Our Kingdom Ministry

April 2007                          For United States of America km-E Us 4/07 Vol. 50, No. 4

• ¹ Do you sometimes hesitate to speak up about your faith when afforded an opportunity at school or at work? Is it a challenge for you to witness informally to relatives and neighbors or perhaps to people you do not know? What will help all of us to take advantage of appropriate occasions to “speak the word of God fearlessly”?—Phil. 1:14.

• ² Do Not Hold Back: Would you hold back from defending a close friend or a relative who was being falsely accused? Jehovah, our closest Friend, has been grossly misrepresented throughout the centuries. We have the unique privilege of giving a witness in behalf of our great God! (Isa. 43:10-12) Deep love for Jehovah can help us deal with feelings of self-consciousness or fear and can move us to speak up, not holding back from boldly bearing witness to the truth.—Acts 4:26, 29, 31.

• ³ Remember that our message is good news. It will bring lasting benefits to those who heed it. Focusing on the value of the preaching work instead of on ourselves or on our opposers will help us to preach with boldness.

• ⁴ Examples of Others: We can draw strength from the faithful course of others who have spoken the word of God fearlessly. For example, Enoch courageously proclaimed Jehovah’s judgment against ungodly sinners. (Jude 14, 15) Noah faithfully preached to people who were apathetic. (Matt. 24:37-39) First-century Christians who were “unlettered and ordinary” continued to preach despite harsh opposition. (Acts 4:13.18-20) The Watchtower and Awake! often contain modernday life stories of those who by exercising faith in Jehovah overcame fear of man and became zealous evangellzers.

• ⁵ We can take courage by considering the life course of faithful servants of old who faced difficult situations. (1 Ki. 19:2,3; Mark 14:66-71) They “mustered up boldness by means of our God” and spoke fearlessly. So can we!—1 Thess. 2:2.

  All Can Have a Share in Making New Disciples

  
  

• ¹ A new disciple does not result from the efforts of just one person. Jehovah can use all his “fellow workers” to help Bible students grow spiritually. (1 Cor. 3:6-9) We individually help new ones not only by our heartfelt comments at Christian meetings but also by our good conduct, which gives striking evidence of God’s spirit at work in our lives. (John 13: 35; Gal. 5:22, 23; Eph. 4:22, 23) What more can be done to help new ones?

• ² As a Congregation: All of us can demonstrate interest in those who begin to attend meetings by taking the initiative to greet them warmly and to converse with them before and after the meeting. Reflecting on his first contact with the congregation, one man said: “I met more genuinely loving people, total strangers, in one day than I had ever met in the church in which I was raised. It was apparent that I had found the truth.” He was baptized seven months after attending his first meeting.

• ³ Give sincere commendation as a Bible student makes spiritual progress. Has he been enduring opposition? Is he attending meetings regularly? Did he muster up the courage to comment? Has he enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School or started sharing in the ministry? Commend him for the progress he has made. This will refresh and reassure him,—Prov. 25:11.

• ⁴ As a Bible Study Conductor: Some publishers have been able to help their Bible students get acquainted with individual members of the congregation by asking other publishers to accompany them on the study. Invite the student to congregation meetings as soon as possible. When he begins attending meetings, make a point of introducing him to others. Is he struggling to overcome a bad habit, such as smoking? Does someone in his household object to his studying? He may benefit by talking to a publisher who has faced and overcome a similar challenge.*—4 Pet. 5:9.

⁶ New ones need spiritual support from the congregation. All can assist them in making progress by demonstrating sincere personal interest.

Note: A Service Meeting will be scheduled in Our Kingdom Ministry for each week during the summer months. Congregations may make adjustments as needed to allow for attending the “Follow the Christ!” District Convention. Where appropriate, use 15 minutes on the last Service Meeting before attending the convention to repeat counsel and reminders from this month’s insert that apply locally. A month or two following your convention, set aside 15 to 20 minutes on a Service Meeting (perhaps using a local needs portion) for a review of points from the convention that the publishers have found to be helpful in the ministry. The review should be handled by the service Overseer. Invite the audience to comment on how they are applying or plan to apply that information in their ministry.

