Our Kingdom Ministry

February 2001                     For United States of America km-E Us 2/01 Vol. 44, No. 2

‘When you are caught in a bad storm, how good it is to be able to And shelter! If it is warm and safe inside and if the residents are hospitable, you are glad to stay there. The Kingdom-preaching work directs people to such shelter from Satan’s system. Can our daily conduct help others see how inviting this safe haven is? Yes, for Jesus said that people would ‘see our fine works and give glory to our Father who is in the heavens.’—Matt. 5:16.

• ² How can we conduct ourselves so that our works will attract others to Jehovah and his organization? By letting Jesus’ words recorded at Luke 6:31 and 10:27 mold our lives each day. This will motivate us to show loving concern for fellow humans, differentiating us from this cold and uncaring world.

• ³ A sister on a seagoing ferry observed a young woman who was so seasick that she was unable to care, for her small child. The sister offered to look after the child. When the woman asked how she could show her gratitude, the sister said: ‘Please listen to Jehovah’s Witnesses the next time they call,’ The woman did so, and now she and her husband are Witnesses. Fine works made the difference in how they responded to the Kingdom message.

• ⁴ Our Whole Life Is Involved: Our conduct in the neighborhood, while at work or in school, and during periods of recreation causes others to form an opinion of us and of our religion. Hence, we do well to ask ourselves: ‘How do observers view me and my family? Do the neighbors consider our house and yard to be clean and well kept? Do our workmates and schoolmates view us as punctual and diligent? Will others find our appearance modest and respectful?’ Our fine works can make the worship of Jehovah more appealing to others.

• ⁵ Peter warned that Christians would be subject to derision. (1 Pet. 4:4) We must be sure that our conduct is not the cause of negative talk. (1 Pet. 2:12) If our daily works glorify the God whom we worship, then we will be like lamps held high, beckoning others to the safe shelter that Jehovah provides.—Matt. 5:14-16.

  How to Persuade Others

  
  

• ¹ The apostle Paul earned the reputation of being a persuasive minister. (Acts 19:26) Even King Agrippa told him: “In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:28) What made Paul’s ministry so persuasive? He reasoned logically from the Scriptures, adapting his arguments to his listeners.—Acts 28:23.

• ² In imitation of Paul, we too need to be persuasive in our ministry. How? By using insight when speaking with and listening to others. (Prov. 16:23) Three important steps will help us to accomplish this.

• ³ Listen Carefully: As the other person speaks, listen for a common ground on which to build. If he raises an objection, try to discern the reasoning behind it. It would help to know exactly what he believes, why he believes it, and what convinced him of it. (Prov. 18:13) Tactfully draw him out.

• ⁴ Ask Questions: If a person expresses belief in the Trinity, you might ask: “Have you always believed the Trinity?” Follow up with: “Did you ever make a thorough study of what the Bible says on the subject?” You might also ask: “If God were part of a Trinity, could we not expect that the Bible would clearly say so?” The responses that you receive will help you reason with the individual on what the Scriptures say.

• ⁶ Use Sound Reasoning: A Witness asked a woman who believed that Jesus was God: ‘If you were trying to illustrate that two persons are equal, what family relationship might you use?’ She replied: “I might use two brothers.” He added: “Perhaps even identical twins. But in teaching us to view God as the Father and himself as the Son, what message was Jesus conveying?” The woman got the point that one is older and has more authority. (Matt. 20:23; John 14:28; 20:17) Her mind and heart had been reached with the art of persuasion.

• ⁶ Of course, not all are receptive to the truth, no matter how logical and accurate our presentation may b^. But like Paul, let us be diligent in searching out honesthearted ones in our territory, persuading them to accept the Kingdom message.—Acts 19:8.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting February 12

Song 6

io min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. The video The Bible—Mankind’s Oldest Modem Book will be discussed at the Service Meeting the week of February 26. The discussion will be based on the questions provided on page .7 of this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry.

