March

Make Them Feel Welcome at the Memorial

¹ In the past few years, only 1 out of 3 persons in attendance at the Memorial was a publisher of the good news. Likely the same will be true this year. Some may attend at the urging of a relative or an acquaintance who lives in another city, while others may have been invited by local publishers. Still others who attend, although baptized, are no longer active in the ministry. We sincerely welcome all who show respect for Jesus’ command: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”​—1 Cor. 11:24; Rom. 15:7.

² Assigned attendants should be alert to welcome everyone, especially a new one, as he arrives at the Kingdom Hall. However, all of us can have a share in following the course of hospitality at the Memorial. (Rom. 12:13) How so?

³ On that evening some publishers will be very busy providing transportation for interested people. Others may be able to arrive early and be on hand to greet visitors who come on their own. When a stranger enters the hall, greet him warmly, and start a conversation. Ask him if he knows anyone in the local congregation. If he does, take care of him until that individual arrives. (Compare Luke 10:35.) If he does not know anyone personally, why not invite him to sit with you during the meeting? Explain how the wine and the bread will be used during the program. He may need your assistance in looking up scriptures quoted by the speaker.

⁴ At the conclusion of the Memorial celebration, let him know you are pleased he came. He may have questions about our work that you can answer. Your personal interest may lead to a discussion on some Bible topic, either at the Kingdom Hall or elsewhere. Some excellent studies have been started by alert brothers who have taken this commendable initiative. Before he leaves the Kingdom Hall, introduce him to others, and give him a warm invitation to return.

⁵ What a pleasure it is to welcome our dear brothers and sisters who have not been attending the meetings regularly or have not been active in the ministry for some time! Rather than asking questions about why they have stayed away, simply express your joy to have them present. Perhaps something they hear during the Memorial discourse will move them to reevaluate their dedicated relationship with Jehovah. The warm welcome you give and the genuine concern you display may touch their hearts. Let them know that you look forward to seeing them again.​—Rom. 1:11, 12.

⁶ A special public talk entitled “True Religion Meets the Needs of Human Society” will be given in most congregations on April 10. Make sure that all who attend the Memorial celebration are invited and assisted to be present. It is our hope that those attending these special meetings will feel welcome and experience the warm spirit of fellowship among Jehovah’s people.​—Ps. 133:1.

Hold Fast the Public Declaration of Your Hope Without Wavering

¹ The Watchtower Study is the primary means by which spiritual “food at the proper time” is provided for God’s people today. (Matt. 24:45) We attend this important meeting with two main objectives​—to be built up spiritually and to make public declaration of our hope to others.​—Heb. 10:23-25.

² Benefiting Ourselves: It is estimated that in most congregations only a third of the audience study the lesson in advance. About the same number share in commenting. The solid spiritual food presented in the Watchtower Study cannot be fully assimilated during the meeting itself. You need to set aside time to study the material in advance.

³ When preparing for the study, you may find it helpful first to read and think about the questions in the box near the end of the article. These can help focus your attention on the main points to be considered in the lesson.

⁴ During the study listen carefully to what is said. Pay attention to the conductor’s opening remarks; these comments set the stage for the study. He may raise three or four questions that will be answered, or he may review some highlights from last week’s lesson if this week’s is a continuation of the same subject. If there is some adjustment in our understanding of a Bible prophecy or a Scriptural principle, he will call this to our attention. Of course, comments by the conductor must be brief, since one purpose of the study is to give the congregation an opportunity to express their hope. Listen carefully as others comment on what they have learned; this can help strengthen your faith.

⁵ Declare Your Hope: Do you regularly offer comments during the study? Brief, pointed remarks are preferred. (Compare Luke 21:1-4.) A simple comment from the heart is appreciated by all. Usually the first comment on a question should be brief and direct. This allows others to bring in a scripture or draw attention to a detail in the paragraph. In this way many can make public declaration of their hope. Comments should always be positive and upbuilding.

⁶ If you have just started attending the study or if you are nervous about commenting, you may wish to ask the conductor for assistance. Ask him to look for your hand when a certain paragraph is considered. Perhaps you can volunteer to read a cited scripture text and make a brief application of its meaning. You might make a few notes in the margin to help you recall what you want to say when you comment. If you are a youngster, remember that your comments are welcome and appreciated.​—Matt. 21:16.

⁷ It is vital that we express our faith, and the Watchtower Study provides a fine opportunity to do so. If you are hesitant to comment, do what you can to overcome the problem, and make yourself give at least one answer. You will have contributed to the meeting, and you will feel better for it. So why not plan to give at least one comment at the very next Watchtower Study?​—Prov. 15:23.

