A rule oft stated is that we get out of a thing what we put into it. If we deal out to him our fullest measure of attention, he will give us more. He is not concerned with / ust evening up things and balancing accounts.
Descrição original:
Título original
2014 PIONEER SCHOOL “FULLY ACCOMPLISH YOUR MINISTRY”.pdf
A rule oft stated is that we get out of a thing what we put into it. If we deal out to him our fullest measure of attention, he will give us more. He is not concerned with / ust evening up things and balancing accounts.
A rule oft stated is that we get out of a thing what we put into it. If we deal out to him our fullest measure of attention, he will give us more. He is not concerned with / ust evening up things and balancing accounts.
(NB - NOT INC ALL JV REFERENCES) DAY !!! "#0 $%& '( 2 ')*+( &-$ S,"-./ "-01 G,23+ K-./2,4 -. V-5" !!! A rule oft stated is that we get out of a thing what we put into it. Jesus indicated the benefit that we would get from paying the deserved attention to what he was saying. He did this by adding to his admonition on attention the words: With the measure that you are measuring out, you will have it measured out to you, yes, you will have more added to you. For he that has will have more given to him but he that does not have, even what he has will be ta!en away from him."#$ar! %:&%, &'. ( )onse*uently, if we measure out to Jesus little interest and attention, we cannot e+pect to get much from him, at least from what he is saying for our guidance, for our benefit. ,ut if we show that we do appreciate him as our -eacher and we deal out to him our fullest measure of attention, then he will respond by giving us a comparative amount of information and enlightenment. .n this regard, however, he is not concerned with /ust evening up things and balancing accounts. 0ather, in his generosity and according to his ability, he will favor us with more than we e+pected. -hus we are enriched and are more able to share with others our own abundance, imparting to them the understanding of things. !!! 67 81)'( 29 '( $09 P*-.0-./ ).2 D-+0*-:;0-./ G,23+ O". S)8*52 <,*2 !!! -he desire of Jehovah1s Witnesses went beyond getting copies of the ,ible, the boo! itself, into the hands of people. -he Witnesses wanted to help people to get to !now the personal name, as well as the purpose, of its divine author, Jehovah 2od. -here was a translation in 3nglish#the American Standard Version of 4564#that used the divine name in the more than (,786 places where it appeared in the sources from which the translators wor!ed. .n 45%%, after a number of months of negotiations, the Watch -ower 9ociety purchased the right to ma!e a set of !ey plates for this ,ible from plates and type supplied by -homas :elson and 9ons, of :ew ;or!. <uring the ne+t %7 years, 4,6=5,%7& copies were produced !!! 67 81)'( 29 '( $0$ P*-.0-./ ).2 D-+0*-:;0-./ G,23+ O". S)8*52 <,*2 !!! .t was =( years after it first undertoo! publishing ,ibles that the Watch -ower ,ible and -ract 9ociety printed and bound a ,ible in its own factory. -he first one thus produced was The Emphatic Diaglott, the plates for which had been owned by the 9ociety for &% years. .n <ecember 45&( this ,ible was printed on a flatbed press in the 9ociety1s )oncord 9treet factory in ,roo!lyn. -o date, %&8,5&% of these have been produced. !!! "=> 2%& ''( =-20 T5?? U+@ <15. <-?? T15+5 T1-./+ B5A !!! <1-81 T*-:;?)0-,. B5B,*5 C5?5+0-)? P15.,45.)A 4% -he fulfillment of Joel1s prophecy >in harmony with other prophecies using similar language? helps us to understand the words at $atthew &%:&5. )learly, what Jesus said about @the sun being dar!ened, the moon not giving light, and the stars falling1 does not refer to things occurring over the many decades of the conclusion of the present system, such as space roc!etry, moon landings, and the li!e. :o, he pointed to things tied in with the great and fearAinspiring day of Jehovah," the destruction yet to come. 4' -his relates to our understanding of how the celestial phenomena would be immediately after the tribulation." Jesus was not referring to the tribulation that culminated in 86 ).3. 0ather, he was pointing to the start of the great tribulation to befall the world system in the future, clima+ing his promised presence." >$atthew &%:=? -hat tribulation is still ahead of us. 4( What about the words at $ar! 4=:&%: .n those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be dar!ened, and the moon will not give its light"B Here, both those" and that" are forms of the 2ree! word ekeinos, a demonstrative pronoun indicating something distant in time. Ekeinos can be used to indicate something long past >or previously mentioned? or something in the remote future. >$atthew =:4 8:&& 46:45 &%:=7 $ar! 4=:44, 48, =& 4%:&' Cu!e 46:4& & -hessalonians 4:46? -hus, $ar! 4=:&% points to that tribulation," not the tribulation stirred up by the 0omans, but Jehovah1s mighty act at the end of the present system. 48 )hapters 48 to 45 of 0evelation fit and verify this ad/usted understanding of $atthew &%:&5A=4, $ar! 4=:&%A&8, and Cu!e &4:&'A&7. .n what wayB -he 2ospels show that this tribulation will not start and end at one fell swoop. After it begins, some of disobedient man!ind will still be alive to see the sign of the 9on of man" and to react#to lament and, as stated at Cu!e &4:&(, to become faint out of fear and e+pectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth." -hat overwhelming fear will be due to their seeing the sign" that beto!ens their imminent destruction. 47 -he account in 0evelation shows that the future great tribulation will begin when the militariDed horns" of the international wild beast" turn on the great harlot," ,abylon the 2reat. >0evelation 48:4, 46A4(? ,ut many people will remain, for !ings, merchants, ship captains, and others mourn the end of false religion. <oubtless many will realiDe that their /udgment will be ne+t.#0evelation 47:5A45 !!! "=& &%& ''( 2-22 P)*0 2CF?)+15+ ,B L-/10CG*5)0 ).2 S4)?? !!! T15 H-/15* P,"5*+ C?)*-B-52 % A bright flash of light was seen in 45(& in connection with 0omans 4=:4, which says: Cet every soul be sub/ect unto the higher powers Esuperior authorities," e! "orld TranslationF." >#ing $ames Version? -he early ,ible 9tudents understood that the higher powers" mentioned there referred to worldly authorities. -hey too! this scripture to mean that if a )hristian was drafted in wartime, he would be obligated to put on a uniform, shoulder a gun, and go to the front, to the trenches. .t was felt that since a )hristian could not !ill a fellow human, he would be compelled to fire his gun into the air if worst came to worst. ' The "atchto!er of :ovember 4' and of <ecember 4, 45(&, shed clear light on the sub/ect in discussing Jesus1 words at $atthew &&:&4: Gay bac! . . . )aesar1s things to )aesar, but 2od1s things to 2od." 0elevant were the apostles1 words at Acts ':&5: We must obey 2od as ruler rather than men." )hristians are sub/ect to )aesar#the higher powers"#only so long as this does not re*uire that the )hristian go contrary to 2od1s law. 9ub/ection to )aesar was seen to be relati%e, not absolute. )hristians pay bac! to )aesar only what does not conflict with 2od1s re*uirements. How satisfying it was to have clear light on that sub/ect !!! "=& &%& '( 2& ')*( 9 P)*0 2CF?)+15+ ,B L-/10CG*5)0 ).2 S4)?? !!! 48 9imilarly, for a long time, Witnesses spo!e of the vindication of Jehovah1s name. ,ut had 9atan called Jehovah1s name into *uestionB For that matter, had any of 9atan1s agents done so, as if Jehovah did not have a right to that nameB :o, not at all. .t was not the name of Jehovah that was challenged and that needed to be vindicated. -hat is why the Watch -ower 9ociety1s recent publications do not spea! of Jehovah1s name as being %indicated& -hey spea! of Jehovah1s so%ereignty as being %indicated and of his name as being sanctified& -his is in !eeping with what Jesus told us to pray: Cet your name be sanctified&' >$atthew (:5? -ime and again, Jehovah said that he was going to sanctify his name, which the .sraelites had not challenged but had profaned.#3De!iel &6:5, 4%, && =(:&=. !!! "=& &%& '( D ')*( & F?)+15+ ,B L-/10 -. A',+0,?-8 T-45+ !!! 2ross immorality was being tolerated in the )hristian congregation at )orinth. A man there had ta!en his father1s wife, thus practicing @such fornication as was not found even among the nations.1 Glainly, Gaul wrote: 0emove the wic!ed man from among yourselves." >4 )orinthians ':4, 44A4=? -hat was something new for the )hristian congregation#disfellowshipping. Another matter on which the )orinthian congregation needed enlightenment had to do with the fact that some of its members were ta!ing their spiritual brothers to worldly courts in order to settle grievances. Gaul strongly rebu!ed them for doing this.#4 )orinthians (:'A7. !!! E4 #%02 ''( D-> D-+'?)F C1*-+0-). L,F)?0F <15. ) R5?)0-75 I+ D-+B5??,"+1-''52 !!! 4 -he bond between family members can be very strong. -his brings a test upon a )hristian when a marriage mate, a child, a parent, or another close relative is disfellowshipped or has disassociated himself from the congregation. >$att. 46:=8? How should loyal )hristians treat such a relativeB <oes it ma!e a difference if the person lives in your householdB First, let us review what the ,ible says on this sub/ect, the principles of which apply e*ually to those who are disfellowshipped and to those who disassociate themselves. & H," 0, T*5)0 EG'5??52 O.5+H 2od1s Word commands )hristians not to !eep company or fellowship with a person who has been e+pelled from the congregation: Huit mi+ing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drun!ard or an e+tortioner, not even eating with such a man. . . . 0emove the wic!ed man from among yourselves." >4 )or. ':44, 4=? Jesus1 words recorded at $atthew 47:48 also bear on the matter: Cet Ethe e+pelled oneF be to you /ust as a man of the nations and as a ta+ collector." Jesus1 hearers well !new that the Jews of that day had no fraterniDation with 2entiles and that they shunned ta+ collectors as outcasts. Jesus was thus instructing his followers not to associate with e+pelled ones.#9ee The "atchto!er of 9eptember 4', 4574, pages 47A&6. = -his means that loyal )hristians do not have spiritual fellowship with anyone who has been e+pelled from the congregation. ,ut more is involved. 2od1s Word states that we should (not e%en eat !ith such a man&) >4 )or. ':44? Hence, we also avoid social fellowship with an e+pelled person. -his would rule out /oining him in a picnic, party, ball game, or trip to the mall or theater or sitting down to a meal with him either in the home or at a restaurant. % What about spea!ing with a disfellowshipped personB While the ,ible does not cover every possible situation, & John 46 helps us to get Jehovah1s view of matters: .f anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him." )ommenting on this, The "atchto!er of 9eptember 4', 4574, page &', says: A simple @Hello1 to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to ta!e that first step with a disfellowshiped personB" ' .ndeed, it is /ust as page =4 of the same issue of The "atchto!er states: -he fact is that when a )hristian gives himself over to sin and has to be disfellowshiped, he forfeits much: his approved standing with 2od . . . sweet fellowship with the brothers, including much of the association he had with )hristian relatives." ( I. 015 I4452-)05 H,;+51,?2H <oes this mean that )hristians living in the same household with a disfellowshipped family member are to avoid tal!ing to, eating with, and associating with that one as they go about their daily activitiesB The "atchto!er of April 4', 4554, in the footnote on page &&, states: .f in a )hristian1s household there is a disfellowshipped relative, that one would still be part of the normal, dayAtoA day household dealings and activities." -hus, it would be left up to members of the family to decide on the e+tent to which the disfellowshipped family member would be included when eating or engaging in other household activities. And yet, they would not want to give brothers with whom they associate the impression that everything is the same as it was before the disfellowshipping occurred. 8 However, The "atchto!er of 9eptember 4', 4574, page &7, points out regarding the disfellowshipped or disassociated person: Former spiritual ties have been completely severed. -his is true even with respect to his relatives, including those within his immediate family circle. . . . -hat will mean changes in the spiritual fellowship that may have e+isted in the home. For e+ample, if the husband is disfellowshiped, his wife and children will not be comfortable with him conducting a family ,ible study or leading in ,ible reading and prayer. .f he wants to say a prayer, such as at mealtime, he has a right to do so in his own home. ,ut they can silently offer their own prayers to 2od. >Grov. &7:5 Gs. 445:4%', 4%(? What if a disfellowshiped person in the home wants to be present when the family reads the ,ible together or has a ,ible studyB -he others might let him be present to listen if he will not try to teach them or share his religious ideas." 7 .f a minor child living in the home is disfellowshipped, )hristian parents are still responsible for his upbringing. The "atchto!er of :ovember 4', 4577, page &6, states: Just as they will continue to provide him with food, clothing, and shelter, they need to instruct and discipline him in line with 2od1s Word. >Groverbs (:&6A&& &5:48? Coving parents may thus arrange to have a home ,ible study with him, even if he is disfellowshipped. $aybe he will derive the most corrective benefit from their studying with him alone. Ir they may decide that he can continue to share in the family study arrangement."#9ee also The "atchto!er of Ictober 4, &664, pages 4(A48. 5 R5?)0-75+ N,0 -. 015 H,;+51,?2H -he situation is different if the disfellowshipped or disassociated one is a relative living outside the immediate family circle and home," states The "atchto!er of April 4', 4577, page &7. .t might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. 3ven if there were some family matters re*uiring contact, this certainly would be !ept to a minimum," in harmony with the divine in/unction to *uit mi+ing in company with anyone' who is guilty of sinning unrepentantly. >4 )or. ':44? Coyal )hristians should strive to avoid needless association with such a relative, even !eeping business dealings to an absolute minimum.#9ee also The "atchto!er of 9eptember 4', 4574, pages &5A=6. 46 The "atchto!er addresses another situation that can arise: What if a close relative, such as a son or a parent who does not live in the home, is disfellowshiped and subse*uently wants to move bac! thereB -he family could decide what to do depending on the situation. For e+ample, a disfellowshiped parent may be sic! or no longer able to care for himself financially or physically. -he )hristian children have a 9criptural and moral obligation to assist. >4 -im. ':7? . . . What is done may depend on factors such as the parent1s true needs, his attitude and the regard the head of the household has for the spiritual welfare of the household."#The "atchto!er of 9eptember 4', 4574, pages &7A5. 44 As for a child, the same article continues: 9ometimes )hristian parents have accepted bac! into the home for a time a disfellowshiped child who has become physically or emotionally ill. ,ut in each case the parents can weigh the individual circumstances. Has a disfellowshiped son lived on his own, and is he now unable to do soB Ir does he want to move bac! primarily because it would be an easier lifeB What about his morals and attitudeB Will he bring @leaven1 into the homeB#2al. ':5." 4& B5.5B-0+ ,B B5-./ L,F)? 0, J51,7)1H )ooperating with the 9criptural arrangement to disfellowship and shun unrepentant wrongdoers is beneficial. .t preserves the cleanness of the congregation and distinguishes us as upholders of the ,ible1s high moral standards. >4 Get. 4:4%A4(? .t protects us from corrupting influences. >2al. ':8A5? .t also affords the wrongdoer an opportunity to benefit fully from the discipline received, which can help him to produce peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness."#Heb. 4&:44. 4= After hearing a tal! at a circuit assembly, a brother and his fleshly sister realiDed that they needed to ma!e ad/ustments in the way they treated their mother, who lived elsewhere and who had been disfellowshipped for si+ years. .mmediately after the assembly, the man called his mother, and after assuring her of their love, he e+plained that they could no longer tal! to her unless there were important family matters re*uiring contact. 9hortly thereafter, his mother began attending meetings and was eventually reinstated. Also, her unbelieving husband began studying and in time was baptiDed. 4% Coyally upholding the disfellowshipping arrangement outlined in the 9criptures demonstrates our love for Jehovah and provides an answer to the one that is taunting Him. >Grov. &8:44? .n turn, we can be assured of Jehovah1s blessing. Jing <avid wrote regarding Jehovah: As for his statutes, . shall not turn aside from them. With someone loyal you will act in loyalty."#& 9am. &&:&=, &(. !!! "=9 % ''( 2$-2= L50 U+ A:1,* <1)0 I+ <-8E52 !!! J3HIKAH is a holy 2od. .n ancient times he was the Holy Ine of .srael," and as such he demanded that .srael be clean, unsullied. >Gsalm 75:47? He told his chosen people: ;ou must prove yourselves holy, because . am holy." >Ceviticus 44:%'? Anyone who wanted to ascend into the mountain of Jehovah" had to be innocent in his hands and clean in heart." >Gsalm &%:=, %? -hat meant more than merely avoiding sinful acts. .t meant the hating of bad."#Groverbs 7:4=. Covingly, Jehovah laid down detailed laws so that the nation of .srael could identify and avoid wrongdoing. >0omans 8:8, 4&? -hese laws included strict guidelines on morality. Adultery, homose+ual acts, incestuous relationships, and bestiality were all identified as unholy spiritual pollutants. >Ceviticus 47:&= &6:46A48? -hose guilty of such degraded acts were cut off from the nation of .srael. When the congregation of anointed )hristians became the .srael of 2od," similar moral standards were laid down for them. >2alatians (:4(? )hristians too were to abhor what is wic!ed." >0omans 4&:5? Jehovah1s words to .srael also applied to them: ;ou must be holy, because . am holy." >4 Geter 4:4', 4(? 9uch unholy practices as fornication, adultery, homose+ual acts, bestiality, and incest were not to corrupt the )hristian congregation. -hose refusing to stop engaging in such things would be e+cluded from 2od1s Jingdom. >0omans 4:&(, &8 &:&& 4 )orinthians (:5, 46 Hebrews 4=:%? .n these last days," the same standards apply to the other sheep." >& -imothy =:4 John 46:4(? As a result, anointed )hristians and other sheep ma!e up a clean and wholesome people, able to carry the name of their 2od as Jehovah1s Witnesses.#.saiah %=:46. K55'-./ 015 C,./*5/)0-,. C?5). .n contrast, the world condones all !inds of immorality. Although true )hristians are different, they should not forget that many who now serve Jehovah were once in the world. -here are many who, before they !new our holy 2od, saw no reason not to indulge the desires and fantasies of their fallen flesh, wallowing in a low sin! of debauchery." >4 Geter %:%? -he apostle Gaul, after describing the disgusting practices of degraded people of the nations, said: -hat is what some of you were." 9till, he went on to say: ,ut you have been washed clean, but you have been sanctified, but you have been declared righteous in the name of our Cord Jesus )hrist and with the spirit of our 2od."#4 )orinthians (:44. What a comforting statement that isL Whatever a person did earlier in life, he changes when the glorious good news about the )hrist has an effect on his heart. He e+ercises faith and dedicates himself to Jehovah 2od. From then on he lives a morally pure life, washed clean in 2od1s eyes. >Hebrews 5:4%? -he sins that he committed previously are pardoned, and he can @stretch forward to the things ahead.1#Ghilippians =:4=, 4% 0omans %:8, 7. Jehovah forgave repentant <avid for murder and adultery, and He forgave repentant $anasseh for immoral idolatry and much bloodshed. >& 9amuel 4&:5, 4= & )hronicles ==:&A(, 46A4=? We can be truly grateful that he is prepared to forgive us too if we repent and approach him in sincerity and humility. 9till, despite Jehovah1s forgiving <avid and $anasseh, these two men#and .srael with them#had to live with the conse*uences of their sinful acts. >& 9amuel 4&:44, 4& Jeremiah 4':=A'? .n a similar way, while Jehovah forgives repentant sinners, there may be conse*uences of their actions that cannot be avoided. I.57-0):?5 C,.+5I;5.85+ For e+ample, a man who lives a life of immoral debauchery and contracts A.<9 may accept the truth and turn his life around to the point of dedication and baptism. :ow he is a spiritually clean )hristian having a relationship with 2od and a wonderful hope for the future but he still has A.<9. He may eventually die of the disease, a sad but inescapable conse*uence of his former conduct. For some )hristians the effects of former gross immorality may persist in other ways. For years after their baptism, perhaps for the rest of their lives in this system of things, they may have to fight urges in their flesh to return to their previous immoral lifeAstyle. With the help of Jehovah1s spirit, many succeed in resisting. ,ut they have to wage a constant battle.#2alatians ':4(, 48. 9uch ones do not sin as long as they control their urges. ,ut if they are men, they may wisely decide not to @reach out1 for responsibility in the congregation while still having to struggle with powerful fleshly impulses. >4 -imothy =:4? WhyB ,ecause they !now the trust that the congregation puts in the elders. >.saiah =&:4, & Hebrews 4=:48? -hey realiDe that the elders are consulted on many intimate matters and have to handle sensitive situations. .t would be neither loving, wise, nor reasonable for one waging a constant fight with unclean fleshly desires to reach out for such a responsible position.#Groverbs 4%:4( John 4':4&, 4= 0omans 4&:4. For a man who was a child molester before he was baptiDed, there may be another conse*uence. When he learns the truth, he repents and turns around, not bringing that cruel sin into the congregation. He may thereafter ma!e fine progress, completely overcome his wrong impulses, and even be inclined to @reach out1 for a responsible position in the congregation. What, though, if he still has to live down notoriety in the community as a former child molesterB Would he be irreprehensible, . . . have a fine testimony from people on the outside, . . . EbeF free from accusation"B >4 -imothy =:4A8, 46 -itus 4:8? :o, he would not. Hence, he would not *ualify for congregation privileges. <15. ) D52-8)052 C1*-+0-). S-.+ Jehovah understands that we are wea! and that even after baptism we may fall into sin. -he apostle John wrote to )hristians of his day: . am writing you these things that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus )hrist, a righteous one. And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world1s." >4 John &:4, &? ;es, on the basis of Jesus1 sacrifice, Jehovah will forgive baptiDed )hristians who fall into sin#if they truly repent and abandon their wrong course. An e+ample of this was seen in the firstAcentury congregation at )orinth. -he apostle Gaul heard of a case of incestuous fornication in that young congregation, and he gave instructions that the man involved be disfellowshipped. Cater, the sinner repented, and Gaul e+horted the congregation to reinstate him. >4 )orinthians ':4, 4= & )orinthians &:'A5? -hus, by the healing power of Jehovah1s loving !indness and the great value of Jesus1 ransom sacrifice, the man was cleansed of his sin. 9imilar things may happen today. Again, though, even if a baptiDed person who commits a serious sin repents and is forgiven in Jehovah1s eyes, there may still be ongoing conse*uences of his sin.#Groverbs 46:4(, 48 2alatians (:8. For e+ample, if a dedicated girl commits fornication, she may bitterly regret her act and eventually be restored to spiritual health with the help of the congregation. ,ut what if she is pregnant because of her immoralityB -hen her whole life has been inescapably changed by what she did. A man who commits adultery may repent and not be disfellowshipped. ,ut his innocent mate has 9criptural grounds to divorce him, and she may choose to do so. >$atthew 45:5? .f she does, the man, although forgiven by Jehovah, will live the rest of his life with this grave conse*uence of his sin.#4 John 4:5. What of a man who unlovingly divorces his wife in order to marry another womanB Gerhaps he will eventually repent and be reinstated in the congregation. Iver the years he may ma!e progress and press on to maturity." >Hebrews (:4? ,ut as long as his first wife lives without a mate, he will not *ualify to serve in a responsible position in the congregation. He is not a husband of one wife" because he had no 9criptural right to divorce his first wife.#4 -imothy =:&, 4&. Are these not powerful reasons why a )hristian should cultivate an abhorrence of what is wic!edB <1)0 ,B ) C1-?2 M,?5+05*A What if a baptiDed adult )hristian se+ually molests a childB .s the sinner so wic!ed that Jehovah will never forgive himB :ot necessarily so. Jesus said that @blasphemy against the holy spirit1 was unforgivable. And Gaul said that there is no sacrifice for sins left for one who practices sin willfully despite !nowing the truth. >Cu!e 4&:46 Hebrews 46:&(, &8? ,ut nowhere does the ,ible say that an adult )hristian who se+ually abuses a child#whether incestuously or otherwise#cannot be forgiven. .ndeed, his sins can be washed clean if he repents sincerely from the heart and turns his conduct around. However, he may still have to struggle with the wrong fleshly impulses he cultivated. >3phesians 4:8? And there may be conse*uences that he cannot avoid. <epending on the law of the land where he lives, the molester may well have to serve a prison term or face other sanctions from the 9tate. -he congregation will not protect him from this. $oreover, the man has revealed a serious wea!ness that henceforth will have to be ta!en into account. .f he seems to be repentant, he will be encouraged to ma!e spiritual progress, share in the field service, even have parts in the -heocratic $inistry 9chool and nonteaching parts in the 9ervice $eeting. -his does not mean, though, that he will *ualify to serve in a position of responsibility in the congregation. What are the 9criptural reasons for thisB For one thing, an elder must be selfAcontrolled." >-itus 4:7? -rue, none of us have perfect selfAcontrol. >0omans 8:&4A&'? ,ut a dedicated adult )hristian who falls into the sin of child se+ual abuse reveals an unnatural fleshly wea!ness. 3+perience has shown that such an adult may well molest other children. -rue, not every child molester repeats the sin, but many do. And the congregation cannot read hearts to tell who is and who is not liable to molest children again. >Jeremiah 48:5? Hence, Gaul1s counsel to -imothy applies with special force in the case of baptiDed adults who have molested children: :ever lay your hands hastily upon any man neither be a sharer in the sins of others." >4 -imothy ':&&? For the protection of our children, a man !nown to have been a child molester does not *ualify for a responsible position in the congregation. $oreover, he cannot be a pioneer or serve in any other special, fullAtime service.#)ompare the principle at 3+odus &4:&7, &5. 9ome may as!, @Have not some committed other types of sin and apparently repented, only to repeat their sin laterB1 ;es, that has happened, but there are other factors to consider. .f, for e+ample, an individual ma!es immoral advances to another adult, the adult should be able to resist his or her advances. )hildren are much easier to deceive, confuse, or terroriDe. -he ,ible spea!s of a child1s lac! of wisdom. >Groverbs &&:4' 4 )orinthians 4=:44? Jesus used children as an e+ample of humble innocence. >$atthew 47:% Cu!e 47:4(, 48? -he innocence of a child includes a complete lac! of e+perience. $ost children are open, eager to please, and thus vulnerable to abuse by a scheming adult whom they !now and trust. -herefore, the congregation has a responsibility before Jehovah to protect its children. WellAtrained children learn to obey and honor their parents, the elders, and other adults. >3phesians (:4, & 4 -imothy ':4, & Hebrews 4=:8? .t would be a shoc!ing perversion if one of these authority figures were to misuse that child1s innocent trust so as to seduce or force him or her to submit to se+ual acts. -hose who have been se+ually molested in this way often struggle for years to overcome the resulting emotional trauma. Hence, a child molester is sub/ect to severe congregational discipline and restrictions. .t is not his status as an authority figure that should be of concern but, rather, the unblemished purity of the congregation.# 4 )orinthians ':( & Geter =:4%. .f a child molester sincerely repents, he will recogniDe the wisdom of applying ,ible principles. .f he truly learns to abhor what is wic!ed, he will despise what he did and struggle to avoid repeating his sin. >Groverbs 7:4= 0omans 4&:5? Further, he will surely than! Jehovah for the greatness of His love, as a result of which a repentant sinner, such as he is, can still worship our holy 2od and hope to be among the upright" who will reside!!! "=& &%& ''( 22-2D ')*+( &-# P)*0 2CF?)+15+ ,B L-/10CG*5)0 ).2 S4)?? !!! F?)+15+ ,B L-/10 ,. O*/).-J)0-,.)? M)005*+ ( -here was the *uestion of who should serve as elders and deacons in the congregations. -o get away from the hierarchical structure prevalent in )hristendom, it was concluded that these should be elected democratically by the vote of the members of each congregation. ,ut increasing light contained in The "atchto!er of 9eptember 4 and of Ictober 4', 45=&, showed that the 9criptures do not provide for elective elders. 9o these were replaced by a service committee, and a service director was chosen by the 9ociety. 8 The "atchto!er of June 4 and of June 4', 45=7, contained flashes of light showing that the servants in the congregation were to be, not elected, but appointed, that is, appointed theocratically. .n 4584 another flash of light showed that each congregation was not to be directed by /ust one congregation servant. 0ather, each should have a body of elders, or overseers, assigned by the 2overning ,ody of Jehovah1s Witnesses. 9o by the increasing light over some %6 years, it became evident that elders as well as deacons, now !nown as ministerial servants, should be appointed by the faithful and discreet slave," through its 2overning ,ody. >$atthew &%:%'A%8? -his was in line with what too! place in apostolic times. $en such as -imothy and -itus were appointed as overseers by the firstAcentury governing body. >4 -imothy =:4A8 ':&& -itus 4:'A5? All of this is in stri!ing fulfillment of .saiah (6:48: .nstead of the copper . shall bring in gold, and instead of the iron . shall bring in silver, and instead of the wood, copper, and instead of the stones, iron and . will appoint peace as your overseers and righteousness as your tas! assigners." 