OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

• ¹ We rejoice to receive reports that many congregations are working their territory frequently. (Matt. 24:14; 1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Although this presents a unique challenge, experience has shown that it can be successfully met if we are well prepared and equipped to deal with various circumstances that arise.

• ² Effective Introductions Are the Key: It is very important to be prepared to use one or more well-thought-out introductions. They should include pointed statements that make clear the vital reasons for our frequent calls.

• ³ The Reasoning book supplies many fine examples of appropriate introductions to use. Three are listed on page 15 under the heading “In Territory Often Worked." Rehearse the ones you would like to use in your territory.

• ⁴ Some publishers find success using items from the local newspaper to initiate conversations in frequently worked territory. The Reasoning book gives three examples of how this can be done. Consider the second introduction under the heading “Crime/Safety" on page 10 and the first two introductions under the heading “Current Events” on pages 10 and 11.

• ³ Introductions You Prepare: Feel free to develop and use appropriate introductory comments patterned after those presented in the Reasoning book. Express these in your own natural way, using your own words. You could rehearse them with an experienced publisher before using them in the field.

• ⁶ For example, you might say something like this:

■ “Since we visited you last, [mention recent occurrence people in community are talking about). Because all of us are affected in one way or another, many of our neighbors have expressed serious concern. Perhaps you too have given it some thought. [Pause briefly to allow for possible response.) In view of world conditions today, would you not agree with what the prophet Jeremiah wrote at chapter 10, verse 23?" After reading the scripture, get the householder's observations, then direct attention to a specific scripture that shows how Jehovah will resolve the particular problem under discussion.

• ⁷ Or you could say:

■ “No doubt you noticed in the news today [mention specific happening). Perhaps you will agree that this affects all of us. [Pause briefly for possible response.) We can hope for the authorities to come up with a short-term remedy; however, the Bible shows how the problem will be resolved permanently." Direct attention to a specific scripture that explains what God will do.

• ⁸ “Why Do You Call So Frequently?” Appropriate responses to this potential conversation stopper are given in the Reasoning book on page 20 under the heading “Why Do You People Call So Often?" Even without being asked, we can give a fine witness if we seize every appropriate occasion to help others appreciate that genuine love of God and neighbor motivates us to call as often as possible. A discussion of Jesus’ words at John 21:15-17 could prove to be very beneficial in this regard.

• ⁹ Until Jehovah says it is enough, let us continue to meet the challenge of working frequently covered territory. With this determination, we can be assured of his guidance, protection, and blessing right down to the end.—Matt. 28:19, 20.

  Meeting Attendance

  —A Serious Responsibility

  
  

• ¹ How seriously do you take meeting attendance? That is a searching question, is it not? No doubt most of us feel that we appreciate the meetings. However, reports indicate that meeting attendance in many congregations has recently declined. What could be the cause? Are some of us allowing unnecessary secular work, tiredness, homework, a slight physical indisposition, dr a little bad weather toEterfere with our obligation to attend meetings regularly? (Deut. 31:12) Since this is a Scriptural requirement, every one of us should give prayerful consideration to the question, How seriously do I take meeting attendance?

• ² Some of our brothers walk for hours along dusty roads and cross crocodile-infested rivers in order to attend meetings. In your own congregation, there may be faithful ones who are “never missing” despite severe health problems, physical disabilities, crushing work loads at their place of employment, or demanding assignments at school.

(Luke 2:37) Why do they make the effort to attend? Because they know that they cannot meet the challenges of this pressure-filled world in their own strength. They must rely on the strength that God provides.—2 Cor. 12:9,10.

• ³ Today we follow the pattern set by the early Christians, who met regularly to pray, share experiences, and study God’s Word. (Acts 4:23-30; 11:4-18; Col. 4:16) We receive instruction on Bible prophecy and doctrine, as well as on godly conduct and Christian morals, along with timely admonition on improving our lives now by careful application of Scriptural principles. (1 Tim. 4:8) In addition, we are reminded of our hope that one day there will be an end to problems and suffering. It is vital that this hope be kept alive.—Heb. 6:19.