15 min: “Glorify Jehovah by Fine Works.”* Include comments from the Proclaimers book, page 187, paragraphs 2-3.

20 min: “How to Persuade Others.” A discussion between a Congregation Book Study conductor and a pioneer or an effective publisher, based on the article as well as selected points in the May 15, 1998, Watchtower, pages 21-3. Analyze the box on page 23, “Reaching Your Student’s Heart.” After isolating a false religious belief common in the local territory, discuss how to convince a person of what the Bible says on the subject.

Song 208 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting February 19

Song 221

8 min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

15 mln: Local needs.

22 min: “Make Known Jehovah’s Name and Dealings.”* Elder reviews special plans being made locally for increased activity in March and April, including efforts to encourage as many as possible to auxiliary pioneer. Have some who pioneered last April tell of'the satisfaction that doing so brought them. Focps on helping every qualified inactive publisher rejoin us in the service as well ^-as on assisting children 8(23 other ' Bible students to qualify as unbaptized publishers.—See the November 2000 Our Kingdom Ministry Question Box.

Song 27 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting February 26

Song 48

8 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for February.

12 min: Suggested Presentations for the Knowledge Book. Do you have a presentation in mind for offering the Knowledge book in March? If you look at the back pages of past issues of Our Kingdom Ministry, you will find suggestions for the initial call, many of which have follow-up ideas for the return visit. Review two or three of these suggested presentations. (December 1995; March, June, November 1996; June 1997; March 1998) Demonstrate the two suggestions in the November 1996 issue for using a direct approach in starting Bible studies. Encourage everyone to put forth a special effort to start new studies.

25 min; “Building Appreciation for The Bible—Mankind’s Oldest Modem Book.” Audience discussion using the questions provided on page 7. Highlight the fact that with over 100 million copies in whole or in part in 37 languages, the New World Translation is one of the most widely distributed Bibles. In April we will review the third video in this series, The Bible —Its Power in Your Life.

Song 64 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 5

Song 81

5 min: Local announcements.

18 min: “Jehovah Imparts Power.”* Draw comments from the audience on how the scriptures apply-

22 min: “Successful Telephone Witnessing.”* To be handled by the service overseer. Include the encouragement in the December 15, 1999, Watchtower, page 23, paragraph 17. Review the box “What Do You Say to an Answering Machine?” in the November 2000 Our Kingdom Ministry. Explain what territories have been made up for telephone witnessing. Have a few brief experiences related that show success in this work locally. Song 108 and concluding prayer.

• Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion.

Attention: City Overseers

The June 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry published a Question Box that answered the question: “How should the listing for Jehovah’s Witnesses appear in a local telephone directory?” The following direction was given: “In cities having more than one congregation, we recommend the following. Jehovah’s Witnesses, (City), (State), followed by an alphabetic listing giving the name, Kingdom Hall address, and phone number of the congregations."

Reports show that a number of congregations have not listed their Kingdom Hall or they have done so incorrectly. This has caused some problems, especially in larger cities where there are several congregations. We are requesting that city overseers take the initiative to review all listings published locally. If listings are incorrect or missing entirely, the city overseer should contact the publishers of the telephone directory to make any additions or corrections needed, carefully following the guidelines provided in Our Kingdom Ministry.

© 2001 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society ot Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New \brk, Inc.; M. H. Larson, President; G. F. Simonis. Secretary-Treasurer. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. NY 11201-2483. Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn. NY. and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, c/o Watchtower. Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                    Printed in U.SA

‘pGive thanks to Jehovah, call upon his name, make known among the peoples his dealings. . . . Let the heart of those seeking Jehovah rejoice.”/(Ps^l05:l, 3) The psalrnigt who penned those“wofds found great personal iqyan telling others about Jehovah <nd) his “dealings.” What dealings? Undoubtedly those associated ^with God’s glorious kingship and with ^“the good news of salvation by him.”^-Ps. 96:2, 3; 145:11, 12.

