August

Meetings for Field Service

AUGUST 5-11

Witnessing with brochures

1. Why carry a variety?

2. What can help you decide which one to offer?

3. How will you offer the brochure?

AUGUST 12-18

Help one another in group witnessing

1. How can time between doors be used wisely?

2. How can partners share in giving a witness?

AUGUST 19-25

How can Bible studies be started

1. With a tract?

2. With a brochure?

3. Where no literature is placed?

AUGUST 26–SEPTEMBER 1

Why be equipped with

1. The Reasoning book?

2. House-to-house records and a pen?

3. A variety of tracts?

Topic for Conversation

A New World​—By Whom?

Jer. 10:23​—Man cannot direct his steps.

2 Pet. 3:13​—Jehovah’s sure promise of a new world.

Praise God’s Name to the Full

¹ How we rejoice over Jehovah’s many blessings! In the United States during this service year, there have been new peaks in publishers, pioneers, and home Bible studies. There was also a fine Memorial attendance of 1,910,194. Thousands of publishers have attended special conventions in various lands, and all of us have benefited from the bountiful supply of spiritual food provided in our fine circuit assembly and special assembly day programs. We have also received many other blessings.

² How can we show our appreciation for all that Jehovah does for us? We can do this by praising God’s name to the full!​—Ps. 145:21.

KEEP ON PRAISING GOD’S NAME

³ How can we praise Jehovah’s name to the full during August? We will continue featuring the magazine-size brochures. By preparing diligently and carrying a selection of these brochures with us in field service, we will be equipped to praise Jehovah and possibly help others learn how they too can praise him.

⁴ The Topic for Conversation is “A New World​—By Whom?” We could prepare appropriate introductions based on the information on pages 9-15 of the Reasoning book. Some householders will readily discuss with you what world leaders are saying about present hopes for making the world better. Although most people long for peaceful conditions, Jeremiah 10:23 shows that man cannot resolve his own problems. It is reassuring to know that God’s promise to do something about world conditions today will not fail. This promise is found at 2 Peter 3:13. If the householder appears to be genuinely interested, offer an appropriate brochure.

PREPARE WELL

⁵ Preparation is essential if we are to be effective in teaching others. Why not prepare with other family members, with the one who taught you the truth, or with someone in your book study group? By rehearsing your presentation, you will feel more confident and manifest personal conviction when speaking to people in the territory.

⁶ Our presentations should reflect our interest in people. Emphasize the Bible’s promise of a new world to offer hope to depressed and discouraged ones. When the householder accepts the brochure, you may demonstrate our Bible study program. Or you may decide it would be more appropriate to do that on the return visit.

⁷ As we come to the end of this momentous service year, what a joy it is to be the recipients of so many blessings from Jehovah! May all of us use this remaining month of the 1991 service year to praise Jehovah’s name to the full as we eagerly look forward to serving Jehovah forever in his new world.

Be Whole-Souled in the Field Ministry

Part 2​—Building Up Enthusiasm

¹ It is easier to be enthusiastic about an activity when we enjoy it. It is also generally true that a person enjoys doing something for which he is prepared. That certainly is true in fully accomplishing our ministry.​—2 Tim. 4:5.

PREPARATION ESSENTIAL

² Our enthusiasm in the field ministry is directly related to how well we have prepared and how often we go out in service. For example, if someone we meet in the house-to-house ministry identifies himself as a Muslim, what could we say? A well-prepared publisher might respond: “That’s interesting. I have not talked with many Muslims. But I have read something about a few teachings of your religion in this handbook. [Turn to page 23 of the Reasoning book.] It says you believe that Jesus was a prophet but that Muḥammad was the last and most important prophet. Is that not so? [Allow response.] Do you also believe that Moses was a true prophet? [Allow response, likely in the affirmative.] Could I show you in the Holy Writings what Moses learned from God about God’s personal name?” You could then read Exodus 6:3. In this way, you may get an interesting conversation started.

³ It is difficult for many of us to remember specific page numbers. But with a little preparation and practice, we can use the section called “Conversation Stoppers” near the beginning of the Reasoning book. Included in that section are several pages of information to help us respond to people who identify themselves with a particular religion.

⁴ The Reasoning book also has a fine section on introductions. Why not pattern your introductions after these? We may need to adapt our presentation to the situation. At the end of many of the subjects in the Reasoning book, there is a section “If Someone Says,” providing pointed material in answer to specific questions or objections related to the subject. All this fine material, however, is valuable only to the extent that we use it in our preparation.

