Why Important: Jesus recognized the value of preaching with a companion. So when he dispatched 70 of his disciples to go ahead of him and preach, he sent them out in pairs. (Luke 10:1) A companion can provide needed support if his fellow publisher encounters a difficult situation or is unsure of how to answer a householder. (Eccl. 4:9, 10) He can share his experience and occasionally offer a suggestion that may help the one with whom he is working become a more effective evangelizer. (Prov. 27:17) He can also encourage by means of his upbuilding conversation between doors.​—Phil. 4:8.

1. District and international conventions have what similarities to a momentous gathering of the Israelites shortly after they left Egypt?

¹ Shortly after leaving Egypt, Jehovah instructed Moses to “congregate the people” at Mount Sinai to hear His words so that they might fear Him and instruct their sons in His ways. (Deut. 4:10-13) What a memorable and faith-strengthening occasion that must have been! During the next few months, Jehovah’s people will gather at district and international conventions to be instructed by Jehovah. What must we do in order to benefit to the full?

2. What must we do to “be ready” for our convention?

² “Be Ready”: Jehovah commanded the Israelites to “be ready” for that historic gathering at Mount Sinai. (Ex. 19:10, 11) Likewise, careful preparation is needed by all who will attend the conventions, not just by those who will have a part on the program. For example, many will need to arrange to take time off from their secular job. Perhaps your situation is similar to Nehemiah’s. He wanted to leave his work as King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer in order to go to Jerusalem and help rebuild its walls, but he knew that the king might not be agreeable. Nehemiah said a prayer and then courageously presented his graciously worded request. The king allowed him to leave and even gave support to the building project! (Neh. 2:1-9) In addition to requesting time off from your employer, have you confirmed your travel arrangements and accommodations? The elders will be happy to help any who may need assistance. Plan to arrive early for each session, and be ready to “pay more than the usual attention” to what you will hear.​—Heb. 2:1.

3. What will help us to prepare our heart for the program?

³ Another important facet of our readiness involves preparing our heart so that we may listen and learn. (Ezra 7:10) The convention program will be posted in advance on the jw.org Web site and will list the titles for all the talks along with one or two key scriptures for each one. This provides excellent material to consider during our Family Worship evening in the weeks leading up to our assigned convention. Some publishers print out the program and use it for taking brief notes during the convention.

4. How can parents use the convention to teach their children?

⁴ ‘Teach Your Sons’: One of the stated purposes of the convention at Mount Sinai was for Israelite parents to “teach their sons.” (Deut. 4:10) The convention gives parents an excellent opportunity to do the same. Parents should have their children sit with them during the sessions and help them pay attention. At the end of each day and later during their family worship, families can discuss the program together.

5. How will we benefit from attending the upcoming convention?

⁵ The momentous convention at Mount Sinai helped the Israelites to appreciate their unique privilege of being God’s people. (Deut. 4:7, 8) Our upcoming convention is designed to benefit us in a similar way. For three days we will be able to step out of the harsh wilderness of Satan’s world and enjoy spiritual refreshment and upbuilding association in our spiritual paradise. (Isa. 35:7-9) With Jehovah’s day drawing near, may we not forsake this opportunity to meet together for an interchange of encouragement!​—Heb. 10:24, 25.

1. When will the invitation campaign for the 2014 conventions begin?

¹ If you were planning a special meal for friends or family, one that required much effort and expense to prepare, you would likely be enthusiastic when extending invitations. Similarly, much work has gone into preparing the spiritual feast that will be presented at our 2014 district and international conventions. Beginning three weeks before the start of our convention, we will have the privilege of inviting others to attend. What will help us to extend the invitations with enthusiasm?

2. What will move us to have a full share in the campaign?

² We will be moved to have a full share in the campaign if we reflect appreciatively on how much we personally benefit from the spiritual banquet that Jehovah provides at our conventions. (Isa. 65:13, 14) We should remember, too, that our annual campaign yields results. Some people we invite will attend the convention with us. Regardless of how many respond, however, our diligent efforts during the campaign will bring praise to Jehovah and reflect his generosity.​—Ps. 145:3, 7; Rev. 22:17.

