OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

• ¹ The Watchtower is truly unique because it is a bearer of good news. In contrast, most worldly publications feature news that is bad and disheartening. How can we show others that The Watchtower is different, containing a message that is truly refreshing?

• ² We could call attention to “The Purpose of The Watchtower’ on page 2 of the magazine. Point out that its aim is to exalt Jehovah as the Sovereign Ruler, note world events that fulfill Bible prophecy, give a comforting message to those who are oppressed, and strengthen faith in God’s provisions for our salvation.

• ³ Do our comments about The Watchtower convey such thoughts in a convincing way? What we say should not be just a catchy phrase to spark

  Your Appreciation for Christ’s Death

  
  

• ¹ “The Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many.” (Matt. 20:28) No other man who has ever lived on earth could do what Jesus Christ did for mankind. By means of his life course and eventual death on a torture stake, we have been directed in the way to receive the greatest gift that anyone could obtain, everlasting life. Yet, most people have little appreciation for what Christ did.

• ² Consider an encounter that Jesus had with ten lepers. When they caught sight of Jesus, they cried out\“Jesus, Instructor, have mercy bn us!” (Luke 17:13) He did have mercy on them, instructing them, according to the Law, to go and report to the priests. On the way, all ten lepers were healed.

• ³ But only one returned to Jesus to express thanks. The other nine? They continued on their way with no thought of thanking their benefactor. (Luke 17:15-17) Whom do we resemble? We want to be like the man who went back. He had true appreciation. Is that how we.feel about Christ’s death?

momentary interest; it should have substance, inspiring confidence that creates a desire to learn more.

• ⁴ Preparation Needed: We need to read each magazine carefully, analyzing various presentations with our territory in mind. Looking up cited Scripture texts enhances our own understanding. This can deepen our appreciation for the truth and motivate us to share it with others. If the truth is not in our hearts, we will have little incentive to speak out.

• ⁵ The interest manifested by an individual determines what we will offer. When the response is negative or complacent, our spoken remarks may suffice. If there is interest but it is limited, it may be best simply to offer the latest magazines or a brochure. If there are

• ⁴ Showing Our Appreciation: Each year the Society suggests that specific verses in "the Bible be read during the week prior to the Memorial date. The suggested Bible readings can be found under the dates of April 12-17 on the 1992 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses. We can show our appreciation by read-irig and meditating on these events that took place in Jesus’ life just before his death.

• ⁵ Our field service activity is related to appreciation for the Memorial. Elders will want to make well-organized arrangements so that pioneers and publishers will be able to plan increased field activity during April

• ⁶ This is usually a month when tens of thousands share in the auxiliary pioneer work. Last April 69,887 participated here in the United States. Can you do so this April? If you are not able to auxiliary pioneer, plan to increase your share in the preaching activity as circumstances allow.

• ⁷ Build Appreciation in Others: Each year at the Memorial celebration, many interested persons meet with us. For example, of the 10.650J58. expressions of genuine appreciation and a desire to learn more, It would be appropriate to offer a subscription. Usually, it is best to start a new subscriber with a six-month subscription; it can be renewed if there is sustained interest.

• ⁶ When you read the articles In the latest issue of The Watchtower, try to recall previous discussions with householders where these subjects stirred Interest. Make it a point to return with that issue for further discussion.

• ⁷ We do not know how long and to what extent the good news will yet be proclaimed. We can be sure, however, that The Watchtower will play a major role in what is accomplished. Using this provision, we should imitate the apostles in diligently “teaching and declaring... the good news of the word of Jehovah.”—Acts 15:35.

persons who attended the Memorial worldwide last March, more than 6,370,000 were interested persons. This shows the great potential for growth in the organization.

• ⁸ We should use the Society’s printed Invitations and make arrangements to provide transportation for Bible students and interested persons where needed. Be warmly enthusiastic when inviting them.

• ⁹ Help them to see why the Memori-al.was instituted, who partake of the emblems, and what the emblems represent (1 Cor. 11:23-26) Also, explain the hope of those partaking and that of observers who do not partake of the emblems. (John 10:16: Rev. 14:3,4) This will help interested persons to understand that all need to ‘exercise faith’ and that just attending the Memorial of Christ’s death once a year is not enough.—John 3:16.

