OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

JANUARY 1980

Vol. 33, No. 1

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

JANUARY 1-7

How will you

• 1. Introduce new Topic for Conversation?

• 2. Make transition from Topic to current offer?

JANUARY 8-14

What will help you to

• 1. Be more alert to offer Bible literature?

• 2. Present the publications informally?

JANUARY 15-21

Using tracts effectively

• 1. What suggestions are made in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry?

• 2. What tracts will you feature?

JANUARY 22-28

Improving our effectiveness in the field

• 1. Why be concerned with effectiveness in the field?

• 2. In what ways might we improve?

JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4

How might an introduction

• 1. Arouse interest?

• 2. Demonstrate personal concern for others?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Peace—Can It Be Yours?

Ps. 37:1, 11—Earth-wide peace promised.

Ps. 37:34—Importance of keeping God’s way.

• ¹ How thankful we are for the Bible literature Jehovah regularly provides through his organization! We highly value this spiritual food. Upon receiving a new publication, we eagerly leaf through it. Then, as we read it carefully, we gain understanding. Our appreciation for Jehovah and his purposes grows.

• ² The personal benefits we receive move us to share with others the good things we have learned. (Matt. 24:14) We are anxious to get the Society’s publications into the hands of as many people as possible. This enables them also to learn the truths contained in these instructive Bible publications. If we are well prepared and alert to take the initiative to present the current literature offer, we may be able to help other sincere people turn to Jehovah and join us in his service.

FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE

• ³ During January and February we will be offering a variety of 192-page books on a contribution of 50e each. The books to be offered include any 192-page book published prior to 1980 except Family Life, Great Teacher, This Life, Truth, and Youth. Congregations that do not have these books in stock may offer the Worldwide Security book for a contribution of $1.00.

  Improving Our Effectiveness as Ministers

  
  

• ¹ Since Kingdom interests take first place in our lives, we should be motivated to excel in the ministry as our chosen career. (Mark 13:10) No matter how long we may have been preaching, we want to keep on improving our effectiveness as ministers. How can we do this?

• ² Many people who are successful in professional fields continually seek to update their knowledge and skills. Their livelihood may depend on it. As conscientious ministers, we also need to be diligent to improve our ability to make disciples, teaching others about God’s Kingdom. We should look for new and fresh approaches that appeal to all sorts of people.—Matt. 28:19, 20.

MEET THE CHALLENGE

• ³ Now that Jehovah is speeding up the ingathering of sheeplike ones, many of us are calling on our neighbors more often. Increased witnessing activity by so many more publishers and pioneers is stirring up the world field. Because of our increased activity, presentations that were effective at one time may no longer

• ⁴ Sometimes people are genuinely very busy when we call. Under those circumstances, we may want just to offer the book as suggested in the second example on page 20 of the Reasoning book. Or we might express in our own words something along the lines of the third example on that page, showing appreciation of the householder’s situation and saying in a persuasive way: “But since you don’t have time to talk now, we suggest that you accept these two magazines on a contribution of 50c and read them when it is more convenient. You will enjoy learning about God’s promise of something new.” These approaches show consideration for the householder’s circumstances, and at the same time, the literature is presented.

• ⁵ What can be done if a person already has the publication we are offering? Why not apply the Bible principle found at 1 Corinthians 3: 6-9? The seed has already been planted. Take advantage of the opportunity to water it by giving a further witness to the individual. Or we might say something like: “I am very pleased that you already have a copy of this publication. No doubt you have enjoyed reading it. If I

(Continued on page 7, col. 2)

appeal to the people we meet. The quality of our ministry may need to be improved.

• ⁴ It is necessary to maintain a positive attitude in speaking with people in order to be truly skillful in our work. Making good use of the practical suggestions given in the July 15, 1988, issue of The Watchtower can help us in this. For example, page 16, paragraph 6, discusses how to introduce yourself in a pleasant and positive way in territory where you call every week and you are well known. Information on how to approach a person who told you last week, “I am involved in my own church, and it cares for all my spiritual needs,” is found on page 16, paragraph 5.

