Our Kingdom Ministry

August 2008                       For United States of America kmOB 08-E Us Vol. 51 , No. 8

The theme of the special assembly day program for the 2009 service year is "Keep Watching the Ministry . . . , That You Fulfill It," based on Colossians 4:17. As Christians, we take that exhortation seriously. Our aim is to fulfill our ministry faithfully, even as Jesus did. (John 17:4) The apostle Paul too set a sterling example for us in this regard. He was determined to finish his course in the ministry.—Acts 20:24.

The circuit overseer's part will show how various publishers are overcoming challenges in their ministry. Then the talk "Cultivate What You Have Planted" will highlight how we can truly help those who are "rightly disposed for everlasting life." (Acts 13: 48) The visiting speaker will first discuss 2 Corinthians 6: 1-10, verse by verse, in the talk "How We Recommend Ourselves as Ministers." In the afternoon, he will address the audience on the theme "Highly Esteem Your Ministry." You will no doubt draw encouragement from the parts "Young and Old Enjoy the Ministry" and "Youths Who Fulfill the Ministry." Those who wish to symbolize their dedication by water baptism at one of the upcoming circuit events should inform the presiding overseer as soon as possible. A feature of all our assemblies and conventions is consideration of The Watchtower. Bring your copy to be studied the week of the special assembly day.

In watching that we fulfill our ministry, we strive to make sure that other interests and activities do not overshadow what Jehovah has entrusted to us. The Scriptural encouragement provided by means of this special assembly day program should help all of us to appreciate what we need to do to maintain the right focus and to take stock of our ministry with a view to accomplishing it fully.

How is it possible to stand firm against those who fiercely oppose true worship? How can we defeat the forces that constantly try to pull us back into the ungodly world? The circuit assembly program for the 2009 service year will answer these vital questions. The theme is "Keep Conquering the Evil With the Good." (Rom. 12:21) Consider what is in store.

The district overseer will deliver the talks "Fortified to Conquer the Evil With the Good," "Beware of Overconfidence!," "All Evil Soon to End!," and "Strengthening Our Faith to Conquer the World." The circuit overseer will address us on the themes "Now Is the Season to Stay Awake!," based on Romans 13:11-13, and "Do Not Show Yourself Discouraged in the Day of Distress," based on Proverbs 24:10. We also look forward to the circuit overseer's part "Giving Attention to the Needs of the Circuit." Another stirring feature will be the part "Can You 'Be at This Ministry'—By Pioneering?" The first of two symposiums is entitled "Stand Firm Against the Devil's Crafty Acts." It will help us to identify and reject the sly machinations of the Devil in the fields of technology, entertainment, and education. The symposium "Acquire Power to Resist in This Wicked Day" will show us how to apply more fully the inspired counsel found at Ephesians 6:10-18.

There is a direct connection between conquering evil at its source and preaching the Kingdom message. (Rev. 12:17) No wonder Satan relentlessly attacks Jehovah's Witnesses! (Isa. 43:10, 12) But the Devil will fail miserably because we are determined to "keep conquering the evil with the good." Make definite arrangements to benefit fully from all four sessions of this circuit assembly.

Week Starting August 11

Song 63

10 min: Local announcements. Ask the audience to comment on articles in the current magazines that they have found to be appealing to people in the territory. Invite audience to mention specific points in the articles they plan to feature. What question could be asked to start a conversation? Which scripture in the article could then be read? Arrange demonstrations showing how suggested presentations might be used.

15 min: Do the Will of God —Without Distraction. Talk based on "Come Be My Follower," pages 93-94, paragraphs 12-13.

20 min: "Are You Using It to the Full?"* Interview a publisher who had an experience using one of the new features of the public edition of The Watchtower. The experience may be reenacted. Also, based on paragraph 2, demonstrate how a study may be started using the feature "What We Learn From Jesus," in the August 1 Watchtower.

Song 26

Week Starting August 18

Song 135

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Discuss "New Circuit Assembly Program." Announce the date of the next circuit assembly if available. Remind audience to bring the September 1 Watchtower and the September Awake! to the Service Meeting next week and to be prepared to discuss how these may be offered in the local territory.

20 min: Our Dress and Grooming Honors Jehovah. Talk by an elder. Because Jehovah is a holy God, physical cleanness is a priority among his people. (Ex. 30:17-21; 40:30-32) By our exemplary dress and grooming, especially in our ministry, we please Jehovah and bring him glory. (1 Pet. 2:12) On the other hand, failure to do so could cause 'the word of God to be spoken of abusively.' (Titus 2:5) Relate local or published experiences showing how the exemplary appearance of a publisher resulted in a witness.

15 min: Youths Who Give a Powerful Witness. Encouraging talk for parents and their children who will be returning to school shortly. Remind young ones to take advantage of opportunities to give a witness. As time permits, invite the audience to relate personal experiences of witnessing while at school.