HOW TO PREPARE

⁵ Be alert to any publications that will be discussed at the Service Meeting and have these with you to refer to during discussions and demonstrations. In this way, you can benefit more fully from the preparation of others.

⁶ It is beneficial to spend some time preparing for service. Be sure you have obtained the literature you need. Take a few minutes to look at the Topic for Conversation. Review the scriptures used, and check for specific talking points in the literature to be featured. Doing this together as a family can be helpful.

⁷ Have practice sessions. You can practice at various times​—after the Congregation Book Study, at social gatherings, in car groups, between doors. Giving presentations and discussing and demonstrating how to handle objections can be quite enjoyable and provide fine occasions to sharpen our skills.

⁸ Diligent preparation will build our enthusiasm for the ministry so that we can become skilled workers and reap joyful satisfaction.​—John 2:17.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 5

Song 165

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Suggest one or two magazine presentations that would be appropriate for the local territory, and encourage all publishers to go out in field service this weekend. Bring Reasoning book to Service Meeting next week.

20 min: “Praise God’s Name to the Full.” Question-and-answer discussion. Conclude with a well-prepared demonstration showing how the current Topic for Conversation might be used. Adapt to local circumstances. After introducing or identifying himself appropriately, a publisher might say: “Today we are discussing with our neighbors the need to have an optimistic outlook for the future. World leaders frequently speak about their plans for a better world. On what do their hopes rest? Do you believe that men are capable of bringing in a better world? [Allow response.] The prophet Jeremiah had something to say about this as recorded at Jeremiah 10:23. [Read.] We can be optimistic about the future only because we have learned about the promise God himself made. And his promise will not fail. Here is what the apostle Peter wrote. [Read 2 Peter 3:13.] Notice how this sure promise from God is highlighted in this brochure.” Publisher then proceeds to show the householder appropriate information in the brochure being presented.

15 min: “Planting and Watering​—Steps Toward Making Disciples.” Discuss with audience paragraphs 1-9 of insert, page 3. When discussing paragraphs 7-9, make practical application of material by use of very brief interviews of publishers who have been able to do what is mentioned or local experiences that illustrate the points. Make sure that experiences or interviews are brief and to the point.

Song 130 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 12

Song 72

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Read to congregation acknowledgments and expressions of appreciation from Society for donations sent in. Also, commend the congregation for support of local congregation’s needs. Encourage participation in field service on weekend and at other times when there are arrangements for group witnessing.

15 min: “Be Whole-Souled in the Field Ministry​—Part 2.” Encouraging and instructive talk covering material in article and illustrating use of Reasoning book. Not necessary to have others demonstrate points mentioned, but speaker can simply show how to find and use material in this fine field service instrument. Briefly demonstrate value of practice sessions in preparing for field ministry. If time permits, may invite publisher to explain how he or she does this.

20 min: “Planting and Watering​—Steps Toward Making Disciples.” After a brief introduction tying in material covered last week, conduct a question-and-answer review of paragraphs 10-20 of insert, pages 3 and 4. Some publishers may be able to relate how they have improved their ministry and started Bible studies through application of suggestions presented in previous issues of Our Kingdom Ministry.

Song 48 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 19

Song 174

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. “Working Hard at Doing God’s Will.” Encourage brothers to make advance plans for attending 1992 special assembly day program. Announce date and place if known. As time allows, suggest which articles in current magazines may be most appropriate to present from house to house this weekend.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News​—In Frequently Worked Territory.” Questions and answers. Make local application of information or adapt to needs of congregation.

15 min: “Congregation Book Study Arrangement​—Part 2.” Encouraging talk by an effective book study conductor.

Song 25 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 26

Song 134

15 min: Local announcements. Detailed discussion of congregation’s field service arrangements and what is being done to provide encouragement and assistance for the pioneer publishers. Give particular attention to the needs of those who may be starting their pioneer service September 1. Encourage participation in field service this weekend, and remind publishers to pick up supply of Creation book for use in field service starting Sunday, September 1. Announce special field service arrangements for Monday, September 2.

15 min: Local needs. May use information in cover articles of June 8, 1991, Awake! as basis for a talk or discussion on subject of gossip.

