December

Who Will Listen to Our Message?

¹ As never before in human history, people are deluged with information, much of which is frivolous and even misleading. As a result, many feel overwhelmed, and it becomes a challenge for us to get them to listen to the message about God’s Kingdom. They do not appreciate what a positive effect their listening to God’s Word can have on them.—Luke 11:28.

² We rejoice that in many parts of the world, tens of thousands of people are listening to that message and are accepting our offer of home Bible studies. In other territories, however, the response is not nearly so great. Many of the calls we make in the ministry are without positive results, and we may wonder who will listen to our message.

³ We must guard against becoming discouraged. Paul explained: “‘Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.’ However, how will they call on him . . . of whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? . . . Just as it is written: ‘How comely are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!’” (Rom. 10:13-15) If we diligently sow Kingdom seed, God will make it grow within those of honest heart.—1 Cor. 3:6.

⁴ The Key Is to Make Regular Return Visits: In territories where it seems that few people listen to our message, we need to concentrate on developing whatever interest we do find, whether we place literature or not. Why be quick to conclude that nothing will be accomplished? When we sow seed, we do not know where it will have success. (Eccl. 11:6) If we return prepared to share something from the Scriptures, even if only briefly, we may be able to reach the person’s heart. We can leave a tract or offer current magazines. Eventually, we may be able to demonstrate a Bible study. We will be pleasantly surprised to see how much Jehovah blesses our efforts.—Ps. 126:5, 6.

⁵ A tract was left with a woman who manifested some interest. She was not found at home again until two months later, and then she was too busy to talk. The same tract was left with her again. Despite the publisher’s persistent efforts to reach her at home, it took another three months to contact her, only to find that she was sick. The sister called again the next week, and a brief conversation ensued about the tract. When the sister returned the following week, the woman expressed genuine interest in the Kingdom message. A change of circumstances in her life made her conscious of her spiritual need. A Bible study was started, and she enthusiastically studied every week thereafter.

⁶ As with anything that we want to see grow, whether flowers, vegetables, or interest in the Kingdom message, cultivation is needed. That takes time, exertion, a caring attitude, and determination not to give up. Last year, more than a third of a million people in whom Kingdom seed had taken root were baptized! If we keep on preaching, we will be sure to find many more who will listen to our message.—Compare Galatians 6:9.

Offering Ourselves Willingly

¹ The psalmist David prophesied that Jehovah’s people “will offer themselves willingly”; that is, as “prompt volunteers.” (Ps. 110:3, footnote) This certainly is being fulfilled among our worldwide association of brothers. During each of the past four service years, Jehovah’s people have devoted more than a billion hours to spreading the good news of the Kingdom. And there are many ways, in addition to the preaching and disciple-making work, in which we can offer ourselves willingly to help others.

² Ways We Can Show Our Willingness: Some in the congregation might need help to get to the meetings. Why not volunteer to take them with you? Others may be sick, infirm, or hospitalized. Could you take the initiative to visit them or be of assistance in some way? There may be an individual or a family that needs encouragement. Have you thought of extending an invitation to such ones to sit in on your family study occasionally? A pioneer or a publisher may need a companion in the ministry. Why not offer to work together in the service? These are some of the ways in which we can voluntarily work what is good toward those related to us in the faith.—Gal. 6:10.

³ Brothers can show their willingness to be used in Jehovah’s organization by striving to measure up to the qualifications for elders and ministerial servants. (1 Tim. 3:2-10, 12, 13; Titus 1:5-9) As we continue to grow in number, there is a need for qualified brothers who are willing to take the lead in preaching and teaching and in shepherding the congregations.—1 Tim. 3:1.

⁴ Perhaps some of us can make ourselves available for Jehovah’s service to a greater extent by enrolling as auxiliary pioneers from time to time. Then again, with a few reasonable adjustments in our schedule, we might be able to do so continuously or even take up the regular pioneer service. Are our circumstances such that we could move to an area where there is a greater need for help? Could we make ourselves available to serve at Bethel and thus directly contribute toward the progress of the worldwide work? Much is also being done in the construction of Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and branch facilities around the world, where willingness to work is very much in demand. Those who have offered themselves for these fine works are greatly appreciated, and they have been richly blessed!—Luke 6:38.

