June

Keep “Doing What Is Fine”

¹ You did a fine thing when you became a servant of Jehovah God. Now, however, the challenge in these critical times is to keep “doing what is fine.” (Gal. 6:9) Although this takes real effort, you can do it. How?

² Cultivate Jesus’ Mental Attitude: Like Jesus, you can endure trials if you keep focused on the Kingdom hope. (Heb. 12:2, 3) Be assured that Jehovah loves you and that he wants you to succeed. (2 Pet. 3:9) Put your full trust in him, confident that he will help you. (1 Cor. 10:13) Persevere in prayer, asking Jehovah to help you endure. (Rom. 12:12) Rejoice in the conviction that your endurance will lead to an approved condition in God’s eyes. (Rom. 5:3-5) Your faithfulness in cultivating “the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had” will bring you personal satisfaction and make Jehovah’s heart rejoice.​—Rom. 15:5; Prov. 27:11.

³ Keep Doing the Right Things: Take full advantage of the provisions Jehovah has made for his people to help them keep doing what is fine. Maintain a good personal routine of reading God’s Word and studying the Bible-based publications of the faithful and discreet slave class. Faithfully prepare for, attend, and participate in all the meetings of the congregation. Before and after Christian meetings, associate closely with your spiritual brothers and sisters. Set realistic goals for your ministry in order to have a meaningful share in the field service and to improve your skills in presenting the good news to others.

⁴ This is how you can keep doing what is fine and experience much joy at the same time. In this regard, a brother in Italy said: “When evening comes, and I return home after a day in Jehovah’s service, I feel tired, it is true. But I am happy, and I thank Jehovah for having given me a joy that no one can take away.” Accordingly, keep doing what is fine, and you too will experience great joy.

Be Alert to Finding Deaf People in Your Territory

¹ Jehovah is extending the invitation: “‘Come!’ . . . Let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” (Rev. 22:17) A growing number of deaf people are among those responding to this call. As a result, during the last 13 years, 27 sign-language congregations and 43 sign-language groups have been formed in the United States branch.

² Although sign-language congregations and groups focus all their preaching efforts on contacting deaf and hearing-impaired people in their respective territories, there are many such ones who are yet to be found and witnessed to in this country.

³ How Can You Help? While in public places, have you observed people using sign language? Do you know someone at your workplace or at your school who has a deaf family member? Be alert to finding those who are deaf as you carry out your daily activities. But how can you ensure that they will receive a Kingdom witness?

⁴ Giving a Witness: Inform the nearest sign-language congregation or group of the deaf person’s whereabouts. Many deaf ones make faster progress in learning the truth when they are able to associate with deaf Witnesses at congregation meetings conducted in American Sign Language. Therefore, if there is a sign-language congregation or group in your locality, your congregation secretary should forward to it information about all deaf people in your territory.

⁵ What if there is no one nearby to give spiritual assistance to deaf people in your community? How might you help? Why not make a return visit and talk to any hearing members of the household? Offer to show a sign-language video to arouse the interest of the deaf person. Some publishers have even learned American Sign Language so as to reach the deaf more effectively. (Acts 16:9, 10) The Require brochure and the Knowledge book are available in American Sign Language on video. Conducting Bible studies using these tools has already yielded many positive results.

⁶ By being alert to finding deaf people in your area, you can give them the opportunity to take life’s water free.​—Matt. 10:11.

Service Meeting Schedule

Week Starting June 11

Song 178

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage everyone to view the video Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault in preparation for the discussion at the Service Meeting the week of June 25.

15 min: “Keep ‘Doing What Is Fine.’” An encouraging Scriptural talk by an elder.

20 min: “Reach the Heart of Your Student.”a Include practical suggestions on how to help new ones develop faith and love in their hearts for Jehovah and Jesus. Use key points in the July 15, 1999, Watchtower, page 14, paragraphs 18-20.

Song 184 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 18

Song 194

5 min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

10 min: Responding to Potential Conversation Stoppers. Audience discussion. Review “Comments” in Reasoning book, pages 15-16. From pages 16-20, select some objections encountered in your territory. Invite audience to relate which responses work well for them and why.

30 min: “Can You Make Yourself Available?” Encouraging talk interspersed with comments from the audience in answer to prepared questions on paragraphs 13 and 18-24. Encourage parents to help their children to consider Bethel service as a career. Recommend that families study this insert together in their family study.

