OIK

, MIERY

FEBRUARY 1982

Vol. 25, No. 2

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

FEBRUARY 1-7 Offering “Let Your Kingdom Come'^{1 2 3 4 5 6 7} 1. Why does householder need “Kingdom Come" book?

• 2. What illustrations could you use?

• 3. What additional talking points?

FEBRUARY 8-14 Companionship in service 1. Why is it good to work together in field service?

2. When appropriate, why is it beneficial to work alone?

FEBRUARY 15-21 Exercising discernment 1. What might dictate how long you would stay at a door? 2. If householder is busy, what could be said to leave opening for future visits?

FEBRUARY 22-28 Preparing for field service 1. Why is it so important? 2. What attention should be given to our witnessing bag? 3. What information should be reviewed?

Schedule for congregation studies in the book “Let Your Kingdom Come”: February 7: Pages 46 to 54* February 14: Pages 54* to 61* February 21: Pages 61* to 67 February 28: Pages 68 to 75* . * To or from subheading.

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION Mankind's Only Solution—God's Kingdom.

Matt. 6:10—We pray for it. Rev. 11:17, 18—What it will do.

• ¹ “And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14) With these words Jesus impressed on his disciples the importance of delivering the message of the Kingdom. An urgency was manifested in his words. The end of wickedness could not precede the delivering of this important message. God’s kingdom in the hands of his Son will act decisively against wickedness, but only after this message has been delivered “for a witness to all the nations.”

• ² Further highlighting the urgency of preaching, Paul counseled Timothy, “Preach the word, be at it urgently in favorable season, in troublesome season, . . . do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.” Timothy had to apply himself in giving instruction inside the congregation, but ‘evangelizing’ was also necessary. So Paul urged Timothy to ‘fully accomplish his ministry’ by sharing in the preaching work under all circumstances. He was to display the “art of teaching” and yet work with a sense of urgency.—2 Tim. 4:2, 5.

HOW CAN WE DO IT?

• ³ Today we are being directed to preach “this good news of the kingdom” and we should be at it

  Benefit Fully from the Circuit Overseer s Visit

  
  

• ¹ How much we appreciate the visits of our traveling brothers! Truly, they are examples to us all “in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness” just as were Timothy and Titus to the congregations they served. (1 Tim. 4:12) Along with the Memorial and assemblies, the visits of these brothers are truly high points in the service year.

INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS

• ² It is good to consider the various ways you can benefit fully from the circuit overseer’s visit. For example, many plan ahead so that they can share in the auxiliary pioneer service during the month of the visit. By spending full days in service with him, not only are auxiliary pioneers greatly encouraged, but they also are assisted in reaching their required hours for the month. Usually a number of interested ones are contacted that week and so there is opportunity for more return visits which may ultimately develop into fine Bible studies. Of course, such urgently. The world scene indicates that the nations are rapidly moving toward their end. Not much time remains to do this pressing work. How can we get on with the preaching work and get it done before the end comes? How can we be good teachers while working with a sense of urgency?

• ⁴ A fine instrument has been provided by the “faithful and discreet slave” to aid us in getting our urgent work done. It is the book “Let Your Kingdom Come” We have been offering it along with the Bible during the past two months, and now we have the opportunity to offer this fine publication alone for a contribution of 75c. No doubt you have found it to be very helpful in focusing the attention of the householder on the Kingdom theme.

• ⁵ Have you been able to use the suggestions given in the last two months? Perhaps you have been able to use the boxes containing pointed information about the Kingdom, such as the one entitled “The Reality of God’s Kingdom” found on page 11. Or, you may have found success using the fine color illustrations in the book, such as the beautiful paradise scene on pages 4 and 5 or the full-page illustrations on pages 148 and 149 (Continued on page 8, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 31

Song 31

5 min: Introduction and local announcements; remind congregation of first Sunday field service ar-। rangements.

25 min: Question-and-answer coverage of insert material on 1982 “Kingdom Truth” District Convention.

15 min: Question-and-answer coverage of main article: “Be at Your Preaching Urgently.” Remind audience of Topic for Conversation theme and scriptures.

Song 66 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 7

Song 88

7 min: Local announcements and accounts report. .