⁵ These are thrilling times. Jehovah, by means of his spirit, is accomplishing a marvelous work on earth with his willing people! Whenever Jehovah, through his organization, extends an invitation to share in increased Kingdom activity, we do well to ask ourselves, ‘Am I still offering myself willingly?’ Then we should prayerfully examine our heart and circumstances. Our godly devotion will prompt us to do all we can in sacred service, thus making Jehovah’s heart very glad!—Zeph. 3:17.

Service Meetings for December

Week Starting December 2

Song 134

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

15 min: “Who Will Listen to Our Message?” Questions and answers. Include points from the March 22, 1987, Awake!, page 5, on why our message is appealing.

20 min: “God’s Word Provides Guidance.” (Paragraphs 1-6) Introduce part with paragraphs 1-2. (Include Reasoning book, pages 58-60, briefly outlining four “Reasons for considering the Bible.”) Have capable publishers demonstrate suggested presentations in paragraphs 3-6. Invite audience to comment on (1) how the questions raised helped to stimulate interest, (2) how the scriptures used fit the subject being discussed, (3) how the matter of donations was mentioned, (4) how the return visit naturally followed up the initial discussion, and (5) how an offer of a study was made.

Song 75 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 9

Song 100

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

15 min: Helping Older Ones to Share in Service. Many faithful older publishers have a keen desire to share in preaching with the congregation, but they have physical limitations that are due to age and poor health. There are ways we can show them consideration so as to include them in the service group: Offer to provide transportation; arrange for them to work homes where there are fewer stairs to climb; keep the car close by so that they can rest when they get tired; offer to take them on their return visits; let them know you will take them home when they feel they cannot continue. Older ones are thankful for the help that is offered to them. Mention other ways you show such consideration locally. Review main points in the article “We Appreciate the Older Ones!” found in the February 1, 1986, Watchtower, pages 28-9.

20 min: “God’s Word Provides Guidance.” (Paragraphs 7-9) Comment on “A Need for Guidance” in the May 1, 1993, Watchtower, page 3. Explain why our presentations should stress the importance of seeking help from a higher source—God. Have publisher demonstrate presentations in paragraphs 7-8. Emphasize that our goal should be eventually to start a Bible study in the Knowledge book.

Song 197 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 16

Song 209

10 min: Local announcements. Offer some suggestions on how to respond tactfully to holiday greetings. Outline special field service arrangements for December 25.

15 min: “Offering Ourselves Willingly.” Questions and answers. Include comments from the May 1, 1984, Watchtower, page 22.

20 min: “Rejoicing With the Increase That God Gives.” Enthusiastic talk by elder. Cite experiences or evidence of increase in countries represented, as given in recent Yearbooks.

Song 41 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 23

Song 93

10 min: Local announcements. Point out some talking points in the current magazines that can be used in service this week. Outline special field service arrangements for January 1.

15 min: Local needs. Or an elder gives a talk on “Retirement—An Open Door to Theocratic Activity?” from the July 15, 1996, Watchtower, pages 24-5.—See Insight, Volume 2, page 794, paragraphs 2-3.

20 min: “Theocratic Ministry School Enrollment.” Talk by school overseer. Give local enrollment statistics, and encourage all who can to enroll. Review instructions for student assignments provided in “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1997.”

Song 166 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 30

Song 223

10 min: Local announcements. If your congregation is due to rotate meeting times for the new year, give kind encouragement urging all to maintain regular attendance with the congregation at its new times. Briefly review literature offer for January.

10 min: “Help at the Right Time.” Draw attention to article, and point out valuable highlights from each of the new publications.

25 min: Prepare to Attend 1997 District Convention. Secretary handles question-and-answer coverage of convention information in January 1997 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. First, read December 15, 1996, convention assignment letter. Then, after considering paragraph 5 of article, read opening and closing paragraphs of Recommended Lodging List. As noted in the article, emphasize the Scriptural principles for following the Society’s direction in rooming matters. Commend the brothers for cooperating with the Society’s rooming arrangement.

Song 137 and concluding prayer.

“Help at the Right Time”

¹ How refreshing it is to receive help just when we need it! (Heb. 4:16) At the “Messengers of Godly Peace” District Convention, we rejoiced when we were given two special provisions of help at just the right time.

