May 2002 For United States of America km-E Us 5/02 Vol. 45, No. 5
Our Faith Moves Us to Good Works
1 Faith caused Noah, Moses, and Rahab to act. Noah built the ark. Moses forsook the temporary advantages of life in Pharaoh’s court. Rahab hid the spies and then obeyed their instructions, saving her household. (Heb. 11:7, 24-26, 31) What good works does our faith move us to produce today?
2 Witnessing: Faith moves us to speak about our wonderful God and his provisions for eternal happiness. (2 Cor. 4: 13) At times, we may feel hesitant to give a witness. But when we ‘place Jehovah in front of us constantly,’ we are strengthened and fear subsides. (Ps. 16:8) Then our faith impels us to share the good news with relatives, neighbors, workmates, schoolmates, and others on every appropriate occasion.—Rom. 1:14-16.
3 Meeting Together: Regular meeting attendance is another good work that springs from faith. How so? It shows our conviction that Jesus is present with us by means of God’s holy spirit when we gather at Christian meetings. (Matt. 18:20) It manifests our desire to “hear what the spirit says to the congregations.” (Rev. 3:6) We take seriously the instruction that we receive because our eyes of faith perceive that the one teaching us is our Grand Instructor, Jehovah.—Isa. 30:20.
4 The Choices We Make: Strong conviction of unseen realities moves us to give spiritual matters priority in our lives. (Heb. 11:1) This often involves making material sacrifices. For example, an elder turned down a lucrative secular opportunity because it would have meant missing meetings, being away from his family, and relinquishing his pioneer ministry. May we likewise place our full confidence in the Bible’s assurance that Jehovah will provide for those who “keep on . . . seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness.”—Matt. 6:33.
5 The powerful influence that faith exerts on our lives does not go unnoticed by others. Indeed, our faith is known earth wide. (Rom. 1:8) May all of us, therefore, demonstrate by our good works that our faith is alive. —Jas. 2:26.
Are You Using the Require Brochure to Start Studies?
1 Did you realize that if you regularly and systematically have Bible discussions, though brief, with an interested person and cover material in one of the recommended publications, you are conducting a Bible study? Yes, this is true even if the study takes place on the doorstep or over the telephone. Why not make a special effort during May and June to start such a study using the Require brochure?
2 Prepare for Success: When offering the Require brochure, have clearly in mind what you want to discuss. If you are making a return visit, think about the conversation you had on the initial call. Ask yourself: ‘Which paragraphs in the brochure can I feature to build on that discussion and lead into a Bible study?’ If you are calling from house to house, consider what subjects will appeal to a teenager, an older person, a man, or a woman. Review the brochure’s topics, and identify a subject of interest. After deciding on an approach, practice several times. This is one of the keys to success.
3 The January 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry insert gives eight “Suggestions for Presenting the Require Brochure.” The box “The Direct Approach” shows how to use the brochure to start studies. You might adapt the first suggestion as follows:
■ “Did you know that in just a few minutes, you can find the answer to an important Bible question? For example, why are there so many religions that claim to be Christian? Have you ever wondered about that?” After the person responds, turn to lesson 13 and discuss the first two paragraphs. As time permits, read and discuss a scripture or two. Then read the last question at the top of the page, and say: “The rest of the lesson highlights five identifying marks of true religion. I would be happy to return and consider these with you.”
4 Be Persistent: Take advantage of every opportunity to demonstrate a Bible study in the Require brochure. Ask for Jehovah’s blessing. (Matt. 21:22) By persisting in your efforts, you may taste the joy of helping someone to respond to the good news!
Service Meeting Schedule
note: Our Kingdom Ministry will schedule a Service Meeting for each week during the summer months. Congregations may make adjustments as needed to allow for attending the “Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers” District Convention. Where appropriate, use 15 minutes on the last Service Meeting before attending the convention to repeat pointed counsel from this month’s insert that applies locally. During the month of October, an entire Service Meeting will be arranged to review highlights of the convention program. In preparation for that discussion, all of us can take meaningful notes at the convention, including a list of specific points that we wish to apply personally in our own life and in the field ministry. Then we can explain how we have applied those suggestions since attending the convention. It will be mutually upbuilding to hear one another tell how they benefited from the good instruction that was received.
Week Starting May 13
Song 37
15 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Using the suggestions on page 8, have separate demonstrations of how to present the May 15 Watchtower and the May 22 Awake! In each demonstration, show a different way to handle the conversation stopper “I’m busy.”—See Reasoning book, pages 19-20.