• ¹⁰ The Memorial of Christ’s death is a very^ special event By thoroughly preparing for it, we show that we truly appreciate all that Jehovah and Christ have done for us. Building appreciation for this occasion in our Bible students and other interested persons will help them, also, to exercise faith in Jehovah’s ransom provision through Jesus Christ

  Service meetings for April

  
  

Week Starting April 6

Song 186

12 min: Local announcements and Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. “Will April Be a Special Month for You?" Stress point on turning in any auxiliary pioneer applications right away. Also, encourage evening witnessing, and announce local arrangements that may have been made. Emphasize time and location of local Memorial celebration.

15 min: “Proclaim the Good News With The Watchtower." Question-and-answer consideration of article. Encourage brothers to give thoughtful consideration to persons who show genuine interest in the literature and who may enjoy receiving a subscription.

18 min: “Your Appreciation for Christ’s Death." Talk with demonstration. After considering paragraph 9, demonstrate how publisher can invite Bible student to the Memorial.

Song 208 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 13

Song 209

10 min: Local announcements. Question Box.

15 min: “Effective Initial Calls.” Question-and-answer coverage. After considering paragraph 6. demonstrate how a publisher might be able to offer and demonstrate a home Bible study by using the tract Life in a Peaceful New World.

20 min: Offering The Watchtower from house to house. Capable publisher converses with householder, using the suggested presentation in paragraph 4 of the article “Effective Initial Calls.” Make appropriate reference to pertinent points on prayer in the April 15, 1992, Watchtower. Householder is pleasant but only mildly interested. Publisher states: “Our literature is offered without charge, but we would gladly accept a small donation toward our work.” Publisher pauses to let the words sink in. Householder simply says “That is interesting.” He says he would be happy to read the magazines but makes no move to give a contribution. Publisher presents him with magazines and expresses desire to return and discuss matter further. Householder agrees. After demonstration, chairman asks publisher why he did not offer to write up a subscription. Publisher appropriately felt that the interest was rather minimal and it might be more appropriate to call again in order to determine the extent of the householder's interest.—See May 1990 Our Kingdom Ministry article “Use Our Literature Wisely.”

Song 87 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 20

Song 195      ■

10 min: Local announcements and accounts report. Give commendation for donations made to Society and congregation.

15 min: Discuss material on “Antichrist” in Reasoning book, pages 32-3.

What is the definition of “antichrist”? Is there only one, or are there more? When did the antichrist appear, and who would be identified as such? Brief demonstration of publisher calling on churchgoer who was warned about Jehovah’s Witnesses.

20 min: “Keep Spiritually Strong, Stay Clean for Jehovah’s Service." Question-and-answer discussion of insert. Elder handling this part should formulate some of the questions to make local application of the information. Emphasize minimum goal for maintaining spiritual strength referred to in paragraph 7.

Song 197 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 27

Song 169

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Give Memorial highlights. How many were in attendance? What is the potential for starting Bible studies with new ones? Service overseer to organize return visits to be made on Memorial attenders who are not presently studying.

20 min: “Use the Reasoning Book on Return Visits.” Question-and-answer discussion. Feature two well-rehearsed demonstrations on paragraphs 3 and 4. 15 min: Ask for experiences from those who auxiliary pioneered in March and April. What sacrifices did they make, and how do they feel Jehovah blessed their efforts? Were any new Bible studies started as a result of their increased activity for the month? Experiences should be arranged in advance. Encourage all to consider auxiliary pioneering during months ahead. Song 93 and concluding prayer.

Will April Be a Special Month for You?

• ¹ We often refer to the months of March and April as the Memorial season. Since the Memorial celebration always takes place at this time of year, Jehovah’s people are stirred to increase their participation in the field ministry.

• ² Some who were enrolled as auxiliary pioneers in March will continue and be joined by others in this expanded ministry during April. If you can have a share, your application should be turned in immediately.

• ³ Even those not able to pioneer can make April a special month by increasing their field ministry. Certainly, there is much to be done. Perhaps congregation publishers and pioneers can invite new unbaptized publishers to work with them in the field. Extra effort should be made to invite all interested persons to the Memorial on April 17.