² The new book, The Secret of Family Happiness, came at an appropriate time. It focuses on four essentials that promote a happy family life: (1) Self-control, (2) recognition of headship, (3) good communication, and (4) love. The admonition presented in the Family Happiness book will help all families who apply it to find godly peace. Set aside time to read the new book carefully and to study it together as a family. Get well acquainted with its features so that you will be prepared to use it effectively when it is offered to the public for the first time, in March.

³ The new brochure, What Does God Require of Us?, has come at the right time to help speed up our disciple-making work. While it may especially be used to help people with limited reading ability, many literate adults and young children will also benefit from its simple explanation of basic Bible teachings. It may be just what is needed to start a study as a stepping-stone to the Knowledge book. This provision is sure to help many more appreciate how they can be richly blessed by doing what God requires.

⁴ David expressed our sentiments perfectly when he declared that ‘he lacked nothing, his soul was refreshed, and his cup was well filled!’ (Ps. 23:1, 3, 5) We joyfully look forward to passing on this wonderful spiritual help to many others who sincerely desire to know and to serve the true God, Jehovah.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of September 2 to December 23, 1996. 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. Elizabeth, like her relative Mary, was of the tribe of Judah. [it-1 p. 719 par. 3]

2. There really is no “great fish” capable of swallowing a man whole. (Jonah 1:17) [si p. 153 par. 4]

3. Epaphras and Epaphroditus were both companions of the apostle Paul. [it-1 p. 731 pars. 4-5]

4. The prophecy at Daniel 9:24, 25 points to the birth of Jesus. [kl p. 36 par. 8]

5. Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, helped get Jeremiah out of the miry cistern of Malchijah. [it-1 p. 672 par. 9]

6. Enoch did not see death because he was taken bodily to heaven. (Gen. 5:24) [it-1 p. 729 par. 10]

7. Hosea’s prophecy was principally directed to the two-tribe kingdom of Judah. [si p. 144 par. 8]

8. The first requirement for serving on a Regional Building Committee is that of having good building experience and knowledge of the construction trades. [jv p. 326 par. 1]

9. According to Zephaniah 3:9, God’s people will be united in the new world because they will all speak a common language—Hebrew. [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 6/1 p. 30.]

10. Elihu acted as a true friend by showing partiality to Job. [it-1 p. 710 pars. 3-4]

Answer the following questions:

11. Why is it appropriate that the principal meeting places of congregations worldwide are called Kingdom Halls, and where was the first building that was given this name located? [jv p. 319 par. 2]

12. What Scriptural statement by the three Hebrews reveals that their obedience to God was not dependent on divine protection and deliverance? (Dan. 3:16-18) [si p. 141 par. 19]

13. What scripture foretells the birthplace of the Messiah? [si p. 156 par. 6]

14. Why would powerful works performed in the name of Jesus not be sure evidence of God’s favor or backing? [kl p. 46 pars. 6-7]

15. Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses not pray that God put an immediate stop to wars and food shortages and that he prevent all persecution? [jv p. 317 par. 4]

16. In what ways did Queen Esther display the fruit of self-control? [it-1 pp. 761-2 par. 13]

17. Although Eli was a high priest in Israel, what weakness of his did he allow to prevail in connection with his sons, leading to what consequence for them? (1 Sam. 2:12, 29, 34) [it-1 p. 706, pars. 13-14]

18. Whom was David referring to at Psalm 52:2, 3, and why was this individual so despicable? [it-1 p. 644 pars. 2-3]

19. At Haggai 2:9, which temple was the “later house,” which was “the former,” and why was the glory of the “later house” greater than that of “the former”? [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 6/1 p. 30.]

20. What was Hosea 14:2 urging the Israelites to do, and how do Jehovah’s Witnesses fulfill that prophecy today? (Heb. 13:15) [Weekly Bible reading; see w94 9/15 p. 10 pars. 1-2.]