Week Starting April 9

Song 201

10 min: Local announcements. Encourage everyone to view the drama on the DVD entitled Young People Ask—What Will I Do With My Life? in preparation for the discussion that will be held next week at the Service Meeting. Point out the box “Main Menu,” and explain how to navigate around the DVD. Using the suggestions on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the April 15 Watchtower and the April Awake! In one demonstration, have the publisher raise a question that he will answer on the return visit.

15 min: “All Can Have a Share in Making New Disciples.”* When considering paragraph 4, invite the audience to comment on how members of the congregation encouraged them before baptism. One or two comments may be arranged in advance.

20 min: “Concerted Global Effort to Advertise the ‘Follow the Christ!’ District Convention.”* When considering paragraph 3, invite audience to relate outstanding local experiences in connection with distributing invitations to the district convention last year or include comments on the 2007 Yearbook, from page 7 to the subheading on page 10.

Song 43 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 16

Song 161

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

15 min: “Speak the Word of God Fearlessly.”* As time permits, invite audience to comment on the cited scriptures.

20 min: “What Will You Do With Your Life?”—Part 1.* Following brief comments on paragraphs 1-2, get right into a discussion of each question presented in paragraphs 3-4. When discussing question 4 in paragraph 3, have both scriptures read. In conclusion, review the box “Main Menu.” Encourage everyone to watch the “Interviews” and “Supplementary Material” on the DVD in preparation for next week’s Service Meeting discussion.

Song 207 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 23

Song 215

10 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Using the suggestions on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the May 1 Watchtower and the May Awake!

10 min: Look! The Light Is Wonderful! Talk based on the March 15, 2007, Watchtower, pages 12-14.

25 min: “What Will You Do With Your Life?”—Part 2* Get right into a discussion of each question presented in paragraphs 5-7. Conclude with the warm appeal in paragraph 8.

Song 172 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 30

Song 186

5 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for April.

10 min: Local needs.

30 min: “Follow the Christ by Manifesting Dignity.”* To be handled by the congregation secretary. Mention the convention to which the congregation is assigned. Review the box “District Convention Reminders."

Song 44 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 7

Song 164

10 min: Local announcements.

15 min: Arrangements for Places of Worship. Talk and audience discussion based on chapter 11 of Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will.

20 min: “When People Are Not at Home.”* To be handled by the service overseer.

Song 178 and concluding prayer.

* Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion.

December Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Number of:               Hrs. Mags. R.V Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios. 368 103.7 60.1 37.7 3.4

PiOS 103,648 62.7 38.8 19.3 1.9

AincPios. 29,937 48.8 33.0 11.9 1.0

Pubs. 912,754   9.6 8.2 3.5 0.3

TOTAL 1,046,707 Baptized: 2,304

We are pleased to report a new peak in regular pioneers! The total of 103,648 regular pioneers reporting is an increase of 391 over the previous peak of 103,257m November of 2006.

@ 2007 Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, W. L Van De Wall, President, W. H. Nookes, Secretary-Treasurer, 2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237. Periodicals Postage Paid al Brooklyn. NY and al additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                         Printed in U.S.A.

Concerted Global Effort to Advertise the “Follow the Christ!” District Convention Publishers Will Again Distribute a Special Handbill

• ¹ Last year the worldwide campaign to advertise the “Deliverance at Hand!” District Convention had a powerful effect on interested ones. Those who accepted the special invitation and came experienced for the first time what a sumptuous spiritual feast among Jehovah’s Witnesses is like. (Isa. 65:13) They enjoyed association with our warm, united Christian brotherhood. (Ps. 133:1) In order to help as many as possible to attend the “Follow the Christ!” District Convention, we will once again engage in distributing worldwide a special handbill.