Song 197 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 25

Song 2

15 min: Local announcements. Review literature offer for July and August. Highlight two brochures that are in stock locally. Have well-prepared demonstrations of how to offer them in the ministry. For suggested presentations, see the back page of the July and August 1995 through 1998 issues of Our Kingdom Ministry.

30 min: “I Stand Firm! I Stand Firm! I Stand Firm!” Audience discussion of the Stand Firm video, using the questions in paragraph 2. Then consider paragraphs 3-4. Read the announcement on page 7 that mentions the Classroom Edition of the Stand Firm video for educators. Conclude with the experience in the November 22, 1999, Awake!, page 31. In August we will review the video The New World Society in Action.

Song 29 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting July 2

Song 5

13 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for June. Review the box “Are Any Yearbooks Missing From Your Library?” Share brief excerpts of experiences from the Yearbooks for 1986, 1987, and 1990 to 2000 to illustrate the value of their contents. Encourage all who do not have these Yearbooks in their personal library to order them while supplies last.

15 min: Youths​—Be Wise in Choosing Your Career. This is the first of three Service Meeting parts that will review Scriptural principles related to supplemental education. Some Christian youths are pursuing secular careers through higher education, which is having a negative impact on their spirituality. This part is a discussion between two parents and their teenage son or daughter. The youth is at a point where a serious decision needs to be made about future goals. Although some may want to pursue financial advantages, prestige, or comforts of life, the family examine the Bible to see what it recommends. (See Young People Ask, pages 174-5; The Watchtower, August 15, 1997, page 21, and September 1, 1999, pages 19-21, paragraphs 1-3 and 5-6.) The youth agrees that it is wise to pursue a course in life that will serve him or her well in achieving theocratic goals to advance Kingdom interests.

17 min: “Be Alert to Finding Deaf People in Your Territory.”b If statistics are available, mention how many deaf people are located in your congregation territory. Review the section “Locating individuals who speak another language” in the October 15, 1998, letter to all congregations in the United States. Relate the experience in the February 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 3, paragraph 7.

Song 32 and concluding prayer.

[Footnotes]

March Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 149 121.7 102.9 55.1 4.8

Pios. 89,963 66.8 47.3 21.8 1.7

Aux.Pios. 45,808 49.1 39.4 12.8 0.9

Pubs. 822,884 9.3 8.5 3.4 0.3

TOTAL 958,804 Baptized: 1,452

Can You Make Yourself Available?

¹ An extraordinary event occurs in the year 778 B.C.E. In vision, the prophet Isaiah sees “Jehovah, sitting on a throne lofty and lifted up.” Isaiah then hears the seraphs calling attention to Jehovah’s glory, saying: “Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of armies.” How awesome that must have been! In that setting, Jehovah poses a challenging question: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” No explanation is given as to the nature of the assignment or whether the person volunteering will gain from it. Yet, unhesitatingly, Isaiah responds: “Here I am! Send me.”​—Isa. 6:1, 3, 8.

² This spirit of willingness to do whatever Jehovah asks characterizes his people. (Ps. 110:3) And now a special call is going out to those who can make themselves available. Are you ready to respond with a willing spirit, similar to that of Isaiah?

³ There is an ongoing need for brothers to serve at Bethel. This calls for them to have an intense desire to put Kingdom interests first and to be willing to do whatever may be required to support the worldwide preaching work. (Matt. 6:33) In fact, serving as a member of the Bethel family gives one a unique opportunity to serve Jehovah in a whole-souled manner. How so?

⁴ The Work Being Done at Bethel: Think of all that is regularly accomplished in the three Bethel complexes located in the United States, at Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York. The 5,730 brothers and sisters who make up the Bethel family in these three locations have the privilege of being closely involved in supporting the faithful and discreet slave class and its Governing Body in the production of Bibles and Bible literature for use in the worldwide field and in personal study. (Matt. 24:45) For example, this past service year, 24,364,670 books, 39,813,464 booklets and brochures, 270,528,000 magazines, and 1,271,041 audiocassettes were produced and shipped as a result of the combined effort of the United States Bethel family. Tremendous effort is put into researching and selecting “delightful words and the writing of correct words of truth” for these publications. (Eccl. 12:9, 10) Direction is also provided for the more than 1,900 translators worldwide who help to produce the literature in over 300 languages. Much is done to coordinate the work accomplished in the 111 branches worldwide, including the more than 11,500 congregations here in the United States. Assistance is also given to the branches involved in the engineering and constructing of additional Bethel homes and Assembly Halls and the 15,248 Kingdom Halls presently needed in lands with limited resources. Hundreds of willing volunteers are required to care for the printing and shipping of literature, cleaning, maintenance, food preparation, purchasing, health care, and many other operations at Bethel.