• ² As we approach the 2001 Memorial seaspn, we have many reasons to rejoice' about Jehovah’s dealings with us. How so? Th^Lord’s Evening Meal is, without question, the year’s greatest observance for all true Christians. There is no other occasion like it in regard to importance, purpose, or procedure. This is a time for all of us to rememher what Jehovah and

Jesus have done to provide the means for our salvation. No wonder that during the

a record number of 153,774 enrolled as

auxiliary pioneers. This year, can we WrfSl&TvIarch and Aprifspecial months of

increased activity in the ministry? March has five Saturdays, and Agni has five Sundays. By planning full service days on the weekends, many publishers who work full-time have found that auxiliary pioneering is within their reach. To meet the requirementof 50 hoqrs a month, an auxiliary pioneer needs to average about 12 hours per week. Consider carefully the suggested schedules in the box on page 4.⁷ Will one of these fit your circumstances? If not, perhaps you can tailor your own

^schedule to auxiliary pioneer this March _v 7 and April.                               ■

• ⁴ The elders should starFnow to build enthusiasm—and- support fol? increased service activity. Last year in ope congregation⁷ where all the elders and mmis-tenhl Servants enrolled as auxiliary pioneers, 64 of the 121 publishers pioneered in April} The congregation also delighted in seeing six unbaptized publishers be,-gin reporting in March and April. Indeed, there is no better time forrehildren and new onesHo ask the elders if they qualify tcTbegm sharing in the public witnessing activity.

\Extra Effort Brings Blessings: Congregations that set special goal^and put forth pxtra effort enjoy many blessings.

Some congregations may give particular emphasjs tiywvering seldom-worked ter-ritory<oncentrating on alternative forms of witnessing, oPhighlighting telephone witnessing—an effective means for contacting not-at-homes and residents who

• ⁶ Should poor healtlror being up in age \ necessarily prevenFanyone from being involved as much as possible in the service?

neered m April in spite of swelling in her legs. Telephone witnessing made it possible for her to have a full share in the service, increasing her praise to Jehovah. This had a stimulating effect on both her and the congregation.

• ⁷ Prepare Well for the Memorial: This year the Memorial fallsfon April 8. Since this is a Sunday, it should be possible for more to attend. We may have the largest attendance ever if we do our part ₄ by (1) being in attendance ourselves and (2) invitjng others to join us at the Memo-rial.<ffihom shouldweinvitejZF^A

• ⁸ Look through youi^rpersonal field service records for the names of those who have shown some interest in the truth, even though you may not be calling on

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  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, FEBRUARY 2001

  
  

them regularly. Two or three weeks prior to the Memorial, concentrate on visiting all of these with the Memorial invita; tion. If your circumstances permit, offer to provide transportation?for those who would like to attend. . .T,

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• ⁹ In some congregations, not all of the printed Memorial invitations are used. Congregation secretaries should be sure to make the invitations available in ample time for all to be distributed. You may want to type or neatly print the time and location for the Memorial on the bot-

tom of the invitation. Or you may include a handbill showing the Kingdom Hall ad-dress_if,that is where your Memorial will be held. As a re-minder~in most in-stancgsl Memorial~m-viFations should be handed personally to the householder.

• ¹⁰ Remember Inac* five Ones: It is a cause for rejoicing when a Bible student dedicates himself to Jehovah and symbolizes this by water immersion. Each year, though, some in our midst cease to associate with us, and

  Various Ways to Schedule 12 Hours per Week to Auxiliary Pioneer
  Day	Hours
  Monday	1	2	-	-
  Tuesday	1	-	3	-
  Wednesday	, 1	2	-	5
  Thursday	1	-	3	-
  Friday	1	2	-	-
  Saturday	5	4	3	5
  Sunday	2	2	3	2
  Total:	12	12	12	12
  Will one of these schedules work for you? If not, why not make your own schedule?