15 min: “Can You Tell Right from Wrong?” October 1, 1981, Watchtower, pages 9-12. Talk. If chalk board or other means of display before congregation is available, show the four factors that make it difficult for Christians to attain mature perception.

13 min: “Presenting the Good News—Using Bible Tracts.” As time permits entertain suggestions and experiences from audience on how tracts can be used locally.

10 min: Elders can arrange locally or give talk on February 1, 1982, Watchtower article, “Expansion at the ‘House of God.’ ” Encourage all to share in second Saturday magazine work.

Song 51 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 14

Song 78

10 min: Local announcements, Announcements and article “Witnessing to Prisoners.” Animated discussion between two brothers. 20 min: “Can They Be Helped?” Talk by elder highlighting what is being done to help inactive ones in territory. Secretary and service overseer will work together in arranging for persons to be called on. Qualified publishers will be asked to conduct study with inactive ones. Time, return visit and study should be reported by publisher conducting study. Relate one or two experiences from article showing that some will respond. Demonstrate how one would approach inactive publisher with object of starting study. Make demonstration realistic. Read paragraph 8.

15 min: “Having Plenty to Do in the Work of the Lord.” Discussion between service overseer and a brother or sister active in field service. (Portion based on Organization book, chapter 7, “Serving Jehovah Whole-souled” and January 1, 1982, letter, “Territory Seldom Worked.”) What is involved in whole-souled service? Review letter “Territory Seldom Worked.” Emphasize how this is a way we can increase our service on a temporary basis. Explain difference between serving where need is greater and working unassigned territory. Encourage brothers to consider working, on a temporary basis, areas that have not been covered in a year or two. (See article, “Step Over into Macedonia and Help” in June, 1980 Our Kingdom Service.) Explain how one can apply to work unassigned territory. Conclude with thought that Jehovah blesses those who put Kingdom interests first. We have plenty to do in the work of the Lord. Will our circumstances per

Circuit Overseer               (Cont’d)

this special week of activity. In fact, it is not unusual for a congregation to enjoy new peaks in meeting attendance that week.

• ⁵ When the circuit overseer visits the congregation, it may be that he will want to sit in on some of the studies that are being conducted with those who have been inactive. If a sister has been assigned to conduct the study, it would be appropriate for the circuit overseer to conduct it on this occasion since it is being held with 'an inactive sister. Both would report the time spent on the study and the return visit would be counted by the publisher who regularly conducts the study.

• ⁶ The circuit overseer’s visit provides opportunity for us to associate closely with a spiritually older brother and to benefit from his many years of experience in Jehovah’s service. We may also discuss with him any personal problems we have affecting our spirituality. He is in a position to offer fine counsel. We also have the opportunity to enjoy happy fellowship with the circuit overseer and his wife by inviting them to a meal. This association may also help the children in the family to develop greater appreciation for Jehovah’s organization.

mit us to do more than at present? Song 82 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 21

Song 73

5 min: Introduction and local announcements.

15 min: “Sexual Morality—Is It Really Possible?” November 1, 1981, Watchtower, pages 3-6. Talk by an experienced elder. Commend youths in congregation for keeping morally clean.

15 min: Questions and answers on article, “Benefit Fully from the Circuit Overseer’s Visit.” Encourage whole-hearted support for his visit by all in the congregation, building appreciation for this provision to help the congregation remain spiritually strong.

10 min: Getting Ready for Field Sendee. Review Topic for Conversation and offer. Have a young publisher demonstrate presentation. Remind all to share in fourth Saturday magazine work.

Song 103 and prayer.

CONGREGATIONAL BENEFITS

• ⁷ The entire congregation also benefits from the assistance the servants receive in caring for their responsibilities. They are aided in offering help to inactive ones and others needing encouragement. Often, the circuit overseer is able to provide encouragement to ill or infirm ones, even visiting them at their home or in the hospital, helping them to face tribulation with greater peace of mind.

• ⁸ Organizational matters as well as other questions or problems can be discussed with the traveling brother, particularly when he meets with elders and ministerial servants. As these responsible brothers follow through on the good counsel given, the quality of field service should improve. With the round of visits starting this month, the circuit overseer will spend time with the secretary and help him with his duties.

