Our Kingdom ministry

March 2001                       For United States of America        km-E Us 3/01 Vol. 44, No. 3

Let Us All Honor Jehovah and His Son

How All Who Attend the Memorial on April 8 Can Benefit More Fully

‘Who today are given special honor? Those whose performances are highly regarded by the world. In most cases, however, their deeds are soon forgotten. But what about deeds that truly benefit all mankind? The greatest of these will receive our closest attention as we observe the Lord’s Evening Meal after sundown on April 8, 2001.

• ² Who is worthy of the highest honor? The Bible answers: “You are worthy, Jehovah,... to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things.” (Rev. 4:11) As the Creator, Jehovah is the Sovereign Ruler of the universe. His worthiness to be honored will never cease! —1 Tim. 1:17.

• ³ Jesus Christ, God’s Son, performed worthy deeds that will bring endless blessings to mankind. He perfectly imitated his Father. (John 5:19) His flawless obedience and faithful service made him “worthy to receive the power and the riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” (Rev. 5:12) His Father honored him by enthroning him as King. (Ps. 2:6-8) As for us, we will have the opportunity to honor both the Father and the Son as we observe the Lord’s Evening Meal on April 8,2001.

• ⁴ Sad to say, relatively few in human history have rendered Jehovah and his Son the honor that is due. At times, even God’s ancient people, the Israelites* rendered only token service to Jehovah. This was blatantly disrespectful. (Mal. 1:6) Proper respect demands faithful obedience based on love and on appreciation for all that Jehovah and his Son have done for us. Giving such honor and respect means that we show godly fear and reverence, acknowledging Jehovah and Jesus in all our ways. The Christian congregation endeavors to teach and assist others to do the same.

• ⁵ A Special Occasion to Show Honor: The observance of the Memorial is the most significant gathering of Jehovah’s people each year. Everyone who has a desire to serve and honor Jehovah should be present. (Luke 22:19) We anticipate that in addition to the 6 million active Witnesses, interested ones will swell the attendance to more than 14 million. What a fine opportunity to honor our heavenly Father! While the observance focuses on Jesus, the honor and respect shown for what he accomplished glorifies the Father, who sent him. —John 5:23.

• ⁶ What can we do to support this special occasion? We can help newly interested ones to benefit fully. Urge them to attend, and where needed, offer kindly assistance to help them get there. Explain the purpose of the discourse. Introduce them to others. What they see and hear could move them to seek to unite with us in honoring Jehovah.

• ⁷ Do not underestimate the impact of the program. A university student had this reaction: “I have attended Communion many times in my church, but this is quite different. I see that this is just like what the Bible says, and I think you have the truth." He began to attend meetings regularly and was soon baptized.

• ⁸ Help New Ones Make Progress: Take note of the new ones who attend the Memorial, and visit them soon after to review the refreshing things they learned and observed. Make them aware of the other meetings, where they can add to their Bible knowledge. A review of chapter 17 of the Knowledge book, “Find Security Among God’s People,” will show them the wide range of spiritual provisions offered by the congregation, which are readily available to them. Arrange for them to view the video Our Whole Association of Brothers so that they can see the unity, joy, and zeal of Jehovah’s people with their own eyes!

• ⁹ It is important that interested ones learn how they can personally show honor and respect for Jehovah. Explain that heartfelt prayer pleases Jehovah and is a constant source of spiritual refreshment. (1 John 5:14) Using lessons 8 through 12 in the Require brochure, describe the kind of conduct that honors Jehovah. By discussing what is stated in the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?, pages 30-1, encourage new ones to think about the possibility of honoring Jehovah by personally sharing in the preaching work.

• ¹⁰ Appreciation for JesuS’ sacrifice and for our privilege to serve as his disciples honors the Father and brings blessings to others. Jesus promised: “If anyone would minister to me, the Father will honor him.”—John 12:26.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting March 12

Song 112

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: “April—Time to ‘Work Hard and Exert Ourselves.’” (Paragraphs 1-13) To be handled by the presiding overseer. An enthusiastic discussion of what we desire to accomplish in April. Encourage everyone in the congregation to do his part to reach the goal of 100-percent participation in the ministry that month.