3. How will the invitations be distributed?

³ Each body of elders should determine how the congregation can give the invitations wide distribution, including whether to leave them at not-at-homes or offer them in public witnessing within the territory. On weekends the magazines should be offered along with the invitation when appropriate. If the first Saturday of the month falls within the dates of the campaign, emphasis should be placed on distributing invitations rather than on starting Bible studies. After the campaign concludes, how happy we will be to know that we participated enthusiastically and that we invited as many people as possible to join us at the spiritual banquet that Jehovah provided!

1. Why is it important for us to maintain good conduct during the upcoming conventions?

¹ We attract the attention of the public during our conventions each year, so it is important that by our conduct we properly represent the God we worship. (Lev. 20:26) Our good manners as well as our dress and grooming should clearly identify us as Christ’s true followers. As we attend the upcoming district or international conventions, how can we ‘maintain our conduct fine among the nations’ and thus give glory to our heavenly Father?​—1 Pet. 2:12.

2. What opportunities to display the Christian personality will we have during the convention?

² Display the Christian Personality: The love we show toward one another and the way we deal with “those on the outside” stand in stark contrast to the dominant spirit of the world. (Col. 3:10; 4:5; 2 Tim. 3:1-5) We should be kind and patient when dealing with hotel personnel and restaurant workers, even if problems arise. Good manners also dictate that we leave the customary tip for those providing personal services.

3. What reminder is given to parents, and why?

³ Parents should closely supervise their children at the convention site, in restaurants, and at the hotel. (Prov. 29:15) The manager of one hotel restaurant said to a couple: “We just love you people. Your families and your children are so well-mannered and polite. All the staff were talking, and we wish that you were staying here every weekend.”

4. While in the convention city, what attention should we give to our appearance?

⁴ Modest Dress: Our dress during the convention should be appropriate and modest, not reflecting the extreme styles common in the world. (1 Tim. 2:9) Even when checking in and out of the hotel and during times of leisure before and after the sessions, we want to avoid an overly casual or slovenly appearance. Thus we will be proud to wear our convention badge and not be embarrassed to give a witness when we have an opportunity. Our appearance and fine conduct while attending the upcoming conventions will not only attract honesthearted people to the Bible’s life-saving message but it will also bring joy to Jehovah.​—Zeph. 3:17.

1. What enabled Joseph to flee from committing immorality with Potiphar’s wife? (Gen. 39:7-12) [Mar. 3, w13 2/15 p. 4 par. 6; w07 10/15 p. 23 par. 16]

2. How is Joseph a good example for those who face injustice and adversities? (Gen. 41:14, 39, 40) [Mar. 10, w04 1/15 p. 29 par. 6; w04 6/1 p. 20 par. 4]

3. What basis was there for Joseph to extend mercy to his brothers? [Mar. 17, w99 1/1 p. 30 pars. 6-7]

4. How did the tribe of Benjamin eventually fulfill the prophecy at Genesis 49:27? [Mar. 24, w12 1/1 p. 29, box]

5. What does Exodus 3:7-10 teach us about Jehovah? [Mar. 31, w09 3/1 p. 15 pars. 3-6]

6. How did Jehovah live up to one aspect of the meaning of his name in the days of Moses? (Ex. 3:14, 15) [Mar. 31, w13 3/15 pp. 25-26 pars. 5-6]

7. According to Exodus 7:1, how was Moses made “like God to Pharaoh”? [Apr. 7, w04 3/15 p. 25 par. 7]

8. Despite witnessing Jehovah’s saving power that delivered them from Egypt, what attitude did the Israelites later display, and what lesson can we learn? (Ex. 14:30, 31) [Apr. 14, w12 3/15 pp. 26-27 pars. 8-10]

9. Why does the expression “carry you on wings of eagles” appropriately express how Jehovah lovingly dealt with the young nation of Israel? (Ex. 19:4) [Apr. 28, w96 6/15 p. 10 par. 5–p. 11 par. 2]

10. How is it that Jehovah brings “punishment for the error of fathers” upon future generations? (Ex. 20:5) [Apr. 28, w04 3/15 p. 27 par. 1]

1. What items for the ministry have an exciting new design?

¹ Five new tracts were released at the 2013 “God’s Word Is Truth!” District Conventions. Additionally, Kingdom News No. 38, entitled “Can the Dead Really Live Again?” has been added to the series of tracts. All six of these tracts have an exciting new design. What are the reasons for the new format? When we offer them from house to house, how can we make good use of their design features?