⁵ Accomplishing all this work presents a mighty yet spiritually satisfying task. Knowing that all our strength and energy is being used to support the preaching and teaching activity results in much joy. Bethel service helps us to get to know Jehovah’s organization in much greater detail. We are reminded that the psalmist encouraged the Israelites to get to know more intimately the earthly center of theocratic rule in their day.​—Ps. 48:12, 13.

⁶ Blessings of Bethel Service: How do those serving at Bethel feel about their privileges of service? Note the following comments from both younger and older members of the Bethel family. One Bethel family member who has enjoyed three years of Bethel service comments: “Being at Bethel has strengthened my relationship with Jehovah. The longer I serve here and the more I learn about how Bethel runs, the more it teaches me about Jehovah’s personality. Bethel service has also been an eye-opener for me to see that Jehovah uses people​—all kinds of people. And you do not have to be perfect to be acceptable to him.”

⁷ One young brother recalls: “I remember thinking to myself, ‘How nice it will be to get to the new world and tell the faithful men of old that I served my years at Bethel, not outside making money.’”

⁸ A young brother reflects on the training he has received: “Learning about myself and what I need to work on and then developing those qualities has been a great blessing. I feel that now I am better able to serve Jehovah. I find that I am a little more patient, have a little more self-control, and am able to show love to a greater degree.”

⁹ A sister thinks about her blessings thus far: “The spiritual programs here have taught me more about Jehovah and how I can imitate him better in thought, feeling, and action. And because the training is ongoing, it is an ongoing blessing.”

¹⁰ A brother who has devoted a total of 59 years to the full-time ministry, over 43 of those years at Bethel, stated: “Bethel is not like a monastery, as some may think. We accomplish much because of our scheduled way of life. . . . There has not been a day that I have come to work and not enjoyed what I did. Why? Because when we give of ourselves whole-souled to Jehovah, we have the satisfaction of knowing that ‘we have done what we ought to have done.’”​—Luke 17:10.

¹¹ Another brother, who has served at Bethel for 62 years, said: “I firmly believe that Bethel is the best place on earth this side of the coming earthly Paradise. I have never regretted for a second having made full-time service my lifetime career. What a joy it has been to witness and to have shared in the great growth of Jehovah’s earthly organization! It is my determination, with Jehovah’s help, to continue to make Bethel my home and apply myself whole-souled to the advancing of Kingdom interests.”

¹² These Bethel family members have mentioned just a few of the many blessings that you can enjoy if you make yourself available for Bethel service. But as is true of receiving any privilege of service, you must first meet the qualifications. What are some of the requirements to serve as a member of the Bethel family?

¹³ Requirements for Bethel Service: The basic requirements for those applying for Bethel service are shown in the accompanying box. Additionally, it is important that they be willing to work hard, not being “lovers of pleasures.” (2 Tim. 3:4; 1 Cor. 13:11) Bethel family members should be spiritual men and women who have developed good personal study habits and have trained their perceptive powers to “distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) Their Christian maturity should already have been demonstrated in all areas of life, including their dress, grooming, and choice of music and entertainment. Willinghearted Bethel family members serve wherever they may be needed. Younger members are usually given assignments involving physical work, including printing, preparing and shipping literature, maintenance, housekeeping, cleaning, laundry, and food preparation. (Prov. 20:29) Unlike secular work, though, each assignment brings great satisfaction because it is sacred service that brings glory to Jehovah.​—Col. 3:23.

¹⁴ The minimum stay for those invited for Bethel service is one year. This enables them to be trained to become productive workers. The hope is that they will be able to make Bethel their home. It is love for Jehovah that moves Bethel family members to put the Kingdom work ahead of personal interests, which is pleasing to Jehovah.​—Matt. 16:24.

