December

Set Aside Time for Magazine Activity

¹ Jehovah has determined that there will be ‘peace, a future, and a hope’ for those following his ways. (Jer. 29:11) Information about this prospect is presented in a timely way in The Watchtower and Awake! These magazines can benefit all sorts of people under every circumstance. (1 Tim. 2:4) Do you and your family regularly set aside time for magazine distribution?

² If your magazine placements have been decreasing, how might this trend be remedied? One essential is to keep alive your appreciation for the contents of our magazines. One man wrote: “Reading your magazines is a genuinely joyful experience. They are not cheap, low-​quality ‘comforters’ but contain guidance and direction on how to make life meaningful.” The Watchtower and Awake! are products of careful research and are provisions of “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) They are effective tools for reaching the hearts of people.

³ Be familiar with the articles in the magazines you are offering. Look for points that deal with current problems in your community. It is good to prepare for speaking with men, women, and youths that you may meet at the doors or on the street. Be prepared to show how the magazines relate to individuals and to families as a whole.

⁴ Be Magazine Conscious: Magazine witnessing should occupy an important part of your field service schedule. What are the best times for you to offer the magazines? Have you tried working from door to door for an hour or so in the late afternoon or evening before your Congregation Book Study? Evening witnessing has been very productive in some areas. Saturday is a good day for distributing magazines in various ways, but other days may also be used for this activity. The house-​to-​house and store-​to-​store work should be a regular part of Magazine Day.

⁵ Each one should have a standing order for a set number of distributors’ copies of each issue of the magazines. When on occasion you have older issues on hand, these may be used to show householders the variety of subjects covered in the magazines. From time to time, a set of older copies may be left at retirement homes, nursing homes, and hospitals where allowed. All such magazines can be counted as placements and are to be reported each month on your Field Service Report slip.

⁶ By applying the above suggestions, no doubt you will see an increase in the number of magazines you are able to distribute. Honesthearted people who are burdened down with life in the present wicked system appreciate refreshing information such as is found in The Watchtower and Awake! These magazines truly provide the spiritual food needed by those seeking to gain Jehovah’s approval. Therefore, be magazine conscious, and seek out ways to increase the distribution of these valuable publications in your territory.

Reach the Heart of Your Bible Student

¹ Do you want your Bible student to act upon what he is learning? He must do so if he is to benefit from the knowledge he is gaining. In order to motivate your Bible student to action, you must reach his heart. On the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., the apostle Peter’s stimulating discourse “stabbed to the heart” about 3,000 persons, who “embraced his word heartily” and were baptized that day. (Acts 2:37, 41) How can you reach the heart of your Bible student?

² Prepare Thoroughly: Do not try to cover so much material that little time is available to reason with the student on the information. Determine in advance the points that you will highlight, and be certain that you understand and can apply the scriptures effectively. Consider beforehand the questions that may arise in the student’s mind because of his background. If you are well acquainted with your student, this knowledge will help you to be prepared with information that will particularly fit him.

³ Imitate Jesus’ Method of Teaching: Jesus used illustrations to simplify difficult points and to help his students get the sense and feel the emotion of a situation. (Luke 10:29-37) Similarly, you can impress fine teachings on the heart of your Bible student by keeping your illustrations simple, taking them from the common things of life, and applying them specifically to the student’s circumstances.

⁴ Questions are especially helpful in reaching the hearts of Bible students, as Jesus often demonstrated. (Luke 10:36) But do not be satisfied if the student simply reads the answer from the book. Use leading questions to direct his mind to a conclusion that he may not have considered before. This process also helps the student to develop thinking ability. Ask viewpoint questions to find out what he personally believes on a matter. You may then discern areas where help is needed, and you can follow through with more specific assistance.

⁵ If a Bible student is not making progress, you need to draw him out as to the reasons. This may involve making a visit at a time other than the regular study period. Why is he hesitant to act? Is there some Scriptural point he does not understand? Is he reluctant to make certain adjustments in his way of life? If a Bible student is trying to ‘limp upon two different opinions,’ assist him to recognize the danger in doing so.​—1 Ki. 18:21.