’By being alert to welcome new ones who attend, you may be able to start another Bible study. With Jehovah’s blessing upon your increased efforts, your ministry will be fruitful and April will prove to be a special month for you—Ps. 34:8; Prov. 10:22.

Haiti: The 7,209 publishers reporting in November conducted 14,281 Bible studies. Congregation publishers averaged 1.3 Bible studies each.

Martinique: A new peak of 3,169 publishers was reached in November. The zone overseer’s talks were attended by 5,046.

Tahiti: A new peak of 1,366 publishers was reached in November for a 10-percent increase.

Thailand: A new peak of 1,232 publishers was reported in November, 6 percent more than the same month last year.

Keep Spiritually Strong, Stay Clean for Jehovah’s Service

• ¹ At Isaiah 60:22, Jehovah made a promise that is being fulfilled before our very eyes^'The little one himself will become a thousand, and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, shall speed it up in its own time.; When we think of a nation, we picture a vast group of people who are drawn together by common interests and who are functioning under the authority of a constituted government.

• ² The 1991 field service report showed a peak of 4,278,820 publishers of the good news worldwide, a 6.5-percent increase over the previous year. Jehovah has truly gathered a vast throng of sincere people who desire to separate.themselves from this oppressive system ancp become loyal subjects of the Messianic Kingdom government by his Son, Jesus Christ. Year by year the number of gathered ones continues to increase. We rejoice to be part of this nation that can literally be described as a new world society. At the observance of the Memorial in 1991, the total attendance was 10,650158, a 7-percent increase over 1990. This represents a tremendous potential for many more to join us as Kingdom subjects.

• ³ We realize, of course, that not all the individuals included in the above Memorial attendance figure have separated themselves from this world to the extent necessary to be fully acceptable as Jehovah’s people. People from all nations are ‘streaming to Jehovah’s house,’ but they need to be fully ‘instructed about his ways’ so that they can “walk in his paths.” (Isa. 2:2-4) More than four million who attended the Memorial have accepted God’s instruction, acquiring spiritual strength that has motivated them to maintain clean conduct and qualify for a share in the Kingdom-preaching work now being accomplished. (Matt. 24:14) Such ones have a good standing in Jehovah’s eyes and enjoy the benefits of all the marvelous provisions he makes available to them. What must the remaining number of more than six million do tfthey are likewise to become spiritually strong and clean for Jehovah’s service?

• ⁴ They have to put up “a hard fight for the faith.” (Jude 3) Once they choose to walk in Jehovah’s way, they come under pressure from the Devil through trials, temptations, and bad-influences. Like Paul, they must look to Jehovah for strength to endure. (Phil. 4:13) Jehovah imparts strength to such ones through those who have already become strong in the faith. Paul admonished that (“we ... who are strong ought yj bear the weaknesses of those not strong.’’ (Rom. 15:1,2) When the strong and the weak become united, there is strength to stand firm/“Two are better than one.... If somebody could overpower one alone, two together could make a stand against him.”—Eccl. 4:9,12.

• ⁵ This means that new ones rightfully depend on us as the means through which they can receive strength from Jehovah. Those of us who are dedicated Christians must keep spiritually strong ourselves if we are to help new ones. Christians who are strong are able to ‘impart spiritual gifts,’ which results in ‘an interchange of encouragement.’ (Rom. 1: 11,12) This is one of the primary ways Jehovah uses to unite us and make all of us ‘firm and strong.’—1 Pet. 5:9-11.

• ⁶ We should make it our aim to help these new ones while at the same time keeping conscious of our own spiritual needs. (Matt. 5:3) Spirituality is the key to our strength. This is a quality that must be nourished andfortified by a regular intake of spiritual food. Through his organization, Jehovah provides balanced programs for study of his Word. The five weekly congregation meetings play a vital role in making us strong, ‘inciting us to love and fine works.’—Heb. 10:24.