¹⁵ Current Needs: Because of the nature of the work done at Bethel, our present need is primarily for single brothers. Although not a requirement, preference is given to those who are regular pioneers, since they are already in the full-time work. At times there may be openings for single sisters and married couples from 19 to 35 years of age who may have certain skills that are needed at Bethel. Additionally, some brothers and sisters who may be a little older than 35 and who have specialized skills and training that could be used at Bethel are encouraged to apply. For example, these include dentists, doctors, certified public accountants, architects, engineers, registered nurses, automobile mechanics, or electronic technicians, to mention but a few. However, we do not encourage individuals to obtain specialized education or training with the thought that this will improve their chances of being called into Bethel. Those who have already received specialized training, perhaps before coming into the truth, may wish to write out a detailed résumé and attach it to the Bethel application.

¹⁶ If you apply and are not invited to serve at Bethel, do not be discouraged. You may consider renewing your application once each year. Some brothers with special training and skills that may be needed at Bethel have made themselves available for temporary volunteer service. They may apply to serve temporarily at Bethel for one, two, three, or four weeks or up to three months. The congregation secretary has the temporary volunteer application form for those interested in helping in this way. Additional temporary volunteer applications can be ordered on the Literature Request Form.

¹⁷ Serving Jehovah in close association with Christ’s brothers is a unique privilege for those working at Bethel. The Governing Body appreciates the self-sacrificing spirit of all who make themselves available in ministering to the needs of our worldwide brotherhood.​—Phil. 2:20-22; 2 Tim. 4:11.

¹⁸ Young Ones​—Prepare Yourselves Now for Bethel Service: Preparation for Bethel service starts long before the minimum requirement of 19 years of age has been reached. What can young ones do to prepare themselves for Bethel service? Jesus said: “Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense?” (Luke 14:28) Since preparation and planning are vital to the success of any building project, how important it is that youths give close attention to how they are building for their future in Jehovah’s service! A solid foundation must be laid early in life in order for them to achieve spiritual goals. As a youth, how well are you laying your foundation? If you would like to serve at Bethel, you will benefit by carefully considering the following.

¹⁹ “Make Room” for This Special Privilege of Service: As recorded at Matthew 19:12, Jesus encouraged his disciples to “make room” for a course of singleness. Why? Not for personal reasons, but “on account of the kingdom of the heavens.” Paul likewise encouraged such a course of being in “constant attendance upon the Lord without distraction.” (1 Cor. 7:32-35) Unfortunately, a number miss out on the privilege of serving as single men at Bethel because of pursuing marriage at an early age. We want to encourage our younger brothers to use their energies in pursuing the full-time ministry while they are still free of family responsibilities. Then, if after a period of time they decide to marry, they will be much better husbands because of having gained more experience in life and in the Christian ministry. After serving for a number of years at Bethel, some have married and have been able to continue serving there as a couple. If they later have other privileges, such as the traveling work or missionary service, they certainly do not regret the time they set aside to make room for Bethel service.

²⁰ Do Not Be Distracted by Material Pursuits: Each young person would do well to ask: ‘Is my goal after graduating from high school to pursue a full-time secular career or is it to serve Jehovah full-time?’ Granted, taking the latter course will require sacrifices. But so will pursuing a secular career! In the end, which course will truly have a long-lasting and beneficial result? Jesus gave the clear answer. According to Matthew 6:19-21, he said: “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal. Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” May our hearts never lead us to pursue a worldly career or material things instead of whole-souled service to Jehovah. All of us must recognize that the only treasure worth pursuing is a good relationship with Jehovah, so that we make his heart glad. (Prov. 27:11) By putting Jehovah first in our life while young, we show where our values are and how important the Kingdom is to us. Remember, “the blessing of Jehovah​—that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it.” (Prov. 10:22) Young ones have an excellent opportunity to show where their hearts are by giving something good back to Jehovah for all that he has given them. Bethel service affords such a wonderful opportunity for those who meet the qualifications.

²¹ Those Serving at Bethel Must Be Morally Clean: The psalmist asked: “How will a young man cleanse his path?” He answered: “By keeping on guard according to [Jehovah’s] word.” (Ps. 119:9) That would include avoiding anything having to do with the moral corruption of Satan’s system of things. Internet pornography, improper conduct with the opposite sex, debasing music, degrading entertainment, and underage drinking are just some of the snares that Satan uses to prevent our youth from reaching spiritual goals. A strong determination is needed to resist these tactics. As a young person, if you find yourself becoming involved in any of these things, talk to the elders in your congregation and resolve these issues before you apply for Bethel service. Having a clean conscience is vital for serving Jehovah fully.​—1 Tim. 1:5.

