August

Requirements for Both the New and the Seasoned Minister

¹ The psalmist David asked: “O Jehovah, who will be a guest in your tent? Who will reside in your holy mountain?” With a few well-​chosen words, David answered: “He who is walking faultlessly and practicing righteousness and speaking the truth.” (Ps. 15:1, 2) Those requirements have not changed. All today who come to worship in the Christian congregation must abandon immoral practices and drunkenness. There is no place among Jehovah’s people for those who are quarrelsome, have violent tempers, or are double-​tongued. Whether new ministers or seasoned ones, we must be faithful in maintaining the high standards outlined in God’s Word.​—Gal. 5:19-21.

² Many new ones are associating with Jehovah’s organization. Young and old alike have transformed their thinking so as to conform their way of life to God’s requirements. A boy in South America grew up without parental guidance and developed severe personality problems. By the time he was 18, he was addicted to drugs and had already spent time in prison for stealing to support the habit. Through a Bible study, he broke off association with his previous companions, found new friends among Jehovah’s Witnesses, and eventually dedicated his life to God.

³ Likewise, we must be determined to please God in all our conduct, “in true righteousness and loyalty.” (Eph. 4:24) We have the obligation to “strip off the old personality with its practices” and to “clothe [ourselves] with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new” if we are to remain in God’s mountainlike organization.​—Col. 3:9, 10.

⁴ God’s Word, a Powerful Influence: Jehovah’s personality as revealed to us through the Bible can powerfully affect our thinking and our actions in a positive way. (Rom. 12:2) His Word has the power to transform minds and search through hearts. (Heb. 4:12) The inspired Scriptures teach us that Jehovah’s will requires that we lead a morally upright life, have a full share in the public ministry, and not neglect Christian meetings.

⁵ In these times hard to deal with, mounting pressures can influence a Christian to break God’s laws. If personal study, family study, congregation meetings, or the ministry is neglected, even a once-​strong Christian may drift away from the faith, perhaps falling into wrong conduct. That is why Paul wrote Timothy: “Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching” and, “Give constant thought to what I am saying.”​—1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 2:7.

⁶ Whether newly associated or seasoned by years of experience, we must keep God’s requirements clearly in focus, be completely balanced in the ministry, and maintain our hope strong if our life is to be preserved. (1 Pet. 1:13-16) Day-​to-​day observance of God’s righteous requirements is absolutely essential.

⁷ Make it your goal to be out in the field service during this last month of the 1993 service year. Be determined to help others to grow in faith and to increase productivity in the field ministry. (Rom. 1:12) Keep your thoughts on right matters by regularity in personal study, family study, and meeting attendance. (Phil. 4:8) Your efforts to please God by living up to his requirements will not go unnoticed.​—Col. 3:23, 24.

Earnestly Search for Bible Studies

¹ There is increasing evidence that time is running out for this old world. (2 Tim. 3:1-5) What does this mean? It means that the lives of people are at stake. However, it is within our power to help some get saved. (Prov. 3:27) To this end we should earnestly endeavor to start and conduct Bible studies.

² Much good has been accomplished by the distribution of our Bible-​based literature. But what people need most is personal assistance through a regularly conducted home Bible study. How can we help them see that?

³ We can raise questions that concern many people. Such questions could focus on why morals have drastically declined, why family life is so unstable, why violence and crime are such a threat, why a loving God permits present conditions, and so forth. Be alert to issues and events that are of particular interest to people in your territory. Point to the Bible’s clear answers to these questions. Show how the literature we distribute can help them to learn what the Bible has to say about these and other vital issues that affect all of us.

⁴ It is important to draw the householder into the conversation. Be alert to discern what concerns him. Develop your conversation around his interests or anxieties. Call attention to information in a book, brochure, magazine, or tract that explains the Bible’s solution to mankind’s problems. Before leaving, raise a question or two that you believe will build his anticipation for your next call. When you return, be sure to remind him of these questions, and then use the literature in helping him to find the Bible’s answers.