15 min: “A Special Interchange of Encouragement.” A talk. Build appreciation for attending the district convention. Urge all to be present for every session, from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon.
15 min: “Always Pursue What Is Good.”* Stress the need to abide by the rooming arrangements that have been put into place for our benefit. Emphasize the six reminders in paragraph 2. Explain why good conduct on everyone’s part is essential.
Song 115 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting May 20
Song 13
15 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Review Question Box.
12 min: “Satisfy Your Spiritual Need.” Talk and audience discussion. Consider the reasons why all should pay close attention to the convention program. Stress the need to apply what we learn rather than just to hear. Consider the note above regarding what is planned for a Service Meeting in October, when there will be a review of district convention highlights. Encourage all to take notes. Invite a few expressions about the benefits derived from last year’s program.
18 min: “Modesty in Dress and Grooming.”* To be handled by an elder, who will read each paragraph after it is discussed. Help all to appreciate why it is important to be careful about our personal appearance in public.
Song 169 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting May 27
Song 208
12 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for May. Using the suggestions on page 8, have an older publisher demonstrate how to present the June 1 Watchtower and have a younger publisher show how to present the June 8 Awake! After each demonstration, comment on how easily a scripture can be included in the presentation.
15 min: “Does Your Congregation Have a Large Territory?” Talk and audience discussion to be handled by the service overseer. (Congregations having limited territory can review the article “Make Your Time Count,” in the June 1999 Our Kingdom Ministry.) Point out how much territory the congregation holds and how much of it has been covered in the past year. Explain how the suggestions offered might be applied locally. Review plans being made to cover seldom-worked territory in the near future.
18 min: “Are You Using the Require Brochure to Start Studies?” (All should have the January 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry insert with them for this discussion.) Begin by having a well-prepared publisher demonstrate how to start a study, using the example in paragraph 3. Afterward, mention highlights of the brochure, and explain how it is well designed for starting studies. Show the value of reviewing the suggested presentations in the January 2002 insert. Ask the audience which suggestions have been successful for them. Conclude by repeating the above demonstration. Song 93 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting June 3
Song 178
15 min: Local announcements. Arrange for publishers to relate the blessings they experienced as a result of sharing in the auxiliary or regular pioneer work during March, April, or May.
15 min: How the Reasoning Book Uses Other Bible Translations. Brief talk followed by audience discussion. Read paragraph 2 on page 8 of the Reasoning book, and explain why and how the Bible should be highlighted in our ministry. Point out the list of Bible abbreviations on page 6, and explain why we use renderings from other translations. Discuss the cautions mentioned in the October 1, 1997, Watchtower, page 16, paragraph 2, and page 20, paragraph 15. Using the subjects “Apostolic Succession,” “Images,” and “Trinity” in the Reasoning book, invite the audience to illustrate how comparing translations can be helpful in teaching the truth.
15 min: “Our Faith Moves Us to Good Works.”* When discussing paragraph 2, briefly interview a zealous Witness. Have the publisher express how witnessing to others both demonstrates and strengthens his or her faith.
Song 56 and concluding prayer.
* Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion.
FEBRUARY SERVICE REPORT
Kv. Av. Av. Av.
Number of: Hrs. Mags. R.V Bi.St.
Sp'l Pios. 123 119.6 105.8 53.2 5.3
Pios 88,617 62.3 43.3 20.6 1.8
Aux.PioS. 16,055 48.5 36.2 13.8 1.1
Pubs. 857,101 9.0 8.1 3.5 O.3
TOTAL 961,896 Baptized: 1,525
© 2002 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, 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, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299. Printed in U.S.A.
1 Not a day passes without Jehovah’s people facing tests of their faith. Knowing he has a short period of time, the Devil is making a final onslaught to break our integrity to Jehovah. (Rev. 12:12) It is vital that we “go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength” so that we “may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after [we] have done all things thoroughly, to stand firm.” —Eph. 6:10, 13.
Plan to Attend All Three Days
■ Ask for time off from work.
■ Reserve lodging at the convention city.
■ Arrange transportation to the convention.
