OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

• ¹ Soon, the “Prince of Peace” will establish true peace and security earth wide. Our faith in this Bible promise should motivate us to share it with others. (Isa. 9:6, 7; Mic. 4:3, 4) During the months of January and February, We will be offering any 192-page book published in 1983pr earlier. Congregations that do not. have a stock of such books may offer the book Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace.”

• ² On page 8 of this issue of Our Kingdom MtnisTry, we have presented a number of introductions that you may want to use in the ministry during January. Three transitions that may be helpful in directing the attention of householders to the Worldwide Security book are suggested in the following paragraphs.

• ³ Transition No. 1: After your introduction, turn to page 13 and say: “Isaiah 9:6, 7 is quoted'word for word from the Bible in this first paragraph. Allow me to read it to you.” Then ask: “Who is the ‘Prince of Peace’?” Allow for a reply, then continue: “This book clearly identifies the ‘Prince of Peace’ and explains

  Accept the Responsibility of Return Visits

  
  

• ¹ There are a number of motivating reasons for sharing as fully as possible in making return visits. We want to accomplish thoroughly the work that we have been given to do, even as Paul did. (Acts 20:21,24) If we are thorough in calling back on all interested persons, we will maintain a good «>n-science while striving to accomplish our ministry fully.—2 Tim. 4:5.

• ² Knowledge Makes Us Responsible: 'The fact that lives are at stake should move us to be diligent in making return visits. (John 17:3) Our knowledge of Jehovah’s judgment and the nearness of Armageddon should incite us not only to warn the wicked but also to help those who are ‘sighing and groaning because of the detestable things happening on earth.’ (Ezek. 9:4) They need to be brought into association with Jehovah’s visible organization.

• ³ People need help to understand the truth accurately. (Acts 8:30, 31; 18:26) This is another reason for us to accept how he will bring worldwide-peace to the earth in our time. Are you interested in reading it. and would you like to learn more about the promised new world?" Depending on the response, you can determine if the book should be left with the person.

* Transition No. 2: After reading Isaiah 9:6, 7, turn to page 4 and ask the householder: “What peaceful conditions. do you see in this illustration?” Allow for a reply, then continue by saying: “There is peace among the people and peace with the animals- Some may think that human governments will bring such a peace. But real peacp and security as foretold in the Bible must be God-made, not man-made. Don’t you agree?"""Allow for a reply, then read paragraph 4 on page jTand explain that this booE”answers many questions about the Kingdom and peace on earth. If the householder is genuinely interested in the Kingdom message and wants to read the book, offer it to him.

• ⁵ Transition No. 3: In areas where people are inclined to interrupt and not our responsibility to return and “water” the seeds of truth that were sown. How much spiritual progress would we ourselves have made had it not been that someone returned time and again to help us acquire an accurate knowledge of Jehovah and His wonderful purposes?—Matt. 7:12.

‘Show Love and Zeal: Making return visits is a fine way to demonstrate pur lovg_f°r people. A blind brother serving as a regular pioneer said: “Ever since my baptism, my desire has been to tell others of what I had learned from the Bible. I was happy that my handicap did not prevent me from doing this. ... I learned also to keep ji. mental record of each house on the street, and in this way, I was able to make return visits on persons interested in Bible study."jThis blind brother can truly see with his heart, and he does not hold back from making return visits and expressing his Christian love for others. allow you to finish your presentation, you might use this approach: “May I ask you a question?” If the householder agrees, continue: “Jesus said at Matthew 28:19, 20 that his followers would make disciples of people qfall nations. The question is: Would the whole world have to be converted before, he would rule as the ‘Prince of Peace’? What is your opinion?" Allow for a reply, then say: “The Bible answer to that question is found here on page 21.” Then read paragraph 2 on page_21, and point out how the scriptures cited in this book answer that question and many more about worldwide security and the “Prince of Peace.”

• ⁶ You may have selected an introduction that you like from page 8 of Our Kingdom Ministry. After reviewing the transitions in this article, you may find one in particular that you will enjoy using. Take the time to practice your introduction and transition before going in field service. Your preparation and your personal conviction that true peace and security will come by means of the “Prince of Peace" and his Kingdom will add to your persuasiveness and enthusiasm in offering the World-wideSecurity^.^^ _?

^s W^tSxw&ln^return 4isilJs, we often have opportunity to make good use of the Bible and give reasons for the hope in us. (1 Pet. 3:15) This not only helps the householder but also fires up our own zeal and appreciation for the truth. Making return visits brings a joy that can be obtained in no other way- ‘ And the quality of that joy need never' diminish. It can be renewed constantly by our zealously making return visits. —Prov. 10:22.