• ⁹ Paul, Titus and Timothy set fine examples for traveling overseers todays How grateful we are to have faithful men like these visit our congregations, providing us with the encouragement and help we need to press forward in our ministry. (Phil. 2:22) Be sure to plan ahead so as to benefit fully from the circuit overseer’s visit.

  Can They Be Helped?

  
  

^xWe were happy to learn from last month’s Our Kingdom Ministry that there will be an increased effort during the coming months to help those who have stopped sharing the truth with others. Many of these no longer attend meetings. How grateful we are to Jehovah that he takes such a loving interest in each of us and directs the elders to take the lead in giving the needed help. Even if one has been inactive for many years but has some love for Jehovah, the way is open for him to return to active association with the congregation. Jehovah is patient and does not want any to be destroyed.—2 Pet. 3:9.

• ² As already explained, the secretary and service overseer will be taking the initiative in seeing that inactive ones in the territory are visited. You may be one of the publishers whom the service overseer will ask to help inactive ones.

PAST BENEFICIAL RESULTS

• ³ Experience has shown that some will respond to loving efforts to help them come back, even though they have been away for many years and drifted back to some of their former worldly habits. A positive attitude and patience on the part of the publisher calling, along with Jehovah’s help, will bring success if the inactive one still has a love for the truth. If he is dealt with unkindly, there is less likelihood that he will respond.

• ⁴ For example, a sister who had been away many years felt that Jehovah and the congregation no longer cared for her. A sister called on this ‘lost sheep’ and read selected paragraphs to her from The Watchtower. Learning that Jehovah did still care, the inactive sister began to weep. She had stopped associating due to many family problems and discouragement, wrongly assuming she had been disfellowshipped because of her long absence. This ‘lost sheep’ came to appreciate Jehovah’s mercy and that he was still interested in her. She soon found her way back to active service with the congregation.

• ⁵ In another case, where previous efforts had been unfruitful, an elder decided to try one more time to assist an inactive brother to return. He traveled many hours on foot through thornbushes and thick underbrush to reach the brother’s farm. He arrived bruised, scratched and dusty. The elder informed the inactive brother that he had traveled all that way to see how he was doing, and that the congregation was concerned about him. This so moved the brother that he was soon reactivated. A former opposer who was working alongside the inactive brother and listening in on the conversation could not believe what he had heard. He was so impressed by this elder’s efforts to .help the one who had strayed that he and his wife began to study and eventually became active publishers.

• ⁶ One young married couple had been away from the truth for twelve years. It might have seemed that there was little hope of their returning. An elder decided to make one last try. They had lost their spirituality and were cold toward the brother at first. He maintained a friendly, cheerful disposition and asked them how they came into the truth. This was the turning point. Their attitude warmed and they made rapid progress toward becoming reactivated. He had a positive attitude and did not conclude that there was no hope because of their long absence.

KEEP A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

• ⁷ These few experiences illustrate that persons who have stopped associating can be helped, often to return. Many who have become inactive are not opposed to the truth but have stopped associating due to personal problems and discouragement. Others may have allowed the “thorns” to choke out the Word because of anxiety and materialism. (Matt. 13:22) Although these may have strayed far and been away for a long time, Jesus’ illustration at Matthew 18:12-14 encourages us always to leave the door open for their return. Many inactive ones can be helped. Jehovah blesses the efforts of those who participate in this work under the direction of the elders.

^s In the coming months the secretary and service overseer will determine which inactive ones in the territory would likely respond to help. If you should be asked to study with an inactive one, you may report the time, return visit and Bible study until the individual has completed the study of one book. By that time it is hoped that the person will once again be regular in meeting attendance and field service. It is our sincere prayer that Jehovah will bless richly this special activity, and that many who have gone astray will respond before it is too late.

Witnessing to Prisoners

• ¹ Reports have come in from all over the country telling of the good work brothers are doing in contacting prisoners in various jails and penitentiaries, helping some to rehabilitate their lives spiritually. In a number of such institutions regular meetings are being held and several prisoners have studied to the point of dedication and baptism. Their changed pattern of life has been in itself a tremendous witness to others.

