Why Important: When we find someone who shows interest, we want to return when he will be home so that we can water the seed of truth that we planted. (1 Cor. 3:6) This often requires that before we leave, we lay the groundwork for the return visit by finding out when we may come back. In addition, it is good to leave a question that we will discuss the next time we visit. This will build the householder’s anticipation for the visit, and if the question is answered in the publication we left with him, he will be more likely to read it. Laying the groundwork for the next conversation also makes it easier to call back because the subject for the discussion has already been chosen, and the householder will know what to expect. When we see him again, we can explain that we returned to answer the question that we raised on the last visit and then proceed.

1. What do we learn from the book of Nahum?

¹ The ruins of ancient Nineveh give evidence that just as Nahum prophesied, Jehovah takes vengeance against His enemies and that even the fiercest of rivals is unable to take a stand against Him. (Nah. 1:2, 6) A closer look at Nahum’s prophecy provides lessons for us in our ministry.

2. How can we keep our message positive?

² Offer Comfort and Hope: At first glance, the book of Nahum appears to be only a pronouncement of doom against Nineveh, the proud capital of ancient Assyria. (Nah. 1:1; 3:7) However, this pronouncement came as welcome news to Jehovah’s people. Nahum, whose name means “Comforter,” reassured fellow Jews that their enemy would soon be no more! Nahum further confirmed that Jehovah is “a stronghold in the day of distress.” (Nah. 1:7) As we preach, we too share good news and encourage others to seek refuge in Jehovah.​—Nah. 1:15.

3. How can we imitate Nahum in using examples or illustrations?

³ Use Examples and Illustrations: Jehovah inspired Nahum to compare Nineveh’s end to that of the Egyptian city of Thebes (No-amon), which was previously destroyed by Assyria itself. (Nah. 3:8-10) As we speak to individuals about the end of this wicked system of things, we can highlight Bible prophecies that prove that Jehovah fulfills his word down to the very last detail. For example, when the Babylonians and the Medes came against the city of Nineveh in 632 B.C.E., heavy rains caused the Tigris River to overflow, collapsing a portion of the city’s impenetrable walls. Nineveh was then quickly captured, just as Jehovah foretold.​—Nah. 1:8; 2:6.

4. How can we be clear and understandable in the ministry?

⁴ Be Clear and Understandable: Nahum’s writing style was descriptive and dramatic. His points were clear. (Nah. 1:14; 3:1) Similarly, we want to use language that is easily understood. (1 Cor. 14:9) On the initial call, clearly explain the reason for your visit. As you study the Bible with individuals, help them to develop faith in Jehovah and his Word and to appreciate how the information applies to them personally.​—Rom. 10:14.

5. What assurance do we find in Nahum’s prophecy?

⁵ Nahum’s trust in the undeniable fulfillment of Jehovah’s word shines through clearly in the Bible book bearing his name. As the end of Satan’s system approaches, we find comfort in the divine decree: “Distress will not arise a second time.”​—Nah. 1:9.

Our Web site is a valuable tool to help us spread the good news “to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Most householders do not find jw.org on their own. Rather, they learn about it only after a publisher directs them to it.

A traveling overseer has downloaded the video Why Study the Bible? to his phone and shows it every chance he gets. For example, when going from house to house, he says: “I’m making brief visits to help people find answers to three important questions: Why does the world have so many problems? How will God fix them? And how can we cope in the meantime? This short video addresses those questions.” He then presses the play button and watches the householder’s reaction. The video is so captivating that most people do not take their eyes off the screen until the end. Then the traveling overseer says: “You just heard that you can request a Bible study online. Since I’m here, I could give you a quick demonstration now.” If the householder agrees, he demonstrates the study using the Good News brochure. If the householder does not have time, he makes arrangements to do so on the next visit. When he goes to a coffee shop to take a break, he says something similar to someone sitting nearby after striking up a friendly conversation. Are you using jw.org in your ministry?

◼ Literature offer for September and October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. November and December: What Does the Bible Really Teach? or Would You Like to Know the Truth?

◼ The special public talk for the 2015 Memorial season will be given during the week of April 6. The subject of the talk will be announced later. Those congregations having the visit of the circuit overseer or an assembly that weekend will have the special talk the following week. No congregation should have the special talk before April 6.

◼ Starting in September, circuit overseers will give the public talk entitled “How Godly Wisdom Benefits Us.”

To start Bible studies on the first Saturday in October

“We are making brief visits on our neighbors to talk about good government. Do you think that any government has the ability to eliminate difficult problems, such as violence and injustice?” Allow for response. Remind the householder that in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught his followers to pray for such a government, God’s Kingdom, to come. Show the back of the October 1 Watchtower, and consider together the material under the first question and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

The Watchtower October 1

“We are having brief conversations with our neighbors about these words of a familiar prayer that Jesus taught his followers. [Read Matthew 6:9, 10.] Have you ever heard a good explanation of what God’s Kingdom is and why Jesus emphasized it so much in his teaching? [Allow for response.] This magazine shows what the Bible says about God’s Kingdom as well as some of the marvelous benefits it will bring to the earth.”

Awake! October

“We are visiting briefly to help people find the answer to this question. [Show the cover of the magazine.] Do you think that a person must be wealthy in order to be truly successful? [Allow for response.] The Bible presents a balanced view of material possessions. [Read Luke 12:15.] According to the Bible, true success is within the grasp of anyone. This magazine explains.”

It is impressive to note the following positive trend in the number of regular pioneers during the first seven months of the 2014 service year. There were increases of 6.4 percent in the Bahamas, 7.9 percent in Bermuda, 23.8 percent in the Cayman Islands, 2.6 percent in Jamaica, 5.6 percent in Puerto Rico, 3.8 percent in the Turks & Caicos Islands, 13.8 percent in the British Virgin Islands, 4.3 percent in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 4.6 percent in the United States. A grand total of 163,100 reported as regular pioneers in March. Are you able to join them?​—Ps. 96:2.