• ⁵ Have you worked your territory with a direct offer of a free home Bible study? Do you work business territory held by your congregation? Is it possible to do street witnessing at appropriate and productive hours? By all means, review the fine suggestions given in the July 15, 1988, Watchtower. Applying such (Continued on page 8, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 1 / Song 25

9 min: Local announcements. Also, highlight January offer as stat-, ed under Announcements. Provide' names of older publications in stock locally. Briefly consider introductions that might be used with current Topic for Conversation. If designated older books are not available, highlight use of Worldwide Security book for the contribution of $1.

18 min: “1990 ‘Pure Language' District Convention”—Part One. Read December 15, 1989, convention assignment letter. Question-and-answer consideration of paragraphs 1-11 of insert by congregation secretary. Read ONLY paragraphs 7, 9, and 10, and make application of scriptures as time allows.

18 min: “1990 ‘Pure Language’ District Convention”—Part Two. Discussion with audience of paragraphs 12-16 of insert by presiding overseer. Read scriptures arid paragraphs that apply locally, as time allows. Highlight need to select accommodations from Recommended Lodging Locations list, and commend those cooperating with the rooming arrangement.

Song 24 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 8-i/

Song 54

5 min: Local announcements and appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Announce field service arrangements for the weekend.

25 min: Medical Document and Identity Card. Secretary has cards distributed and’tTToroughly considers January 1, 1990, letter on Medical Document for baptized publishers and Identity Card for unbaptized minor children of Witness parent or parents. Reason with audience oni why instructions should be followed^ carefully in order to make cards serve most effectively for our protec-i tion.

[5 15 min: “Be Alert to Offer Bible Literature.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. When considering paragraph 5, include a demonstration of a publisher’s offering to start a Bible study where the householder already has the publication(s) being offered. Also, conduct briefjn,-terview with publisher who has been

view congregation’s field service schedule for week. Encourage all who can to make service arrangements for this weekend. Pt-12 min: Territory Seldom Worked. If the local congregation has territory that is seldom worked, encourage more regular coverage of this territory. Head the Society's jfijtet dated January 1,.19.9.0, regardingTetritory seldom worked. Make local application.

15 min: “Improving Our Effectiveness as Ministers.” Questions and answers. When considering paragraph 4, include two brief demonstrations of the suggested introductions in paragraphs 5 and 6 on page 16 of the July 15, 1988, Watchtower. These should be given in a sincere and positive manner.           _t

10 min: Local needs or talk on “What I It Means to Be a Christian.” This should be based on material in Insight, Volume 1, pages 440-1. Highlight importance of following Jesus’ example in love and self-sacrifice.

Song 168 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 29 3-/ Song 135

10 min: Local announcements. Theo-fj cratic News. “Identifying Kingdom Halls.” Comment on local application.

15 min: 1990 Yearbook Highlights.^/v< Well-prepared talk on introductory material in 1990 Yearbook. Feature outstanding achievements enjoyed by Jehovah's people as a result of Jehovah’s blessing on their zealous service. As time allows, relate some of the encouraging experiences given. Reports from our brothers worldwide should move all of us to share fully in Jehovah’s service. Encourage all to benefit from reading the Yearbook. /, ftf

20 min: “Effective Introductions.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. Demonstrate introduction outlined in paragraph 5. Demonstrate also one of the introductions in the Reasoning book (pp. 9-15) that would be appropriate for your territory. Encourage brothers to carry the Reasoning book with them in the field service and to use it in answering questions and overcoming objections. Encourage all to share in the field service this weekend.

Song 108 and concluding prayer.

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

January 1: Pages 186“ to 192^{2 1} January 8: Pages 192" to 198“ January 15: Pages 198“ to 205¹ January 22: Pages 205¹ to 209¹ January 29: Pages 209" to 215¹

© 1990 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (USES 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., and International Bible Students Association, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201.                                                                          Printed in U.S.A.

1990 "PURE LANGUAGE" DISTRICT CONVENTION

• ¹ Over the past one hundred years, conventions have been an outstanding feature of our worship. Particularly since the revival of our preaching activity in 1919, these gatherings have been marked periods of spiritual refreshment as revealed flashes of light from God’s Word have been made known.