• ² Results Last Year: Based on reports that were received from all parts of the world, excellent results were achieved by advertising the “Deliverance at Hand!” District Convention. In many places we received favorable publicity. For example, in one city, a newspaper published a six-column article about the campaign, stating: “To reach everyone in time Witnesses have been making an extra push in the neighborhood—working longer hours, walking longer distances, and talking faster.” The coordinated handbill distribution aroused the interest of the local media in another city, prompting in-depth news coverage. At least three newspapers favorably reported on our activity before the convention. A reporter wrote several extensive articles that covered more than two pages in the Sunday edition of one newspaper. It detailed our beliefs, our brotherhood, the handbill distribution, and the convention. When one publisher presented the invitation at a door, the householder interrupted, saying: “Yes. I was just reading about that in the paper!” Another householder exclaimed: “I’ve just been reading about you, and now you’re here! Is that my invitation?” She then added, “This is a very nice thing for Jehovah’s Witnesses to be doing.”

• ³ Many interested individuals were seen approaching the convention sites with their invitation in hand. Some interested ones drove from distant cities in order to attend sessions. Our diligent efforts to invite others contributed to an increase in attendance, with one country having 27 percent more people present for the convention than the previous year.

• ⁴ Territory Coverage: You may begin distributing the handbill three weeks before the start of your convention. Every effort should be made to cover the entire congregation territory. In congregations that have a large amount of territory, publishers may leave the handbill discreetly at not-at-homes during the final week before the convention. Congregations should endeavor to distribute the entire allotment of handbills and to cover as much territory as possible. Any surplus can be utilized by the pioneers in the congregation.

• ⁵ What to Say: You might say something like this: “We are sharing in a global effort to distribute this invitation to an important upcoming event. This is your copy. You will find other details set out in the invitation.” Keeping the presentation brief will allow for a wide distribution. Of course, if the householder has questions, take the time to answer them. Where interest is shown, make a record and call back on the individual as soon as possible.

• ⁶ How vital it is that we strive to follow the Christ! (John 3:36) Our upcoming district convention will help all who attend to do just that. Surely we can anticipate that a tremendous witness will again be given as a result of this concerted effort to advertise the “Follow the Christ!” District Convention. Therefore, be zealous in inviting as many as possible to attend. May Jehovah’s rich blessing be upon your personal efforts as you share in this united global campaign.

Follow the Christ by Manifesting Dignity

• ¹ The Bible describes the Universal Sovereign, Jehovah, as being clothed with dignity. (Ps. 104:1) Jesus always spoke and acted in a way that honored his Father and his Father’s provisions. (John 17:4) Each of us will have opportunities to imitate Jesus and bring glory to Jehovah during our upcoming “Follow the Christ!” District Conventions.

• ² Dignified Worship: We can honor Jehovah by arranging to be present for the spiritual feast that he has prepared for us. Have you spoken with your employer and arranged your affairs to attend each day of the convention, including Friday? Have you planned to arrive in sufficient time to locate seating and share in the opening song and prayer? Have you planned your noon meals so that you can eat at the convention site with your brothers? At the beginning of each session when the chairman kindly invites us to take our seats before the music starts, we should quickly end our conversations and be seated for the beginning of the program.

• ³ Paying close attention to the program also honors our heavenly Father. After observing a local district convention, a reporter wrote that onlookers would be impressed by “the exemplary behavior of those present, as they follow what is being said in respectful silence and with evident spiritual affinity.” He also commented on “the exceptional number of children..., all strangely well behaved or even busy consulting verses in the Holy Bible.” While the program is in session, it is not the time for needless talking, text messaging, eating, or roaming the corridors. Youths should be seated with their parents so that parents can help them to benefit from the program. (Deut. 31:12; Prov. 29:15) Such efforts show respect for others and appreciation for the vital spiritual food being served.

• 1. How does this year’s convention theme relate to manifesting dignity?

• 2. How does our preparation for being present at each session honor Jehovah?

