March

Keep On Saying: “Come!”

¹ What a marvelous provision Jehovah has made through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice! In this we find the basis for all that is needed to make people really happy. (John 3:16) Sad to say, however, very few have come to know and believe this truth firmly. Still, in his loving concern for mankind, Jehovah has arranged to make this good news known to people everywhere. Through his Son, Jesus Christ, he has extended to all the opportunity to find happiness and the hope of everlasting life.​—John 17:3.

² For thousands of years, the identity of the One who would ransom mankind from sin and death was unknown. It was a “sacred secret” until Christ Jesus came and “shed light upon life and incorruption through the good news.” (Rom. 16:25; 2 Tim. 1:10) Jesus’ followers took up the proclamation of this good news in the first century; now we who are living in modern times have the exalted privilege of declaring this same good news. When we preach the Kingdom message, we are sharing with Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the brothers of Christ, who invite people of all walks of life by saying: “Come! . . . take life’s water free.”​—Rev. 22:17.

³ Of course, not everyone will listen to this good news. Very few pay close attention. Some rudely reject God’s servants, who invite them to benefit from life-​giving waters of truth. Even so, with strength from Jehovah, we persevere in this work. We know that our willingness to speak the truth and to help any who will hear is pleasing to Jehovah and brings his blessing.

⁴ In our ministry for March, we will encourage seekers of truth to read the Revelation Climax book and rejoice in the hope it sets forth. They will reap many blessings from doing so. After all, the book of Revelation is about the future​—their future and ours. Some who are now dedicated servants of Jehovah first became interested in the truth after reading explanations of the book of Revelation in one of the Society’s publications. Having recently made a detailed study of the Revelation Climax book ourselves, we can appreciate its importance to those of honest heart who are hungering for the truth. As we find such ones in our ministry, we will endeavor to point out one or two highlights from the Revelation Climax book to show them its value. Among other things, we can point to its clear explanations of Bible prophecies that have been fulfilled in this 20th century, such as the remarkable ride of the symbolic horsemen described in the sixth chapter of Revelation.

⁵ It is most appropriate for us to talk about Jehovah’s loving provisions for mankind as we prepare to celebrate the Memorial of Christ’s death on April 6. Whether people choose to listen or not, we persevere in our God-​given assignment to extend the heartening invitation to anyone that wishes: “Come! . . . take life’s water free.”

Celebrating the Death That Gives Hope of Everlasting Life

¹ After sundown on April 6, 1993, we will celebrate the death of the Chief Agent of life. (Acts 3:15) Indeed, it is most fitting to commemorate the life and death of Jesus Christ. Our very hope of living forever rests on Jesus’ shed blood.

² The Memorial underscores the significance of the death of Christ in the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose. That purpose includes providing the perfect human sacrifice needed to ransom Adam’s offspring, making it possible for billions to exercise faith and live forever on a paradise earth.​—John 3:16.

³ All lovers of truth and life look forward to celebrating the Lord’s Evening Meal in obedience to Jesus’ command. (Luke 22:19) What can we do individually to show our appreciation for the provision of Christ’s ransom sacrifice? In recognition of the significance of this celebration, good organization is very important. What preparations are you making for this special event?

⁴ Advance Preparation Necessary: Of course, we will ensure that every member of the family will be present. We should also prepare mentally by reading and meditating on the Bible passages noted on the 1993 Calendar for April 1-6. It would be appropriate to include information on the significance of the Memorial in our personal and family Bible study just prior to April 6. Plan to arrive early and stay a little while after the Memorial celebration is concluded so that you will be on hand to welcome new ones who may be attending for the first time.

⁵ In the weeks before the Memorial, invite all the interested persons you know to this celebration. Printed invitations have been included in the congregation’s yearly shipment of forms. When using these, remember to inform interested persons of the address and time of the local celebration. Prepare a list of those you wish to invite. Do all who wish to attend have transportation? If not, what can you do to assist them? If you have extra room in your car, why not ask the elders if someone needs transportation?

⁶ Because this is the most important celebration of the year and a large attendance is expected, the elders will need to make special advance preparations. (1 Cor. 14:40) A week or so before April 6, the elders will arrange for a special meeting with the brothers who will assist with the celebration, making sure that they understand the seating arrangements and how the emblems are to be passed. If you are assigned to assist during the celebration as an attendant or a server, be sure to follow the elders’ directions closely with regard to these matters. By checking the reminders in the box on page 7, the elders can make sure that all arrangements for the attendants, servers, emblems, and speaker are cared for well in advance.