• ² Recall, for instance, the unbounded joy manifested at Columbus, Ohio, in 1931 when God’s people received the new name, Jehovah’s Witnesses. Also, great rejoicing accompanied the truth revealed at Washington, D.C., in 1935, showing that the destiny of the “great crowd” was to survive into Jehovah’s new world.—Rev. 7:9.

• ³ As our numbers increased following World War II, it was necessary to spread out over the United States with several district conventions. Six of these were held in 1948 with some 66,000 in attendance. Just 41 years later, over 1,360,000 attended 132 “Godly Devotion” District Conventions. What a tremendous increase in happy con-ventioners! Now it is time to be making the necessary arrangements for attending the 1990 “Pure Language” District Conventions.

• ⁴ All Christians must put language to its most exalted use, praising their Creator and upbuilding their neighbor with wholesome, truthful speech, especially the good news about God’s Kingdom. (Matt. 24:14; Titus 2: 7, 8; Heb. 13:15; compare Psalm 109:30.) The ‘purity’ of this language is also reflected in its being free from words expressing malicious bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and similar abusive speech, as well as being free from deceit, obscenity, and corruptness.—Eph. 4:29, 31; 1 Pet. 3:10.

• ⁵ Hence, what a pleasure it will be to attend the four-day “Pure Language” District Conventions planned for this summer and receive counsel and encouragement as we continue to speak the “pure language” of the truth in these critical times. (Zeph. 3:9) By making the necessary arrangements to be there, you can share in the fine spiritual blessings that certainly await those in attendance. Truly, we look to Jehovah to make this another thrilling convention season as we move forward in unitedly worshiping him.

ROOMING ARRANGEMENTS

• ⁶ Following the Service Meeting for the week of January 1, congregations should post on the information board the Recommended Lodging Locations list for the district convention to which your congregation is assigned. This list gives all the motels presently cooperating with the Society’s rooming arrangement. By cooperating with these arrangements, the congregations will help the convention organization in its efforts to provide sufficient seats, food, literature, and rooming accommodations for everyone. As you make your plans, lovingly include others who need assistance, especially newly interested ones, so they also can attend every session. (Gal. 6:10) The program will start at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.

• ⁷ WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: As soon as —but NOT before—your congregation posts the Recommended Lodging Locations list containing the addresses, phone numbers, and agreed-upon rates of the motels, you should phone the motel of your choice and make reservations, identifying yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and as a delegate attending the Watchtower convention. Doing so will qualify you for the rates listed, which in most cases have been greatly reduced. One night’s DEPOSIT WILL BE REQUIRED at all locations in order to hold the room. Your deposit should be sent directly to the motel AS SOON AS you make your reservations. If your deposit is not received by the motel within three weeks, your reservations can be canceled. MOTELS ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO HOLD THE ROOMS OR EXTEND THE SPECIAL RATES WITHOUT A DEPOSIT. Please do not make reservations at more than one motel or at motels that you do not intend to use. (Matt. 5:37) This is unkind because it prevents the motels from getting business they could have had and deprives other publishers from using those rooms, which often are vitally needed. If you must cancel your reservation, you should immediately notify the motel. This makes the room available for other delegates. If the motel you call first is filled, call your next selection from the list and so on. The convention Rooming Department will continue to provide the congregations with revised lists as long as necessary, deleting motels that have been filled and including additional motels until everyone has a room. Thus, if all the motels on the list are filled, please wait patiently for the next list, and you will be able to obtain a room.

• ⁸ DORMITORIES: A few conventions use school dormitories in order to accommodate all of those attending. Usually congregations will receive information on these a month or so after the first motel listing. Those needing accommodations of this type should follow the instructions on the list that is sent to the congregations by the convention.