• 3. How does paying close attention to the program dignify our worship?

• ⁴ Dignified Appearance: Many expressed appreciation for the reminders in last year’s district convention talk “Manifest Christian Dignity at All Times,” which emphasized that God’s servants should strive to manifest Christian dignity in their dress and grooming. This year we should again give this matter our serious attention. Our appearance reflects our feelings for Jehovah and for the privilege of being his Witnesses. We should always dress as those “professing to reverence God.”—1 Tim. 2:9,10.

• ⁵ Should we manifest a dignified appearance only when attending the program? Remember that many will observe us wearing our convention badges while in the convention city. Our appearance should make us stand out from the general public. Therefore, even during leisure time, such as when going out to eat after the program, we should dress as befits ministers who are in the city for the purpose of attending a Christian convention and should not wear such clothing as jeans, shorts, or T-shirts. What a witness this will give to the community! Jehovah is pleased when our appearance bespeaks our role as ministers.

• ⁶ Satisfying Results: Manifesting Christian dignity at our conventions creates opportunities to witness informally and leaves observers with a favorable impression. At the end of one convention, an official remarked: “We have never seen such well-behaved people. You are the way God expects us to be.” Manifesting dignity shows respect and love for one another and glorifies Jehovah. (1 Pet. 2:12) It demonstrates our godly fear and our appreciation for the privilege of being instructed by our Father. (Heb. 12:28) May we strive to manifest dignity as we anticipate this year’s “Follow the Christ!” District Convention.

• 4. Why should we have a dignified appearance while at the convention?

• 5. How can we maintain a dignified appearance during leisure time in the convention city?

• 6. What are the positive results of manifesting Christian dignity?

District Convention Reminders

• ■ Program Times: The program will begin at 9:20 a.m. all three days. The doors will open at 8:00 a.m. When the introductory Kingdom music begins, all of us should take our seats so that the program can begin in a dignified manner. The program will conclude at 5:05 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 4:10 p.m. on Sunday.

• ■ Parking: At all convention sites where we have secured control of the parking facilities, the spaces will be made available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Convention badge cards will serve as identification for parking. Only those disabled persons who have a state-approved disabled license plate or placard will be allowed to park in the area reserved for the disabled. Since parking space is usually limited, carpooling should be done to the extent possible.

• ■ Seat Saving: Seats may be saved only for those traveling with you in the same vehicle or living with you in the same home.

• ■ Noon Meal: Please bring a lunch rather than leave the convention site to obtain a meal during the noon break. A small cooler that can be placed under your seat may be used. Large family-size picnic coolers, glass containers, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the convention facility.

• ■ Donations; Considerable expense is involved in arranging a district convention. We can show our appreciation by making voluntary contributions to the worldwide work at our Kingdom Hall or at the convention. Any checks contributed at the convention should be made payable to “Watch Tower.”

• ■ Accidents and Emergencies: Emergencyresponse services have complained that they receive many cell-phone calls over minor matters. If a medical emergency arises at the convention site, please contact a nearby attendant, who will immediately notify First Aid so that our qualified first-aid personnel onsite can assess the seriousness of the situation and render assistance. If necessary, 911 will be called by our first-aid personnel on-site.

• ■ Hearing Impaired: The program will be broadcast in the vicinity of the auditorium on an FM radio frequency. To make use of this provision, you will need to bring a small FM receiver along with earphones.

• ■ Recording: Recorders of any type should not be connected to the facility’s electric or sound system and may be used only in a way that does not disturb others.

• ■ Fragrances; Most conventions take place in enclosed areas where we depend on mechanical ventilation. Therefore, it would be a kindness for us to limit the use of strong fragrances, colognes, and perfumes that may cause reactions to those who suffer from respiratory or related problems.—1 Cor. 10:24.