²² Learn to Get Along With Others: An important requirement for making a success of Bethel service is learning to get along with others. The Bethel family in the United States is composed of thousands of brothers and sisters from all walks of life. While this variety of personalities adds to the beauty of Bethel, at times it can also present challenges. If you are considering Bethel service, you may do well to ask yourself: ‘Am I easily offended when others do not share my opinion? Do others find me easy to get along with?’ If you need to improve in such areas, start working on the matter now. Your doing so will help you to adjust more easily to living and working with members of the Bethel family.

²³ Work hard at being a spiritual person by cultivating a close relationship with Jehovah. Develop a good program of personal study, which would include reading the Bible daily. Be active in sharing the good news with others. By putting these things into practice, you will make your spiritual advancement manifest. (1 Tim. 4:15) What wonderful prospects await those who prepare now for a career in full-time service!

²⁴ Parents, Train Your Children: What can parents do to encourage young ones to pursue the full-time ministry? Jesus said: “Everyone that is perfectly instructed will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40) A thoroughly trained pupil cannot help but exhibit the fine qualities of his dedicated teacher. This principle should provide food for thought for Christian parents as they work hard in training their children “with godly devotion as [their] aim.” (1 Tim. 4:7) Since children are inclined to reflect the attitude of their parents toward spiritual things, parents do well to ask themselves: ‘Do we personally value the work being done at Bethel to promote the interests of Jehovah’s true worship? Do we recognize Jehovah’s blessing on the Bethel arrangement? Do we believe that a life in Jehovah’s service is the best career choice our children could make?’ Our own heartfelt appreciation for Bethel service and the work being done there will help us to instill a similar appreciation in our children.

²⁵ Elkanah and Hannah had deep appreciation for true worship. They set a noteworthy example for Christian parents today. In ancient Israel, only Israelite men were required to “appear before the face of the true Lord, Jehovah” three times a year at the tabernacle. Nevertheless, Elkanah traveled some 20 miles [30 km], most likely on foot, with his entire family “year to year” to sacrifice at this center for Jehovah’s worship. (Ex. 23:17; 1 Sam. 1:3, 4, 9, 19; 2:19) It is apparent that this family head wanted his whole family to share his personal concern for spiritual things.

²⁶ Hannah shared her husband’s interest in true worship. She keenly felt her obligation to contribute to the support of true worship at the tabernacle. Hannah vowed that if Jehovah granted her a son, she would make him available for tabernacle service. (1 Sam. 1:11) The Mosaic Law allowed a husband the right to nullify an inappropriate vow of his wife. (Num. 30:6-8) However, Elkanah apparently endorsed Hannah’s vow, showing that he too supported that expression of true worship!​—1 Sam. 1:22, 23.

²⁷ Was their son Samuel affected in a positive way by the appreciation and fine spirit displayed by his parents? Yes, indeed. As a young boy, Samuel willingly and faithfully cared for his assigned tasks and was trained for further cherished privileges in God’s service. The interest that Elkanah and Hannah showed in Samuel’s service at the tabernacle did not end after he assumed his duties there. They continued to visit him regularly to offer encouragement and support as he pursued full-time service.​—1 Sam. 2:18, 19.

²⁸ What an outstanding example Elkanah and Hannah set for Christian parents today! When our children hear our heartfelt expressions of appreciation for the privilege of Bethel service and see the spirit of self-sacrifice that we display in furthering Kingdom interests, they too will develop a heart inclined to serve others. Many parents are successfully instilling this wholesome inclination in their children. One seven-year-old wrote: “When I grow up, I want to be at Bethel, and I have a few things I would like to do there. (1) Typing up the Watchtower and Awake! magazines, (2) working in your art section, (3) folding laundry. Whichever one is available. It doesn’t matter.” How heartwarming to see such a willing spirit develop in the heart of our children!

²⁹ Young ones, remember that “the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:17) Continue to pursue spiritual goals, including the special privilege of Bethel service. Parents, imitate the example of faithful ones in the past who encouraged their children to cultivate godly devotion. (2 Pet. 3:11) And may all of us do our part to assist our young brothers and sisters to serve our Grand Creator to the fullest extent possible, as this “holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.”​—1 Tim. 4:8; Eccl. 12:1.

