March

Bless Jehovah “All Day Long”

¹ Psalm 145:2 contains a promise that King David made to Jehovah: “All day long I will bless you, and I will praise your name to time indefinite, even forever.” We too have reason to bless and praise our heavenly Father! But how can we imitate David’s example in exalting Jehovah’s sovereignty “all day long”?

² Fill Our Hearts With Appreciation for Jehovah: Regular study of God’s Word deepens our gratitude for what Jehovah has done, is doing, and will yet do for us. As we grow in appreciation for his marvelous acts, we will find ourselves bubbling over about his goodness. (Ps. 145:7) We will eagerly praise Jehovah on every appropriate occasion.

³ Praise Jehovah in Daily Conversation: When conversing with neighbors, schoolmates, workmates, and others we contact daily, we may find opportunities to share our hope with them. A neighbor may express concern about crime in the community; a schoolmate may be anxious about drug abuse or immorality; a workmate may state an opinion about some political issue. We can point to the principles and promises in God’s Word that show the proper course to take now and the eventual remedy for these problems. Such words spoken at the “right time” can be a blessing!—Prov. 15:23.

⁴ Speak About Jehovah Full-Time: The person with deep appreciation for Jehovah wants to share the good news with as many others as possible. (Ps. 40:8-10) In this regard we should ask ourselves, ‘Am I doing all that my circumstances will allow?’ Many have found that with some reasonable adjustments, they have been able to become regular pioneers. If present circumstances do not allow for that, can we enroll as auxiliary pioneers? Since the upcoming Memorial season is a time for expanded activity, the months of March and April would be a fine time to increase our service by auxiliary pioneering.

⁵ Help New Ones to Join Us in Blessing Jehovah: The celebration of the Memorial of Jesus’ death always reminds us of reasons to be thankful to Jehovah and to praise His name. This is an especially good time to encourage our Bible students to join us in speaking publicly about Jehovah’s kingship. Urge them to reflect prayerfully on what is stated in paragraphs 7-9 on pages 173-5 in the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. If they qualify, they have no reason to hold back just because they lack experience. Capable publishers are available to show them how the Kingdom-preaching work is done. If new ones can muster up boldness to speak the good news, they can be confident that Jehovah will help them.—Acts 4:31; 1 Thess. 2:2.

⁶ We bring eternal benefits to ourselves as well as to others when we seek to bless Jehovah all day long.

Part 3—Benefit From the Theocratic Ministry School for 1996

¹ The apostle Paul wanted his brothers to pray in his behalf so that he might acquire the ability to speak the good news with boldness. (Eph. 6:18-20) We desire to cultivate that same ability. To that end, we appreciate the help provided by the Theocratic Ministry School, in which qualified meeting attenders are encouraged to enroll.

² As students, we receive personalized counsel to help us improve our speaking and teaching abilities. (Prov. 9:9) We can also benefit from listening to the counsel other students receive, applying what we learn to ourselves. When preparing an assignment, we should study the source material carefully to make sure that our explanation of it is accurate. The main points and the scriptures that we use should fit in with the development of the overall theme. If the assignment involves another person, it should be rehearsed well in advance of being presented in the school. As we make progress, an effort should be made to speak extemporaneously, using notes instead of a manuscript.

³ All who have assignments in the school should arrive early, give the school overseer their Speech Counsel slip, and sit near the front of the hall. Sisters should let the school overseer know in advance what their setting is and whether they will stand or sit for their part. Cooperating in these ways contributes to a smooth program and helps those caring for the platform to get everything ready beforehand.

⁴ Preparing Assignment No. 2: One purpose of the Bible reading is to help the student improve his ability to read. How can this best be achieved? Reading the material aloud over and over again is the best way to master it. To learn the meaning and proper pronunciation of any unfamiliar words, the student should look them up in a dictionary. This may also require becoming acquainted with the meaning of the pronunciation symbols used in the dictionary.

⁵ The New World Translation renders aid in pronouncing proper names and uncommon words that are found in the Bible. It does this by breaking them down into syllables and providing accent marks. (See “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” pages 325-6, paragraphs 27-8.) As a rule, the syllable preceding the accent mark receives the major stress. If the accented syllable ends in a vowel, the vowel is long in its pronunciation. If a syllable ends in a consonant, the vowel in that syllable is short. (Compare Saʹlu with Salʹlu.) To prepare for their Bible reading assignments, some brothers listen to the Society’s audiocassettes.

⁶ Parents can assist their young children to prepare the reading assignment. This may include listening when the child is rehearsing and then giving him helpful suggestions for improvement. The allotted time allows for a brief introduction and an appropriate conclusion that makes application of key points. Thus the student develops his ability to speak extemporaneously.