2 Gathering with fellow believers is a provision from Jehovah to help us acquire power. The apostle Paul appreciated this. He longed to be in the company of his Christian brothers so that they could “be encouraged together” and “be made firm.” (Rom. 1:11, 12, ftn.) To fortify us in doing God’s will, the Governing Body has lovingly arranged to give us the opportunity to benefit from an interchange of encouragement at the upcoming “Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers” District Convention.
3 Be There to Benefit: Make it your goal to be present for all three days. We ‘benefit ourselves’ by arriving before the first song and remaining through our heartfelt “Amen” at the closing prayer. (Isa. 48: 17, 18) Many will need to arrange their work schedule well in advance so that they have the time available to attend all three days. Granted, it may not be easy to get your employer to give you the time off, but we have Jehovah’s assurance that he will help us to do his will. (1 John 5:14,15) If we have not done so already, now is the time to make definite arrangements for transportation and lodging, not leaving anything to chance. We can be confident that Jehovah will bless our efforts to attend all three days.—Prov. 10:22.
4 Anticipate the Encouragement: Have you ever left a district convention, saying: “That was the best one ever!” Why might you have felt that way? It is because as imperfect humans we can gradually become worn down, finding ourselves in need of spiritual encouragement. (Isa. 40:30) One sister observed: “This system wears me down, and the conventions refocus my spiritual outlook, giving me the spiritual boost that I need. It seems as if the encouragement comes at just the time I need it the most.” Likely you have experienced similar feelings.
5 We receive needed encouragement not only by way of talks and interviews but also through other rich features of our conventions. One brother commented: “It is the clear, practical application of Bible principles that I really appreciate. Of course, the dramas are invaluable in showing how we can benefit from past examples, both good and bad. The releases are something I always look forward to, and I enjoy them long after returning home.”
6 Conventions are a vital provision from Jehovah during these “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Tim. 3:1) They help us heed the inspired counsel: “Stay awake, stand firm in the faith, carry on as men, grow mighty.” (1 Cor. 16:13) Therefore, let us be determined to attend every session and enjoy a rich interchange of encouragement at our “Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers” District Convention!
1 The Christian way of life involves ‘always pursuing what is good toward all people.’ (1 Thess. 5:15) When attending our district conventions, we have many opportunities to do something good for others. On those occasions, we are in the public eye, and all who come in contact with us form opinions about us based on the way we treat them. To preserve a fine reputation as Jehovah’s Witnesses, we need to show by our actions that we “honor men of all sorts.” (1 Pet. 2: 17) That includes “keeping an eye, not in personal interest upon just [our] own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others.” (Phil. 2:4) Consider how this applies to the convention rooming arrangement.
2 Have you made your hotel reservations yet? (1) Since the hotel wants to fill all available rooms, do not reserve more rooms than you plan to use. (2) Do not expect the hotel to save your room unless you make the appropriate deposit in advance of your arrival. (3) When you check in at the hotel, display patience and respect toward the hotel staff as they endeavor to accommodate you. (4) If a complimentary breakfast is included, do not abuse this provision, which is made for hotel guests only. (5) Abide by all the hotel’s rules regarding the use of its premises. (6) Leave a customary tip for the housekeeper.
3 Teaching Children How to Do Good: On occasion, children who have been left without proper adult direction at hotels have caused problems. (Prov. 29:15) In some cases, parents were involved in other activities and left their children unsupervised in the room, at the swimming pool, or elsewhere in the hotel. Some children became so rowdy that the management found it necessary to restrict them from using certain facilities or had to close the pool or other recreational areas altogether. This disturbed and inconvenienced other hotel guests, both Witnesses and non-Witnesses.
Please Remember:
■ Be patient and respectful toward the hotel staff.
■ Observe hotel rules, to the benefit of all guests.
■ Do not abuse complimentary breakfast provisions.
■ Properly monitor the actions of your children.
4 Parents, prior to the convention, it would be helpful if you spend some time reviewing with your children the kind of Christian behavior that is expected of them at all times and in all places. (Eph. 6:4) For example, point out to them that genuine Christian love “does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked.” (1 Cor. 13:5) Adults can reinforce these words by setting the right example for all to see. Children, you can pursue what is good by obeying your parents, showing respect for hotel property, and being considerate of those around you. (Col. 3:20) As we unitedly strive to do good toward all, we “adorn the teaching of our Savior, God, in all things.”—Titus 2:10.
5 Our fine conduct has a positive effect not only on observers in general but also on those who have been critical of us for one reason or another. In everything we do at the convention and throughout the convention city—whether walking on the street, eating in a restaurant, relaxing at the hotel, or taking advantage of opportunities to give an informal witness—our Christian speech and actions should prove that we want to pursue what is good.