Service Meetings for March

Week Starting March 7

Song 200

15 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Briefly discuss “Offer Young People Ask Book,” and encourage publishers to use that book when appropriate.

15 min: “Hold Fast the Public Declaration of Your Hope Without Wavering.” Question-and-answer coverage by Watchtower Study conductor. Get comments from those who have overcome fear of commenting at meetings. Emphasize need for advance preparation. Encourage congregation to prepare for full share in congregational study of The Watchtower every week.

15 min: “Declare the Thrilling Message in Revelation.” Audience discussion. Have well-prepared publishers demonstrate presentations in paragraphs 2-4. After each demonstration have audience comment on what they learned from presentation. Encourage all to participate in offering Revelation Climax book this month.

Song 225 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 14

Song 205

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Draw attention to specific points in current magazines that may be used in the field ministry this week.

15 min: “Can You Increase Your Praise to Jehovah During April?” Question-and-answer coverage. Get comments from those who have auxiliary pioneered in past. Have them explain how they adjusted their affairs to take advantage of this privilege. Encourage all who plan to auxiliary pioneer in April to turn in their applications as soon as possible.

20 min: “Make Them Feel Welcome at the Memorial.” Question-and-answer coverage. After paragraph 3 have brief demonstration of ministerial servant welcoming new person to Memorial.

Song 150 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 21

Song 143

10 min: Local announcements, including accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Discuss box entitled “Food at the Proper Time.” Encourage all to invite interested ones to special talk to be given on April 10.

20 min: “Help Them Act On the Message.” Discussion. Have well-prepared demonstrations of presentations in paragraphs 2 and 3.

15 min: Local needs, perhaps in connection with Memorial arrangements. Or “Evolution,” Reasoning book, pages 121-9. To be handled as family discussion. Youth who has been asked to write report for school on evolution explains to parents what ideas he will use and how he will present them. They discuss reasons why these arguments should be effective. Parents sincerely commend him.

Song 121 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 28

Song 112

15 min: Local announcements. Discuss and demonstrate appropriate ways to witness in local territory with April offer. Relate experiences showing how some publishers have obtained subscriptions where genuine interest was shown on return visit.

15 min: Using selected highlights from pages 19-32 of the 1994 Yearbook, elder discusses worldwide expansion of Kingdom work and emphasizes positive aspects of support from local congregation. Show how Jehovah is richly blessing his people, including those who are limited in what they can do.

15 min: “The Giver of ‘Every Good Gift.’” Talk by elder, based on December 1, 1993, Watchtower, pages 28-31.

Song 15 and concluding prayer.

Congregation Book Study

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

March 7: Pages 138*-145

March 14: Review chapters 6-10

March 21: Pages 146-155*

March 28: Pages 155*-160

* To or from subheading.

December Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 193 121.8 65.9 52.9 5.1

Pios. 75,078 76.8 27.9 23.5 2.5

Aux.Pios. 29,225 57.1 21.1 14.2 1.3

Pubs. 774,855 9.5 5.0 3.6 0.5

TOTAL 879,351 Baptized: 2,178

Offer Young People Ask Book

¹ Although the Revelation Climax book is being featured this month, you may decide to offer the Young People Ask book if you talk to a parent or a youth who is concerned about the problems that perplex young people.

² You may find it appropriate to say something like this:

◼ “Growing up in these troubled times is not easy. Youths face many new situations that require them to make weighty decisions. ‘Should I drink? Take drugs? What conduct is proper with the opposite sex?’ When young people ask about these basic issues, they are often barraged with conflicting answers. Where do you think many of them turn for advice? [Allow comments.] This book, Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work, provides helpful information. [Direct attention to the table of contents, showing the variety of subjects covered.] Youths need answers that are straightforward and realistic. The answers in this book are backed by what the Bible has to say.”

³ Here is another presentation you might be able to use:

◼ “Young people are subjected to many pressures today. They need help to cope successfully. When we are trying the best we can to help them, don’t we look for something that provides practical guidance? [Allow for comment.] Some of the most intense pressures come from other youths, their peers. Notice the pictures on pages 76 and 77 in this book. [Direct attention to the captions for these pictures and to the italicized paragraphs on page 77.] The following pages in this chapter outline honest, workable answers.”

⁴ These certainly are “critical times hard to deal with,” especially for young people. (2 Tim. 3:1) The book Young People Ask can really help a young person to face today’s challenges successfully. The 39 chapters are richly illustrated, and the articles are realistic and practical. So whenever the occasion arises, be alert to use this fine publication.