[Box on page 4]

Basic Requirements for Bethel Service

● Baptized for at least one year

● A spiritual person with a deep love for Jehovah and his organization

● In good spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health

● Citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States

● Able to read, write, and speak English well

● 19-35 years of age

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for June: What Does God Require of Us? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. Concentrate on starting home Bible studies. July and August: Any of the following 32-page brochures may be used: Does God Really Care About Us?, Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making All Things New,” Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, The Government That Will Bring Paradise, What Happens to Us When We Die?, What Is the Purpose of Life​—How Can You Find It?, and When Someone You Love Dies. The brochures A Book for All People, Our Problems​—Who Will Help Us Solve Them?, Spirits of the Dead​—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?, and Will There Ever Be a World Without War? may be offered where appropriate. September: Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?

◼ Since the Gilead graduation will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2001, no tours will be conducted that day at the branch office facilities at Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York. Any who have planned to visit on that Saturday should reschedule their visit to another convenient time. No congregation literature requests will be processed for shipment or for pickup that day.

◼ For educators who show a special interest in the video Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault or who conduct Holocaust-awareness classes, a condensed 28-minute Classroom Edition and accompanying 56-page loose-leaf study guide are available. Although these items are not distributed by the Watchtower Society, teachers or students can request information on how to obtain them by writing to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201-1698.

◼ New Publications Available:

“All Scripture”​—Authentic and Beneficial (Brochure for use in 2001 Theocratic Ministry School)—​Ukrainian

Does Fate Rule Our Lives?​—Or Does God Hold Us Responsible? (for Muslims) (Tract No. 71)​—English

From Kurukshetra to Armageddon​—And Your Survival—​Hindi

◼ New Videocassettes Available:

No Blood​—Medicine Meets the Challenge—​English

Are Any Yearbooks Missing From Your Library?

Every Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses is a treasure trove of delightful reading. The upbuilding reports on the Kingdom-preaching work from around the world strengthen our confidence in Jehovah’s guidance, protection, and blessing. We have a supply of English editions of the Yearbook for the years 1986, 1987, and 1990 to 2000. They contain the exciting history of the Kingdom work in Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Britain, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Hawaii, Honduras, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Paraguay, Poland, Puerto Rico, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Why not check to see if any of these editions of the Yearbook are missing from your personal library? The Theocratic Ministry School overseer should likewise check the Kingdom Hall library. Any publishers or congregations that desire these Yearbooks may now request them through the congregation literature servant.