⁶ We must take seriously our respon- C sibility to make return visits. Jehovah’s • people do not hold back what is good from others, and this can be seen by our worldwide activity during the 1991 service year. (Prov, 3:27) We made 344,926,952 return visits and conducted 3,947,261 home Bible studies. There were 300,945 new disciples who dedicated" themselves to Jehovah and were baptized. This marvelous increase would never have occurred had it not been for our willingness to accept th? responsibility of making return visits. —1 Thess. 2:8.

Week Starting December 30

Song 201

5 min: Local announcements and' appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

25 min: “1992 ‘Light Bearers’ District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Question-and-answer consideration of insert by secretary. Read December 15, 1991, convention assignment letter. After considering paragraph 3, read opening and closing paragraphs of Recommended Lodging Locations list from convention. Read paragraphs 4-6 and 12-14 of insert. Emphasize need for all to select accommodations from Recommended Lodging Locations list even if attending a convention outside the assigned area, as noted in paragraph 12. Stress the Bible principles of honesty, obedience, loving concern for others, and so forth, from the article even if it appears that no one will be using motel rooms. Commend those cooperating with the Society’s rooming arrangement. Congregations that have deaf ones in attendance should highlight paragraph 15 for them.

15 min: “Let All Know That Worldwide Security Is Near.” After brief introductory comments, consider each transition and demonstrate its use by well-prepared publishers as time allows. If practical, it would be good to have a youth demonstrate Transition No. 2. Transition No. 3 allows the publisher to leave at least an interesting Scriptural thought in the mind of the householder. Warmly encourage brothers to use one of the suggested introductions on page 8 and one of these transitions.

Song 30 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 6

Song 126

5 min: Local announcements.

10 min: “A Practical Approach to Preparation for Field Service." Discuss article with audience, and then call on three or four publishers previously assigned to make specific comments on ways in which this approach can benefit them. For example, they may comment on variety of presentations, ways material can be adapted to local territory, flexibility, or that this approach allows publishers to select material they feel comfortable in presenting. Encourage publishers to bring their copy of Our Kingdom Ministry with them to meetings for field service.

18 min: “Introductions to Get Householders to Listen." Briefly consider makeup of local territory. What issues are important to householders? Focus on introduction and presentation most likely to be successful locally. Have well-prepared publisher deni-onstrate this presentation and offer Worldwide Security book. Publisher should make presentation as outlined in article. Then a school-age youth can demonstrate same presentation and conclude by offering magazines to interested person. Encourage all to try this method in field service, Q 12 min: An Improved Medical Document. Secretary has new, improved Advance MedicalDirective distributed to baptized members of the congregation and thoroughly considers October 15, 1991, letter on medical document for baptized publishers and Identity Card for unbaptized minor children of Witness parentfs). In preparation, review letter of January 1, 1990, for pertinent points suited to local needs. Emphasize that the two who sign as witnesses should observe as the document is being signed arid? then sign it themselves. Reason witiraudience on why instructions should be followed carefully in order to make cards serve most effectively for our protection.

Song 130 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 13

Song 176 ZJP

10 min: Local announcements and Theocratic News. Include accounts report and donation acknowledgments.

min: Is the Pioneer Service for Me?

In this country about 7 percent of all publishers are regular pioneers. Give local figures for comparison. Can more of us, including young people soon to graduate from high school, make room for full-time service? Interview three regular pioneers, preferably a" young person, a housewife, and a retired person. (If regular pioneers are not available, auxiliary pioneers or publishers who have pioneered may be used.) Consider finances. What types of parttime work are available in your area? How does each one make ends meet? What changes in spending habits have they made? Consider schedule to meet required hours. Do any have health problems? How do they cope? What

other challenges have they successfully met? Interviews should be positive and encouraging. Make warm appeal to audience to consider personal circumstances to determine whether more can undertake full-time service.            ,

20 min: How Single Parents Can Help f Their Children. Brief introduction followed by demonstration of mother with two children preparing for the field service. More single-parent families in the organization today than ever before. Way in which Timothy’s mother and grandmother Instilled the truth in him provides a fine example for all parents to follow. (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14,15) Demonstration: Mother, teenage daughter, and younger daughter seated at table in kitchen, having finished supper. Mother says that before doing the dishes they will go over their presentations for service and that she will be the householder. Younger daughter picks an introduction from page 8 of Our Kingdom Ministry and presents it to her mother. Mother warmly commends her for a job well done and asks her to read scripture the Society has suggested. Younger daughter quickly looks up Isaiah 9:6, 7 and reads it. Mother then asks older daughter how she will offer the book. Daughter selects a transition from page 1 of Our Kingdom Ministry and presents it to her mother. Mother commends her and then encourages both girls to practice the introduction and the transition in order to offer the book in field service. Daughters are told that they will practice a while longer and then they will have to get the dishes done. Elder concludes part by encouraging all families in the congregation to provide loving assistance to their children.