7 -here was also the matter of the operation of the Watch -ower 9ociety. For many years the 2overning ,ody of Jehovah1s Witnesses was synonymous with the board of directors of the Watch -ower ,ible and -ract 9ociety of Gennsylvania, and matters were largely in the hands of its president. As shown in the *+,, -earbook of $eho%ah)s "itnesses >pages &'7A5?, in 458( the 2overning ,ody began to function with si+ committees, each assigned to care for certain aspects of the worldwide wor!. -he Gersonnel )ommittee deals with personnel matters, including the interests of all who serve in the worldwide ,ethel family. -he Gublishing )ommittee handles all secular and legal matters, such as property and printing. -he 9ervice )ommittee concerns itself with the witness wor! and supervises traveling overseers, pioneers, and the activities of congregation publishers. -he -eaching )ommittee is responsible for congregation meetings, special assembly days, circuit assemblies, and district and international conventions as well as the various schools for the spiritual education of 2od1s people. -he Writing )ommittee supervises the preparation and translation of publications in all forms, ma!ing sure that everything is in line with the 9criptures. -he )hairman1s )ommittee cares for emergencies and other urgent matters. Also in the 45861s, branch offices of the Watch -ower 9ociety began to be directed by a committee instead of an overseer K!!! E4 0%D '( 2 U+5 O;* <5: S-05 0, T5)81 Y,;* C1-?2*5. !!! Iur Web site, /w.org, is designed to appeal to people of all ages. -he section of the Web site entitled )hildren" >go to ,ible -eachings M )hildren? helps young children and their parents to draw close to one another and to Jehovah. ><eut. (:(, 8? How can you use this section to teach your childrenB & B5 A2)'0):?5H 3ach child has uni*ue needs. >4 )or. 4=:44? How, then, can you select ageAappropriate material to study with your childrenB As! yourself: @What will capture my children1s interestB How much will they understandB How long is their attention spanB1 With children who are three years of age or younger, you might discuss the stories found under $y ,ible Cessons." Ither families en/oy the ,ible stories in the section -each ;our )hildren." Also, consider the following options. = F)4-?F <,*+1-' P*,6580+H -hese pro/ects are tools to help family heads study with their children. -o learn how to use the stories and activities, clic! the download button, and read the Garents1 2uide" for each pro/ect. Nse picture activities, such as coloring pages, to teach younger children. Help older children to complete the study activities. All the activities in each pro/ect relate to the same ,ible story or lesson, so children of all ages can participate in the same family worship pro/ect. % B58,45 J51,7)13+ F*-5.2H -he videos, songs, and activities in this section of our Web site help parents to inculcate 2od1s Word into their little children. ><eut. =4:4&? 3ach short animated video teaches an important lesson. Activities such as searchAandAfind games underscore those lessons. 9ince children often li!e to sing#and songs help children to remember what they have learned#Jingdom songs and songs written especially for children are posted regularly. ' Garents, Jehovah wants you to be successful mothers and fathers. 9o as! him to help you teach your children the truth. >Judg. 4=:7? With Jehovah1s support, you can train your children to become wise for salvation through the faith in connection with )hrist Jesus."#& -im. =:4' Grov. %:4A%. !!! E4 2%2 '( D O;* OBB-8-)? <5: S-05CD5+-/.52 0, B5.5B-0 U+ ).2 O015*+ !!! Jesus commissioned us to preach the good news of the Jingdom in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations." >$att. &%:4%? .n order to help us @fully accomplish our ministry,1 watchtower.org, /wA media.org, and /w.org have been combined into the redesigned /w.org Web site.#& -im. %:'. A?? 015 I.1):-052 E)*01H About one third of the earth1s population uses the .nternet. .t has become the primary source of information for many, especially young people. Iur site gives .nternet users truthful answers to ,ible *uestions. .t introduces them to Jehovah1s organiDation and ma!es it easy for them to re*uest a free home ,ible study. .t enables the good news to penetrate areas of the earth where people have few opportunities to hear the Jingdom message. A?? 015 N)0-,.+H .n order to give a witness to all the nations," we must present ,ible truth in different languages. Kisitors to /w.org can easily find information in about %66 languages, more than any other Web site. M)E5 G,,2 U+5 ,B I0H -he redesigned /w.org Web site is not /ust for the purpose of witnessing to unbelievers. .t has been designed for use by Jehovah1s Witnesses too. .f you have access to the .nternet, we encourage you to get ac*uainted with /w.org. -he following are some suggestions on how to use it. KD-)/*)4 ,. ')/5 DL >For fully formatted te+t, see publication? T*F I0 4 3nter www./w.org in the address field of the .nternet browser of your computer. & 3+plore the site by clic!ing the section headings, menu options, and lin!s. = -ry using /w.org on your .nternetAenabled mobile device. -he page layout ad/usts to fit the smaller screen, but the information is the same. !!! E4 2%2 '( > O;* OBB-8-)? <5: S-05CU+5 I0 B,* P5*+,.)? ).2 F)4-?F S0;2F !!! R5)2 015 L)05+0 M)/)J-.5 O.?-.5H 0ead The "atchto!er and A!ake. online several wee!s before receiving the printed copies in the congregation. Cisten to audio recordings of a magaDine.#2o to GublicationsO$agaDines." R5)2 M)05*-)? T1)0 A''5)*+ O.?F ,. 015 <5: S-05H 9ome material, such as For ;oung Geople," $y ,ible Cessons," For Family 0eview," and ;oung Geople As!," now appears only on our Web site. 2o online and consider some of this material during your personal and family study.#2o to ,ible -eachingsO)hildren" or ,ible -eachingsO-eenagers." G50 015 L)05+0 N5"+H 0ead encouraging reports and e+periences, and watch video clips that highlight the progress of our wor! around the world. 0eports on disasters and persecution can help us to be specific in our prayers for the affected brothers. >Jas. ':4(?#2o to :ews." D, R5+5)*81 U+-./ Online LibraryH .f this feature is available in your language, use a computer or a mobile device to read the daily te+t online or to do research in some of our recent publications.#2o to GublicationsOInline Cibrary," or type www.wol./w.org in the address field of your browser. KD-)/*)4 ,. ')/5 >L >For fully formatted te+t, see publication? T*F I0 4 )lic! on the picture or the <ownload" lin!. -he picture displays in a G<F document window. Grint it and use the printout as an activity for your child. & )lic! Glay" to watch a video. !!! E4 2%2 '( & O;* OBB-8-)? <5: S-05CU+5 I0 -. Y,;* M-.-+0*F !!! D-*580 P5,'?5 0, 015 <5: S-05H 9ome who hesitate to converse with us or accept literature are willing to investigate Jehovah1s Witnesses by loo!ing at /w.org in the privacy of their home. 9o publiciDe the Web site at every appropriate opportunity. A.+"5* M;5+0-,.+H At times a householder, an interested person, or an ac*uaintance will as! a *uestion about Jehovah1s Witnesses or our beliefs. 9how him the answer on the spot, using a mobile device or a computer. .t is often best to read the cited scriptures directly from the ,ible. .f you do not have ready access to the .nternet, e+plain how the person can use /w.org to find the answer himself.#2o to ,ible -eachingsO,ible Huestions Answered" or About NsOFre*uently As!ed Huestions." S5.2 ). A*0-8?5 ,* ) P;:?-8)0-,. 0, S,45,.5 Y,; K.,"H Attach a downloaded G<F or an 3GN, to an eAmail. Ir download an audio version of a publication onto a )<. 3ach time you give someone who is not baptiDed a complete electronic boo!, brochure, or magaDine, you may count it as a placement. $aterial should not be sent anonymously or in bul!. :either should it be uploaded to any other .nternet Web site.# 2o to Gublications." S1," 015 L)05+0 N5"+ A:,;0 J51,7)13+ <-0.5++5+H -his will help ,ible students and others you are calling on to develop appreciation for the worldwide scope of our wor! and our )hristian unity. >Gs. 4==:4?# 2o to :ews." KD-)/*)4 ,. ')/5 &L >For fully formatted te+t, see publication? T*F I0 4 Nnder Gublications," find the item you wish to download, and clic! the button for the te+t or audio format you want. & )lic! the $G= button to display a list of individual articles. )lic! the article title to download it or P to listen to it online. = )hoose another language from this list if you want to download a publication in that language. !!! E4 2%2 '( $ O;* OBB-8-)? <5: S-05CU+5 I0 0, H5?' S,45,.5 <1, S'5)E+ ) D-BB5*5.0 L)./;)/5 !!! S1," H-4 O;* <5: S-05H <emonstrate how he can use the 9ite Canguage" list to see the Web site in his language. >.n some languages, only a portion of the site is available.? S1," H-4 ) <5: P)/5 -. H-+ L)./;)/5H <isplay a page from one of our publications, such as the /ible Teach boo! or the #no! the Truth tract. )hoose the householder1s language from the 0ead .n" list. L50 H-4 L-+05. 0, ). A*0-8?5H Find an article for which there is an audio trac! in the person1s language, and play it for him. .f you are learning another language, improve your s!ill by listening to an audio trac! in that language as you read.#2o to GublicationsO,oo!s and ,rochures" or GublicationsO$agaDines." <-0.5++ 0, 015 D5)BH .f you find a deaf person, play a signAlanguage video of a chapter from the ,ible, a boo!, a brochure, or a tract.#2o to GublicationsO9ign Canguage." KD-)/*)4 ,. ')/5 $L >For fully formatted te+t, see publication? T*F I0 4 )lic! P to play the selected audio trac! >if available in your language? or one of the <ownload Iptions" buttons to download the publication. & )hoose another language from the 0ead .n" list to show this page in that language. = )lic! :e+t" or a lin! in the -able of )ontents" to read another article or chapter. !!! "=# 0% ''( =-2D L,8)? C;?0;*5+ ).2 C1*-+0-). P*-.8-'?5+CA*5 T15F C,4')0-:?5A !!! 9-3GH3:, a Witness from :orthern 3urope, was assigned as a missionary to an African country. While strolling through town with a local brother, he was startled when the brother too! hold of his hand. -he thought of wal!ing down a busy street holding hands with another man was shoc!ing to 9tephen. .n his culture such a custom has homose+ual connotations. >0omans 4:&8? :evertheless, to the African brother, holding hands was purely a gesture of friendship. -he re/ection of the hand would signify a re/ection of the friendship. Why should clashes of culture concern usB First of all because Jehovah1s people are !een to fulfill their divine commission to ma!e disciples of people of all the nations." >$atthew &7:45? -o accomplish this tas!, some have moved to serve where the need for ministers is greater. -o succeed in their new environment, they must understand and adapt to the distinct cultures they encounter. -hen they will be able to wor! in harmony with their fellow brothers and sisters, while also being more effective in the public ministry. Furthermore, in this turbulent world, many people have fled from their troubled homelands for political or economic reasons and have settled in other countries. 9o we could well find that while preaching to these new neighbors, we are confronted with new customs. >$atthew &&:=5? Iur initial e+posure to different ways may result in a sense of confusion about new customs. A*5)+ C?5)*?F D5B-.52 )ulture is woven into the fabric of human society. What a fruitless e+ercise it would be, therefore, to become righteous overmuch" and investigate every small custom to decide whether it is compatible with ,ible principlesL#3cclesiastes 8:4(. In the other hand, there is a need to identify local customs that clearly violate divine principles. 2enerally, though, that is not difficult to do, since 2od1s Word is available for setting things straight." >& -imothy =:4(? For e+ample, having many wives is customary in some lands, but for true )hristians the 9criptural standard is for a man to have /ust one living wife.#2enesis &:&% 4 -imothy =:&. Ci!ewise, certain funeral customs designed to !eep away evil spirits, or based on a belief in an immortal soul, would be unacceptable for a true )hristian. 9ome people offer incense or prayers to the departed in order to repel wic!ed spirits. Ithers have wa!es or even a second burial with the ob/ective of helping the deceased to prepare for life @in the ne+t world.1 -he ,ible teaches, however, that when a person dies, he is conscious of nothing at all," and thus he cannot do good or harm to anyone.#3cclesiastes 5:' Gsalm 4%(:%. If course, there are many customs that are compatible with 2od1s Word. How refreshing when we come into contact with cultures where the spirit of hospitality still thrives, where custom demands that even a stranger be given a warm greeting and that, when necessary, the home be opened up to himL When you e+perience such treatment firsthand, are you not moved to follow this e+ampleB .f you are, it will certainly improve your )hristian personality.#Hebrews 4=:4, &. Who of us li!es to be !ept waitingB .n some lands this rarely happens because punctuality is considered important. -he ,ible tells us that Jehovah is a 2od of order. >4 )orinthians 4%:==? )onse*uently, he has set a day and hour" to end wic!edness, and he assures us that this event will not be late." >$atthew &%:=( Haba!!u! &:=? )ultures that promote reasonable punctuality help us to be orderly and to show proper respect for other people and their time, which is certainly in line with 9criptural principles.#4 )orinthians 4%:%6 Ghilippians &:%. <1)0 A:,;0 I..,8;,;+ C;+0,4+A While some customs are clearly compatible with the )hristian way of living, others are not. ,ut what about those customs that cannot be defined as good or badB $any customs are innocuous, or harmless, and our attitude toward them can demonstrate our spiritual balance. For e+ample, there are many forms of greetings#a handsha!e, a bow, a !iss, or even an embrace. Ci!ewise, there is a huge variety of customs governing table manners. .n some lands people eat from a communal plate or dish. ,urping is an acceptable#even desirable#e+pression of appreciation in certain countries, whereas in others it is unacceptable and would be classed as the height of bad manners. 0ather than deciding which of these neutral customs you personally li!e or disli!e, concentrate on adopting the right attitude toward them. -he timeless counsel from the ,ible recommends that we do @nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind, we consider that others are superior to us.1 >Ghilippians &:=? 9imilarly, 3leanor ,oy!in, in her boo! This "ay, 0lease1A /ook of 2anners, says: A !ind heart is the first thing you need." -his humble approach will prevent us from disparaging the customs of others. We will feel motivated to reach out and learn how other people live, share their customs and taste their foods rather than hold bac! or view with suspicion everything that seems different. ,y !eeping an open mind and being willing to try new ways, we pay a compliment to our host or our foreign neighbors. We also benefit ourselves as we widen out" our hearts and our horiDons.#& )orinthians (:4=. IB 015 C;+0,4 H-.25*+ S'-*-0;)? P*,/*5++ What if we encounter customs that are not unscriptural in themselves, yet they are not conducive to spiritual progressB .n some lands, for e+ample, people may be very inclined to procrastinate. -his easygoing approach to life can reduce stress, but it will li!ely ma!e it more difficult for us to accomplish our ministry @fully.1#& -imothy %:'. How can we encourage others to avoid putting important things off until tomorrow"B 0emember that a !ind heart is the first thing you need." $otivated by love, we can set the e+ample and then !indly e+plain the benefits of not leaving until tomorrow what should be done today. >3cclesiastes 44:%? At the same time, we must be careful not to sacrifice mutual trust and confidence in the interest of productivity. .f our suggestions are not immediately accepted by others, we should not lord it over them or ta!e out our frustration on them. Cove must always ta!e precedence over efficiency.#4 Geter %:7 ':=. T)E-./ I.0, A88,;.0 L,8)? T)+05 We need to be sure that any suggestion we ma!e is a valid one and not /ust an effort to impose our own personal tastes. 9tyles of clothing, for e+ample, vary greatly. .n many regions it is proper for a man preaching the good news to wear a nec!tie, but in some tropical countries, it may be viewed as e+cessively formal. -a!ing into account local taste as to what is proper dress for a professional person who deals with the public will often be a helpful guide. 9oundness of mind" is vital when we deal with the sensitive issue of clothing.# 4 -imothy &:5, 46. What if a custom does not please usB 9hould it automatically be re/ectedB :ot necessarily. -he custom of males holding hands, mentioned earlier, was perfectly acceptable in that particular African community. When the missionary noticed that other men were wal!ing around holding hands, he felt more at ease. -he apostle Gaul, during his e+tensive missionary /ourneys, visited congregations whose members came from diverse bac!grounds. <oubtless, clashes of culture were fre*uent. -hus, Gaul adapted to whatever customs he could while firmly adhering to ,ible principles. . have become all things to people of all sorts," he said, that . might by all means save some."#4 )orinthians 5:&&, &= Acts 4(:=. A few pertinent *uestions may help us decide how we should react to new customs. ,y our adopting a certain custom#or refusing to do so#what impression are we giving observersB Will they be attracted to the Jingdom message because they can see that we are trying to integrate into their cultureB In the other hand, if we do adopt a local custom, could @our ministry be found fault withB1#& )orinthians (:=. .f we desire to become all things to people of all sorts," we may have to alter some deeply ingrained views as to what is proper and what is not. Iften the right" and the wrong" way to do something depends merely on where we are living. -hus, in one country handAholding among men is a demonstration of friendship, while in many others it would surely detract from the Jingdom message. -here are other customs, however, that are acceptable in various regions and that may even be proper for )hristians yet we must e+ercise caution. B5")*5 ,B C*,++-./ 015 L-.5N Jesus )hrist said that although his disciples could not be ta!en out of the world, they had to remain no part of the world." >John 48:4', 4(? 9ometimes, though, it is no easy tas! to identify the line between what is an integral part of 9atan1s world and what is merely culture. $usic and dancing, for e+ample, permeate almost every culture, although in some lands they assume greater importance. We may easily ma!e a /udgment#based more on our bac!ground than on sound 9criptural reasons. Ale+, a 2erman brother, received an assignment to 9pain. .n his former environment, dancing was not very popular, but in 9pain it is part of the culture. When he first saw a brother and a sister performing a lively local dance, he was confused. Was this dancing wrong or perhaps worldlyB Would he be lowering his standards if he went along with this customB Ale+ learned that although the music and the dancing were different, there was no reason to assume that his 9panish brothers and sisters were lowering )hristian standards. His confusion was due to a difference in cultures. However, 3milio, a brother who en/oys traditional 9panish dancing, recogniDes that there is a danger. . notice that many forms of dancing re*uire the couple to have very close contact," he e+plains. As a single person, . realiDe that this can affect the feelings of at least one of the partners. 9ometimes, dancing can be used as an e+cuse to show affection for someone you feel attracted to. $a!ing sure that the music is wholesome and that physical contact is !ept to a minimum can serve as a protection. :evertheless, . must admit that when a group of young single brothers and sisters go out dancing together, it is very difficult to maintain a theocratic atmosphere." )ertainly, we would not want to use our culture as an e+cuse for indulging in worldly behavior. 9inging and dancing had a place in .sraelite culture, and when the .sraelites were liberated from 3gypt at the 0ed 9ea, their celebration included both song and dance. >3+odus 4':4, &6? However, their particular form of music and dancing differed from that of the pagan world around them. 9ad to say, while waiting for $oses to return from $ount 9inai, the .sraelites got impatient, made a golden calf, and after eating and drin!ing got up to have a good time." >3+odus =&:4A(? When $oses and Joshua heard the sound of their singing, it immediately disturbed them. >3+odus =&:48, 47? -he .sraelites had crossed that line," and their form of singing and dancing now reflected the pagan world around them. 9imilarly today, music and dancing may be generally acceptable in our locality and may not offend the conscience of others. ,ut if the lights are turned low, flashing lights are added, or music with a different rhythm is played, what was formerly acceptable may now reflect the spirit of the world. .t is /ust our culture," we could argue. Aaron used a similar e+cuse when he ac*uiesced to pagan forms of entertainment and worship, erroneously describing them as a festival to Jehovah." -his lame e+cuse was invalid. Why, their conduct was even viewed as a disgrace among their opposers."#3+odus =&:', &'. C;?0;*5 H)+ I0+ P?)85 3+otic customs may at first shoc! us, but not all of them are necessarily unacceptable. With our perceptive powers trained," we can determine which customs are compatible with )hristian principles and which are not. >Hebrews ':4%? When we manifest a !ind heart full of love for our fellowman, we will react appropriately when faced with innocuous customs. As we preach the Jingdom good news to people in our local area or further afield, a balanced approach to the !aleidoscope of cultures will enable us to become @all things to all men.1 And doubtless we will find that as we welcome the variety of cultures, it will contribute to our having a rich, colorful, and fascinating life. KP-80;*5 ,. ')/5 20L )hristian greetings can be e+pressed properly in many ways KP-80;*5 ,. ')/5 2DL A balanced view of diverse cultures can lead to a rich, colorful life DAY 2 !!! "=D 0%& ''( 2-$ F-.2-./ 015 K5F 0, B*,015*?F ABB580-,. !!! 9upply to your . . . godly devotion brotherly affection."#& G3-30 4:'A8. I:)3 a physician who was not one of Jehovah1s Witnesses attended his daughter1s graduation from the Watch -ower ,ible 9chool of 2ilead, where she had received missionary training. He was so impressed with the happy throng that he opined that there must be very little sic!ness among these people. What made that throng so happyB For that matter, what ma!es all gatherings of Jehovah1s people, in congregations, at circuit assemblies, and at district conventions, happy occasionsB .s it not the brotherly affection they display toward one anotherB Without a doubt, brotherly affection is one reason why it has been said that no other religious group gets as much en/oyment, happiness, and satisfaction out of religion as do Jehovah1s Witnesses. & We should e+pect to see such brotherly affection in view of the apostle Geter1s words at 4 Geter 4:&&: :ow that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth with unhypocritical brotherly affection as the result, love one another intensely from the heart." Ine of the basic elements of the 2ree! word here rendered brotherly affection" is philia >affection?. .ts meaning is closely related to the meaning of agape, the word usually translated love." >4 John %:7? While brotherly affection and love are often used interchangeably, they have specific characteristics. We should not confuse them with each other, as so many translators of the ,ible do. >.n this article and in the one that follows, we will treat each of these words.? = 0egarding the difference between these two 2ree! words, one scholar noted that phiQliRa is definitely a word of warmth and closeness and affection." In the other hand, agape has more to do with the mind. -hus while we are told to love >agape? our enemies, we do not have affection for them. Why notB ,ecause bad associations spoil useful habits." >4 )orinthians 4':==? Further indicating that there is a difference are the words of the apostle Geter: 9upply to your . . . brotherly affection love."#& Geter 4:'A8 compare John &4:4'A48. EG)4'?5+ ,B V5*F S'58-)? B*,015*?F ABB580-,. % 2od1s Word gives us a number of fine e+amples of very special brotherly affection. -his special affection is not the result of some whim but is based on appreciation of outstanding *ualities. <oubtless the bestA !nown e+ample is that of the affection Jesus )hrist had for the apostle John. Without *uestion, Jesus had brotherly affection for all his faithful apostles, and that for good reason. >Cu!e &&:&7? Ine way he showed this was by washing their feet, thereby giving them a lesson in humility. >John 4=:=A4(? ,ut Jesus had a special affection for John, which John repeatedly mentions. >John 4=:&= 45:&( &6:&? 3ven as Jesus had reason to display affection for his disciples and his apostles, John most li!ely gave Jesus reason to have special affection for him because of his deeper appreciation for Jesus. We can see this from John1s writings, both his 2ospel and his inspired letters. How often he mentions love in those writingsL John1s greater appreciation for Jesus1 spiritual *ualities is seen in what he wrote in John chapters 4 and 4= to 48, as well as by the repeated references he ma!es to Jesus1 prehuman e+istence.#John 4:4A= =:4= (:=7, %&, '7 48:' 47:=8. ' 9imilarly, we would not want to overloo! the very special brotherly affection that the apostle Gaul and his )hristian companion -imothy had for each other, which was, certainly, based on appreciating each other1s *ualities. Gaul1s writings contain fine comments about -imothy, such as: . have no one else of a disposition li!e his who will genuinely care for the things pertaining to you. . . . ;ou !now the proof he gave of himself, that li!e a child with a father he slaved with me in furtherance of the good news." >Ghilippians &:&6A&&? $any are the personal references in his letters to -imothy that reveal Gaul1s warm affection for -imothy. For e+ample, note 4 -imothy (:&6: I -imothy, guard what is laid up in trust with you." >9ee also 4 -imothy %:4&A 4( ':&= & -imothy 4:' =:4%, 4'.? .n particular does a comparison of Gaul1s letters to -imothy with his letter to -itus underscore Gaul1s special affection for this young man. -imothy must have felt the same way about their friendship, as can be noted from Gaul1s words at & -imothy 4:=, %: . never leave off remembering you in my supplications, . . . longing to see you, as . remember your tears, that . may get filled with /oy." ( -he Hebrew 9criptures also provide fine e+amples, such as that of <avid and Jonathan. We read that after <avid !illed 2oliath, Jonathan1s very soul became bound up with the soul of <avid, and Jonathan began to love him as his own soul." >4 9amuel 47:4? Appreciation for <avid1s e+ample of Deal for Jehovah1s name and his fearlessness in going forth to meet the giant 2oliath no doubt caused Jonathan to have special affection for <avid. 8 Jonathan had such affection for <avid that he ris!ed his own life in defending <avid from Jing 9aul. At no time did Jonathan resent <avid1s being chosen by Jehovah to be the ne+t !ing of .srael. >4 9amuel &=:48? <avid had e*ually deep affection for Jonathan, which is evident from what he said when mourning Jonathan1s death: . am distressed over you, my brother Jonathan, very pleasant you were to me. $ore wonderful was your love to me than the love from women." -ruly, !een appreciation mar!ed their relationship.#& 9amuel 4:&(. 7 We also have a fine e+ample in the Hebrew 9criptures of special affection on the part of two women, :aomi and her widowed daughterAinAlaw 0uth. 0ecall 0uth1s words to :aomi: <o not plead with me to abandon you, to turn bac! from accompanying you for where you go . shall go, and where you spend the night . shall spend the night. ;our people will be my people, and your 2od my 2od." >0uth 4:4(? $ust we not conclude that :aomi, by her conduct and her spea!ing of Jehovah, helped to evo!e this appreciative response on the part of 0uthB#)ompare Cu!e (:%6. T15 A',+0?5 P);?3+ EG)4'?5 5 As we have seen, the apostle Gaul had very special brotherly affection for -imothy. ,ut he also set a marvelous e+ample of e+pressing warm brotherly affection for his brothers in general. He told the elders from 3phesus that for three years, night and day, EheF did not *uit admonishing each one with tears." Warm brotherly affectionB :o *uestion about itL And they felt the same way about Gaul. Npon hearing that they would see him no more, *uite a bit of weeping bro!e out among them all, and they fell upon Gaul1s nec! and tenderly !issed him." >Acts &6:=4, =8? ,rotherly affection based on appreciationB ;esL His brotherly affection is also seen from his words at & )orinthians (:44A4=: Iur mouth has been opened to you, )orinthians, our heart has widened out. ;ou are not cramped for room within us, but you are cramped for room in your own tender affections. 9o, as a recompense in return#. spea! as to children#you, too, widen out." 46 )learly, many of the )orinthians were lac!ing in appreciative brotherly affection for the apostle Gaul. -hus, some of them complained: His letters are weighty and forceful, but his presence in person is wea! and his speech contemptible." >& )orinthians 46:46? -hat is why Gaul referred to their superfine apostles" and was driven to tell of the trials he had endured, as recorded at & )orinthians 44:', &&A==. 44 Gaul1s warm affection for those he ministered to is especially evident from his words at 4 -hessalonians &:7: Having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of 2od, but also our own souls, because you became beloved to us." .n fact, he had such affection for these new brothers that when he could stand it no longer#so eager was he to !now how they were enduring persecution#he sent -imothy, who gave a good report that greatly refreshed Gaul. >4 -hessalonians =:4, &, (, 8? Well does 3nsight on the Scriptures observe: A close bond of brotherly affection e+isted between Gaul and those to whom he ministered." A''*58-)0-,.CT15 K5F 0, B*,015*?F ABB580-,. 4& .ndubitably, the !ey to brotherly affection is appreciation. <o not all dedicated servants of Jehovah have *ualities that we appreciate, that elicit our affection, ma!ing us fond of themB All of us are see!ing first the Jingdom of 2od and his righteousness. All of us are putting up a valiant fight against our three common foes: 9atan and his demons, the wic!ed world under 9atan1s control, and the inherited selfish tendencies of the fallen flesh. 9hould we not always ta!e the position that our brothers are doing their best in view of the circumstancesB 3verybody in the world is either on Jehovah1s side or on 9atan1s side. Iur dedicated brothers and sisters are on Jehovah1s side, yes, our side, and therefore merit our brotherly affection. 4= What about appreciating our eldersB 9hould we not have a warm spot in our hearts for them in view of the way they labor hard in the interests of the congregationB Ci!e all of us, they have to provide for themselves and their families. -hey also have the same obligations as the rest of us to do personal study, attend congregation meetings, and share in the field ministry. .n addition, they have the obligation to prepare program parts for the meetings, give public tal!s, and care for problems that come up in the congregation, which at times involve hours of /udicial hearings. -ruly, we want to !eep holding men of that sort dear."# Ghilippians &:&5. G-7-./ EG'*5++-,. 0, B*,015*?F ABB580-,. 4% -o please Jehovah, we must e+press the warm feeling of brotherly affection for our fellow believers, even as Jesus )hrist and Gaul did. We read: .n Ebrotherly affectionF have tender affection for one another." >0omans 4&:46, #ingdom 3nterlinear? With reference to Ebrotherly affectionF, you do not need us to be writing you, for you yourselves are taught by 2od to love one another." >4 -hessalonians %:5, 3nt? Cet your Ebrotherly affectionF continue." >Hebrews 4=:4, 3nt? 9urely our heavenly Father is pleased when we show brotherly affection for his earthly childrenL 4' .n apostolic times )hristians were wont to greet one another with a holy !iss" or a !iss of love." >0omans 4(:4( 4 Geter ':4%? -ruly an e+pression of brotherly affectionL -oday, in most parts of the earth, a more appropriate e+pression would be a sincerely friendly smile and a firm handsha!e. .n Catin lands, such as $e+ico, there is the greeting in the form of a hug, truly an e+pression of affection. -his warm affection on the part of these brothers might help to account for the great increases ta!ing place in their lands. 