15 min: Question Box. Discussion with audience. Demonstrate how publisher might introduce information about voluntary donations in a direct and simple manner. If householder should ask how much an item costs, the publisher could reply: “There is no charge for our literature, but if you would care to make a small donation to our worldwide Bible educational work, we would be happy to accept it.” Or, when appropriate, the publisher may introduce the subject by saying: “You may be wondering how it is that Jehovah’s Witnesses are able to do this work.” Publisher can pause briefly for possible response, then continue: “All of Jehovah’s Witnesses are volunteer ministers who receive no pay for their work. This includes those who produce and distribute the literature. We and others who appreciate the value of this Bible educational work support it by our voluntary donations. If anyone wishes to make a small donation, it is gladly received.” Publisher may then pause, allowing for response from householder. Remind publishers to make wise use of literature and explain donation arrangement discreetly to people who show genuine interest and take literature.

Song 16 and concluding prayer.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand!:

August 5: Page 81, par. 23, to page 84, par. 8

August 12: Page 84, par. 9, to page 87, par. 19

August 19: Page 88, par. 20, to page 90, par. 5

August 26: Page 90, par. 6, to page 94, par. 19

Planting and Watering​—Steps Toward Making Disciples

¹ “I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow.” (1 Cor. 3:6) The apostle Paul thus identified three basic steps in the process of making disciples of Christ. The first two steps, planting and watering, involve a privilege and responsibility resting on dedicated, baptized servants of God.

² This calls for preaching publicly and from house to house, informally, and in other ways. It also involves progressively teaching people to observe all the things Jesus commanded. (Matt. 28:19, 20) This latter step can be carried out only by making return visits on those who show interest, engaging them in Bible discussions, and conducting Bible studies with them. Are you proving yourself to be a loyal fellow worker, cooperating with Jehovah by planting seeds of truth and then following through with the necessary watering and cultivating?​—1 Cor. 3:9.

RECOGNIZE POTENTIAL AND NEED

³ In the United States during the 1990 service year, we distributed almost 11.5 million books and booklets and close to 94 million magazines! We also had over 1.8 million people at the Memorial, far exceeding the 816,417 average publishers for the year. Literature distribution is an integral part of the planting aspect of our work. The seeds of truth thus sown hold tremendous potential for producing new disciples, but do we, as God’s fellow workers, feel moved to make return visits on these people and cultivate their interest in Bible topics? Congregation publishers in the United States now average 0.5 Bible studies. We are confident that this average would improve if each publisher would assess more accurately his personal responsibility to go beyond the initial step of just planting seeds of truth and reach out to conduct progressive home Bible studies. Although some, because of various limitations, may not be able to conduct one or more home Bible studies, it is good for each one to review his personal circumstances.

⁴ It is interesting to see what is taking place in some areas. Congregations have fruitful territory and report an average of from one to two Bible studies per publisher. The increase in new disciples is proportionate to the number of Bible studies being conducted. This can be seen by comparing the average number of publishers with the number of Bible studies in various countries as reported in the 1991 Yearbook.

⁵ Our motivation to conduct Bible studies should be our love for people who respond to the Kingdom message we preach. We must sincerely share Jehovah’s loving concern for people and appreciate that their salvation is connected with spiritual growth. (1 Pet. 2:2) Like literal plants that require water to nurture their progress, people who show an initial interest in the Kingdom message will not usually start attending meetings unless through home Bible studies they are regularly directed to God’s organization.

⁶ Obedience on our part also enters into the picture. Jesus said that those on the side of the truth listen to his voice. (John 18:37) He commanded his disciples to preach and to teach, and he equipped them to carry out that work. By his outstanding example as a teacher and by his deep concern for people, Jesus set the pattern for us to follow in helping others. (Luke 6:40; John 13:13; 14:12) Our efforts can contribute toward the salvation of both ourselves and those we teach.​—1 Tim. 4:16.

AIDS FOR STARTING BIBLE STUDIES

⁷ To perfect his work, a skilled craftsman selects his tools from a variety at his disposal. As teachers, we have at our disposal a host of publications, including brochures and tracts, designed as tools to help us reach the heart of people with varying backgrounds and points of view.

⁸ Some publishers have experienced good results in using tracts and brochures to introduce Bible discussions. For example, the tract Life in a Peaceful New World cites or quotes more than 20 different texts in outlining this wonderful hope. These scriptures can be used for developing several stimulating Bible discussions. Our brochures, in an eye-catching and simple way, can also acquaint people with basic Bible truths and stimulate them to investigate further.