⁷ Only a few of Christ’s brothers remain on earth today, and in the not-​too-​distant future, the celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal will have come to its completion. (1 Cor. 11:25, 26) As long as it is our privilege to do so, may we fittingly keep celebrating the death that gives hope of everlasting life.

Service Meetings for March

Week Starting March 1

Song 9

15 min: Local announcements and Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Call attention to New Publications Available on page 6. Point out any that may be of particular interest to local congregation. Highlights from Theocratic News, stressing how Jehovah’s blessing has been upon his servants in various parts of the earth. Local congregation experiences may also be included as appropriate.

15 min: “Keep On Saying: ‘Come!’” Question-​and-​answer coverage. When discussing paragraph 4, have well-​prepared publisher highlight a few points from chapter 42 of the Revelation Climax book, paragraphs 6-10, dealing with Revelation 21:4-6.

15 min: “Be Versatile in Your Ministry.” Talk, with some audience participation. Include two brief demonstrations when discussing paragraphs 3-5. When demonstrating the point in paragraphs 4 and 5, show how an older publisher and a younger one can work together in the door-​to-​door ministry as outlined in the article. Stress need to find joy in the ministry regardless of the results.

Song 114 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 8

Song 128

5 min: Local announcements. Mention number of auxiliary pioneers already approved for April. Encourage those planning to pioneer to turn in applications early.

20 min: “Can You Do More to Honor Jehovah?” Question-​and-​answer discussion of paragraphs 1 to 10.

20 min: Assisting Our Bible Students. Audience discussion stressing need to render additional assistance to Bible students beyond just conducting the study. (1 Thess. 2:8) Take additional time to stimulate heartfelt desire to attend and participate at meetings. Build appreciation for organization and international brotherhood by explaining circuit assemblies, special assembly days, and district conventions. May view together the videos Jehovah’s Witnesses​—The Organization Behind the Name, Purple Triangles, and The Bible—​Accurate History, Reliable Prophecy, drawing students out on what they have learned from these. Progressively show how to share with others informally what they learn. Bible students who meet the requirements outlined on pages 98 and 99 of the Our Ministry book and who desire to participate in the public ministry should be helped to become unbaptized publishers. It is important to spend time during the study and afterward to help students develop a desire for dedication and baptism. Could show students pictures or newspaper articles about baptisms at our conventions. Demonstration: Publisher assists Bible student with informal witnessing. Selects field point from Live Forever book and says: “It would be good to share that point with some of your relatives or neighbors. You might mention to them that you learned from the Bible something that you did not know before.” Encourage publishers to assist Bible students, extending loving care even after baptism.

Song 123 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 15

Song 72

10 min: Local announcements, including accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Refer to “A Timely Message” at bottom of this column. Encourage all to take note of the title of the special talk on March 28 and to invite interested ones to attend.

15 min: “Helping All Who Have Shown Interest.” Talk with some audience participation. Consider the cited scriptures as time permits. Demonstrate suggestion in paragraph 3. Highlight the need to follow up on interest of those attending for the first time.

20 min: “Can You Do More to Honor Jehovah?” Question-​and-​answer discussion of paragraphs 11 to 22.

Song 32 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 22

Song 66

10 min: Local announcements. Question Box. Encourage all to plan for increased participation in the ministry during April.

20 min: Caring for the Elderly. Discussion and interviews by two brothers. At the “Light Bearers” District Convention last summer, a symposium presented on Sunday morning featured the theme “Caring for One Another in the Christian Household.” The concluding part “By Caring for the Elderly” emphasized the valuable contribution that older persons make to the family and the congregation. (Prov. 16:31) In what ways can we assist the elderly? The family has the primary responsibility. (1 Tim. 5:3, 4, 8, 16) Patience and compassion are needed. Grown children and grandchildren have the opportunity to show appreciation for the years of love, work, and care that parents and grandparents provided in the past. (w87 6/1 13-18) The congregation can also assist the older ones. Some may need help in qualifying for government assistance. Show hospitality by inviting them to meals and gatherings. (Rom. 12:13) Assist them in the field ministry. Provide transportation to meetings and assemblies. Help with their shopping and the care of their homes. (w87 6/1 4-7) Always show respect for older persons. (1 Tim. 5:1, 2) Interview one or two older persons who are good examples. Highlight how they benefited from kindness shown by their families and congregation.