• ² In some cases, prisoners have been helped by brothers who have corresponded with them over a period of time. There is a danger, though, about which we wish to issue a warning. Some prisoners are willing to carry on correspondence, feigning interest, simply for their own selfish advantage. The love, compassion and generosity of Jehovah’s people sometimes make them an easy mark for such individuals. If correspondence is carried on with a prisoner, it would not be good to begin sending money or material things at the prisoner’s request. Rather, the giving of spiritual information and encouragement to apply Bible principles in his life should be the reason for writing.—Prov. 14:15.

• ³ Since it is not recommended that sisters carry on correspondence with male prisoners, it would be good for such to be done by qualified brothers. It is also ill-advised for members of the congregation to visit the prison indiscriminately and have close association with inmates.

• ⁴ Where interest is shown by prisoners, it is good to turn the names and addresses of such ones over to the congregation nearest the prison, and let the brothers qualified to visit the prison contact these prisoners and arrange to study with them if possible. Usually these brothers know what is required and have special permission to enter prison facilities. It is not objectionable for these brothers to hold meetings with prisoners so that several may study at one time. We do not recommend that special events be held in prisons where publishers are invited to mingle with the prisoners indiscriminately. We believe the most good can be accomplished by just holding the regular weekly meeting where they are permitted by the prison officials. Thus, dedicated or interested inmates will be receiving the same spiritual feeding that Jehovah’s people on the outside are receiving.

• ⁵ Certainly we want to be of help to all persons who are hunger-(Continued on page 8, col. 2)

  [PRESENTING TKIE GOOD KEWS

  
  

  no one was found at home or where the householder has been too busy to listen at th$ time the call was made. If the tract is being left at not-at-homes, make certain that it is placed neatly out of sight of passers-by.

  ⁴ During recent years several tracts have been released and used in special efforts to get a brief message into every home in our territories. This present tract is intended for continuous use in field service. Have you made arrangements to carry a few of these tracts with you at all times so as to be able to use them on every appropriate occasion?

  • ⁵ Tracts are particularly convenient for giving to persons we may engage in conversation when traveling, shopping or when going about the daily affairs of life. Several of these tracts may be kept conveniently available in a coat pocket, purse or briefcase. Why not keep a few at your place of employment or among your school books and papers? Having the tract with you may in itself encourage you to be more alert to opportunities to witness informally.

  • ⁶ Yes, using Bible tracts is a time-tested and effective means of presenting the “good news.” Be sure to pick up a supply soon and use them at every opportunity.

  Come" book? Can you think of others who may want it? Fellow employees? Schoolmates? Business contacts? Landlords? Neighbors? Seek out every opportunity to offer this book.

  WHAT LIES AHEAD

  ^s It is the coming of God’s kingdom by Christ and knowing what it will do that makes it possible for all praisers of Jehovah to have faith now. So, during these last days of Satan’s system, should we not be moved to speak the “good news” to others so they in turn may have faith and wait for God’s kingdom to remedy earth’s affairs? Surely we will want to make every effort during February to see that we distribute the “Kingdom Come" book to everyone that desires a copy. We should be at our work urgently since the time left to do it is short.—Mark 13:10; 1 Pet. 4:7.

  Prisoners                      (Cont’d)

  ing and thirsting for the truth, but caution must be exercised when dealing with those whose imprisonment is due to their own wrongdoing.

  
  

Using Bible Tracts

• ¹ Early in the modern history of Jehovah’s Witnesses much of the public witnessing was accomplished through the extensive distribution of Bible tracts. Many first heard the Kingdom message in that way. Today, tracts still play an important role in our public ministry of the “good news.” —Matt. 24:14.

• ² Last summer at our “Kingdom Loyalty” District Conventions, Kingdom News No. 30 was released and used from house-to-house in the convention cities. Since that time this new tract, entitled Is Planet Earth Near the Brink? has been made available to congregations for free distribution to the public. (See announcement in the September 1981 Our Kingdom Service.) Are you making full use of this new tract?

• ³ This attractive new tract with its thought-provoking title can prove to be most helpful in giving a thorough witness in your territory. Many brothers have effectively used the tract at the beginning of their presentation to catch the eye of the householder. Others prefer using it for stimulating further interest in concluding calls where no literature has been placed. Most of all, perhaps, the tract is being left at doors where Preaching                    (Cont’d)

highlighting “The Kingdom Theme of the Bible.”