Song 147 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 19

Song 166

8 min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

17 min: Make Good Use of the 2001 Yearbook. Talk and audience discussion. Review “2000 Grand Totals,” on page 31. Discuss “A Letter From the Governing Body,” on pages 3-5. Have some in the audience relate a report or experience from the new Yearbook that has been especially encouraging and faith strengthening to them. Encourage families to read together the entire Yearbook, just as the worldwide Bethel family does during the year. Highlight the questions on page 255, which can be used to review what is learned. Ask for suggestions on how to use the Yearbook to help Bible students better appreciate Jehovah’s organization and the privilege of being part of it.

20 min: “April—Time to ‘Work Hard and Exert Ourselves.’” (Paragraphs 14-30) To be handled by the service overseer. A talk with selected question-and-answer portions. Everyone should make a practical schedule for sharing as much as possible in the ministry during April. Outline entire schedule of meetings for field service planned for the month. Encourage all who can to auxiliary pioneer and to obtain an application after the meeting. Song 188 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 26

Song 204

1O min: Local announcements. Remind brothers that daylight saving time begins this weekend. This may help auxiliary pioneers to reach their goal. Explain that it is not too late to submit an application to auxiliary pioneer in April. Encourage all to follow the Memorial Bible reading scheduled for April 3-8, as outlined in Examining the Scriptures Daily—2001. Announce when the Watchtower Study will be held for the week of the Memorial. Do not forget the special public talk this Sunday, April 1, entitled “Who Can Be Saved?” Urge everyone to share in the ministry that same day, getting April off to a good start.

20 min: “Let Us All Honor Jehovah and His Son.” A Scripturally motivating talk by an elder. Encourage everyone to share as fully as possible in the special activity planned for April and to put forth extra effort to invite people to the Memorial.

15 min: Preparing Our Magazine Presentations. We will offer The Watchtower and Awake! during April. Review page 8, paragraphs 3 and 10, in the October 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry. Highlight (1) an article, (2) an appropriate talking point, (3) a question to stimulate interest, and (4) a timely scripture that could be used effectively in presenting each of the current magazines. Endeavor to use the Require brochure or the Knowledge book to start Bible studies with interested people. Conclude with a well-prepared demonstration of how this might be done on the initial call.

Song 207 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 2

Song 220

9 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for March. Review “Memorial Reminders.”

18 min: “Love Motivates Us to Preach.’” Highlight the scriptures in the article. Include thoughts presented in Insight, Volume 2, page 673, paragraph 1. Invite a publisher who has been active for many years to relate how love for God motivates him to persist in the preaching work. Urge all publishers to share in the witnessing work during April and every month thereafter.

18 min: “Help Others Attend Meetings.'” The June 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, paragraphs 14-16, offers additional suggestions for directing Bible students to the organization. Show how both the Require brochure (lesson 5, paragraph 7) and the Knowledge book (chapter 5, paragraph 22) can be used early on to encourage meeting attendance. To illustrate this, have a well-prepared demonstration of a capable publisher warmly encouraging a student to think seriously about coming to meetings. Song 47 and concluding prayer.

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

© 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 cl New 'ibrk. 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 otlices. POSTMASTER; Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, c/o Watchtower. Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                    Printed in USA

April—Time to ‘Work Hard and Exert Ourselves’

• ¹ The weeks surrounding the Memorial are a time of reflection for Jehovah’s people. This is a time to ponder what was accomplished by Christ’s death and to contemplate our God-given hope made possible by Jesus’ shed blood. As you think back to April 19th of last year, what comes to your mind? Can you remember the faces you saw on that spring evening? the rich, spiritual atmosphere at the Memorial? the serious Biblical discussion and heartfelt prayers? Perhaps you resolved to demonstrate more fully the depth of your gratitude for the love shown to you by Jehovah and Jesus. How does such meditation affect you now?

• ² It is clear that Jehovah’s people express thankfulness that goes well beyond words. (Col. 3:15,17) Last April, particularly, we reached out to show our appreciation for Jehovah’s provisions for salvation by expending ourselves in the Christian ministry. Auxiliary pioneers numbered into the thousands, exceeding the previous peak in the contiguous United States by 27 percent. Their effort, along with that of all other Kingdom proclaimers, resulted in new peaks in hours, magazine placements, and return visits. Our joy was enhanced by seeing thousands of new Bible studies started and a new peak attendance at the Memorial!