Announcements

◼ Literature to be used during March: Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand! April and May: Watchtower and Awake! magazines as well as any brochure (except the School brochure). Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. June: Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? NOTE: Congregations that will need the above-mentioned campaign items should request them on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14).

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

◼ 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.

◼ Beginning May 9, 1994, and running through September 26, 1994, the book Happiness​—How to Find It will be considered at the Congregation Book Study.

◼ The Memorial Bible reading for Thursday, March 24, 1994, is Mark 14:1, 2, 10, 11 and Luke 22:1-6 (as appears in Examining the Scriptures), not Mark 14:1-11 (as was indicated in the 1994 Calendar).

◼ New Publications Available: Cebuano: Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom; What Is the Purpose of Life​—How Can You Find It? Estonian: Should You Believe in the Trinity?; What Is the Purpose of Life​—How Can You Find It? Gujarati: Will This World Survive? (Tract No. 19). Hiligaynon: What Is the Purpose of Life​—How Can You Find It? Iloko: Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom; What Is the Purpose of Life​—How Can You Find It? Latvian: Does God Really Care About Us? Lithuanian: The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever; Should You Believe in the Trinity? Punjabi: Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide; Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13); What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe? (Tract No. 14); Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15); What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract No. 16).

Can You Increase Your Praise to Jehovah During April?

¹ The psalmist David had a heartfelt desire to acceptably praise Jehovah, and so he declared: “I shall laud Jehovah very much with my mouth, and in among many people I shall praise him.” (Ps. 109:30) April is a fine time to ‘add to all his praise’ by increasing our share in the field ministry. (Ps. 71:14) Are you planning to be among the many who do this by joining the auxiliary pioneer ranks?

² Plan Now: “The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage,” we are reminded at Proverbs 21:5. This calls for your taking the matter to Jehovah in prayer, putting him first in your plans. (Prov. 3:5, 6) Next, take a close look at your current schedule to determine where adjustments can be made to spend an average of two hours a day in the ministry. Your “buying out” time from other activities allows you to devote more time to the preaching work.​—Eph. 5:16.

³ Communicate and Cooperate: The apostle Paul spoke of certain ones who were “a strengthening aid” to him in accomplishing his ministry. (Col. 4:11) Discuss your plans with others who want to enroll in April. Their support and companionship can bring mutual spiritual benefits. The service overseer can help you if you have questions about service arrangements or territory to work.

⁴ Cooperation and support from within the family can help individual members to auxiliary pioneer. Household chores may have to be temporarily redistributed. The schedule for handling these duties may also need adjusting. A family conference to discuss these needs could be helpful in accomplishing your objective. Good communication and cooperation are the key to success.

⁵ Keep a Positive Outlook: Do not be quick to rule out auxiliary pioneering because of unfavorable circumstances. Young people in school, retired people, housewives with children, family heads working full-time, all have been able to make the sacrifice​—and gladly so—​to auxiliary pioneer in April. They agree with the psalmist that “on the part of the upright ones praise is fitting,” and they have not considered it too costly to put forth the extra effort required to spend 60 hours in the ministry. (Ps. 33:1) If you are unable to enroll, why not share in the joy by increasing your activity as a congregation publisher?

⁶ For many, auxiliary pioneering in April has been a stepping-stone to the regular pioneer service. Having built up their activity, they found that the transition to the regular pioneer work proved to be much easier.

⁷ Yes, the season lends itself to increased theocratic activity in April. The additional hours of daylight allow for doing more witnessing in the morning and early evening. We want to do all we can to praise our God, Jehovah. Auxiliary pioneering in April is a fine way to show our appreciation for his many acts of undeserved kindness toward us.

Food at the Proper Time

As announced in the January 1994 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, the special public talk for the Memorial season this year will be presented in most congregations on April 10. The talk is entitled “True Religion Meets the Needs of Human Society.” A special effort should be made to invite those who attend the Memorial on March 26.

Theocratic News

Bolivia: The branch reported a new peak of 9,588 publishers for October. They also reached new peaks in home Bible studies, return visits, congregation publishers, and regular pioneers. Congregation publishers averaged 14 hours in the field ministry.

India: In October a new peak of 13,217 publishers was reached. This was their third consecutive peak.

Lithuania: The October report shows a new peak of 871 publishers, a 39-percent increase over October 1992.

Declare the Thrilling Message in Revelation

¹ The Revelation Climax book has helped us to understand the thrilling message recorded in the book of Revelation. Help others appreciate how that message affects them by featuring this book in the ministry during March. You may find the following suggestions helpful in preparing your presentation.

