Our kingdom ministry

AUGUST2011

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 8

Song 44 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 7 ^14-18, boxes on pp. 57-58 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Psalms 92-101 (10 min.) No. 1: Psalm 94:1-23 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: God’s Kingdom Will Provide Food for All and Do Away With Sickness—rs p. 229 ^3-5 (5 min.)

No. 3: Guard Against the Deceptive Power of Riches—Matt. 13:22 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 94

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Demonstrate Interest in the Householder. Talk based on the Ministry School book, pages 186-187. Briefly demonstrate one or two points from the material.

10 min: Experiences Starting Bible Studies. Discussion by the service overseer. Commend the congregation for their support of the arrangement to start Bible studies on the first Saturday of the month. Invite audience to relate experiences they have enjoyed. One or two outstanding experiences may be reenacted.

10 min: “Let God’s Name Be Sanctified.” Questions and answers. Announce the dates of the circuit assembly if they are known. Song 112 and Prayer

‘Let God’s Name Be Sanctified’

¹ How privileged we are to bear the name of the Universal Sovereign, Jehovah! It was God himself who gave us his name to bear, and especially since the year 1931, as Jehovah’s Witnesses, we

• 1. What is the theme of the circuit assembly program for the 2012 service year, and what is its basis?

have been identified with Jehovah’s distinctive name. (Isa. 43:10) God’s only-begotten Son, Jesus, held God’s name in the highest esteem, giving it first place in his model prayer. (Matt. 6:9) Jesus’ words provide the basis for the theme of our circuit assembly program for the 2012 service year. It is “Let God’s Name Be Sanctified.”

• ² What We Will Hear: On Saturday the talk “Make God’s Name Known as FullTime Servants” will discuss why the fulltime service is a rewarding way of life. We will also hear the symposium “Beware of Bringing Reproach on Jehovah’s Name,” which will help us to avoid becoming entrapped by four potential snares. The questions, What will help us to preach with zeal when people seem to show little interest? and, What will help us to carry out a meaningful ministry? will be answered in the talk “Why God’s Name Must Be Sanctified.” On Sunday we will enjoy a four-part symposium on how we can sanctify God’s name by our thoughts, speech, decisions, and conduct. New ones will especially appreciate the public address, “Jehovah Will Sanctify His Great Name at Armageddon.”

• ³ Very soon Jehovah will act to sanctify his name. (Ezek. 36:23) In the meantime, we have the awesome privilege of upholding all that Jehovah’s holy name represents. We are confident that this circuit assembly program will help each of us to fulfill our serious responsibility as bearers of God’s name.

• 2. What information do we have to look forward to?

• 3. What privilege do we have, and how will the program help us?

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 15

Song 39 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 8 ^1-7, boxes on pp. 61-62 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Psalms 102-105

(10 min.)

No. 1: Psalm 105:1-24 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Why We Should Not Look Back Longingly at What We Have Forsaken to Serve Jehovah—Luke 9:62 (5 min.)

No. 3: God’s Kingdom Will Provide Homes, Employment, and Security for All—rs p. 229 fl6-p. 230 V2 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 85

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Help Interested Ones to Progress. Talk based on the Ministry School book, page 187, paragraph 6, to page 188, paragraph 3.

20 min: “Jehovah’s Witnesses—Orga-nized to Share the Good News.” Questions and answers. Use the information in the first and last paragraphs for a brief introduction and conclusion.

Song 47 and Prayer

Jehovah’s Witnesses —Organized to Share the Good News

For over 100 years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been organized to share the good news. In what has become the greatest preaching campaign the world has ever known, we speak this message in hundreds of languages and in more than 230 lands. (Matt. 24:14) Why is this work necessary? How is it being accomplished on a global scale? The video Jehovah’s Witnesses—Organized to Share the Good News answers those questions by providing a close-up look at the many facets of our international activities. After watching the video, give consideration to the following questions.

How has this video enhanced your appreciation for (1) the effort Jehovah’s organization is making to share the good news? (2 Tim. 4:2) (2) the Bethel families around the world? (3) the educational training provided for missionaries and overseers? (2 Tim. 2:2) (4) the importance of starting each day considering a Bible text and preparing each week for congregation meetings? (Acts 17:11) (5) the benefits of attending our Christian gatherings? (Heb. 10:24, 25) (6) the blessings you will receive when Paradise is restored on earth? (Isa. 11:9) (7) the privilege you have to share in the ongoing harvest work?—John 4:35.