⁹ Do you know someone with limited education or who is visually impaired? Have you tried using the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! to establish a progressive Bible discussion with such a one? The “Look!” brochure is another fine tool with opening paragraphs that skillfully involve the householder in learning about God’s promises for the future. And certainly the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, released in 1982, has been effective in aiding a large percentage of the more than 1,700,000 that have been baptized since then.

ACTING RESPONSIBLY TOWARD INTERESTED ONES

¹⁰ You may find it beneficial to look at your Congregation’s Publisher Record card and take note of the number of books, booklets (including brochures), and magazines you placed during the past 12 months. Were those placements an end in themselves? Or did you go beyond the step of planting? Of those individuals who showed enough interest to take some of our literature, how many did you promptly contact again? Did you return to see if the seed you planted had sprouted? Did you follow through with needed watering and then pray to Jehovah to make it grow?​—Compare Acts 16:14 and; 2 Thessalonians 3:1.

¹¹ Maybe you are not making return visits or conducting a Bible study because you feel inadequate. Likely, this is due to your attitude more than to a lack of ability. Jehovah has not sent his people out to do a work without adequately equipping and qualifying them. Through his holy Word and organization, he prepares us for “every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Cor. 3:5, 6) By holy spirit, printed page, and oral instruction and demonstrations from the platform, not to mention living examples of skilled and devoted servants ready to help us, He gives us what we need. We do not need the higher education of the world in order to conduct a Bible study. We do need to respond to the superior spiritual education given through Jehovah’s organization.​—Compare Acts 4:13.

¹² Personal application of what is provided in Our Kingdom Ministry, the Theocratic Ministry School, Service Meetings, and other avenues of instruction is necessary. The apostle Paul straightforwardly told the Hebrew Christians: “For, indeed, although you ought to be teachers in view of the time, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God.” (Heb. 5:12) A person working at a trade for several years is expected to have gained a measure of skill in the use of his tools. Progress in learning how to carry on Bible discussions will be evident when we show sincere interest and put forth diligent effort.​—Prov. 12:24; 22:29.

¹³ Calling back and further discussing Bible topics with those who show interest in the Kingdom message costs something in the way of time and effort. But we should appreciate that our being in the truth is an expression of Jehovah’s love and undeserved kindness. This was expressed through someone who spent many hours patiently teaching us the truth. Likewise, love should compel us to buy out the necessary time and devote it to this more important work of making disciples.​—2 Cor. 5:14, 15; Eph. 5:15, 16.

¹⁴ Many congregations have followed the Society’s suggestion to make arrangements for evening witnessing. The early evening hours are usually a good time to make return visits on those who have shown interest. A house-to-house record, providing pertinent information about the individuals witnessed to, is essential for making effective return visits and initiating Bible discussions. Do not tuck such records away in a book or in a Bible and forget them. Not remembering to make a return call until weeks later when you happen to be in the neighborhood leaves the person open to being visited by Satan’s agents, who delight in snatching away what may have been sown in the person’s heart. (Luke 8:12) Will you thwart Satan’s tactics by returning promptly? If you sense your responsibility and appreciate your privilege, you will return promptly, when at all possible.​—1 Cor. 9:16, 23.

HOW TO START A BIBLE STUDY

¹⁵ Starting a Bible study does not involve some difficult, complicated procedure. Some people may readily accept your direct offer to conduct a home Bible study with them. However, many publishers prefer not to mention study but just direct the Bible discussion to that end.

¹⁶ Love for people and a sincere desire to help them is needed. Good preparation is also necessary. This should include reviewing notes you may have made on what you have already discussed with the individual and deciding on the approach you will take in furthering the Bible discussion. Have the general direction of your comments in mind. Will you select a few additional texts on the subject previously discussed? Or could you open the tract or book the person has and consider a few of the opening paragraphs with him? You may choose a subject in which he has expressed interest. Initially, take only 10 or 15 minutes. The time can be gradually increased, depending on the depth of interest shown. Your good judgment should help you discern how to proceed and how long to stay.

¹⁷ An abundance of helpful suggestions have been given over the years to assist you in taking progressive steps toward making disciples. As part of a series, the October and November 1990 issues of Our Kingdom Ministry carried helpful articles entitled “Reach Hearts Through Effective Bible Studies” and “Directing Bible Students to Jehovah’s Organization.” Our Kingdom Ministry for February 1987 contained the article “Preparing for and Conducting Home Bible Studies.” A quick check of the Index under “Bible Studies” will direct you to additional helpful information.