• ⁴ How seriously does your family take meeting attendance? Is it as much a part of your schedule as mealtime or secular work? On meeting nights, do you find yourself debating whether to attend or not, or is regular association with your brothers not optional in your household? Many publishers remember the example of their dedicated parents when they were growing up. “One thing about Dad," an elder fondly recalls, “was that he always made sure the family got to the meetings. If someone was sick, one of us would stay home with him, but the rest went to the meetingf

• ⁵ In succeeding issues of Our Kingdom Ministry, we will discuss the value of each congregation meeting with a view to helping build appreciation for these spiritual provisions. If yqurmeeting attendance could be more consistent, we are sure that the articles will help you to realize what you are missing. They will include helpful reminders for those who conduct the meetings, as well as suggestions all of us can apply when preparing for and participating in them. Why not sit down as a family and give prayerful consideration to your pattern of meeting attendance? Then make any necessary acUustments in your schedule. Regular meeting attendance is a vital part of our theocratic education and should be taken very seriously indeed.

  Service Meetings for January

  
  

Week Starting January 3

Song 101

5 mini Local announcements. Briefly highlight specific points in current magazines that will appeal to people in the local territory.

25 min: “1994 ‘Godly Fear’ District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses." Question-and-answer consideration of insert by secretary. First, read December 15,1993, convention assignment letter. After considering paragraph 3 of article, 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 article even if it appears that no one will be using motel rooms. Commend those cooperating with Society’s rooming arrangement. Highlight paragraphs 16 and 17 for any who are deaf.

15 min: “Helping Others Appreciate the Value of Our Publications." Discuss article with congregation. Have brief demonstrations following paragraphs 3 and 4. Inform publishers of the 192-page publications congregation has in stock. If congregation does not have older books, demonstrate use of book Mankind's Search for God following the discussion of paragraph 5.

Song 116 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 10

Song 147

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

15 min: Are You Ready to Face a Faith-Challenging Medical Situation? Stirring talk by capable elder to help brothers appreciate protective value of Advance Medical Directive/Release card, using points from paragraphs 1-3 of November 1990 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. At some “Divine Teaching” District Conventions, more than 50 percent of the cards used to obtain a new release were unsigned, not witnessed, or out-of-date. Have new cards distributed to baptized publishers only, then consider October 15, 1991. letter of direction on filling out cards. Advise brothers NOT to fill out cards tonight but to take them home, prayerfully consider their need, then fill them out.

But DO NOT SIGN card then. Bring filled-out card to next Congregation Book Study, where elders will assist in seeing that cards are signed, witnessed, and dated. The Congregation Book Study conductor will use an up-to-date list to be sure all in his group are accounted for. (Baptized parents can be aided in filling out Identity Cards for their children.) Anyone missing that book study can still be assisted by conductors/elders at the next Service Meeting until all baptized publishers have their cards properly filled out and signed. Elders should have a list of any remaining ones and try to complete all cards as soon as possible.

20 min: “Returning to Build Appreciation.” Audience discussion. If publishers are using older publications, demonstrate how return visit may be made on person who accepted one of those books. Otherwise, demonstrate return visit on someone who accepted the book Mankind's Search for God, using the suggestions in paragraph 5. Song 154 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 17

Song 167

10 min: Local announcements and accounts report. Include acknowledgment of donations. Express appreciation for publishers’ financial support of Society’s activities as well as those of the congregation. Remind any who have not yet completed their Advance Medical Directive/Release card to do that tonight by approaching their Congregation Book Study conductor or one of the other elders.

20 min: “Working Frequently Covered Territory." Question-and-answer coverage led by service overseer. In congregations with frequently covered territory, feature a demonstration of one of the Reasoning book introductions referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 as well as another apptopriate introduction either taken from paragraphs 6 and 7 or prepared especially for the local territory. In congregations that do not cover their territory frequently, other suitable introductions from Reasoning book should be featured in demonstrations. Demonstrations should be well rehearsed.