This video has proved to be an excellent tool for acquainting interested people with the worldwide work being done by Jehovah’s Witnesses. (8) When would it be good to show the video to our Bible students, relatives, and others? (9) What positive reaction have you seen when showing it?

As we reflect on what Jehovah is accomplishing, we are moved to echo these sentiments of the psalmist: “Many things you yourself have done, O Jehovah my God, even your wonderful works and your thoughts toward us; there is none to be compared to you.” (Ps. 40:5) May we make good use of this video to help others develop appreciation for Jehovah and his organization!

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 22

Song 54 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 8 V8-16 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Psalms 106-109

(10 min.)

No. 1: Psalm 109:1-20 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: God’s Kingdom Will Cause Righteousness and Justice to Prevail—rs p. 230 V3-5 (5 min.)

No. 3: Follow the Examples of Jehovah and Jesus in Displaying Good Manners (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 132

10 min: Announcements. “Let God’s Will Take Place.” Questions and answers. Announce the date of the special assembly day if it is known.

25 min: “Can You ‘Step Over Into Macedonia’?” Questions and answers. If available, interview a publisher who moved to a foreign land to further the good news.

Song 95 and Prayer

‘Let God’s Will Take Place’

¹ We were created because of Jehovah’s will. (Rev. 4:11) Thus, it would be impossible to fulfill the purpose of our existence without learning and doing the will of God. This is not as easy as it may seem, forasmuch as we have to fight an inward tendency to do “the things willed by the flesh and the thoughts” or to do “the will of the nations.” (Eph. 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:3; 2 Pet. 2:10) Without God’s help, we would even risk being “caught

1. What is the theme of the special assembly day program for the 2012 service year, and why is it appropriate that we consider this subject?

alive by [the Devil] for the will of that one.” (2 Tim. 2:26) Our special assembly day program for the 2012 service year will help each of us to work in harmony with the third primary entreaty in the model prayer, namely, “let your will take place.”—Matt. 6:9, 10.

• ² Questions That Will Be Answered: As you listen to the program, look for the answers to these questions: What is as important as hearing God’s Word? How can we go on perceiving what God’s will is for us? Why do we need to be willing to reach out to all sorts of people? How can we find a rich, satisfying life? Young ones, what do you need to prove to Jehovah? What rewards come from doing God’s will? Why is it urgent that we build up and encourage others?

• ³ Be sure to be in attendance and to pay careful attention to the program. A Bethel representative or a traveling overseer will likely be present as a visiting speaker. Before and after the program, feel free to speak with him and his wife, if he is married. When you return home, do not become “a forgetful hearer,” but review the program as a family and discuss how you can work in harmony with God’s will more fully.—Jas. 1:25.

• ⁴ Very soon those who are pursuing their own desires and who refuse to submit to the will of Jehovah will be destroyed. (1 John 2:17) We are therefore thankful that Jehovah has prepared this timely information to help us make the doing of God’s will our priority!

• 2. What questions will be answered during the program?

• 3. How can we benefit fully from this spiritual provision?

• 4. Why is it important that we make the doing of God’s will our priority?

Can You “Step Over Into Macedonia”?

• ¹ About the year 49 C.E., the apostle Paul left Syrian Antioch for his second missionary trip. His intention was to visit Ephesus and other cities in Asia Minor. However, he received a spirit-directed invitation to “step over into Macedonia” instead. He and his companions gladly accepted, and they were privileged to establish the first congregation in that region. (Acts 16:9, 10; 17:1, 2, 4) Today, some parts of the worldwide field have a real need for more harvest workers. (Matt. 9:37, 38) Are you in a position to help?

• ² Perhaps you have Paul’s missionary spirit but have not seriously considered moving to a foreign country. It may be, for example, that Gilead training is not a possibility for you because of your age or because you are a single sister or have minor children. Maybe you have not considered moving to a foreign land because you lack confidence that you could learn another language. Or you may be an immigrant living in your present country for economic reasons and thus hesitate to relocate. After prayerful consideration, however, you may find that such circumstances need not prevent you from moving to a foreign land where there is a need.

• ³ Is Missionary Training a Requirement? What enabled Paul and his companions to be successful? They relied on Jehovah and his holy spirit. (2 Cor. 3:1-5) Therefore, even if your circumstances do not allow you to receive special training, you can still preach successfully in a foreign land. Remember, too, that you are receiving ongoing training through the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting. And

• 1. What caused Paul and his companions to go to Macedonia?