4( When we enter the Jingdom Hall, do we go out of our way to e+press brotherly affectionB .t will cause us to have encouraging words to say, especially to those who seem to be depressed. We are told to spea! consolingly to the depressed souls." >4 -hessalonians ':4%? -hat certainly is one way in which we can communicate the warmth of brotherly affection. Another fine way is to e+press appreciation for a fine public tal!, a program part handled well, the good effort put forth by a student spea!er in the -heocratic $inistry 9chool, and so forth. 48 How about inviting various ones to our homes for a meal or perhaps a snac! after a meeting if it is not too lateB 9hould we not let Jesus1 counsel at Cu!e 4%:4&A4% governB Ince a former missionary was appointed as presiding overseer in a congregation where all others were of a different race. He sensed a lac! of brotherly affection, so he set about to remedy the situation. HowB 9unday after 9unday, he invited a different family for a meal. ,y the end of a year, all were manifesting warm brotherly affection toward him. 47 When a brother or a sister is sic!, at home or in a hospital, brotherly affection will cause us to let that one !now we care. Ir how about those living in nursing homesB Why not ma!e a personal visit, ma!e a phone call, or send a card e+pressing warm sentimentsB 45 When giving such e+pressions of brotherly affection, we can as! ourselves, @.s my brotherly affection partialB <o such factors as color of s!in, education, or material possessions influence my manifestations of brotherly affectionB <o . need to widen out in my brotherly affection, as the apostle Gaul urged the )hristians in )orinth to doB1 ,rotherly affection will cause us to view our brothers positively, appreciating them for their good points. ,rotherly affection will also help us to re/oice at our brother1s advancement instead of envying it. &6 ,rotherly affection should also ma!e us alert to help our brothers in the ministry. .t should be as one of our songs >:umber 5&? puts it: 2ive !ind assistance to all the wea!, 9o that with boldness they too can spea!. :ever neglect those of tender years, Help them grow strong and get rid of their fears." &4 9o let us not forget that in e+pressing brotherly affection, the principle that Jesus stated in his 9ermon on the $ount applies: Gractice giving, and people will give to you. -hey will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, sha!en together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return." >Cu!e (:=7? We benefit ourselves when we show brotherly affection, e+pressing esteem to those who are servants of Jehovah as we ourselves are. -ruly happy are those who ta!e delight in manifesting brotherly affectionL KF,,0.,05+L 9ee the succeeding article: Cove >Agape?#What .t .s :ot and What .t .s." H," <,;?2 Y,; A.+"5*A S What 2ree! words deal with our emotions, and how are they distinctiveB S What is the !ey to brotherly affectionB S What 9criptural e+amples do we have of special brotherly affectionB S Why should we have warm affection for our brothers and for the eldersB KP-80;*5 ,. ')/5 &L -he apostle Geter urged his brothers to supply brotherly affection to their faith and other )hristian *ualities !!! E4 =%00 '( > ')*+( -& U+5 C;**5.0 E75.0+ 0, S0-* I.05*5+0 !!! 4 Would you li!e to have a continuous supply of good ideas that will !eep your ministry fresh and stir people1s interest in the ,ible1s messageB -hen use what is happening on the world scene and in your community to start conversations. ;ou could draw on current local and national events or international news items. -hese things are everAchanging. >4 )or. 8:=4? )onsider the following e+amples. & Economic problems and the cost of living are real concerns of people. Thus, you might say: T <id you hear on the news that Emention itemF prices are rising againB" Ir you might comment about unemployment if a large firm has laid off many wor!ers. <epending on how you want to proceed with the discussion, you can follow up by as!ing either Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to ma!e a livingB" or <o you thin! that it will always be hard to ma!e ends meetB" = Reports of violence, such as tragedies in families or among school students, provide a basis for another discussion. You could ask: T <id you read in the newspaper that Ename tragedy in the communityFB" -hen as! either What do you thin! is the cause for so much violence in the worldB" or <o you thin! a time will ever come when we can feel secureB" % e!s of devastating floods, earth"uakes, or civil unrest in different parts of the !orld also offers material that stirs interest. #or e$ample, you might ask: T .s 2od responsible for Ename natural disasterFB" Ir you could point to the latest outbrea! of civil unrest and say: .f everybody wants peace, why is it so hard to achieveB" ' 0emain alert to current events that you can use in your introduction. Helpful suggestions are found under )urrent 3vents," on pages 46A44, in the 4easoning boo!. However, avoid ta!ing sides on political or social issues. .nstead, direct attention to the 9criptures and 2od1s Jingdom as the only permanent solution to man!ind1s problems. !!! E4 =%00 '( > ')*+( -> S1,;?2 I M,75A !!! 4 .n response to Jesus1 command to go . . . ma!e disciples of people of all the nations," many dedicated servants of Jehovah have moved to serve where the need is greater. >$att. &7:45? -hey are imitating Gaul, who responded to the call: 9tep over into $acedonia and help us." >Acts 4(:5? How can this be done in a practical wayB & P*,8552 O.5 S05' )0 ) T-45H .s there seldomAwor!ed territory within your congregationB .f so, you might concentrate your efforts on those areas. ,efore deciding to go elsewhere, consult with your elders to see if they feel that you are e*uipped to ma!e a move. ;ou might also as! your circuit overseer if he !nows of a nearby congregation where you could e+pand your ministry. In the other hand, after carefully counting the cost, you may wish to consider helping in another part of the country or in a different land. .f this is your desire, you along !ith your body of elders should write to the branch office where you are interested in serving, outlining your theocratic bac!ground. .t may be wise to visit the area before deciding whether or not to ma!e a permanent move. = B5 C);0-,;+ A:,;0 I44-/*)0-./H An increasing number of our brothers are moving to other lands because they are see!ing either a better standard of living or relief from oppression. .n the process, some have fallen prey to unscrupulous individuals who promise to help them get settled in the new land but who only ta!e their money and then abandon them. .n some cases these individuals even try to force the immigrants into immoral servitude. When they refuse, they are left at the mercy of the country they have entered. -hus the situation of the immigrants has become worse than it was in their homeland. -hey may even need to as! the brothers to house and otherwise assist them, putting a burden on other )hristian families who are contending with their own problems and difficulties. $embers of some households have been physically separated from one another, and families have been spiritually wea!ened by such illAadvised moves.#4 -im. (:7A44. % .f you want to ma!e a move for personal advantage, !eep in mind that no matter where you live, there are problems to be faced. .t is easier to overcome problems where you already !now the language and the culture, rather than starting anew in unfamiliar surroundings. !!! E4 &%D '( 2 <1, <,;?2 B5 I.05*5+052 -. T1-+A !!! The "atchto!er and A!ake. are prepared with the worldwide field in mind. -herefore, the articles deal with a wide variety of topics. As we read each article in our personal copy, we should consider whom in particular it may interest, and then ma!e it a point to offer it to that person. & <oes the current "atchto!er discuss a ,ible topic that you and a wor!mate previously tal!ed aboutB .s there an article on family life that would be of help to a relativeB <o you have an ac*uaintance who is planning a trip to a land that has been featured in A!ake.5 Would one of the magaDines appeal to certain businesses or local government agencies in your territoryB For e+ample, a magaDine that highlights challenges facing the elderly may be of particular interest at nursing homes. Caw enforcement agencies may be interested in a magaDine on the sub/ect of crime. = R5+;?0+H After receiving the Ictober &644 A!ake. on How to 0aise 0esponsible )hildren," a couple in 9outh Africa phoned &' schools in their congregation1s territory. -wentyAtwo accepted copies and distributed them to their students. Another couple in that country had the same idea and placed copies at schools in their territory. -eachers at one of the schools decided to use the magaDine in their wee!ly orientation and reading program. -he couple shared their e+perience with a circuit overseer. He then encouraged congregations in his circuit to approach schools in their territories. -he branch office received so many re*uests for additional magaDines that this issue had to be reprintedL % Iur magaDines discuss the real meaning behind current events and direct attention to the ,ible and 2od1s Jingdom. -hey are the only magaDines on earth that are publishing salvation." >.sa. '&:8? -herefore, we want to give them wide distribution. A good way to do that is by as!ing yourself, @Who would be interested in thisB1 !!! E4 &% '( D H," 0, U+5 015 P?5)+5 F,??," U' (S->D) F,*4 !!! -his form should be filled out when you find an interested person who does not live in your territory or who spea!s a foreign language. -hough in the past we used it when meeting people who spea! a foreign language whether they demonstrated interest or not, we now use it only when the person demonstrates interest. -he only e+ception is if the person is deaf. .f we meet someone who is deaf, regardless of whether he demonstrates interest, we should fill out an 9A%= form. What should we do with the form after it is filled outB We should give it to the congregation secretary. .f he !nows which congregation to send it to, he may simply forward it to the elders of that congregation so that they can arrange to care for the interest. .f he cannot determine the congregation, he will forward the form to the branch office. .f the interested person spea!s a foreign language and lives in your territory, you may continue calling on him to cultivate the interest until he is contacted by a publisher from the appropriate foreignAlanguage congregation.#9ee the :ovember &665 6ur #ingdom 2inistry, page %. !!! E4 $%D '( ')*( D A*5 Y,; <-??-./ 0, A2)'0A !!! Y,;* P*5+5.0)0-,.H What are the people in your area presently concerned aboutB -he economyB FamilyB WarB .t is beneficial to be aware of the current problems and circumstances common in our territory so that we can prepare an appropriate presentation. >4 )or. 5:&6A&=? When householders e+press themselves, rather than giving a to!en response and continuing with our prepared presentation, how much better it is to adapt and address their concerns. !!! E4 =%0= '( ')*( > H," <-?? Y,; A.+"5*A !!! S1,;?2 <5 A.+"5* E75*F M;5+0-,.A .f you do not !now the answer to a *uestion, do not feel embarrassed to say: . don1t !now, but . can do research on your *uestion and come bac! with the results of my research." 9uch modesty and personal interest may move the householder to invite you to return. .f you discern that a *uestion comes from opposers who may be trying to start an argument, imitate Jesus by limiting your response. >Cu!e &6:4A7? 9imilarly, if someone with no genuine interest in the truth tries to engage you in debate, politely discontinue the conversation and use your time searching for those who are sincere. !!! E4 =%0$ '( # <-0.5++-./ F*,4 H,;+5 0, H,;+5 !!! -hose e+perienced in the various ways of spreading the -ruth will agree that the house to house canvass with $.CC3::.AC <AW: is, in the present time, by far the most effective way of preaching the -ruth." -hat statement from the July 4, 475=, issue of 7ion)s "atch To!er highlighted the value of the houseAtoAhouse ministry. Geople earth wide have come to view it as a trademar! of Jehovah1s Witnesses. .s this method still of value, since it is increasingly difficult to find people at home in some landsB & S8*-'0;*)? ).2 I4',*0).0H HouseAtoAhouse witnessing has a 9criptural basis. Jesus instructed 86 disciples to go by twos to the houses of the people. >Cu!e 46:'A8? 9hortly after Jesus1 death, the ,ible says of his disciples: 3very day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news." >Acts ':%&? -he apostle Gaul also Dealously taught from house to house.#Acts &6:&6. = Witnessing from house to house continues to be an important method of spreading the good news today. .t enables us to search out" deserving ones in a systematic and orderly way. >$att. 46:44? Geople are generally more rela+ed at home. 9pea!ing with them faceAtoAface#hearing their voice, seeing their facial e+pressions, and observing their surroundings#allows us to discern their interests and concerns. .t usually gives us the best opportunity to engage in e+tended conversation. % M)E5 P5*+,.)? A26;+045.0+H -he apostle Gaul was willing to ma!e personal ad/ustments for the sa!e of the good news." >4 )or. 5:&=? Gerhaps we can ad/ust our schedule to preach when more people are li!ely to be at home, such as later in the day, on wee!ends, or on holidays. Jeep a record of notAatAhomes, and try again on a different day of the wee! or at a different time of the day. ' 3ven those with health limitations may be able to share in preaching from house to house. Gerhaps we can ma!e it a point to ta!e such ones with us to homes that are easily accessible, allowing them to wor! at a comfortable pace. Ine sister1s shortness of breath allowed her to call at only one house every half hour. ;et, how happy and satisfied she felt after being included in the groupL ( $any sheepli!e ones continue to be found in the doorAtoAdoor wor!. Ine publisher !noc!ed on a door and was told: )ome in. . !now who you are. . have been praying for 2od to send someone to help me, and then . heard the !noc! at the door. He heard me and sent you." -he results give evidence that Jehovah is blessing this method of preaching. >$att. 44:45? ,e determined to ma!e houseAtoAhouse witnessing a regular feature of your ministry. !!! E4 9%=> '( ')*+( -$ H,;+5 0, H,;+5 <-01,;0 L50;' !!! ancient .srael, sacrifices were offered daily. >3+. &5:=7A%&? -he fire of the altar was !ept burning the ascending smo!e was a restful odor" that pleased Jehovah. >3+. &5:47? -oday, we are urged to offer to 2od a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which ma!e public declaration to his name." >Heb. 4=:4'? .nstead of using sacrifices prescribed by the Caw, we worship Jehovah by recounting his praises without letup.#.sa. %=:&4 Acts ':%&. & Jesus )hrist, the greatest Witness ever to wal! this earth, taught us how we must carry on pure worship by offering sacrifices of praise. He taught his disciples that there was an urgency to the message they preached. He !new that the most effective way to reach people with the good news was to tal! to them personally in their homes. >$att. 46:8, 4&? 9o we find that the apostles followed his divinely inspired direction to preach from house to house.#Acts &6:&6. = .t is no different today. As Jesus1 disciples, true )hristians follow his e+ample by preaching the good news from house to house. -hough we may be criticiDed and persecuted for that, millions have learned the truth and hundreds of thousands of new disciples are /oining the ran!s of the great crowd each year, giving evidence that this is Jehovah1s way of accomplishing his will. -hat is why we persevere in our ministry. % B5.5B-0+ ,B P*5)81-./ F*,4 H,;+5 0, H,;+5H 2od is not partial . . . -he man that fears him and wor!s righteousness is acceptable to him." >Acts 46:=%, ='? 2oing directly to each house in our territory clearly demonstrates impartiality, giving everyone opportunity to hear the Jingdom message regularly. .n turn receptive ones receive personaliDed assistance according to their individual needs. ' Almost all publishers, including younger ones, the elderly, and even those who are new, can participate in the houseAtoAhouse wor!. .n this way each one can ma!e public declaration for salvation." >0om. 46:46? Garticipation with others in the houseAtoAhouse ministry draws us together in the bonds of love and unity. At the same time, we are given an opportunity to display our endurance when we encounter indifference or opposition. -his public display of faith ma!es us a theatrical spectacle," which helps sincere ones to realiDe that we have an organiDed arrangement for teaching the ,ible and that they can benefit from it. >4 )or. %:5? 3verything clearly shows that Jehovah is blessing the houseAtoAhouse wor! and using it to gather the great crowd to his house" of pure worship.#.sa. &:&A%. ( :ow more than at any other time in history, people need to hear the Jingdom message. Cet us !eep on preaching from house to house without letup until Jehovah says it is enough. >.sa. (:44? <oing so, we will be rewarded with the /oy that comes from sharing in the important and beneficial houseAtoAhouse ministry in this time of the end.#4 )or. 4': !!! E4 2%0= '( 2 D, A?? T1-./+ B,* 015 S)E5 ,B 015 G,,2 N5"+ !!! -he apostle Gaul felt a personal obligation to declare the good news to others. >4 )or. 5:4(, 45, &=? 9imilarly, our concern for the eternal welfare of people motivates us to go out of our way to share the good news with them. & P*5)81 <15*5 ).2 <15. P5,'?5 C). B5 F,;.2H A good fisherman casts his line or net, not where and when it is convenient for him, but where and when the fish are most li!ely to be found. We too, as fishers of men," may need to ma!e some personal ad/ustments in order to find people in our territory and thereby en/oy more fully the privilege of gathering up fish of every !ind." >$att. %:45 4=:%8? )an we use early evening hours to contact people at their homes or the early morning hours to do street witnessingB Gaul1s goal was to bear thorough witness to the good news," and he too! advantage of appropriate opportunities to do so.#Acts 48:48 &6:&6, &%. = A2)'0 Y,;* P*5+5.0)0-,. 0, M550 015 N552H Fishermen fre*uently ad/ust their methods in order to catch a particular type of fish. How can we present the Jingdom good news in an appealing manner to people in our territoryB We must tactfully introduce a sub/ect that is of concern to people in general and then listen carefully to their e+pressions regarding the matter. >Jas. 4:45? We might as! a viewpoint *uestion to draw them out. >Grov. &6:'? .n this way we will be able to adapt our presentation of the good news in a way that touches their lives personally. Gaul became all things to people of all sorts." >4 )or. 5:&&? Adaptability is a !ey to reaching the hearts of people. % What a /oy it is to share with people the good news of something better"L >.sa. '&:8? $ay we do all things for the sa!e of the good news" in order to reach as many as possible.#4 )or. 5:&=. !!! "=& 9%& ''( 0- ')*+( >-$ T15 D-/.-B-52 R,?5 ,B <,45. A4,./ G,23+ E)*?F S5*7).0+ !!! After Adam had been in the garden of 3den alone for some time, Jehovah observed: .t is not good for the man to continue by himself. . am going to ma!e a helper for him, as a complement of him." >2enesis &:47? 3ven though Adam was a perfect man, something else was needed in order to carry out the )reator1s purpose. -o fill the need, Jehovah created the woman and performed the first marriage.#2enesis &:&4A&%. ' <o the words helper" and complement" indicate that the woman1s 2odAassigned role was demeaningB In the contrary. ,ible writers often apply to 2od the Hebrew noun >8e9er? rendered helper." For instance, Jehovah proves to be our helper and our shield." >Gsalm ==:&6 3+odus 47:% <euteronomy ==:8? At Hosea 4=:5, Jehovah even refers to himself as .srael1s helper." As for the Hebrew word >neghedh? rendered complement," one ,ible scholar e+plains: -he help loo!ed for is not /ust assistance in his daily wor! or in the procreation of children . . . but the mutual support companionship provides." ( -here is thus nothing demeaning in Jehovah1s describing the woman as a helper" and a complement." -he woman had her own uni*ue mental, emotional, and physical ma!eup. 9he was a suitable counterpart, a satisfying complement for the man. 3ach was different, yet each was needed to fill the earth" in accord with the )reator1s purpose. .t was evidently after the creation of both the man and the woman that 2od saw !!! /=> 0%# ''( =-2 T15 B-:?53+ V-5"',-.0 T15 <5)E5* V5++5?CA. I.+;?0 0, <,45.A WH; A03 WI$3: JN<23< ,; -H3.0 23:<30 0A-H30 -HA: ,; -H3.0 3UG30.3:)3, A,.C.-;, A:< .:-3CC.23:)3B"#,3--; A. WI$3: A03 )I:<.-.I:3< -I -H.:J -HA- -H3; A03 C39930 )03A-N039."#C;:: H. <I39 the ,ible e+pression wea!er vessel" degrade womenB -he ,ible verse in *uestion is 4 Geter =:8, which states: ;ou husbands, continue dwelling in li!e manner with them according to !nowledge, assigning them honor as to a wea!er vessel, the feminine one, since you are also heirs with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered." When Geter wrote these words to fellow )hristians, women had very few rights, not only in the ancient pagan world but also among the apostate Jewish community. Were Geter and the early )hristians advocating the then prevalent view of womenB L5++5* V5++5?+A How would firstAcentury readers of Geter1s words construe the term wea!er vessel"B -he 2ree! word for vessel >skeuos? was used a number of times in the 2ree! 9criptures and refers to various containers, implements, utensils, and instruments. .n calling women the wea!er vessel," Geter was not degrading women, for the e+pression implied that the husband too was a fragile or wea! vessel. Ither ,ible te+ts use similar imagery in referring to both women and men, such as earthen vessels" >& )orinthians %:8? and vessels of mercy" >0omans 5:&=?. -rue, Geter portrays women as the wea!er" of the se+es. ,ut 0omans ':( uses wea!" to apply to all humans#male and female. -herefore, the early )hristians would not have considered the term wea!er vessel" to be derogatory to women. .f anything, Geter1s words would have been viewed as elevating the status of women. .n Geter1s day respect for women hardly e+isted. As 2od had long before foreseen, husbands often dominated and abused their wives physically, se+ually, and emotionally. >2enesis =:4(? -hus, Geter1s counsel to )hristian husbands implied, in effect: <o not e+ploit the power worldly society has given men. Cet us ta!e a closer loo! at the term wea!er." Geter in this verse was referring, not to emotional, but to physical traits. $en are wea! vessels in a comparative sense, women are wea!er vessels. How soB ,one and muscle structure are such that men are usually endowed with more physical strength. However, there is no indication that Geter was ma!ing a comparison of moral, spiritual, or mental strength. 0eally, as far as emotional reactions to events go, women might best be described as different from men, not necessarily wea!er or stronger. -he ,ible describes the strong moral character, the endurance, and the discernment of women who followed 2od1s way#such as 9arah, <eborah, 0uth, and 3sther, to name but a few. Humble men have no difficulty recogniDing that women can be more intelligent than they are. :onetheless, some believe that a reference to women as wea!er" implies that they are lesser persons. ,ut consider this e+ample. A person has two useful containers. Ine is sturdy, the other less so. .s the second vessel somehow less valued because it is not as sturdyB Actually, the less sturdy one is usually treated with more care and honor than the sturdier one. -herefore, is a woman of lesser value because she has less physical strength than a manB )ertainly notL Geter uses the term wea!er vessel," not to denigrate women, but to foster respect. I. L-E5 M)..5* ( ( ( A88,*2-./ 0, K.,"?52/5 Geter e+horted husbands to continue dwelling in li!e manner with them Etheir wivesF according to !nowledge." .n li!e manner" to whomB .n previous verses Geter was discussing )hrist1s loving care for his followers, and he instructed husbands to care for their wives in li!e manner." >4 Geter &:&4A&' =:8? )hrist always placed his disciples1 welfare and interests ahead of his own personal desires and preferences. He was interested in their spiritual and physical welfare, and he too! their limitations into consideration. Husbands are to imitate )hrist1s loving e+ample, to behave toward their wives in li!e manner." A smoothArunning marriage does not happen by chance. ,oth husband and wife must !now how to contribute to the success of the marriage. Hence, Geter1s advice is for husbands to continue dwelling with their wives according to !nowledge." Husbands need to study how Jehovah and his 9on, Jesus )hrist, dealt with women. -hey need to !now how 2od wants them to treat their wives. .n addition, husbands need to !now their wives well#their feelings, strengths, limitations, li!es, and disli!es. -hey need to !now how to respect their wives1 intelligence, e+perience, and dignity. -he ,ible says: Husbands, continue loving your wives, /ust as the )hrist also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it. .n this way husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever hated his own flesh but he feeds and cherishes it."#3phesians ':&', &7, &5. A++-/. T154 H,.,* When Geter referred to women as the wea!er vessel," he also stated that husbands should be assigning them honor." .n 2ree!, the noun time conveys the sense of honor, esteem, value, preciousness. .n other words, the assigning of honor is not simply an act of favor but the recognition of what is due them. Gaul instructed all )hristians, both men and women, as follows: .n brotherly love have tender affection for one another. .n showing honor to one another ta!e the lead."#0omans 4&:46. Jehovah 2od certainly does not consider women as mere showpieces. .n .srael, 2od1s laws applied with e*ual force to both men and women who were guilty of adultery, incest, bestiality, and other crimes. >Ceviticus 47:(A48, &=, &5 &6:46A4&? Women could e+perience the benefits of the 9abbaths, the laws governing :aDirites, the festivals, and many other provisions of the Caw. >3+odus &6:46 :umbers (:& <euteronomy 4&:47 4(:44, 4%? -he mother, as well as the father, was to be honored and obeyed.#Ceviticus 45:= &6:5 <euteronomy ':4( &8:4( Groverbs 4:7. Kerses 46 to =4 of Groverbs chapter =4 honor a capable wife" because of her faithfulness, industriousness, and wisdom in caring for her many responsibilities. 9he was duly recogniDed for her share in handling family business, as well as other financial matters. How different from the attitude of some men who thin! of women as mere ornamentsL Cater, in the early )hristian congregation, women were empowered with holy spirit as witnesses of )hrist. >Acts 4:4%, 4' &:=, % compare Joel &:&7, &5.? -hus, some women are destined to become heavenly /udges of men, women, and even angels. >4 )orinthians (:&, =? -rue, women were not to teach in congregational assembly nevertheless, there were situations when )hristian women could pray or prophesy. -hey were assigned to be teachers of younger women, children, and to those outside the congregation.#$atthew &%:4% 4 )orinthians 44:=A( -itus &:=A' compare Gsalm (7:44. Another good indicator of what Geter had in mind when he said to assign them honor is found at & Geter 4:48. -here we read that Jehovah honored Jesus by e+pressing his approval of him in the presence of others by stating: -his is my son, my beloved." 9imilarly, a husband should show by his deeds, both in public and in private, that he assigns his wife honor. H5-*+ ,B L-B5 -hroughout history, men have often viewed women as worthy of little honor or respect#as a slave, or as a mere instrument for gratifying men. -he )hristian concept of assigning honor to women certainly elevates them to a higher level of respect. /arnes) otes on the e! Testament observes that Geter1s admonition contains a very important truth in regard to the female se+. Nnder every other system of religion but the )hristian system, woman has been regarded as in every way inferior to man. )hristianity teaches that . . . she is entitled to all the hopes and promises which religion imparts. . . . -his single truth would raise the female se+ everywhere from degradation, and chec! at once half the social evils of the race." 9ince )hrist has ownership of both men and women, there is serious reason for husbands to cherish their wives as )hrist1s property. .mmediately after referring to women as the wea!er vessel," Geter1s words continue: 9ince you are also heirs with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered." >4 Geter =:8b? Geter indicated that a husband1s mistreating his wife would in/ure his relationship with 2od, bloc!ing his prayers. .n no way is the term wea!er vessel" meant to insult women. While Jehovah set husbands as the head of the household, he does not subscribe to men mistreating women. .nstead, he directs that the man, with !nowledge of the woman, should e+tend care and honor to her. -he ,ible directs both married and single men to assign honor to women, not treating them as lesser persons. $en and women who earnestly worship 2od and who dignify one another will receive rich blessings from the hand of 2od.#)ompare 4 )orinthians 8:4(. KP-80;*5 C*52-0 L-.5 ,. ')/5 =L 2iss :& E& #& O Artist: Alice <. Jellogg 47(&A4566 )ourtesy of Joanne W. ,owie !!! "99 2%& ''( 2&-2$ S1,;?2 Y,; C,75* Y,;* H5)2 D;*-./ P*)F5*A !!! As to understanding what the apostle Gaul wrote about head covering and prayer, consider the verse before: . want you to !now that the head of every man is the )hrist in turn the head of a woman is the man in turn the head of the )hrist is 2od." >4 )or. 44:=? ;es, Gaul was discussing the divine principle of headship, and particularly its application in public worship. As the apostle e+plained, the )reator assigned to the man, whom He created first, headship and authority over his wife, who was made from the man1s rib. 3n respect to headship, the man was 2od1s image and glory" for he was not assigned another head on earth. His wife and children, though, do have an earthly head to whom they are in relative sub/ection.#4 )or. 44:8A46 3ph. ':&&A&% (:4. -he principle of headship also applies in congregational activities. Gaul wrote that women should respect and strive to cooperate with the men who are to do the teaching and praying. >4 )or. 4%:==A=' compare 4 -imothy &:44, 4&.? -herefore, in most instances, a woman bac! in the first century ).3. would not preach or pray in the congregation. Why, then, did Gaul discuss head coveringB When was such appropriate and when inappropriateB And how does that apply todayB Gaul wrote that when praying a woman ought to wear a head covering#be it a hat, scarf or head veil#as a sign of authority." >4 )or. 44:46? .t was to be an evidence that she recogniDed the principle of headship. ,ut when would she need to cover her headB )onsider these three situations: .n Gaul1s day Jehovah1s holy spirit gave miraculous gifts to some )hristians, such as the ability to prophesy or to spea! in tongues. For e+ample, at a meeting in the first century the spirit might have impelled a )hristian woman to prophesy. >4 )or. 4&:%A44 Acts &4:7, 5? Ir, it might have been that only women were in attendance at a congregation meeting. With no baptiDed male to ta!e the lead in prayer or in teaching, a )hristian woman might have to do so. -hen again, a )hristian wife might have an unbelieving husband and on occasion be e+pected to pray or teach the ,ible in !!! E4 =%0 '( D M;5+0-,. B,G !!! <1)0 -.B,*4)0-,. +1,;?2 :5 '*5+5.052 )0 4550-./+ B,* B-5?2 +5*7-85A -he purpose of a meeting for field service is to help us focus on the activity that follows#the ministry. -herefore, the conductor should be well prepared and ready to impart something that is encouraging, specific, and practical. .f the day1s te+t deals directly with the preaching activity, it may be read and discussed briefly. However, the meeting should concentrate primarily on the wor! at hand, helping all who are going out in the witness wor! to be better prepared to accomplish the ministry that day.