• ³ Indeed, the certainty of our hope stirs us to action. It is just as the apostle Paul wrote: “To this end we are working hard and exerting ourselves, because we have rested our hope on a living God, who is a Savior of all sorts of men, especially of faithful ones.” —1 Tim. 4:10.

• ⁴ This Memorial season, how will you demonstrate your faith in Jehovah’s provisions for life? Last April we saw the second highest number of Kingdom proclaimers ever recorded in the United States. Can we exceed that number this April? It is well within our reach. But every publisher, baptized and unbaptized, will need to participate. Many new ones may also qualify to take part. Thus, as you make plans to work hard and exert yourself this April, consider ways in which you can stimulate others, including newer and less experienced ones, to accompany you.

  Whom Can YbuEncourage to Publish in April?

  Your child? A Bible student? Someone who has become inactive?

  
  

• ⁵ Helping Some to Resume Their Activity: If you know some who have not been out in field service for a month or two, perhaps you could encourage them and invite them to accompany you in the field service. If some in the congregation have become inactive, the elders will make a special effort to visit them and encourage them to start again in April.

⁸ All of us must continue asking for Jehovah’s spirit to strengthen us in his service. (Luke 11:13) What must we do to receive that spirit? Read God’s inspired Word. (2 Tim. 3: 16,17) We must also “hear what the spirit says to the congregations” by being in attendance at all five weekly meetings. (Rev. 3:6) Now is an opportune time to help irregular and inactive ones improve in their study habits and establish constancy in their meeting attendance. (Ps. 50:23) We do this while keeping close watch on our own spiritual welfare. Yet, something else is required.

• ⁷ The apostle Peter explained that God gives his holy spirit “to those obeying him as ruler.” (Acts 5:32) Such obedience includes heeding the order “to preach to the people and to give a thorough witness.” (Acts 1:8; 10: 42) Thus, although it is true that we need God’s spirit to strengthen us to preach, it is also true that as we begin to demonstrate our desire to please Jehovah, he helps us even further. May we never minimize the importance of taking those initial steps of willing obedience!

  *m-EUs3/01

  
  

  OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY, MARCH 2001

  
  

• ⁸ Helping Young Ones: Parents, have you seen evidence that your children want to talk to others about the truth? Have they been accompanying you in field service? Are they exemplary in their conduct? If so, why hesitate? Approach one of the members of the Congregation Service Committee, and see whether your child is qualified to be counted as a publisher this April. (See the Our Ministry book, pages 99-100.) Recognize that your children can contribute in a mighty way to the shout of praise to Jehovah this Memorial season. —Matt. 21:15, 16.

• ⁹ A Christian mother in Georgia, U.S.A., always encouraged her young daughter to talk to others about Jehovah. Last year, as the girl was engaging in the ministry with her mother, she placed a Require brochure with a man and briefly explained the table of contents. He asked her: “How old are you?” She said: “Seven.” The man was surprised to see her give such a meaningful presentation. It so happened that he had been raised around the truth but had never taken it seriously as a way of life. Soon, a Bible study was being conducted with the man, his wife, and his daughter.

• ¹⁰ Many young ones are already publishers, and we enjoy their company as they work along with us in service. These youths can motivate and encourage others their own age. But April is also a fitting time for individual families to strengthen their bonds and build spirituality by working together in sacred service. Family heads should take the lead in this.—Prov. 24:27.

• ¹¹ Helping New Ones: How about the new ones with whom you are studying the Bible? Might they contribute to the special effort this April? Perhaps they expressed a desire to tell others what they were learning as you covered chapter 2, paragraph 22, or chapter 11, paragraph 14, in the Knowledge book. If you are nearing the end of the book, prepare to discuss this matter plainly as you cover chapter 18, paragraph 8, which states: “Probably you are eager to tell your relatives, friends, and others what you are learning. In fact, you may already have been doing this, even as Jesus shared the good news with others in informal settings. (Luke 10:38, 39; John 4:6-15) Now you may want to do more.” Is this true of those with whom you are studying?