¹⁸ As a model of how to conduct a study, pay attention to what is done at the Congregation Book Study. Of course, at a home Bible study, you do not have a preassigned amount of material to cover. So you should pace your coverage of material according to the student’s capacity and needs. Additionally, the service overseer and other experienced publishers and pioneers are more than glad to go along with you and offer practical suggestions on conducting effective Bible studies.

¹⁹ Realizing that Jehovah plays the key role in our efforts to help people, we should pray not only about finding someone to study with but also about the progress of interested ones we have located. Our attitude and feelings should be like those of the apostle Paul when witnessing to King Agrippa: “I could wish to God that whether in a short time or in a long time not only you but also all those who hear me today would become men such as I also am.” (Acts 26:29) Paul wanted his hearers to become genuine disciples of Christ, whether it required a short time or a more extended period of personal assistance.

²⁰ Conducting Bible studies enables us “to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.” (Acts 20:24) Untold numbers may yet be turned from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God. (Acts 26:18) You, the individual dedicated, baptized servant of Jehovah, must do your part by planting seeds of truth and then following through with needed watering by means of Bible discussions and regular home Bible studies. You can thus find great joy in seeing people become disciples and join with you in helping still others to become disciples of Jesus Christ.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of May 6 to August 19, 1991. Use a separate sheet of paper to write down answers to as many of the questions as you can in the time allotted.

[Note: During the written review, only the Bible may be used to answer any question. References that follow the questions are for your personal research. Page and paragraph numbers may not appear on all references to The Watchtower.]

Answer each of the following statements True or False:

1. Quotations by Jesus and the inspired writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures provide a direct way of establishing canonicity of each and every one of the books of the Hebrew Scriptures. [si p. 300 par. 9 (1983 ed., p. 299 par. 9)]

2. The original writings of the Hebrew Scriptures were produced from 1513 B.C.E. to shortly after 443 B.C.E., but as far as is known, none of these originals are now in existence. [si p. 305 par. 2 (p. 304 par. 2)]

3. Although today there are some 6,000 manuscripts of the Hebrew Scriptures, there are none older than the tenth century C.E. [si p. 306 par. 5 (p. 305 par. 5)]

4. Originally, the divine name occurred in various places in the Septuagint. [si p. 307 par. 13 (p. 306 par. 13)]

5. It was Stephanus’ French Bible of the 16th century that first showed the present division of the complete Bible into chapters and verses. [si p. 318 par. 19 (p. 317 par. 19)]

6. When the four winds of tribulation are unleashed, evidently all spiritual Israel will have been sealed in finality. Even though some may still be alive in the flesh, the entire membership will be complete. (Rev. 7:3) [Weekly Bible reading; see re p. 116 par. 9.]

7. Revelation 20:5a refers to the general resurrection. [Weekly Bible reading; see re p. 290 par. 15.]

8. According to Genesis 6:5, 6, at one time God regretted that he had created man. [Weekly Bible reading; see g77 3/22 pp. 27-8.]

9. When Abraham (and later Sarah) laughed at the thought that he would have a son in his old age, it was not the laughter of faithless disbelief. (Gen. 17:17) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 7/1 p. 21 par. 15.]

10. Abraham was insistent that his son should not marry a Canaanite because the Canaanites were not worshipers of Jehovah. (Gen. 24:1-4) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 7/1 p. 25 par. 6.]

Answer the following questions:

11. A study of the Bible and contemplation of the works of the Great Timekeeper, Jehovah, should have what effect on us? [si p. 287 par. 15 (p. 286 par. 15)]

12. Who were the scribes, or Sopherim? [si p. 310 par. 17 (p. 307 par. 17)]

13. What is a codex? [si p. 315 par. 5 (p. 314 par. 5)]

14. What factor greatly contributed to the increase in Bible distribution since the beginning of the 19th century? [si p. 321 par. 3 (p. 319 par. 3)]

15. Who are pictured by the myriads of cavalry described at Revelation 9:16-19? [Weekly Bible reading; see re p. 152 pars. 14, 15.]

16. What does the expression “have one thought” at Revelation 17:13 mean? [Weekly Bible reading; see re p. 255 par. 13.]

17. How did the serpent in the garden of Eden communicate the temptation to Eve? (Gen. 3:1) [Weekly Bible reading; see w84 9/1 p. 31.]