15 min: What Is Earth’s Future? Based on Reasoning book, pages 112-17. (5 min.) Talk covering points under subheadings that begin on pages 112 and 113, covering material to middle of page 114.(7 min.) A newer publisher and a mature, experienced publisher discuss information on pages 114-16. Worldly relatives of new publisher have argued that Bible indicates earth will be destroyed. Newer publisher asks help of more experienced publisher in understanding Bible texts about earth. (3 min.) In conclusion, discuss question on page 117, “What kind of people will God favor with endless life on earth?" Encourage all to exert themselves to qualify for such a blessed privilege.

Song 176 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 24

Song 178

5 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to have a share in field service this week. Announce congregation’s field service arrangements.

io min: “The Bible—Mankind’s Oldest Modern Book." Question-and-answer coverage.

15 min: Family Use of the New Yearbook. Family head leads household in stimulating review of introductory material on first ten pages of 1994 Yearbook. Concludes by outlining arrangements for family to read a few pages of Yearbook each week.

15 min: Field Activity of the Congregation. Service overseer and another elder review congregation’s activity for past four months. One third of service year has passed (September-December). How is congregation doing? Offer sincere commendation in areas in which congregation is doing well. Also mention areas in which congregation could improve, and offer practical suggestions. Include one or two brief encouraging field experiences from first four months of service year. End on positive, upbuilding note. Jesus' joy came from carrying out his ministry. We too will find great joy in keeping busy in the work Jehovah has given us. —John 4:34; 1 Cor. 15:58.

Song 179 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting January 31

Song 186

5 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to get early start in field service by participating this weekend. May offer helpful suggestions for presenting current magazines.

10 min: Present You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth From House to House. Brief enthusiastic talk on proven value of book in helping people know and worship Jehovah. Demonstrate how publisher might use suggestions in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry in field service.

Continued on page 7

1994 “Godly Fear” District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

• ¹ Heartfelt expressions of appreciation for the spiritually refreshing program were heard from many of the 1,411,812 who attended the 1993 “Divine Teaching” District Conventions in the United States branch territory. New ones who were baptized as a result of their paying attention to the divine teaching found in the Bible totaled 13,920. Our having enjoyed such an upbuilding program last year should truly motivate us to make every effort to attend the stimulating program being arranged for the 1994 “Godly Fear” District Conventions next summer. With so many problems facing mankind today, surely all of us will invite and try to arrange for our Bible students to be there with us. It will prove to be a real source of encouragement and strength as we continue serving Jehovah with godly fear in spite of any obstacles that may present themselves in the days ahead.

• ² 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. It would be very helpful to consider the information in this insert with any Bible students who may plan to attend. (Gal. 6:10) The program starts with music at 10:20 a.m. on Friday and ends at approximately 5:00 p.m. On Saturday the program begins at 9:30 a.m. and closes with song and prayer at approximately 5:00 p.m. The Sunday morning session begins at 9:30, and the day’s program concludes at approximately 4:15 p.m. The following information will assist you with your preliminary preparations.

• ³ Instructions for Obtaining Rooms: After the Service Meeting for the week of January 3, 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 arrangements. Your cooperation with these arrangements will assist the convention organization in its efforts to provide sufficient rooming accommodations for everyone at reasonable prices.

• 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 your choice from the list 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 ROOMS WITHOUT A DEPOSIT. If you must cancel your reservation, you should immediately notify the motel, making the room available for other delegates.

  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, JANUARY 1994

  
  

• ⁶ If the motel you call first is filled, call your next selection from the list and so on. Often, everyone calls the motels closest to the convention facility being used; therefore, you may find it beneficial to try some motels farther away. These 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 listing 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 use school dormitories in addition to motels in order to accommodate everyone. Usually congregations will receive information on these a month or so after receiving 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.