#& -im. %:'. Applicable points from 6ur #ingdom 2inistry may be discussed to ma!e all aware of the current offer and how to present it. In $agaDine <ay a presentation from What to 9ay About the $agaDines" can be demonstrated. For other campaigns, one or two introductions in the 4easoning boo! that are suitable for the local territory may be highlighted. An aspect of the ministry might be discussed or demonstrated, such as how to use the ,ible at the door, how to handle a potential conversation stopper, how to offer a ,ible study, or how to follow up interest. $eetings for service should not e+ceed 46 to 4' minutes, which includes organiDing groups, assigning territory, and saying a prayer. When dismissed, all present should !now with whom and where they are going to wor!, and they should depart for the territory promptly. .n view of the brevity of the meeting, it is important that all arrive on time. When a meeting for service follows a congregation meeting, such as the "atchto!er 9tudy, it should be shorter. .t is not necessary to discuss the day1s te+t, since a fine 9criptural discussion has already been en/oyed. Hualified baptiDed brothers should be assigned in advance to conduct each meeting for service. .f none are available to ta!e the lead on a particular day, the elders should designate which baptiDed sisters can do so when the need arises. While remaining seated, the sister may initiate a group discussion of the day1s te+t or other points relative to the field service, !eeping her remar!s brief. 9he would wear a head covering. $eetings for field service are e+cellent opportunities for us to be encouraged and e*uipped to share in the ministry. -he better prepared the conductor is, the more all will benefit. DAY D !!! E4 #%#$ ''( -2 ')*( > T15 C-*8;-0 O75*+55*3+ V-+-0CA P*,7-+-,. B,* S'-*-0;)? P*,/*5++ !!! % First, we should @brace up our minds for activity.1 >4 Get. 4:4=? -o do this, we need to have the right point of view of the visit and ma!e specific plans to have an enlarged share in the ministry. )an you au+iliary pioneer during the month of the circuit overseer1s visitB )ould you ad/ust your daily routine so as to wor! in the field service during the wee!B )ould you schedule return visits or a ,ible study for a wee!day afternoonB -he circuit overseer would be pleased to accompany you and even to conduct your study if that is your desire !!! E4 $%#= '( D ')*( D G-75 S;'',*0 0, 015 C-*8;-0 O75*+55*3+ V-+-0 !!! = 0eports received from the traveling overseers indicate that there can be better support for afternoon return visit and ,ible study activity. )ould you schedule return visits or a ,ible study for an afternoon during this wee!B -he circuit overseer will gladly accompany you, and if you li!e, he would also be pleased to conduct your study. !!! E4 2%=> '( > ')*+( =-D O:6580+ ,B H)0*52 :F A?? 015 N)0-,.+ !!! 5 .n the part of the world where we live, the wor! may be prospering without any noticeable hindrance by opposers. -his could ma!e us s!eptical about there being any cause for serious concern. :evertheless, there is a need to be vigilant. )ircumstances can change *uic!ly. Without warning, opposers can e+ploit some issue and use it against us. Apostates are constantly searching for some cause for complaint. .rate clergymen who feel threatened by our wor! may publicly denounce us. Iur plans to construct a Jingdom Hall in our community may spar! a controversy that upsets the whole neighborhood. .nflammatory statements may appear in print, casting us in a bad light. Grominent local figures may purposely misrepresent us, causing our neighbors to be hostile when we call. 3ven loved ones in our own household may become resentful and persecute us. 9o there is a need to be on guard, realiDing that the enmity of the world is very much alive, and it can surface at any time. 46 H," S1,;?2 T1-+ ABB580 U+A All of this rightly affects our thin!ing and our outloo! for the future. .n what wayB 9hould this ma!e us apprehensive, fearful about what we may have to endureB 9hould we slow down in our preaching wor! because some in our community may be disturbed by itB .s there a valid reason to feel agitated when we are un/ustly malignedB .s it inevitable that harsh treatment will rob us of our /oy in serving JehovahB .s there any uncertainty about the outcomeB :o, neverL Why notB 44 We must never lose sight of the fact that the message we proclaim originates, not with us, but with Jehovah. >Jer. 4:5? We are under obligation to heed the e+hortation: )all upon his name. $a!e !nown among the peoples his dealings . . . in all the earth." >.sa. 4&:%, '? He has tolerated the mistreatment of his people for a specific purpose, namely, @to have his name declared in all the earth.1 >3+. 5:4(? We are doing a wor! decreed by Jehovah, and he is the one who gives us the courage to spea! out with boldness. >Acts %:&5A=4? -his is the most important, beneficial, and urgent wor! that can be done in these final days of the old system. 4& -his !nowledge gives us the courage to ta!e a firm stand in direct opposition to 9atan and this world. >4 Get. ':7, 5? Jnowing that Jehovah is with us ma!es us courageous and strong," dispelling any cause for fear before our persecutors. ><eut. =4:( Heb. 4=:(? While we will always try to be tactful, reasonable, and discreet when threatened by opposers, we will ma!e it clear that we are determined to obey 2od as ruler rather than men" when our worship is challenged. >Acts ':&5? When there is reasonable opportunity to spea! out in our defense, we will do so. >4 Get. =:4'? However, we will not waste our time disputing with hardened opponents who are only interested in discrediting us. 0ather than become incensed or try to retaliate when they malign or falsely accuse us, we simply let them be."#$att. 4':4%. !!! "#& %& ''( 2-& C). Y,; P*5')*5 N," B,* P5*+58;0-,.A !!! .t is difficult to ma!e physical preparations for persecution because you do not !now /ust what the situation will be. Nntil it actually happens, you do not !now whether a ban will be strictly or loosely enforced, or even what will be banned. Gerhaps only the houseAtoAhouse preaching wor! will be forbidden, or maybe religious meetings. 9ometimes the legal organiDation of Jehovah1s Witnesses is dissolved, or certain individuals are immediately imprisoned. We can have in mind various places where literature could be hidden in case of need. ,ut beyond that, there is little we can do in the way of physical preparation. 8 However, you can prepare your mind and heart, and this is far more important. 9et your mind on why persecution is permitted and why you may be haled before rulers. For a witness," said Jesus. >$atthew 46:4(A45? .f your heart is fully prepared to stay faithful no matter what, Jehovah can reveal the wise way to act when the need arises. Hence, how can we prepare ourselves spiritually for persecutionB %o! &o You &eal 'ith (eople) 7 -he apostle Gaul said: . ta!e pleasure in wea!nesses, in insults, in cases of need, in persecutions and difficulties, for )hrist." >& )orinthians 4&:46? <id Gaul en/oy being insultedB If course not. ,ut persecution often involves being insulted, and if this was what it too! to bring praise to 2od1s name, then Gaul was happy to endure it. 5 We, too, can be sure that at some time we will have to endure insults . . . for )hrist." We may be verbally, or even physically, abused. Will we endureB Well, how do we view ourselves nowB <o we ta!e ourselves very seriously and react *uic!ly to real or imagined insultsB .f so, then why not wor! on developing longAsuffering, . . . mildness, selfAcontrol"B >2alatians ':&&, &=? -his will be e+cellent training for )hristian living now, and it could save your life in times of persecution. %o! &o You *ie! #ield +ervice) 46 Iften, the first thing restricted under a ban is the public preaching of the good news." ;et preaching and disciple ma!ing are vital in these last days. How else will people learn about 2od1s JingdomB Hence, the proper reaction to such a ban is the one e+pressed by the apostles, when the Jewish religious leaders tried to ban their preaching activity. >Acts ':&7, &5? Nnder ban, some avenues of preaching may be closed. ,ut, somehow, the wor! has to be done. Would you have the strength to continue preaching under the pressure of persecutionB 44 Well, how do you view the preaching wor! nowB <o you permit small obstacles to interfere and ma!e you irregular in the field serviceB .f so, what would you do under a banB <o you fear men nowB Are you willing to preach from house to house on your own streetB Are you afraid to wor! aloneB .n some lands, two people wor!ing together often draw too much attention. 9o, where it is safe to do so, why not wor! alone now from time to timeB .t will be good training. 4& <o you share in magaDine street wor!B <o you have the courage and initiative to create opportunities for informal witnessingB <o you wor! business territoriesB Are you afraid to approach wealthy or influential peopleB .f you only share in certain !inds of preaching, what will you do if, under ban, that !ind of preaching is no longer possibleB 4= <o you recogniDe that you have a wea!ness in some respectB :ow is the time to wor! on it. Cearn to rely on Jehovah and become more *ualified as a minister. -hen you will be better e*uipped to preach now and better prepared to persevere in times of persecution. ,re You Reliable) 4% -hroughout the )hristian 2ree! 9criptures, individuals are mentioned who were towers of strength in the congregation. For e+ample, Inesiphorus courageously helped Gaul when he was in prison in 0ome. >& -imothy 4:4(? Ghoebe was recommended because of her hard wor! in the congregation at )enchreae. >0omans 4(:4, &? 9uch men and women must have been a fine stabiliDing influence when persecution bro!e out. -hey @stayed awa!e, stood firm in the faith, carried on as men, grew mighty.1#4 )orinthians 4(:4=. 4' All )hristians, particularly elders, should try to ma!e progress and become li!e the strong early )hristians. >4 -imothy %:4'? Cearn to !eep confidential matters private and to ma!e decisions based on 9criptural principles. -rain yourself to discern )hristian *ualities in others so that you will !now who will be reliable under pressure. Wor!, with Jehovah1s strength, to become a pillar in your congregation, a person who helps others rather than one who always needs help.#2alatians (:'. %o! &o You -et ,long 'ith (eople) 4( -he apostle Gaul encouraged us: )lothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, !indness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and longAsuffering. )ontinue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely." >)olossians =:4&, 4=? .s this easy for youB Ir do other people1s imperfections irritate you undulyB <o you *uic!ly ta!e offense or get discouragedB .f so, here is another field where preparation can be made. 48 .n lands where meetings are banned, )hristians regularly come together in small numbers. .n such circumstances, their shortcomings become even more evident. 9o why not train yourself now to put up with others1 wea!nesses, /ust as they doubtless are putting up with yoursB <o not be critical of others and thus greatly discourage them. Also, train yourself and your children to respect other people1s property while attending )ongregation ,oo! 9tudies. Nnder persecution, such respect will promote peaceful relations. ,re You .n"uisitive) 47 ,y nature, some of us are very in*uisitive. We cannot bear not being in the !now." Are you li!e thatB .f so, consider this: 9ometimes, when the wor! of Jehovah1s Witnesses has been banned, the authorities try to discover their organiDational arrangements and the names of responsible overseers. .f you were one who !new these things, you could be sub/ected to physical abuse in an effort to force you to reveal them. And if you did reveal them, the wor! of your brothers could be seriously affected. Hence, sometimes it is safer to !now only as much as you need to !now and no more. 45 )an you train for that nowB ;es. For e+ample, if there is a /udicial committee case in the congregation, individuals should be satisfied with whatever the elders see fit to say and not pry in order to find out any details. Wives and children of elders should not try to pressure them into revealing confidential matters. .n every way, we should learn not to @meddle in what does not concern us.1#& -hessalonians =:44. ,re You a /ible +tudent) &6 -he ,ible is the basis for a )hristian1s spiritual strength. .t gives him answers to his most important *uestions and grants access to the wisdom of 2od himself. >& -imothy =:4%A4(? All )hristians ac!nowledge this in principle, but what part does the ,ible really play in your lifeB <o you study it regularly and allow it to guide you in everything you doB#Gsalm 445:46'. &4 Iften, access to our ,ible literature is severely restricted when the wor! is banned. 9ometimes, even ,ibles are hard to find. Nnder such circumstances, the holy spirit will remind you of things you have learned in times past. ,ut it will not remind you of things you have not learnedL -herefore, the more you study now, the more will be stored in your mind and heart for the holy spirit to bring out in times of need.#$ar! 4=:44. &o You (ray) && -his is an important *uestion when we thin! of persecution. -he ,ible counsels: Gersevere in prayer." >0omans 4&:4&? Grayer is direct communication with Jehovah 2od. -hrough it we can as! for the strength to endure difficulties and ma!e right decisions, as well as build a personal relationship with Jehovah 2od. 3ven if opposers ta!e away our literature, our ,ibles, and our association with other )hristians, they can never ta!e away our privilege of prayer. .n the strongest prison, a )hristian can get in touch with 2od. -a!ing full advantage of the privilege of prayer, then, is a fine way to prepare for whatever the future may hold. &o You Trust ,uthority) &= ,uilding up this trust is also important. -he elders in the congregation are a part of 2od1s provision to protect us. 3lders need to act in a way that deserves trust, and the rest of the congregation needs to learn to give them their trust. >.saiah =&:4, & Hebrews 4=:8, 48? 3ven more important, we should learn to trust the faithful and discreet slave."#$atthew &%:%'A%8. &% 3nemies may spread lies about 2od1s organiDation. >4 -imothy %:4, &? .n one country, some )hristians were misled to believe that the 2overning ,ody of Jehovah1s Witnesses had forsa!en )hristianity, whereas they themselves were still remaining faithful to it. A good way to prepare to resist attac!s li!e this is to build a strong love for your brothers and learn to trust in Jehovah1s arrangement of things.#4 John =:44. Y,; C). B5 V-80,*-,;+ &' -he aged apostle John, after suffering persecution, told us: 3verything that has been born from 2od con*uers the world. And this is the con*uest that has con*uered the world, our faith." >4 John ':%? ;ou cannot con*uer in your own strength. 9atan and his world are stronger than you are. ,ut they are not stronger than Jehovah 2od. Hence, if we obey 2od1s commands, praying for his spirit to uphold us and relying on him completely for strength to endure, then we can come off victorious.#Haba!!u! =:4=, 47 0evelation 4':& 4 )orinthians 4':'8. &( .n all lands, there are some )hristians being persecuted, either by opposed marriage mates or in some other way. .n some lands, all of 2od1s servants are suffering because of the official acts of the local government. ,ut even if, right now, you personally are not suffering opposition or unusual hardship, remember that it could happen at any time. Jesus said that persecution of )hristians would be a part of the sign of the time of the end hence, we should always e+pect it. >$atthew &%:5? 9o why not prepare for it nowB ,e determined that, whatever may lie ahead, your conduct will always bring praise to your heavenly Father, Jehovah 2od.#Groverbs &8:44. !!! "=$ &% '( 0 ')*( D G,2 ).2 C)5+)* !!! = 9imilarly, the 9tate e+ercises its authority only because 2od as 9overeign 0uler permits it to do so. >John 45:44? -hus, the e+isting authorities" can be said to stand placed in their relative positions by 2od." 0elative to Jehovah1s supreme sovereign authority, theirs is by far a lesser authority. However, they are 2od1s minister," 2od1s public servants," in that they provide necessary services, maintain law and order, and punish evildoers. >0omans 4=:4, %, (? 9o )hristians need to understand that /ust because 9atan is the invisible ruler of this world, or system, they are not sub/ecting themselves to him when they recogniDe their relative sub/ection to the 9tate. -hey are obeying 2od. .n this year, 455(, the political 9tate is still a part of the arrangement of 2od," a temporary arrangement that 2od permits to e+ist, and it should be recogniDed as such by Jehovah1s earthly servants.#0omans 4=:&. !!! "=$ &% '( 2 ')*( = G,2 ).2 C)5+)* !!! 5 9hortly before his death, Jesus told the special representative of the 0oman emperor in Judea: $y !ingdom is no part of this world. .f my !ingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that . should not be delivered up to the Jews. ,ut, as it is, my !ingdom is not from this source." >John 47:=(? Nntil his Jingdom puts an end to the rule of political governments, )hrist1s disciples follow his e+ample. -hey render obedience to those established authorities but do not interfere in their political underta!ings. ><aniel &:%% $atthew %:7A46? Jesus left guidelines for his disciples, stating: Gay bac!, therefore, )aesar1s things to )aesar, but 2od1s things to 2od." >$atthew &&:&4? 3arlier, in his 9ermon on the $ount, Jesus had said: .f someone under authority impresses you into service for a mile, go with him two miles." >$atthew ':%4? .n the conte+t of this sermon, Jesus was illustrating the principle of willing submission to legitimate demands, whether in human relations or in governmental re*uirements that are in harmony with 2od1s law.#Cu!e (:&8A=4 John 48:4%, 4'. !!! "=$ &% ''( 2-D ')*( G,2 ).2 C)5+)* !!! 44 .t was in line with this that, a little over &6 years after )hrist1s death, the apostle Gaul told the )hristians in 0ome: Cet every soul be in sub/ection to the superior authorities." >0omans 4=:4? About ten years later, shortly before his second imprisonment and his e+ecution in 0ome, Gaul wrote to -itus: )ontinue reminding them E)retan )hristiansF to be in sub/ection and be obedient to governments and authorities as rulers, to be ready for every good wor!, to spea! in/uriously of no one, not to be belligerent, to be reasonable, e+hibiting all mildness toward all men."#-itus =:4, &. !!! "=$ &% '( & ')*( 2 P)F-./ B)8E C)5+)*3+ T1-./+ 0, C)5+)* !!! & If course, the first concern of Jehovah1s servants is that they pay bac! 2od1s things to 2od. >Gsalm 44(:4&A4%? .n doing so, however, they do not forget that Jesus said that they must render certain things to )aesar. -heir ,ibleAtrained consciences re*uire that they consider prayerfully to what e+tent they can pay bac! what )aesar calls for. >0omans 4=:8? .n modern times, many /urists have recogniDed that governmental power has limits and that people and governments everywhere are bound by natural law !!! "=$ &% '( $ ')*( $ P)F-./ B)8E C)5+)*3+ T1-./+ 0, C)5+)* !!! ( -he apostle Gaul also wrote: . glorify my ministry." >0omans 44:4=? 9urely we should do li!ewise. Whether we share in the ministry fullAtime or partAtime, we !eep in mind that Jehovah himself assigned us to our ministry. >& )orinthians &:48? 9ince some may challenge our position, every dedicated, baptiDed )hristian must be ready to furnish clear and positive proof that he truly is a minister of the good news. >4 Geter =:4'? His ministry should also be evidenced in his conduct. As a minister of 2od, a )hristian should advocate and practice clean morals, uphold family unity, be honest, and show respect for law and order. >0omans 4&:48, 47 4 -hessalonians ':4'? A )hristian1s relationship with 2od and his divinely assigned ministry are the most important things in his life. He cannot give these up at the behest of )aesar. )learly, they are to be counted among 2od1s things. !!! "=$ &% '( 20 ')*( 20 P)F-./ B)8E C)5+)*3+ T1-./+ 0, C)5+)* !!! &6 While engaged in such research, )hristians would consider a number of ,ible principles. Gaul said that we must be obedient to governments and authorities as rulers, . . . be ready for every good wor! . . . be reasonable, e+hibiting all mildness toward all men." >-itus =:4, &? At the same time, )hristians would do well to e+amine the proposed civilian wor!. .f they accept it, will they be able to maintain )hristian neutralityB >$icah %:=, ' John 48:4(? Would it involve them with some false religionB >0evelation 47:%, &6, &4? Would performing it prevent or unreasonably limit them from fulfilling their )hristian responsibilitiesB >$atthew &%:4% Hebrews 46:&%, &'? In the other hand, would they be able to continue to ma!e spiritual progress, perhaps even sharing in the fullAtime ministry while performing the re*uired serviceB#Hebrews (:44, 4&. !!! "=$ &% ''( $-9 ')*+( 9-# P)F-./ B)8E C)5+)*3+ T1-./+ 0, C)5+)* !!! Jehovah1s Witnesses !now that they owe sub/ection to the superior authorities," the governmental rulers. >0omans 4=:4? Hence, when )aesar, the 9tate, ma!es legitimate demands, their ,ibleAtrained consciences allow them to satisfy these demands. For e+ample, true )hristians are among the most e+emplary ta+payers on earth. .n 2ermany the newspaper 2;nchner 2erkur said of Jehovah1s Witnesses: -hey are the most honest and the most punctual ta+ payers in the Federal 0epublic." .n .taly the newspaper <a Stampa observed: -hey EJehovah1s WitnessesF are the most loyal citiDens anyone could wish for: they do not dodge ta+es or see! to evade inconvenient laws for their own profit." Jehovah1s servants do this @on account of their consciences.1#0omans 4=:', (. 7 Are )aesar1s things" limited to paying ta+esB :o. Gaul listed other things, such as fear and honor. .n his =ritical and E>egetical ?and@/ook to the :ospel of 2atthe!, 2erman scholar Heinrich $eyer wrote: ,y E)aesar1s thingsF . . . we are not to understand merely the ci%il ta>, but everything to which )aesar was entitled in virtue of his legitimate rule." Historian 3. W. ,arnes, in his wor! The 4ise of =hristianity, observed that a )hristian would pay ta+es if he owed them and li!ewise accept all other 9tate obligations, provided he was not called upon to render unto )aesar the things that belonged to 2od." !!! "=$ &% '( 20 ')*( 22 P)F-./ B)8E C)5+)*3+ T1-./+ 0, C)5+)* !!! && As )hristians we will not cease to render to him who calls for honor, such honor." >0omans 4=:8? We will respect good order and see! to be peaceful, lawAabiding citiDens. >Gsalm =%:4%? We may even pray concerning !ings and all those who are in high station" when these men are called upon to ma!e decisions that affect our )hristian life and wor!. As a result of our paying bac! )aesar1s things to )aesar, we hope that we may go on leading a calm and *uiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness." >4 -imothy &:4, &? Above all, we will continue to preach the good news of the Jingdom as man!ind1s only hope, conscientiously paying bac! 2od1s things to 2od. !!! E4 %0$ '( ')*+( -> S1," P5*+,.)? I.05*5+0CBF A+E-./ M;5+0-,.+ ).2 L-+05.-./ !!! $ost people en/oy e+pressing their views but disli!e being lectured or interrogated. As )hristian ministers, therefore, we need to learn the art of drawing people out with *uestions.#Grov. &6:'. & Iur *uestions should invite, not intimidate. When preaching from house to house, one brother as!s, <o you feel that there will ever be a time when people treat one another with dignity and respectB" <epending on the response, he follows with, What do you thin! it will ta!e to accomplish thisB" or Why do you feel that wayB" When witnessing informally and in public places, another brother as!s those who have children, What do you en/oy most about being a parentB" -hen he as!s, What are your greatest concernsB" :otice that these *uestions allow people to e+press their views without putting them on the spot. 9ince circumstances vary, we may need to ad/ust the topic and tone of our *uestions to fit those in our territory. = D*)"-./ P5,'?5 O;0H .f people are willing to share their thoughts, patiently listen without needlessly interrupting. >Jas. 4:45? 2raciously ac!nowledge their comments. >)ol. %:(? ;ou might simply say: -hat1s interesting. -han! you for sharing that with me." )ommend them if you can do so sincerely. Jindly as! additional *uestions to find out what they thin! and why they feel as they do. 9ee! common ground. When you want to direct their attention to a scripture, you might say, Have you ever considered this as a possibilityB" Avoid being dogmatic or argumentative.#& -im. &:&%, &'. % How others respond to our *uestions may depend much on how we listen. Geople can tell if we are listening with our heart. A traveling overseer observed, When you show patient willingness to listen to people, it has the amaDing power to attract and is a wonderful e+pression of warm personal interest." Cistening to others accords them honor, and it may move them to listen to the good news that we see! to share.#0om. 4&:46. !!! E4 %0 '( B5 ) G,,2 L-+05.5* !!! B5 ) G,,2 L-+05.5* 4 .t ta!es discipline to listen attentively. .t also re*uires a desire on the part of the listener to learn and benefit from what is heard. Hence, Jesus stressed the need to pay attention to ho! you listen."#Cu!e 7:47. & -his especially applies when we attend congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions. -hese are occasions when we must listen carefully. >Heb. &:4? Here are some points that will help you to be a good listener at these )hristian gatherings. T Appreciate the value of the meetings. -hey are a ma/or way by which we are taught by Jehovah" through the faithful steward."#.sa. '%:4= Cu!e 4&:%&. T Grepare in advance. 0eview the material to be discussed, and be sure to bring along your ,ible and personal copy of the publication being studied. T <uring the meetings, ma!e a special effort to concentrate. -al!ing to those who are sitting with you as well as watching what others in the audience do should be avoided. -ry not to be distracted by thin!ing about what you are going to do after the meeting or about other personal matters. T AnalyDe what is presented. As! yourself: @How does this apply to meB When am . going to apply itB1 T $a!e brief notes of main points and scripture te+ts. -his helps you to focus your thoughts on what is being discussed and contributes to your remembering !ey points for later use. = T5)81 Y,;* C1-?2*5. 0, L-+05.H )hildren need spiritual instruction. ><eut. =4:4&? .n ancient times all intelligent enough to listen" among 2od1s people had to be attentive as the Caw was read to them. >:eh. 7:4A =? .f parents are involved in the meetings and pay close attention, their children are li!ely to do the same. .t is not wise to bring toys or coloring boo!s to !eep children amused. Nnnecessary trips to the restroom also interfere with their listening. 9ince foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy," parents should put forth earnest effort to see that their children sit still and listen at meetings.#Grov. &&:4'. % ,y being good listeners, we prove that we are truly wise and want to ta!e in more instruction."#Grov. 4:'. !!! E4 $%=$ '( 9 ')*+( -9 F*-5.2?F C,.75*+)0-,.+ C). R5)81 015 H5)*0 !!! )onversation can be defined as an oral e+change of ideas." 9tarting friendly conversations on a topic that concerns others may capture their interest and can aid us in reaching their hearts with the Jingdom message. 3+perience has shown that it is far more effective to engage people in a friendly and rela+ed conversation than to give them a sermon. & H," 0, S0)*0 ) F*-5.2?F C,.75*+)0-,.H Iur being able to converse with others does not mean that we have to present some stri!ing lineup of thoughts and scriptures. .t simply involves getting the other party to tal! with us. For e+ample, when we have a friendly conversation with our ne+tAdoor neighbor, it is not rigid but rela+ed. We are not thin!ing about our ne+t words but are responding naturally to the ideas he e+presses. 9howing genuine interest in what he says may encourage him to continue conversing with us. -he same should be true when witnessing to others. = -opics such as crime, the problems of youth, local issues, world conditions, or even the weather can be used to start friendly conversations. 9ub/ects that directly affect the lives of people are very effective in arousing their interest. Ince a conversation has been started, we can gently turn it toward the Jingdom message. % Having a rela+ed conversation does not mean that advance preparation is not necessary. .t is. However, there is no need to formulate a rigid outline or to memoriDe a sermon, which would result in a conversation that is not fle+ible or adaptable to the circumstances at hand. >)ompare 4 )orinthians 5:&6A&=.? An e+cellent way of preparing is to select one or two 9criptural themes, with a view to building conversations around them. 0eviewing sub/ects found in the 4easoning boo! will prove helpful for this. ' E++5.0-)? M;)?-0-5+ B,* ) F*-5.2?F C,.75*+)0-,.H When we converse with others, we should be warm and sincere. A smile and a cheerful appearance help to reflect these *ualities. We have the best message in the world it is most appealing to honesthearted ones. .f they feel that our interest in them is motivated by a sincere desire to share some good news with them, then they may be moved to listen.#& )or. &:48. ( 3ngaging in conversation ought to be a pleasant e+perience. -herefore, we should be !ind and tactful in presenting the Jingdom message. >2al. ':&& )ol. %:(? 9trive to leave the other party with a favorable impression. -his way, even if we are not successful initially in reaching his heart, he may be more receptive the ne+t time a Witness converses with him. 8 9tarting a friendly conversation is not the result of mastering a comple+ sermon. .t is simply a matter of arousing interest in a sub/ect that is of concern to a person. Ince we have prepared in advance, we will then be ready to engage people in friendly conversations. Cet us endeavor to reach the hearts of those whom we meet by sharing with them the best news to be found, that of everlasting Jingdom blessings.#& Get. =:4=. !!! E4 #%0 ''( D-$ Y,; C). <-0.5++ I.B,*4)??FN !!! 