^G Perhaps you have been able to use one of the suggestions in the January 1982 Our Kingdom Ministry, so as to start a Bible study. If you have not tried these yet, why not do so during February as you place the “Kingdom Come" book? Or, you may want to return to visit householders with whom you have placed the book but who do not yet have a home Bible study. The suggestions offered are * beneficial for new publishers or those with more experience.

⁷ Have you been able to offer this new book to members of your own family who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses? What about those who are on your magazine route? Would they be interested in obtaining a copy of the “Kingdom

NOVEMBER SERVICE REPORT Av Av Av Av Pubs. Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bl.St.

Sp’l Pios.     442 131.4 108.0 49.9

Pios.       20,047  83.0  66.7 31.8

Aux. Pios.  18,779  58.6  49.4 19.2

Pubs.     532,747   8.4   9.0  3.6

TOTAL 572,015

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,994

THEOCRATIC NEWS

Several branches in Europe report new peaks of publishers in October including: Austria, 13,942; Italy, 92,200; Luxembourg, 1,012; Spain, 48,763; Switzerland, 11,060. Publishers in Italy averaged 12.2 hours.

<> Nicaragua passed the 4,000 mark in publishers for the first time with 4,028 reporting in October, a 10 percent increase over last year's average. A total of 6,090 studies were conducted during the month.

0 Bolivia had a 10 percent increase in October with a new peak of 2,805 publishers. New peaks also reported in return visits and studies.

<y With 505 publishers reporting in the Bahamas, their two circuit assemblies were attended by 1,164, and 12 were baptized.

<C> Puerto Rico reported an all-time peak of 327 regular pioneers in October.

Chile reported an 8 percent increase in October with a new peak of 16,942 publishers.

Announcements

• Literature offer for February: “Let Your Kingdom Come” book for a contribution of 75c. March: Any 192-page book with exception of “Kingdom Come” and Happiness books, on a contribution of 75c. During March try to distribute books that may be overstocked in your congregation. If you need to order supplies from Brooklyn we suggest you request: Is This Life All There Is?, Holy Spirit or Life Does Have a Purpose. April and May: The Watchtower subscription for one year on a contribution of $3.50. Sixmonth subscriptions $2.00 each.

© The special talk may be given the following week if a circuit overseer’s visit or a circuit assembly is scheduled for March 28, 1982.

O On Saturday, April 17, the Bethel home and factory and Watchtower Farms buildings will be closed for spring cleaning, so there will be no arrangements for tours on that day. O Congregations may use Kingdom News #30 tracts in place of Not Home Slips. However, the Society has a Stock of Not Home Slips in French, Greek and Korean which can be ordered by congregations according to local needs.

O New Publications Available:

“Let Your Kingdom Come”

■—Chinese

Aid to Bible Understanding (Part 1-A to Be)              —French

Aid to Bible Understanding (Part 2-Be to Es)            —German

“Singing and Accompanying Yourselves with Music in Your Hearts” —Turkish

• Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, (Deluxe Edition)

' (Dbil2-S) ' —Spanish Not Home Slips  —English, Spanish

• New Cassette Recordings Available: Jehovah’s Name To Be Declared in All the Earth (single cassette)

—Dutch, German O The Watch Tower Publications Index for 1981 is not yet available. Please do not order this index until an announcement of its availability is made in Our Kingdom Ministry.

¹

benefits can be shared by all publishers who work in field ser

²

vice with the circuit overseer, whether they are regular or auxiliary pioneers or hard-working congregation publishers.—Eccl. 11:6.

³

Planning ahead may also help you to adjust the time of your Bible studies so that the circuit overseer will be able to accompany you. His wife will be pleased to work with as many sisters as possible. This arrangement may help you to improve your effectiveness as a teacher. (Prov. 1:5) It may also encourage your student to make further progress. If your Bible student has advanced to the point of sharing in the ministry, why not invite him to go along with you in field service during the circuit overseer’s visit?

⁴

Be sure to invite your Bible

⁵

student to the Kingdom Hall when the circuit overseer visits. Many persons who are now serving Jehovah faithfully were encouraged

⁶

to attend their first meeting during

⁷

Our Kingdom Ministry (USPS 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York. Inc., 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201.                                                  Printed in U.S.A.