• 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 rather than have this obligation put on the convention organization. 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, 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 speak with the Congregation Service Committee to see if it is possible for the congregation to assist these individuals to care for 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. Only those with special needs should fill out this form. It is to be filled out by the person making the request. It should be returned to the secretary, who will check it for completeness, accuracy, and verification of the circumstances that qualify the person 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. Furthermore, it is not proper for those making such requests to presume upon the hospitality of brothers by expecting to be accommodated extra days before or after the convention. These rooms are provided for the convention period ONLY. Those receiving such accommodations should make sure that they and their children act respectfully toward the home of their host; they should not rummage through or damage 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_yp.u the address for that convention headquarters from the list on the back of the Special Needs Room Request form. Then you can request in writing 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. (Heb. 13:17) Thus, we are asking everyone to cooperate fully with the Society’s rooming arrangement and USE ONLY THE MOTELS ON THE RECOMMENDED LODGING LOCATIONS LIST FOR THIS YEAR so that major difficulties we still experience in negotiating with the motels can be prevented. We have made contracts with the hotels on the list stating that our people will be using them. It is a guarantee that they will get the business if they make special rates for us. Most publishers are taking to heart the clear direction that has been given in previous convention inserts, and many good results are being experienced. However, it is still necessary to request that everyone PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING 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 Watchtower rates for the convention. Also, please do not use the same motel year after year without first checking to see that it is definitely on the current list.

• (b) Do not accept a higher price for a motel room than what is quoted on the current 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 deprives other publishers of the use of those rooms, which are often vitally needed.

• (d) Do not reserve rooms for yourself or others without giving names and immediately sending the deposit for each room.

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

• ¹⁴ Violations in these areas make it difficult to negotiate good rates, and they bring reproach on Jehovah’s name and organization. (Compare Psalm 119:168.) 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. 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 at the convention so that he can assist you in resolving the matter right away.

• ¹⁵ 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 goodquality 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.

• ¹⁶ Sign Language Conventions: A major adjustment appears in the 1994 District Convention Locations list in The Watchtower of February 15,1994, showing that for the first time ever, there will be a complete American Sign Language district convention. There will be not just one but two complete signlanguage conventions. The program parts will not be interpreted but will be given in American Sign Language by qualified brothers. This means that the entire convention program will be conveyed directly to those in attendance, who will also be able to enjoy very upbuilding fellowship with much larger groups. In view of this, NO PROVISION for any type of sign language will be made at any other conventions.

• ¹⁷ With such a significant change being made for the deaf field, it is important that all deaf individuals IMMEDIATELY begin making plans to attend one of these two sign-language district conventions. The elders should diligently check with each deaf person in their congregation to be sure that these know about this arrangement and to determine whether any assistance is needed so they can attend.

[Note to Body of Elders: Please read the Society’s December 15, 1993, 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 January 3. After that meeting, post the letter and the list on the information board. Elders are NOT to change their service meeting to an earlier night for this week. NO ONE, INCLUDING THE ELDERS, SHOULD MAKE MOTEL RESERVATIONS BEFORE THIS SERVICE MEETING. In this way all congregations will receive the information the same week. To the extent possible, the congregation secretary should handle convention-related material and announcements on future Service Meetings unless otherwise specified or he is unable to do so.]

■ New Publications Available:

Amharic: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide. Chinese: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Pro-ciaimers of God’s Kingdom. English: Watch Tower Publications Index 1991-1992. Finnish: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom; What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? Greek: Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom. Italian: Jehovah's Witnesses—Pro-claimersof God’s Kingdom. Japanese: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom; Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-1990; What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? Myanmar (formerly Burmese): Does God Really Care About Us? Portuguese: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom. Thai: What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? Ukrainian: Sing Praises to Jehovah—Lyrics Only (100 Songs).

a The Society is now producing English bound volumes of The Watchtower for the years 1960 to 1969 as permanent stock items. Any interested in obtaining these bound volumes should request them through the congregation. Please bear in mind that bound volumes are special-request items.

Announcements

■ Literature offer for January: Any 192-page book printed on paper that yellows or discolors or any published prior to 1980. Congregations that do not have a supply of such books may offer Mankind’s Search for God. February: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. March: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! April and May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines, as well as any brochure (except the School brochure). Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. NOTE: Congregations that will need the above-mentioned campaign items should request them on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14). Older publications for January campaign are not available in Brooklyn, but congregations should use those they already have in stock.

■ Congregations should make convenient arrangements to celebrate the Memorial this year on Saturday, March 26, after sundown. While it is desirable for each congregation to hold its own Memorial celebration, this may not always be possible. Where a number of congregations normally use the same Kingdom

• ¹ The Bible is the most widely circulated book in all history. No other book has been translated into so many languages. In addition, no group of people have been as zealous as Jehovah’s Witnesses in distributing the Bible and publicly presenting it as the Word of God.