18. How is Genesis 9:5 to be understood, where God said that he would ‘ask back the blood’ from an animal that killed a human? [Weekly Bible reading; see w75 p. 639.]

19. Why did Isaac represent Rebekah as his sister? (Gen. 26:9) [Weekly Bible reading; see w85 3/1 p. 31 par. 8.]

Provide the word or phrase needed to complete each of the following statements:

20. “The twentieth year of Artaxerxes” was the year ․․․․․․․. (Neh. 2:1-8) [si p. 291 pars. 18, 19 (p. 290 pars. 18, 19)]

21. The last of the apostles, who died about 100 C.E., was ․․․․․․․. [si p. 293 par. 29 (p. 292 par. 29)]

22. The collection, or list, of books accepted as genuine and inspired Scripture is often referred to as the Bible ․․․․․․․. [si p. 299 par. 5 (p. 298 par. 5)]

23. The period from about the fourth century B.C.E. to about the sixth century C.E. was known as the age of ․․․․․․․, or common Greek. [si p. 316 par. 6 (p. 314 par. 6)]

24. The oldest of the thousands of available manuscripts of the Christian Greek Scriptures is the papyrus fragment of ․․․․․․․ in the John Rylands Library in Manchester, England, possibly dated about 125 C.E. [si p. 316 par. 11 (p. 315 par. 11)]

25. The Christian Greek Scripture portion of the New World Translation is based on the refined Greek text by ․․․․․․․. [si p. 318 par. 22 (p. 317 par. 22)]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

26. The canon of the Hebrew Scriptures was fixed by the end of the (tenth; fifth; second) century B.C.E. [si p. 300 par. 10 (p. 299 par. 10)]

27. The early catalog known as the Muratorian Fragment dates to the (second; fifth; eighth) century C.E. [si p. 302 par. 19 (p. 301 par. 19)]

28. The basic text for the Hebrew section of the New World Translation is (the Second Rabbinic Bible; the master text by C. D. Ginsburg; Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica). [si p. 312 par. 28 (p. 311 par. 28)]

29. In 1902 the Watch Tower Society came to be copyright owners, sole publishers, and distributors of (The Emphatic Diaglott; the Berean Bible; the American Standard Version). [si p. 323 par. 10 (p. 322 par. 10)]

30. The “strong angel” evidently has reference to (Gabriel; Satan; the glorified Jesus Christ). (Rev. 10:1) [Weekly Bible reading; see re p. 155 par. 3.]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

Gen. 15:1-4; Gen. 21:8-14; Gen. 22:17, 18; Rev. 1:10; Rev. 14:16

31. Archaeologists have found clay tablets that authenticate such customs as slaves becoming heirs to childless couples. [Weekly Bible reading; see w80 10/1 p. 7.]

32. From 1919 on, Christ Jesus and his angels completed the harvesting of the remnant, and since the 1931-35 period, the great crowd has been harvested. [Weekly Bible reading; see re p. 212 par. 23.]

33. This pictured how the Greater Abraham ended his relationship with natural Israel because Israel rejected Jesus Christ, the true Seed of Abraham. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 7/1 p. 21 par. 16.]

34. This period began with the crowning of Jesus as heavenly King and will end when Jesus finally hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father. [Weekly Bible reading; see re p. 22 par. 2.]

35. This is a unilateral covenant. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 2/1 p. 11 pars. 8, 9.]

Announcements

● Literature offer for August: Any 32-page brochure, except the School brochure. September: Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? October: Subscriptions for either Awake! or The Watchtower or for both magazines. November: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures with the book The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s?

● Everyone associated with a congregation should renew their subscriptions to The Watchtower and Awake! through the congregation. It will be helpful if all requests for literature and other items are made through the congregation rather than sent in to the Society by individuals.

● Congregations should begin requesting the 1992 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses with their September literature request. The new calendar will be especially attractive and instructive, combining photographs of the Promised Land with artwork of related Biblical scenes. Both the pictures and the events will be more meaningful to us. The 1992 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be available in Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Serbian, Spanish, and Swedish.

● From August 28 through August 31, the Society will be taking an inventory of all literature on hand in Brooklyn Bethel. Because of this inventory, no congregation literature requests will be processed for shipment or for pickup during those days.

● Each congregation will receive three Literature Inventory forms and should take an actual count of campaign literature. Please fill out the forms completely, and send the original to us no later than September 6, 1991. Keep a carbon copy for your files. We are sending a third copy for use as a work sheet.