• ⁹ SPECIAL NEEDS: This provision is only for baptized Witnesses and unbaptized publishers, including their children, who are all in good standing in the congregation. Arrangements to care for such ones with special needs should be made by the congregation where these attend. Elders and others aware of the individual circumstances can lovingly extend help. This often requires that publishers consider the needs of those in full-time service, the elderly, the infirm, the deaf, and perhaps others, which may include taking such ones with them. Publishers may care for such ones in other ways also. (Jas. 2:15-17; 1 John 3:17, 18) Of course, the convention Rooming Department will endeavor to provide rooming accommodations for publishers with special needs who are unable to care for themselves and who cannot be assisted by those in the congregation where they attend. These publishers may ask the congregation secretary for a Special Needs Room Request Form, discussing their situation with him at that time. The secretary should first speak with the Congregation Service Committee to see if it is possible for the congregation to assist these persons to care for their own rooming accommodations. If not, then he may give them a copy of the Special Needs Room Request Form. Those with special needs are the only ones that should fill out this form. It is to be returned to the secretary and checked for completeness, accuracy, and verification of the circumstances that qualify the person or persons for special needs consideration, which are to be explained in detail in the space provided on the form. This should be done well ahead of the convention. The secretary will then forward the form to the convention Rooming Department. The individual making the request will be notified directly about the accommodations. Those with special needs should NOT go to the convention and request a room when they arrive because the convention Rooming Department must have the verification of the Congregation Service Committee.

• ¹⁰ Private-home accommodations are usually set aside for those who would experience real hardship if such accommodations were not available. They are not intended for those who can afford motel rooms but

who want free or inexpensive rooms just to as to avoid major difficulties that we are

save money. Similarly, it is not proper for delegates to presume upon the hospitality of our brothers by expecting to be accommodated extra days in order to visit vacation spots or do other things before or after the convention. These rooms are for the convention period only. Those receiving such accommodations should see that they and their children act respectfully toward the

home of their host and do not damage anything or rummage through the possessions or private areas in the home. If householders experience any difficulties along this line, these should immediately be brought to the attention of the Rooming Department at the convention, and the brothers there will be happy to help.                 •

• ¹¹ DELEGATES ATTENDING FROM OUTSIDE THE ASSIGNED AREA: In nearly every case, the location assigned for you to attend is the one nearest your congregation. Seating, literature, food orders, and so forth, are planned on the premise that the majority will attend the convention to which they are assigned. However, if for some reason you will be attending a convention other than the one assigned and need accommodations, the congregation secretary can give you the address of the convention headquarters where you desire to attend. These addresses are listed on the back of the Special Needs Room Request Form. Then write to that convention headquarters and request a copy of the motel listing for that location, sending along a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

  Upon receipt ofithislist, useitto^ma^e your^-, g) Do not cook or heat food in the room, reservationunless it has a kitchenette for that purpose, ¹² YOUR COOPERAT|6n NEEDED: The and be careful not to soil anything in the

  
  

smoothness and success of this rooming arrangement depends on the cooperation of eyeryone involved. (Compare Genesis 6:22.) Thus, we are asking everyone^to cooperate fully with the Society’s rooming arrangeexperiencing in our negotiations. Many are taking to heart the clear direction that has been given in the January Our Kingdom Ministry convention inserts for the past few years, and many good results are being experienced. However, it is still necessary to encourage everyone to observe the foli'ow-ing guidelines for obtaining motel accommodations:

• a) Make reservations ONLY AFTER the congregation posts the Recommended Lodging Locations list from the convention.

• b) You should not accept a higher price than what is quoted for a motel on the list.

• c) Please do not make reservations at more than one motel with the idea of checking each one, selecting the best one, and then canceling the others.

• d) Do not reserve rooms for yourself or others without giving names and sending the deposits for each room immediately. If a deposit is not received within three weeks after the reservation is made, the motel can cancel the reservation.

• e) Do not put more people in the room than the law and the management allow, which is normally no more than four or five persons, including children. Remember, you are paying a rate based upon no more than four or five persons in the room.

• f) Do not check in before 1:00 p.m. or whatever is the motel policyTYou may <ffieck in after the program that day, since your deposit guarantees your room.

room with food.

h) Children should not be allowed in hallways, elevators, or swimming pools without a parent or adult guardian with them. Swimming pools should not be used after their

• ¹³ Some violations in these areas make it difficult to negotiate good rates and also bring reproach on Jehovah’s name and organization. (Ps. 119:168) Therefore, the Society will be asking the Rooming Departments to check with the motels during the convention to determine if any areTexperiencing such problems and who is involved. Your compliance in these matters is earnestly sought so that the Society may continue assisting delegates to obtain reasonably priced accommodations. On the other hand, IF YOU EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM WITH A MOTEL, please do not hesitate to bring it to the attention of the Rooming Department overseer during the convention, so he can assist you in resolving the matter that day. The convention organization is working hard to save our brothers as much expense as possible, so it is in the best interests of all.for everyone to cooperate fully with the Society’s rooming arrangement. The listing is comprehensive enough to give a choice of good-quality accommodations and yet give preference to the motels ' that cooperate? Our aim with this arrangement is to help delegates to be accommodated as comfortably and economically as possible so they will be refreshed and fully able to enjoy the fine spiritual program.