⁷ The psalmist prayerfully requested: “O Jehovah, may you open these lips of mine, that my own mouth may tell forth your praise.” (Ps. 51:15) May our participation in the Theocratic Ministry School help us to satisfy this same desire.

Service Meetings for March

Week Starting March 4

Song 1

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

15 min: “Bless Jehovah ‘All Day Long.’” Questions and answers. Read paragraphs 2-5 as time permits. Give positive encouragement for the auxiliary and regular pioneer work.

20 min: “Knowledge of the True God Leads to Life.” Review suggested presentations. Have one or two demonstrations. Offer some examples of how we can tactfully make the householders aware of their opportunity to contribute toward the worldwide work.

Song 78 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 11

Song 164

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

20 min: “Benefit From the Theocratic Ministry School for 1996—Part 3.” Talk by school overseer. Encourage all who can to enroll and faithfully fulfill their assignments. Clearly explain the rules for pronouncing Bible names, as found in the “All Scripture” book, pages 325-6, paragraphs 27-8. Also explain that the “ch” combination in names is pronounced hard, like “k.” (Except in Rachel, where “ch” is soft.) Illustrate the rules by playing a portion of Luke 3:23-38 from the Society’s audiocassette, having the audience follow along in their Bible.

15 min: Do Things Together as a Family. Father talks to his family informally about the need for togetherness, based on the September 1, 1993, Watchtower, pages 16-19. Concentrate on the family study and the evangelizing work. Point out how modern families are falling apart because they spend little time together and have practically nothing in common. Studying God’s Word and sharing in the ministry together is a blessing to the Christian family. Stress need for the father to organize these things well and for the mother to cooperate. Children should take an interest in spiritual activities, working closely with parents. Family will be united and will be fortified to cope with increasing pressures toward worldliness.

Song 211 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 18

Song 6

10 min: Local announcements. Those conducting studies should encourage new ones who are progressing well in their Bible study to reach out to become unbaptized publishers. Parents can also help their children to become publishers. Review recommended procedure outlined in Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry, pages 97-100.

15 min: Review Highlights of the 1996 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Family group discuss some of the interesting features about our worldwide activity covered on pages 3-5 and 33. They agree that together each day they will try to read a few pages of the Yearbook after they consider the designated Bible text in Examining the Scriptures Daily.

20 min: “Help Others to Acquire the Knowledge That Leads to Life.” Review presentations suggested for use on return visits. Include one or two demonstrations. Stress goal of starting studies.

Song 130 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting March 25

Song 5

15 min: Local announcements. Review “Memorial Reminders.” Explain why it is important to attend. (See the February 15, 1985, Watchtower, pages 18-20.) Review plans to assist elderly, infirm, and new ones to be present. Discuss arrangements for expanded field service activity during this coming week. Also, review the article, “Where Hospitality Is Shown to Strangers,” on page 32 of the September 22, 1995, issue of Awake!

15 min: Question Box. Talk by an elder. Discuss reasons that prompt us to be generous, as outlined in the January 15, 1992, Watchtower, pages 16-17.

15 min: “Preparation—Key to Success.” Questions and answers. Mention that we will be offering The Watchtower and Awake! during April and May. Make preparations now by ordering extra copies, obtaining subscription blanks, and making plans to support congregation arrangements for Magazine Day activity.

Song 7 and concluding prayer.

Question Box

◼ Is it appropriate to contribute for transportation that is provided by others?

Some of us have circumstances that require us to depend on others for assistance in regularly attending the meetings and sharing in field service. Many brothers and sisters kindly go out of their way and lovingly use their time, vehicles, and other resources to provide transportation for us. Although they may have to get ready earlier than they would otherwise and they are delayed in returning home, they provide the transportation with a willing spirit.

As in every other aspect of our Christian ministry, the principle found at Galatians 6:5 applies: “Each one will carry his own load.” Therefore, if someone regularly provides transportation for us, we should show our appreciation not only by our words but also, if we possibly can, by a reasonable contribution to help care for the expenses involved.—Matt. 7:12; 1 Cor. 10:24.

Even if the person who is using his vehicle does not ask for financial assistance and does not appear to be in need of such, the sincere offer of a contribution is always appreciated. The driver may decline to accept anything; and, of course, that should be a decision for him to make. But it is proper for you to make the offer. If you are unable to contribute anything at the moment, you can keep it in mind; you may be able to offer something extra the next time you accept a ride.—Luke 6:38.

It is very loving for those who have vehicles to provide transportation for others who might otherwise be unable to attend meetings or share in the field ministry. (Prov. 3:27) At the same time, it is also loving for those who benefit from such kindness to express their thanks by contributing in accord with their circumstances.—Col. 3:15.