• 2. Why have some not considered moving to a foreign country?

• 3. Why is missionary training not a requirement to preach successfully in a foreign land? if you have the goal of attending Gilead or a similar school, your moving to another country to taste missionary service will give you valuable experience that you can use later if you are accepted for additional training.

• ⁴ Older Ones: Spiritually mature older ones who are in reasonably good health can be a tremendous asset in countries that have a need. Have you retired from your secular work? Some who receive even a modest pension are able to manage quite well in a developing land where their expenses, including the cost of quality medical care, are much lower than in their home country.

• ⁵ A retired brother from an Englishspeaking land, who is an elder and pioneer, moved to a popular tourist area in Southeast Asia to help an English-speaking group of nine publishers. The group preached to the 30,000 foreigners who lived in the area. Within two years 50 were attending the meetings. The brother wrote: “Moving here has brought me the most wonderful blessings I have ever enjoyed. Time does not allow me to relate even a fraction of them!”

• ⁶ Single Sisters: Jehovah has used sisters in a mighty way to spread the good news in countries where the need is greater. (Ps. 68:11) One young single sister had the goal of expanding her ministry in a foreign land, but her parents were understandably concerned for her safety. So she chose a country that was politically and economically stable, wrote the branch office, and received helpful, specific information. During the six years she lived in that country, she enjoyed many blessings. She states: “At home I would have had few opportunities for Bible studies. But serving where there was a greater need enabled me to conduct

• 4. Why should older ones not discount the idea of their preaching in a foreign country? 5. Relate an experience of a retired brother who moved to a foreign land.

• 6. Relate an experience of a single sister who moved to a country where the need was greater.

many studies and really develop my teaching ability.”

• ⁷ Families: If you have children, does this necessarily prevent you from moving to a foreign land to further the good news? One family with two children, aged eight and ten, decided to try it. The mother writes of their experience: “We are grateful that we could raise our children here, because they associated with special pioneers and missionaries. Our lives have been enriched because of serving where the need is greater.”

• ⁸ Language Concerns: Does the thought of learning a foreign language prevent you from moving to another land? Your language is likely spoken in other countries that have a need for more Kingdom preachers. One English-speaking couple moved to a Spanish-speaking country that has a sizable population of English-speaking immigrants. After receiving information from the branch office concerning several English congregations that had a need, they chose one and visited it twice. They returned home, cut their monthly expenses, and saved money for a year. When they were ready to move, the brothers in that area helped them locate affordable housing.

• ⁹ Emigrants: Did you emigrate from your homeland, perhaps before learning the truth? There may be a great need for harvest workers in your native country. Could you consider moving back in order to assist? It will likely be easier for you to find work and accommodations than for someone who is from another country. You probably already speak the local language. In addition, people may be more willing to listen to the Kingdom message delivered by you than by someone they view as an outsider.

• ¹⁰ One man moved from Albania to Italy

• 7. Relate an experience of a family that moved to a foreign country.

• 8. Is it possible to serve in a foreign country without learning another language? Explain.

• 9, 10. What might those who emigrated from their homeland consider, and why? as a refugee, secured a good job, and was sending money to his family in Albania. After coming into the truth, he began teaching Albanian to a group of Italian special pioneers who were moving there to serve where the need was greater. The brother writes: “They were heading off to the territory I had left. They didn’t know the language and were thrilled to go. My language and culture were Albanian. What was I doing in Italy?” The brother decided to return to Albania to help spread the good news. He says: “Do I regret having given up work and money in Italy? Not for a minute! I found real work in Albania. As far as I’m concerned, the work that really matters and brings lasting joy is serving Jehovah with everything you have!”

¹¹ How to Do It: Before going to Macedonia, Paul and his companions intended to travel westward, but “they were forbidden by the holy spirit,” so they turned northward. (Acts 16:6) When they were close to Bithynia, Jesus blocked them. (Acts 16:7) Jehovah, by means of Jesus, continues to oversee the preaching work. (Matt. 28:20) Therefore, if you are considering moving to a foreign land, prayerfully seek Jehovah’s di-rection.—Luke 14:28-30; Jas. 1:5; see the box

11, 12. Those considering moving to a foreign land should do what?

Howto Know if a Country You Are Considering Has a Need

• • Consult the current Yearbook. Pay particular attention to the publisher-to-population ratio.

• • Use the Index to research articles and experiences from the country.

• • Talk to publishers who have visited or lived in the country.