FOOD SERVICE

• ¹⁴ A simplified food service arrangement similar to last year is planned for 1990. This greatly eases the work load and allows more attention to be given to the spiritual aspects of the convention, with the workers being able to enjoy more of the program. (Ex. 12:16b; Deut. 31:12; it Vol. 1 pp. 503, 821; compare Luke 10:38:42.) The menu provides ’ ^^^nt*sustenance^o?^vtli^hor?img'lihd noon periods. Compare Matthew. 14:^4^20.' For evening mealsfeveryone is free tb make his own arrangements, although some food will be available at the convention.

I        '              .ail            • <4- A

• ¹⁵ The Society appreciates very much the fine support you brothers and sisters have been giving to the food service arrange-ments^at the district conventions over the years/This has made it possible to rent good buildings .and care for the convention expenses. JFnas also enabled you to remain at the convention site during the short no.on break and to be present, on time and refreshed, for the more important spiritual program.

SIGN-LANGUAGE SESSIONS

• ¹⁶ As you will note in the February 15, 1990, Watchtower, sign-language interpreting will be provided at ONLY 16 specific convention cities. NO provision will be made at any other conventions for sign language. This has proved to be a reed blessing for a ’ number of years now for those with this special need by providing good-quality interpreting and larger groups with which to enjoy upbuilding fellowship. Those who are signers should let the deaf in their congregations know of the arrangements and help them to attend where the sign-language provision is made by the Society.

[NOTE TO THE BODY OF ELDERS: Please read the Society’s December 15, 1989, convention assignment letter for your congregation during your Service Meeting for the week of January 1, and after that meeting post the Recommended Lodging Locations list on the information board. NO ONE, INCLUDING THE ELDERS, SHOULD MAKE ANY MOTEL RESERVATIONS BEFORE THIS SERVICE MEETING. Please read the assignment letter again at your next meeting, and put it back on the information board. In this way all the con-• gregations will receive the information the same week.

The congregation secretary should handle convention-related material and announcements on future meetings. All elders will want to cooperate fully to ensure the prompt, enthusiastic, and effective handling of convention matters.]

Announcemen ts

• Literature offer for January and February: Any 192-page book published prior to 1980 that the congregation has in stock for the reduced contribution of 50e, with the following exceptions: Family Life, Great Teacher, This Life, Truth, and Youth. There is a limited supply of Commentary on James that may be ordered from Brooklyn. (For obtaining credit, elders should refer to the guidelines in the Society’s letter of December 21,1988.) If the congregation has no stock of books to be offered at the reduced rate, the Worldwide Security book should be offered for a contribution of $1.00. This book may be ordered fromBrooklyn. March: The Bible —God’s Word or Man’s? for a contribution of $1.00. April and May: Watchtower subscription. Where a subscription is not obtained, two magazines and a copy of any brochure may be offered for the contribution of 80c.

• Congregations should be sure to order an ample supply of the God’s Word book well in advance of the month of March.

• Starting in February and no later than March 1, the new public talk for circuit overseers will be “Exulting in Jehovah at Poland Conventions.” This will be a slide presentation recounting some of the highlights of the 1989 “Godly Devotion" District Conventions held in Poland.

• The special public talk for the 1990 Memorial season will be given worldwide on Sunday, March 25, 1990. The subject of the talk will be “Reach Out for the Real Life!” An outline will be provided. Those congregations having the visit of the circuit overseer, a circuit assembly, or a special assembly day that weekend will have the special talk the following week. No congregation should have the special talk before March 25.