⁶ The apostle Paul realized that teaching Bible truths to interested persons is a lifesaving work, and so he counseled all Christians to ‘pay constant attention to their teaching.’ (1 Tim. 4:16) Those with whom you conduct Bible studies must take in more than just facts about the Bible and world events. They must gain accurate knowledge about Jehovah and Jesus and be helped to develop a warm personal relationship with them. Only by so doing will they be moved to demonstrate their faith by works. (Jas. 2:17, 21, 22) When the student’s heart is reached, he will be motivated to follow the course that will honor Jehovah and safeguard his own life.​—Prov. 2:20-22.

Service Meetings for December

Week Starting December 6

Song 205

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

20 min: “Help Others Learn About God’s Son, Jesus Christ.” Question-​and-​answer coverage. Demonstrate presentations in paragraph 2 (by experienced publisher) and paragraph 4 (by younger publisher). Encourage all to feature Greatest Man book both from house to house and in informal witnessing when people manifest interest.

15 min: “Set Aside Time for Magazine Activity.” Talk, with audience discussion. When considering paragraph 3, illustrate how various articles in current magazines may be presented to different types of people who may be encountered in local territory.

Song 169 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 13

Song 146

10 min: Local announcements, accounts report, and donation acknowledgments. Commend congregation for generous support of local needs, Society Kingdom Hall Fund, and Society’s worldwide work. Suggest one or two talking points that can be used in introductory comments in field service this weekend.

20 min: “Starting Bible Studies During December.” Discussion with audience. When considering paragraph 4, demonstrate how to start a Bible study on a return visit. Encourage everyone to conduct a home Bible study each month, if possible.

15 min: “The Yearbook​—A Treasury of Encouragement.” Enthusiastic talk highlighting application of cited scriptures. Arrange for well-​rehearsed publishers to relate with feeling the experience in article and experiences found on page 32 of January 1, 1990, January 1, 1987, and January 1, 1986, issues of The Watchtower.

Song 165 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 20

Song 189

5 min: Local announcements. Mention local arrangements for special witnessing on December 25.

15 min: “Reach the Heart of Your Bible Student.” Questions and answers with demonstration. Emphasize point that all in congregation should work to develop the art of teaching. After consideration of paragraph 3, publisher demonstrates how to reason with Bible student by using questions and scriptures from paragraphs 13 and 14 in chapter 1 of Live Forever book.

10 min: “Sow Bountifully but With Discernment.” Question-​and-​answer discussion. Highlight expressions that would be particularly appropriate in your territory. These suggestions should be reviewed at meetings for field service this weekend.

15 min: “Continued Expansion Increases Need for Kingdom Halls”​—Part 1. Question-​and-​answer coverage of paragraphs 1-10 of insert. Emphasize reasons why elders need to contact Regional Building Committee at the outset when contemplating a Kingdom Hall construction project.

Song 61 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 27

Song 37

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Announce special witnessing arrangements for January 1. Demonstrate how to use literature that will be featured locally in January.

15 min: What’s Wrong With Trying Drugs? Two teenage publishers discuss with an elder the widespread use of drugs in school. They mention that some young people can see nothing wrong with occasional use of drugs. Elder acknowledges that things have deteriorated since he went to school. He points out that substances are not specifically mentioned in Bible, but fine guidelines on use of drugs can be found in Reasoning book, pages 106-12. Youths read scriptures, and elder reasons with them on material as it is covered. Youths offer their own suggestions as to various ways that they may individually resist peer pressure.

20 min: “Continued Expansion Increases Need for Kingdom Halls”​—Part 2. Enthusiastic talk by elder on paragraphs 11-17 of insert. Emphasize need for more volunteers, and have the Kingdom Hall Volunteer Worker Questionnaire forms available at the meeting. As time permits, include appropriate experiences related to past Kingdom Hall construction projects in your area.

Song 120 and concluding prayer.

The Yearbook​—A Treasury of Encouragement

¹ Reports and experiences concerning Jehovah’s wonderful works have always been refreshing to God’s servants. (Job 38:4, 7; Prov. 25:25; Luke 7:22; Acts 15:31) That is why the Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses is a treasury of encouragement.