• ⁷ The benefits of these meetings are multiplied when they are combined with good habits of personal and family study. As a minimum goal, all of us should read and consider the daily text keep up with the Bible reading program set out in the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule, and prepare for the Congregation Book Study and Watchtower Study. Each family will have to determine how that is gbing~to be organized, making sure that it is done on a regular basis. Also, the family head should see that the study program is tailored to meet the specific spiritual needs of the family. In this way the “household will be built up.... It will prove firmly established.” (Prov. 24:3) If we are conscientious in our study habits as individuals and as families, we can be confident that Jehovah will bless us and his spirit will help us to endure various trials successfully—Jas. 1:2,3; 1 Pet. 4:11.

• ⁸ Keeping Clean and Above Reproach: While Jehovah warmly invites us to draw close to him, at the same time, he makes it clear that this is done on the basis of our exercising faith in Jesus’ shed blood,' which “cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7; see also Hebrews 9:14.) We can continue to strengthen our faith by personal study pf God’s Word and by applying what we learn. Some later lose out because either they fall to take in spiritual foodor they make little effort to apply it in their lives. This leaves them vulnerable to the attacks of Satan. Some have become spiritually weak, resulting in inactivity. Sadly, others have allowed themselves to succumb to serious wrongdoing, causing^ them to be disfellowshipped. Paul warned: “Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.”)(l Cor. 10:12) If we willfully neglect study, meeting attendance, and service, we can be easily ensnared by unholy influences and temptations.—Heb. 2:1; 2 Pet. 2:20-22.

• ⁹ It is essential that we keep ourselves clean in every way: physically, mentally, spiritually, and morally. (2 Cor. 7:1) The world that surrounds us is becoming more perverse and degraded every day. The Devil keeps coining up with ever more deceptive ways to entrap us. Keeping ourselves, spiritually strong ensures that we will notice‘ignorant of his designs and be overreached.’(2 Cor. 2:11) The instruction and counsel we receive from Jehovah’s organization enable us to recognize and resist bad influences.

• ¹⁰ Those taking the lead in the congregation have the responsibility to set a fine example for others in keeping strong and staying clean. Paul erpphasized this responsibility when he stated: “Remember those who are taking the lead among you.... As you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith.”) (Heb. 13:7) It is vital that appointed elders and ministerial servants be exemplary in their personal conduct as well as in caring for their responsibilities as family heads. They should strive to be like young Timothy, who was urged to “become an example... in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness.”) (1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3) AU the rest of us share this responsibihty to be good examples by maintaining honorable conduct. New ones often judge the truth, as weU as Jehovah’s organization, by what they see in us. We want to make sure that what they see encourages them to take their place in Jehovah’s clean organization.

• ¹¹ The ingathering for survival through “the great tribulation” continues to pick up momentum. (Rev. 7:14) Only those who become spirituaUy strong and keep themselves clean wiU ultimately, survive. Much depends on these factory: (1)/maintaining good personal study habits and meditating on God’s Word; (2) displaying a genuine personal interest in one another with a desire to impart encouragement; and (3) working together unitedly to maintain clean conduct that will honor Jehovah’s name. Doing these things will assure us of Jehovah’s blessing and protection when this world comes to its end. We can be confident that we will be among “the faithful ones Jehovah is safeguarding.”—Ps. 31:23.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of January 6 to April 20, 1992. Use a separate sheet of paper to write down answers to as many of the questions as you can in the time allotted.

[Note: During the written review, only the Bible may be used to answer any question. References that follow the questions are for your personal research. Page and paragraph numbers may not appear on all references to The Watchtower.}

Answer each of the following statements True or False:

1. Under the Mosaic Law, all sins and sinners were considered in the same light, [si p. 29 par. 34 (1983 ed., p. 29 par. 34)]

**" 2. The name Numbers has reference to the numbering of the people at Mount Sinai and later on the Plains of Moab, [si p. 30 par. 2 (p. 30 par. 2)]

p 3. Although Numbers is exemplary in candor, Moses did cover over his own shortcomings. [si p. 31 par. 7 (p. 31 par. 7)]

• 4. Under the Law covenant, sin always required an atoning sacrifice, confession, repentance, and making amends to the extent possible, [si p. 29 par. 32 (p. 29 par. 32)]

• 5. The “public cursing” was actually blasphemy. (Lev. 5:1) [Weekly Bible reading; see io87 9/1 p. 13.]