² After an appropriate greeting, you might say something like this:

◼ “Have you ever heard of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse? [Allow for reply.] Different explanations as to what these horsemen represent have been given. But did you know that their symbolic ride is actually part of a Bible prophecy foretelling events that have occurred in our time and that all of us are involved in one way or another? [Allow for reply.] Would you be interested in understanding this prophecy and what its fulfillment means to us?” If genuine interest is shown, you could point to the illustrations in chapter 16 of the Revelation Climax book and tie in some of the verses in bold type. Or you could comment on some aspect of the vision by using the tract Will This World Survive? If interest is shown, offer the book, or arrange to return to discuss more about the vision and its meaning.

³ Or perhaps you would like to try an approach like this:

◼ “Have you ever heard the term ‘Armageddon’? [Allow for reply.] Many have thought that it refers to a devastating nuclear war in our time. Actually, Armageddon is something quite different. According to the Bible, it will mean major changes for the better, resulting in a world of lasting peace.” Depending on the person’s response, you can point to a scripture such as Revelation 16:16 or Psalm 37:10, 11 and then direct attention to chapter 39 of the Revelation Climax book. If genuine interest is manifest, you may wish to offer the book. Otherwise, you may choose to consider appropriate points in the tract Will This World Survive?

⁴ You may be able to create interest by using this suggestion:

◼ “At this time of year, many all over the world are thinking about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Did you ever wonder what he has been doing since his resurrection? Many thrilling events in our day are linked with Jesus’ present role in God’s purpose. Some of them are described in the book of Revelation. Would you like to learn more about God’s purpose in sending his Son to the earth and what that means for you and your loved ones?” You may be able to draw attention to paragraphs 1 and 2 of chapter 41 of the Revelation Climax book or highlight appropriate points from current issues of The Watchtower or Awake! Or you may want to use the tract Life in a Peaceful New World to stimulate further interest.

⁵ Be sure to invite any who show interest to attend the Memorial. With Jehovah’s blessing, you may be able to help someone ‘hear the words of this prophecy and observe the things written in it.’​—Rev. 1:3.

Help Them Act On the Message

¹ Our preaching work gives people the opportunity to ‘hear the words of Revelation’s prophecy.’ (Rev. 1:3) But if they are to survive “the great tribulation,” they must also act on them. (Rev. 7:14) Lives are involved! So be sure to call back on those who initially showed interest in one of the presentations you used this month.

² If you left the “Revelation Climax” book, you might say:

◼ “It’s good to see you again. The last time we spoke, we talked about one of the prophecies of the book of Revelation, and I left you a publication that explains it. You probably noticed that although the book of Revelation is quite deep, it can be understood in the light of present-day happenings by applying a number of fundamental Bible truths. I would like to take a few minutes to highlight a few things that the Bible tells us about our times.” Then turn to an appropriate publication that you can use to start a home Bible study.

³ If you left the tract “Will This World Survive” on the initial call, you could say something like this:

◼ “I’m happy to find you at home today. When I visited you recently, we talked about events making up a sign that would occur just before the end of the world. [Review appropriate aspects of the sign at Matthew 24:3-14.] Have you noticed any event that has taken place lately in the world or in our community that you think might be a fulfillment of part of that sign?” Using the illustrations in chapter 16 of the Revelation Climax book, comment on the fulfillment of some of these Bible prophecies. At the conclusion of the visit, mention the title of the public talk for the week, and extend an invitation to join you at the Kingdom Hall.

⁴ If you invited the householder to the Memorial, say:

◼ “When I last visited you, we talked about how important Jesus’ death is to mankind. I also invited you to attend the Memorial of his death, which will be observed by Christians around the world on March 26. I’ve come today to remind you that you are invited to that important event. [State time and place of celebration.] It may help you appreciate the significance of the occasion if we review some of the blessings that we now enjoy as a result of what Jesus did for mankind, as well as the blessings that are yet to come.” Then endeavor to discuss appropriate points from one of the current magazines or from chapter 41 of the Revelation Climax book. You may also highlight the illustrations on pages 294, 299, and 308. If possible, make arrangements to help the interested person attend the Memorial.

⁵ If the person was simply a favorable listener, this might be effective:

◼ “I very much enjoyed our recent conversation about the Bible. I returned because I would like to see you enjoy what God has promised for those who want to learn more about him.” Read John 17:3, then refer to the tract Life in a Peaceful New World.

⁶ May your love for life and appreciation for the ransom move you to make return visits on interested ones. Help them to act on the thrilling message in Revelation. Remember, “the appointed time is near”!​—Rev. 1:3.