  
  

z they stop telling others about Jehovah’s ' name and dealings.fWe nave good reason for concern. Although most inactive ones have not abandoned the truth, they may have stopped preaching because of discouragement, personal problems, or other anxieties of life. (Matt. 13:20-22) Those who are in a spiritually weakened condition qeed help to return to the congregation before they get swallowed up by Satan’s system. (1 Pet. 5:8) This Memorial

season we want to make a special effortto help all qualified inactive ones get involved again in preaching the good news.

• ¹¹ The congregation secretaryt should _xalert the book study conductors of any in their group who are inactive. The Congregation Service Commit tee? will take the lead in 'arranging tor shepherding calls to be made on all inactive ones. If it is determined that the individual would benefit from a personal Bible study, the service overseer will arrange for assistance, after consulting with other members of the service committee as to who would be best suited to conduct the study. Although it may not be necessary to have the study for a pro-longedperiod of time, ‘ the'one assigned to conduct it may report the time, return visits, and Bible study.

¹² Last April a sister who was working from house to house offered the maga-, zines to a young man ' on the street. He revealed that his wife was an inactive Witness. He asked where the Kingdom Hall was located and invited the sister to visit him and his wife. As a result the couple attended the next meeting fiiicl agreed to a Bible study.

¹³ Get Ready for Increased Activity! The psalmist who declared that we should make known Jehovah’s name and dealings addedySing to him, make melody to him, concern yourselves with all his wonder-fy] works. Make your boast in his holy name.”)(Ps. 105:2, 3) Let us demonstrate our concern for Jehovah’s great name and his “wonderful works” by increasing our efforts in the ministry, making this the greatest Memorial season ever!

Successful Telephone Witnessing

• ¹ Our objective as Jehovah’s Witnesses is not merely to engage in preaching the good news but also to reach everyone possible with the Kingdom message. (Acts 10:42; 20: 24) While the house-to-house work continues to be the principal way to reach people, we realize that not even by this systematic method do we contact everyone. So to ‘fully accomplish our ministry,’ we are using other methods—including telephone witnessing—to find sheeplike individuals.—2 Tim. 4:5.

• ² In many places, people live in high-security apartments, multi-family complexes, or gated communities, where it is difficult to engage in our traditional door-to-door method of reaching people. Even in territories where we can work from house to house, a substantial number of people are not at home. However, many publishers are having excellent success in reaching these residents by telephone. In a morning of house-to-house work, one married couple had nine not-at-homes. After returning to the Kingdom Hall, they looked these up in a reverse directory that lists telephone numbers by addresses. They called the numbers and found eight of the householders at home!

’Are you reluctant to include telephone witnessing in your ministry? One brother admits: “I don’t like anyone cabling me at home to sell me anything, so I have a mental block about this type of witnessing.” However, after making just two phone calls, he said: “I love it! I nevei' thought that could happen, but I love it! People are relaxed on the phone, and you have everything you need within reach. This is great!” A sister had a similar reaction: “I was really not excited about telephone witnessing. To tell you the truth, I did not want to do it. But I tried it and found it to be very fruitful. I have 37 return visits from phone witnessing and more studies than I can care for!” If you are willing to try telephone witnessing, you too can be successful.

• ⁴ Organizing for Telephone Witnessing: The witnessing activity of the congregation comes under the supervision of the service overseer. Depending on the need, the body of elders may choose to appoint another elder or a qualified ministerial servant to work closely with him in organizing telephone witnessing. The brother caring for territories should also be involved, since he will assign the territories and keep an up-to-date record. Likewise, the circuit overseer will be interested in the progress of the program.

• ⁵ If there are areas in your territory not accessible by door-to-door witnessing, telephone territories should be prepared. The brother assigned will carefully make a list of the addresses that are to be converted into such territories, which should be kept relatively small so that they can be worked regularly. All territory maps with those areas on them should be marked with a notation that the specified section is designated for telephone witnessing.