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

21. The city of ․․․․․․․․ was called the city of bloodshed by the prophet ․․․․․․․․ some 200 years after ․․․․․․․․ had completed his God-given work there. [si p. 154 par. 10, p. 160 par. 10]

22. We need to worship God with ․․․․․․․․, being motivated by hearts full of faith and love; we must also worship him with ․․․․․․․․ by studying his Word. [kl p. 45 par. 4]

23. The prophet ․․․․․․․․ asked King ․․․․․․․․ for a meeting with the 450 prophets of ․․․․․․․․, the outcome of which proved that Jehovah is the true God and that he answers ․․․․․․․․. (Jas. 5:16, 17) [it-1 p. 711 pars. 1-2]

24. The Christian example of the Jewish woman ․․․․․․․․ and her son ․․․․․․․․ shows that those who live in ․․․․․․․․ households can successfully train their children to fear Jehovah. [it-1 p. 767 par. 7]

25. Three avenues of evidence that prove Jesus was the Messiah are (1) ․․․․․․․․, (2) ․․․․․․․․, and (3) ․․․․․․․․. [kl pp. 34-8 pars. 6-10]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

26. The understanding of Amos (8:11; 9:2, 3; 9:11, 12) helped the governing body of the first century to realize that it was God’s will that non-Israelites be gathered into the Christian congregation. (Acts 15:13-19) [si p. 150 par. 16]

27. When (Amos; Joel; Habakkuk) was called by Jehovah, he was not a prophet or the son of a prophet but was a raiser of sheep and a nipper of (dates; figs; olives) of sycamore trees. [si p. 148 par. 1]

28. The first reported resurrection performed by an apostle was when (John; Peter; Paul) went to Joppa and raised (Dorcas; Lydia; Eutychus) from the dead. [it-1 p. 646 pars. 7-8]

29. Of the three “comforters,” (Bildad; Eliphaz; Zophar) had priority in speaking and stands out as the most influential, suggesting that he may also have been the (richest; wisest; oldest). [it-1 p. 713 par. 17]

30. The twin brother of (Joseph; Ishmael; Jacob) was named Esau because he was (the firstborn; a hunter; unusually hairy), and he later got the name (Nimrod; Edom; Baal) from the red lentil stew for which he sold his birthright. [it-1 p. 759 par. 1]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below: 2 Ki. 2:23, 24; Zeph. 2:3; Phil. 2:25-30; Jas. 1:26, 27; 1 John 2:15-17

31. In order for our worship to be acceptable to God, it must not only be uncontaminated by worldly practices but also include all things that God considers vital. [kl p. 51 par. 20]

32. Jehovah holds children accountable for showing disrespect to his faithful servants. [it-1 p. 715 par. 1]

33. Time and unforeseen occurrence befall even faithful servants of Jehovah. [it-1 p. 731 par. 5]

34. As true Christians, we must avoid any practices that reflect the spirit of the ungodly world around us. [kl p. 50 par. 17]

35. We cannot presume on God’s mercy. [si p. 165 par. 11]

Rejoicing With the Increase That God Gives

¹ Christians in the first century were zealous Kingdom preachers. They rejoiced when the ‘congregations increased in number from day to day.’ (Acts 16:5) Their bold preaching expanded into Asia, Europe, and Africa, resulting in a rich harvest of believers.

² Jesus foretold that in the last days, the preaching work would reach into ‘all the inhabited earth and all the nations’! (Matt. 24:14) During the 1996 service year, we continued to receive reports of marvelous increases and new peaks of publishers from lands around the globe. Many new congregations have been formed. This rapid growth has made it necessary to construct hundreds of new Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls as well as to expand a number of branch facilities.

³ The August 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry reported on extensive construction work taking place in Africa. Similar activity is under way throughout Latin America. For the 1996 service year, Mexico reports an astounding peak of 470,098 publishers and an average of 600,751 Bible studies, requiring the formation of 466 new congregations! The expansion of their branch facilities is scheduled for completion toward the end of 1999. Similar growth in many other countries allows for no letup in various types of theocratic construction projects.

⁴ Construction costs are high everywhere, and our brothers in many lands have little to contribute materially. However, in their great zeal for Jehovah’s service, they certainly are growing spiritually and increasing in great numbers. Proverbs 28:27 assures us that “he that is giving to the one of little means will have no want.” Our willingness to help cover these construction costs results in an “equalizing” of material things, enabling all to experience the happiness that comes with giving and the joy that comes with seeing the increase that Jehovah gives!—2 Cor. 8:14, 15; Acts 20:35.