⁵ Our starting studies and regularly conducting them can change the lives of people. We need to show genuine interest in the concerns of those we meet in the field or in informal settings. It takes good preparation to stimulate their interest progressively. It takes patience to keep calling back until you get them into a regular pattern of spiritual feeding. It takes loving interest in the people themselves. We must sincerely want to help them to be saved from impending destruction. Our Bible study work should be made a matter of regular and earnest prayer.​—1 Thess. 5:17.

⁶ It is most encouraging to see that nearly a million people have become baptized disciples in the past three years. (Matt. 28:19, 20) We are now conducting about four and a half million Bible studies each month, and this shows our concern for the lives of others. What about you? Have you been putting forth earnest effort to share in the home Bible study work? Remember, our lives and those of others depend upon our faithfulness in this regard.​—Ezek. 3:17-19.

Service Meetings for August

Week Starting August 2

Song 63

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Discuss talking points from the current magazines. Encourage all to share in field service this weekend.

20 min: “Strive to Get a Listening Ear.” Discuss with audience. Highlight importance of treating each householder as an individual, with objective of having a discussion with him. Have brief presentations based on suggestions in paragraphs 2 and 3. Emphasize regular use of magazines in field service.

15 min: “Telephone Witnessing​—A Way to Reach Many.” Question-​and- answer coverage of first 13 paragraphs of insert. Read selected paragraphs as time permits. Remind congregation to prepare for coverage of remaining seven paragraphs next week.

Song 193 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 9

Song 70

10 min: Local announcements, including accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Commend congregation for financial support of local congregation as well as Society’s worldwide work.

15 min: “Telephone Witnessing​—A Way to Reach Many.” Question-​and- answer coverage of paragraphs 14-20. Read selected paragraphs as time permits. Ask audience to comment on Reasoning book reference mentioned in paragraph 16. Highlight additional points from July 1990 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4.

20 min: “Return to Help People Learn How They Can Live Forever.” Question-​and-​answer coverage. Have one demonstration of return visit based on presentation outlined in paragraphs 5 and 6.

Song 71 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 16

Song 20

15 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Discussion of article “New Special Assembly Day Program.” Encourage all to make advance plans for attending special assembly day program during 1994 service year. Announce date and place if known. Also encourage participation in weekend field activity.

10 min: Highlight value of Live Forever book. Figures can be cited to indicate increases during the years when this publication was used. Many have learned the truth by studying this book. Interview one or two publishers who studied this book when coming into the truth. Have them tell what they appreciated learning from it and how it can be used in the field. Encourage brothers to offer it enthusiastically where interest is noted.

20 min: “Requirements for Both the New and the Seasoned Minister.” Question-​and-​answer coverage by elder. Conclude with warm but brief summary of points applying to local congregation needs.

Song 6 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 23

Song 148

10 min: Local announcements.

20 min: “Earnestly Search for Bible Studies.” Question-​and-​answer coverage of article by service overseer. Read and apply all cited scriptures. Review progress of Bible study work in congregation over past five years, and develop concluding comments according to local needs.

15 min: The Importance of Dates in Our Study of the Bible. After brief talk on material under “Definition” on page 93 of Reasoning book, conduct audience discussion of rest of information under “Dates.” Consider “Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses say that God’s Kingdom was established in 1914?” Highlight how this information helps new ones to be prepared to defend the Kingdom message.

Song 43 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 30

Song 156

5 min: Local announcements, including special field service arrangements for September 6.

15 min: “Be Whole-​Souled in Your Service.” Talk by elder. When discussing paragraph 2, make appropriate comments on Watchtower reference. Read and apply Malachi 3:10 in conclusion.

10 min: “Telephone Witnessing​—A Way to Reach Many.” (2 min.) Brief review of high points of article. Scene I (3 min.) Demonstrate preparation steps outlined in paragraphs 12 and 13. Scene II (3 min.) Using one of the sample presentations in paragraph 16, demonstrate an actual telephone witness. (2 min.) Give enthusiastic conclusion reviewing great possibilities that exist for using this method of witnessing.

15 min: Local needs. Can discuss encouragement given by circuit overseer during last visit. Remind brothers to check that all reports for 1993 service year have been turned in.

Song 31 and concluding prayer.

Theocratic News

Cambodia: On February 8, 1993, an official document was received that gives permission to establish an office for our work and opens the way for missionaries to enter the country.