• ¹² Does your student believe the Word of God? Has he been applying Bible principles? Has he brought his life into harmony with divine standards? Has he been attending congregation meetings? Does he want to serve Jehovah God? Then why not encourage him to talk with the elders so that they can determine whether he qualifies to become an rm-baptized publisher and work along with you in April? (See Our Ministry book, pages 97-9.) In this way he can begin to experience firsthand how Jehovah’s organization will support him in his efforts to serve Jehovah.

• ¹³ True, some students progress faster than others. Thus, in harmony with the direction in the June 2000 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4, paragraphs 5-6, many have been studying a second book with people who manifested interest initially but who needed additional help to become actively associated. We never give up hope that these honest-hearted ones will become genuine disciples of Christ, “whether in a short time or in a long time.” (Acts 26:29) Yet, if the number of months that you have been studying with such individuals is best described as “a long time,” might this Memorial season be a good opportunity for your student to begin demonstrating the depth of his appreciation for Christ’s ransom?

• ¹⁴ How to Help Them Share: We learn much about helping qualified ones to start out in the ministry by examining how Jesus trained others. He did not just find a crowd and tell his apostles to start talking. He first emphasized the need for the preaching work, encouraged a prayerful attitude, and then gave them three basic provisions: a partner, a territory assignment, and a message. (Matt. 9: 35-38; 10:5-7; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:2,6) You can do the same. Whether you will be helping your own child, a new student, or someone who has not reported any activity for a while, it would be appropriate to make a special effort to pursue the following objectives.

• ¹⁵ Highlight the Need: Impress upon the person the importance of the preaching work. Be cheerful about it. Relate experiences that show what the congregation is accomplishing in the ministry. Display the spirit Jesus expressed at Matthew 9:36-38. Encourage the prospective publisher or the inactive one to pray about his personal participation in the ministry as well as for the success of the work worldwide.

• ¹⁶ Get the Person Thinking About the Many Opportunities There Are to Witness: Mention the possibility of meeting with the book study group for house-to-house witnessing. Speak of conversing with relatives and acquaintances or talking with workmates or schoolmates during lunch breaks. When traveling on public transportation, one can often strike up a conversation simply by showing personal interest in fellow passengers. When we take the initiative, this often creates an opening to give a fine witness. Truly there are many occasions to share our hope with others “from day to day.”—Ps. 96:2, 3.

• ¹¹ Likely, though, it would be preferable for you and the new publisher to work together from house to house as soon as possible. If you have set a goal of increasing your service during April, ask the territory servant if a convenient territory is available. If so, this would afford you opportunities to work it thoroughly. For example, as you finish service or travel to meetings or other places, you may notice that someone is home at a residence where previously no one was found or where interest was shown. If appropriate, make a brief call when it would be most effective. This, in turn, will contribute to a sense of accomplishment and joy in the ministry.

• ¹⁸ Prepare an Appealing Message: It is one thing for someone to want to share the Kingdom message, but it is quite another for him to feel confident about his manner of communicating it, especially if he is new or has not been out in service for a long time. Helping new and inactive ones to prepare is time well spent. Service Meetings and meetings for field service can provide helpful ideas, but there is no substitute for personal preparation.

• ¹⁹ How can you help new ones to prepare for service? Start with a magazine presentation, and keep it simple and brief! Ask them to think about events in the news that would be of concern to those in the territory, and then find a point in one of the current magazines that relates to it. Practice the presentation together, and use it in the ministry as soon as possible.

• ²⁰ Develop Our Potential for Future Increase: Last year the worldwide Memorial attendance was over 14.8 million. The number reporting as publishers was just over six million. This means that about 8.8 million people were interested enough to come to this special program where they heard one of the Bible’s major teachings explained. They got to know some of us personally, which likely impressed them favorably. Many of them speak highly of us, contribute toward our worldwide work, and defend us before others. This large group represents a potential for future increase. What can we do to help them make further advancement?