• ■ Follow-Up Forms: A Please Follow Up (S-43) form should be used to provide information regarding any who show interest as a result of our informal witnessing during the convention. Publishers should bring one or two follow-up forms to the convention. The forms will also be available at the convention Book Room Department. Completed forms may be submitted to the Book Room for handling or to your congregation secretary upon your return.—See the February 2005 Our Kingdom Ministry, p. 6.

• ■ Restaurants: In many places, it is customary to leave a 15 to 20 percent tip, depending on the service.

• ■ Hotels: (1) Please do not reserve more rooms than will actually be needed, and do not have more people stay in your room than what is allowed. (2) If you must cancel your reservation, notify the hotel immediately. (3) Take a luggage cart only when you are ready to use it, and return it immediately so that others may use it. (4) Do not cook in rooms where cooking is not permitted. (5) Leave a tip for the housekeeper each day. (6) As Christians, surely we will not abuse any complimentary breakfast, coffee, or ice provisions that are made available for guests to use while they are at the hotel. (7) Display the fruitage of the spirit in dealing with the hotel staff at all times. (8) The room rate shown on the Recommended Lodging List is the full price per day, excluding tax. If you are billed for any additional charges for anything you did not request or use, refuse these charges and inform the Rooming Department at the convention as soon as possible. (9) If a problem arises with your hotel room, be sure to inform the Rooming Department while at the convention.

What Will You Do With Your Life?

• ¹ Children are sometimes asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When you were a small boy, would you have said that you wanted to be a cowboy? a fireman? a circuit overseer? Or as a little girl, would you have said that you wanted to be a ballerina? a nurse? a missionary? Now that you are older, you must ask yourself another question, ‘What will I do with my life?’ Are you ready to decide?

• ² To help you make the best possible decision, Jehovah’s organization produced the DVD Young People Ask—What Will I Do With My Life? Please watch it, and give serious thought to all that it contains, including the drama, interviews, and supplementary material. The contents are outlined in the box “Main Menu.”

• ³ The Drama: As you watch the drama, consider these questions: (1) What similarities are there between Timothy, who is spoken of in the Christian Greek Scriptures, and Andre? (Acts 16:1; 1 Tim. 4:8; 2 Tim. 1:5) (2) How was Andre being pressured to excel in athletics, and by whom? (3) Who proved to be positive influences on Timothy and on Andre, and in what ways? (2 Tim. 1:1-4; 3:14, 15) (4) How did the admonition at Matthew 6:24 and Philippians 3:8 affect Andre, and how does it affect you?

“Selected Scenes: After watching the entire drama, replay the following scenes, and answer these questions. “Paul and Timothy”: What was Paul’s final admonition to Timothy? (2 Tim. 4:5) “Giving Jehovah Your Best”: What sort of spiritual goals do you have? “Taking a Stand for Jehovah”: From where does real happiness come? “Grandmother’s Advice”: What is wrong with wanting to be a star in Satan’s world? (Matt. 4:9) “No Regrets”: What discovery can help you find fulfillment in life?—Prov. 10:22.

⁵ Interviews: As you watch each of the following sections, what do you see that you can do to give your best to Jehovah? (1) “Dedication to Vain Pursuits or to God?” (1 John 2:1.7); (2) “Learning to Enjoy Your Ministry” (Ps. 27:14); and (3) “An Open Door to Service.” —Matt. 6:33.

⁶ Looking Back: Can you answer? (1) What careers were the brother and the sister pursuing, and why? (2) How successful had they become? (3) What was the turning point in each one’s life? (2 Cor. 5:15) (4) What theocratic careers replaced their former ones, and why did they feel that they could not pursue both? (5) Do they have any regrets for having changed their focus in life? (6) What did they say that has especially made you think about what you should do with your life?

• ⁷ Supplementary Interviews: In these interviews, what have you learned that you can do to apply yourself more fully in Jehovah’s service? (1) “The Value of Personal Study,” (2) “Alternative Witnessing,” (3) “Bethel Service, ” (4) “Gilead Missionary Training,” and (5) “Ministerial Training School.” Review the “Index to Published Information on Related Subjects,” and read more about what interests you most.