Liberia: During March the brothers were able to hold their “Light Bearers” District Convention on the Society’s tract of land adjacent to the branch office. The peak attendance was 2,711, and 78 were baptized.

May Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Number of: Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios. 193 125.8 64.3 52.6 5.5

Pios. 68,793 80.4 26.1 24.6 2.7

Aux.Pios. 40,988 59.1 20.4 14.9 1.4

Pubs. 765,589 10.2 4.9 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 875,563 Baptized: 3,456

A Fine Memorial Report

The Memorial attendance on April 6 was 1,975,255, a fine increase of 36,035 over last year’s attendance and more than twice the number of publishers in the United States. This indicates excellent potential for increase in our generally well-​worked territory. The number of partakers at the Memorial was 3,602.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.

August 9: Chapters 112-113

August 16: Chapters 114-115

Telephone Witnessing​—A Way to Reach Many

¹ Evidence abounds that we are now living in “the last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1) Without a doubt the time left for Kingdom preaching and disciple making is reduced. Each of us, therefore, should act with urgency to help others become approved worshipers of Jehovah God.

² The apostle Paul felt his responsibility to make public declaration of his faith. (Rom. 10:10) He knew that God’s “will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) Based on his knowledge of truth, Paul considered himself to be a debtor to all. This increased his sense of urgency in declaring the good news. He said: “There is eagerness on my part to declare the good news . . . For I am not ashamed of the good news; it is, in fact, God’s power for salvation to everyone having faith.”​—Rom. 1:14-17.

³ Do we personally feel this same indebtedness and manifest a similar eagerness to reach everyone in our territory? While we prefer sharing the good news with others face-​to-​face, as in door-​to-​door and street witnessing, why limit our activity to this? It is possible that many individuals in our congregation territory have never spoken with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. How can this be?

⁴ Unworked Territory: Does your territory have high-​rise apartments guarded by doormen? Perhaps there are high-​security apartment complexes that are off-​limits to door-​to-​door visitation. Has the congregation been denied entry to preach the good news in a military base or a private subdivision located in the territory? Very likely some individuals living in such places have never heard about the blessings of God’s Kingdom. Are there people who are never found at home?

⁵ We need not despair of reaching these people because they are difficult to contact. How does Jehovah view the situation? The apostle Peter writes: “Jehovah . . . does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. . . . Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.” (2 Pet. 3:9, 15) Lives are involved, and Jehovah is interested in each one. (Matt. 18:14) How can we show the kind of compassion and mercy that Jehovah displays for these individuals? By seeing that everyone in our territory receives a witness.​—Acts 20:20, 21; Rev. 14:6, 7.

⁶ Organized for Thorough Activity: In the past the Society has encouraged those who are confined to their homes, either temporarily or permanently because of illness or physical disability, to make good use of the telephone. Those who find themselves in such a situation should continue this fine work. Also, reports have been received that a number of brothers and sisters, including regular and auxiliary pioneers, have used telephone witnessing as an adjunct to their usual door-​to-​door ministry.

⁷ Some congregations have made a concerted effort to arrange for telephone witnessing. When elders take the lead in organizing the territories and providing support either personally or through other publishers, greater success is reported. The service overseer is responsible for supervising this activity. However, any qualified elder or responsible ministerial servant may be selected by the body of elders to work closely with the service overseer in organizing the work.

⁸ Publishers who have overcome their initial reluctance and have gained experience in telephone witnessing have found it to be a productive field. At the outset, perhaps only a few publishers and pioneers will make these calls. After they become familiar and comfortable with this type of witnessing, their enthusiasm and encouraging experiences may move others to learn how to share in this interesting aspect of the preaching work.

⁹ Where to Begin: It may be possible to get names of residents from the directory in the lobby of an apartment building. Then the telephone numbers may be looked up in the telephone directory. A city directory in the local library may list the names of occupants of every home and apartment in the community. In some communities a special book that lists telephone numbers by street locations is available. Photocopies of pages from the latest edition could serve as territories. The size of these territories should be kept relatively small.