Song 183 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 20

Song 192                        «

15 min: Eldej to handle local an* nouncements and consider local needs. As time permits, discuss various talking points from the latest magazines. Select one that will tie in nicely with one of the suggested introductions and transitions in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry. Then have a well-prepared publisher make a full presentation using the introduction Srici the transition, offering the magazines to an interested person. Point out that by engaging people in conversation and using suggested presentations, it is not difficult to identify interested persons.

Continued on page 7

1992 “Light Bearers” District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

• ¹ Conventions have long been an integral part of the lives of worshipers of Jehovah, Ancient Israel assembled by the hundreds-and thousands on special occasions during the year for various festivals, or “holy conventions.” (Lev. 23: 1-36) These impressive gatherings provided an occasion to worship Jehovah God, associate with large numbers of his people, and be taught by him. Conventions today afford similar opportunities and are enjoyed by millions of God’s people. Undoubtedly, most of you shared in the blessings received by the 1,394,432 in attendance last summer at the memorable “Lovers of Freedom” District Conventions held across the United States. Some of you also rejoiced to be among the 15,710 baptized. Now it is time to begin preparations for attending another thrilling three-day gathering—the 1992 “Light Bearers” District Convention. Will you and your family be there?—Deut. 31:12.

• ² The program is being, tailored, to the needs of God’s people, who spread the truth as light bearers worldwide. In these evil days of the conclusion of this system of things, we need the encouragement and motivation that will come from being there to receive the bountiful spiritual blessings in store for us. Be sure to make your convention arrangements carefully and prayerfully^ so that you can be there to enjoy all three days of the delightful spiritual program from the opening song to the closing prayer. Lovingly include in your plans those who may need assistance, especially newly interested ones, so that they also can attend every session. (Gal. 6:10) The program begins Friday at 10:20 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. Saturday sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. and close with song and prayer at 5:00 p.m. On Sunday the program begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends about 4:30 p.m. The following information will assist you with your preparations.

• ³ Instructions for Obtaining Rooms: After the Service Meeting for the week of December 30, congregations should post on the information board the Recommended Lodging Locations list for the district convention to which the congregation is assigned. This list gives all the motels presently cooperating with the Society’s rooming arrangement. Your cooperation with these arrangements will assist the convention organization in its efforts to provide sufficient rooming accommodations for everyone at a reasonable price.

• ⁴ What You Should Do: After—NOT before—your congregation posts the Recommended Lodging Locations list containing the addresses, phone numbers, and agreed-upon rates of the motels, you are free to phone.the motel of 3            OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, JANUARY 1992 your choice and make reservations. Identifying yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses or as a delegate attending the Watchtower convention will qualify you for the rates listed, which in most cases are greatly reduced.

• ⁵ ONE NIGHT’S DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED to hold the room. Your deposit should be sent directly to the motel AS SOON AS you make reservations. If your deposit is not received.by the motel, your reservations can be canceled at any time. MOTELS ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO HOLD THE ROOMS WITHOUT A DEPOSIT. If you must cancel your reservation, you should immediately notify, the motel, making the room available for other delegates.

• ⁶ If the motel you call first is filled, call your next selection from the list and so on. Many call the motels closest to the convention, so you may find it beneficial to try some motels farther away, which often have quality rooms at lower rates. The convention Rooming Department will continue to provide the congregations with revised lists, 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.

• ⁷ Dormitories: A few conventions also use school dormitories in order to accommodate all of those attending. Usually, congregations will receive information on these a month or so after JLhe 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.

• ⁸ Special Needs: This provision is only for exemplary publishers, including their well-behaved children, who are approved by the Congregation Service Committee. Arrangements to care for persons with special needs should be made by the congregation where they attend. Elders and others who are 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. Publishers may extend help by taking such ones with them or caring for their needs in other ways—Jas. 2:15-17; 1 John 3:17, 18.