² Each Yearbook presents upbuilding reports from around the world on the activities and accomplishments of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Faith-​strengthening experiences highlight Jehovah’s guidance, protection, and blessing of his people. The Yearbook tells of stalwart men and women who left family, friends, and homeland to bring Bible truths to peoples on all continents and most of the islands of the sea.

³ The Yearbook has moved many readers to increase their service to God. One reader wrote: “I can’t read it fast enough. What I’ve read so far has been very encouraging. It makes me feel that I could do more in preaching the good news when I see what others are doing under pressure.”

⁴ Every year since 1927, the Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses has been a real treasury of inspiring reports and experiences. Are you benefiting fully from this unique source of encouragement? To do so, be sure to read the Yearbook when you first get it. Then throughout the year, review specific portions of it for the encouragement you and your family need.

September Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 190 125.2 67.8 53.9 5.6

Pios. 74,626 82.0 28.9 24.3 2.4

Aux.Pios. 29,148 59.5 21.2 15.0 1.3

Pubs. 766,193 9.8 4.9 3.6 0.4

TOTAL 870,157 Baptized: 2,097

The United States reports a new peak in regular pioneers for September 1993. The 74,626 regular pioneers reporting represent an increase of 1,396, or 1.9 percent, over the last peak in November 1992. Reports were received from 10,017 congregations, surpassing the 10,000 mark for the first time.

Continued Expansion Increases Need for Kingdom Halls

¹ Long ago Jehovah’s prophet foretold that “the desirable things of all the nations must come in.” (Hag. 2:7) Surely we are seeing the evidence of how divine teaching is enabling multitudes to learn the truth and become Jehovah’s worshipers. How thrilling it is to note that 41,581 were baptized during the 1993 service year in the United States alone! In order to keep assisting all these new ones, we need to ‘set our hearts upon our ways’ to be sure that we are supporting God’s work to the fullest extent possible. (Compare Haggai 1:5.) An important part of our supporting God’s work continues to be our helping to provide suitable houses of worship for throngs of new praisers of Jehovah.

² The Society Kingdom Hall Fund has been in operation for ten years now and has made it possible for 1,863 congregations to obtain new Kingdom Hall facilities. During the 1993 service year, 227 congregations in 38 states received loans for Kingdom Hall construction. Gratifying, indeed, has been the response of the publishers in giving financial support to this revolving fund. Moneys lent to congregations are being returned to the fund along with accrued interest so that all funds donated continue to be used, year after year, to build new Kingdom Halls.

³ Assistance by Regional Building Committees: The 73 Regional Building Committees in the United States aid the elders involved in construction activity in connection with new Kingdom Halls and renovation projects. They help assess the need for a new Kingdom Hall or remodeling an existing hall and provide outside assistance as needed from the time before property is purchased until the Kingdom Hall is completed. Each congregation is assigned to one of these committees.

⁴ Tens of thousands of willing workers have volunteered to share in the work of renovating Kingdom Halls and building new ones. These volunteers, including many professionals and tradesmen, give freely of their time and effort in such matters as purchasing property, filing legal papers, planning the building, and developing lists of materials to be purchased. They also help with purchasing quality materials at favorable prices, completing the initial site work, and overseeing the actual construction. Such generous giving of their dedicated resources in behalf of Kingdom interests is most commendable and brings rich blessings from Jehovah.​—Prov. 11:25.

⁵ Elders should contact the Regional Building Committee for their area when their congregation first begins considering renovation of an existing Kingdom Hall or construction of a new one. Why? The regional committees have guidelines that can help congregations in their initial considerations. Selecting a site involves many factors in addition to the purchase price of the property. Other things could greatly increase the actual cost of the property, such as extensive site work, removal of hazardous or toxic substances, or legal entanglements. If a congregation needs financial assistance from the Society, the regional committees have copies of the Kingdom Hall Loan Survey form and can help congregation elders complete these.