• ⁸ So have you decided what you will do with your life? Paul urged Timothy: “Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all persons.” (1 Tim. 4:15) We urge you to do the same with what you have seen and heard on this DVD. Ask Jehovah to help you make a wise choice that will truly give you joy and fulfillment in life now as well as a rewarding and happy future.

MAIN MENU

Play Drama

Scenes (11 selections)

Interviews

Play All

Sections (3 selections)

Looking Back

Supplementary Material

Supplementary Interviews index to Published Information on Related Subjects

Subtitles

Hearing Impaired None

To navigate around the menus, use the Next ►, Back, and Main Menu buttons.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

■ Literature offer for April and May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. When making return visits on interested people, including those who attended the Memorial or other theocratic events but who are not actively associated with the congregation, concentrate on starting Bible studies using the Bible Teach book. J une: Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? As an alternative offer, you may use The Secret of Family Happiness. July: Keep on the Watch! Where genuine interest is shown, offer the Bible Teach book, making a diligent effort to start Bible studies.

■ Beginning in April, district convention badge cards for 2007 will automatically be included with literature shipments. It will not be necessary to request them. If the congregation needs additional badge cards, these should be requested on the Congregation Internet Site (CIS) or on a Literature Request Form (S-14). Plastic badge card holders must be requested for any in the congregation who desire them.

■ Congregation secretaries should maintain an adequate supply of the forms Application for Regular Pioneer Service (S-205) and Application for Auxiliary Pioneer Service (S-205b). These may be requested on the Congregation Internet Site (CIS) or on a Literature Request Form (S-14). Maintain at least a one-year supply. Before sending regular pioneer application forms to the branch office, make sure they are completely filled out.

■ It is necessary for the branch office to maintain an up-to-date record of addresses and telephone numbers for all presiding overseers and secretaries. If there is a change at any time, the Congregation Service Committee should complete, sign, and send a Presiding Overseer/Secrelary Change of Address (S-29) form to the branch office promptly. This includes any changes in telephone area codes.

■ Whenever personal travel plans include attending congregation meetings, an assembly, or a district convention in another land, your request for information regarding dates, times, and locations must be directed to the branch office that oversees the work in that land. Addresses of branch offices are listed on the last page of the current Yearbook.

■ U.S. Selective Service regulations require that all men under the age of 26 who are (1) citizens and have reached 18 years of age or (2) noncitizens who move to the United States must register within 30 days. From the time a man registers until he turns 26, he must notify Selective Service within ten days of any change of address. Compliance with this law is a Christian’s obligation to the superior authorities. Elders should remind those to whom this applies or will soon apply of their duty to register.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning April 30, 2007. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of March 5 through April 30, 2007. [Note: Where there are no references after the question, you will need to do your own research to find the answers.—See Ministry School, pp. 36-7.]

SPEECH QUALITIES

• 1. How can we keep our talk outline simple? [be p. 1.68 par. 4]

• 2. List four ways in which we can present material in a logical manner, [be p. 170 par. 3-p. 172 par. 4]

• 3. What factors should we keep in mind when determining what to include in a talk? [be p. 173 pars. 1-2]

• 4. What are some benefits of extemporaneous delivery? [be p. 175 pars. 2-4]

• 5. Why is speaking in a conversational manner important, and how can we develop this quality? [be p. 179 par. 4, box; p. 180, box]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. How should a brother prepare when assigned to present highlights from the weekly Bible reading? [be p. 47 pars. 3-4]

• 7. What is far more important about Christ’s ransom than the benefits we receive by means of it? [w05 11/1 p. 14 par. 1]

• 8. How should the Scripture references be used in a public talk? [be p. 53 pars. 1-2]

• 9. What was Jesus’ objective as a teacher, and how can we imitate him? [be p. 57 par. 1]

• 10. Why is the use of contrasts effective in teaching? [be p. 57 pars. 3-4]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. How can we endeavor to apply the counsel at Jeremiah 6:16 to walk in “the roadways of long ago, where, now, the good way is”?