* Since it is God's Word, we can be confident that it gives workable answers to modern-day problems. And Jehovah's organization provides practical help to find such answers in publications as well as videos. Therefore we are pleased to announce that the English version of The Bible —Mankind’s Oldest Modern Book, the second of three videos demonstrating the Inspiration of the Bible, may now be ordered from your congregation. It is 40 minutes in length.

• ³ Like the first video in this series, this second one also builds confidence in the Bible as a divine guide. It uses footage taken in Bible lands and in museums around the world to help us realize how Jehovah God has preserved the Bible throughout the centuries down to our day. You will see Hall, perhaps one or more congregations can obtain the use of another facility for that evening. The Memorial should not start so late that newly interested persons find it inconvenient to attend. Further, the schedule should not be so tight that there is no time before or after the celebration to greet visitors, make arrangements for continued spiritual assistance for some, or for a general interchange of encouragement among all present. After thoroughly considering all factors, the elders should determine what arrangements will best help all who attend the Memorial to benefit fully from the occasion.

■ Starting in February, and no later than March 6, the new public talk for circuit overseers will be “Human Creation’s Groaning—When Will It End?” ■ The special public talk for the 1994 Memorial season will be given worldwide on Sunday, April 10. The subject of the talk will be “True Religion Meets the Needs of Human Society.” 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 congrega-how the accuracy of the Bible has been maintained despite repeated copying and translation. You will see how this divine book has been preserved in the face of extreme opposition to its distribution. You will also see living testimonies of how the Bible has changed people’s lives for the better.

• ⁴ This video will be invaluable for family Bible discussion and for many other practical purposes—just like the first one. We are sure that Jehovah will bless its use. Those who have not yet ordered it can do so immediately through the literature department in the congregation. The videos The Bible—Accurate History, Reliable Prophecy and Jehovah's Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name are also still available.

• ⁵ We are pleased to inform you that the Spanish version of The Bible—Accurate History, Reliable Prophecy, the first of these three videos, is now readyfordlstributlon.Itis41 minutes in length. You may order it immediately through the literature department in the congregation. tion should have the special talk before April 10.

■ According to new tax laws in the United States, beginning in 1994 anyone making a contribution of cash or other property in an amount of $250 or more on a specific date to the Society, a congregation, an Assembly Hall, or a circuit must have written substantiation of the gift. The person making the gift must receive the letter of substantiation before he can claim a deduction on his tax return. Canceled checks for contributions of $250 or more on a single date are no longer considered proof of the donation by tax authorities. The substantiation must also indicate whether the donor received any goods or services in connection with his contribution. Bodies of elders. Assembly Hall Committees, and circuit assembly overseers have been instructed to supply a letter acknowledging all such contributions to those who request substantiation.

Meetings           (from page 2}

20 min: “Meeting Attendance—A Serious Responsibility.” Question-and-answer coverage. In connection with paragraph 2, Interview publishers who have overcome obstacles in order to attend meetings on a regular basis.

10 min: Local needs. Or talk by an elder on “Have a Right View of God’s Mercy,” based on The Watchtower, October 1,1993, pages 22-5.

Song 188 and concluding prayer.

CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Making Your Family Life Happy.

’ To or from subheading.

October Service Report

TOTAL 884,408 Baptized: 3,362

The United States reports a new peak in regular pioneers for October 1993. The 75,955 regular pioneers reporting represent an increase of 1,329, or 1.8 percent, over the last peak, in September 1993.

• ¹ “The word of God is alive and exerts power." (Heb. 4:12) Since our Biblebased publications help people benefit from the power of God's Word, we use them to stimulate interest in the Bible when witnessing informally or when calling from house to house.

• ² January’s literature offer is any 192-page book printed on paper that yellows or discolors or any published before 1980. If such books are available in your congregation, prepare your presentation of the Kingdom message so as to lead into a specific point in the book you are using. How can this be done?