' 6. The high priest’s sacrificing a bull as a sin offering “in behalf of himself and his house” pictured Jesus’ sacrifice as applied to “his house” of underpriests. (Lev. 16:6) [Weekly Bible reading; see w87 3/1 p. 28]

f* 7. It is never proper to charge a brother interest. (Lev. 25:35-37) [Weekly Bible reading; see w84 2/15 p. 30.]

f 8. The laws concerning the cleansing of lepers and infected houses reflected an awareness of disease germs and protected against contagion. (Lev., chap. 14) [Weekly Bible reading; see #81 9/22 p. 25.]

S-97   #276   4/92

• 9. Between or above the cherubs on the lid _ of the ark of the covenant, there appeared the miraculous Shechinah light as a symbol of God’s presence in the Most Holy. (Num. 7:89) [Weekly Bible reading; see fcj p. 165.]

• 10. The Israelites were to make “fringed / edges” on their garments so as not to be in style with Moabites, Egyptians, or others and to be reminded that they were to be different. (Num. 15:38-40) [Weekly Bible reading; see w83 10/15 p. 20.]

Answer the following questions:

How does Leviticus magnify Jehovah’s name? [si p. 26 par. 9 (p. 26 par. 9)]

What priestly work wilrbe accomplished by the High Priest, Jesus Christ, and his underpriests during the Thousand Year Rejgn? jsjj). 30 par. 39 (p. 30 par. 39)] Of'what does the prohibition on eating fat remind Jehovah’s servants today?

(Lev. 3:17) [Weekly Bible reading; see w84 2/15 p. 29.]           yHH. 7^

What may have been involved in the sin of Nadab and Abihu? (Lev. 10:1, 2) [Weekly Bible reading; see w84 2/15

Why did childbirth make a woman unclean”? (Lev. 12:2, 5) [Weekly Bible

Why was capital punishment prescribed for anyone ‘calling down evil’ on his parents? (Lev. 20:9) [Weekly Bible reading; see w84 2/15 pp. 29-30

• 17. What is meant'by ‘ten women baking   27. The book of Numbers was completed

bread in one oven’? (Lev. 26:26) [Week- by Moses in the year (1513; 1512; ly Bible reading; see w84 2/15 p. 30.]           1473) B.C.E. [si p. 30 par. 4 (p. 30 par. 4)]

The fulfillments of many of the prophetic types in Leviticys are described in the book                 [si p. 29 par. 37

(p. 29 par. 37)]                       \

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

Lev. 2:11, 12; Lev. 17:10-14; Lev. 19:32;

Num. 15:30, 31; Heb. 13:11

In the book of Numbers, Israel’s disobe- 32.

dient and rebellious course is used to emphasize the vital need

[si p. 31 par. 9 (p. 31 par. 9)]

On Atonement Day the carcasses of animals for the sin offering were taken outside the camp and burned, [si p. 29 par. 38 (p. 29 par. 38)]         /5, /y

• 25. The ^statutes in Leviticus regarding '                reveal a knowledge of facts

not appreciated by worldly men of medicine until thousands of years later, [si p. 26 par. 7 (p. 26 par. 7)]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 26. The book of Leviticus covers (40 years; one year; one month), [si p. 25 par. 3 (p. 25 par. 3)]

• 33. When “honey” meant the syrup of fruits, then it could ferment and would, consequently, be unacceptable for sacrifice. [Weekly Bible reading; see w84 2/15 p. 29.]

• 34. Respect for the elderly was a national policy in Israel. [Weekly Bible reading; see w87 6/1 p. 5.]              Z-

• 35. Willful, unrepentant violators of God’s law were put to death. [Weekly Bible reading; see w914/15 p. 15.]

Announcements

■ Literature offer for April and May: Watchtower subscription. Subscriptions may be obtained for one year or six months. There is no arrangement for subscriptions to quarterly editions of the magazines. Multiyear subscriptions will not be accepted. June: Mankind's Search for God. July: Any of the following brochures: Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making All Things New,” Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, or The Government That Will Bring Paradise, note: Congregations that have not yet requested the above-mentioned campaign items should do so on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14).

■ Where practical, elders should make arrangements for congregations to share in evening witnessing as daylight hours increase.