4 How many in your congregation first came into contact with the truth through informal witnessingB ;ou might be surprised by the answer. .nformal witnessing involves sharing the good news with people whom we meet in our daily activities#when traveling, visiting relatives or neighbors, or shopping, as well as at school, at wor!, and so forth. .n one group of over &66 baptiDed Witnesses, %6 percent were first contacted through informal witnessingL -herefore, this method of preaching is very effective. & 3vangeliDers in the first century often witnessed informally. For e+ample, while traveling through 9amaria, Jesus witnessed to a woman who was drawing water at Jacob1s fountain. >John %:(A&(? Ghilip started a conversation with an 3thiopian court official who was reading from the boo! of .saiah by as!ing: <o you actually !now what you are readingB" >Acts 7:&(A=7? When imprisoned in Ghilippi, the apostle Gaul witnessed to a /ailer. >Acts 4(:&=A=%? Cater, while under house arrest, Gaul would !indly receive all those who came in to him, preaching the !ingdom of 2od to them and teaching the things concerning the Cord Jesus )hrist." >Acts &7:=6, =4? ;ou too can witness informally, even if you are shy. HowB = G500-./ S0)*052H $any of us find it difficult to start conversations with strangers. 3ven with regard to ac*uaintances, bringing up the truth may seem a bit aw!ward. We will be motivated to spea! up, however, if we meditate on Jehovah1s goodness, the spiritual treasures he has given his servants, and the dire condition of people in the world. >Jonah %:44 Gs. %6:' $att. 4=:'&? .n addition, we can as! Jehovah to help us @muster up boldness.1 >4 -hess. &:&? Ine 2ilead student said: . have often found that prayer helps when it is difficult for me to tal! to people." .f you are hesitant to spea!, say a brief, silent prayer.#:eh. &:%. % As the name suggests, informal witnessing does not re*uire that we begin the conversation with a formal introduction or a scripture. We may find it helpful to have the goal of simply starting a conversation without feeling that we must give a witness right away. $any publishers report that accomplishing this step gives them the confidence they need to introduce the good news eventually. .f the person does not wish to converse, there is no need to force the issue. Golitely conclude the conversation and move on. ' While shopping at the mar!et, one shy sister first ma!es eye contact and offers a friendly smile. .f the person smiles bac!, she ma!es a brief comment. .f the person responds favorably, this gives her the confidence to converse further. 9he listens carefully and tries to discern which aspect of the good news would appeal to the person. Nsing this approach, she has placed much literature and even started a ,ible study. ( I.-0-)0-./ C,.75*+)0-,.+H What can we say to initiate a conversationB When Jesus conversed with the woman at the well, he started by simply re*uesting that she give him a drin!. >John %:8? 9o perhaps we can start a conversation with a friendly greeting or *uestion. As you tal! you may find an opportunity to introduce a 9criptural thought and perhaps plant a seed of truth. >3ccl. 44:(? 9ome have found success by ma!ing an intriguing statement that arouses curiosity and prompts an in*uiry. For e+ample, while waiting to see the doctor, you may spar! a conversation by saying, .1ll be glad when . won1t get sic! anymore." 8 ,eing observant will also help us to stri!e up conversations. .f we observe a parent with wellAbehaved children, we might commend the parent and as!, What has helped you to be a successful parentB" Ine sister ta!es note of the sub/ects discussed by others at wor! and then shares specific information based on what her cowor!ers are interested in. When she learned that a woman at her /ob was planning to get married, she gave her an A!ake. that discussed how to plan a wedding. -his led to further ,ible discussions. 7 Another way to start conversations is by reading our literature where others can see us. Ine brother opens The "atchto!er or A!ake. to an article with an intriguing title and *uietly begins to read it. .f he notices someone nearby loo!ing at his magaDine, he as!s a *uestion or ma!es a brief comment on the article. -his often leads to a conversation and a witness. 9imply leaving one of our publications where it is visible may arouse the curiosity of wor!mates or classmates and prompt them to in*uire about it. 5 C*5)0-./ O'',*0;.-0-5+H .n view of the urgency of the preaching wor!, we should not view informal witnessing as something that can be left merely to chance. 0ather, we should see! to create opportunities to give a witness as we go about our daily activities. -hin! ahead about the people you are li!ely to meet, and consider how you might start a friendly conversation. Jeep a ,ible handy as well as literature that you can share with those who show interest.#4 Get. =:4'. 46 ,y being resourceful, many publishers have found ways to create opportunities to witness informally. A sister who lives in a highAsecurity apartment building uses the facility1s recreation area to put together /igsaw puDDles of beautiful nature scenes. When people stop and comment on the beauty of the scene, she uses that opportunity to start a conversation and tell them about the ,ible1s promise of a new heaven and a new earth." >0ev. &4:4A%? )an you thin! of ways that you could create opportunities to witness informallyB 44 F,??,"-./ U' I.05*5+0H .f you find a listening ear, try to follow up the interest. .f appropriate, you might say to the person: . have thoroughly en/oyed tal!ing with you. Where can . reach you so that we can tal! againB" 9ome publishers /ust hand their address and phone number to the person and say: . en/oyed our conversation. .f you would li!e to !now more about what we discussed, here is how you can contact me." .f you cannot personally follow up the interest, arrange for the appropriate congregation to do so by promptly submitting a 0lease Aollo! Bp >9A%=? form to your congregation secretary. 4& -he time we spend doing informal witnessing should be reported. -herefore, be sure to !eep a record of it, even if it is only a few minutes a day. )onsider this: .f every publisher witnessed informally for five minutes each day, that would add up to more than 48 million hours each monthL 4= We have the noblest reasons to witness informally#love for 2od and neighbor. >$att. &&:=8A=5? Hearts filled with appreciation for Jehovah1s *ualities and purposes impel us to spea! about the glory of the splendor of his !ingship." >Gs. 4%':8, 46A4&? 2enuine concern for our neighbors moves us to ta!e advantage of every appropriate opportunity to share the good news while there is still time. >0om. 46:4=, 4%? With a little forethought and preparation, all of us can witness informally and perhaps e+perience the /oy of introducing the truth to someone of honest heart. KB?;*: ,. ')/5 >L ;ou may find it helpful to have the goal of simply meeting people and starting conversations KB?;*: ,. ')/5 &L ,y being resourceful, many publishers have found ways to create opportunities to witness informally KB,G ,. ')/5 &L S;//5+0-,.+ B,* S0)*0-./ C,.75*+)0-,.+ T Gray for help to get started T )hoose those who seem friendly and unhurried T 3stablish eye contact, smile, and comment on something of mutual interest T ,e a good listener KB,G ,. ')/5 $L I.B,*4)? <-0.5++-./ G50+ R5+;?0+N V While at a garage waiting for his car to be repaired, a brother witnessed to those around him and gave them handbills inviting them to the public tal!. At a convention a year later, a brother he did not recogniDe greeted him warmly. .t was one of the men to whom he had given a handbill at the garage the year beforeL -he man had gone to hear the public tal! and had turned in his name for a ,ible study. ,oth he and his wife had been baptiDed. V A sister who learned the truth through informal witnessing considers her special territory to be the people she meets through her three children. Her territory includes neighbors and parents she meets at school and at meetings for parents. Whenever she introduces herself, she ma!es a simple but heartfelt statement that the ,ible is a valuable aid to her in rearing her children, and then she moves on to some other topic. ,ut having bro!en the ice, she finds it much easier to bring the ,ible into subse*uent discussions. ,y using this method, she has helped 4& persons to baptism. V When a sister was visited by an insurance salesman, she too! the opportunity to give a witness. 9he as!ed him if he would li!e to be guaranteed good health, happiness, and everlasting life. He said yes and as!ed her which insurance policy she was tal!ing about. 9he showed him the ,ible1s promises and offered one of our publications, which he read in one evening. A ,ible study was arranged. He began attending meetings and was later baptiDed. V While traveling by plane, a sister began tal!ing with the woman seated beside her and was able to give a witness. At the conclusion of the flight, the sister gave the woman her address and phone number and encouraged the woman to as! for a ,ible study the ne+t time that Jehovah1s Witnesses visited. -he very ne+t day, two Witnesses called at the woman1s door. -he woman started studying the ,ible, made rapid progress, got baptiDed, and was soon conducting three ,ible studies of her own. V A 466AyearAold blind brother who lives in a nursing home often says, We need the Jingdom." -his has led to *uestions from nurses and patients that enable him to e+plain what the Jingdom is. Ine of the women who wor!s there as!ed him what he will do in the Garadise. He replied, . will see and wal! again and burn my wheelchair." 9ince he is blind, he as!s her to read the magaDines to him. When the brother1s daughter visited, the wor!er as!ed the daughter for permission to ta!e the magaDines home. A nurse told the daughter, Iur new theme in the nursing home is: @We need the Jingdom.1" V A sister waiting in line at a restaurant overheard a group of elderly men sitting nearby who were discussing political issues. Ine man stated that the government cannot solve our problems. -he sister told herself, @-his is my chance.1 9he said a brief prayer and approached them. After introducing herself, she told them about a government that will solve man!ind1s problems, 2od1s Jingdom, and offered them a brochure that she had with her. Just then the manager approached. -he sister thought he was going to as! her to leave. .nstead, he told her that he had been listening and would li!e a brochure too. An employee who was also listening approached with tears rolling down her face. 9he was a former ,ible student who wanted to resume her study. !!! E4 2%=& ''( D-> L500-./ O;* L-/10 S1-.5 C,.0-.;,;+?F !!! 4 What is lightB -he dictionary defines it as something that ma!es vision possible." ,ut really, despite his advanced technology, man still does not fully !now the answer to the *uestion Jehovah raised as recorded at Job =7:&%. )an we get along without lightB Without light we could not e+ist. Cight is essential for physical sight, and the ,ible tells us that in a spiritual sense, 2od is light." >4 John 4:'? We are totally dependent upon the Ine who gives us light."#Gs. 447:&8. & -his is true in a physical sense but even more so in a spiritual way. False religion has misguided the masses of people, leaving them in spiritual dar!ness, groping for the wall /ust li!e blind men." >.sa. '5:5, 46? Grompted by his unsurpassing love and compassion, Jehovah @sends out his light and truth.1 >Gs. %=:=? Citerally millions of appreciative ones have responded, coming out of dar!ness into his wonderful light."# 4 Get. &:5. = Jesus )hrist plays a vital role in bringing this light to the world. He said: . have come as a light into the world, in order that everyone putting faith in me may not remain in the dar!ness." >John 4&:%(? All his time, energy, and resources were directed toward ma!ing the light of truth !nown. He traveled the length and breadth of his homeland, preaching and teaching in virtually every city and village. He endured relentless persecution from every side, but he remained steadfast in his commission to spread the light of truth. % Jesus concentrated on selecting, training, and organiDing disciples, with a specific goal in mind. At $atthew ':4%A4( we read his instructions to them: ;ou are the light of the world. . . . Cet your light shine before men, that they may see your fine wor!s and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens." Just li!e Jesus, they were to be illuminators in the world," disseminating the light of truth far and wide. >Ghil. &:4'? -hey gladly accepted that responsibility, viewing it as their primary purpose in life. A short time later, Gaul was able to say that the good news was preached in all creation that is under heaven." >)ol. 4:&=? -he entire )hristian congregation was united in accomplishing that great wor!. ' We today should be than!ful that we have come to be among those who have put off the wor!s belonging to dar!ness." >0om. 4=:4&, 4=? We can show our appreciation by imitating the e+ample set by Jesus and the faithful )hristians in the past. -he need for others to hear the truth is more urgent and critical now than at any time in human history. :o other activity can begin to compare with this wor! in its urgency and farAreaching benefits. ( H," C). <5 S1-.5 )+ I??;4-.)0,*+A -he primary way to let our light shine is to share in the JingdomA preaching wor!. 3very congregation has regular, organiDed arrangements for preaching in its assigned territory. Huge *uantities of literature are made available in great variety and in many languages. 3+tensive education is provided through the meetings, and assistance in training others personally is offered by those who are e+perienced. Ipportunities to participate are open to men, women, older ones, and even children. 3very individual in the congregation is invited to participate at whatever level his abilities and circumstances permit. All the functions of the congregation are focused on preaching, with provisions to help every member share in some way. 0egular, close association with the congregation is the best way to ensure that our light !eeps shining. 8 We can shine in ways that may not involve a verbal witness. We can attract the attention of others simply by our conduct. -hat is what Geter had in mind when he urged: $aintain your conduct fine among the nations, that . . . they may as a result of your fine wor!s of which they are eyewitnesses glorify 2od." >4 Get. &:4&? $any /udge a wor! or an organiDation by the conduct of those associated with it. When observers note people who are morally clean, honest, peaceable, and lawAabiding, they view such people as different and conclude that they live by standards that are on a much higher level than those followed by the ma/ority. 9o a husband is letting his light shine when he honors and cherishes his wife in a loving manner the wife does the same by respecting her husband1s headship. )hildren stand out as different when they obey their parents and avoid se+ual immorality and the use of drugs. An employee who is conscientious about his wor!, honest, and considerate of others is highly valued. ,y demonstrating these )hristian *ualities, we are letting our light shine, recommending our way of life to others. 7 Greaching is tal!ing to others about what we have learned from 2od1s Word. -hat is done from the public platform or at the doors, but it is by no means limited to such occasions. Iur daily activities put us in contact with scores of people. How many times a day do you spea! to your ne+tAdoor neighborsB How often does someone !noc! at your doorB How many different people do you rub shoulders with when you do your shopping, ride the bus, or wor! at your secular /obB .f you are a young person in school, can you count the number of individuals you spea! to each dayB -he opportunities to spea! to others are virtually unlimited. All you need to do is to get a few 9criptural thoughts in mind, !eep a ,ible and some tracts handy, and ta!e the initiative to spea! up when you get the chance. 5 3ven though informal witnessing is *uite simple, some feel reluctant to try it. -hey may be reticent, insisting that they are too shy or too nervous to approach strangers. -hey may feel apprehensive about drawing attention to themselves or getting a harsh response. -hose who are e+perienced in informal witnessing can tell you that there is rarely any cause for an+iety. Ithers are basically /ust li!e us they have the same needs, feel the same concerns, and want the same things for themselves and their families. $ost will respond in a !indly manner to a cheerful smile or a friendly greeting. -o get started, you may have to @muster up boldness.1 >4 -hess. &:&? Ince you get going, however, you may be surprised and delighted with the results. 46 <5 A*5 B?5++52 <15. <5 L50 O;* L-/10 S1-.5H Here are some e+amples of refreshing e+periences resulting from informal witnessing: A ''AyearAold lady was attempting to cross the street. Just as a car was about to hit her, a sister grabbed her arm and pulled her to safety, saying: Glease ta!e care. We are living in perilous timesL" 9he then e+plained why the times are so dangerous. -he lady as!ed, Are you one of Jehovah1s WitnessesB" Having obtained one of our boo!s from her sister, the lady wanted to meet one of Jehovah1s Witnesses, and this encounter made it possible. 44 A sister started a conversation with a woman in a waiting room at the doctor1s office. -he woman listened attentively and then said: For some time, Jehovah1s Witnesses have been crossing my path but if sometime in the future . actually become one of Jehovah1s Witnesses myself, it will be because of what you /ust told me. Cistening to you is li!e starting to see light in a dar! place." 4& An act of !indness can be a steppingAstone to helping others learn the truth. While wal!ing home from field service, two sisters noticed an elderly woman who appeared to be ill as she got off the bus. -hey stopped and as!ed the lady if she needed help. 9he was so surprised that two complete strangers would show interest in her that she insisted on !nowing what it was that spar!ed such a !ind gesture. -his opened the door for a witness. -he lady readily gave her address and warmly invited them to visit her. A study was started. 9oon the lady began attending meetings and is now sharing the truth with others. 4= An elderly sister ta!es advantage of earlyAmorning witnessing on the local beach. 9he meets housemaids, babyAsitters, ban! cler!s, and others who ta!e their morning stroll on the boardwal!. 9he conducts ,ible studies, sitting on the benches. 9everal people have learned the truth from her and are now Jehovah1s Witnesses. 4% At her secular /ob, a sister heard a fellow wor!er tal! about a political party that she believed could solve the world1s problems. -he sister spo!e up, relating promises about what 2od1s Jingdom will do. -his discussion at wor! led to a regular ,ible study in the home, and eventually the lady and her husband became Witnesses. 4' N575* F,*/50 Y,; A*5 ) <-0.5++N When Jesus described his disciples as the light of the world," he reasoned that they should be helping others to benefit from the spiritual enlightenment of 2od1s Word. .f we apply Jesus1 counsel, how will we view our ministryB 4( When searching for employment, some people choose a partAtime /ob. -hey put limits on how much time and effort they will put into it because they prefer to use most of their time pursuing activities they find more rewarding. Are we ta!ing a similar view of our ministryB 3ven though we might feel obligated and even be willing to set aside some time for the ministry, should our primary interests be elsewhereB 48 0ealiDing that there is no such thing as a partAtime )hristian, we made our dedication, @disowning ourselves1 and agreeing to follow Jesus continually&' >$att. 4(:&%? Iur desire is to continue being wholeA souled," ta!ing advantage of every opportunity to let our light shine in order to reach people wherever they are. >)ol. =:&=, &%? We must resist worldly attitudes, maintain our Deal as in the beginning, and ma!e sure that our light continues to shine forth brilliantly. 9ome may have allowed their Deal to cool off and their light to become only a faint glow, hardly visible a short distance away. 9uch a one may need help to recover lost Deal for the ministry. 47 9ome may tend to hold bac! because our message is unpopular to many. Gaul said that the message about the )hrist was foolishness to those who are perishing." >4 )or. 4:47? :o matter what others said, however, he forcefully declared: . am not ashamed of the good news." >0om. 4:4(? Ine who is ashamed feels inferior or unworthy. How could we possibly feel ashamed when we spea! about the 9upreme 9overeign of the universe and the marvelous provisions he has made for our eternal happinessB .t is unthin!able that we would feel inferior or unworthy when we spea! these truths to others. .nstead, we should feel compelled to do our utmost, displaying our conviction that we have nothing to be ashamed of&'#& -im. &:4'. 45 -he light of truth that is now shining in lands all around the earth warmly offers the hope of everlasting life in a paradise new world. Cet us show that we have ta!en to heart the admonition to let our light shine continuouslyL .f we do, we will have cause to re/oice /ust li!e the disciples who every day continued !ithout letup teaching and declaring the good news about the )hrist, Jesus."#Acts ':%&. !!! E4 $%=$ '( 9 ')*( $ F*-5.2?F C,.75*+)0-,.+ C). R5)81 015 H5)*0 !!! ( 3ngaging in conversation ought to be a pleasant e+perience. -herefore, we should be !ind and tactful in presenting the Jingdom message. >2al. ':&& )ol. %:(? 9trive to leave the other party with a favorable impression. -his way, even if we are not successful initially in reaching his heart, he may be more receptive the ne+t time a Witness converses with him. !!! E4 $%0D ''( D-> B5 D-?-/5.0 -. B5)*-./ T1,*,;/1 <-0.5++ !!! 4 Ci!e Jesus and many other faithful servants of old, the apostle Gaul was a Dealous preacher of the good news, bearing thorough witness" regardless of the setting. 3ven while under house arrest, he would !indly receive all those who came in to him, preaching the !ingdom of 2od to them and teaching the things concerning the Cord Jesus )hrist with the greatest freeness of speech."#Acts &7:4(A=4. & We too can be diligent in bearing thorough witness" at all times. -hat includes witnessing to people we meet in our travels to and from the 2ive 2od 2lory" <istrict )onvention and while in the host city.#Acts &7:&= Gs. 4%':46A4=. = I.8-25.0)? ,* I.B,*4)? <-0.5++-./A .s there a differenceB ;es. 9omething that is incidental occurs merely by chance or without intention, as if it was not planned or is of little importance. -hat certainly does not describe our ministry. As was true of Gaul, giving 2od glory by our witnessing is important to us, and it should be our intention to give a witness wherever appropriate in the course of our travels this summer. However, the manner in which we approach others can rightly be described as informal1that is, rela+ed, friendly, and unofficial. -his approach can produce good results. % P*5')*5 0, G-75 ) <-0.5++H Gaul had to ma!e opportunities to witness while under house arrest in 0ome. From his place of lodging, he too! the initiative to invite the local Jewish leaders to his house. >Acts &7:48? 3ven though there was a )hristian congregation in 0ome, Gaul learned that the Jewish community in that city had little firsthand information about the )hristian faith. >Acts &7:&& 0om. 4:8? He did not hold bac! from bearing thorough witness" about Jesus )hrist and the Jingdom of 2od. ' -hin! of all the people you may contact in your travels who have only a passing !nowledge of Jehovah1s Witnesses. -hey may not even !now that we offer free home ,ible studies. ,e alert to opportunities to witness to those you meet while traveling, ma!ing rest stops, refueling, shopping, staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, using public transportation, and so on. <etermine in advance what you might say to initiate a conversation and to give a brief witness. Gerhaps in the days ahead you can practice by witnessing informally to your neighbors, relatives, wor!mates, and other ac*uaintances. ( ;ou will need a supply of publications to use when witnessing informally. Which onesB ;ou might use the tract "ould -ou <ike to #no! 2ore About the /ible5 Goint to the first five paragraphs, where various reasons are given for reading the ,ible. 9how the coupon on the bac! for re*uesting a free home ,ible study. When you find a responsive person, offer the 4eCuire brochure. .n anticipation of meeting people who spea! another language, ta!e along the boo!let :ood e!s for All ations& Gage & e+plains how to use it to give a witness. .f traveling by car, you may be able to ta!e along a few other basic publications for those who show real interest in the Jingdom message. 8 C,.+-25* Y,;* A''5)*).85 ).2 C,.2;80H We must ma!e sure that our conduct as well as our dress and grooming will not give others a wrong impression or cause them to @spea! against1 Jehovah1s organiDation. >Acts &7:&&? -his applies not only while attending the convention but also while traveling and during leisure time. -he August 4, &66&, "atchto!er, page 47, paragraph 4%, cautioned: Iur appearance should not be showy, biDarre, provocative, revealing, or faddish. .n addition, we should dress in a manner that reflects @reverence for 2od.1 -hat gives food for thought, does it notB .t is not simply a matter of dressing appropriately when attending congregation meetings Eor convention sessionsF and then throwing all caution to the wind at other times. Iur personal appearance should always reflect a reverent, honorable attitude because we are )hristians and ministers &% hours a day."#4 -im. &:5, 46. 7 We should dress modestly and with dignity. .f our appearance and conduct always reflect our belief in 2od, we will never feel obligated to hold bac! from witnessing informally because our personal appearance leaves something to be desired.#4 Get. =:4'. 5 I.B,*4)? <-0.5++-./ I+ F*;-0B;?H <uring the two years that Gaul was under house arrest in 0ome, he saw good results from his witnessing efforts. Cu!e reported that some began to believe the things said." >Acts &7:&%? Gaul himself evaluated the effectiveness of his bearing thorough witness" when he wrote: $y affairs have turned out for the advancement of the good news rather than otherwise, so that my bonds have become public !nowledge in association with )hrist among all the Graetorian 2uard and all the rest and most of the brothers in the Cord, feeling confidence by reason of my prison bonds, are showing all the more courage to spea! the word of 2od fearlessly."#Ghil. 4:4&A4%. 46 Cast summer, after spending the day at the district convention, a couple had a fruitful e+perience witnessing informally to a waitress who as!ed them about their convention badge cards. -hey told her about the convention and also about the hope the ,ible holds out for the future of man!ind. -hey gave her the tract "ould -ou <ike to #no! 2ore About the /ible5 and e+plained the free home ,ible study arrangement. -he woman said that she wanted someone to visit her, filled in her name and address on the bac! of the tract, and as!ed the couple to ma!e the arrangements. What success might you en/oy this year by being diligent in bearing thorough witness"B 44 T1,*,;/1?F A27).85 015 G,,2 N5"+H .magine how happy Gaul was when he heard that fellow )hristians were imitating his Dealous e+ampleL $ay we do all we can to advance the good news by witnessing informally about our ,ibleAbased beliefs as we also benefit from this summer1s district convention. KB,G ,. ')/5 DL P;:?-8)0-,.+ N55252 B,* I.B,*4)? <-0.5++-./ W "ould -ou <ike to #no! 2ore About the /ible5 >tract? W "hat Does :od 4eCuire of Bs5 >brochure? W :ood e!s for All ations >boo!let? W Ither basic publications KB,G ,. ')/5 >L D, N,0 F,*/50 T154N Forget whomB All the interested ones who attended the $emorial of )hrist1s death or the special tal!. Have we invited them to attend this year1s district conventionB Ci!ely many of them, if given !indly encouragement, would attend. As they en/oy the upbuilding association at the convention and the encouraging spiritual program, they will be drawn closer to Jehovah and to his organiDation. Why not e+tend an invitation and see what happensB 2ive them all the details they need, including the dates of the convention, directions to the convention site, the times for the sessions to begin and end, and the preview of the program that is outlined on the bac! cover of the June 7, &66=, issue of A!ake. !!! E4 0%2 '( D ')*( 9 U+5 T*)80+ 0, S'*5)2 015 G,,2 N5"+ !!! 8 I.B,*4)? <-0.5++-./H .t is easy to witness informally with tracts. Ine brother puts a few in his poc!et whenever he leaves home. When he meets someone, such as a store cler!, he simply offers to give him something to read and hands him a tract. When one couple went to :ew ;or! )ity to do some sightseeing, they realiDed that they would come in contact with people from various countries. 9o they too! along the ations boo!let and several tracts in different languages. -hen, when they heard someone spea!ing in a foreign language who was selling items on the sidewal! or who was sitting near them in the par! or in a restaurant, they would offer him a tract in his native tongue !!! E4 2% '( ')*( D <5 A*5 N575* OBB D;0F !!! = N,0 0,lternative1 <-0.5++-./H .n the past we sometimes used the word alternative" to refer to preaching on the street and in par!ing lots, par!s, places of business, and so forth. However, alternative" could seem to suggest that such efforts are out of the ordinary, unconventional, or optional. -he apostle Gaul said that he preached publicly" and from house to house. >Acts &6:&6? 9o public" witnessing would be a more appropriate term than alternative" witnessing. .t is true that the houseAtoAhouse ministry continues to be our primary and most effective way of reaching people with the Jingdom message. However, firstAcentury evangeliDers focused on people, not houses. -hey too! advantage of every opportunity to tal! about the truth #publicly, informally, and from house to house. $ay we have the same mindAset in order to accomplish our ministry fully.#& -im. %:'. !!! E4 9%D ''( >-$ N5" I.-0-)0-75+ B,* P;:?-8 <-0.5++-./ !!! N5" I.-0-)0-75+ B,* P;:?-8 <-0.5++-./ 4 FirstAcentury )hristians did more than preach from house to house. -hey also preached publicly. >Acts &6:&6? For e+ample, they went to the temple, where they !new many people could be found. >Acts ':%&? When in Athens, the apostle Gaul preached every day to those on hand in the mar!etplace. >Acts 48:48? -oday, our primary way of spreading the good news continues to be the houseAtoAhouse ministry. However, we also go to par!ing lots, businesses, par!s, busy thoroughfares, and other places in order to preach to people wherever they can be found. While every publisher is encouraged to engage in public witnessing where possible, many will have the opportunity to participate in two e+citing new initiatives for public witnessing. & S'58-)? M50*,',?-0). P;:?-8 <-0.5++-./H As reported in the DE*F -earbook on pages 4( and 48, a trial initiative for public witnessing began in :ew ;or! )ity in :ovember &644. -ables and carts with attractive displays and literature in several languages were strategically placed in areas of the city with high pedestrian traffic. 3ach day thousands of people wal!ed by, including many who live in secured apartment buildings and persons who are often away from home. -he response was overwhelming. .n /ust one recent month, =,858 magaDines and 8,57( boo!s were placed. $any passersby re*uested a ,ible study. 9ince the emphasis was on starting ,ible studies, any addresses left by interested ones were immediately forwarded to the appropriate congregation to follow up on the interest. = .n view of the initiative1s success, it is now being e+panded worldwide to other densely populated metropolitan areas. -he local branch office will identify which cities would benefit. Nsually, these are cities with transportation hubs or a large concentration of office or apartment buildings that results in high pedestrian traffic. -hereafter, the branch office will initiate correspondence to the congregations that will participate and provide additional instructions. 