energy to support this vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty.

• ³³ Since we are deep into the time of the end of this system of things, this is no time to let our guard down. The Bible warns us: “Keep your senses, be watchful. Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.” (1 Pet. 5:8) It further states: “Put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil.”—Eph. 6:11.

• ³⁴ If misused, the Internet can be a means by which Satan overreaches those who are seduced by its power. Although it may have limited usefulness, there is danger if it is not viewed with caution. Parents especially need to be concerned about their children’s use of the Internet.

• ³⁵ Keeping a balanced view of the Internet is a protection. We appreciate the timely reminder by Paul: “Let... those making use of the world [be] as those not using it to the full; for the scene of this world is changing.” (1 Cor. 7:29-31) Having these things in mind will help keep us and our families from becoming distracted by all that the world has to offer, including what is available on the Internet.

• ³⁸ It is imperative that we stay close to our brothers in the congregation and use the remaining time wisely, thus making ourselves available for the advancing of Kingdom interests. As this system nears its finish, let us “no longer go on walking just as the nations also walk in the unprofitableness of their minds,” but let us “go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.”—Eph. 4:17; 5:17.

Announcements (Continued)

New World Translation. January: Any 192-page book published prior to 1986 that the congregation may have in stock. Congregations that do not have a supply of such books may offer Life —How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? or You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. February: The Secret of Family Happiness.

■ Congregations should begin requesting the 2000 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses with their November literature request. The Yearbook will be available in Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish, and Swedish. Until the Yearbook Is available and shipments are made, it will appear as “Pending” on congregation packing lists. Yearbooks are special-request items.

■ The presiding overseer should telephone the Society if he does not receive the congregation’s supply of Our Kingdom Ministry by the 20th of the month preceding the issue date.

■ New Publications Available:

IsThere a Creator Who Cares About You?

—Persian

Jehovah—Who Is He? (Tract No. 23)

—Chinese, Iloko, Persian, Tagalog, Thal

Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life                   —Faeroese

Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15)                  —Slovak

Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!

—Tigrlnya

Should You Believe in the Trinity?

—East Armenian The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived

—Hebrew

Watch Tower Publications Index 19861995                  —Swedish

What Does God Require of Us?

—East Armenian What Happens to Us When We Die?

—Albanian, Indonesian, Slovak Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13)                  —Zande

■ New Audiocassettes Available: Families—Make Daily Bible Reading Your Way of Life! (Drama, single cassette)                     —Polish

The Secret of Family Happiness (four cassettes in an album) —Croatian When Someone You Love Dies (single cassette)                —English

Why Respect Theocratic A rrangements?

(Drama, single cassette)

—Croatian, Polish ■ New Videocassettes Available: The Bible—Its Power in Your Life

—French

See the Power of the Bible!

How? By viewing the video The Bible—Its Power in Your Life. It is the third volume in the videocassette series entitled The Bible—A Book of Fact and Prophecy.

Do you want a successful marriage? Do you need help to survive difficult times? How can young people grow up to be responsible adults? The Bible can help, as this video shows. Hear people tell of the power for good that the Bible has been in their lives. Listen to them explain how its principles have helped them face the problems of modern-day life.

This video is a valuable tool for helping newly interested ones see the benefits of using God’s Word as a guide in their lives. The Society has The Bible —Its Power in Your Life in stock. You may request a copy through the congregation literature servant.

Question box

■ Who is responsible for cleaning the Kingdom Hall?

A Kingdom Hall that is clean and attractive reflects favorably on the message that we preach. (Compare 1 Peter 2:12.) Keeping the hall neat and tidy is essential, and everyone can have a share in its upkeep. We should not expect just a few people to bear the whole load. Usually, cleaning is arranged according to Congregation Book Study groups, with the study conductor or his assistant taking the lead. In halls where more than one congregation meets, the elders will organize matters so that all the congregations share in the upkeep.

How can we best care for this responsibility? The Kingdom Hall should be cleaned according to a regular schedule. Supplies and equipment should be on hand for use in cleaning. A list of things that need to be done should be posted where the workers can consult it for direction. There may be two different lists, one for a general light cleaning after each meeting and another for a more thorough weekly cleaning. The book study conductor 'should schedule the thorough cleaning for a day and time that is convenient for all assigned. Regular attention should also be given to the lawn, flowers, and shrubbery. The sidewalks and the parking areas should be kept free of litter. Each year a spring-cleaning ought to be done, perhaps just before the Memorial. This might include washing the windows and walls, shampooing the carpet, and cleaning the draperies.