■ Presiding overseer should be sure all arrangements for the Memorial celebration are in order. These include assignments of attendants and servers as well as provision for unleavened bread, red wine, glasses, and so forth. —See list of points in March issue of Our Kingdom Ministry.

■ Attendants at Memorial should be alert to greet new ones and infrequent attenders. Endeavor to obtain names and addresses of those who perhaps need someone to conduct a home Bible study with them. This information should be given to service overseer.

■ Beginning in April, district convention badge cards for 1992 in Chinese, English, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese will automatically be included with literature shipments. It will not be necessary to request these. Based on the size of each congregation, cards will be shipped in lots of 25. If additional badge cards are needed by the congregation, these should be requested on a Literature Request Form (S(d)-14). It is necessary to request plastic badge card holders for any in the congregation who desire them.

■ New Publications Available: Bengali: “Look! I Am Making All Things New" (Brochure). Cambodian: Tract No. 13; Tract No. 16. Chinese (Simplified): Tract No. 13. Estonian: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Large size). German: Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-1989. Gujarati: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size). Italian: Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2 (Immagine-Zuzim). Kannada: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small Size). Korean: Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist? Lingaia: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on

Earth (Small size). Macedonian: “Look! I Am Making All Things New" (Brochure); Should You Believe in the Trinity?; Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist? Malayalam: Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work; You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size). Marathi: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size). Oriya: “Look! I Am Making All Things New" (Brochure). Polish: Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry; Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook. Slovenian: Tract No. 13; Tract No. 14; Tract No. 15; Tract No. 16. Swahili: Is This Life All There Is?; Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?; The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? Swedish: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Ukrainian: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Urdu: Tract No. 14.

■ New Audiocassettes Available: Italian: Job (set of two audiocassettes); Isaiah (set of four audiocassettes); Ezekiel (set of four audiocassettes). Spanish: Album of Hebrew Scriptures—Volume 1 (Genesis to Ruth; set of 19 audiocassettes in an album); Sing Praises to Jehovah (set of eight audiocassettes in an album). Swedish: Jehovah’s Judgment Against Law-Defying People (Drama; single audiocassette); Preserving Life in Time of Famine (Drama; single audiocassette).

CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY

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

January Service Report

Question box

■ Should the congregation keep a file of Our Kingdom Ministry?

In the May 1972 issue of the Kingdom Ministry, it was pointed out that it is advisable to keep in the Kingdom Hall library a file for the monthly editions of Our Kingdom Ministry for reference purposes. It continues to be appropriate to maintain such a file in each Kingdom Hall library for the use of the elders and the publishers.

With such a file available, publishers can refer to past material bearing on field service presentations, conducting Bible studies, making return visits, and so forth. Good ideas for use in the ministry can be found. From time to time, current issues of Our Kingdom Ministry refer to issues that were published before some of the brothers were associated with the congregation. Newly associated ones can benefit if the file is kept. One of the newly designed Watchtower file cases could be used to store past copies of Our Kingdom Ministry at the Kingdom Hall.

The elders should assign either the Theocratic Ministry School overseer or a qualified ministerial servant to make sure that this file is kept up-to-date month by month. While the information presented in Our Kingdom Ministry is in the form of suggestions and not rigid rules, it is still a fine source of reference material that should be a part of each congregation Kingdom Hall library. Back issues of Our Kingdom Ministry cannot be ordered from Brooklyn, however.

Effective Initial Calls

• ¹ Starting conversations in the ministry can be quite challenging since people are so preoccupied with their own affairs or have definite opinions about religion. What can we have in mind that will assist us in making our initial call effective?

• ² Since this is a holiday season, you might begin your conversation by saying:

■ “At this time of the year, the sacrifice of Jesus is certainly on our minds. What do you think Jesus is doing now?” Allow for a response. Then you might share with the householder Revelation 6:2, which describes Jesus as seated upon a white horse and going forth to complete his conquest. Comment on his kingly role and the lasting benefits his rulership will bring to all obedient mankind.