¹⁰ In all forms of witnessing activity, it is most beneficial to keep accurate records. This is also true for telephone witnessing. Carefully note helpful information on a house-​to-​house record, such as the subject discussed, the interests of the householder, and the subject that will be discussed on the next call. Indicate whether another telephone call should be made at a later date or a personal visit has been arranged.

¹¹ Personal Schedule Needed: A regular routine will help build your confidence and ward off apprehension. It is best to call when people are more likely to be home, such as in the evening and on the weekends. Schedule a regular time each week to make these calls. Some have found the hour before the Congregation Book Study to be a productive time. Find out what works best in your area.

¹² How to Prepare: Talk with others who enjoy this privilege of service and get ideas. Always be positive. Look to Jehovah as your source of power and strength, and seek his direction through prayer. (Ps. 27:14; Phil. 4:13) Plan to put your whole heart into this activity, just as in other forms of witnessing.​—Compare Mark 12:33.

¹³ Experience has proved that sitting at a desk or a table can be helpful. Sitting in an upright chair promotes clear thinking and concentration. Lay out all the witnessing materials that you may use​—tracts, the literature currently being featured, the latest magazines or some interesting older copies, the Bible, the Reasoning book, an invitation to the meetings with specific meeting times and Kingdom Hall address listed, a pen or a pencil, and house-​to-​house records. Have your literature readily available, perhaps even open to a particular article. Thoroughly rehearse your presentation. Keep in mind that the purpose of your call is to give a witness and to arrange a visit with the individual as soon as possible.

¹⁴ Making the Actual Call: Relax. Be yourself. A warm, pleasing voice is needed for effective telephone witnessing. The smile on your face will be reflected in your tone of voice. Speak slowly and clearly, using sufficient volume. Be courteous, patient, and friendly. Do not fear rejection. Accept the fact that people may not be interested in your message. View it the same as you would in your regular door-​to-​door ministry.

¹⁵ In your introduction, state your full name. It is best not to say that you are phoning all the people in a particular building or complex, as this may result in raising barriers.

¹⁶ Many introductions from the Reasoning book may be read word for word in a conversational manner. For example, you might introduce yourself this way: “Hello, my name is ________. I am calling you because I am unable to come and see you personally.” Then, without pausing, say: “I am interested in getting your view on whether the quality of life will ever improve. Most of us are glad to be alive, but many wonder, ‘Is a genuinely happy life possible?’ How do you feel about that? [Allow time for answer.] What would you say is one of the biggest obstacles to happiness today?” Or after introducing yourself as above, you could say: “I am involved in an international volunteer work, and I would like your thoughts on the meaning of life. As we get up in years, we realize that life is very short. Is this all that life is meant to be? How do you feel about it?” (See Reasoning book, page 13, subheading “Life/​Happiness.”) A review of the suggestions in Our Kingdom Ministry of July 1990, page 4, with regard to using introductions and avoiding objections faced in telephone witnessing will provide further helpful information.

¹⁷ Use the Bible early in the discussion. At some point in the conversation, when it seems appropriate to do so, mention that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Allow the householder to share in the conversation. Do not be afraid to listen if the person wants to share what he thinks. Thank him for his expressions and observations. Be ready to commend. However, if the individual begins to dominate the conversation or argue, tactfully terminate the call. Let God’s spirit direct your efforts and help you search for those whose hearts are right toward him.

¹⁸ It is better for you to bring the conversation to a close than to leave it to the householder to do so. You can conclude simply by inviting the person to the public talk at the Kingdom Hall, giving the address and meeting times. You may also ask if a visit may be made to his home to speak with him further on the subject discussed. It may even be possible to present literature effectively over the telephone. Magazines may be offered with the goal of starting a magazine route.

¹⁹ Share in the Joy of Telephone Witnessing: Will all the calls become Bible studies? No, but some will. For example, one sister made over 300 calls in one month. After introducing herself, she explained why she was telephoning rather than visiting each householder. She then gave a short presentation. This resulted in 12 good calls. She is still contacting three interested persons by telephone, and four others agreed that she could visit them at their homes. One individual accepted the Live Forever book and is now being visited regularly.