⁶ The Society has provided Regional Building Committees with suggested floor plans for Kingdom Halls. Before selecting a design, congregation elders should contact the regional committee and discuss the overall layout of the building, using the Society-​provided plans as a guide. Not only will this reduce development costs but it will also help the congregation to choose a building that will be modest yet functional and that will be suited for the quickly built method of construction.

⁷ Accurate and detailed financial records must be kept. Knowledgeable brothers have volunteered to work with the regional committees to aid congregations in setting up the needed accounting system and maintaining it. Other brothers working with the Regional Building Committees help congregations complete loan surveys and applications. This assists greatly, since local elders do not usually work with such Kingdom Hall financial records on a continuing basis as do these experienced and well-​trained brothers. When the work is finished, the regional committee should receive a copy of the complete accounting records for the project.

⁸ Onlookers Impressed: The evident operation of Jehovah’s holy spirit upon the brothers working on Kingdom Halls has served as a witness to others. The materials for one hall were purchased from a lumber company, and later the manager wrote: “I do not recall ever being more impressed with a group of people than I was with the Jehovah’s Witnesses during the project. It was both fun and exciting for me to witness such an event, and I was glad to be able to participate in a small way. You and your people are to be commended, and I wish you much success in your future projects.”

⁹ In another instance, a representative of a supplier was assigned to spend parts of three days at the construction site. He said: “My life has been enriched by being with you this weekend. My impression of Jehovah’s Witnesses has changed! You do much more than knock on doors. It was a privilege to have had a part. Don’t be surprised to see me at your public meeting.”

¹⁰ When one project was completed, the mayor wrote on behalf of the city, stating: “It was an inspiration to see the hundreds of volunteers work together to build the hall so quickly. It is indeed a beautiful building. Residents were talking about the building’s going up so quickly. The new Kingdom Hall is a true credit to our community, and we are proud to welcome it and your congregation.”

¹¹ More Volunteers Needed: The regional committees seek to use skills that are available within the congregations that will meet in the new or renovated Kingdom Halls. They also work with other local brothers, especially elders and ministerial servants, to train them in performing the tasks at hand. Having developed needed skills that will be useful in Kingdom Hall construction, these spiritually mature brothers can thereafter assist with building other Kingdom Halls within the region. Thus, those associated with the congregations involved in a Kingdom Hall construction project need to display a willing and cooperative spirit, not expecting that the regional committee and those working with it will care for all the work on their Kingdom Hall. (Neh. 4:6b) After receiving training, brothers should be motivated by love to help construct Kingdom Halls for other congregations that also have a pressing need for new or improved facilities.​—Neh. 5:19; Phil. 2:3, 4.

¹² Baptized publishers who have appropriate skills and who are in good standing in the congregation are encouraged to volunteer to assist with this vast work assignment. Both construction and nonconstruction skills are needed. Volunteers can obtain the needed forms from the presiding overseer or secretary in their congregation and indicate their experience as tradesmen or in some other field, such as food service, safety, materials handling, accounting, and the processing of legal papers. (When more volunteer forms are needed by the congregation, they may now be requested when the monthly literature request is sent to the Society.) Responding in this way is an evidence of our love for our closest neighbors​—our Christian brothers.​—Matt. 7:12; 22:39; John 13:35.

¹³ Volunteer Assistance Appreciated: Until becoming involved in a Kingdom Hall construction project, few realize what a huge undertaking it is. After one Kingdom Hall project was finished, the elders wrote: “The patient direction received from the brothers on the Regional Building Committee was a tremendous blessing to us. When we think of the support they gave us through both direction and coordination of skilled workers, we cannot help but call to mind 1 Peter 5:2, 3, where we read of shepherding ‘not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.’ These brothers are truly fine examples of dedicated service to Jehovah. Throughout the duration of the project, there were occasions, too numerous to count, when brothers traveled from distant places, spent long hours, donated the use of their equipment and tools, and even donated materials, all to help us in the construction of our new Kingdom Hall. The generosity of these brothers is a grand demonstration that they do ‘have love for the whole association of brothers,’ and what an encouragement that has been for us!​—1 Pet. 2:17.”