[Picture on page 4, 5]

Paraguay Branch

[Picture on page 4]

Ecuador Branch

[Picture on page 4, 5]

Mexico Extension Under Construction

[Picture on page 4, 5]

Dominican Republic Branch

[Picture on page 4]

Brazil Branch With Extension

[Picture on page 4, 5]

Uruguay Branch Under Construction

[Pictures on page 5]

Typical low-budget Kingdom Halls in Latin America

1. Brazil

2. Nicaragua

3. Chile

4. Colombia

5. Mexico

6. Brazil

7. Peru

8. Venezuela

9. Mexico

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for December: New World Translation with the book The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? January: Any 192-page book published prior to 1984 that the congregation may have in stock. Congregations that do not have a supply of such books may offer Survival Into a New Earth. February: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! March: The Secret of Family Happiness.

◼ Congregations should begin requesting bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! for 1996 with their December literature request. (See Watchtower Publications List, paragraphs 6-8, 10.) The bound volumes will be available in Chinese, Croatian, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish. 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.

◼ 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 1998 will be on Saturday, April 11, after sundown. This advance notice of the date for the 1998 Memorial celebration is given so that brothers may make necessary reservations or contracts for available halls when there are several congregations using the Kingdom Hall and they must find other facilities.

◼ Because of the importance of the occasion, in assigning a Memorial speaker, the body of elders should select one of the more qualified elders instead of simply taking turns or using the same brother each year.

◼ New Audiocassettes Available:

Singing Kingdom Songs (single audiocassette) —English

◼ New Compact Discs Available:

Singing Kingdom Songs —English

Theocratic Ministry School Enrollment

¹ The Theocratic Ministry School has been instrumental in the training of millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses as ministers of the good news. Many of us remember how apprehensive and inadequate we felt when we first enrolled in this school, and now we gratefully acknowledge its role in our spiritual development as speakers and teachers of God’s Word. (Compare Acts 4:13.) Have you enrolled in this remarkable school?

² Who may enroll? Page 73 of Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry answers: “All who are actively associated with the congregation may enroll, including people newly attending the meetings, as long as they are not leading a life that is out of line with Christian principles.” We invite all who qualify—men, women, and children—to approach the school overseer and ask to be enrolled.

³ School Program for 1997: The Theocratic Ministry School program for 1997 covers a wide variety of Bible teachings and characters, as well as the history of the organization. In addition to developing our speaking and teaching abilities, we learn from the many spiritual gems that are found in its curriculum each week. (Prov. 9:9) If we prepare for the school, which includes doing the weekly Bible reading, and are in regular attendance, we can derive great spiritual benefit from the program.

⁴ For 1997 most of the Bible readings for Assignment No. 2 are shorter than in past years. When preparing for this assignment, the student should time his reading carefully and then determine how much of the five minutes allotted for his part can be used for the introduction and the conclusion. This will allow the student to utilize his time fully and to develop both his reading ability and the art of speaking extemporaneously.—1 Tim. 4:13.

⁵ Informal witnessing has been added as a possible setting for presentations in Assignment No. 3, which are based on the Knowledge book. Hence, a sister may choose either a return visit, a home Bible study, or informal witnessing as the setting for this assignment. Of course, the main emphasis should continue to be placed on effective teaching and not on the setting.

⁶ Whether you have the privilege of giving the instruction talk, Bible highlights, or a student assignment, you can show your appreciation for the Theocratic Ministry School by preparing and rehearsing your part well, by presenting it with conviction and enthusiasm, by not going overtime, by listening to and applying the counsel of the school overseer, and by always endeavoring to fulfill your assignment faithfully. Thus your enrollment in the school will prove to be a blessing both for you and for all who are in attendance.

Congregation Book Study

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

December 2: Chapter 35 to subheading “Prayer, and Trust in God”

December 9: Chapter 35 from subheading “Prayer, and Trust in God” to end of chapter

December 16: Chapters 36-38

December 23: Chapters 39-42

December 30: Chapter 43

September Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 184 122.0 93.9 51.6 4.2

Pios. 72,751 80.1 50.0 24.2 2.0

Aux.Pios. 23,445 58.9 37.2 14.4 1.0

Pubs. 818,044 9.3 6.8 3.4 0.4

TOTAL 914,424 Baptized: 2,741

God’s Word Provides Guidance

¹ “We are living in a world with too many problems and far too few answers. Many millions regularly go hungry. Increasing numbers are addicted to drugs. More and more families are breaking up. Incest and family violence are constantly in the news. The air we breathe and the water we drink are slowly being poisoned. Meanwhile, more and more of us are victimized by crime.”