0egular and special pioneers are generally used, although in some places au+iliary pioneers also have a share in the wor!. % H," 015 <-0.5++-./ I+ D,.5H -hose involved in special metropolitan public witnessing usually wait for someone to come to the table or mobile display. When someone approaches, he is invited to ta!e any literature that interests him. -he pioneers gladly answer from the 9criptures any *uestions he may have. .f he ta!es literature, the pioneers do not mention the donation arrangement. ,ut if he in*uires about how our wor! is funded, they may e+plain that donations can be sent to the address listed in the literature. When possible, they as!: Would you li!e someone to visit your homeB" or Are you aware that a free ,ible study comes with that publicationB" ' 9haring in this initiative has been very rewarding. Ine couple wrote: 9tanding at the table and seeing thousands of people go by each day has impressed upon our hearts the vast wor! that is being done to reach people all around the world. 9eeing these masses of people and thin!ing about how Jehovah truly cares for each person has strengthened our resolve to continue putting the preaching wor! at the center of our lives. We imagine Jehovah scanning the hearts of all those who pass by the table, searching for those who are worthy. We have rarely felt so close to our angelic cowor!ers." ( P;:?-8 <-0.5++-./ T1)0 I+ O*/).-J52 L,8)??FH .n addition to special metropolitan public witnessing, another new initiative is being organiDed by many bodies of elders in their local territory. With this initiative, publishers use a table or a mobile display at a busy location !ithin the congregation)s territory boundary& -his is different from special metropolitan public witnessing, which uses participants from many congregations to preach in the same highAtraffic areas in cities chosen by the branch office.#9ee the bo+ 2ood )ooperation :eeded." 8 -he elders will consider whether the congregation1s territory has areas of high pedestrian traffic and determine if it would be practical to organiDe public witnessing. Gossible locations for a table or mobile display include transportation hubs, public s*uares, par!s, busy streets, shopping malls, college campuses, airports, and locations of annual events. -here is an advantage in having a table set up in the same location, on the same days, and at the same times. .t has been found that tables set up at shopping malls are more effective than those outside a single large store where individuals are usually focused on their reason for visiting that specific store. 9ome locations, such as busy sidewal!s, may be more conducive to a smaller mobile literature display. 3lders can download from our Web site special files for ma!ing displays of the "atchto!er and A!ake. magaDines and the /ible Teach boo!. -hese files have been prepared specifically for use in this form of public witnessing. -hose who participate will carry out the wor! in much the same way as those engaged in special metropolitan public witnessing and should follow the direction of the service overseer closely. .f they obtain an address from an interested person who does not live in their territory, they should promptly fill out a 0lease Aollo! Bp >9A%=? form and give it to the secretary. 7 P;:?-8 <-0.5++-./ -. Y,;* P5*+,.)? M-.-+0*FH 9ome congregations may not have a location in their territory that has sufficient pedestrian traffic to /ustify setting up a table or ma!ing use of a mobile literature display. However, even in those congregations, publishers are encouraged to consider including public witnessing in their personal ministry. .s there a shopping area, a strip mall, or a busy store in your territoryB .s there a par! or a place where people gatherB Are there public events that are periodically held in the territoryB .f so, you may still be able to en/oy public witnessing. 5 .t is Jehovah1s will that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate !nowledge of truth." >4 -im. &:%? -herefore, we are trying to reach as many people as possible with the Jingdom message before the end comes. >$att. &%:4%? .n many places it is a challenge to find people at home. ;et, we may be able to spea! to them when they are away from home in a public setting. Gublic witnessing may be the only way that some people will get an opportunity to hear the good news. -herefore, may we fully accomplish our ministry by preaching to people wherever they may be found.#& -im. %:'. KB,G ,. ')/5 &L G,,2 C,,'5*)0-,. N55252 .t has been reported that publishers from neighboring congregations sometimes engage in public witnessing on the same street, in the same par!ing lot, and in front of the same businesses or transportation hubs. Gublishers from different congregations have left magaDines in the same lobby, waiting room, or laundromat and have preached to the same businesses. -his has caused businesspeople and neighborhood residents to feel overwhelmed on occasion, even when publishers are not preaching at the same time. -herefore, it is generally best to stay within the congregation1s assigned territory when witnessing publicly. .f publishers wish to witness publicly in a neighboring congregation1s territory, they should tal! to their service overseer. He can then contact the service overseer of the other congregation to obtain permission before those in his congregation proceed. Where differentAlanguage congregations are assigned to preach in the same area, the service overseers should communicate with each other so as to avoid irritating people in the neighborhood unnecessarily. ,y means of good cooperation, all things can ta!e place decently and by arrangement."#4 )or. 4%:%6. KP-80;*5 ,. ')/5 $L KP-80;*5 ,. ')/5 $L !!! E4 =%=$ ''( >-& ')*+( >-$ P*5)81 015 G,,2 N5"+ E75*F"15*5 !!! 4% <-0.5++-./ ,. P;:?-8 T*).+',*0)0-,.H Ine morning a number of pioneers decided to witness to people who were waiting for the bus near a local college. While they had some pleasant conversations, there was a problem. ,y the time the discussion got well under way, the bus would come, bringing the conversation to an abrupt halt. -he pioneers solved the problem by boarding the bus and continuing to witness to the passengers as they traveled across town. At the end of the line, the pioneers would ma!e the return bus trip, witnessing as they went. After several trips bac! and forth, they totaled up the results of their efforts: Iver &66 magaDines were placed and si+ ,ible studies were started. 9ome passengers willingly gave their address and telephone number so that they could be visited at home. -he ne+t wee!, the pioneers returned to the bus stop and followed the same method as before. -hey placed 4(% magaDines and started one more ,ible study. At one stop a passenger boarded the bus and too! the only available seat#ne+t to a pioneer. He loo!ed at the brother and said with a smile: . !now, you have a "atchto!er for me." 4' $any publishers give an effective witness while traveling by bus, train, or airplane. How can you start a conversation with a passenger seated ne+t to youB Ine 4&AyearAold publisher simply began reading a copy of A!ake. on the bus, hoping to arouse the curiosity of a teenage girl seated ne+t to him. .t wor!ed. -he girl as!ed him what he was reading, and the youth answered that he was reading about the solution to problems young people have to face. He added that he had greatly benefited from the article and that it could help her too. 9he gladly accepted the magaDines. -heir conversation was overheard by two other youths who also as!ed for copies of the magaDines. At this, the bus driver pulled over to the side of the road and as!ed why there was so much interest in these magaDines. When he found out, he also accepted copies. If course, none of this would have been possible if the young publisher had not had an ample supply of magaDines to share with everyone who showed interestL 4( <-0.5++-./ -. P)*E+ ).2 P)*E-./ L,0+H Witnessing in par!s and par!ing lots is an e+cellent way to reach people. Have you tried witnessing in the par!ing area of a shopping centerB Always ta!e a few moments to observe your surroundings. Coo! for someone who is not in a hurry or who is waiting in a par!ed car and try to initiate a friendly conversation. .f the conversation continues, bring in the Jingdom message. -ry wor!ing separately but with another publisher in the vicinity. Avoid carrying a large, bul!y bag or in other ways attracting attention to your wor!. ,e discreet. .t may be best to spend only a short time in one par!ing lot and then move to another. .f someone does not wish to converse with you, politely go on your way and loo! for someone else to approach. Nsing these methods, one brother placed 56 magaDines in one month while witnessing in par!ing lots. !!! E4 9%=9 '( <-0.5++ <15*575* T15*5 A*5 P5,'?5 !!! 4 0ecogniDing the role 2od1s spirit played in his ministry, the apostle Gaul stated: 2od !ept ma!ing it grow." He also ac!nowledged: We are 2od1s fellow wor!ers." >4 )or. =:'A5? -his is a marvelous privilege. How can we demonstrate publicly that we appreciate being fellow wor!ers with 2odB ,y declaring the good news to all whom we meet in the houseAtoAhouse wor! and everywhere else. & We are commanded to ma!e disciples of people." >$att. &7:45? .f we contact only a few people when we share in the ministry, we may tire *uic!ly and feel we have accomplished little. In the other hand, we en/oy our ministry most when we are able to find many people and converse with them. -his can be rather challenging, since it re*uires some initiative on our part to go wherever the people are so that we can ma!e contact with them. = P*)80-8)? EG)4'?5+H We can witness to people at mar!ets, par!s, rest stops, and transportation terminals. When you ride public transportation, are you prepared to give a witness along the wayB -wo Witnesses who were riding in a crowded bus to their meeting for service carried on a conversation about the picture of Garadise in the #no!ledge boo!, discussing 2od1s promises for the future. As they had hoped would happen, a young man standing close by listened in and was impressed by what he heard. ,efore leaving the bus, he accepted a boo! and re*uested that someone visit his home. % $any publishers have found /oy in doing informal witnessing. Ine sister went to the local shopping center on an afternoon and approached people who had finished their shopping but who did not appear to be in a hurry. 9he placed all the literature she had in her bag. Ine man who was waiting in his car was happy to receive the magaDines from her. He had attended meetings before, and their conversation re!indled his interest. ' .t is a privilege to e+alt Jehovah1s name. ,y demonstrating our Deal for the preaching wor!, we show that we have not missed the purpose of 2od1s undeserved !indness toward us. ,ecause now is the especially acceptable time" to help others, let us go wherever there are people and witness to them about Jehovah1s day of salvation."#& )or. (:4, &. !!! E4 =%=$ ''( >-& ')*+( $-9 P*5)81 015 G,,2 N5"+ E75*F"15*5 !!! 4( <-0.5++-./ -. P)*E+ ).2 P)*E-./ L,0+H Witnessing in par!s and par!ing lots is an e+cellent way to reach people. Have you tried witnessing in the par!ing area of a shopping centerB Always ta!e a few moments to observe your surroundings. Coo! for someone who is not in a hurry or who is waiting in a par!ed car and try to initiate a friendly conversation. .f the conversation continues, bring in the Jingdom message. -ry wor!ing separately but with another publisher in the vicinity. Avoid carrying a large, bul!y bag or in other ways attracting attention to your wor!. ,e discreet. .t may be best to spend only a short time in one par!ing lot and then move to another. .f someone does not wish to converse with you, politely go on your way and loo! for someone else to approach. Nsing these methods, one brother placed 56 magaDines in one month while witnessing in par!ing lots. 48 9ome people go to a par! to rela+ others go there to play a game or to spend time with their children. Without unduly interfering with their activities, watch for an opportunity to give a witness. Ine brother began a conversation with the grounds !eeper of a par! and found that he was concerned about drugs and the future of his children. A home ,ible study was started and was regularly conducted in the par!. !!! E4 $% '( 2 S0*550 <-0.5++-./ T1)0 I+ EBB580-75 !!! S0*550 <-0.5++-./ T1)0 I+ EBB580-75 4 <uring his earthly ministry, Jesus did not hesitate to spea! with people he met on the road and in other public places. >Cu!e 5:'8A(4 John %:8? He wanted to share his important message with as many people as possible. -oday, street witnessing is an e+cellent way to help people obtain godly wisdom. >Grov. 4:&6? Iur success will be enhanced if we ta!e the initiative and use discernment. & T)E5 015 I.-0-)0-75H .t is generally better to approach individuals rather than to stand or sit in one place waiting for passersby to approach you. 9mile, ma!e eye contact, and have a calm, friendly manner. .f you are wor!ing with other publishers, it is usually best to approach people separately. .nitiative is also needed to follow up on the interest that you find. .f appropriate, at the end of the conversation, !indly as! how you may contact the person again. 9ome publishers do street wor! regularly at the same location, enabling them to spea! to the same people repeatedly and further their interest. = U+5 D-+85*.45.0H Nse good /udgment in deciding where to stand on the street and whom to approach. .t is not necessary to witness to every passerby. ,e observant. .f the person is in a hurry, for e+ample, it may be best to let him pass. When witnessing in front of a business place, be discreet so as to avoid causing undue concern to the manager. .t is often better to witness to people as they leave the business rather than as they enter. Approach people in a way that will not frighten or startle them. Also, be discerning when offering literature. .f individuals display little interest, you may offer a tract instead of the magaDines. % 9treet witnessing enables us to scatter many seeds of truth in a short period of time. >3ccl. 44:(? 9ome people we meet may even be those we are unable to find at home when wor!ing from house to house. Why not ma!e arrangements to engage in street witnessing, an en/oyable and effective form of field serviceB !!! E4 2%= '( # ')*+( -$ P*5+5.0-./ 015 G,,2 N5"+CBF S0*550 <-0.5++-./ !!! 4 Groverbs 4:&6 says: -rue wisdom itself !eeps crying aloud in the very street. .n the public s*uares it !eeps giving forth its voice." -hese words are especially true today as Jehovah1s servants Dealously preach the good news of the Jingdom wherever they can find people. Ci!e Jesus and preA)hristian prophets, our genuine love for people moves us to present the truth to everyone, everywhere.#Jer. 44:( $ar! (:'( Cu!e 4=:&&, &(. & Although a person1s home is usually the most desirable place to spea! to him about the truth, not many people are at home when we ma!e houseAtoAhouse calls. When householders are home, often it is the same person we spo!e to before that answers the door, and other members of the family are not contacted. -hus, street witnessing should have a definite place in our ministry. ;ou may find that street witnessing is, as one pioneer e+pressed it, an e+citing, fresh, and atAhome territory." A <ARM POSITIVE ATTITUDE = Why not try doing your street witnessing in the same area on a regular basisB Ine sister who does this says that she has become ac*uainted with most of the shop!eepers and other people who are fre*uently on her" street. A good rapport has developed, which has opened the way for many productive ,ible discussions. An au+iliary pioneer who thoroughly en/oys street witnessing said that he tries to approach windowAshoppers, people sitting in their cars, people waiting for buses, and even those who have said no on previous occasions. )ourage and good /udgment are needed so that we are bold and persuasive, yet not overly persistent. % -he !ey to effective street witnessing is to have a warm, cheerful, and sincere approach. 9mile. )atch the person1s eye if you can, but if not, go ahead and ma!e a friendly approach. Ibserve the circumstances, and ma!e use of them. Ine sister observes women laden with grocery bags and says, . see you have been food shopping. .t certainly is e+pensive these days. How about some encouraging food for the mind and heartB . en/oyed this article . . . ." -o someone with children, she says, . see you have two lovely children. <id you !now that the ,ible says children are a blessing from 2odB Here, let me show you . . . ." Approaching a person deep in thought, she says, . see you are thin!ing about something. -he world is so full of trouble today, don1t you agreeB <o you thin! a time will ever come when . . . B" ' .f a person is rushing down the street, you may /ust hand him a tract with the comment, Here is some good news for you to read when you have time." .f people do not seem to be rushed, offer the magaDines, and e+plain the donation arrangement. .t is good to get the literature into the hands of people whenever possible. ( $any publishers who were at first nervous about street witnessing now view it as their favorite form of preaching. If course, caution must be e+ercised when wor!ing in dangerous areas or at times when it is unsafe. 3ven in small towns, there are usually busy areas, public transportation centers, or public par!ing lots where people can be approached with the good news. 9eiDe the opportunity, and with wisdom let your voice give forth the good news in the streets and public s*uares, to the blessing of the hearers and to the honor of Jehovah.#Grov. 4:&6. !!! "0# =%& ''( 2&-2$ M)*E50'?)85 <-0.5++-./ !!! WH3: in the city of Athens, the apostle Gaul went every day to the mar!etplace to preach the good news about Jesus. >Acts 48:48? Gaul chose the mar!etplace because that was the center of Athenian life. Almost &,666 years later, Jehovah1s people still use the mar!etplace to spread the message of 2od1s Jingdom. WhyB ,ecause many people can be found there. -oday, the mar!etplace may be a shopping center or a mall. After having obtained permission from the manager or owner, some Witnesses have used a table or a booth for displaying ,ible literature. For e+ample, at a shopping mall in :ew Jersey, N.9.A., an attractive display of literature was arranged on the theme $aintaining Family Kalues#HowB" -he resultB .n one day, 4'= boo!s in si+ languages were placed. Ine woman who approached the literature booth listened attentively to the e+planation given by one of the Witnesses. -he woman agreed that it is important to have 2od in our life and in our family. 9he obtained the following publications: <earn Arom the :reat Teacher, The Secret of Aamily ?appiness, and Guestions -oung 0eople Ask1Ans!ers That "ork& .n the early afternoon, a man passed by the display of literature as he was about to enter the store ne+t to it. His eyes were drawn to the -oung 0eople Ask boo!. -he sister standing in the booth noticed a curious loo! on his face. 9he as!ed him, .s there a boo! that interests youB" He nodded and pointed to the -oung 0eople Ask boo!. 9he handed him the boo!, which he was already reaching for. He said that he has three children. As the conversation continued, he mentioned that he has discussions with them once a wee!. His two oldest children are teenagers. While scanning the boo!, he said that he could very easily use it as a guide for some of their family discussions. -he publisher also directed his attention to The Secret of Aamily ?appiness, assuring him that he and his wife would find some very helpful advice on ma!ing family decisions. -he man was grateful for the suggestion, made a donation, and accepted the offer to have someone visit them. How did the Witnesses feel about their day of witnessing in the mallB . personally en/oyed this avenue of preaching," said one sister. What an e+perience it was for meL" Another sister said: Jehovah says that the good news will be preached to the most distant part of the earth. -oday, in Garamus, :ew Jersey, this good news touched people of different languages. .t was wonderful to be a part of this arrangement. 3veryone who participated in it was happy. :one of us wanted to leave at the end of the day." )an you e+pand the ways in which you preach the good newsB Iur primary method is that of going from house to house. >Acts &6:&6? However, would you consider witnessing in the mar!etplace or in the mall !!! E4 =%=$ '( & ')*+( #-20 P*5)81 015 G,,2 N5"+ E75*F"15*5 !!! 47 I.B,*4)? <-0.5++-./ -. S1,''-./ M)??+H While it is not always possible to preach formally from store to store in shopping malls because of local restrictions on such activities, some publishers create opportunities to witness there informally. -hey sit down on a bench and stri!e up a friendly conversation with others who stop to rest. When interest is shown, they discreetly offer a tract or a magaDine and endeavor to ma!e arrangements for a return visit. After spending a few minutes witnessing in one section of the mall, they proceed to another and engage someone else in conversation. If course, care should be ta!en not to attract undue attention while witnessing informally in this way. 45 When greeting a person, begin the conversation on a friendly note. .f your listener responds, as! a *uestion, then listen attentively as he e+presses himself. -a!e a personal interest in what he is saying. 9how that you value his opinion. Where possible, agree with him. &6 Ine sister had a delightful tal! with an elderly woman by mentioning how high the cost of living has become. -he woman readily agreed, and a lively conversation resulted. -he sister was able to obtain the name and address of the woman, and a return visit was made that same wee! !!! E4 D%2 '( 2 <-0.5++ -. B;+-.5++ T5**-0,*F <-01 C,.B-25.85 !!! <o you find the thought of witnessing at businesses to be intimidatingB .f so, do not despair, for even Gaul, who was a bold and fearless minister, had to @muster up boldness1 in order to preach. >4 -hess. &:&? ,elow are some common concerns along with practical suggestions for addressing them. & <-?? I.05**;'0-./ 015 <,*E5*+ A..,F T154A .n many businesses, wor!ers serve the public and e+pect interruptions. -hey will often be polite, since they may view you as a potential customer. ,y dressing in a dignified manner and being warm and friendly, you will encourage respectful treatment. = <-?? I H)75 0, G-75 MF P*5+5.0)0-,. -. F*,.0 ,B M).F C;+0,45*+A .f possible, choose a time when stores are not overly busy, such as when they first open. Wait until the manager or cler! is alone before approaching him. $a!e your presentation very brief. % <1)0 S1,;?2 I S)FA 9pea! to the person in charge if there are several wor!ers. ;ou might say: .t1s hard to find businesspeople at home, so we1re visiting you at your wor!place. . !now you1re wor!ing, so .1ll be very brief." 9o that we will not be confused with salesmen, it is usually best not to mention the donation arrangement unless we are as!ed how our wor! is financed. <epending on the nature of the business, you may as! the manager for permission to spea! briefly to the wor!ers. 0epeat your presentation to them. .f a wor!er seems busy, shorten your presentation and leave him a tract. .f it is not possible to tal! with the wor!ers, perhaps you will be allowed to leave literature in the brea! room or other common area. ' Jesus and Gaul preached to people at their places of business with confidence, and so can you. >$att. %:47A&4 5:5 Acts 48:48? As! Jehovah to help you to have a calm heart and to be bold. >Acts %:&5? ,usiness territory has few notAatAhomes, so why not give this productive form of witnessing a tryB !!! E4 9%0> '( > ')*+( -9 H," 0, P*5)81 -. B;+-.5++ T5**-0,*F !!! Would you li!e to preach in territory where people generally welcome visitors and where notAatAhomes are rareB ;ou may be able to do so right in your congregation territory. HowB ,y calling on the businesses found there. Gublishers witnessing from store to store often en/oy good results. & 9ome congregations have business districts as part of their assigned territory. -he brother caring for the territory may prepare special map cards of these heavily concentrated business sections. Any residential territory map cards that overlap them should clearly indicate that the businesses are not to be wor!ed as part of the territory. .n other territories, businesses can be wor!ed along with the residences. .f you have never done business witnessing, start by trying a few smaller stores. = U+5 ) S-4'?5 A''*,)81H When witnessing from store to store, it is important to dress as you would for a meeting at the Jingdom Hall. .t is also good to choose a time when the store is not busy. .f possible, enter when there are no customers waiting to be served. As! to spea! to the manager or the person in charge. ,e brief and to the point. What might you sayB % When spea!ing with a store!eeper or manager, you might say something li!e this: ,usiness people have such full schedules that we rarely find them at home, so we are visiting you at your wor!place. Iur magaDines give a global perspective on current events." -hen feature one brief point from one magaDine. ' Ir you might try this simple approach: $any people would li!e to !now more about the ,ible but have very little time. -his tract e+plains a free study program that is available to help you find answers to your ,ible *uestions." -hen point out pages %A' of the tract "ould -ou <ike to #no! 2ore About the /ible5 ( .f the person in charge seems to be busy, you might /ust offer a tract and say: . will stop by again when you are not so busy. . would li!e to !now what you thin! of this tract." 8 C;?0-7)0-./ I.05*5+0 S1,".H ;ou may even be able to conduct a ,ible study in business territory. A special pioneer regularly delivered the magaDines to a businessman. When the man e+pressed appreciation for what he was reading, the pioneer demonstrated the ,ible study arrangement, using the 4eCuire brochure. A study was established right there at the man1s place of wor!. -a!ing into account the circumstances, the pioneer limited it to 46 or 4' minutes each time. $ay we, li!ewise, continue to search for deserving ones by witnessing in business territory. !!! E4 =%=$ '( & ')*+( 2-2$ P*5)81 015 G,,2 N5"+ E75*F"15*5 !!! &4 <,*E-./ F*,4 S0,*5 0, S0,*5H 9ome congregations have business districts as part of their assigned territory. -he brother caring for the territory may prepare special map cards of these heavily concentrated business sections. Any residential territory map cards that overlap them should clearly indicate that the businesses are not to be wor!ed as part of the territory. .n other territories, business places can be wor!ed along with the residences. -he elders may invite *ualified publishers to wor! the business territories on a regular basis so that storeAtoAstore wor! is not neglected. && .f you are invited to share in this wor! and you have never done it before, a good way to @muster up boldness1 is to wor! a few smaller stores first then, when you feel more confident, wor! the larger ones. >4 -hess. &:&? When wor!ing from store to store, dress as you would if you were attending a meeting at the Jingdom Hall. .f possible, enter the store when there are no customers waiting to be served. As! to spea! to the manager or to the person in charge. ,e warm, and above all, be brief. -here is no need to be apologetic. $any businesses are customerAoriented and have come to e+pect interruptions. &= ,fter greeting a storekeeper, you might say this: ,usinesspeople have such full schedules that we rarely find them at home, so we are visiting you here at your place of business to leave you a very thoughtA provo!ing article to read." -hen ma!e a comment or two about a magaDine being offered. &% Or you might try this !hen approaching a manager: We have noticed that businesspeople ma!e it a point to be wellAinformed. -he latest issue of The "atchto!er >or A!ake.? features an article that affects all of us personally." 3+plain what it is, and conclude by saying: We are sure you will en/oy reading it." &' .f there are employees, and it seems appropriate, you might add: Would you mind if . gave the same brief presentation to your employeesB" .f permission is granted, remember you have promised to be brief, and the manager will e+pect you to !eep your word. .f any employees wish to enter into a long discussion, it would be best to call on them at their home. &( 0ecently, a few publishers in a small town /oined the circuit overseer in storeAtoAstore wor!. 9ome of the publishers were apprehensive at first, having never done the wor! before but they soon rela+ed and began to en/oy it. .n less than an hour, they spo!e to =8 people and placed &% magaDines and % brochures. Ine brother observed that normally they would not be able to contact as many people in one month of houseAtoA house wor! as they did while wor!ing from store to store in that short time. !!! E4 %0 ''( >-$ A H5?' B,* T5?5'1,.5 <-0.5++-./ !!! While we properly give priority to the houseAtoAhouse method of preaching, telephone witnessing is an effective way to spread the good news in a congregation1s assigned territory, especially where there are many homes to which we cannot gain access.#Cu!e 46:'A8 Acts ':%& &6:&6. -his feature of the ministry can be encouraging to brothers and sisters who are limited in mobility and spend much of their time at home. Gublishers will en/oy an interchange of encouragement when they arrange to share in this form of witnessing with these faithful ones. >0om. 4:44, 4&? Also, during inclement weather, publishers may choose to participate in telephone witnessing. 2enerally spea!ing, groups should be !ept small so that all ma!e the best use of time. A helpful wor! sheet is provided on pages 'A( for use when witnessing by telephone. 9pace is provided to add presentations that are effective in your territory or that you feel more comfortable using. Feel free to photocopy the wor! sheet and write on the copy rather than on the original. ;ou may find it helpful to sit at a table and have the wor! sheet in front of you. What else will you need when witnessing by telephoneB 0eview this chec! list as you prepare. T Gersonal ,ible T 4easoning Arom the Scriptures T :ood e!s for 0eople of All ations T "hat Does the /ible 4eally Teach5 T )urrent magaDines and 6ur #ingdom 2inistry T Kariety of tracts and brochures T Handbills T HouseAtoAhouse records and pencil or pen SAVE TELEPHONE <ITNESSING <ORK SHEET KEEP THESE POINTS IN MINDH T 0ela+. ,e yourself. <emonstrate courteousness, patience, and friendliness. T 9pea! slowly, deliberately, and with sufficient volume. T 9mile and gesture as if the person can see you. T Avoid unnecessary pauses. T Allow the householder to share in the conversation, and than! him for his e+pressions. T .f you are as!ed a *uestion, repeat it out loud so that your partner can help you find the answer in the ,ible, 0easoning boo!, or another publication. >.t is usually better not to put the caller on a spea!erphone.? T <o not mention the donation arrangement, as this could be misinterpreted as a form of telephone solicitation. At an appropriate time after you have met the householder faceAtoAface, you may inform him that our wor! is supported entirely by voluntary donations. INTRODUCTIONS T Hello. $y name is . . . . am calling because . am not able to come and see you personally. . live here in the community. E;ou might give the name of your street or neighborhood.F .1m interested in your opinion regarding . . ." T Hello. $y name is . . . .1m helping people in the community with their ,ible *uestions as a public service. Have you ever wondered . . . B" T Hello. $y name is . . . .1m not a telemar!eter . am one of your neighbors from . . . 