● An adequate supply of forms for use during the 1992 service year is being sent to each congregation. These forms should not be wasted. They should be used only for their intended purpose.

● New Publications Available:

How Can Blood Save Your Life?​—Arabic

“Look! I Am Making All Things New” (Brochure)​—Laotian, Urdu

Should You Believe in the Trinity?​—Serbian

How to Find the Road to Paradise (for Muslims)​—French

● New Audiocassettes Available:

Hosea through Malachi (set of three audiocassettes)​—French

May Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios. 222 127.7 83.9 54.6 5.6

Pios. 61,368 81.9 36.9 26.3 2.8

Aux. Pios. 33,006 58.9 27.4 15.7 1.5

Pubs. 750,534 9.9 6.2 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 845,130

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,639

Congregation Book Study Arrangement

Part 2​—Need to Prepare and Participate

¹ Jehovah’s Word pronounces happy the person who finds wisdom and gets discernment, for the reward is great. (Prov. 3:13, 14, 16-18) Spiritual wisdom is precious and life saving. It enables a Christian to use the knowledge he acquires from God’s Word to good advantage in active worship, in solving day-to-day problems, and in making decisions concerning his goals in life.

² The Congregation Book Study has been designed to help us study and apply God’s Word and in this way grow in wisdom and spiritual comprehension. Regularly attending the Congregation Book Study, therefore, should be an integral part of our personal program for acquiring wisdom.​—Prov. 4:7-9.

PREPARE THOROUGHLY

³ Some of those associated with the first-century congregation did not exert themselves vigorously to learn the truth and keep up with advancing light. They remained babes in Christ and thus were unacquainted with the word of righteousness. (Heb. 5:11-13) The apostle Paul exhorted the congregation to “press on to maturity.” (Heb. 6:1) Obviously, this requires more than casually listening to others discuss the truth. Thought and research are required to arouse our “clear thinking faculties,” and we must exert ourselves vigorously.​—2 Pet. 3:1, 2; Luke 13:24.

⁴ Thorough preparation for the Congregation Book Study enhances our understanding and builds appreciation for the material. Effective preparation, however, requires more than reading the paragraphs and quickly underlining the basic answers to the questions. We need time to savor the material by meditating upon its meaning and its value to us personally. Look up the cited scriptures and think on how they relate to points in the paragraphs. Look up words not fully understood.

⁵ For some of us, personal study may be hard work, and it does take time; but, oh, how beneficial! Paul pointed to the results of such intense study, saying: “But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) Such personal study helps us to grow to maturity, so that we can determine the right course when we are faced with decisions to make.

PARTICIPATE

⁶ We should strive to participate in each meeting. Why? Not only are our well-prepared comments an expression of our faith but they also encourage and build up our brothers. (Rom. 10:10; Heb. 10:23-25) Active participation in the Congregation Book Study also plays an important part in our spiritual development. If experienced ones, children, and newly interested persons all comment freely, the group enjoys a rich variety of expressions. This is educational and refreshing to all.​—km 3/86 p. 3.

⁷ If we diligently prepare for the Congregation Book Study, regularly attend, and freely participate, our search for wisdom will be successful and we “will find the very knowledge of God.”​—Prov. 2:4, 5.

Working Hard at Doing God’s Will

¹ Purposeful hard work that produces desired results is most satisfying. (Eccl. 3:13) What work performed today holds the greatest potential for happiness now and on into the indefinite future? There is but one answer​—the doing of God’s will. The reasons for this will be thoroughly examined by means of talks, demonstrations, and experiences on our special assembly day program for the 1992 service year. The theme of the program will be “Working Hard at Doing God’s Will.”​—Eph. 6:6; 1 Tim. 4:10.

² Many today are deeply dissatisfied and frustrated over their lot in life, a large part of which is filled by an occupation they do not enjoy. In contrast, doing Jehovah’s will in imitation of Christ fills our life with purpose and enables us to perform even our secular tasks with a positive outlook. What is involved in working hard at doing God’s will? What are some things we must guard against in order to continue living for God’s will? With respect to the preaching and teaching activity, how important is it to follow the directions and suggestions given by Jehovah’s organization? What unique opportunities are there for youths who concentrate on doing God’s will?