15 min: Elder interviews three or four publishers who will be auxiliary pioneering in April or who have done so in the past. What has motivated them to pioneer? What plans have they made for April? How has auxiliary pioneering helped them personally? Encourage all who plan to auxiliary pioneer next month to obtain an application and turn it in soon.

Song 172 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 29

Song 105

10 min: Local announcements. Remind all to invite interested persons and Bible students to the celebration of the Memorial. Make good use of the printed invitations. Encourage publishers to print neatly on invitations the time of the Memorial and the address where it will be celebrated.

25 min: “Celebrating the Death That Gives Hope of Everlasting Life.” Question-​and-​answer coverage by presiding overseer. Include material in box “In Preparation for the Memorial.” After considering paragraph 5 of the article, have demonstration in which publisher invites Bible student to the Memorial. Publisher explains arrangement to read selected Bible texts during period of April 1-6 and offers to provide transportation.

10 min: Featuring The Watchtower during April. Highlight specific talking points and subjects that may be featured during month. Be alert to direct attention to points in the magazines on every occasion.

Song 87 and concluding prayer.

A Timely Message

As announced in the January 1993 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, the special public talk for the Memorial season this year will be presented in most congregations on March 28. Its timely message is entitled “‘Acts of God’​—How Do You View Them?” A special effort should be made to invite all interested persons. Those who attend can be encouraged to attend the Memorial celebration on April 6.

Can You Do More to Honor Jehovah?

¹ That is a vital question for all of us to consider. As faithful imitators of our Master, Jesus Christ, we honor our God today by making public declaration to his name. This is a responsibility that we must shoulder if we are to gain God’s favor. (Mark 13:10; Luke 4:18; Acts 4:20; Heb. 13:15) What an indescribable privilege​—yes, honor—​to carry this good news to the remaining scattered “sheep” who may yet become part of Jehovah’s universal fold!​—John 10:16.

² Can you and your children do more to honor Jehovah by increasing your activity in the ministry? In ever-​increasing numbers worldwide, your brothers and sisters are entering the pioneer service. During the month of April 1992, a peak of 172,145 in the United States were in the special, regular, or auxiliary pioneer service. Have you personally given serious consideration to pioneering? Do you encourage your children to pursue a career in the full-​time ministry?

³ Why not analyze your personal feelings toward pioneer service? Whenever the subject is mentioned, do you quickly conclude that your circumstances simply do not permit you to serve as a pioneer minister? It is true that pioneering is not possible for everyone. Scriptural responsibilities and other limitations prevent many from serving full-​time. (1 Tim. 5:8) But have you recently given the matter prayerful thought? Have you discussed the subject as a family to see if at least one member can pioneer? The November 15, 1982, issue of The Watchtower made this thought-​provoking statement on page 23: “Really, every Christian minister should prayerfully consider whether he can pioneer or not. A South African couple who have pioneered for fifteen years said: ‘Why are we pioneering? Could we ever justify it before Jehovah if we did not?’ Many who are not pioneers could well ask the related question: ‘Can I really justify before Jehovah the fact that I am not a pioneer?’”

⁴ Another Watchtower article on the subject made this pointed comment: “Each of us should be honest with himself. Do you say, ‘The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak’? But is the spirit really willing? Let us avoid using the weakness of the flesh as an excuse for the unwillingness of the spirit.”​—w78 8/15 p. 23.

⁵ Parents Who Want Their Children to Succeed: Proverbs 15:20 assures us: “A wise son is the one that makes a father rejoice.” Godly parents unquestionably rejoice when their sons and daughters pursue a life of dedicated service to Jehovah. However, your children will not automatically choose the wise course. The allurement of this world is very powerful. Parents, your children’s values are largely shaped by your own. If you always speak positively about the benefits of full-​time service, if you encourage your young ones to seek out the company of devoted pioneers, if you are truly convinced that the full-​time ministry is the most honorable career your children could ever undertake, this positive attitude will undoubtedly have a great impact on your children. Help them to appreciate the value of making a good name with Jehovah rather than with men.