• ⁶ From where can you obtain the telephone numbers? A reverse directory that lists phone numbers by addresses may be available at the public library. If a high-security complex has its own telephone list, perhaps you can get the numbers from there. Otherwise, it may be possible to copy the names of the residents from the directory in the lobby and to look them up in a standard telephone book.

• ⁷ The elders can take an active interest in this work by arranging for those with experience in telephone witnessing to train others, perhaps through the Pioneers Assist Others program. Periodically, a local needs part on the Service Meeting may be devoted to enhancing the success of this feature of witnessing.

• ⁸ When elders make shepherding calls on shut-ins or the infirm, they can be alert to encourage these ones to participate in telephone witnessing. Perhaps an elder can make a few calls while the publisher observes. Then the publisher may enjoy an opportunity to make a call. Many who have started in this way spend a few minutes each day in this work, and they really love it.

• ⁹ Suggestions for Success: When Jesus sent out his disciples to preach, he “sent them forth by twos.” (Luke 10:1) Why? He knew that by working together they would learn from and encourage each other. The same is true in telephone witnessing. By working as partners, you can learn from each other, discuss your results, and offer suggestions for the next conversation. Even during a phone call, you can help each other locate appropriate information.

• ¹⁰ To promote clear thinking and concentration, sit where you can lay your witnessing materials—Bible, Reasoning book, Require brochure, magazines, and so forth—in front of you. Write out some presentations, and have them where you can see them. Be prepared to keep accurate and complete records, including the date and time of day so that you will know when to follow up the interest found.

• ¹¹ People are often cautious when hearing an unfamiliar voice on the phone. So be warm, friendly, and tactful. The householder has only the sound of your voice to determine your character and sincerity. Relax and speak from your heart. Speak slowly and clearly and with sufficient volume to be heard. Allow the householder opportunity to speak. Use your full name, and mention that you live in the community. We do not want people to think that we are telemarketers. Rather than saying that you are calling all the residents in a particular building or complex, personalize your call.

• ¹² Telephone Presentations: Many of the introductions on pages 9-15 of the Reasoning book can be adapted to telephone witnessing. You might say: “I’m calling you on the phone because I’m unable to come and see you personally. The purpose of my call is to ask your opinion on a very interesting question.” Then state the question.

• ¹³ The first presentation under the heading “Crime/Safety” could be used this way: “Hello. My name is__I live in the commu

nity. I want to assure you that I am not selling anything or taking a survey. I am calling because of my concern about the matter of personal safety. There is a lot of crime around us, and it affects our lives. Do you think the time will come when all people will be able to walk on the street at night and feel safe? [Allow for response.] Let me read what God has promised to do.”

• ¹⁴ Using the direct approach to offer Bible studies over the phone has had good results. The study may be demonstrated in a few minutes. Offer to visit the individual at his home to continue the study, or if the person is reluctant, offer to continue the study by phone on another day.

• ¹⁶ When you close a conversation, have in mind something that will lead to your visiting the person at his home or to mailing a piece of literature. If the person hesitates to give you his address, offer to phone again. It may take several calls before he feels comfortable enough to invite you to his home.

• ¹⁶ Taking the Initiative: A 15-year-old sister started her morning service with a phone call. She talked to a woman who agreed to accept a Knowledge book. When the sister delivered the book to the home, the woman wanted to know how the youth knew her phone number, since it was unlisted. The sister had dialed it by mistake! The woman welcomed a study and is now an unbaptized publisher.

• ¹⁷ A sister signed out a telephone territory but held off working it for three weeks because of fear. What gave her the courage to start? She remembered the January 22,1997, Awake! article entitled “When I Am Weak, Then I Am Powerful.” It was about a Witness who preaches by telephone in spite of physical limitations. The sister said: “I prayed to Jehovah and asked for strength. I asked him to give me the proper words to give my presentation.” What was the result of her first day of telephone witnessing? She reports: “Jehovah answered my prayer. The people gave me their attention, and I arranged for a return visit.” Later her telephone witnessing resulted in a Bible study. She concludes: “Jehovah has taught me once more to trust in him and not in myself.”—Prov. 3:5.