• • If you are considering a country that would allow you to preach in your native tongue, consult secular sources, such as the Internet, to see how many people there speakyour language.

“How to Know if a Country You Are Considering Has a Need.”

• ¹² Ask for objective comments from your elders and other mature Christians. (Prov. 11:14; 15:22) Read material we have published about serving in a foreign land, and also do research on any countries that you are considering. Can you visit the country that you are interested in moving to, perhaps for more than just a few days? If you are serious about moving to another country, you may write to the branch office in that country for more information, using the address in the current Yearbook. However, rather than sending your letter directly to the branch office, give it to your local elders, who will add their comments before they send it on.—See Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will, pages 111-112.

• ¹³ The branch office will send you helpful information about the country to help you make decisions, but it is not in a position to provide sponsorship letters or to supply residency, visa, or other legal forms or to locate accommodations for you. These are personal matters that will require your careful study before you move. In addition, you will be responsible for contacting embassies or consulates to obtain information about visa requirements and work permits. Those who move should be in a position to care for their individual needs and legal require-ments.—Gal. 6:5.

• ¹⁴ Countries Where the Work Is Restricted: In some countries the local brothers and sisters must be very discreet in their worship. (Matt. 10:16) Publishers who visit or move there could inadvertently draw undue attention to our activity and imperil the safety of the local brothers. If you are considering moving to such a land, please write to your local branch office through your body of elders before proceeding.

• 13. How will the branch office assist you, but what are you responsible for?

• 14. What cautions are in order when visiting or moving to a country where the work is restricted?

• ¹⁵ If You Cannot Move: If you are not in a position to move to another country, do not be discouraged. Perhaps another “large door that leads to activity” is open to you. (1 Cor. 16:8, 9) Your circuit overseer may know of needs within driving distance of your home. Perhaps you could help in a nearby foreign-language congregation or group. Or you may be able to expand your ministry in your present congregation. Regardless of your circumstances, the important thing is that you are whole-souled in your worship. —Col. 3:23.

• ¹⁶ Do you know a spiritually mature Christian who has the goal of serving in a foreign land? Then give him or her support and encouragement! When Paul left Syrian Antioch, it was the third largest city in the Roman Empire (after Rome and Alexandria). With such a large territory, the Antioch congregation likely had a need for Paul’s assistance and would sorely miss him if he left. Yet, the Bible does not indicate that the brothers there discouraged Paul from leaving. It appears that instead of taking a narrow view, they remembered that “the field is the world.”—Matt. 13:38.

• ¹⁷ Paul and his companions were richly blessed for responding to the invitation to step over into Macedonia. While they were in the Macedonian city of Philippi, they found Lydia, and “Jehovah opened her heart wide to pay attention to the things being spoken by Paul.” (Acts 16:14) Imagine the joy of Paul and his missionary companions when Lydia and her entire household got baptized! In many lands, there are hon-esthearted ones like Lydia who have not yet been contacted with the Kingdom message. If you “step over into Macedonia,” you may experience the joy of finding and helping them.

• 15. How may those who do not have the circumstances to move away expand their ministry locally?

• 16. How should we react to those who wish to move to a foreign land?

• 17. What reasons are there to consider ‘stepping over into Macedonia’?

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 29

Song 33 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 8 ^17-24, box on p. 67 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Psalms 110-118 (10 min.)

Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 128

10 min: Announcements. Using the sample presentation on page 8, demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in September, and encourage all to have a share. By means of a talk, consider “Offer an Older Magazine or Any Brochure That Addresses the Person’s Interest.”

15 min: Zealous, Though Advanced in Years. Discussion based on the 2011 Yearbook, page 61, paragraphs 1-2; page 67, paragraph 1; and page 135, paragraph 2, to page 136, paragraph 1. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

10 min: Prepare to Offer the Magazines in September. Discussion. Take one or two minutes to review some of the contents of the magazines. Then choose two or three articles, and invite audience to suggest questions and scriptures that could be used in a presentation. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered. Song 122 and Prayer

“Offer an Older Magazine or

Any Brochure That Addresses the Person’s Interest”

During the months that we offer the Bible Teach book and a study on the initial call, we are encouraged to “offer an older magazine or any brochure that addresses the person’s interest” whenever the householder already has the book and does not accept the offer of a study. Why?