⁶ Young people, Proverbs 22:1 highlights the choice you have to make: “A name is to be chosen rather than abundant riches; favor is better than even silver and gold.” What kind of name will you make for yourself? Think of the men and women we read about in the Bible who made a name with God through dedicated service. There was Luke, the beloved physician, and Enoch, who walked with the true God. Samuel received the finest education possible, beginning his service at Jehovah’s temple at a tender age. Do you think these faithful servants ever regretted the choices they made? Why would they? All of them led happy, productive, and exciting lives. And they found lasting favor with Jehovah!​—Ps. 110:3; 148:12, 13; Prov. 20:29a; 1 Tim. 4:8b.

⁷ When children make a success of life, their parents feel a sense of pride. Their investment in the training, disciplining, and educating of this “inheritance from Jehovah” is repaid many times over. (Ps. 127:3) What could make any parent prouder than a son or a daughter who does all he or she can to honor Jehovah? Many young people in modern times are following in the footsteps of Luke, Enoch, and Samuel, as one letter illustrates: “I am 16. I started regular pioneering . . . nine months after I was baptized, and I have been receiving blessings from Jehovah ever since. . . . Pioneering also helps you in school. Before, I would get teased about being a Witness by my classmates. Now, since I have to do a lot more personal study, I am able to ‘make a reply to the one that is taunting me.’”

⁸ Education to Equip One in the Ministry: At this point we might consider the question of secular education. This is an area where a balanced viewpoint is especially needed. The November 1, 1992, Watchtower featured the article “Education With a Purpose.” Under the subheading “Adequate Education,” this point was made: “Christians should be able to support themselves, even if they are full-​time pioneer ministers. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12) . . . How much education does a young Christian need in order to respect these Bible principles and meet his Christian obligations? . . . What [wages] might be termed ‘adequate’ . . . for those who wish to be pioneer ministers of the good news? Such ones generally need part-​time work to avoid putting ‘an expensive burden’ upon their brothers or their family.​—1 Thessalonians 2:9.”

⁹ If supplementary education is deemed necessary by the prospective pioneer in order to help him to pursue full-​time service, the November 1, 1992, Watchtower recommends: “A young Witness would do well, if at all possible, to take this while living at home, thus being able to maintain normal Christian study habits, meeting attendance, and preaching activity.”

¹⁰ From Africa comes the experience of a 22-​year-​old youth who had to go to trade school, though his heart was in the pioneer service. While at the trade school, he enrolled as an auxiliary pioneer. His peers made fun of him, saying he would surely fail his examinations. His answer to them always was: “Seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness.” Exercising self-​discipline, he would rise very early each morning and do two hours’ preparation for classes and then share in the field service in the afternoon when classes were over. The whole school was stunned when this youth placed third in a special examination to select the best three students for a special sponsorship award. The student who came in second was an interested person with whom our pioneer brother studied the Bible at school. The student who placed first was another zealous Witness youth in the school.

¹¹ Elders Do Their Part: Congregation elders, who are proud of the work the pioneers are doing, provide great encouragement for these zealous ministers. Elders are pleased to do this because they know that hardworking, productive pioneers are a blessing to any congregation. After spending a year or so in regular pioneer service, such ones become eligible for extra training in the Pioneer Service School. The course has proved to be an invaluable tool in improving the effectiveness of the pioneers. Although the pioneers are at the forefront of the work, they too need loving encouragement, and the elders should be alert to fill this need.​—1 Pet. 5:1-3.

¹² How can the elders give stimulus to the pioneer work? A good starting point would be to evaluate periodically who might be able to reach out for this privilege. Elders could approach individuals who seem to be in a favorable position to pioneer, including many who auxiliary pioneer on a regular basis, retired persons, housewives, and students. While no one should be made to feel under obligation to enroll, those who have the desire but who have hesitated may, with a little practical encouragement, realize that pioneering is within their reach.

¹³ In giving encouragement to those who wish to apply, elders should bear in mind that it is not necessary for the applicant to spend several months in auxiliary pioneer work before enrolling as a regular pioneer. (km 8/86 insert pars. 24-26) Of course, the elders will want to be reasonably sure that the applicant is in a position to meet the hour requirement.

¹⁴ After the application is reviewed by the Congregation Service Committee and carefully checked by the secretary to make sure all questions are answered, it should be promptly mailed to the Society.