1 Our upcoming “Zealous Kingdom Pro-claimers” District Convention affords us a wonderful opportunity to satisfy our spiritual need. Like a wholesome physical meal, the program promises to nourish us spiritually “with the words of the faith.” (1 Tim. 4:6) It will enable us to draw closer to Jehovah. And we can expect to receive counsel and encouragement to help us cope with trials in our lives. Jehovah assures us: “I shall make you have insight and instruct you in the way you should go. I will give advice with my eye upon you.” (Ps. 32:8) How blessed we are to have his loving guidance in our lives! Consider some practical steps we can take to get the most benefit from the convention program.
2 We Need to Prepare Our Heart: Each of us has a responsibility to safeguard his own figurative heart. (Prov. 4:23) This requires that we exercise self-discipline and that we be honest with ourselves. The convention is a time to meditate on our relationship with Jehovah, a time to ‘peer into the perfect law that belongs to freedom.’ To prepare our heart to ‘accept the implanting of the word,’ we should beseech Jehovah to search us through, to identify in us any “painful way” needing correction, and to lead us in “the way of time indefinite.” —Jas. 1:21, 25; Ps. 139:23, 24.
3 Listen and Meditate: Jesus commended Mary for paying rapt attention to his words, saying: “Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:39, 42) If we have the same mental disposition, we will not allow trivial matters to distract us. We will make sure that we are seated and attentive during the entire program. We will avoid talking or walking about unnecessarily and will be careful not to distract others with cellular phones, pagers, cameras, and camcorders.
Meditate on What You Hear:
■ How does it affect my relationship with Jehovah?
■ How does it influence my dealings with others?
■ How can I apply it in my life and in my ministry?
4 When we listen to the talks, it is good to take brief notes to help us analyze how the subject is being developed. We should connect what we hear with what we already know. This will help us to grasp and retain the material. When reviewing our notes, we need to do so with a view to applying the material. Each one of us can well ask: ‘How does this affect my relationship with Jehovah? What adjustments do I need to make in my life? How can I apply this information in my dealings with others? How can I use it in my ministry?’ Discuss with others the points that we especially appreciate. Doing these things will aid us in keeping Jehovah’s sayings ‘in the midst of our heart.’—Prov. 4: 20, 21.
5 Let Us Apply What We Learn: After attending a district convention, one delegate said: “The program was of a very personal nature, motivating one to examine his heart condition and that of his family, and to provide loving Scriptural help as needed. It has made me more aware of my obligation to give more assistance to the congregation.” Likely many of us have felt the same way. But it is not enough for us simply to go away feeling upbuilt and refreshed. Jesus said: “If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.” (John 13:17) We must diligently put into practice the points that apply to us personally. (Phil. 4:9) This is the key to fully satisfying our spiritual need.
1 “All the men, even young boys, wear ties. All the women and girls, both adolescents and little ones, wear either a dress or a skirt. There is not a pair of jeans or an opened collar to be seen. Everyone here is radiant.” So said a news report. What sort of crowd was it describing? A political rally? A sporting event? A rock concert? Far from it! It was describing a group of brothers and sisters at a large district convention last summer.
How to Glorify Jehovah:
■ Dress in a manner that befits a minister of God.
■ Avoid styles that follow the spirit of the world.
■ Demonstrate modesty, which reflects soundness of mind.
2 At another convention city, a newspaper reporter gave this description of the crowd of Witnesses: “All men are clean and wear suit and tie. The women dress modestly but with elegance.” A second observer, a security guard, stated: “You are well-behaved, respectful, clean, and tidy people. What I see is beautiful. In this filthy world, you managed to move aside the dirt!” What fine testimonials in our behalf! Are we not thankful that our brotherhood could be so well spoken of? Of course, all in the crowd contributed to the good reports by their exemplary appearance.
3 We have become known worldwide for being distinctly different in our appearance. (Mal. 3:18) Why? Because we follow the Scriptural admonition to “adorn [ourselves] in well-arranged dress, with modesty and soundness of mind, ... in the way that befits [those] professing to reverence God.” —1 Tim. 2:9, 10.
