Why Important: Jehovah is interested in the spiritual welfare of people “in every nation.” (Acts 10:34, 35) Therefore, Jesus indicated that the good news would be preached “in all the inhabited earth” and “to all the nations.” (Matt. 24:14) Zechariah prophesied that people “out of all the languages of the nations” would respond. (Zech. 8:23) According to the apostle John’s vision, those who survive the great tribulation will include individuals “out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues [languages, ftn.].” (Rev. 7:9, 13, 14) In view of the foregoing, when we encounter someone in our territory who speaks another language, we should try to give him a witness.

1. How did Jesus demonstrate compassion for the blind?

¹ Jesus’ death was just days away. As he was departing the city of Jericho, two blind beggars cried out: “Lord, have mercy on us!” Although the trials that awaited Jesus weighed heavily on his mind, Jesus stopped, called the men to him, and healed them. (Matt. 20:29-34) How can we imitate Jesus’ compassion for the blind?

2. How may we be able to give a witness to a blind person we meet in public?

² Be Helpful: If you encounter a blind person, perhaps in public, introduce yourself and offer to provide assistance. Since such ones are often taken advantage of, the person may be suspicious at first. However, your genuine friendliness and sincere interest may put him at ease. Keep in mind, too, that there are different degrees of blindness, and this may determine how much help needs to be rendered. After you have rendered assistance, perhaps you can mention that you are involved in a Bible education work. Offer to read him a scripture, such as Psalm 146:8 or Isaiah 35:5, 6. If he is able to read Braille, ask if he would like to have a Braille publication that will help him learn more about the Bible. You could also help him obtain audio files from jw.org. If his computer has a screen reader program that audibly reads text from the screen, he may even appreciate the printed articles on jw.org along with the publications that can be downloaded in RTF (Rich Text Format).​—See the box “When Helping a Blind Person . . .”

3. How can we search out the blind in our territory?

³ Search Out the Blind: We seldom meet blind people in the house-to-house ministry because many of them do not feel comfortable talking to strangers who come to their door. Therefore, it takes real effort to “search out” such ones in order to give them a witness. (Matt. 10:11) Do you have a workmate or a schoolmate who is blind? Take the initiative to speak to him. If your territory has a school for the blind, offer some of our Braille publications for the school library. Do you know someone who has a blind family member? Does your territory have organizations that provide helpful services for the blind or have assisted living facilities with blind occupants? Explain to the family member, the receptionist, or the director that Jehovah’s Witnesses are very interested in helping the blind, and offer to bring Braille literature or audio recordings. Show him the Bible’s promise that God will soon eradicate blindness permanently. You may also wish to show the video from jw.org entitled “Without It, I Would Feel Lost,” which relates the experience of a blind man who has benefited from having the Bible in Braille. By explaining the purpose of your visit, this may open up the way for you to make contact with blind individuals.

4. What lessons does Janet’s experience teach?

⁴ A blind sister named Janet visited a facility that has residents who are blind. She started a conversation with a young woman. Janet told her, “Jesus healed blind people to show what he will do for all who are blind.” They considered Revelation 21:3, 4 together, and Janet explained how this promise would be accomplished by God’s Kingdom. The woman got quiet and then said: “I’ve never heard this from a blind person’s point of view. Most people who can see believe that people are blind because of something they or their ancestors did.” Janet e-mailed the woman a link to the Bible Teach book, and now they are studying the Bible together twice a week.

5. Although we cannot heal the blind as Jesus could, our demonstrating interest in the blind will bring what blessings?

⁵ Of course, we cannot heal people of their blindness as Jesus did, but we can help all those whose minds have been blinded by the god of this system of things, including the physically blind, to understand the truth of God’s Word. (2 Cor. 4:4) Jesus healed the two men near Jericho because he was “moved with pity” for them. (Matt. 20:34) If we demonstrate similar interest in the blind, we can enjoy the privilege of helping some to learn about Jehovah, the one who will end blindness forever.

◼ Literature offer for May and June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? or Would You Like to Know the Truth? July and August: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever.

◼ U.S. Selective Service regulations require that all men under the age of 26 who are (1) citizens and have reached 18 years of age or (2) noncitizens who move to the United States must register within 30 days. From the time a man registers until he turns 26, he must notify Selective Service within ten days of any change of address. Elders should remind those to whom this applies or will soon apply of their duty to register.​—Rom. 13:1.

◼ As a reminder, each year the elders should review with the congregation pertinent points from the January 6, 2012, letter regarding disaster preparedness and response.

The Watchtower June 1

“We’re visiting our neighbors briefly to stimulate interest in the Bible. Many people feel that modern science has proved the Bible to be inaccurate. What’s your opinion of the Bible? Do you think it can be trusted? [Allow for response.] Notice this interesting example of the Bible’s scientific accuracy. [Read Job 26:7.] This magazine examines how science and the Bible harmonize and complement each other.”

Awake! June

“Since many of our neighbors are battling illness, we are visiting briefly to share this encouraging Bible verse. [Read Isaiah 33:24a.] If we never got sick, how do you think our lives would be different? [Allow for response.] Until this prophecy is fulfilled, there are five basic things that we can do to improve our health. This magazine explains.”

The last convention for the 2014 calendar year in the United States branch territory was held during November. The total peak attendance for all 191 conventions was 1,826,267, with 14,039 baptized! We rejoiced to see so many gathering together to “worship the Father with spirit and truth.”​—John 4:23, 24.