• U.S. Selective Service regulations require that all men register when reaching 18years of age. All of those required to do so should take care of the matter promptly, viewing it as a Christian’s obligation to the superior authorities. Elders will want to have this in mind and give appropriate reminders to young brothers nearing the age of 18. Questions as to the young Christian’s responsibilities in this regard may be answered by the elders.

• New Publications Available:

Aid to Bible Understanding, Volume 6 (Li-Oven)              —Dutch

Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (Small size)

—Croatian, Polish My Book of Bible Stories —Icelandic Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work     —Japanese

The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s?

—Japanese, Korean United in Worship of the Only True God                   —Swahili

Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace"           —Ukrainian

Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Question of Blood              —Arabic

(Continued on page 8, col. 3)

cial to anticipate their comment and bring up the subject first. For example, after an initial greeting, you might say: “Do you have your own religion? [Listen to their reply.] I thought you might because most people in this area do. However, the reason for my call this morning is ___” Then continue with the subject you wish to discuss.

• ⁶ If many householders say, “I’m busy,” you could select one or more of the ideas expressed on pages 19-20 of the Reasoning book and adapt them to the needs of your territory. Variations of these expressions may be used in anticipation of objections that are heard frequently.

USING INTRODUCTIONS FROM THE REASONING BOOK

• ⁷ Many are finding good success in using the introductions on pages 9-15 of the Reasoning book. You will notice that these consider the subjects people are generally concerned with, such as current events, personal safety, employment, housing, family life, and the future. However, notice also that the wording of the suggested introductions in the Reasoning book invites the householder to express himself. It helps him to see the importance of the subject presented and that it affects him personally. Effective use of these introductions may prevent householders from using some of the more common objections.

• ⁸ Give careful thought to introductions that you believe will be most effective in your territory. Learn to use the introductions in the Reasoning book. Benefit from the experience of other publishers. Pray for Jehovah’s blessing on your efforts. With good effort and Jehovah’s blessing, it may be that more people in your territory will respond favorably I to the good news of salvation.

schoolmates, people we meet when shopping, and those we meet between homes or doors when we are in the field service. Plan ahead, having literature available to present on such occasions whenever possible. Often, it is not difficult to carry one or more of the small publications with us. Much good can be accomplished through informal witnessing.—1 Pet. 3:15.

⁷ Jehovah’s organization has generously supplied us with literature to keep us spiritually strong and to aid us in spreading the good news. Being alert to opportunities to offer Bible literature will help us magnify Jehovah’s name.—Ps. 34:3.

By Using Tracts Effectively

• ¹ During the 1987 “Trust in Jehovah” District Convention, four new tracts were released. They are entitled Why You Can Trust the Bible, What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe?, Life in a Peaceful New World, and What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? Have you been using these tracts effectively in the field?

• ² Many publishers leave tracts at doors where no one is at home. And they give them to people who are too busy to listen at the time a call is made. Some find that if they use a tract to introduce themselves at the door, it helps to stimulate the householder’s interest. Others prefer offering them as a free gift on calls where no literature is placed but where some interest is shown.

WHEN AND HOW TO USE THEM

• ³ By being versatile and alert to opportunities, you may find many occasions to offer tracts. For instance, tracts can be helpful when witnessing to relatives. You can use tracts when you are on vacation, while shopping and traveling, at school, or at your place of employment. Do you keep tracts within easy reach, perhaps in your coat or shirt pocket, purse, or briefcase? Having tracts with you at all times may encourage you to witness informally. Why not look for occasions to offer tracts?

• ⁴ Regardless of the occasion, you can use the tracts to give a more effective witness. Although the message they contain is brief, what they say is very convincing and is supported with clear Scriptural argumentation. The tracts are colorfully illustrated and can be useful tools to accomplish much good in the ministry. Be alert to offer them to people everywhere.

Improving Effectiveness (Cont’d) suggestions can help us to improve our effectiveness as ministers.

⁶ Being effective also involves thoroughness. (Eph. 6:13) Be alert to notice where more than one family lives in a house. Some people live in basement apartments, above garages, or in other locations not directly accessible from the front door. Seek out various family members —an older person who may not ordinarily come to the door or someone who may be at work when calls are usually made at the home. It may be that by calling at another hour, you may meet other family members. Evening witnessing often provides such opportunities.