4 What Do You Indicate by Your Dress and Grooming? The clothing that we wear and the way that we wear it make a definite statement about us—our beliefs, attitude, and intentions. The styles that we choose state who we are and what we stand for. We must never promote the debased thinking and conduct that is popularized by the world. Our concern is not whether a certain style is extremely fashionable but whether it is appropriate for one professing to be a minister of God. (Rom. 12:2) Rather than choose a look that flaunts an independent spirit or that suggests an immoral life-style, we want to show that we truly “glorify God.” —1 Pet. 2:12.
5 At times, one who is new, inexperienced, or spiritually weak might accept whatever the world promotes in dress and grooming without first considering how it reflects on
Jehovah and his organization. All of us might undertake some selfscrutiny to see if we have been influenced by the world’s thinking. We could approach a respected, spiritually mature brother or sister and ask for an honest observation about our style of clothing and grooming and then seriously weigh the suggestions given.
6 Some readily agree
that they should be careful about how they dress while in attendance at the convention. But then they lower their standard during leisure activities after the sessions. Maintain the high standard that befits Christian ministers. (2 Cor. 6:3, 4) Wherever we go in public, our convention badge cards along with our appropriate dress and grooming identify us as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Hence, our clothing should always be well-arranged and modest, indicating that we are “no part of the world.”—John 15:19.
7 Let us do all we can at this year’s “Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers” District Convention to prove that we are “a people holy to Jehovah [our] God.” The good impression that results will add to Jehovah’s “praise and reputation and beauty.”—Deut. 26:19.
Announcements
■ Literature offer for May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is found on return visits, include the person on a magazine route. Offer the Require brochure, with a view to starting Bible studies. June: What Does God Require of Vs? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. When householders have these publications, offer an appropriate brochure that the congregation has in stock. July and August: Any Of the following 32-page brochures may be used: Does God Really Care About Us?, Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making All Things New," Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, The Government That Will Bring Paradise, What Happens to Us When We Die?, What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It?, and When Someone You Love Dies. The brochures A Book for All People, Our Problems—Who Will Help Us Solve Them?, Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?, and Will There Ever Be a World Without War? may be offered where appropriate.
■ Beginning with the May literature shipment, the annual supply of congregation forms is being shipped to congregations as forms become available. Instructions regarding forms distribution will appear on the shipment packing list. When there is more than one congregation in a Kingdom Hall auditorium, the literature coordinator should make sure that each congregation receives its supply of forms as soon as they arrive.
■ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on June 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.
■ Donations made by check and put in the local Kingdom Hall contribution boxes for the worldwide work and the Kingdom Hall Fund should be made payable to “Jehovah’s Witnesses." Donations made by check at district conventions and those sent to the branch office should be made payable to “Watch Tower.” The branch office financial address is Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, c/o Office of Secretary and Treasurer, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483.
■ The presiding overseer should telephone the Magazine Department at Wallkill if he does not receive the congregation’s supply of Our Kingdom Ministry by the 25th of the month preceding the issue date.
■ DISTRICT CONVENTION UPDATE: The five Oakland, California, district conventions listed as “tentative” in the February 15, 2002, issue of The Watchtower have been definitely relocated to the Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., San Francisco, on the same dates.
■ New Publications Available:
Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind I—Large Print —Croatian
My Book of Bible Stories (Small size)
—Chinese, Chinese (Simplified) New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Deluxe pocket edition; available with black or maroon leather cover) —Chinese
Sing Praises to Jehovah (Large songbook) —Bulgarian Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You orHarmYou?Do They Really Exist?
—Russian Watch Tower Publications Index 1999
—Dutch What Does God Require of Us?
—Tsonga, Uzbek What Happens to Us When We Die?
—Hebrew Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? (Tract No. 26) —Armenian, Bengali, Cebuano, Czech, East Armenian, Georgian, Hiligaynon, Ilo-ko, Japanese, Norwegian, Samoan, Serbian, Slovenian, Tagalog, Thai You Can Be God’s Friend! —Dakota
■ New Audiocassettes Available: Appreciating Our Spiritual Heritage
(Drama, single cassette) —Dutch Keep Your Eye Simple (Drama, single cassette) —Portuguese
Psalms (set of five cassettes)
—Norwegian The Second of Kings (set of two cassettes) —Dutch
■ New Braille Publications Available: Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education (four volumes)
-Grade-two English Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education (six volumes)
—Grade-one Spanish Note: Braille publications should be requested through the congregation. A separate Literature Request Form (S-14) is to be submitted for Braille material, including the name and address of the Braille reader. Please mark it attention: braille desk. ■ New Videocassettes Available: Our Whole Association of Brothers
—Greek, Polish What Does GodRequire of Us?—On Videocassette —Colombian Sign Language
Question box
■ Why is there a need to exercise caution when witnessing by mail?