Of course, all of us can lighten the load by not dropping chewing gum or litter inside or outside the hall. We can tidy up the rest room after each use, leaving it clean for the next person. Be careful to avoid breaking equipment or damaging the furnishings. Take notice of carpet stains, damaged chairs, plumbing problems, burned-out light bulbs, and so forth, and promptly report these matters to the brother in charge of Kingdom Hall maintenance.

Let all of us be willing to do our part. This makes for a pleasing house of worship and distinguishes us as a clean people that honors Jehovah God.—1 Pet. 1:16.

• ¹ Have you had the experience of witnessing to a Muslim? If so, you probably learned that Muslims have a fervent belief in God. However, they know little about the coming Paradise on earth as foretold by Jehovah’s prophets, and we would like to share that hope with them. (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) The following information should help you give a good witness.

• ² Muslims believe in Allah, or God, and they believe that Muhammad is God’s prophet. Their holy book is the Koran, and their religion is called Islam, which means “submission.” The Koran states that lying and the worship of idols are wrong, that God is one, and that he is no part of a Trinity. Also, it teaches the immortality of the soul, hellfire, and a heavenly paradise. Muslims accept the Bible as God’s Word but believe that it has been changed, while the Koran, still in its original language, has been kept pure.

• ³ Be Friendly, Tactful, and Discerning: When engaging a Muslim in conversation, be friendly and tactful. (Prov. 25: 15) Bear in mind that Muslim beliefs are firmly entrenched and that most of them have been learned by rote. Thus, reasoning on religious teachings and proving to themselves what God’s will is has not been a part of their spiritual development. (Rom. 12:2) To help Muslims, patience and understanding are vital.—1 Cor. 9:19-23.

• ⁴ Avoid using expressions that would in a Muslim person’s mind link you with Christendom. Make it clear that you are no part of either Catholic or Protestant religion, that you are different. Refer to the Bible as the Book of God. Since Muslims have an aversion to the term “Son of God,” it is usually best not to use it or to discuss this subject until spiritual progress has been made. However, you can speak about Jesus, referring to him as a prophet or messenger. Avoid arguing. If you observe that anger begins to surface, politely take your leave immediately.

• ⁵ It is best to speak with just one person and not with a group. Usually, it is advisable for women to witness to women, and men, to men. Obviously, there are exceptions to this, but good judgment should be used. Also, many Muslims are sensitive about what they consider to be immodest dress and grooming by women. Sisters need to be aware of this. —1 Cor. 10:31-33.

• ⁶ Things to Talk About: Speak frankly about the greatness of God and his love. Do not hesitate to state that you are a true believer, that God is one (not a Trinity), and that idol worship is wrong. Speak about the wickedness in the world today-wars, civil unrest, racial hatred, and the hypocrisy that is evident among so many religious people.

• ⁷ The brochure The Guidance of God—Our Way to Paradise will give you further insight into topics that can be used to open conversations with Muslims. It is designed to appeal to Muslims who live in an environment where they may feel free to study the Bible.

• ⁸ As a presentation, you might say:

■ “I am making a special effort to speak to Muslims. I have been reading about your religion and believe that I am right in saying that Muslims believe in one true God and in all the prophets. [Allow for response.] I would like to talk with you about an ancient prophecy that foretells the transformation of the earth into a paradise. May I read to you what the prophet wrote? [Read Isaiah 11:6-9.] This prophecy makes me think of a quotation from the Koran that is found in this brochure.” Turn to page 9 in the Guidance of God brochure, and read the quotation in bold print, which refers to righteous ones’ inheriting the earth. If interest is shown, continue the conversation by discussing paragraphs 7 to 9 on the opposite page. Leave the brochure, and arrange for a return visit.—For another presentation, see the February 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 6, paragraph 27.

• ⁹ When inviting someone to consider the Guidance of God brochure, it is best to call it a discussion, not a Bible study. When you complete the brochure, the student should be ready to study the Require brochure or the Knowledge book. Other publications that are especially designed for Muslims are the tract How to Find the Road to Paradise and the booklet The Time for True Submission to God.

• ¹⁰ With this knowledge of Islamic beliefs and sensitivities, we can be discerning in our selection of literature that we offer to Muslims and in the way that we witness to them. May Jehovah continue to bless our efforts to assist people of all sorts to call on his name and be saved.—Acts 2:21.

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