• 12. Why did Jehovah choose the stork as an object lesson for unfaithful Jews, and what can we learn from this? (Jer. 8:7)

• 13. What bearing does Jeremiah 15:17 have on our view of entertainment today?

• 14. How are humans like clay in the hands of the Great Potter, Jehovah? (Jer. 18:5-11)

• 15. How is the order in which nations are listed at Jeremiah 25:17-26 significant for our day?

When People Are Not at Home

• ¹ In many areas it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people at home. In these “critical times,” many are forced to work long hours just to make ends meet. (2 Tim. 3:1) Some may be away from home spending money or engaging in recreation. How can we reach such ones with the good news?

• ² Keep Good Records: The first step is to make note of those who are not at home. This is especially important if you work your territory frequently. Do you make note of the name of the street, the territory number, your name, and the date? You may leave room for making additional notes when you or another publisher returns to work the not-at-homes. At the end of the witnessing period, remember to give the record or notes to the person who has the territory, unless he agrees for you to work the not-at-homes. Use a separate sheet to record any interest found that you will care for.

• ³ Try at a Different Time: Perhaps some who were not at home during the workday may be home in the evening or on weekends. Could you arrange your schedule to go back at a more opportune time? (1 Cor. 10:24) If not, you may be able to give the not-at-homes to a publisher who can go back at a different time. Otherwise, you might write to those who were not at home or try to reach them by telephone. Publishers

• 1. What is a common challenge when engaging in the door-to-door ministry?

• 2. How can we make sure that not-at-homes will be cared for?

• 3. What are some suggestions for reaching those who are not at home? whose health problems limit their share in the door-to-door work may be happy to assist you with this.

⁴ One case illustrates the importance of trying to contact those who are not at home. After publishers repeatedly called at one home for three years, the householder was eventually contacted. It turned out that she had been waiting all that time for a Witness to come by in order to resume the Bible study that she had before moving to that area.

⁶ Complete the Territory: When is a territory considered completed? Generally, this is when reasonable efforts have been made to contact someone at each home. It may be appropriate to leave a tract or an older magazine discreetly at the not-at-homes, especially in territories that are worked infrequently. The territory should be completed within four months. Then it should be checked in so that the territory servant can update his records.

⁶ We want as many people as possible to have an opportunity to learn to call on the name of Jehovah and be saved. (Rom. 10:13, 14) This includes those who happen to be away from their home when we call from house to house. Like the apostle Paul, make it your desire “to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.”—Acts 20:24.

• 4. What illustrates the importance of calling back on not-at-homes?

• 5. When is a territory considered completed?

• 6. Why should we try to reach everyone in our territory with the good news?

-'Witchtower® Apr. 15

ANNOUNCING JEHOVAH'S KINGDOM

“It seems that cruel acts are becoming more common. [Give a local example or one from the magazine.] Have you ever wondered how people can be so cruel? [Allow for response.] The Bible foretold an increase in cruelty. [Read 2 Timothy 3: 1-5.] This magazine answers the question, ‘Will cruelty ever end?’ ”

Awake? Apr.

“Many people claim to be Christians. What do you think it means to be a Christian? [Allow for response.] Note what Jesus said here. [Read John 15: 14.] This article shows that more is required than simply saying that one is a Christian.” Feature the article that begins on page 26.

WATCI HOWER. May 1 Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom          "

“The death of a child causes deep and lasting pain for parents. Where do you think they can turn for comfort? [Allow for response. Then read Romans 15:5.] This magazine discusses some of the ways in which God supplies comfort to those who mourn.”

Awake? May

“Some people enjoy prosperity, while millions of others live in poverty. Do you think that we will ever see a time when such inequalities will be gone? [Allow for response.] Notice how God views those who are poor. [Read Psalm 22:24.] This magazine explains the Bible’s hope for the poor.”

8