² Thus begins the book The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? Its introduction is even more relevant today than when the book was published seven years ago. People need to know that God’s Word gives guidance and provides solutions to all the problems that plague them. We will endeavor to help people in December by offering them the New World Translation and the book The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? Of course, merely leaving literature with a person is no guarantee that he will accept God’s guidance. We must make return visits with the goal of starting a Bible study. Help is assured if we put forth such effort. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Here are some suggested presentations:

³ If you meet an older person, you might try this approach:

◼ “May I ask: When you were younger, how did people in the community treat one another? [Allow for response.] Things are a lot different now, aren’t they? What do you think is the reason for the change? [Allow for response.] We are actually seeing the fulfillment of a prophecy in the Bible. [Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5.] Besides accurately describing the world as it is today, the Bible promises a better world in the near future. For that reason we are encouraging everyone to read the Bible. Did you notice how clear the language is in this Bible, the New World Translation, that I was reading from?” Explain that it is written in modern English, making the Bible more understandable. Show the book The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s?, and point out chapter 10, which explains another prophecy that we have seen fulfilled. Offer the Bible and the book. If offer is accepted, mention the donation arrangement that supports our worldwide work.

⁴ When you call back on an older person with whom you placed the Bible and the book, you could say:

◼ “When we last talked, we agreed that in many ways modern society has changed for the worse compared with what life was like just a few years ago. However, I came back to show you that the Bible sets out prospects for a much better world in the future. [Read Revelation 21:3, 4.] Knowing that this is God’s Word should encourage us to look into what else the Bible has to say.” Open the God’s Word book to chapter 14, and read paragraphs 3-4. Offer a free home Bible study.

⁵ If you engage a younger person in conversation, you could say:

◼ “I would like to ask you a question: As a young person, do you feel that you have reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead? How does the future look to you? [Allow for response.] Fortunately, there is real reason to be optimistic about the future. [Read Psalm 37:10, 11.] Since people have varying views of the Bible and its contents, we have published this book, The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? Notice the reasons it gives for reading the Bible. [Read paragraphs 16-17 on pages 10-11.] Once we are convinced that what the Bible says is true, we come to have a sure hope for the future. If you wish to read this book, I will be happy to leave a copy with you.”

⁶ When you return to see a younger person who accepted the “God’s Word” book, you might begin by stating:

◼ “I appreciated hearing how concerned you are about the future. Recall that I showed you a Bible text promising us a happy and secure future. Here is another one. [Read Revelation 21:3, 4.] The book I left with you gives convincing proof that the Bible is God’s Word, not man’s. That fact has some profound implications. Notice what they are. [Read paragraphs 1-2 on pages 184-5.] If you would like, I will be pleased to study the Bible with you free of charge.” If a study is accepted, ask if the individual has a copy of the Bible. If he does not, offer the New World Translation. Give the person an opportunity to make a donation.

⁷ A person who does not know where to turn for guidance to cope with life’s problems might respond to this approach:

◼ “We live at a time when almost everyone is faced with serious problems. Many turn to all sorts of counselors for guidance. Some look to psychics for help. Where do you think we can find sound counsel that will really work for us? [Allow for response.] The Bible states an important fact that all of us need to appreciate.” Read Jeremiah 10:23. Open The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? to page 187, and read paragraph 9. “This book will help you to appreciate how, under God’s Kingdom, all our problems will be eliminated. Would you like to read it?” If accepted, explain our donation arrangement.

⁸ If on the initial call you talked about man’s need for guidance, you could continue the discussion on the return visit by saying:

◼ “When we first met, we agreed that we need guidance from God if we are going to cope successfully with life’s problems. Regarding that, I think you will appreciate the concluding comments that are made in the book I left with you. [Read paragraphs 12-13 on page 189 in the God’s Word book.] I am pleased to offer you a free home Bible study course, and I am prepared to demonstrate it to you right now.”

⁹ Jehovah will bless our efforts as we help old and young alike to appreciate the value of God’s Word and its guidance in our life.—Ps. 119:105.