²⁰ Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to push the witnessing work to “the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) In some areas, carrying out this command means witnessing by telephone. After reviewing the above material, ask yourself: ‘Can I do more in my congregation territory to preach the good news to “all sorts of men,” including those who are living in areas never before reached?’ Brothers who have followed these suggestions have been greatly encouraged by the results. They have found telephone witnessing to be an exceptional way to ‘glorify their ministry.’ (Rom. 11:13) May you experience this same joy through telephone witnessing.

Be Whole-​Souled in Your Service

¹ As Jesus’ disciples, we have been assigned to preach the good news about God’s Kingdom and to make disciples of Jesus Christ. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) There is no other work on this earth that compares in urgency or importance. The lives of millions of people are involved. It deserves our very best effort. Paul’s admonition well applies: “Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-​souled as to Jehovah.” (Col. 3:23) “Whole-​souled” is defined as having “ardent enthusiasm or single-​minded devotion.” Are you whole-​souled in your service?

² What does being whole-​souled require of us? Jehovah referred to acceptable service as a tithe, or tenth part. (Mal. 3:10) Rather than designating a specific amount, the tenth part represents the time and effort we devote to Jehovah’s service as an expression of our love for him and in recognition of our dedication to him. (w92 12/1 p. 15) Our activity should reflect the depth of our devotion and love for Jehovah. A person who is whole-​souled feels impelled to serve Jehovah as fully as possible to the extent his health and circumstances allow.

³ Paul spoke highly of Christians “working hard and exerting” themselves on the basis of hope. (1 Tim. 4:10) They are rewarded with Jehovah’s blessing, which ‘makes them rich.’ (Prov. 10:22) In contrast, those who give in a sparing or grudging manner fail to experience the happiness that comes with giving. (Acts 20:35) Neglecting to give our best actually robs Jehovah of “the tenth parts” due him.​—Mal. 3:8.

⁴ Giving Our Best: When we share in field service and turn in our report, is the report accurate? The Our Ministry book, page 104, states: “Your field service time should start when you begin your witness work and end when you finish your last call in each witnessing period. Time taken for refreshments or meals during a period of field service is not to be counted.” Good planning and effort are needed to accomplish the most during the time we are in field service.

⁵ Giving our best means that we do as much as we can when we share in service. One who is whole-​souled would not purposely limit his preaching to occasional attempts at informal witnessing rather than sharing in the door-​to-​door work. A whole-​souled, youthful, unbaptized publisher would not go out preaching only at the insistence of his parents, demonstrating little interest in going to the doors or sharing in giving the presentation.

⁶ Paul urges us to maintain our industriousness in order not to become sluggish. (Heb. 6:11, 12) What a joy to be able to review our personal service and have no reason to be ashamed​—because we have been whole-​souled! (2 Tim. 2:15) Our greatest joy will be realized when we see among the survivors of the great tribulation those individuals we have personally assisted. To be sure, Jehovah richly rewards those who serve him whole-​souled.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Closed-​book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of May 3 to August 23, 1993. 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. The prophecy, made more than 300 years in advance, that Josiah would rip apart Jeroboam’s altar at Bethel had a remarkable fulfillment. [si p. 68 par. 25 (1983 ed., p. 68 par. 25)]

2. Second Kings covers the period from Solomon’s rule in 1037 B.C.E. to c. 580 B.C.E. [si p. 69 par. 2 (p. 69 par. 2)]

3. After reading a Scripture text, to make application it is generally enough just to discuss the text. [sg p. 129 par. 20]

4. While repetition is an essential teaching technique, needless repetition can make a talk wordy and uninteresting. [sg p. 131 par. 11]

5. When you master speaking from an outline, you will have taken a great stride forward as a public speaker. [sg p. 140 par. 10]

6. It is not possible to make the oral reading of paragraphs sound like extemporaneous speech. [sg p. 146 par. 21]

7. Placement of stress involves the recognizing of those words that convey the thought and then making them stand out in relation to the words surrounding them. [sg p. 159 par. 3]

8. Eye cosmetics were unknown in Bible times. [Weekly Bible reading; see g77 9/22 p. 20.]

9. Archaeological evidence strongly supports the Bible account at 2 Kings 17:6-18 regarding the Assyrian destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel. [Weekly Bible reading; see gm pp. 47-8.]