³ These questions will be satisfactorily answered by the program, which includes the two primary talks “Does God’s Will Govern Your Life?” and “Our Purpose in Life​—Doing God’s Will.” Plan now to be on hand and enjoy this special program to the full.

Presenting the Good News​—In Frequently Worked Territory

¹ Preaching in frequently worked territory poses special challenges. How do you keep the message fresh and appealing? What approach should be taken toward some who seem to have decided that they are definitely not interested? What can be said to those who say we call too often? How can the simplified literature distribution arrangement be handled in often worked territory?

BE POSITIVE

² Contrary to what some might think, territory that is worked often and thoroughly generally produces better results than that where we call less frequently. So one of the first hurdles to overcome is any negative thinking about calling regularly at the same doors. People need to be given every opportunity to hear the Kingdom message. It would be a mistake on our part to conclude that Jehovah has judged as unworthy those who have not responded favorably despite our having called on them many times.

³ Showing empathy is especially important in frequently worked territory. Having a specific message that addresses what affects people in their local neighborhood will likely produce a positive response in some who otherwise would not listen. Are you staying abreast of current events, and are you prepared to show how the Bible’s message can help people deal with problems they face?

VARY APPROACH

⁴ Vary your approach in often worked territory. One time you may use a tract as part of your introduction. On another occasion one of the more than 40 introductions suggested in the Reasoning book on pages 9-15 may be tailored to address local concerns. You may even wish to refer to your last visit in the neighborhood, thus minimizing this as a basis for objection. If you took note of a meaningful comment the householder made during your last visit, such can be used as a stepping-stone to further interest-arousing conversation.

⁵ View people as Jehovah does, and keep on showing concern for those who may have told us that they are definitely not interested. Jehovah made repeated appeals to his ancient people despite their apathy toward his messengers. (2 Chron. 36:15; Jer. 7:13) Many who at one time felt that they were not interested are our brothers and sisters today. Even bitter opposers have been won over to the truth. These are now grateful that someone patiently continued to call on them with the good news.

KEEP GOOD RECORDS

⁶ It is of utmost importance to keep a good house-to-house record. Following up on those who were not at home will ensure thorough coverage of territory and increase the time between our calls on those who are home. Some have also found it good to exchange not-at-home records from midweek activity with those who work territory on weekends. This effectively varies the times households are called on and increases the possibility of finding people who are consistently away during certain times of the day and on certain days of the week. Additional suggestions can be found in The Watchtower of July 15, 1988, pages 15-20.

⁷ Jehovah knows when sufficient effort has been made to reach all who will hear. Under Christ’s leadership, we will continue obeying him, confident that the work will be done within the time allotted.​—Ezek. 9:11.

Theocratic News

◆ Australia reported a peak of 54,306 publishers in March, their third consecutive peak.

◆ Bolivia has had five peaks in publishers during the first seven months of this service year. A new peak was reached in March, with 8,031 publishers reporting. Congregation publishers averaged 14.4 hours in the ministry. The Memorial attendance was 33,377, over four times the total number of publishers.

◆ After nine years of restrictions, Nicaragua once again began functioning as a branch on May 1, 1991. Five missionaries formerly assigned to Nicaragua were able to return to continue missionary service there.

Question Box

● Do we have to mention to a householder our willingness to accept a modest donation to the Society’s worldwide work each time we call on him?

No. The May 1990 Our Kingdom Ministry article “Use Our Literature Wisely” stated: “In some cases, the subject of donations for our worldwide work may be awkward to discuss.” Good judgment needs to be used in this regard. We want people to have clearly in mind that ours is truly a Bible educational work and not a commercial activity. We are not soliciting donations.

It is generally good to explain clearly how our work is supported by voluntary donations when we initially leave literature with interested ones. If we keep in mind that we leave literature only with those who show interest or who express a desire to read our literature, then this aspect will generally be cared for.

Many of such interested ones take the initiative to offer donations voluntarily on subsequent visits. Others may ask how much an item costs. We can briefly state that ours is not a commercial work, explaining that we offer our literature to interested ones without charge. They can also be informed that any who desire to support the worldwide work can make a modest voluntary donation. From time to time, as appropriate, we can bring up supporting the worldwide work of the Society if the person on whom we make the return visit does not do so.

We should keep in mind that even though we offer our literature to interested ones without charge, there are costs involved in publishing and distributing our literature. We have confidence that God’s spirit will move his servants and interested ones in the field to make voluntary donations to cover the costs of all aspects of the worldwide work.