Song 61

Week Starting August 25

Song 24

15 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Discuss "New Special Assembly Day Program," and announce the date of the next special assembly day if it is known.

15 min: Local needs.

15 min: Prepare to Offer the September 1 Watchtower and the September Awake! Audience discussion. Give a brief overview of the magazines, and ask the audience which articles may have appeal in the local territory. What question and scripture could be used to introduce the subject? Demonstrate how a sample presentation from Our Kingdom Ministry might be used. Have one of the elders demonstrate a brief presentation that he has prepared based on an article that would fit the local territory.

Song 196

Week Starting September 1

Song 112

10 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for August.

20 min: Isolated but Not Forgotten. Talk based on the April 15, 2008, Watchtower, pages 25-28. Mention any Christians in the congregation who are living in local nursing homes. If none, use the principles in the article to encourage the congregation to support any who are infirm or otherwise limited in ability to participate in congregation activity.

15 min: Start a Bible Study on the Initial Call During September. Audience discussion. During September we will offer the Bible Teach book and endeavor to discuss a few paragraphs with the householder on the initial visit. Review the suggestions in the January 2006 Our Kingdom Ministry insert and have one or two demonstrations showing how to start a Bible study on the initial call.

Song74 * Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion.

April Service Report

We are pleased to report a new peak in the number of Bible studies reported in the United States! The total of 622,714 Bible studies is an increase of 1,5658 over the previous peak of 6521,146 set in April1992.

© 2008 Christian . congregation of . Jehovah's Witnesses. AII nights reserved. Our Kingdom Umistry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses; C. I. Woody, President; W. H. Nonkes, Secretary-Treasurer, 2821 Route 22, Patterson NY \i;63-2237.PeriodicalsPostagePaid rt Brook;yO:NY. and at addition; mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, 100 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                                 Printed in U.S.A.

Announcements

• Literature offer for August: Worship the Only True God. If the congregation does not have this book in stock, please check if nearby congregations have a surplus on hand that you can use. If that is not possible, offer an appropriate brochure that the congregation has in stock. If a Bible study is started, it is recommended that the Bible Teach book be studied. September: What Does the Bible Reatly Teach? Make a special e!Iort to start Bible studies on the initial call. When householders already have this publication, show how they can benefit from it by briefly demonstrating a Bible study. October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, present and discuss the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? with a view to starting a Bible study. November: What Does the Bible

Really Teach? Make a diligent e!Iort to start Bible studies.

• Congregations should begin requesting the 2009 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Examining the Scriptures Daily -2009, and the 2009 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses with their next literature request. A listing of the languages in which these items are available will appear in the "Announcement to All Congregations," which is mailed to all congregations each month.

• The elders are reminded to follow through on instructions given on pages 21-23 of the April 15, 1991, Watchtower regarding any disfellowshipped or disassociated ones who may be inclined toward becoming reinstated.

• To assist blind and visually impaired publishers and interested persons who use Braille notetakers or computers with screen readers, a provision has been made to supply electronic files of transcribed Braille text of The Watchtower for personal use. Available files include public and study editions of The Watchtower in Grade 2, or contracted, English Braille and study editions of The Watchtower in Grade 1, or noncontracted, French and Spanish Braille. The files will be sent by e-mail to those requesting them. Those desiring to receive Braille text files of The Watchtower should ask the congregation secretary to send a letter to Watchtower, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299, Attention: Braille Desk. The letter should contain the person's name and home address, the name or type of electronic device used, his e-mail address, and whether he reads English, Spanish, or French Braille. If he cannot receive e-mail, the e-mail address of someone who can receive and transfer files to him should be given.

• • On August 28-30, 2008, an inventory will be taken of all literature on hand at Wallkill Bethel. Because of this, no congregation literature requests will be processed for pickup during those days.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning August 25, 2008- The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of July 7 through August 25, 2008.

SPEECH QUALITIES

• 1. How can we demonstrate reasonableness when sharing the truth with others? (PhiL 4:5) [be p. 251 par_ 3]

• 2. How might Paul's example when speaking to the Greeks at the Areopagus help us when we are witnessing to those who do not recognize the Bible as an authority? (Acts 17:22, 23) [be p. 252 pars_ 1-2]

• 3. Even though we may be convinced that the person we are speaking with is wrong, how can we demonstrate reasonableness in dealing with him? [be p. 253 pars. 1-2]

4_ As we endeavor to speak persuasively, what should we keep in mind? [be p. 255 par. 3, box]

5_ How can we use discernment when seeking to reach the heart of a listener? (Prov. 20:5) [be p. 258 pars. 1-5]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. What should sisters keep in mind when working with a setting? [be p. 44 pars_ 5-6]