IN FIELD SERVICE

• ⁵ Have you taken advantage of the thought-provoking titles of the tracts to cultivate interest in the Kingdom message when working from house to house? Some publishers highlight the title of a tract right away in their introduction. Why not try this approach yourself? You might say: “Hello. I’m glad to find you at home. I have volunteered to share in delivering a very important message. It is found in this tract Life in a Peaceful New World. This is your copy. It is free. [Give it to the householder, and direct attention to the cover.] Wouldn’t you like to live in such peaceful surroundings?” If circumstances then allow, continue with the Topic for Conversation, and tie in the offer for the month.

• ⁶ Depending on where you live, you may find it beneficial to state that your message is from the Bible. The tract Why You Can Trust the Bible may be very effective in your area. For instance, you might say: “We are leaving a free Bible message with our neighbors today. Here is your copy. [Give it to the householder.] Notice the subject is about the Bible. Do you think that people have lost confidence in the Bible today? [Allow for a response.] This tract will help you see why we can trust what the Bible says.” Continue with the Topic for Conversation, showing the blessings God has in store for the earth.

• ⁷ Distributing Bible tracts is a time-tested and effective means of presenting the “good news.” (Matt. 24: 14) They play an important role in our public ministry and when we are witnessing informally. Let us use our beautiful tracts effectively to give a fine witness and thus help others learn about God’s Kingdom.

MAKE IT OUR GOAL

• ⁷ Improving our effectiveness in the ministry is a worthy goal most of us can attain. It takes heartfelt prayer and advance preparation. As our effectiveness in the field service grows, we may be able to help someone else to make similar progress.—Gal. 6:6.

• ⁸ Remember, our teaching work will not end with the “great tribulation.” (Matt. 24:21) We anticipate years of helping resurrected ones to learn Jehovah’s ways. Our joy during the Millennium will surely abound as we see taught ones loyally submit to Christ’s reign. By improving our effectiveness in the preaching and teaching work, we can accomplish more in our ministry—to the honor and praise of Jehovah.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ Belgium reported a new peak of 24,464 publishers during August, an 8-percent increase over last year's average. Total baptized for the year was 1,573.

♦ Brazil finished the 1989 service year with 266,720 publishers, a 17-percent increase over last year's average.

OCTOBER SERVICE REPORT

Av     Av    Av

Pubs.  Hrs.  Mags.  R.V. Bi.St.

Spl Pios. 236 128.4 97.1 56.5 5.3 Pios.      65,630  84.0  43.0 27.5

Aux. Pios. 38,829  59.7  32.0 16.6

Pubs. 708,916   9.8   6.6  3.7 0.4

TOTAL 813,611

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,494

The October report shows an outstanding new peak in regular pioneers, up 1,110 over the previous peak in September.

Identifying Kingdom Halls

• ¹ Each Kingdom Hall should be clearly identified by an appropriate sign that reads: “Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.” The sign should be neat, in good taste, and well maintained.

• ² Where congregations using different languages meet in the same Kingdom Hall, ordinarily a Kingdom Hall sign should be posted in each language. This undoubtedly makes it easier for people who speak those languages to identify our place of worship. The bodies of elders of the congregations concerned should be able to make arrangements for posting appropriate Kingdom Hall signs in the languages of the congregations using a particular Kingdom Hall. —Phil. 2:4.

• ³ Additionally, where practical, meeting times should be posted and kept up-to-date. A Kingdom Hall used by more than one language group should have a composite sign signifying the meeting times of each language group.

Announcements          (Cont’d)

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide

—Tamil, Turkish School and Jehovah’s Witnesses

—Chinese

Should You Believe in the Trinity?

—Dutch, Hungarian, Korean “This Good News of the Kingdom’’

—Haitian Creole

• New Cassette Recordings Available:

Listening to the Great Teacher (set of five cassettes and a book in an album; congregation and public: $11.25; pioneers: $9.50) —Greek

A Revelation to John (single cassette; congregation and public: $2.00; pioneers: $1.75)       —Portuguese

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¹

To or from subheading.

²

“ To or from chapter heading.