¹⁵ The secretary should keep the elders informed of any problems the pioneers may be experiencing. This is especially important in congregations where there are many pioneers. In addition to the review of the pioneers’ activity at the end of the service year, as requested on the Congregation Analysis Report (S-10), the secretary should invite the service overseer to meet with him early in March to see who may be falling behind in meeting the hour requirement and be in need of personal attention. (See February 1993 Our Kingdom Ministry, Announcements.) If help is given without delay, the pioneer may be able to complete the service year successfully.

¹⁶ A large number of new pioneers are young in years and relatively new in the truth. Their willing spirit surely makes us rejoice! But these new ones still need training to develop skill in the house-​to-​house work, to make effective return visits, and to teach on Bible studies. If this training is not received, the new one may become discouraged after a year or so and eventually discontinue pioneer service because of not getting good results in the ministry. Alert elders may be able to detect minor problems or a slowing down in activity. If immediate attention is given and the pioneer is helped with his problem, he may enjoy many years of productive service.

¹⁷ Can You Fish in Distant Waters? Some of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen. At times, after a whole night of fishing, their nets were still empty. (John 21:3) In parts of this country where the ‘fishing for men’ has proceeded for years, some pioneers may conclude that there are few “fish” remaining in their congregation “waters.” (Matt. 4:19) In contrast, are we not thrilled to read reports coming from other lands where publishers and pioneers are conducting many Bible studies? The joy experienced by pioneers and missionaries in these lands is clearly evident. (w92 9/1 p. 20 par. 15) Thus, if some hardworking pioneers could be in a position to relocate to a country where there is a greater need, they should consider this with their branch office before making such a move.

¹⁸ Initially, some may have begun pioneering because they knew it was the right thing to do but wondered if they could make a success of it. They may have applied with some doubts and reservations. At the outset, their results in the field may have been minimal. In time, however, their skill increased, and there was evidence of Jehovah’s blessing on their work. Consequently, their joy and confidence grew. For some, pioneering has even proved to be a stepping-​stone toward Bethel service, Gilead training and missionary work, the Ministerial Training School, and even traveling work.

¹⁹ It may not be possible for you to move to another land or to take advantage of Gilead training, but there are still opportunities to fish in other waters within this country if your present territory is not especially productive. Such a move may require an adjustment in your life-​style, but the spiritual rewards will be very great indeed.​—Matt. 6:19-21.

²⁰ Or if your circumstances permit, you may be able to assist a nearby congregation in your own circuit. If you qualify, your circuit overseer will be happy to offer suggestions on congregations in the circuit that would benefit from another pioneer.

²¹ Some pioneers and publishers have been able to serve the needs in their own area while remaining right at home. They may know another language. Do you find within your territory that a sizable segment of the population speaks another language? Are there people who need to receive the Kingdom message from someone using sign language? Those knowing another language can be a great help in reaching all sorts of men with the Kingdom message. Although this can be a real challenge, it can also prove very rewarding.​—1 Tim. 2:4; Titus 2:11.

²² If you are presently doing all you can to honor Jehovah, rejoice in your present privileges of service. If you feel you can do more, take the matter to Jehovah in prayer. Realistically analyze what changes your circumstances would permit you to make. Talk your plans over with an elder who has the pioneer spirit or with the circuit overseer. When you have made a prayerful, practical decision, follow through promptly, confident in Jehovah’s promise to honor those who honor him.​—1 Sam. 2:30; Heb. 13:5, 6.

New Publications Available

◼ New Publications Available:

Amharic: Does God Really Care About Us?; Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15); What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract No. 16). Cebuano: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Chinese (Simplified): Spirits of the Dead​—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?; You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size). Danish: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Dutch: Does God Really Care About Us?; Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19); Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Estonian: Does God Really Care About Us? Finnish: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Ga: United in Worship of the Only True God. Georgian: “Look! I Am Making All Things New” (Brochure). Greek: From Kurukshetra to Armageddon​—And Your Survival (for Hindus); In Search of a Father (for Buddhists); Sing Praises to Jehovah (Small size); The Path of Divine Truth Leading to Liberation (for Hindus); The Time for True Submission to God (for Muslims); Victory Over Death​—Is It Possible for You? (for Hindus). Hiligaynon: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Iloko: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Italian: Sing Praises to Jehovah​—Large Print (Lyrics only). Latvian: Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15). Macedonian: What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe? (Tract No. 14). Papiamento: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Punjabi: The Government That Will Bring Paradise. Romanian: Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry. Sinhalese: Spirits of the Dead​—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist? Tagalog: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Tamil: Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13); Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15).