• ⁹ Of course, the Rooming Department will endeavor to provide suitable rooming accommodations for publishers with special needs if they cannot be assisted by those in the congregation. These publishers may discuss their situation with the congregation secretary. The secretary should consult with the Congregation Service Committee regarding what is needed so that they can work with these persons in securing their own rooming accommodations. If the congregation is unable to render the needed assistance, the secretary may give such persons 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 them for such consideration. The circumstances are to be EXPLAINED in DETAIL by the secretary in the space provided on the form. All of this should be done well ahead of the convention. The secretary will then forward the form to the Rooming Department. The individual making the request will be notified directly about the accommodations.

• ¹⁰ Those with special needs should NOT go to the convention and request a room when they arrive,because the Rooming Department must have the verification of the Congregation Service Committee.

• ¹¹ Private-home accommodations are 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 save money. Similarly, it is not proper to presume upon the hospitality of our brothers by expecting to be accommodated extra days. 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, rummage through the host’s possessions, or enter private areas of the home. If householders experience any difficulties along this line, these should immediately be brought to the attention of the rooming overseer .at the convention, and he will be happy to help.

• ¹² Delegates Attending From Outside the Assigned Area: In nearly every case, the location assigned for you to attend is the one nearest your congregation. Having adequate seating, literature, food, rooming accommodations, and so forth, is based on the premise that the majority of publishers will attend the convention to which their congregation is assigned. However, if for good reason you will be attending a convention other than the one assigned and need accommodations, the congregation secretary can give you the address for that convention headquarters from the list on the back of the Special Needs Room Request form. Then you can write and request a copy of the motel listing for that location, sending along a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Upon receipt of this list, use it to make your reservation.

• ¹³ Your Cooperation Needed: The success of this rooming arrangement depends on the cooperation of all of those involved, including our Bible students. (Heb. 13:17) Thus, we are asking everyone to cooperate fully with the Society’s rooming arrangement and USE ONLY THE MOTELS. ON THE CURRENT RECOMMENDED LODGING LOCATIONS LIST so that major difficulties we still experience in negotiating with the motels can be prevented. Most publishers are taking to heart the clear direction that has been given in past January Owr Kingdom Ministry convention inserts, and many good results are being experienced. However, it is still necessary to request that everyone PLEASE OBSERVE THE GUIDELINES ON PAGE 6 FOR OBTAINING MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS.

• ¹⁴ Violations in these areas make it difficult to negotiate good rate^ and they

Guidelines for Obtaining Motel Accommodations

• A. Do not locate and call motels in the convention city and ask them if they are on the current list or have special rates for the convention.

• B. Do not accept a higher price for a motel than what is quoted on the list.

• C. Please do not make reservations at a motel you do not intend to use or at more than one motel with the idea of checking them, selecting the best, and canceling the others. (Matt. 5:37) This is unfair, as it prevents the motels from getting business they could have had and prevents other publishers from using those rooms, for which there is often a critical need.

• D. Do not reserve rooms for yourself or others without giving names and sending the deposits for each room immediately.

• 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 the number of persons you AGREED would be in the room.

bring reproach-on Jehovah’s name and organization. (Col. 4:5) Therefore, the Society will be asking the Rooming Department to check with the motels to determine if any are experiencing such problems and who is involved. The convention organization is working hard to save our brothers as much expense as possible, so it is in the best interests of all to cooperate fully with the Society’s rooming arrangement so that this provision can continue. The listing gives a choice of good-quality accommodations at motels that cooperate. With this arrangement our aim is to help delegates to be accommodated as comfortably and economically as possible so that they can enjoy the fine spiritual program at the convention.

¹⁵ Sign-Language Sessions: As you will note in The Watchtower of February 15, 1992, sign-language interpreting will be provided AT_ONLY 16 specific convention cities. NO provision for sign language will be made at any other conventions. This arrangement provides good-quality interpreting and larger groups for enjoyable, upbuilding fellowship. Elders and signers should let the deaf in their congregations know of these arrangements immediately and help them to obtain rooms and attend where the sign-language provision is made by the Society.

Note to the Body of Elders

Please read the Society’s December 15, 1991, convention assignment letter and the first and last paragraphs of the Recommended Lodging Locations list for your congregation during the Service Meeting for the week of December 3.0. After that meeting, post the letter and the list on the information board. NO ONE, INCLUDING THE ELDERS, SHOULD MAKE ANY MOTEL RESERVATIONS BEFORE THIS SERVICE meeting. In this way all the congregations will receive the information the same week. The congregation secretary should handle convention-related material and announcements on future Service Meetings.