• ²¹ The majority of new ones attending the Memorial do so as a result of a personal invitation from one of us. Usually, this means that they have at least one personal acquaintance in the audience. If someone attends in response to our invitation, we have a responsibility to make him feel welcome and assist him to benefit fully from the program. Since the hall will be crowded, help him find a seat. Lend him a Bible, and invite him to share your songbook. Answer any questions he may ask. Your warm personal attention can be a major factor in cultivating his interest. Of course, all of us share this responsibility—if we see an unfamiliar face, extend a warm welcome and converse briefly to get acquainted.

• ²² Attendance at the Memorial can have a real impact on a person’s thinking. The fact that he has come to the meeting may suggest that he has not found what he is searching for elsewhere and that we offer something he feels a need to examine more closely. The explanation of the marvelous ransom provision may be a profound revelation to a person who has no concept of Jehovah’s boundless love. He may readily see that we are different—sincere, friendly, loving, and respectful. Our hall bears no resemblance to what he may have seen in the churches that feature images and meaningless rituals. New ones are sure to notice that the audience is composed of people from all walks of life and that no collections are taken. This exposure can be a powerful incentive for them to return.

• ²³ After the Memorial, someone should be alert to provide follow-up assistance to every new person who attended. If you invited new ones, you have a special responsibility. Before they leave, make sure they know about the other meetings at the Kingdom Hall. Mention the title of the next public talk. Let them know the location and time of the Congregation Book Study nearest their home. Later, supply them with a copy of the Creator book, and let them know that the discussion for the week of April 30 is “What Can You Learn About the Creator From a Book?” Explain why the whole congregation is planning to attend a nearby district convention that is scheduled in the near future.

• ²⁴ Arrange for a cordial visit at their home. Make sure they have copies of the Require brochure and the knowledge book, which acquaint them with the fundamental teachings of the Bible. If they are not studying already, offer them a Bible study. Suggest that they read the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?, which presents a clear picture of how we function as an organization. Invite them to view our videos, such as Our Whole Association of Brothers. Arrange for them to meet others in the congregation. In the coming months, keep in touch with new ones; invite them to attend the meetings when the circuit overseer visits or when you have a circuit assembly or special assembly day. Give them every opportunity to show themselves “rightly disposed for everlasting life”!—Acts 13:48.

• ²⁵ What the Elders Can Do: The success of the intensified effort in the ministry this April will depend, in large measure, on the elders. If you are a book study conductor, make a list of things that you can do to help everyone in your book study group participate in the special activities. Are there any assigned to your group who are young, new, irregular, or inactive? Check to see whether the parents, pioneers, or other publishers have taken the initiative to help them. Provide whatever personal assistance you yourself can offer. One sister who had been irregular in field service for two years spent more than 50 hours in the ministry last April. What made the difference for her? She said that it was the upbuilding shepherding calls made by the elders.

• ²⁸ Elders and ministerial servants should cooperate to ensure that there is enough territory, magazines, and literature for the upcoming month. Can additional meetings for field service be arranged? If so, make the special arrangements known. Above all, in your public and private prayers, ask for Jehovah’s blessing on our month of heightened Kingdom activity.—Rom. 15:30, 31; 2 Thess. 3:1.

• ²⁷ Last April in a congregation in North Carolina, the elders really encouraged increased activity in the ministry. At the meetings each week, they invited the publishers to consider prayerfully whether they could enroll as auxiliary pioneers. At every opportunity, all in the servant body talked enthusiastically about making April the best month ever. As a result, 58 percent of the publishers, including all the elders and ministerial servants, pioneered that month!

• ²⁸ The Joy of Having a Full Share: What are the blessings of “working hard and exerting ourselves” in the ministry? (1 Tim. 4:10) Regarding their congregation’s zealous activity last April, the above-mentioned elders wrote: “The brothers and sisters often speak about how much more love and closeness they feel toward one another since they began working more in the field ministry.”

• ²⁹ A young brother with limited mobility longed to have a share in the special activity last April. By means of careful planning and with the help of his mother and spiritual brothers and sisters, he enjoyed a productive month as an auxiliary pioneer. How did he feel about the experience? He said: “For the first time in my life, I felt like an able-bodied man.”