• 7. What should brothers seek to accomplish as they present Bible highlights? (Neh. 8:8) [be p. 47 pars. 2-3]

• 8. How should a brother handle an assignment on the Service Meeting that calls for a demonstration or an interview? [be p. 49 par. 5]

• 9. How does the book of Acts highlight the manner and extent to which the witness is to be given? (Acts 20:20, 21; 28:23) [si p. 204 par. 35]

• 10. What can a public speaker do to ensure that the Bible is the basis of his talk? (Acts 17:2, 3) [be p. 52 par. 6-p. 53 par. 2]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. Why did the Philippian jailer want "to do away with himself"? (Acts 16:25-27) [w90 5/15 p. 25, box]

• 12. How did Aristarchus and Gaius react to persecution? (Acts 19:29; 20:4, 5) [w08 2/15 p. 10 pars. 16-17]

• 13. What did it mean that Saul was "kicking against the goads"? (Acts 26:14) [w03 10/1 p. 32]

• 14. How could 'sin receive an inducement' through God's commandment to Israel? (Rom. 7:8, 11) [w08 6/15 "Jehovah's Word Is Alive—Highlights From the Book of Romans"]

• 15. How do we "heap fiery coals" upon an enemy's head? (Rom-12:20) [w08 6/15 "Jehovah's Word Is Alive—Highlights From the Book of Romans"]

Are You Using It to the Full?

1 "I can't wait to. use it in the field!” That is what one sister wrote after reading The Watchtower of January 1, 2008. Have you considered some of the regular features of the public edition, and have you found ways to make good use of them in your field ministry?

2 "What We Learn .From Je^ sus": Perhaps you have found this feature to be helpful in starting Bible studies. If you have not done so already, try reading the title of the article to the householder and then call attention to what Jesus said about the matter, as related in the first paragraph. When initial interest is shown, endeavor to continue the discussion by using the subheadings, which are set out as thoughtprovoking questions. Invite the person to comment on the question. Briefly explain any related pictures, and move on to the next paragraph. You may be able to cover the first half of the article on the initial call and then discuss the second half when you return. Be prepared to continue the study in the Biblie Teach book.

3 "Keys to Family Happb ness": This series, appearing every three months, is intended to help husbands, wives, and parents to see how to apply Bible principles when dealing with problems that threaten family peace. You can also use these articles to help nonWitnesses to see the wisdom found in the Bible.—2 Tim. 3: 16, 17.

4 Features for Young Ones: The series "For Our Young People” provides an interactive outline that can be used to explore a specific Bible account. You can use these articles to help youths you meet in your ministry to see the practical value of studying God's Word. (Ps. 119:9, 105) When speaking to parents, you might highlight the "Teach Your Children" series, which appears every other month. These articles can help younger children to learn important lessons from Bible characters. Have you made it a point to read these articles with your children?

5 Other Features: Each month, the feature "Our Readers Ask” considers a question that nonWitnesses are likely to raise. You might highlight this article when offering the magazines from house to house. The feature "A Letter From ..." is a vivid first-person report showing the challenges that missionaries and others face in carrying out their ministry. These articles can help interested ones to see that the good news is being preached earth wide, in fulfillment of the sign of Christ's presence.—Matt. 24:3,14.

6 The monthly feature "Draw Close to God,” which is based on the Bible reading for the Theocratic Ministry School, may move sincere ones to want to learn more about Jehovah. The series ‘'Imitate Their Faith," which appears four times a year, is designed to help people visualize Bible accounts, making Bible characters—their choices, their challenges, their faith—come to life for modern readers.

7 How delighted we are to receive each month an entire issue of The Watchtower that is designed for use in the field! By all means, let us become thoroughly familiar with its content and use it to the full in our ministry.

^VStCHTOWER® Aug. 1

Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom

"Do you agree that obeying this command of Jesus would add to happiness within the family? [Read John 13:34. Allow for response.] This article Shows how Jesus' teachings and example apply to each member of the family.” Feature the article on pages 16 and 17.

AwakeP Aug.

"Do you think that human governments will successfully address the issue of global warming? [Allow for response. Then read Jeremiah 10:23.] You will enjoy this article. It highlights God's solution to the problems that threaten our planet.”

mrWA!Ct!TOIQ}.U;R® Sept. 1 announcingjehovah’s kingdom         ■

"Most people are familiar with Jesus' words at Matthew 6:9. [Read.] Yet, many find it difficult to feel close to God as a Father. How do you think we can draw close to God? [Allow for response.] This magazine considers various attributes of our heavenly Father and how we can truly get to know him.”

Awake.® Sept.

"Down through the centuries, debates have raged over the concept of life after death. What are your thoughts? [Allow for response.] Notice the belief expressed by Job. [Read Job 14:14, 15.] These articles present the Bible's view of life after death.”

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