¹⁴ The willing spirit and zeal of the brothers is evident, as one group wrote: “What a tremendous joy it was to see the Korean-, Spanish-, and English-​speaking congregations all working so well together in united worship of Jehovah!” True, indeed, are the words of Psalm 133:1, 3: “Look! How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” One elder working with a regional committee wrote saying what a privilege it was to serve other brothers. He commented that the “congregations are so encouraged by brothers traveling hundreds of miles to assist them in carrying out their dedication to Jehovah. . . . Truly, we form a loving brotherhood!”

¹⁵ In appreciation of the work done on one congregation’s Kingdom Hall, the presiding overseer wrote: “Because there are so many elderly brothers in this congregation, this project could not have been accomplished by just our effort alone. So a big thanks goes to you and brothers like you who feel Jehovah’s love and who want, not just to feel it, but to show it. May we say to our brothers: ‘Keep up the good work.’ Your efforts are being felt by so many of our brothers and without doubt bring joy to our Father, Jehovah.” Another building committee wrote: “We personally know the hard work that many contributed. (Philem. 21) Non-​Witnesses in the area have exclaimed that ‘Jehovah is with you people!’”

¹⁶ Financial Contributions Continue to Help: Generous contributions to the Society Kingdom Hall Fund have aided congregations in the past and will surely continue to do so in the future. Does not Jehovah God himself take the lead in unselfish giving? (Jas. 1:17) While it is true that our abilities and opportunities to give do vary, we may find that by adjusting our personal spending, we can have a full share in supporting the building work. Such liberality certainly brings joy to Jehovah’s heart, as well as great encouragement to our brothers.

¹⁷ Increasingly, “a great crowd” is responding to the message of the Kingdom today. “The desirable things” are streaming into Jehovah’s spiritual temple, and he is ‘filling his house with glory.’ (Rev. 7:9; Hag. 2:7) Like faithful Jews of Haggai’s time, may we set our hearts on God’s work, fully supporting the pressing need for additional Kingdom Halls. Even though many thousands of fine Kingdom Halls have been built in recent years, growth continues at an accelerated pace. Our continued support of the Society Kingdom Hall Fund is an excellent means of sharing in God’s work.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Closed-​book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of September 6 to December 20, 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 book of Ezra covers the record of Jehovah’s dealings with the Jews down to the time of the assembling of the Hebrew catalog. [si p. 85 par. 7 (1983 ed., p. 86 par. 7)]

2. Originally the books of Ezra and Nehemiah were one book, called Ezra. [si p. 88 par. 3 (p. 88 par. 3)]

3. When delivering a talk, it is best not to carry your enthusiasm on too high a plane throughout the entire talk. [sg p. 164 par. 6]

4. The closing verses of 2 Chronicles prove that a full 70 years must be counted from the complete desolation of Judah to the restoration of pure worship in 537 B.C.E. [si p. 84 par. 35 (p. 84 par. 35)]

5. Commenting regularly at meetings will help you to become accustomed to speaking before a group. [sg p. 183 par. 14]

6. The “woman of the sons of Dan” was also married to a man of the tribe of Dan. (2 Chron. 2:14) [Weekly Bible reading; see w79 4/15 p. 31.]

7. Second Chronicles 16:14 indicates that King Asa was cremated. [Weekly Bible reading; see w76 p. 416.]

8. At Luke 11:51, Jesus was evidently referring to the stoning of Zechariah the son of Jehoiada. (2 Chron. 24:20, 21) [Weekly Bible reading; see w80 3/1 p. 31.]

9. If any of Jehovah’s Witnesses should miss the Memorial, they should celebrate it 30 days later. (2 Chron. 30:2) [Weekly Bible reading; see w85 2/15 p. 31.]

10. The Jewish exiles were resettled in their homeland by “the seventh month,” or about October 1, 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 3:1) [Weekly Bible reading; see si p. 283 par. 29 (p. 282 par. 30).]