Announcements

■ Literature offer for January and February: Any 192-page book published in 1983 or earlier. If the congregation has no stock of these books. Worldwide Security Under the ‘Prince of Peace" should be offered. It may be requested from Brooklyn. March: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! April and May: Watchtower subscription.

■ Beginning in February, and no later than March 1, the new public talk for circuit overseers will be “Jesus Christ —Earth’s New Ruler.”

■ The Society is now accepting requests for reprinted Watchtower bound volumes in ENGLISH for the years 1980 through 1985. Any interested in obtaining the reprinted English Watchtower bound volumes should request them through the congregation on the next Literature Request Form. Since the volumes are being reprinted one time only, we urge all to consider their needs carefully. Please bear in mind that these bound volumes are special-request items.

■ The 1992 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Polish language, announced in the November 1991 Our Kingdom Ministry, will not be available.

Theocratic News

American Samoa: A new peak of 203 publishers was reached in August for a 13-percent increase.

Jamaica: A new peak of 9,430 publishers was reached in August. Their district conventions were attended by 19,274, and 294 were baptized.

Madagascar: A new peak of 4,005 publishers reported in August, and congregation publishers averaged 14 hours in field service.

A Practical Approach to Preparation for Field Service

• ¹ Do you sometimes hesitate to share in some feature of the field service because of not knowing what to say? If you do. we are sure you will appreciate the approach being taken in Our Kingdom Ministry.

• ² Beginning with this issue. Our Kingdom Ministry will offer an even greater variety of suggestions for presenting the Kingdom message, whether from house to house, on a return visit, or on a Bible study. These should stimulate your thinking on what expressions you would like to use in the ministry. When preparing for the ministry, select a presentation that is well suited to your territory. Next, determine whether you will use the wording that is suggested in the article or you will adjust the wording to fit local circumstances or your own personality. Your presentation may sound more conversational if you expressed it naturally in your own words. Would you like to expand your ministry in some way, perhaps by engaging in some feature for the first time? The detailed suggestions offered may be just what you need to get started.

• ³ If you conduct one of the congregation’s meetings for field service, you should be well acquainted with the material published in Our Kingdom Ministry. Have your copy well studied, and draw attention to those suggestions that are most likely to be effective locally.

' All of us enjoy the things we do well. It is our hope that this practical approach will help both the newer and the more experienced publishers to be effective and joyful in their Kingdom ministry.

Congregation Book Study

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

October Service Report

Av Av. Av. Av.

The new peak of 68.222 regular pioneers Is 1,970 over our previous peak reported in October of last year.

Meetings

18 min: “Accept the Responsibility of Return Visits.” Questions and answers. Warmly encourage all to share fully"in making return visits. Encourage all to return next week when Service Meeting will discuss what to say on return visit. I2min: Discussion of "Abortion" from Reasoning book, pages 25-6. After a brief introduction to the subject, showing how it is in the news today and of great concern to millions of people, introduce the setting of a sister conducting a Bible study. The new Bible student advises the sister about her deep concern over being pregnant. She explains how worried she is, since the family's financial situation is not good. Her worldly relatives are urging her to have an abortion right away. Sister suggests they turn to the Reasoning book and research the Scriptures to see how Jehovah views the life of an unborn child and whether he considers an abortion to be proper. They first consider the definition of abortion. Then they discuss the questions, scriptures, and other comments on pages 25-6. The sis-

(from page 2)

ter should help the student to reason and to appreciate the sacredness of life. Song 164 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 27

Song 92

io min: Local announcements. En- ' courage publishers to make plans now to auxiliary pioneer in March and April. Encourage families, as well as young publishers who will be on vacation during March or April, to see what arrangements they can make to have a greater share In the field service activity.

20 min: “What Will You Say When/ You Return?” Discuss with audience and have publishers prepared to demonstrate suggestions, in paragraphs as they are considered. These brief demonstrations should be rehearsed ahead of time.                               J

15 min: “Lending Money to Fellow/ Christians." Talk by elde_r on article from October 15,1991. WafchTower, pages 25-8.

Song 147 and concluding prayer.

• ¹ What is the most important part of. your house-to-house presentation? Most of us would agree that it is the introduction. If you are unsuccessful in arousing the householder’s interest within the first 30 seconds or so, he will probably terminate the conversation.