• ³⁰ There is no doubt that Jehovah blesses richly those who highly esteem their privilege of talking about his kingship. (Ps. 145:11, 12) As we commemorate our Lord’s death, we un-' derstand that the blessings for godly devotion will be even more abundant in the future. The apostle Paul keenly longed for the reward of eternal life. Yet, he knew that this was not something for which he could just sit back and hope. He wrote: “To this end I am indeed working hard, exerting myself in accordance with the operation of him and which is at work in me with power.” (Col. 1:29) Jehovah, through Jesus, made Paul powerful to accomplish a lifesaving ministry, and He can do the same for us today. Will that be your personal experience this April?

Announcements

■ Literature offer for March: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. A special effort will be made to start home Bible studies. April and May: The Watchtower 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. June: What Does God Require of Us? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. Concentrate on starting home Bible studies.

■ Publishers who wish to serve as auxiliary pioneers in April should make their plans now and turn in their application early. This will help the elders to make necessary field service arrangements and have sufficient magazines and other literature on hand. The names of all who are approved to auxiliary pioneer should be announced to the congregation.

■ The Memorial will be held on Sunday, April 8, 2001. No meetings other than those for field service will be held on that day. The elders can make appropriate arrangements for the Watchtower Study to be conducted at another time.

■ Those associated with a congregation should send all new and renewal subscriptions for The Watchtower and Awake!, including their personal subscriptions, through the congregation.

■ The Society does not fill individual publishers’ requests for literature. The presiding overseer should arrange for an announcement to be made each month before the congregation’s monthly request for literature is sent to the Society so that all -who are interested in obtaining personal literature items may advise the brother handling literature. Please keep in mind which publications are special-request items.

■ It is important that groups of 20 or more people planning to visit the Society’s facilities first correspond by mail with the Central Tour Desk at 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, NY 12563-9204. The Central Tour Desk will care for groups that will be visiting the Society’s facilities at Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York, or the Assembly Hall at Jersey City, New Jersey. Please send information on the number coming and the dates and times for visiting each location. The Society will provide a description of the tours that are available as well as a map giving directions to each location. LODGING INFORMATION HAS BEEN SENT TO THE CONGREGATION ELDERS AND MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CONGREGATION SECRETARY. Before your visit, please review the March 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry Question Box regarding proper dress and grooming when visiting Bethel homes.

■ A packet of legal material is available to assist publishers who are involved in lawsuits over child custody and visitation matters in which our religion is under attack. The packet should be requested by the body of elders only in a case in which it Is evident that the publisher’s religious beliefs will be at issue. For those facing secular issues on child custody or visitation, helpful information can be found in Aivake! of December 8, 1997, pages 3-12; in Awake! of October 22,1988, pages 214; and on the chart found in Awake! of April 22, 1991, page 9.

■ The announcement in the January 2001 Our Kingdom Ministry should have read: Knoivledge That Leads to Everlasting Life—Chinese Simplified (Pinyin). Chinese Simplified (Pinyin) publications contain Simplified Chinese text along with Pinyin pronunciation symbols. These publications are especially helpful to those learning to read Mandarin Chinese.

■ New Publications Available: Bible Topics for Discussion

—Amharic

Jesus Christ—Who Is He? (Tract No. 24)              . —Estonian

Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract

No. 15)                —Zande

Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy!

—Tigri nya

Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?        —Luganda, Zande

The Guidance of God—Our Way to Paradise     —Albanian, Tamil

What Does God Require of Us?

—Chinese Simplified (Pinyin) You Can Be God’s Friend!

—Chichewa, Indonesian, Shona, Tumbuka

Memorial Reminders

The Memorial observance this year falls on Sunday, April 8. The elders should give attention to the following matters:

• ■ In setting the time for the meeting, make sure that the emblems will not be passed until after sundown.

• ■ Everyone, including the speaker, should be informed of the exact time and location of the observance.

• ■ The appropriate type of bread and wine should be obtained and made ready. —See the February 15,1985, Watchtower, page 19. '

• ■ Plates, glasses, and a suitable table and tablecloth should be brought to the hall and put in place in advance.

• ■ The Kingdom Hall or other place of meeting should be thoroughly cleaned ahead of time.