9treet. $any in the community are concerned about . . ." E$ention a current news item of local concern.F T E.nsert your own.F KT15. 8,.0-.;5 "-01 F,;* '*5+5.0)0-,.( Y,; 4)F *5)2 ) +;//5+0-,. B*,4 015 Reasoning :,,E@ Our 2ingdom 3inistry, ,* '*5')*5 F,;* ,".(L T E.nsert your own.F To offer a /ible study on the initial call: T Hello. $y name is . . . . am one of your neighbors from . . . 9treet. .1m calling because . give ,ible lessons free of charge and . have openings in my schedule. Here are some of the sub/ects that will be discussed from your ,ible. E0ead two or three of the chapter titles from the /ible Teach boo!.F Which of those interests you the mostB EAllow for response.F What . read to you are chapter titles from a boo! entitled "hat Does the /ible 4eally Teach5 . would be happy to come by and drop off a copy. -here is no charge for the boo!." .f the householder hesitates, you might say: T -hen perhaps . could call you again to discuss briefly what the ,ible really teaches on the sub/ect you are interested in. Are you usually home at this timeB" T E.nsert your own.F .f the householder says . . . <HOM DO YOU REPRESENTA T . am one of Jehovah1s Witnesses," and continue !ith your presentation& HO< DID YOU GET MY NUMBERA T From the directory," and continue !ith your presentation& I3M ON A DO-NOT-CALL LIST( T 9ince .1m not selling anything, . don1t have that list," and continue !ith your presentation& .f the householder re"uests that 4ehovah5s 'itnesses not call him again . . . T .1ll ma!e a note of that, and we will endeavor to honor your wishes," and discontinue your presentation& EA dated note with the name of the person should then be placed in the territory envelope.F .f you get an ans!ering machine . . . T .1m sorry that . didn1t find you at home. $y name is . . . . was calling to invite you to a ,ibleAbased discourse on the sub/ect ...... E<ay and time:F ...... EAddress:F ...... :o collections are ever ta!en." T $y name is . . . , and . am calling as a public service to help people get answers to their ,ible *uestions. . will call you again." T E.nsert your own.F CONCLUSIONSH T . have a publication that .1d li!e to share with you that gives more information on the sub/ect. . would be glad to come by and drop it off. -here is no charge." T . en/oyed tal!ing with you. Would it be possible for me >and my husbandOwife? to visit your home to discuss the sub/ect furtherB We could discuss the answer to this *uestion: ......" T . en/oyed our conversation. -he ne+t time . call, .1d li!e to discuss the ,ible1s answer to this *uestion: ...... .s this a good time to callB" T E.nsert your own.F .f the person is reluctant for you to visit, you might say: T .f you prefer, . would be happy to send the publication to you." T -hen perhaps . could call you again to continue our discussion. Are you usually home at this timeB" T . en/oyed our conversation. .1d li!e to invite you to a ,ibleAbased discourse on the sub/ect ...... E<ay and time:F ...... EAddress:F ...... :o collections are ever ta!en." T E.nsert your own.F !!! E4 #%=D ''( D-> T5?5'1,.5 <-0.5++-./CA <)F 0, R5)81 M).F !!! 4 3vidence abounds that we are now living in the last days." >& -im. =:4? Without a doubt the time left for Jingdom preaching and disciple ma!ing is reduced. 3ach of us, therefore, should act with urgency to help others become approved worshipers of Jehovah 2od. & -he apostle Gaul felt his responsibility to ma!e public declaration of his faith. >0om. 46:46? He !new that 2od1s will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate !nowledge of truth." >4 -im. &:%? ,ased on his !nowledge of truth, Gaul considered himself to be a debtor to all. -his increased his sense of urgency in declaring the good news. He said: -here is eagerness on my part to declare the good news . . . For . am not ashamed of the good news it is, in fact, 2od1s power for salvation to everyone having faith."# 0om. 4:4%A48. = <o we personally feel this same indebtedness and manifest a similar eagerness to reach everyone in our territoryB While we prefer sharing the good news with others faceAtoAface, as in doorAtoAdoor and street witnessing, why limit our activity to thisB .t is possible that many individuals in our congregation territory have never spo!en with one of Jehovah1s Witnesses. How can this beB % U.",*E52 T5**-0,*FH <oes your territory have highArise apartments guarded by doormenB Gerhaps there are highAsecurity apartment comple+es that are offAlimits to doorAtoAdoor visitation. Has the congregation been denied entry to preach the good news in a military base or a private subdivision located in the territoryB Kery li!ely some individuals living in such places have never heard about the blessings of 2od1s Jingdom. Are there people who are never found at homeB ' We need not despair of reaching these people because they are difficult to contact. How does Jehovah view the situationB -he apostle Geter writes: Jehovah . . . does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. . . . Furthermore, consider the patience of our Cord as salvation." >& Get. =:5, 4'? Cives are involved, and Jehovah is interested in each one. >$att. 47:4%? How can we show the !ind of compassion and mercy that Jehovah displays for these individualsB ,y seeing that everyone in our territory receives a witness.#Acts &6:&6, &4 0ev. 4%:(, 8. ( O*/).-J52 B,* T1,*,;/1 A80-7-0FH .n the past the 9ociety has encouraged those who are confined to their homes, either temporarily or permanently because of illness or physical disability, to ma!e good use of the telephone. -hose who find themselves in such a situation should continue this fine wor!. Also, reports have been received that a number of brothers and sisters, including regular and au+iliary pioneers, have used telephone witnessing as an ad/unct to their usual doorAtoAdoor ministry. 8 9ome congregations have made a concerted effort to arrange for telephone witnessing. When elders ta!e the lead in organiDing the territories and providing support either personally or through other publishers, greater success is reported. -he service overseer is responsible for supervising this activity. However, any *ualified elder or responsible ministerial servant may be selected by the body of elders to wor! closely with the service overseer in organiDing the wor!. 7 Gublishers who have overcome their initial reluctance and have gained e+perience in telephone witnessing have found it to be a productive field. At the outset, perhaps only a few publishers and pioneers will ma!e these calls. After they become familiar and comfortable with this type of witnessing, their enthusiasm and encouraging e+periences may move others to learn how to share in this interesting aspect of the preaching wor!. 5 <15*5 0, B5/-.H .t may be possible to get names of residents from the directory in the lobby of an apartment building. -hen the telephone numbers may be loo!ed up in the telephone directory. A city directory in the local library may list the names of occupants of every home and apartment in the community. .n some communities a special boo! that lists telephone numbers by street locations is available. Ghotocopies of pages from the latest edition could serve as territories. -he siDe of these territories should be !ept relatively small. 46 .n all forms of witnessing activity, it is most beneficial to !eep accurate records. -his is also true for telephone witnessing. )arefully note helpful information on a houseAtoAhouse record, such as the sub/ect discussed, the interests of the householder, and the sub/ect that will be discussed on the ne+t call. .ndicate whether another telephone call should be made at a later date or a personal visit has been arranged. 44 P5*+,.)? S8152;?5 N55252H A regular routine will help build your confidence and ward off apprehension. .t is best to call when people are more li!ely to be home, such as in the evening and on the wee!ends. 9chedule a regular time each wee! to ma!e these calls. 9ome have found the hour before the )ongregation ,oo! 9tudy to be a productive time. Find out what wor!s best in your area. 4& H," 0, P*5')*5H -al! with others who en/oy this privilege of service and get ideas. Always be positive. Coo! to Jehovah as your source of power and strength, and see! his direction through prayer. >Gs. &8:4% Ghil. %:4=? Glan to put your whole heart into this activity, /ust as in other forms of witnessing.#)ompare $ar! 4&:==. 4= 3+perience has proved that sitting at a des! or a table can be helpful. 9itting in an upright chair promotes clear thin!ing and concentration. Cay out all the witnessing materials that you may use#tracts, the literature currently being featured, the latest magaDines or some interesting older copies, the ,ible, the 4easoning boo!, an invitation to the meetings with specific meeting times and Jingdom Hall address listed, a pen or a pencil, and houseAtoAhouse records. Have your literature readily available, perhaps even open to a particular article. -horoughly rehearse your presentation. Jeep in mind that the purpose of your call is to give a witness and to arrange a visit with the individual as soon as possible. 4% M)E-./ 015 A80;)? C)??H 0ela+. ,e yourself. A warm, pleasing voice is needed for effective telephone witnessing. -he smile on your face will be reflected in your tone of voice. 9pea! slowly and clearly, using sufficient volume. ,e courteous, patient, and friendly. <o not fear re/ection. Accept the fact that people may not be interested in your message. Kiew it the same as you would in your regular doorAtoAdoor ministry. 4' .n your introduction, state your full name. .t is best not to say that you are phoning all the people in a particular building or comple+, as this may result in raising barriers. 4( $any introductions from the 4easoning boo! may be read word for word in a conversational manner. For e+ample, you might introduce yourself this way: Hello, my name is XXXXXXXX. . am calling you because . am unable to come and see you personally." -hen, without pausing, say: . am interested in getting your view on whether the *uality of life will ever improve. $ost of us are glad to be alive, but many wonder, @.s a genuinely happy life possibleB1 How do you feel about thatB EAllow time for answer.F What would you say is one of the biggest obstacles to happiness todayB" Ir after introducing yourself as above, you could say: . am involved in an international volunteer wor!, and . would li!e your thoughts on the meaning of life. As we get up in years, we realiDe that life is very short. .s this all that life is meant to beB How do you feel about itB" >9ee 4easoning boo!, page 4=, subheading CifeOHappiness."? A review of the suggestions in 6ur #ingdom 2inistry of July 4556, page %, with regard to using introductions and avoiding ob/ections faced in telephone witnessing will provide further helpful information. 48 Nse the ,ible early in the discussion. At some point in the conversation, when it seems appropriate to do so, mention that you are one of Jehovah1s Witnesses. Allow the householder to share in the conversation. <o not be afraid to listen if the person wants to share what he thin!s. -han! him for his e+pressions and observations. ,e ready to commend. However, if the individual begins to dominate the conversation or argue, tactfully terminate the call. Cet 2od1s spirit direct your efforts and help you search for those whose hearts are right toward him. 47 .t is better for you to bring the conversation to a close than to leave it to the householder to do so. ;ou can conclude simply by inviting the person to the public tal! at the Jingdom Hall, giving the address and meeting times. ;ou may also as! if a visit may be made to his home to spea! with him further on the sub/ect discussed. .t may even be possible to present literature effectively over the telephone. $agaDines may be offered with the goal of starting a magaDine route. 45 S1)*5 -. 015 J,F ,B T5?5'1,.5 <-0.5++-./H Will all the calls become ,ible studiesB :o, but some will. For e+ample, one sister made over =66 calls in one month. After introducing herself, she e+plained why she was telephoning rather than visiting each householder. 9he then gave a short presentation. -his resulted in 4& good calls. 9he is still contacting three interested persons by telephone, and four others agreed that she could visit them at their homes. Ine individual accepted the <i%e Aore%er boo! and is now being visited regularly. &6 Jesus )hrist commanded his disciples to push the witnessing wor! to the most distant part of the earth." >Acts 4:7? .n some areas, carrying out this command means witnessing by telephone. After reviewing the above material, as! yourself: @)an . do more in my congregation territory to preach the good news to all sorts of men," including those who are living in areas never before reachedB1 ,rothers who have followed these suggestions have been greatly encouraged by the results. -hey have found telephone witnessing to be an e+ceptional way to @glorify their ministry.1 >0om. 44:4=? $ay you e+perience this same /oy through telephone witnessing. DAY D !!! "=# $%& ''( 22-2D J5+;+CT15 R;?5* <1,+5 O*-/-. I+ F*,4 E)*?F T-45+ !!! John1s words draw attention to another privilege that 2od1s 9on en/oyed, namely, being a spo!esman. From the beginning, he served as the Word. -hus, when Jehovah spo!e to Adam, and later when he addressed Adam together with 3ve, he li!ely did so through the Word. And who better to convey 2od1s instructions for man!ind1s welfare than one who had a fondness for themB#John 4:4, &. How it must have pained the Word to see 3ve and then Adam disobey their )reatorL And how he must have yearned to remedy the ills their disobedience brought on their offspringL >2enesis &:4'A48 =:(, 7 0omans ':4&? Addressing 9atan, who had encouraged 3ve to rebel, Jehovah declared: . shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed." >2enesis =:4'? Having witnessed what happened in 3den, the Word realiDed that as the primary part of the woman1s seed," he would become the target of vicious hatred. He !new that 9atan was a manslayer.#John 7:%%. When 9atan later *uestioned faithful Job1s integrity, the Word must have felt outrage at the slanderous accusations leveled against his Father. >Job 4:(A46 &:4A%? .ndeed, in his role as archangel, the Word is !nown as $ichael, whose name means Who .s Ci!e 2odB" and indicates how he champions Jehovah against all who aspire to usurp 2od1s sovereignty.#<aniel 4&:4 0evelation 4&:8A46. As the history of .srael unfurled, the Word observed 9atan1s attempts to turn humans away from pure worship. Following the 3+odus from 3gypt, 2od told .srael through $oses: Here . am sending an angel ahead of you to !eep you on the road and to bring you into the place that . have prepared. Watch yourself because of him and obey his voice. <o not behave rebelliously against him, for he will not pardon your transgression because my name is within him." >3+odus &=:&6, &4? Who was this angelB Ci!ely, the prehuman Jesus !!! "=9 0%& ''( 2#-D0 D-+85*.-./ 015 P*-.8-'?5 R5B?580+ M)0;*-0F !!! ,A< associations spoil useful habits. ;ou reap what you sow. >4 )orinthians 4':== 2alatians (:8? 3ither physically or spiritually, each statement is an e+ample of a fundamental truth#a principle#and each one provides a basis for laws. Caws, though, may come and go, and they tend to be specific. Grinciples, on the other hand, are broad, and they can last forever. -hus, 2od1s Word encourages us to thin! in terms of principles wherever possible. "ebster)s Third e! 3nternational Dictionary defines a principle as a general or fundamental truth: a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption on which others are based or from which others are derived." For e+ample, to a child one might give the la!, ;ou must not touch the stove." ,ut to an adult the statement, -he stove is hot" would suffice. :otice that the latter is a more fundamental statement. ,ecause it governs what one may do#perhaps coo!, ba!e, or turn the stove off#it becomes in a sense a principle. Cife1s !ey principles, of course, are spiritual they govern our worship of 2od and our happiness. 9ome, though, retreat from the effort re*uired to reason on principles. -hey prefer the comfort of a rule when faced with a decision. -his is unwise and contrasts with the e+ample set by faithful men of old in ,ible times.# 0omans 4':%. M5. ,B G,2?F P*-.8-'?5 Among imperfect men, Abel could be called the very first man of godly principle. He li!ely gave much thought to the promise about the seed" and perceived that redemption from sin would involve a blood sacrifice. >2enesis =:4'? He thus offered 2od some firstlings of his floc!." -he phrase even their fatty pieces" shows that Abel gave Jehovah his very best. ;et, it would be over two thousand years after Abel1s death that 2od would first spell out detailed re*uirements regarding sacrifices. .n contrast with the 2odA fearing man of principle Abel, his brother )ain went through the motions of sacrificing to 2od. ,ut his attitude left much to be desired, something about his offering indicating a heart lac!ing in principle.#2enesis %:=A'. :oah too was a man of godly principle. While the ,ible record shows that 2od specifically commanded him to build an ar!, we read of no command for him to preach to others. 9till, :oah is called a preacher of righteousness." >& Geter &:'? 3ven though 2od li!ely directed that :oah preach, no doubt his sense of principle and his love of neighbor also moved him to do so. 9ince we live in times li!e :oah1s, let us imitate his fine attitude and e+ample. Nnli!e the clergy of his day, Jesus taught the people to thin! in terms of principles. His 9ermon on the $ount is an e+ample. .ts whole tenor is an appeal to principle. >$atthew, chapters 'A8? Jesus taught this way because, li!e Abel and :oah before him, he truly !new 2od. 3ven as a lad, he revered the fundamental truth: :ot by bread alone . . . but by every e+pression of Jehovah1s mouth does man live." ><euteronomy 7:= Cu!e &:%4A%8? ;es, the !ey to being a person of godly principle is really to !now Jehovah, his li!es, his disli!es, and his purposes. When these fundamentals about 2od govern our lives, they become, in effect, living principles.#Jeremiah &&:4( Hebrews %:4&. P*-.8-'?5+ ).2 015 H5)*0 .t is possible to obey a law only reluctantly, perhaps out of fear of a penalty for disobedience. )ompliance with a principle, however, precludes such an attitude, for it is in the very nature of principles that to be governed by them is to respond from the heart. )onsider Joseph who, li!e Abel and :oah, lived before the establishment of the $osaic Caw covenant. When Gotiphar1s wife tried to seduce him, Joseph responded: How could . commit this great badness and actually sin against 2odB" ;es, Joseph !new the principle that husband and wife are one flesh."#2enesis &:&% =5:5. -oday the world is void of righteous principles. .t feeds li!e a glutton on violence and immorality. -he danger is that a )hristian might be tempted to nibble, perhaps secretly, on the same /un! food#the movies, videos, or boo!s. How commendable, then, when we li!e Joseph re/ect bad on principle, remembering that 2od will preserve only the loyal ones through the coming great tribulation." >$atthew &%:&4? ;es, it is primarily what we are in private, not in public, that reveals what we truly are within.#Gsalm 44:% Groverbs 4':=. .t follows that if we are guided by ,ible principles, we will not loo! for supposed loopholes in 2od1s laws nor will we try to see how far we can go without actually brea!ing a certain law. 9uch thin!ing is selfA defeating it hurts us in the end. L,,E B51-.2 015 L)" If course, laws play a vital role in a )hristian1s life. -hey are li!e sentinels that help to protect us, and at their core are many important principles. A failure to perceive these principles may cool our love for the related laws. -he ancient nation of .srael demonstrated this. 2od gave .srael the -en )ommandments, the first of which forbade the worship of any god other than Jehovah. -hat Jehovah created all things is a fundamental truth behind this law. >3+odus &6:=A'? ,ut did the nation live by this principleB Jehovah himself answers: @;ou are our father1 Esaid the .sraelitesF to a bloc! of wood and Ethey criedF @$other1 to a stone. ,ut on me EJehovahF they have turned their bac!s and averted their faces from me." >Jeremiah &:&8, The e! English /ible? What callous and unprincipled follyL And how it hurt Jehovah1s heartL#Gsalm 87:%6, %4 .saiah (=:5, 46. )hristians too have laws from 2od. For e+ample, they are to avoid idolatry, se+ual immorality, and the misuse of blood. >Acts 4':&7, &5? When you thin! about it, we can see underlying principles, such as: 2od merits our e+clusive devotion we are to be faithful to our mate and Jehovah is our CifeA2iver. >2enesis &:&% 3+odus &6:' Gsalm =(:5? .f we both perceive and deeply appreciate the principles behind these directives, we see that they are for our own good. >.saiah %7:48? -o us, 2od1s commandments are not burdensome."# 4 John ':=. While the .sraelites at one time ignored 2od1s commandments, by Jesus1 time their doctors of the law," the scribes, had gone to the other e+treme. -hey had formulated a mountain of rules and traditions that obstructed pure worship and buried godly principles. >$atthew &=:&, E/? Geople felt resigned to failure, hopelessness, or hypocrisy. >$atthew 4':=A5? And many of the manAmade rules were inhumane. When about to cure a man with a withered hand, Jesus as!ed the Gharisees present: .s it lawful on the sabbath to do a good deedB" -heir silence shouted no, ma!ing Jesus feel thoroughly grieved at the insensibility of their hearts." >$ar! =:4A(? -he Gharisees might come to the aid of a stranded or in/ured domestic animal >a financial investment? on the 9abbath but never to a man or a woman#not unless it was a matter of life and death. .ndeed, they were so obsessed with human rules and technicalities that li!e ants scurrying about on a painting, they failed to see the whole picture#the divine principles.#$atthew &=:&=, &%. 3ven young ones, however, when their hearts are sincere, can bring honor to Jehovah by their appreciation for ,ible principles. -hirteenAyearAold 0ebecca1s teacher as!ed the class who would gamble. $ost said they would not. ;et, when various situations were mentioned, all e+cept 0ebecca conceded that they would gamble in one way or another. -he teacher as!ed 0ebecca if she would buy a &6Acent raffle tic!et for a worthy cause. 0ebecca said no and gave the 9criptural reasons why doing so would be a form of gambling. Her teacher then said to the whole class: @.n my opinion, 0ebecca is the only one here who has what . call principles" in the true sense of the word.1 ;es, 0ebecca could simply have replied, .t is against my religion," but she thought more deeply than that she could answer why gambling is wrong and why she refused to ta!e part in it. 3+amples li!e Abel, :oah, Joseph, and Jesus show us how we benefit by using our thin!ing ability" and our power of reason" in worshiping 2od. >Groverbs &:44 0omans 4&:4? )hristian elders do well to imitate Jesus as they shepherd the floc! of 2od in EtheirF care." >4 Geter ':&? As Jesus well e+emplified, lovers of godly principles are the ones who thrive under Jehovah1s sovereignty.#.saiah (':4%. !!! "=9 0%& ''( 2#-2= D-+85*.-./ 015 P*-.8-'?5 R5B?580+ M)0;*-0F !!! M5. ,B G,2?F P*-.8-'?5 Among imperfect men, Abel could be called the very first man of godly principle. He li!ely gave much thought to the promise about the seed" and perceived that redemption from sin would involve a blood sacrifice. >2enesis =:4'? He thus offered 2od some firstlings of his floc!." -he phrase even their fatty pieces" shows that Abel gave Jehovah his very best. ;et, it would be over two thousand years after Abel1s death that 2od would first spell out detailed re*uirements regarding sacrifices. .n contrast with the 2odA fearing man of principle Abel, his brother )ain went through the motions of sacrificing to 2od. ,ut his attitude left much to be desired, something about his offering indicating a heart lac!ing in principle.#2enesis %:=A'. :oah too was a man of godly principle. While the ,ible record shows that 2od specifically commanded him to build an ar!, we read of no command for him to preach to others. 9till, :oah is called a preacher of righteousness." >& Geter &:'? 3ven though 2od li!ely directed that :oah preach, no doubt his sense of principle and his love of neighbor also moved him to do so. 9ince we live in times li!e :oah1s, let us imitate his fine attitude and e+ample. Nnli!e the clergy of his day, Jesus taught the people to thin! in terms of principles. His 9ermon on the $ount is an e+ample. .ts whole tenor is an appeal to principle. >$atthew, chapters 'A8? Jesus taught this way because, li!e Abel and :oah before him, he truly !new 2od. 3ven as a lad, he revered the fundamental truth: :ot by bread alone . . . but by every e+pression of Jehovah1s mouth does man live." ><euteronomy 7:= Cu!e &:%4A%8? ;es, the !ey to being a person of godly principle is really to !now Jehovah, his li!es, his disli!es, and his purposes. When these fundamentals about 2od govern our lives, they become, in effect, !!! E4 9%0# '( > P*5')*)0-,.CA K5F 0, EBB580-75 R50;*. V-+-0+ !!! 4 Jesus thoroughly prepared his disciples to be effective preachers of the good news of the !ingdom." >$att. %:&= 5:='? -he training too! place in the confined area of Galestine. However, before ascending to heaven, Jesus made it !nown that the )hristian ministry would be widely e+panded so as to ma!e disciples of people of all the nations."#$att. &7:45, &6. & -hat wor! would involve calling bac! on individuals who manifested interest in the good news of 2od1s Jingdom and teaching them to observe all the things that )hrist commanded. -o ma!e such effective return visits, we need to be well prepared. = P?). A15)2H 9ome publishers endeavor to raise a *uestion at the end of the initial call and then promise to return and discuss the answer. -hey have found that ma!ing reference to information in the /ible Teach boo! on the return visit has helped them lead right into a ,ible study. % Having /ust one set of magaDines for each month does not mean that we should wait until we receive the ne+t month1s issues before calling bac!. .t may be possible to stimulate interest by discussing information featured in the magaDine the person already has. ' H)75 ). O:6580-75H ,efore going bac!, ta!e a few minutes to review your records and to determine what you want to accomplish. For e+ample, discuss a point from the publication you left previously. Ir leave additional literature that relates to a prior conversation. .f you raised a *uestion the last time, your ob/ective will surely include answering that *uestion. When highlighting a scripture that establishes a point being made, endeavor to read directly from the ,ible. ( O;* G,)?H If course, our goal is to start a ,ible study. Ine brother offered a ,ible study on a return visit, but the man refused. -he brother returned with the latest magaDines and said, While we are here, we are answering one ,ible *uestion for people today." After obtaining the man1s comments, the brother read a scripture and an applicable paragraph from a publication used for ,ible studies. -hat led to a regular ,ible study. 8 -a!ing the time to prepare for return visits is well worth the effort. Iur /oy will be increased, and we may have the privilege of assisting a rightly disposed" one on the road to life.#Acts 4=:%7. !!! E4 >%=# ''( D-> ')*+( $-# <).052CM,*5 B-:?5 S0;2-5+ !!! ( I4'*,75 P5*+,.)? O*/).-J)0-,.H )onsidering the number of magaDines, brochures, and boo!s placed, there is no doubt that a great amount of seed is being scattered. -hese seeds of truth that have been sown hold tremendous potential for producing new disciples. ,ut would a farmer or a gardener be truly satisfied if he continually planted and, after all his efforts, never too! the time to reapB Hardly. Ci!ewise, a followAup ministry is necessary. 8 <o you regularly schedule time to ma!e return visitsB )all bac! promptly on all interest found. $a!e return visits with the ob/ective of starting a ,ible study. <o you !eep a neat, upAtoAdate, and wellAorganiDed record of your return visitsB Along with the name and address of the householder, be sure to record the date of the initial call, any placements, a brief description of what was discussed, and a point that can be developed on the ne+t call. Ceave space on your record for additional information to be added after each return visit. 7 A.)?FJ5 H," 0, M)E5 ) R50;*. V-+-0H What are some points to have in mind when ma!ing a return visit on an interested personB >4? ,e warm, friendly, enthusiastic, and informal. >&? <iscuss sub/ects or *uestions that interest him. >=? Jeep the discussion simple and 9criptural. >%? In each visit, endeavor to teach the householder something that he will recogniDe as being of personal value to him. >'? ,uild up anticipation for the sub/ect to be discussed on the ne+t visit. >(? <o not stay too long. >8? <o not as! *uestions that embarrass the householder or put him on the spot. >7? Nse discernment so as not to condemn wrong views or bad habits of the householder before spiritual appreciation has been cultivated.#9ee the $arch 4558 6ur #ingdom 2inistry insert for additional help on how to be successful in ma!ing return visits and starting ,ible studies !!! E4 D%=9 '( D M;+05* U' B,?2.5++ 0, M)E5 R50;*. V-+-0+ !!! 4 <o you en/oy ma!ing return visitsB $any publishers do. ;ou may have been apprehensive at first, especially when calling bac! on householders who showed only limited interest when they were initially contacted. ,ut as you @muster up boldness by means of our 2od to spea! the good news1 in ma!ing return visits, you may be surprised to find how easy and rewarding this wor! can be. >4 -hess. &:&? How soB & For one thing, there is an important difference between a return visit and the initial call. -he return visit is being made on an ac*uaintance, not on a stranger, and it is generally easier to converse with an ac*uaintance than with a stranger. As for the rich rewards that result from sharing in this wor!, return visits may lead to productive home ,ible studies. = When we wor! from house to house, we call repeatedly on people who were not interested when we previously visited them. Why, then, do we !eep callingB We realiDe that people1s circumstances change and that an individual who seemed indifferent or even opposed on a previous visit may be interested the ne+t time we call. With that in mind, we prepare well and pray for Jehovah1s blessing so that something we say this time will stri!e a responsive chord. % .f, in our houseAtoAhouse wor!, we willingly preach to people who previously showed no interest at all, should we not all the more willingly call bac! on anyone who shows some interest in the Jingdom messageB #Acts 46:=%, ='. ' $any of us are in the truth today because a publisher patiently made return visits on us. .f you are one of these, you may as! yourself: @What initial impression did . ma!e on that publisherB <id . immediately embrace the Jingdom message when . first heard itB )ould . have seemed indifferentB1 We should be happy that the publisher who called bac! /udged us worthy of a return visit, @mustered up boldness by means of 2od,1 made the call, and proceeded to teach us the truth. What of those individuals who show some interest at first but later seem to be avoiding usB A positive attitude is vital, as the following e+perience bears out. ( While engaging in street witnessing early one morning, two publishers met a young lady pushing a child in a stroller. -he woman accepted a magaDine and invited the sisters to come to her home the following 9unday. -hey arrived at the appointed time, but the householder told them she had no time to tal!. 9he did promise, however, to be available the following wee!. -he sisters were doubtful that she would !eep the appointment, but the lady was waiting for them when they returned. A study was started, and the woman1s progress was amaDing. Within a short time, she began attending meetings regularly and sharing in field service. 