2. What is the purpose of the new design?

² Why the New Design?: Effective house-to-house presentations often include these four steps: (1) Ask a viewpoint question to start a conversation. (2) Share a thought from the Scriptures. (3) Offer literature for the householder to read. (4) Leave a question to answer next time, and make arrangements to return. The tracts’ new design helps us easily to follow all four steps.

3. How might we offer one of the new tracts in the ministry?

³ How to Use Them: (1) After giving a greeting, show the householder the intriguing multiple-choice question on the front of the tract, and ask for his opinion. (2) Open the tract, and consider “What the Bible Says.” Read the scripture directly from the Bible when circumstances allow. If the householder has time, discuss “What That Can Mean for You.” (3) Offer the tract, and encourage him to read the rest at his convenience. (4) Before you leave, show him the question on the back under “To Think About” and make arrangements to discuss the Bible’s answer next time.

4. How could we use the new tracts on the return visit?

⁴ The return visit is easy too. Simply use the cited scriptures on the back of the tract to answer the question you raised at the conclusion of your last visit. Before you leave, point out the picture of the Good News brochure, show the householder the brochure and the designated lesson that contains more information on the subject, and offer the brochure. If he accepts it, make arrangements to discuss the brochure on your next visit. You have started a Bible study! Or instead of offering the brochure, you could offer another tract and arrange to return to discuss it with the householder.

5. What value do tracts have in our ministry?

⁵ Tracts have been used in our ministry for over 130 years. Although their size and format have varied, they have been a very effective witnessing tool. May we make good use of this new design to continue spreading Bible knowledge earth wide.​—Prov. 15:7a.

A brief video entitled Why Study the Bible? is reaching a vast audience on jw.org. The video is designed to motivate interested people to accept our offer of a free Bible study. It can be accessed by selecting “Request a Bible Study” at the bottom of the home page or by scanning the QR (quick response) code printed on the back of each of our new tracts. Here are some ways that we can make good use of the video.

• When making a return visit, say to the householder: “May I show you a short video that explains how you can get answers to your Bible questions?” If he agrees, show him the video on your mobile device or on his own computer.

• If we place one of the new tracts while engaging in informal or public witnessing, point out the QR code and encourage the person to scan it with his mobile device. Since in many languages the QR code takes you directly to the video on our Web site, it may be possible to play the video on the spot using your mobile device.

• Tell coworkers, schoolmates, relatives, and other acquaintances about the video, and offer to show it to them. Or e-mail them a link to the video, and invite them to view it on their own.

By making use of this new provision, we may be able to start more Bible studies, spiritually assisting those who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life.”​—Acts 13:48.

◼ Literature offer for April: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. May and June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? or one of the following tracts: How Do You View the Bible?, How Do You View the Future?, What Is the Key to Happy Family Life?, Who Really Controls the World?, or Will Suffering Ever End? July: Feature one of the following 32-page brochures: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever.

◼ The meeting schedule for the week preceding your district or international convention should be adjusted in order to review counsel and reminders from the insert in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry and the letter to all congregations dated August 3, 2013, regarding safety precautions when attending spiritual programs. A month or two following your convention, a local needs part may be used to review specific convention points that the publishers have found to be helpful in the ministry.

To start Bible studies on the first Saturday in May

“We are making brief visits to discuss this intriguing question. [Show the first question on the back of the May 1 Watchtower.] What’s your opinion?” Allow for response. Consider together the material under the question and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to discuss the next question.

The Watchtower May 1

“We’re visiting briefly because many people are interested in what the future holds. When you think about the future, how do you feel? Are you confident, or are you worried? [Allow for response. Then read one of the scriptures from the box “What God Has Revealed About the Future.”] This magazine outlines some of the things that God says will happen and explains why we can be sure that they will occur.”

Awake! May

“We’re making brief visits to help people manage their stress. Does it seem to you that people are more stressed today than they were in the past? [Allow for response.] Many have found that the practical advice found in the Bible helps them manage their stress. Here’s one example. [Read Matthew 6:34.] This magazine explains how Bible principles can help us to manage four common causes of stress.”

Note: This issue may be of special interest to businesspeople.

We are pleased to report that during the month of October 2013 there were three new all-time peaks in regular pioneers: 161,892 in the United States, 3,198 in Puerto Rico, and 57 in the Turks and Caicos Islands. What a fine example these pioneers display in focusing on Kingdom interests!​—Matt. 6:22.