Answer the following questions:

11. Proper timing of a talk is fundamentally a matter of what? [sg p. 179 par. 25]

12. What temple exceeds earthly temples in glory? [si p. 87 par. 16 (p. 87 par. 16)]

13. What is modulation? [sg p. 160 par. 11]

14. Why must the application of an illustration be made clear? [sg p. 169 par. 10]

15. If a speaker goes overtime, what effect may this have on his conclusion? [sg p. 177 par. 16]

16. Why is it not improper to make tape recordings of public prayers? (2 Chron. 33:18) [Weekly Bible reading; see w78 1/1 p. 32.]

17. What name does secular history provide for Asenappar? (Ezra 4:10) [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 2/15 p. 28.]

18. Why were the children of the foreign wives dismissed along with their mothers? (Ezra 10:3, 44) [Weekly Bible reading; see w86 1/15 p. 9.]

19. What year was “the twentieth year of Artaxerxes”? (Neh. 2:1) [Weekly Bible reading; see w92 10/1 p. 11.]

20. How was ‘meaning put into’ the Law? (Neh. 8:8) [Weekly Bible reading; see w86 2/15 p. 26.]

21. What should be true of any illustration used in a talk? [sg p. 171 par. 20]

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

22. After the Babylonian captivity, a faithful remnant of Jews set up an altar and offered sacrifices in the year ․․․․․․․. [si p. 85 par. 3 (p. 85 par. 3)]

23. If a speaker has a warm feeling toward his audience, it should show in his ․․․․․․․. [sg p. 166 par. 13]

24. If we use theocratic terms in our ministry, it is important that we ․․․․․․․ them. [sg p. 173 par. 5]

25. The main purpose of a conclusion is to ․․․․․․․. [sg p. 175 par. 4]

26. A speaker should not ․․․․․․․ on the speaker’s stand. [sg p. 186 par. 26]

27. In harmony with 1 Timothy 3:1, brothers can make themselves available by ․․․․․․․. [sg p. 190 par. 10]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

28. Ezra completed Chronicles (c. 515; c. 460; c. 537) B.C.E. [si p. 79 par. 1 (p. 79 par. 1)]

29. Nehemiah served during the reign of Persian king (Cyrus; Xerxes; Artaxerxes). [si p. 88 par. 1 (p. 88 par. 1)]

30. “The festival” refers to the Festival of (Booths; Weeks; Unleavened Bread). (2 Chron. 7:8) [Weekly Bible reading; see pm p. 53.]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

2 Chron. 9:9; 2 Chron. 19:7; 2 Chron. 28:16, 20, 21; 2 Chron. 36:20, 21; Neh. 5:7

31. Unnecessary entanglements with the world can prove disastrous. [Weekly Bible reading; see w85 9/1 p. 30.]

32. Regarding the proper view of bribery, Jehovah himself sets the standard. [Weekly Bible reading; see w86 10/1 p. 30.]

33. This was in direct violation of Jehovah’s law at Leviticus 25:36 and Deuteronomy 23:19. [Weekly Bible reading; see w86 2/15 p. 25.]

34. This tells of a gift worth in excess of $50,000,000. [Weekly Bible reading; see g87 11/22 p. 4.]

35. One of the reasons for Israel’s 70-​year captivity in Babylon was the violation of God’s Sabbath laws. [Weekly Bible reading; see g79 9/22 p. 9.]

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. January: Any 192-​page book printed on paper that yellows or discolors or any published prior to 1980. Congregations that do not have a supply of such books may offer Mankind’s Search for God. February: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. March: Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand! NOTE: Congregations that will need the above-​mentioned campaign items should request them on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14). Older publications referred to above are not available in Brooklyn, but congregations should use any they may already have in stock.

◼ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on December 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. Make announcement to the congregation when this has been done.

◼ The Memorial for 1995 will be Friday, April 14, after sundown. This advance notice of the date for the 1995 Memorial celebration is given so that brothers may make necessary reservations or contracts for available halls when there are too many congregations using the Kingdom Hall and they must find other facilities.

◼ Congregations should begin requesting bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! for 1993 on their December literature request. (See the Watchtower Publications List, paragraphs 6-8, 10.) The bound volumes will be available in Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Until the bound volumes are available and shipments are made, these will appear as “Pending” on congregation packing lists. Bound volumes are special-​request items. (See the Watchtower Publications List, paragraphs 24 and 25.)