10. David’s words at 1 Chronicles 16:31 illustrate that although Jehovah’s rulership dates from the beginning of creation, he has at times made specific expressions of his rulership that allow for his being spoken of as ‘becoming King’ at a particular time. [Weekly Bible reading; see w85 12/15 p. 11.]

Answer the following questions:

11. When a householder reads a text, how can you stress its key points? [sg p. 128 par. 13]

12. If a speaker has a problem with mannerisms in gesturing, what should he do? [sg p. 133 par. 20]

13. What can you do to correct a lack of fluency in reading? [sg p. 143 par. 7]

14. Why was Chronicles written? [si p. 75 par. 2 (p. 75 par. 2)]

15. What is a basic way to develop a logical argument, or line of reasoning? [sg p. 151 par. 11]

16. What was “the Testimony” at 2 Kings 11:12? [Weekly Bible reading; see w91 2/1 p. 31.]

17. In harmony with 2 Kings 19:32, 33, how was the king of Assyria stopped from coming into Jerusalem? [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 2/15 p. 28.]

18. What can we learn from David’s experience with Hanun at 1 Chronicles 19:2-4? [Weekly Bible reading; see w73 p. 478.]

19. How do the 24 priestly divisions help us to understand the identity of the “elders” referred to at Revelation 4:4? (1 Chron. 24:4) [Weekly Bible reading; see w73 p. 62.]

20. How do we understand 1 Chronicles 29:5 to have application among Jehovah’s people today? [Weekly Bible reading; see w90 7/1 p. 31.]

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

21. Every talk needs ․․․․․․․ in order to give it direction and to tie its parts together in a pleasing way. [sg p. 133 par. 1]

22. A speaker who is skilled does not lose ․․․․․․․ with the audience by looking at his notes either for too long a time or at the wrong time. [sg p. 138 par. 1]

23. To show that he tolerates no disrespect for his official servants, Jehovah brought swift recompense upon the delinquents who mocked ․․․․․․․ as the prophet of Jehovah. [si p. 74 par. 34 (p. 74 par. 34)]

24. As the speaker, you always have the obligation of being able to answer the question ․․․․․․․. [sg p. 155 par. 7]

25. Matthew and Luke drew on the genealogies of ․․․․․․․ in clearly establishing that Jesus was the Messiah. [si p. 78 par. 23 (p. 78 par. 23)]

26. In most talks, coherence requires ․․․․․․․ from one point to another. [sg p. 149 par. 2]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

27. After determining the theme of your talk, the next step is to select the (scriptures; illustrations; main points) that you plan to use. [sg p. 135 par. 9]

28. To maintain common ground in a talk, you must (speak very clearly; keep in mind the viewpoint of the audience; be enthusiastic). [sg p. 156 par. 17]

29. “The twentieth year of Jotham” means the 20th year of (his life; his actual reign; the period that had passed since he became king). (2 Ki. 15:30) [Weekly Bible reading; see w80 9/15 p. 8.]

30. Those who came “to David to help him” were (selfishly motivated; wholeheartedly choosing to support David’s kingship; following the course of least resistance). (1 Chron. 12:22) [Weekly Bible reading; see w83 3/1 p. 18.]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

1 Ki. 22:19-22; 2 Ki. 1:2, 7, 8; 5:1-5; 25:27-30; 1 Chron. 9:26, 27

31. The way we dress can link us with a certain group or class. [Weekly Bible reading; see w72 p. 666.]

32. Levite gatekeepers had an office of unique trust. [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 12/1 p. 21.]

33. Although elders may feel that they know how to handle situations, they should learn from Jehovah’s example and listen to what others say and take it to heart. [Weekly Bible reading; see w74 p. 436.]

34. Archaeology supports the fact that a Judean king captive in Babylon was eventually released from prison and given an allowance of food. [Weekly Bible reading; see gm p. 48.]

35. Children can move adults to action. [Weekly Bible reading; see w74 p. 402.]

Announcements

◼ Literature to be used during August and September: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. October: Mankind’s Search for God or copies of Awake! and The Watchtower. Subscriptions may be offered on return visits. November: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures with the book The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s? NOTE: Congregations that have not yet requested the above-​mentioned campaign items should do so on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14). Please request needed extra magazines for October distribution.