◼ New Audiocassettes Available:

Japanese: Preserving Life in Time of Famine (Drama; single audiocassette).

◼ New Videocassettes Available:

English: The Bible​—Accurate History, Reliable Prophecy.

Announcements

◼ Literature featured for March: Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand! April and May: Watchtower and Awake! magazines as well as any brochure (except the School brochure). June: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. NOTE: Congregations that will need the above-​mentioned campaign items should request them on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14).

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

◼ A letter from the Society dated February 14, 1992, and addressed to all congregations announced a 1993 Convention Fund for helping missionaries visit their home country and attend one of this year’s district conventions. March will be the last month for sending contributions to the Society for this 1993 Convention Fund. Your generous support of the arrangement is very much appreciated.

Theocratic News

French Guiana: The October report shows the 15th consecutive publisher peak, with 948 reporting. Congregation publishers averaged 15.1 hours in the field service.

Hong Kong: A new peak of 2,704 publishers was reached in October. It is good to see that they conducted 4,043 Bible studies.

Jamaica: The first Assembly Hall in Jamaica was dedicated on November 7, 1992, with 4,469 in attendance.

Madagascar: Five “Light Bearers” District Conventions were attended by 10,694, with 241 baptized. Attendance was more than double their peak of 4,542 publishers.

Question Box

◼ Is it proper to reproduce publications of the Society for distribution to others?

Over the years, the Society has produced a wide range of publications dealing with virtually every aspect of Bible knowledge. Individuals who have learned the truth in recent years may feel that they have missed out on the benefits of material published in the past and that is no longer available through the Society. Some have gone to considerable lengths to obtain copies of older publications, and others have taken it upon themselves to reproduce Society publications and make them available in various ways. This has included actual reprints of publications as well as computer reproductions. In some cases, this has been done for a financial profit.

The faithful “slave” is aware of our spiritual needs and makes provisions “at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45) When there has been a need for reissuing material published in the past, the Society has made arrangements for such. For example, bound volumes of The Watchtower from 1960 to 1985 have been reprinted and made available to all. However, when individuals take the initiative on their own to reproduce and distribute such material, unnecessary problems can develop.

Serious difficulties are created when this material is reproduced and distributed for financial gain. The Question Box in the June 1977 Our Kingdom Service stated: “It is best not to exploit theocratic associations by either initiating or advertising the sale of any goods or services for commercial advantage in the Kingdom Hall, at congregation book studies and at assemblies of Jehovah’s people. This will aid us to give spiritual interests the full attention they deserve and to keep commercial activity in its proper place.” Therefore, it is important that we avoid becoming profit-​minded when it comes to commercializing God’s Word or matters related to it.

In Preparation for the Memorial

Has everyone, including the speaker, been informed of the exact time and place of the celebration? Does the speaker have transportation?

Have definite arrangements been made to obtain the emblems and have them in place at the proper time?

Have arrangements been made for the table to be set ahead of time with a clean tablecloth and a sufficient number of glasses and plates?

What arrangements have been made to clean the Kingdom Hall ahead of time?

Have the attendants and servers been assigned? Has a meeting been scheduled with them before the Memorial to go over their duties? When? What procedure will be followed to ensure that all are served efficiently?

Are arrangements complete to help older and infirm brothers and sisters? Are arrangements made to serve any of the anointed who may be confined and unable to be present with the congregation?

Congregation Book Study

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

March 1: Chapters 55-57

March 8: Chapters 58-60

March 15: Chapters 61-63

March 22: Chapters 64-66

March 29: Chapters 67-69

December Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 198 124.4 59.1 50.8 5.2

Pios. 72,753 77.4 24.9 24.2 2.6

Aux.Pios. 35,220 56.9 18.4 14.4 1.3

Pubs. 766,961 9.6 4.7 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 875,132 Baptized: 2,662

Be Versatile in Your Ministry

¹ It has been said that variety is the spice of life. Often, a different approach to a subject can make it more interesting. This is no less true of our ministry. If we are not careful, our door-​to-​door presentations can easily become stereotyped. Repeating the same introductions over and over can become tiresome both to us and to the householders. Therefore, be versatile in your ministry. But how can you accomplish this?