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for March: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. April and May: Individual copies of both The Watchtower and Awake! For territory that is covered frequently, any appropriate brochure may also be used. Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. June: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life.

◼ 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.

◼ As announced in the January 1996 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, the special public talk for the Memorial season this year will be presented in most congregations on Sunday, April 21. The talk is entitled “Remaining Blameless Amid a Crooked Generation.” A special effort should be made to invite those who attend the Memorial on April 2.

◼ Congregations may now begin submitting requests for the videocassettes Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life (Volumes 2-6) in American Sign Language. They will appear as “Pending” on congregation packing lists until the videocassettes are available. Efforts will be made to ship each videocassette in time for the material contained in it to be considered at the Congregation Book Study.

◼ The dates for the first Long Beach, California, district convention have been changed from May 31–June 2 to August 9-11, 1996.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!

From: To:

March 4: p. 290, ¶14 p. 292, ¶24

March 11: p. 292, ¶25 p. 296, ¶4

March 18: p. 296, ¶5 p. 300, ¶18

March 25: p. 301, ¶1 p. 305, ¶15

December Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 175 123.1 75.3 52.7 5.0

Pios. 75,918 73.6 35.6 23.5 2.3

Aux.Pios. 23,334 56.0 27.7 14.5 1.2

Pubs. 810,251 9.4 5.9 3.6 0.4

TOTAL 909,678 Baptized: 2,933

Preparation—Key to Success

¹ Advance preparation for the ministry will help to overcome any hesitancy one might feel about sharing in the field service. As you approach the doors, you will know what you want to say to the householders. You will not have to be apprehensive about the challenges that might be encountered. Upon returning home from the service, you will feel encouraged, knowing that you put forth a good effort in the ministry. Yes, thorough preparation is the key to sharpening our preaching and teaching skills.

² Paul emphasized preparedness by urging us to have our “feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace.” (Eph. 6:15) This includes preparing our mind and heart as well as acquiring a positive outlook and a willing attitude. When we are prepared to share the truth with others, our labor will be rewarded with Kingdom fruitage, making us happy.—Acts 20:35.

³ How to Prepare for the Preaching Work: We should select a presentation that we feel comfortable with, perhaps from among those suggested in the Reasoning book or those found on the last page of Our Kingdom Ministry. Give careful thought to the scripture you plan to use, determining what words or phrase you are going to emphasize to make your main point stand out. There is no need to memorize the presentation; rather, it is best to get the idea in mind, put it in your own words, and express it in a manner that you think will appeal to your listener.

⁴ Look over the publication you plan to offer, and pick out some interesting talking points. Select something you feel will be of interest to people in your territory. Give thought to how you might adjust your presentation for different householders—a man, a woman, an older person, or a youth.

⁵ Have you tried holding practice sessions? Get together with family members or other publishers to discuss what presentations might be effective, and then rehearse them aloud so that all will have them well in mind. Try to simulate actual situations and objections that could be encountered in the territory. Such practice will improve your fluency in speaking, increase your effectiveness in preaching, and build your confidence.

⁶ In addition to preparing and practicing your presentation, you should also ask yourself, ‘Is the clothing that I plan to wear suitable for the ministry? Do I have what I need in my book bag, including the literature that I plan to use? Is it in good condition? Do I have my Reasoning book, tracts, house-to-house records, and a pencil?’ Thoughtful planning in advance will contribute to a more productive day in service.

⁷ Once we have done the best that we can to prepare ourselves, we should pray for Jehovah’s spirit to help us to be successful. (1 John 5:14, 15) Giving careful attention to preparation will result in our finding greater joy in our work, as we ‘fully accomplish our ministry.’—2 Tim. 4:5.

Memorial Reminders

The following are matters that need attention before the Memorial observance on Tuesday, April 2:

◼ Everyone, including the speaker, should be informed of the exact time and place for the celebration.

◼ The appropriate type of bread and wine should be obtained and made ready.—See the February 15, 1985, Watchtower, page 19.

◼ A suitable table, a tablecloth, plates, and glasses should be brought to the hall in advance and put in place.

◼ The Kingdom Hall or other place of meeting should be thoroughly cleaned ahead of time.

◼ Attendants and servers should be selected and instructed in advance about the proper procedure and their duties.

◼ Arrangements should be made to serve any of the anointed who are infirm and unable to be present.

◼ When more than one celebration is scheduled in the same Kingdom Hall, there should be good coordination between congregations so as to avoid unnecessary congestion in the lobby, entryway, public sidewalks, and parking lot.

Knowledge of the True God Leads to Life

¹ “This means everlasting life,” said Jesus in prayer to his Father, “their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God.” (John 17:3) What a generous reward that is! By using the publication Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, we can help others learn what they need to do to live forever. What can we say to arouse their interest and prompt them to want to read the Knowledge book?