◼ New Publications Available:

Amharic: Making Your Family Life Happy. Arabic: What Is the Purpose of Life​—How Can You Find It? Greek: New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures (bi7). Hungarian: What Is the Purpose of Life​—How Can You Find It? Macedonian: United in Worship of the Only True God. Polish: Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand! Romanian: Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work; What Is the Purpose of Life​—How Can You Find It? Slovenian: What Is the Purpose of Life​—How Can You Find It? Ukrainian: What Is the Purpose of Life​—How Can You Find It?

◼ New Audiocassettes Available:

Spanish: Jehovah’s Judgment Against Law-​Defying People (Drama; single audiocassette).

Theocratic News

Bahamas: The 1,294 publishers were happy to have 3,149 in attendance at their “Divine Teaching” Conventions and to see 38 baptized.

Brazil: In July the fourth publisher peak for the 1993 service year was reached with 348,634 reporting.

Gabon: With 1,332 publishers reporting in July, they reached their fifth peak for the 1993 service year. These zealous publishers averaged 17.8 hours, made 22,658 return visits, and conducted 4,280 home Bible studies.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Making Your Family Life Happy.

December 6: Pages 37*-47*

December 13: Pages 47*-53

December 20: Pages 54-62*

December 27: Pages 62*-69

* To or from subheading.

Sow Bountifully but With Discernment

¹ Every farmer knows that if he sows his seed bountifully, he will likely reap a bountiful harvest, but if he sows sparingly, he will assuredly reap sparingly. (2 Cor. 9:6) Farmers are careful not to waste seed by sowing where no growth is possible. Similar discernment is needed when we offer our literature in the field. Our desire is to leave literature with those who are interested in reading it. We want to give deserving ones the opportunity to learn of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness and the Kingdom hope.

² Do you find that magazines, brochures, and other publications are accumulating on a shelf at home when they could be used to bring deserving ones in your territory to a knowledge of the truth? (Compare Matthew 25:25.) Do you sometimes hold back from offering magazines or other literature on the first call simply because you find it awkward to mention how the Kingdom preaching work is supported? Experienced publishers have found that appreciative householders respond to a simple, direct statement when they are told how donations to the Kingdom work are handled.

³ You might say:

◼ “You may be wondering how we can offer literature without charge. It is a part of a worldwide educational work supported by voluntary contributions. If you would like to make a small donation toward the work, I would be very glad to accept it.”

⁴ Many householders will ask how much the literature costs.

You could reply:

◼ “There is no charge for the literature because our work is supported by voluntary donations. If you would like to make a small donation today, we would be happy to see that it is used in the worldwide preaching work.”

Or you could say:

◼ “We make our literature available to all who are interested in learning more about the Bible. If you would like to make a small donation toward this worldwide work, I would be pleased to forward it for you.”

⁵ In magazine work some publishers show the inside page of a magazine and say:

◼ “As you see here, our work is supported by voluntary donations. If you would like to make a small donation to help with this work, I am in a position to handle it.”

Here is another simple expression:

◼ “Although our literature is offered without charge, we do accept modest donations for our worldwide work.”

⁶ We should never hold back from sowing Kingdom seed because we are reluctant to mention how the work is financed. At the same time, discernment is needed so that our literature is not wasted on ‘rocky soil.’ (Mark 4:5, 6, 16, 17) Those who appreciate the good news we bring are glad to have the opportunity to contribute to its material support.​—Compare Matthew 10:42.

Help Others Learn About God’s Son, Jesus Christ

¹ December is the month when most professed Christians give more thought to Jesus than at any other time of the year. Thus, it is a fine month to feature the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Since this is a valuable publication, we should determine if the householder is genuinely interested in learning more about God’s Son before we offer the book. How can we do that?

² Try to get directly into a Bible-​based conversation that focuses attention on Jesus.