• ■ Attendants and servers should be selected and instructed in advance about their duties and the proper procedure.

• ■ Arrangements should be made to serve any of the anointed who are inflrm and unable to be present.

■ When more than one congregation is scheduled to use the same Kingdom Hall, there should be good coordination among congregations so as to avoid unnecessary congestion in the lobby or entryway, on the public sidewalks, and in the parking lot.

Love Motivates Us to Preach

• ¹ As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we are best known formeing zealous ■preachefS' <51 the Kingdom message. (Matt. 24:14) More than six .million⁷are motive worldwide^ new ones are added when they join with us in preaching. Numbers, are tabulated on the basisZof participation in this work. " -%

• ² What motivates u,s to volunteer Ifor such a chafienging assignment? We are not forced, enticed by material gain, or of-v, feted special honors. Initially,; many of us were intimidated because we felt unqualified, and the public response was often negative. (Matt. 24:9) Most observers are at a loss to~ understate what motivates us. There must be a compelling reason for us to persevere.

’The Power of Love: Jesus commands when he stated that we (‘must love Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, nund, and. strength.’)(Mark 12j3ojour love^{1 2 3 4} for Jehovalr is ~ tooted in deep feelings of appreciation for who and ^hat he is—the Sovereign Ruler, the Creator of all things, who is(‘worthy to receive glory, honor, and power.’J(Rev. 4:11) His marvelous qualitiesare beyond compare.—fcx. 34:^7>

⁴ Knowing and loving Jehovah moves us^to let our light shine "before men. (Matt. 5:16) Our light shines when?we publicly praise him, speak about his wonderful works, and spread the message about his Kingdom. Just like the angePin midheaven, we have “everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings ... to every nation and tribe 14g) Our love is the force behind the worldwide preaching work.

. ⁵^The world views our preacfi-. ing as “foolishness” that should be ’ignored. (1 Cor. 1:18) Widespread efforts have been made to-Suppress our work. Our loyal love)has strengthened usjfeo de-cTSfe, as did the apostles: CWe cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard. ... We must obey God as ruler rather than men.y(Actsjk20^5: 29) The preaching work continues to expand in all parts of the earth in spite of opposition.

⁶ Our loveJor Jehovah is like a burning TTrerthat compels us to declare abroad his^xcellencies. (Jer. 20:9; 1 Pet. 2:9?We will continue to “make known among the peoples his dealings7.. for he fias done surpassingly”!—Isa.

Help Others Attend Meetings

gives practical help in applying “all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27; Luke 12:42) Meetings provide personal training in the art of teaching God’s Word. Reminders from the Scriptures help us to enjoy successful relationships with others and with Jehovah himself. Associating with those who love God strengthens our faith—Rom. 1: 11, 12.

’Give a Direct Invitation: From the first study, invite every Bible student to the meetings. Give him a handbill. Stir his interest by sharing a point that encouraged you from the last meeting and by considering something that will be discussed at the next meeting. Describe what the Kingdom Hall is like, and make sure he knows how to find it.

• ⁴ If a student does not attend right away, continue inviting him. Take a few minutes each week to show him how our organization functions. Use the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe? and the video Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name to familiarize him with us and our meetings. Bring other publishers along to acquaint the student with them. In prayer, thank Jehovah for the organization and mention the student’s need to associate with it.

• ⁵ Do not hesitate to help newly interested ones to congregate with us. As their appreciation for Jehovah grows, they will be moved to apply what they learn and to become part of God’s unified organization.—1 Cor. 14:25.

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“Any friends in the vicinity .. . who desire to attend the meetings are cordially invited to do so.” Ever since this announcement appeared in the November 1880 issue of Zion's Watch Tower, Jehovah’s Witnesses have eagerly invited people to gather together for Bible instruction. (Rev. 22:17) This is an essential part of true worship.

²

It Is Vital to Attend: Bless

³

ings result when we associate

⁴

with the congregation. We become better acquainted with

⁵

our marvelous God, Jehovah. In the congregation, we meet together to be “taught by Jehovah.” (Isa. 54:13) His organization outlines a continuous program of Bible instruction that draws us closer to him and