• ³ How to Prepare: To begin, select a statement in the book you are using that will likely appeal to honesthearted people in your territory. Next, think of a current event or a subject of general interest that you might be able to discuss briefly with the householder before calling his attention to the printed statement you have selected. Perhaps there is a cited or quoted scripture you could read, either from the Bible or directly from the book, to support your statements. If the person shows genuine interest, you may then wish to offer the book. At that time or later if more appropriate, explain briefly how this worldwide preaching work is financed, and give the person opportunity to contribute if he so desires. In any case, try to leave him with a question or a thought that you can use as the basis for a return visit.

* Many congregations have on hand a few copies of Your Youth—Getting the Best Out Of It and Listening to the Great Teacher. If these books are available. why not prepare for conversations with the young people you meet in the territory? Encourage them to read one of these fine publications. If offering The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, you can use the formula outlined above and prepare to discuss any number of basic Bible doctrines that are covered in this excellent Bible study aid.

• ⁵ Offer Mankind's Search for Gods You may be able to start a conversation by calling attention to a news item that either highlights religious involvement in world affairs or otherwise shows religion's influence in the lives of people.

Then pose a question, such as this:

■ “How do you think God views the religious systems that are influencing world affairs today? [Allow for answer.] Would it surprise you to learn that the basic teachings of all these religions are quite similar and that they stand in sharp contrast with the teachings of the Bible?” If the householder is willing to listen, show him the table of contents, and explain briefly that whether a person is religious or not, his life is being affected by powerful religious influences. Point out that he can benefit from learning why mankind's search for God has led in so many directions and away from learning how to identify the right religion.

• ⁸ At times it may be more appropriate to offer magazines or a tract. We have every reason to be enthusiastic and zealous about encouraging others to read these publications so that they can be equipped to experience the power of God's Word in their lives by responding to its direction.

  Returning to Build Appreciation

  
  

• ¹ Meaningful return ..visits progressively stimulate and enhance a householder's growth toward becoming a believer. What are some practical suggestions to keep in mind when calling back on those who have shown interest?

• ² First of all, prepare well. This begins on the initial call. How so? By keeping accurate records of interest shown. Note the name of the householder, the subject discussed, the response. and any placements made. Then review your house-to-house record before you return, and give prayerful thought to what you will say.

• ³ Now you are ready. What can you say? If you left the householder with a question on the initial call, you can then build on that subject when you return. For example, if the initial call centered on the blessings of God’s Kingdom, you could raise the question “Why does God permit wickedness?" When you return, after introducing yourself, you might say: ■ “When we last spoke, we discussed why a God of love pennits so much wickedness today. Have you given.fur-ther thought to that?” [Allow response.] Do you think God really cares about mankind? [Allow response.) Consider what the Bible says at John 3:16.” After reading the verse, you could draw attention to specific portions of chapter 8 in TheTruth Thal Leads to Eternal Life, which points out the reasons for God’s toleration of wickedness today.

’ Another thought-provoking question you might leave on your initial call would be: “If God intended man to live forever, why do people growold and die?” When you return, you could show them the Bible’s answer to that question as found at Romans 5:12. After reading the scripture, refer to the first paragraph on page 35 of the book Js This Life All There Is?, which discusses the basic reason why man grows old and dies.

* If on your initial call you discussed ways to identify the true religion and left the book Mankind’s Search for God, a good question on which you could base your return. visit might be: “Hqw did so many religions come about?” When returning, you could talk about specific points in chapter 2 of that book.

⁸ A word of caution. Be careful about the questions you ask when you return. Asking “Did you read the material I left?” or “Do you remember me?" or “Do you remember what we talked about the last time I was here?" tends to put the householder in an awkward position. Such questions usually do not produce good results. On the other hand, be friendly, flexible, and brief. These qualities will enhance the message.

’ These and other approaches may be used to cultivate appreciation in the hearts of interested ones. Why not set a personal goal of making at least one return visifeach week? Put to use the practical suggestions presented above, and search out experienced publishers who will help you. Your joy will increase as you build on the initial interest by making effective return visits.

© 1994 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. NY 11201 Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y . and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. NY 11201                  Printed in U.S.A.

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