² You might use a presentation that features the Bible as a practical source of guidance, by saying:

◼ “We are discussing with our neighbors where to find a practical source of guidance for coping with the problems of life. In the past many people first consulted the Bible. But now people’s attitudes have changed; many are skeptical about the Bible, viewing it simply as a book written by men. What is your opinion? [Allow for response.] There is a very good reason why it can be said that the Bible is practical for our day. [Read 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.] Bible principles apply just as much now as they did when God inspired the writing of the Bible.” Turn to page 16 in the Knowledge book, and briefly comment on the practical guidance found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Read the quote found in paragraph 11 or the one in paragraph 13. Offer the book, and arrange to return to answer the question, How can we personally benefit from the knowledge contained in the Bible?

³ Since prayer is a topic of interest for many people, you might like to discuss it by asking:

◼ “With all the challenges we must face in modern-day life, do you feel that prayer can be of real help to us? [Wait for a response.] Many feel that they have drawn close to God by praying to him and that doing so has given them inner strength, which is just what the Bible promises. [Open the Knowledge book to page 156, and read Philippians 4:6, 7.] Even so, a person may feel his prayers sometimes go unanswered. This chapter discusses ‘How You Can Draw Close to God.’ [Offer the book, and mention the donation arrangement for the worldwide work.] This chapter also explains how we can listen to God, since communication with him is not one-sided. We can discuss that when I come next time.”

⁴ Would you like to try a direct approach to start a study? Here is one that may work for you:

◼ “We are offering a free home Bible study course. Have you ever taken a Bible course before? [Allow for response.] Let me show you the study aid that we use.” Display the Knowledge book, turn to page 3 so that the householder can see the table of contents, and ask, “Have you ever wondered what the Bible has to say about these subjects?” Turn to the chapter about which the most interest is shown, and read the subheadings. Explain that you would like to demonstrate briefly how we cover this information in our study course. Whether a study is started or not, leave the book if the person promises to read it.

⁵ Today multitudes of people are responding to the accurate knowledge of the true God. (Isa. 2:2-4) It is our privilege to help as many as possible to learn about Jehovah and be led to life.—1 Tim. 2:4.

Help Others to Acquire the Knowledge That Leads to Life

¹ The apostle Paul explained that it is ‘God’s will that all sorts of men should come to an accurate knowledge of the truth.’ (1 Tim. 2:4) How can we help others to take in that knowledge? One way is by making return visits on persons whose interest has been aroused by means of the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. This publication presents Bible truth in clear, simple, well-chosen words. By studying it, people of all sorts can be led to life. What can we say that will encourage others to study it with us?

² For those who showed an interest in the Bible as a practical guide, you could return to offer a study, perhaps saying:

◼ “When I was here before, we discussed why we can trust the Bible as a practical source of guidance. Because of its being inspired by God, the Bible is also a sure source of comfort and hope, even as one of Christ’s apostles stated. [Read Romans 15:4.] At the end of our last conversation, I raised the question, How can we personally benefit from the knowledge contained in the Bible?” Read paragraph 18 on page 11 in the Knowledge book. Point out that Jehovah’s Witnesses are conducting some five million Bible studies worldwide, helping people everywhere to take in the knowledge that leads to everlasting life. Offer a brief demonstration of how a study is conducted, using the first five paragraphs in chapter 1.

³ If prayer was the topic you initially discussed with someone, you might try this approach in an effort to start a study:

◼ “I hope you enjoyed the information about prayer that we discussed from the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. I promised to come back and consider with you how those who pray to God can, in turn, listen to him. Notice what is stated on page 158. [Read paragraph 18.] Thus, by personally studying the Bible, we are listening to what God has to say to us. Doing that draws us closer to him and helps us to deal with the day-to-day problems about which we pray. It would be my pleasure to study the Bible with you.” If the person is willing, begin with the first chapter of the Knowledge book.

⁴ If you used the direct approach to start a study, you might say this to follow up the initial discussion:

◼ “I made a special effort to stop by again because I wanted to tell you more about our free Bible study program. I left with you a copy of this book, Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, which is the study aid that we use. Notice how it encourages us to consider God’s Word. [Read paragraph 23 on page 22.] If you would please get your copy of the book, perhaps we can continue studying where we left off the last time.” If a study was not started on the initial call, you might say: “Perhaps this would be a good time for me to demonstrate how we study the Bible.” After considering a few paragraphs, arrange a definite time to return for the next study.

⁵ Using the Knowledge book effectively will enable us to spread about accurate knowledge for the blessing of others. (Prov. 15:7) Such knowledge will bring delight to those whose hearts are right, and it will be a powerful incentive for them to live in harmony with Jehovah’s righteousness, leading eventually to everlasting life.