² Rather than saying something like, ‘Good morning. We are calling on our neighbors with the good news of the Kingdom,’ why not think of ways to vary your opening words? The Reasoning book contains a wealth of information about introductions. On pages 9-15, there are introductions on 18 different subjects. And there are two, three, or more possible introductions for most subjects.

³ If you are using the brochure “Does God Really Care About Us?,” this introduction from the section “Life/​Happiness” on page 13 may be helpful:

◼ “We’re speaking with people who are truly concerned about the quality of life today. Many wonder, Is a genuinely happy life possible? This brochure provides an encouraging and thought-​provoking point of view.” Open the brochure to page 25, and read one or two highlights from paragraphs 15 and 16.

⁴ Some Kingdom publishers​—younger and newer ones especially, but older ones as well—​have found that an interesting approach at the doors can be made using the tracts.

A young publisher might use the tract “Enjoy Family Life” and say:

◼ “I have a brief message for you about how God can bring families together in happiness. I would like to give you this tract entitled Enjoy Family Life.” The older publisher working along with the young person can then determine whether to add further thoughts or comments, depending on the reaction of the householder.

⁵ If the householder shows interest, the older publisher may say:

◼ “The Bible provides instruction on the proper role of the husband, the wife, and the children in the family arrangement. Since God is the Originator of the family, would you not agree that he is in the best position to tell us how the family should function? I would like to hear your opinion on the Bible’s frank counsel to family members.” Then read Ephesians 5:22, 23, 28-31.

⁶ If you feature the Revelation Climax book, why not highlight the positive view of the future set out at Revelation 21:3, 4? Then read paragraph 7 on page 303 of the book. Ask the householder if it is realistic to believe that God will fulfill these promises. A brief discussion of Bible prophecies that have already been fulfilled should strengthen the householder’s confidence in God’s ability to bless the human race.

⁷ All Kingdom proclaimers want to share in advancing theocratic interests, planting the seeds of truth where possible and cultivating the interest shown. Having done our part, we can happily leave any future growth in Jehovah’s hands. We have the best of news to share with our neighbors. By always being prepared, we can be versatile in presenting the Kingdom message and discerning in offering our publications.

Helping All Who Have Shown Interest

¹ Our faith and our love for others will move us during March to help and invite to the Memorial all who have shown interest in the Kingdom message. Such ones need to be led to Jehovah’s provision of salvation, which centers on Christ’s ransom sacrifice.​—Heb. 9:28.

² It is a good idea to make a list of those you want to invite to the Memorial. Include any who attend meetings occasionally as well as those who have previously studied or in other ways shown interest. Do not forget unbelieving mates and other family members. After making your list, put forth a special effort to call on each one. You may wish to ask the elders to assist you in making certain calls.

³ What can you say on the call?

After a warm greeting, you can say something like this:

◼ “In the past, you have shown an interest in spiritual things, and I thought that you would appreciate this invitation to a special event. [Hand householder the printed invitation to the Memorial.] The Memorial of Christ’s death is the only event that the Lord Jesus Christ commanded his followers to commemorate. We look forward to reviewing what Christ accomplished by his death and how we can gain everlasting life by means of it. Last year, over 11 million were in attendance at this special meeting. It would be a pleasure to have you join me in attending this year.” Be sure to write down the time and place your congregation will celebrate the Memorial. Also, offer to provide transportation if that is needed.

⁴ When newcomers attend the Memorial, they should be made welcome. Help them get acquainted with local publishers and introduce them to any interested persons who may live near their home. It will encourage them to learn that a number of people in their own neighborhood are interested in the truth. Invite them to sit with your family during the Memorial celebration if that is possible.

⁵ Of course, simply attending the Memorial will not assure them of salvation. But for many you invite, it could be their first step in exercising faith in Jesus’ shed blood. On the way home from the meeting, ask the visitor if he would like to attend the Public Meeting and Watchtower Study the following Sunday. Be warm and accommodating. Let him know that you are willing to help in any way you can. The sooner he begins to associate with us on a regular basis, the faster his spiritual progress will be. What joy and satisfaction we will have to survive “the great tribulation” along with many others we may have been able to help!​—Rev. 7:9, 14.