• ¹⁸ Presenting the truth by telephone has become a successful method of preaching the good news. Prepare well, and participate wholeheartedly. Do not become discouraged if a favorable response is not forthcoming on the first few tries. Pray for Jehovah’s direction, and compare notes with others who are preaching in this exciting way. With a desire to miss no one in our territory, may we thoroughly carry out our ministry with urgency. —Rom. 10:13, 14.

Announcements

■ Literature offer for February: Life —How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?, Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!, or any older 192-page book that the congregation has in stock. March: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. A special effort will be made to start home Bible studies. April and May: The Wafcft-tower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. Offer the Knowledge book or Require brochure, with a view to starting home Bible studies.

■ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on March 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. When this has been done, make an announcement to the congregation after the next accounts report is read.

■ The secretary and the service overseer should review the activity of all regular pioneers. If any are having difficulty meeting the hour requirement, the elders should arrange for assistance to be given. For suggestions, review Society’s annual S-201 letters. See also paragraphs 12-20 of the August 1986 Our Kingdom Ministry insert.

■ The secretary should see that the Regional Building Committee is kept up-to-date on the status of all baptized publishers who have submitted Kingdom Hall Volunteer Worker Questionnaire (S-82) forms. When there are adjustments in a volunteer’s status, such as when one moves or is appointed as a ministerial servant or elder, new forms should be filled out promptly and submitted. If a volunteer’s mailing address or telephone number changes, or if he Is no longer in good standing in the congregation, the elders should immediately Inform the Regional Building Committee by letter.

■ On Saturday, May 12. 2001, the Society’s facilities in Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York, will be closed for spring cleaning. There will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on that day.

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

■ When working unassigned territory, publishers may offer the Knowledge book or the Require brochure. Any other publication may be offered if the householder already has these two publications. All should carry a variety of tracts for not-at-homes or individuals who do not accept literature. Efforts should be made to follow up interest, especially where unassigned territories may be worked by special pioneers or are accessible to nearby congregations.

■ New Publications Available:

Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind I —Albanian, Arabic, Croatian, Czech, Finnish, Georgian, German, Hungarian, Romanian, Serbian, Sranantongo, Ukrainian

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?  —Korean,

Portuguese, Vietnamese

The Guidance of God—Our Way to Paradise                 —Serbian

Watch Tower Publications Index 19861990                 —Croatian

Watch Tower Publications Index 19961997                  —Russian

Watch Tower Publications Index 1999

—Japanese What Does God Require of Us?

—Malagasy, Maltese, Sango What Happens to Us When We Die?

—Tigrlnya Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22)                —Tigrlnya

You Can Be God’s Friend!

—Albanian, Amharlc, Bulgarian. Cambodian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, East Armenian, Fijian, Finnish, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Iloko, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Na-vqjo, Papiamento, Persian, Punjabi, Samoan, Serbian, Sinhala, Slovak, Thai, Tongan, Twi, Ukrainian

■ New Audiocassettes Available:

Appreciating Our Spiritual Heritage (Drama, single cassette) —Finnish, Spanish

The following questions highlight points you may have observed when watching this video: (1) What facts distinguish the Bible as being unequaled? (2) Give an example of how the Bible, ancient as it is, agrees with modern science. (3) How can we be sure that the Bible of today has not changed from the original writings? (4) What is an outstanding textual feature of the ancient Bible manuscripts, and what confidence does this instill in you? (5) In what ways did John Wycliffe, Johannes Gutenberg, William Tyndale, Mary Jones, and Charles Taze Russell contribute to the spreading of God’s Word around the world? (6) How did the church fiercely oppose the Bible, but what has enabled it to survive to our day? (7) To what extent has Jehovah’s organization translated and produced Bibles?