• ² What factors should you consider in preparing an effective introduction? Analyze the customs and needs of the people you are likely to meet. Is it customary to exchange oleasantries.~75r> will you be expected to come quickly to the point? Are there many young couples in your area? What are their concerns? Are people in your neighborhood conscious of problems facing mankind in general?

You might get them to listen by saying something like this:

■ “Good morning. My name is__I’m

' bothered_when I read about people starving and being killed in wars. Are you?” Other questions that may help start a conversation are: “What is_the solution to the world’s problems?" “Do you think anyone can rid the earth of today’s problems?” “Suppose a ruler had qualifications like these mentioned at Isaiah 9:6, 7? [Read and comment on scripture.]”

• ³ In some territories, people may show greater concern for their home and family than for global matters such as World peace.

You might arouse interest by asking:

■ “What kind of life do you see for yourself and your family in ten years? The Bible’s view of the future is most encouraging because it foretells the coming of a ruler who will govern by perfect standards. Notice what Isaiah 9: 6,7 says about him.”

• ⁴ Do you live in an area where crime and safety are the topic of the day? Some may lend a hearing ear if you use the first introduction under “Crime/ Safety” on page 10 of the Reasoning book.

You could say:

■ “Hello. We’re talking with folks about the matter of personal safety. There is a lot of crime around us, and it affects our lives.” Then a question such as “What is the solution?” or “Do you think anyone can rid the earth of these problems?” or “What if a ruler had qualifications like these?” may help start a conversation. You could then read Isaiah 9:6,7.

• ⁵ All of us, including young people of school age, can use these simple one-scripture presentations. In fact, you may wish to try one when offering magazines. Remember, our goal is to assess the extent of the householder's interest before offering literature. Do you not agree that such a Scriptural presentation would be a fine way to discern whether our listener manifests genuine Interest? We are sure that many will enjoy using these presentations during January, both when offering magazines and when presenting the regular offer for the month.

• ⁶ If you make effective use of the first 30 seconds of your visit, both by your demeanor and by your introduction, you will likely achieve the important goal of getting householders to listen.

  What Will You Say When You Return?

  
  

• ¹ To be effective in our ministry requires preparation so that when we call back on those who initially showed interest. we will be able to rekindle their interest and continue our conversation. How might we do this?

• ² Since true Christians are sincerely interested in others, you might first, re; fer to something you learned about the householder on the previous visit.

To a person who revealed his concern about crime, you could say:

• ■ “The last time we spoke you said you were troubled by the noticeable increase of lawlessness. Do you think that hiring more policemen would solve the problem?”

If a person expressed anxiety over recent developments in the world situation, you could say:

• ■ “The last time we spoke together you made an interesting point about the lack of peacelh the world. Do you think that wdrlrrieaders will brine in a new world order?”

To a person who is disturbed by the selfishness of others, you could say:

• ■ “The last time we spoke you made an excellent point concerning the greedi-nessweseein people in general. What do you think God's view is of greedy people? [Allow response.] This is what the Bible says at Ephesians 5:5.”

³ Other expressions that have been used effectively include:

■ “I enjoyed our last conversation very much, so I researched this brief thought to show you how Jehovah recognizes the plight of the homeless. Note Isaiah 65: 21-23.”

• ■ “I enjoyed your comment that mankind needs better government.”

• ■ “You asked an interesting question on whether all religion meets with God’s approval,"

• ■ “You really got me thinking on what you said about predestination."

■ “I’ve been thinking about our conversation, and there’s a point in the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived that I think you will enjoy. [May show householder selected points in hook.]" Introductions like these show that we appreciated our previous conversation and that we are interested in speaking with the householder again.

⁴ Before you make the return visit, give Thought to what you will say. Tailor your presentation to each person.

³ If the person we are visiting is busy, we can still be effective by saying:

■ “I know you have only a few minutes, but here is something you can think about while you are finishing your work. [Read Matthew 5:3.]”

Or you could say:

■ “L wrote these three scriptures down for you. Since it is not a good time to talk, let me leave them, and when I come back, I would like to take five minutes to discuss them with you.”

⁴ Negative Approaches to Avoid! Questions that might bring a negative response or that might put the householder in an awkward position usually do not produce good results. These include: “Did you read the material I left you?” “Do you have any questions?" “Do you remember me?" “I called to ask Lf youare stilUntere§j£d in talking about God’s purposes for this earth."

⁷ We will be eager to call on individuals who previously manifested interest if we prepare ahead of time to give them assistance that is truly meaningful.

6 1992 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (USPS 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

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