Giving a witness through the mail is a time-tested method of sharing the good news. Recent developments on the world scene, however, have made people cautious about opening unfamiliar mail. Envelopes from unknown sources or with no return address are often viewed with suspicion, especially if they are handwritten and bulky. Householders may discard such mail without opening it. How can we prevent this from happening?
If possible, both the letter and the envelope should be typewritten. The envelope should be addressed to the householder by name. Do not address it to “Occupant.” In addition, always provide a return address. If it is not advisable to show your personal address, give your name and the Kingdom Hall address. Do not send letters anonymously. Never use the address of the branch office.—See the November 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry Question Box.
Further suggestions and a sample letter can be found in Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education, pages 71-3. These guidelines will help us to use letters effectively to reach others with the good news.
What to Say About the Magazines
1 From the cities in Judea to the rurals of Galilee, Jesus gave an intensive witness throughout the large territory of ancient Israel. (Mark 1:38,39; Luke 23:5) We too must reach as many people as we can with the good news. (Mark 13:10) However, this can be a challenge. Why?
2 Many congregations in the United States have territory that is mostly rural, covering hundreds of square miles. Foreign-language congregations may work in populous metropolitan areas, searching for people who speak their language. What can we do to help the people living in such extensive territories to learn the truth about Jehovah, Jesus, and the Kingdom?
3 Plan Carefully: The service overseer and the territory servant need to coordinate the congregation’s efforts to accomplish the most good. Perhaps special Saturdays can be scheduled when most are able to devote a full day to the work. When working distant territories, plan to spend longer days in field service if possible, taking along a lunch to enjoy at midday. You might meet for service earlier than usual to allow time for travel to the territory or hold the meeting for field service near the area to be worked. Keep car groups small so that all will stay busy. Arrange to work rural areas during seasons when weather and road conditions are favorable.
4 Those working foreign-language territories can save valuable time by having an up-to-date list of names and addresses and a current map. Organize territories so that a service group can call on all the addresses in a general area.
6 Be sure to take along an adequate supply of literature. If the territory is seldom worked, it may be appropriate to leave a tract or an older magazine at not-at-homes. If the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? is available in your language, offer it to everyone you meet and leave one at not-at-homes.
6 Cooperate Fully: Working a large territory requires the cooperation of everyone in the congregation. When extensive driving is necessary, those traveling together can share gasoline expenses. Good judgment should be exercised when you find householders who are willing to talk. Be ever conscious of the need to reach all in the territory, and be considerate of those waiting in your car group. If you desire to continue a conversation with an interested person at length, could arrangements be made so that the rest of the group is not detained?
7 Make definite arrangements to follow up all interest. Besides the address, try to obtain the interested person’s phone number so that you can make contact and give a further witness by telephone. If rural roads are not named or houses are not numbered, carefully draw a map or write a description of how to find the interested one on the return visit.
8 What a privilege is ours to carry out Jesus’ instructions: “Into whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving”! (Matt. 10:11) Surely Jehovah will bless your efforts as you willingly give of yourself in this most rewarding work!
™Watchtower May 15
Announcing J ehovah-s Kingdom
“Do you think it is possible to get to know God? [Allow for response.] You will agree that it is difficult to believe in someone whom we know very little about. The Bible, in fact, encourages us to seek God. [Read Acts 17:27.] These articles show us how we can get to know God better.”
Awake! May 22
“World leaders have experimented with many ideas in an effort to solve our problems. One new strategy is known as globalization. In this magazine, you can read about how this new effort might already be affecting your life. You can also read about a global solution foretold in the Bible.” Then read Matthew 6:9,10.
"•Watchtower June i
Announcing Jehovah’S Kingdom
“Recent events are causing many to wonder why innocent victims meet an untimely death. Have you thought about why people die? [Allow for response, and then turn to chart on page 7.] Would you like to see what the Bible has to say about one of these common myths?” If possible, read a cited scripture.
Awake! June 8
“Many people feel that religion and science are in conflict. Some even feel that it is impossible for someone who is scientifically minded to believe in God. How do you feel about this? [Allow for response.] Awake! discusses this subject in a most enlightening way.”
8