(8) How has the Bible’s practical counsel helped people deal with problems of compulsive gambling (1 Tim. 6:9, 10), marital separation and infidelity (1 Cor. 13:4, 5; Eph. 5:2833), and preoccupation with material riches (Matt. 16:26)? (9) What evidence is there that applying Scriptural principles can overcome national, ethnic, and racial hatred in the world? (1O) In what ways has learning the contents of the Bible brought you greater happiness? (11) Who do you think would benefit from this video, and how will you present it to them?

• ¹ What is your impression of the apostle Paul? As we read the book of Acts, we appreciate how industrious he was in Jehovah’s service. How did Paul accomplish all that he did? He said: “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.” (Phil. 4:13) We too can benefit from the power Jehovah imparts. How? By taking advantage of six provisions that he makes for us to be revitalized and strengthened spiritually.

• ² God’s Word: Just as we must eat food to maintain our physical strength, we must nourish ourselves with God’s Word in order to stay alive spiritually. (Matt. 4:4) The Bible provides the power to sustain us. To maintain our zeal and enthusiasm for the truth, we need to engage in meaningful personal study and meditation, daily if possible. —Ps. 1:2, 3.

• ³ Prayer: It is important to draw close to Jehovah, particularly during times of special need. By means of his spirit, he gives energizing power to those asking him for it in prayer. (Luke 11:13; Eph. 3: 16) The Scriptures encourage us to “persevere in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12) Do you do that?

■⁴The Congregation: We also draw strength and encouragement from congregation meetings and from the warm association that we enjoy there with our brothers and sisters. (Heb. 10:24, 25) When we are troubled, they help to raise us up and lovingly assist us.—Prov. 17:17; Eccl. 4:10.

⁵ The Field Ministry: Regular participation in the ministry helps us keep focused on the Kingdom and its blessings. Our spirits are lifted when we help others learn about Jehovah. (Acts 20:35) Not all of us can move to serve where the need is greater or share in the full-time service, but we can in other ways have a meaningful share in the ministry.—Heb. 6:10-12.

⁶ Christian Overseers: We benefit from the encouragement and the assistance that the elders provide. Jehovah has assigned them to shepherd the flock of God in their care. (1 Pet. 5:2) Traveling overseers build up the congregations they serve, even as Paul did in his day.—Rom. 1: 11,12.

• ⁷ Examples of Faithful Ones: It is invigorating to consider the positive examples of faithful fellow workers, both ancient and modern. (Heb. 12:1) When you need to be revitalized, why not read one of the encouraging life stories in our magazines, an upbuilding report in the Yearbook, or some of the exciting accounts of the modern-day history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Proclaimers book?

• ⁸ One brother, now in his mid-90’s, accepted the truth as a young lad. While he was still a youngster, his faith was put to the test. First of all, some who had been actively associated with the congregation abandoned Jehovah’s organization. Then there was the house-to-house work, which he found difficult. Nevertheless, he always relied on Jehovah. Soon he was enjoying the ministry. And today? In spite of failing health, he is still a member of the Brooklyn Bethel family, serving on the Governing Body. He has no regrets about sticking to Jehovah’s organization.

• ⁹ A sister who is a member of the Bethel family in Britain was baptized when she was 13. She began pioneering with her brother the next year, and the year after that, her father was imprisoned because of his neutrality during World War H. She kept looking to Jehovah for power, and she continued serving the true God. In time, she married a faithful brother, and together they kept doing Jehovah’s will. After 35 years of marriage, her husband died suddenly. Again she drew strength from Jehovah, and she has kept going to this day, looking forward to serving forever as a member of Jehovah’s earthly family.

• ¹⁰ Jehovah assists and invigorates his faithful servants. “He is giving to the tired one power; and to the one without dynamic energy he makes full might abound.” We can tap into this limitless source of power by taking advantage of all six provisions mentioned above. Remember: “Those who are hoping in Jehovah will regain power. . . . They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not tire out.” (Isa. 40:29-31) Paul leaned heavily upon Jehovah for strength, and so must we.

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