◼ Congregations should begin requesting the 1994 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses with their September literature request. The calendars will be available in Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, and Ukrainian.

◼ From August 27 through September 1, 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 (S(d)-18). The congregation secretary should meet with the literature servant early in August and set a date for taking inventory of the congregation’s stock of literature at the end of the month. An actual count must be made of all literature in stock, and the totals are to be entered on the Literature Inventory form. The total number of magazines on hand can be obtained from the magazine servant. Please mail the original to the Society no later than September 6. Keep a carbon copy for your files. The third copy may be used as a work sheet. The inventory should be supervised by the secretary, and the completed form should be checked and signed by the presiding overseer.

◼ An adequate supply of forms for use during the 1994 service year is being sent to each congregation. These forms should not be wasted. They should be used only for their intended purpose.

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

◼ The Society does not fill requests for literature that are made by individual publishers. Those desiring a given item may advise the literature servant, who will promptly include it in the congregation monthly request for literature. The presiding overseer should arrange for an announcement each month before the congregation monthly request for literature is sent to the Society so that all interested in obtaining personal literature items may advise the brother handling literature.

◼ Publishers who plan to begin regular pioneer service September 1, 1993, should apply without delay. Applications should be mailed to the Society before the end of August. Please review paragraphs 21 to 26 of the August 1986 Our Kingdom Ministry insert.

◼ The congregation secretary will compile the service reports for entry on the Congregation Analysis Report form (S-10). He will also carefully instruct any elder or ministerial servant who may be helping to compile the report. This will ensure an accurate tabulation of the information needed from the Congregation’s Publisher Record cards (S-21). The Congregation Analysis Report form (S-10) should be filled out accurately and neatly and be carefully checked by the service committee.

◼ New Publications Available:

Afrikaans: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Chinese (Simplified): The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Croatian: “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.” Dutch: Will There Ever Be a World Without War? (for Jews). Ewe: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Fijian: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. German: Will There Ever Be a World Without War? (for Jews). Greek: Will There Ever Be a World Without War? (for Jews). Hungarian: Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Punjabi: Our Problems​—Who Will Help Us Solve Them? (for Hindus). Romanian: Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Serbian: My Book of Bible Stories (Small size). Swahili: How Can Blood Save Your Life?; Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide. Twi: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Xhosa: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.

◼ New Audiocassettes Available:

Croatian: Listening to the Great Teacher (set of five audiocassettes and a book in an album). Spanish: The Second of Chronicles (set of three audiocassettes).

New Special Assembly Day Program

¹ Our study of The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived has enhanced our appreciation for Jesus Christ. Appropriately, the special assembly day program starting in September will develop the theme “Closely Following Our Great Exemplar,” helping us to understand more fully what it means to follow him.

² Regardless of age or years in the truth, all who attend the assembly will be encouraged to be more Christlike. Part of the program will feature counsel especially for youths. It will equip them to face challenges in connection with education, entertainment, and materialism. There will be talks, experiences, and demonstrations highlighting how to resist the world’s influence and model oneself after Christ.​—1 Pet. 2:21.

³ Newly dedicated persons will have the opportunity to declare publicly by being baptized that they are followers of Christ. A stimulating Scriptural discussion on the subject will precede the baptism ceremony. Those desiring to be baptized at the special assembly day should make their wish known to their presiding overseer in sufficient time for him to arrange for elders to go over the prescribed questions for baptismal candidates.

⁴ A guest speaker will present the principal talk, entitled “Following Our Great Exemplar​—To What Are We Led?” Be sure to invite all interested persons to this encouraging and faith-​strengthening program. There can be no greater or more rewarding course than following our Great Exemplar, Jesus Christ.​—Matt. 19:27-29.

Strive to Get a Listening Ear

¹ Many people we meet in our house-​to-​house ministry do not have spiritual matters on their minds. They may be preoccupied with family members, economic difficulties, or personal problems. To start a conversation, it is often best to talk about matters of interest common to many in the neighborhood. Questions can be used to stimulate interest, since this involves the householder in the conversation. Viewpoint questions that do not embarrass people are most effective.