Brochures and older magazines consider a variety of timely subjects. Something in one of those publications may touch the heart of the householder. Therefore, when packing your witnessing case, include several different brochures and older issues. If you do not have older magazines, perhaps you can obtain some from the magazine counter. Then, if the householder already has the Bible Teach book and does not agree to a Bible study, you can show him some of the magazines or brochures that you have and invite him to take what interests him. Thereafter, make arrangements to return to cultivate his interest. Perhaps a Bible study will eventually result.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning August 29, 2011.

• 1. How is God’s loving-kindness “better than life”? (Ps. 63:3) [w01 10/15 p. 15 par. 17]

• 2. What does Psalm 70 indicate about David? [w08 9/15 p. 4 par. 4]

• 3. What is Psalm 75:5 warning against? [w06 7/15 p. 11 par. 2]

• 4. When particularly can we expect Jehovah to listen to our prayers? (Ps. 79:9) [w06 7/15 p. 12 par. 5]

• 5. What are the “hidden things” spoken of at Psalm 90:7, 8? [w01 11/15 pp. 12-13 pars. 14-16]

• 6. As indicated at Psalm 92:12-15, what important responsibility is conferred on older ones in the congregation? [w04 5/15 pp. 13-14 pars. 14-18]

• 7. In recording the words spoken at Psalm 102:25-27, was the psalmist contradicting God’s everlasting purpose for the earth? (Gen. 1:28) [w08 4/1 p. 12 par. 1]

• 8. What lesson concerning failure to exercise discernment is brought to our attention at Psalm 106:7? [w95 9/1 p. 19 par. 4-p. 20 par. 2]

• 9. According to Psalm 110:1, 4, what oath does Jehovah make toward the promised Seed, or Messiah, and how will this work out for the blessing of all mankind? [cl p. 194 par. 13]

• 10. What effect did the psalmist’s meditation on the benefits of his having served God have on him? (Ps. 116:12, 14) [w09 7/15 p. 29 pars. 4-5]

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 5

Song 75 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 9 ^1-7, box on pp. 68, 70 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Psalm 119 (10 min.)

No. 1: Psalm 119:49-72 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Why the Scriptures Encourage the Fear of Jehovah—Deut. 5:29 (5 min.)

No. 3: God’s Kingdom Will Resurrect the Dead—rs p. 230 ^6-p. 231 ^3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 111

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have Acts 5:17-42 read. Consider how this account can help us in our ministry.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Prepare for the Ministry as a Family. Interviews and demonstration. Interview a married couple and a family with children regarding how they use their Family Worship evening to prepare for the ministry. Then have one of the family heads briefly demonstrate with his family how they do so.

Song 88 and Prayer

Announcements

■ Literature offer for August: Any 32-page brochures that are in stock except How Can Blood Save Your Life?, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Education, Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?, and The Origin of Life—Five Questions Worth Asking. September: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Endeavor to start Bible studies on the initial call. If householders already have the book and do not accept the offer of a Bible study, offer an older magazine or any brochure that addresses the person’s interest. October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, present the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? and endeavor to start a Bible study. November: The Bible —What Is Its Message?

■ The two video programs Jehovah’s Witnesses —Faith in Action, Part 1: Out of Darkness and The Wonders of Creation Reveal God’s Glory will be considered during upcoming Service Meetings. If needed, copies should be requested through the congregation as soon as possible.

• ■ Effective September 1, 2011, the Bahamas will come under the oversight of the United States branch.

• ■ Since October has five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in September

“People of different nationalities and faiths pray every day. Do you think God listens to and answers all prayers?” Allow for response. Then hand him a copy of the September 1 Watchtower, and consider together the material under the first subheading on page 16 and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

WAT4HTO6I7 September 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom         ■

Show the cover of the magazine, and say: “How would you answer this question? [Allow for response.] Notice what the Bible says. [Read 1 John 5:19.] According to this, “the wicked one,” or the Devil, rules the world. But that raises some questions. Where did the Devil come from? Is he even a real person? How long will God allow him to rule? This magazine shows what the Bible says.”

!"#$ September

Many people today are stressed out because of money problems. Why do you think it’s so hard to make ends meet? [Allow for response.] The Bible contains wise sayings that have helped many to manage their finances. [Read one of the scriptures found on pages 8-9.] This magazine gives practical suggestions for those struggling with debt.”

Field Service Highlights

We are pleased to report a new peak of 725,539 Bible studies in the United States for March 2011. This is an increase of 8,157 over the previous peak in October 2010. Also, Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos Islands had fine increases in return visits and Bible studies during March. How happy we are to see so many streaming to Jehovah’s pure worship!—Isa. 2:2-4.

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