• ³ When offering the April 1 issue with the article “True Freedom—From What Source?,” you might say:

  Use the Reasoning Book on Return Visits

  
  

• ¹ “I planted, Apollos watered.” So stated the apostle Paul. (1 Cor. 3:6) These four words provide a simple outline for the first two steps in making disciples. The return visit work has often been referred to as the “watering” work. It Is an indispensable link between the initial contact and the person becoming a baptized disciple. The return visit work enables us to ‘scatter knowledge about’ to nurture the grain of interest shown until it takes root and a Bible study is started.—Prov. 15:7.

• ² Some may be reluctant to call again where interest was shown because of uncertainty about what to say. Our handbook Reasoning From the Scriptures has proved to be most useful in doing this watering. Usually before the householder will agree to a regularly scheduled Bible study, a series of short visits must be made. The Reasoning book provides outlines of Scriptural themes that can be discussed with the householder. Prepare well for the return visit, perhaps using one or more of the following suggestions.

• ³ If you placed a copy of the April 15, 1992, “Watchtower” on the subject of prayer, when you ■ “People around the world are struggling for freedom. But promises of freedom by human governments have failed to mature. Worship of Jehovah, the true God, brings lasting freedom.” Read 2 Corinthians 3:17, and point out that this issue of The Watchtower highlights God’s promise and shows why world events confirm that our liberation is near at hand.

• ⁴ You might introduce the April 15, 1992, “Watchtower” by highlighting the subject of prayer, saying:

■ “People generally pray for victory in times of war. Do you think God hears such prayers and takes sides? (Allow for response.] Consider the Bible’s answer.” Then read and comment on 1 Peter 3:12. After a brief explanation, point to something in the Watchtower article that may stimulate the person’s Interest in reading the magazine. If you detect genuine interest, you might offer the subscription.

return you might pose the question:

■ “What could make a person’s prayers unacceptable to God?” After allowing the householder time to respond, take out your Reasoning book and turn to page 293. Discuss with him some of the scriptures under that theme, encouraging him to read directly from the book. If you discern sincere interest, you may then choose to offer the subscription.

• ⁴ On another return visit, after asking the householder what he understands God’s Kingdom to be, as referred to in the Lord’s Prayer, turn to pages 226-32. As time permits, develop the scriptures under “Is God’s Kingdom a Real Government?" and “What Will God’s Kingdom Accomplish?” Clear up the common misconception that the Kingdom is in one's heart. The Kingdom is a real government! Rather than cover all the material at one time, raise some questions to discuss later.

• ⁵ In another instance, the householder may take a copy of the April 22, 1992, Awake! on “Life—What Is Its Purpose?"

• ⁵ Keep in mind that our goal is to conduct Bible studies. Since many will be auxiliary pioneering in April, we will have even more opportunities to find individuals who are interested in studying the Bible. But even if our circumstances do not allow us to auxiliary pioneer during April, we can all set the goal of starting a Bible study.

• ⁶ Some publishers have used tracts to start Bible studies on the initial call.

When offering the tract “Life in a Peaceful New World,” you might say:

■ “We are volunteers In your neighborhood. Let me give you this tract, which identifies the nature of our work. Do you think the world will ever look like that?” After getting a response, you could discuss the first few paragraphs with the person, highlighting Matthew 6:9, 10 and Psalm 37:29.

⁷ Give careful thought as to how you will introduce yourself. Excellent suggestions are presented in the Reasoning book on pages 9-15. Skillfully utilizing these introductions will help make your initial calls effective.

You could ask:

■ “Is there any evidence that the human body was designed to live forever on the earth?” Or, “Do you think the dead know what the living are doing?" These questions may spark some interest in the householder because they affect him personally. Make arrangements to return with the answers, as found in the Reasoning book on pages 247 and 100, respectively.

⁶ If the initial discussion was regarding the future of the earth, you could ask:

■ “Will humans be permitted by God to ruin the earth in some way?” Then turn to pages 44-5 of the Reasoning book and discuss the Scriptural answer. Or the householder may ask: “If billions are resurrected from the dead, where will they all live?” The answer can be found in the Reasoning book, page 340.

’Try not to flood the householder with all the truth at one time. Leave some questions to be answered on future visits. As God's fellow workers, we want to carry out skillfully the planting and watering by effective use of the Reasoning book. We can be assured that God will make it grow.

© 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.

8