After greeting the householder, you may say something like this:

◼ “Today we’re asking our neighbors what they think when they read in their Bible about living forever. [Allow for response.] It’s of special interest because the Bible speaks about that possibility some 40 times. What might such life mean for us? Note what Revelation 21:4 says. [Read.] Did you notice what is promised? [Allow for response.] How can we gain everlasting life?” Read John 17:3, and highlight the need to take in knowledge of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ. If the householder manifests some interest, show him the Greatest Man book, using the subheadings in the introduction in order to arouse his interest further.

³ If the householder has demonstrated limited initial interest, offer the current issues of The Watchtower and Awake! or the tract Will This World Survive? Call attention to one or two specific points in the publication presented. Offer to return at a convenient time to continue discussing the subject with him.

⁴ If the householder appears to be busy, it may be wise to shorten the above presentation. Newer publishers may also find the following presentation easy to use.

After introducing ourselves, we could say:

◼ “Today we’re asking our neighbors what they think when they read in their Bible about gaining everlasting life. For example, note what Jesus said at John 17:3. [Read.] To help people learn more about Jesus Christ and what he taught, this book has been published.” Open the Greatest Man book to some of the beautiful illustrations. Turn to the introduction, and read the second paragraph under the subheading “Benefit by Learning About Him.” If the householder is interested, offer him the publication.

⁵ If you place the book, lay the groundwork for a Bible study by offering to discuss the first chapter, “Messages From Heaven,” at that time or on a return visit a few days later. Rather than mentioning to the householder a fixed period of time that should be spent on the next visit, simply say that in just a few minutes, he can learn more interesting information about Jesus Christ from God’s Word, the Bible.

⁶ May all of us use this worldly holiday season to focus attention on the truth about God’s Son, Jesus Christ, in order to help others onto the road to everlasting life.​—Matt. 7:14.

Starting Bible Studies During December

¹ Jesus commanded his disciples to be teachers of the good news. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Our primary means of teaching others is by conducting Bible studies. Are you sharing in this work? If not, how can you start a study so that you can enjoy a greater share in teaching others?

² Perhaps we gave the householder a tract and promised to return to discuss its contents.

When calling back on a householder with whom we left the tract “Will This World Survive?,” we might say:

◼ “When I was here a few days ago, we discussed the urgency of our times and that Jesus accurately described the conditions that exist in our day. I’d like to spend a few minutes and briefly consider some information from the tract that I left with you. Note what’s stated under the subheading ‘The Sign.’” Turn to page 3 of the tract, and discuss the first two or three paragraphs under that subheading, reading the cited scriptures as time permits. Highlight how Jesus’ prophecy is being fulfilled today. Arrange to return and go over the other paragraphs under this subheading. Encourage the householder to read the material before you return.

³ Or you could say something like this:

◼ “The last time that we talked, I left you the tract entitled Will This World Survive? At that time we talked about the role of Jesus Christ in world affairs. We read his words recorded in the Bible at John 17:3. [Read.] Since it’s essential that we learn about God and Jesus if we want everlasting life, it’s worth our while to do what we can to take in such knowledge. When Jesus was on earth, he reflected the many wonderful qualities of God. Isn’t it reasonable to believe that the more we come to know about Jesus and his ministry, the more we come to know about his Father? [Allow for response.] Notice what this book, The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, says.” Read the first and second paragraphs on the tenth page of chapter 116. Emphasize that this book contains all the information in the four Gospel accounts about Jesus and puts this material in the order the events occurred. Point out specific chapter titles, illustrations, and the map at the beginning of the book. If the person is genuinely interested, offer the publication.

⁴ After greeting a householder who accepted the “Greatest Man” book, we might say:

◼ “As I mentioned on my previous visit, the Greatest Man book is designed for Bible study. I’d like to demonstrate briefly how it can be most effectively used.” Open the book to chapter 1, “Messages From Heaven.” Draw the householder’s attention to the printed questions. Read the first question, then consider the opening paragraphs. Tie in the illustration on the second page. Take up the remaining questions, and highlight the answers as time allows. Before concluding the call, arrange to return and continue the conversation.

⁵ By maintaining a positive attitude, preparing well, and taking advantage of every opportunity, we will be well equipped to start a Bible study during December.