Isaiah’s Prophecy​—Light for All Mankind I

Study Schedule for 2001

July 30: chap. 1, pars. 1-12

Aug. 6: chap. 2, pars. 1-10

13: chap. 2, pars. 11-24

20: chap. 3, pars. 1-18

27: chap. 3, pars. 19-33

Sept. 3: chap. 4, pars. 1-15

10: chap. 4, pars. 16-30

17: chap. 5, pars. 1-11

24: chap. 5, pars. 12-25

Oct. 1: chap. 6, pars. 1-12

8: chap. 6, pars. 13-25

15: chap. 7, pars. 1-16

22: chap. 7, pars. 17-31

29: chap. 8, pars. 1-14

Nov. 5: chap. 8, pars. 15-25

12: chap. 9, pars. 1-17

19: chap. 9, pars. 18-33

26: chap. 10, pars. 1-16

Dec. 3: chap. 10, pars. 17-29

10: chap. 11, pars. 1-11

17: chap. 11, pars. 12-22

24: chap. 12, pars. 1-13

31: chap. 12, pars. 14-24

Study Schedule for 2002

Jan. 7: chap. 13, pars. 1-15

14: chap. 13, pars. 16-27

21: chap. 14, pars. 1-16

28: chap. 14, pars. 17-31

Feb. 4: chap. 15, pars. 1-14

11: chap. 15, pars. 15-24

18: chap. 15, pars. 25-38

25: chap. 16, pars. 1-15

Mar. 4: chap. 17, pars. 1-12

11: chap. 17, pars. 13-25

18: chap. 18, pars. 1-12

25: chap. 18, pars. 13-23

Apr. 1: chap. 19, pars. 1-15

8: chap. 19, pars. 16-33

15: chap. 20, pars. 1-12

22: chap. 20, pars. 13-21

29: chap. 21, pars. 1-15

May 6: chap. 21, pars. 16-28

13: chap. 22, pars. 1-15

20: chap. 22, pars. 16-28

27: chap. 23, pars. 1-13

June 3: chap. 23, pars. 14-26

10: chap. 24, pars. 1-12

17: chap. 24, pars. 13-24

24: chap. 25, pars. 1-11

July 1: chap. 25, pars. 12-23

8: chap. 26, pars. 1-12

15: chap. 26, pars. 13-23

22: chap. 27, pars. 1-10

29: chap. 27, pars. 11-20

Aug. 5: chap. 28, pars. 1-13

12: chap. 28, pars. 14-26

19: chap. 29, pars. 1-14

26: chap. 29, pars. 15-31

Sept. 2: chap. 30, pars. 1-16

9: chap. 30, pars. 17-31

Reach the Heart of Your Student

¹ Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told his disciples to teach others to “observe” all the things he had commanded. (Matt. 28:19, 20) If a person is going to “observe” Christ’s commands, the information has to reach his heart. (Ps. 119:112) How can you touch the heart of someone with whom you are studying the Bible?

² Pray for Jehovah’s Direction: Making disciples is God’s work. His blessing, not our abilities, is imperative for success. (Acts 16:14; 1 Cor. 3:7) Thus, praying for Jehovah’s help in teaching the truth to others is essential.​—Isa. 50:4.

³ Discern What the Student Believes: Knowing what people believe and why they believe it can give us insight as to what to say to reach their heart. Why does a student find a particular teaching appealing? What convinced him that it is believable? Such knowledge can help us to speak with discernment.​—Acts 17:22, 23.

⁴ Build a Logical, Scriptural Argument: The truth has to make sense to the student. (Acts 17:24-31) We have to give a sound reason for our hope. (1 Pet. 3:15) However, always do so in a kind, patient manner.

⁵ Reinforce It With Illustrations: Not only do illustrations make it easier for the student to understand but they also stir emotions. They engage both the mind and the heart. Jesus used them often. (Mark 4:33, 34) Of course, to be effective, the illustration used must fit the point being discussed, and it should relate to the life of the student.

⁶ Show the Benefits of Accepting the Truth: People want to know the benefits of applying what they are learning. Help your student to see the wisdom of Paul’s words at 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

⁷ Do not be discouraged if some do not respond to your teaching. Not all hearts are receptive. (Matt. 13:15) However, some individuals do become believers. (Acts 17:32-34) May your efforts to reach hearts with the good news aid many more to accept and “observe” what Jesus commanded.

“I Stand Firm! I Stand Firm! I Stand Firm!”

¹ Those words of a faithful Christian who survived the Holocaust echo the determination of the thousands of Witnesses​—living and dead—​who were resolute in their beliefs despite Nazi cruelty. (Eph. 6:11, 13) Their thrilling story of courage and triumph is told in the heart-stirring video Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault. All in the congregation are urged to watch it and share their impressions and feelings with one another.

² Let these questions stimulate your thinking: (1) For what reasons did Jehovah’s Witnesses take a bold stand against the Nazis? (2a) What battle lines were drawn over a greeting, and why? (2b) How did this affect Witness families? (3) How many Witnesses were sent to concentration camps, how were they identified there, and how did the Gestapo treat them? (4) What price were our brothers not willing to pay for freedom? (5a) How and when did Jehovah’s Witnesses speak out against the atrocities of Hitler’s regime? (5b) How did Hitler react? (6) How did the solidarity of Jehovah’s people prove to be lifesaving to them and to others, physically and spiritually? (7) What Kingdom song was written in a concentration camp? (8) What examples of faithful men, women, and youths inspire you to keep your integrity to Jehovah, come what may? (See also the 1999 Yearbook, pages 144-7.) (9) As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, how does this video make you feel about being no part of the world?

³ The positive example of Jehovah’s Witnesses portrayed in the Stand Firm video can help young people, even those who are not Witnesses, to face such important issues as intolerance, peer pressure, and conscience. If you are a youth attending middle school or higher grades, can you give your teachers the opportunity to use this material in class? Perhaps you can offer them a copy of the video and describe it as a little-known piece of history or as a documentary with a moral lesson.

⁴ The Stand Firm video is an excellent tool to show how divine teaching gives us spiritual strength to please God by remaining firm for what is right. (1 Cor. 16:13) Share it with all who have an interest in the truth.