² You might get a listening ear by using an approach something like this:

◼ “Good morning. My name is ․․․․․․․. I live in the neighborhood. Many I’ve talked to this morning are concerned about [mention a recent neighborhood news event or matter of local concern]. Do you think God intended the world to be like this?” Allow for a response. At this point the tract Life in a Peaceful New World may be featured. Briefly consider the illustration on page 1 and the information in paragraphs 1-3 as time permits. If interest is established, the Live Forever book may be introduced. You could draw attention to Psalm 37:9, 10 as quoted on page 157 and read it from the book. Using artwork on pages 156-7, explain the righteous conditions that will exist earth wide when wickedness is gone.

³ Always be prepared to offer The Watchtower and Awake! People everywhere are alarmed at the breakdown in morals. As you read the August 8 Awake!, pick out a few points you feel would arouse interest among people in your territory. Without dwelling at length on current bad conditions, call the householder’s attention to the article “The Perfect Moral Guide,” and speak positively about the benefits of adhering to the counsel of God’s Word. Later in the month, when introducing the August 22 Awake!, call attention to the article “When All Races Live Together in Peace.” Highlight the Bible’s counsel for attaining peaceful race relations. Current as well as older issues of The Watchtower and Awake! may be featured at any time in addition to special days set aside for offering magazines.

⁴ Remember that our objective is to arouse interest in the Kingdom message. In order to get a listening ear, we must first get the householder’s attention and stimulate his thinking. This will cause sheeplike people to want to “hear what the true God Jehovah will speak” regarding his purpose for mankind.​—Ps. 85:8.

Return to Help People Learn How They Can Live Forever

¹ Since the Live Forever book was released, more than 65 million copies have been produced in 115 languages. Many who are now servants of Jehovah learned the basic truths of the Bible by means of this fine instrument. This month and next, we may have opportunity to place this Bible study aid, or we may meet people in the territory who already have it.

² Calling Back on Those Who Have the Book: Some publishers have had good results from calling attention to the table of contents and asking the interested person which subject he finds of particular interest. When the householder has selected a subject, suggest that he read over the chapter in the book before the next visit.

³ When at all possible, we should make a definite appointment to call back. Before returning we want to prepare to discuss a few paragraphs of the chapter the householder selected. If he did not have a preference, we can start discussing chapter 1. After considering a few paragraphs, we should raise a question that will be covered in the next few paragraphs. That will serve as a stepping-​stone to another return visit, when we can continue the study of the Live Forever book.

⁴ Of course, if the householder has questions, it is best to take those into consideration first. Most likely his questions are answered in the book. By our being familiar with the contents of the book, we may be able to turn to the appropriate paragraphs and use that material to answer the questions raised.

⁵ Calling Back on Those With Whom We Left a Tract: Perhaps we left with the householder a copy of the Peaceful New World tract. When calling back, we can discuss the opening paragraphs of the tract.

If the householder shows real interest, when we come to the end of the first paragraph on page 3, where Psalm 37:29 is quoted, we might say:

◼ “Those words highlight what is discussed in this publication, You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. Notice the thought here in paragraph 3 of chapter 1 under the heading ‘Why We Can Believe.’” We can then read paragraph 3, ask the printed question on it, and continue with paragraphs 4 and 5 in the same manner. Then we could say: “Why are conditions so out of harmony with God’s purposes now? The next few paragraphs explain that, and I would like to return next week at this same time and answer that question for you.” If the householder has shown real interest, we might want to offer the book at this point. Or we may decide to do so at the end of our next discussion.

⁶ To offer the “Live Forever” book, we could say:

◼ “I’m sure you’d enjoy having your own copy of this publication. Then you’d be able to read ahead and thus get more out of our next discussion.” If the householder agrees to take the book, we may want to say: “This work is supported by voluntary donations. If you would like to contribute to the worldwide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you may do so.”

⁷ Returning to help people learn how they can live forever is a very important work. Jesus instructed his followers to teach others what they had been taught. We pray for Jehovah to send out more workers. So then, let us do our part in finding interested ones and teaching them to be fellow workers in the harvest.​—Matt. 9:37; 28:19, 20.