9he is now baptiDed. 8 L)F G*,;.2",*E ,. 015 I.-0-)? C)??H -he groundwor! for a successful return visit is often laid on the initial call. Cisten carefully to the householder1s comments. What do they tell youB .s he religiously inclinedB .s he concerned about social issuesB .s he interested in scienceB historyB the environmentB At the conclusion of the call, you may raise a thoughtAprovo!ing *uestion and promise to discuss the ,ible1s answer when you return. 7 For e+ample, if the householder responds to the ,ible1s promise of a paradise earth, a further discussion of the topic may be in order. Just before you leave, you might as!: How can we be sure that 2od will fulfill this promiseB" -hen add: Gerhaps . can stop by when the rest of the family is at home, and then . can show you the ,ible1s answer to this *uestion." 5 .f the householder has not shown interest in any particular sub/ect, you could raise one of the *uestions that are featured in the presentations on the bac! page of 6ur #ingdom 2inistry and use that as the basis for your ne+t discussion !!! E4 >%00 '( # M)E5 S;*5 T1)0 Y,; G, B)8EN !!! 4 What a good conversationL .1ll have to remember to ma!e a return visit there." Have you ever said those words and later forgotten where the person livesB .f so, you !now that the only way you can ma!e sure that you go bac! is to put it in writing. & <*-05 I0 A?? D,".H While a conversation with an interested person is still fresh in your mind, ta!e a moment to write down all the pertinent information about the call. :ote the person1s name and how you will recogniDe him. Gut down his address, but do not guess at it#chec! to be sure that what you write is correct. :ote the sub/ect you tal!ed about, any scriptures that you read, and what literature was placed. = .f you left the person with a *uestion to be answered on the ne+t call, write it down. <id you learn something about the person, his family, or his religionB .f so, ma!e a notation of this. -hen the ne+t time you call, your ma!ing mention of it will demonstrate your personal interest in the individual. Finally, include the day and time that you made the initial call and when you said you would return. ,y ma!ing good notes, you will have clear reminders and will be less li!ely to forget your promise to return.#4 -im. 4:4&. % Ince your record is complete, put it with the rest of your field service e*uipment#boo! bag, ,ible, 4easoning boo!, and literature#so that it will always be handy. .t is best to record notAatAhomes on houseA toAhouse records that are separate from those that you use to ma!e note of your return visits. If course, regardless of the wor! you put into !eeping trac! of return visits, the important thing is to ma!e sure that you go bac!L !!! E4 2%0$ '( ')*( 2 C)?? B)8E ,. A?? <1, S1," ) M5)+;*5 ,B I.05*5+0 !!! & D-+85*. I.05*5+0H 3ven if an individual does not accept literature, his facial e+pression, tone of voice, or choice of words may reveal a measure of appreciation for the Jingdom message. In that basis we may ma!e a return visit. Ine brother made calls on an individual for five consecutive wee!s without placing literature. In the si+th visit, the person accepted literature, and eventually a ,ible study was started !!! E4 % '( ')*( > S552+ M;+0 B5 <)05*52 -. O*25* 0, G*," !!! P5*+575*5H 9atan will not rest in his efforts to @ta!e away the word1 planted in a person1s heart. >$ar! %:4%, 4'? -herefore, do not give up if you have difficulty finding the interested person at home again. )ould you send a letter or leave a note in the doorB Ine pioneer started a doorstep study with a woman but was unable to find her at home again, so she sent a letter. When the sister eventually found her at home, the woman e+pressed how deeply touched she was by the personal interest shown to her. As we water seeds of truth, we can e+perience the /oy that comes from seeing them sprout, grow to maturity, and bear fruit thirtyfold and si+ty and a hundred."#$ar! %:&6 !!! E4 2%D '( H," 0, P*5')*5 EBB580-75 I.0*,2;80-,.+ !!! 4 Just as a flavorful appetiDer builds anticipation for the meal that follows, a good introduction opens the door to a positive 9criptural discussion. 3ffective introductions may vary in their length and content, but /ust li!e tasty food, they always re*uire advance thought and preparation. >Grov. 4':&7? What ma!es an introduction effectiveB & C1,,+5 T,'-8+ ,B I.05*5+0H Iur introduction must arouse interest, or the householder may end the conversation. 9o when preparing, thin! about local interests. Are people in the community interested in good government, happy family life, or an end to warB Geople generally li!e to give their opinion, so prepare a thoughtAprovo!ing viewpoint *uestion. )ould you use one of the sample introductions from 6ur #ingdom 2inistry and adapt it to your territoryB Why not occasionally practice some introductions during your Family Worship eveningB = C,.+-25* C;?0;*5 ).2 B)8E/*,;.2H .n some places, we are e+pected to state the reason for our visit right away. .n other places, it is considered impolite if a visitor does not first in*uire about the welfare of the householder and perhaps share some personal information. .n some areas, the religious bac!ground of people allows us to refer freely to the ,ible in our introduction. >Acts &:4%A48? However, where people belong to a nonA)hristian religion, or to no religion at all, it may be better to mention the ,ible on a return visit, rather than at the outset.#Acts 48:&&A=4. % T15 O'5.-./ <,*2+H Grepare your opening words carefully. 9hort, simple sentences are usually best. -he way we deliver our opening words is also vital. ,e enthusiastic. Have a sincere, friendly smile that reflects personal interest in the householder. Following these suggestions will help us to prepare appetiDing introductions that will encourage people in our territory to feed at the table of Jehovah."#4 )or. 46:&4. !!! E4 %=2 '( # <1)0 <-?? Y,; S)F <15. Y,; R50;*.A !!! 4 -o be effective in our ministry re*uires preparation so that when we call bac! on those who initially showed interest, we will be able to re!indle their interest and continue our conversation. How might we do thisB & 9ince true )hristians are sincerely interested in others, you might first refer to something you learned about the householder on the previous visit. To a person !ho revealed his concern about crime, you could say: T -he last time we spo!e you said you were troubled by the noticeable increase of lawlessness. <o you thin! that hiring more policemen would solve the problemB" .f a person e$pressed an$iety over recent developments in the !orld situation, you could say: T -he last time we spo!e together you made an interesting point about the lac! of peace in the world. <o you thin! that world leaders will bring in a new world orderB" To a person !ho is disturbed by the selfishness of others, you could say: T -he last time we spo!e you made an e+cellent point concerning the greediness we see in people in general. What do you thin! 2od1s view is of greedy peopleB EAllow response.F -his is what the ,ible says at 3phesians ':'." = Other e$pressions that have been used effectively include: T . en/oyed our last conversation very much, so . researched this brief thought to show you how Jehovah recogniDes the plight of the homeless. :ote .saiah (':&4A&=." T . en/oyed your comment that man!ind needs better government." T ;ou as!ed an interesting *uestion on whether all religion meets with 2od1s approval." T ;ou really got me thin!ing on what you said about predestination." T .1ve been thin!ing about our conversation, and there1s a point in the boo! The :reatest 2an "ho E%er <i%ed that . thin! you will en/oy. E$ay show householder selected points in boo!.F" .ntroductions li!e these show that we appreciated our previous conversation and that we are interested in spea!ing with the householder again. % ,efore you ma!e the return visit, give thought to what you will say. -ailor your presentation to each person. ' .f the person !e are visiting is busy, !e can still be effective by saying: T . !now you have only a few minutes, but here is something you can thin! about while you are finishing your wor!. E0ead $atthew ':=.F" O* F,; 8,;?2 +)FH T . wrote these three scriptures down for you. 9ince it is not a good time to tal!, let me leave them, and when . come bac!, . would li!e to ta!e five minutes to discuss them with you." ( N5/)0-75 A''*,)815+ 0, A7,-2H Huestions that might bring a negative response or that might put the householder in an aw!ward position usually do not produce good results. -hese include: <id you read the material . left youB" <o you have any *uestionsB" <o you remember meB" . called to as! if you are still interested in tal!ing about 2od1s purposes for this earth." 8 We will be eager to call on individuals who previously manifested interest if we prepare ahead of time to give them assistance that is truly meaningful. !!! E4 =%=$ '( B5 ). EG)4'?5 -. S'5)E-./ ).2 -. C,.2;80 !!! 4 -he apostle Gaul e+horted -imothy to become an e+ample in spea!ing and in conduct. >4 -im. %:4&? We also should display e+emplary speech and conduct, especially when engaging in the ministry, for doing so may determine whether or not we reach the heart of those we meet. & We need to display all aspects of good manners, including courtesy, consideration, !indness, politeness, and tact. ,y reflecting these *ualities, we show that we are aware of how our actions affect the feelings of others. 2ood manners in the ministry may be compared to seasonings, which are used to enhance the flavor of food. Without them, wholesome food can taste bland and unappetiDing. -he failure to display good manners in our dealings with others can have a similar effect.#)ol. %:(. = B5 ). EG)4'?5 -. S'5)E-./H A friendly smile and a warm greeting are vital elements of our presentation of the good news. When we flavor our introduction with warmth and sincerity, we let the householder !now that we are genuinely interested in him. When he spea!s, listen carefully and show due respect for his opinion. When you spea!, do so with tact and graciousness.#)ompare Acts (:7. % Iccasionally we meet an individual who may be unfriendly, even belligerent. How should we reactB Geter urged us to spea! in a way that displays a mild temper and deep respect." >4 Get. =:4' 0om. 4&:48, 47? Jesus said that if a householder rudely re/ects the Jingdom message, we should simply @sha!e the dust off our feet.1 >$att. 46:4%? Iur displaying e+emplary manners under such circumstances may eventually soften the heart of the opposer. ' B5 ). EG)4'?5 -. C,.2;80H Greaching the good news on busy streets and in public places re*uires that we be considerate, never loud or insistent, and that we do not interfere with the flow of passersby. When in the homes of interested persons, we ought to maintain proper decorum and conduct ourselves as gracious guests, showing appreciation for their hospitality. Any children who accompany us must show respect for the householder and his property and should be mannerly and attentive when we are conversing. .f children are unruly, this will leave an unfavorable impression.#Grov. &5:4'. ( Iur personal appearance should ma!e it obvious to others that we are ministers of 2od1s Word. .n our dress and grooming, we should be neither slovenly and un!empt nor flashy and e+travagant. Iur appearance should always be worthy of the good news. >)ompare Ghilippians 4:&8.? ,y giving careful attention to our appearance and e*uipment, we will not give others a cause for stumbling or for finding fault with our ministry. >& )or. (:=, %? Iur e+emplary speech and conduct add an appealing *uality to the Jingdom message, bringing honor to Jehovah.#4 Get. &:4&. DAY & !!! E4 #%0> '( P)*0 2CC,.2;80-./ P*,/*5++-75 B-:?5 S0;2-5+ !!! P*5')*-./ 0, C,.2;80 015 S0;2F 4 -eaching effectively on a ,ible study involves more than /ust discussing the material and loo!ing up the cited scriptures. We need to present the information in a way that touches the student1s heart. -his re*uires thorough preparation with the student in mind.#Grov. 4':&7. & H," 0, P*5')*5H ,egin by praying to Jehovah about the person and his needs. As! Jehovah to help you reach the student1s heart. >)ol. 4:5, 46? -o get the theme clearly in mind, ta!e a moment to consider the title of the chapter or lesson, the subheadings, and any visual aids. As! yourself, @What is the thrust of the materialB1 -his will help you to focus on the main points as you conduct the study. = )arefully review the material paragraph by paragraph. .dentify the answers to the printed *uestions, mar!ing only the !ey words and phrases. AnalyDe how the cited scriptures relate to the main point of the paragraph, and decide which ones to read during the study. ;ou may find it helpful to ma!e brief notes in the margin of the publication. -he student should clearly see that what he is learning is from 2od1s Word.# 4 -hess. &:4=. % P5*+,.)?-J5 015 L5++,.H :e+t, consider the lesson with the particular student in mind. -ry to anticipate his *uestions and the points that he may have difficulty understanding or accepting. As! yourself: @What does he need to understand or wor! on in order to ma!e spiritual progressB How can . reach his heartB1 -hen adapt your teaching accordingly. At times, you may see a need to prepare an illustration, an e+planation, or a series of *uestions to help the student grasp the meaning of a certain point or scripture. >:eh. 7:7? ,ut avoid inserting additional information that contributes little to the theme. A brief review at the end of the study will help him to retain the main points. ' What /oy we have when new ones bear righteous fruit to Jehovah1s praiseL >Ghil. 4:44? -o help them reach that goal, prepare well each time you conduct a ,ible study. !!! E4 2%0& '( $ P)*0 $CC,.2;80-./ P*,/*5++-75 B-:?5 S0;2-5+ !!! <15. ) S0;25.0 R)-+5+ ) M;5+0-,. 4 Ince a ,ible study is well established, it is usually best to consider ,ible teachings in an orderly manner rather than /ump from sub/ect to sub/ect. -his helps the student to build a foundation of accurate !nowledge and to progress spiritually. >)ol. 4:5, 46? Iften, though, students raise *uestions on various sub/ects during the study. How should these be handledB & B5 D-+85*.-./H Huestions related to the study material being considered can usually be answered on the spot. .f a *uestion will be addressed later in the study publication, it may be sufficient simply to point that out. However, if a *uestion is unrelated to the study material or will re*uire research to answer properly, it may be better to consider the matter after the study or at another time. 9ome find that writing the *uestion down assures the student that his *uestion is being ta!en seriously and helps prevent the study from becoming sidetrac!ed. = $any ,ible teachings are considered only briefly in our basic study publications. What if a student has difficulty accepting a certain teaching or holds strongly to a false beliefB .t may be beneficial to consider additional material that thoroughly discusses what the ,ible says on that sub/ect. .f the student is still not convinced, leave the sub/ect for another time and continue on with his regular study. >John 4(:4&? As he gains a broader !nowledge of the ,ible and progresses spiritually, he may come to understand that ,ible teaching. % B5 M,25+0H .f you are not sure of the answer to a *uestion, resist the temptation to venture an opinion. >& -im. &:4' 4 Get. %:44? 3+plain that you will research the matter and return with an answer. ;ou might even use the opportunity to teach the student how to do research. Grogressively show him how to use the various research tools provided by Jehovah1s organiDation. .n this way he will eventually be able to answer his own *uestions.#Acts 48:44. !!! E4 %0& '( P)*0 &CC,.2;80-./ P*,/*5++-75 B-:?5 S0;2-5+ !!! D505*4-.-./ H," M;81 M)05*-)? 0, C,75* 4 When teaching, Jesus too! into consideration his disciples1 limitations, spea!ing to them as far as they were able to listen." >$ar! %:== John 4(:4&? .n a similar way, teachers of 2od1s Word today need to gauge the pace at which they cover material on a ,ible study. -he amount of material that can be considered will depend on the ability and the circumstances of both the teacher and the student. & B;-?2 S,?-2 F)-01H 9ome students may re*uire two or three sessions to grasp what other students can easily ta!e in during one session. We do not want to sacrifice the student1s having a clear understanding for the sa!e of speed. 3very student needs a solid basis for his newfound faith in 2od1s Word.#Grov. %:8 0om. 4&:&. = As you conduct the study wee! by wee!, spend whatever time is necessary to help the student understand and accept what he is learning from 2od1s Word. Avoid a hurried pace that detracts from the richness of the truths being taught. Allow sufficient time to focus on the main points and to consider !ey scriptures that provide the basis for the teachings.#& -im. =:4(, 48. % K55' 015 S0;2F M,7-./H While we want to avoid rushing through the study, we also want to avoid becoming sidetrac!ed. .f a student is inclined to spea! at length about personal matters, we may need to arrange to discuss these after the study.#3ccl. =:4. ' In the other hand, our own enthusiasm for the truth can ma!e it a challenge not to tal! e+cessively during the study. >Gs. 4%':(, 8? An occasional side point or e+perience can enrich a study, but we would not want these to become so numerous or lengthy that they hinder the student from ac*uiring an accurate !nowledge of basic ,ible teachings. ( ,y covering a reasonable amount of material at each study session, we help ,ible students to wal! in the light of Jehovah."#.sa. &:'. !!! E4 D%D '( D H," 0, U+5 <1, A*5 D,-./ J51,7)13+ <-?? T,2)FA !!! H," 0, U+5 'ho ,re &oing 4ehovah5s 'ill Today) N5" B*,81;*5 D5+-/.52 0, D-*580 B-:?5 S0;25.0+ 0, 015 O*/).-J)0-,. 4 Have you started using the new brochure "ho Are Doing $eho%ah)s "ill Today5 .ts purpose is >4? to familiariDe ,ible students with us as a people, >&? to help them learn about our activities, and >=? to show them our organiDation in action. -he $eho%ah)s "ill brochure contains oneApage lessons that can easily be covered in /ust five to ten minutes at the end of each study. & H," I0 I+ D5+-/.52H -he brochure is divided into three sections, each of which discusses a different aspect of Jehovah1s organiDation, as noted above. -he title of each of the &7 lessons is written as a *uestion, and the bold subheadings that follow answer that *uestion. Ghotographs from over '6 countries are labeled throughout to show the international scope of our wor!. A number of lessons have Find Iut $ore" bo+es, which contain suggestions that you can encourage your student to pursue. = H," Y,; C). U+5 I0H 9tart by calling attention to the *uestion that is the title of the lesson. -hen, as you read the lesson together, highlight the bold subheadings. Finally, consider the review *uestions at the bottom of the page. ;ou can read the lesson straight through or read and discuss it in sections. Nse your /udgment in deciding which cited scriptures to read. <o not forget to consider the pictures and the Find Iut $ore" bo+es. .n most cases, the lessons should be discussed in order. However, feel free to /ump ahead to a lesson that deals with something of immediate interest. For e+ample, if an assembly or a convention is coming up, you could s!ip to lesson 44. % When we study the ,ible with someone, we help him to get ac*uainted with our heavenly Father. However, we also need to teach him about Jehovah1s organiDation. >Grov. (:&6? How happy we are to have this new tool that ma!es it easy to do soL !!! "=$ %& ''( $-9 ')*( # J51,7)13+ S155' N552 T5.25* C)*5 !!! 7 .f our ministry is to be effective, good advance preparation is essential. -herefore, the two publishers might first get together to practice presentations suggested in the monthly issues of 6ur #ingdom 2inistry& When they begin their field service, the more e+perienced one might ta!e the first door or two. After a friendly introduction, both publishers could share in giving a witness. Wor!ing together in the ministry for a few wee!s may lead to fine return visits and even a home ,ible study in the boo! #no!ledge That <eads to E%erlasting <ife& -he more e+perienced publisher might conduct the study for a while and then turn it over to the new Jingdom proclaimer. How happy both publishers will be if the ,ible student manifests appreciation for the !nowledge of 2odL !!! E4 2%02 '( & ')*( # P*5)81 015 <,*2 ,B G,2 F;??F !!! 47 M;)?-B-52 B-:?5 S0;25.0+H After a ,ible student has ta!en in !nowledge and attended meetings for a while, he may want to become a Jingdom publisher. .f you are conducting the study with such a student, consider these *uestions: .s he ma!ing progress, consistent with his age and abilityB Has he begun to share his faith informally with othersB .s he putting on the new personality"B >)ol. =:46? <oes he meet the *ualifications for unbaptiDed publishers, outlined on pages 58A5 in the 6ur 2inistry boo!B .f so, you should contact the )ongregation 9ervice )ommittee so that arrangements can be made for two elders to meet with you and the student. .f he *ualifies, the two elders will inform him that he can begin sharing in the public ministry !!! E4 $%=$ '( & ')*( = H," 0, M)E5 D-+8-'?5+ <-01 015 K.,"?52/5 B,,E !!! 45 -he procedure to be followed for determining whether one *ualifies to share in the public ministry is outlined in the January 4', 455(, "atchto!er, page 4(, paragraph (. When the student *ualifies, it would be helpful to conduct a practice session to prepare him for his first day in field service. .n a positive manner, discuss the people1s reactions and ob/ections that are common in your territory. 9tart him in the houseAtoA house wor! first if at all possible, and progressively train him in other features of the ministry. .f you !eep your presentation short and simple, it will be easy for him to imitate. ,e upbuilding and encouraging, radiating /oy in the wor!, so that he pic!s up your spirit and reflects it. >Acts 47:&'? -he goal of a new disciple should be to become a regular, Dealous publisher of the good news. Gerhaps you can help him to wor! up a practical schedule for service. .n order for him to progress in his ability to witness to others, you may suggest that he read the "atchto!er issues of August 4', 457%, pages 4'A&' July 4', 4577, pages 5A&6 January 4', 4554, pages 4'A&6 and January 4, 455%, pages &6A'. !!! "=$ %& ''( $-9 ')*( # J51,7)13+ S155' N552 T5.25* C)*5 !!! 7 .f our ministry is to be effective, good advance preparation is essential. -herefore, the two publishers might first get together to practice presentations suggested in the monthly issues of 6ur #ingdom 2inistry& When they begin their field service, the more e+perienced one might ta!e the first door or two. After a friendly introduction, both publishers could share in giving a witness. Wor!ing together in the ministry for a few wee!s may lead to fine return visits and even a home ,ible study in the boo! #no!ledge That <eads to E%erlasting <ife& -he more e+perienced publisher might conduct the study for a while and then turn it over to the new Jingdom proclaimer. How happy both publishers will be if the ,ible student manifests appreciation for the !nowledge of 2odL !!! E4 $%0& '( P)*0 0CC,.2;80-./ P*,/*5++-75 B-:?5 S0;2-5+ !!! T*)-.-./ S0;25.0+ -. 015 H,;+5-0,-H,;+5 M-.-+0*F 4 When the elders determine that a ,ible student *ualifies as an unbaptiDed publisher, he may begin to share with the congregation in the public preaching wor!. >9ee 6rgani9ed to Do $eho%ah)s "ill, pp. 85A74.? How can we help the student to meet the challenge of preaching from house to houseB & P*5')*-./ T,/5015*H -here is no substitute for good preparation. 9how the student where he can find suggested presentations in 6ur #ingdom 2inistry and the 4easoning boo!, and help him select a simple approach that is practical for the local territory. From the start, encourage him to feature the ,ible in his ministry.#& -im. %:&. = Gractice sessions are very beneficial for a new publisher. As the student rehearses the presentation, show him how to handle tactfully the responses that are common in the territory. >)ol. %:(? Assure him that )hristian ministers do not need to !now the answer to every *uestion that a householder might raise. Iften it is best to handle such *uestions by offering to do research and to return to discuss the matter further.#Grov. 4':&7. % P*5)81-./ T,/5015*H -he first time the student shares in the houseAtoAhouse ministry, let him observe as you give the presentation that the two of you prepared together. -hen get him involved. .n some cases, it may be best to have the new publisher give only part of the presentation, such as reading and commenting on a scripture. -a!e into consideration the personality and abilities of the student. >Ghil. %:'? ,e generous in giving commendation as you progressively train him in the various aspects of the preaching wor!. ' .t is important to help a new publisher establish a regular schedule for participating in the ministry, doing so wee!ly if possible. >Ghil. =:4(? $a!e definite arrangements to wor! together in service, and encourage him to wor! with other Dealous ones also. -heir e+ample and association will help him to develop s!ill and find /oy in preaching from house to house. !!! E4 9%0& '( P)*0 CC,.2;80-./ P*,/*5++-75 B-:?5 S0;2-5+ !!! H5?'-./ S0;25.0+ 0, M)E5 R50;*. V-+-0+ 4 When a ,ible student begins to share in the preaching wor!, he will meet people who show interest in the good news. How can we help the new publisher to ma!e effective return visits and to cultivate the interest he findsB & Greparation for a return visit begins with the initial call. 3ncourage the student to ta!e a sincere interest in those with whom he spea!s. >Ghil. &:%? Grogressively train him to draw them out, to listen to their comments, and to note the things that concern them. When someone shows interest, have the new publisher write down the pertinent information about the call. Nse that information to help him plan further discussions. = P*5')*-./ 0, R50;*.H 0eview the initial call, and show the student how to select an aspect of the Jingdom message that will appeal to the householder. >4 )or. 5:45A&=? Grepare together a brief presentation that features one ,ible te+t along with a paragraph in a study publication. .n addition, prepare a *uestion that can be raised at the conclusion of the discussion to lay the groundwor! for the ne+t visit. 9how the new publisher how to add to the person1s !nowledge of 2od1s Word with each successive visit. % .t is also helpful to provide the student with a simple introduction. After greeting the householder, he might say: . en/oyed our previous conversation, and . have returned to share further ,ible information on Emention the topicF." ;ou may also need to show the new publisher how to respond if a different person answers the door. ' F,??," U' D-?-/5.0?FH 3ncourage the student to set a good e+ample in returning promptly on all who show interest. Finding people at home may re*uire persistence in calling bac!. -each the student how to ma!e appointments to visit again, and help him appreciate the need to return as promised. >$att. ':=8? -rain the new publisher to be !ind, considerate, and respectful as he searches for sheepli!e ones and cultivates their interest.#-itus =:&. !!! E4 #%0& '( # S0)*0-./ B-:?5 S0;2-5+ )0 015 D,,*+05' ).2 :F T5?5'1,.5 !!! 4 Geople today are busy. ;et, many have an interest in spiritual things. How can we help them to satisfy their spiritual needB >$att. ':=? $any publishers are able to study the ,ible with people at their doorstep or by telephone. )ould you e+pand your ministry in this mannerB & -o start ,ible studies, we need to be prepared to demonstrate a ,ible study whenever the opportunity presents itself. How and where can this be doneB = A0 015 D,,*+05'H When you meet a person who is willing to converse about the ,ible, simply open to a paragraph that you have prepared in advance, such as the first paragraph of lesson 4 in the 4eCuire brochure, and begin. 0ead the paragraph, consider the *uestion, and discuss one or two cited scriptures. Iften this can be done right at the doorstep in five to ten minutes. .f the person en/oys the discussion, ma!e an arrangement to consider the ne+t paragraph or two at another time.#Further suggestions on using the direct approach to start studies can be found in the January &66& 6ur #ingdom 2inistry, p. (. % A similar approach can be used to start ,ible studies when ma!ing return visits. For e+ample, you might introduce the 4eCuire brochure and feature 2od1s name, using lesson &, paragraphs 4A&. In the ne+t visit, you could discuss what the ,ible reveals about Jehovah1s *ualities, using paragraphs =A%. For the following discussion, you could consider paragraphs 'A( and the picture on page ' to highlight how a study of the ,ible helps us to get to !now Jehovah. All of this can ta!e place while standing at the doorstep. ' BF T5?5'1,.5H 9ome people may be more willing to study the ,ible by telephone than in person. )onsider the following e+perience: While preaching from house to house, a sister met a young woman who is a mother and a busy career woman. When the sister was unable to contact her again at home, she decided to telephone her. -he young woman e+plained that she really did not have time to discuss the ,ible. -he sister said: .n 46 or 4' minutes, you can learn something new, even by telephone." Well, if it1s by phone, then, IJL" answered the woman. ,efore long, a regular study was being conducted over the telephone. ( Would some of those whom you visit be willing to study by telephoneB ;ou could try the approach /ust described, or you might simply say: .f you prefer, we could discuss the ,ible by telephone. Would that be better for youB" ,y adapting our ,ible study program to the circumstances of others, we may help them to find the very !nowledge of 2od." !!! E4 #%=> ''( D-> K55' <)?E-./ P*,/*5++-75?F -. ). O*25*?F R,;0-.5 !!! 4 -he apostle Gaul had a special affection for the congregation in Ghilippi, which he was instrumental in forming. He was grateful for their !ind material provisions and spo!e of them as a good e+ample.#& )or. 7:4A(. & Gaul1s letter to the Ghilippians was prompted by deep love. -he 3nsight boo!, Kolume &, page (=4, reports: -hroughout the letter he encourages the Ghilippian congregation to continue in their fine course# see!ing greater discernment and getting a sure grip on the Word of life, a stronger faith, and hope in the priDe to come." -hey responded warmly, cementing a bond of love between them and the apostle. Gaul1s words ta!e on special meaning for us today, giving us good reason to reflect carefully on his admonition, particularly what is stated at Ghilippians =:4'A48. = A M)0;*5 M5.0)? A00-0;25 I+ E++5.0-)?H At Ghilippians =:4', Gaul wrote as a man with years of e+perience. He ac!nowledged the Ghilippians1 spiritual advancement, appealing to them as mature )hristians with a right mental attitude. As long as their mental attitude reflected the humility and appreciation demonstrated by Jesus, they would continue to be blameless and innocent, children of 2od without a blemish . . . , !eeping a tight grip on the word of life." >Ghil. &:4', 4(? When we read Gaul1s words, we should feel that he is tal!ing to us. -hus we earnestly desire to have the same mental attitude that Jesus had and to display humble appreciation for our privileges. We continually appeal to Jehovah in prayer, as!ing for help in this and in other matters.#Ghil. %:(, 8. % As Ghilippians =:4( indicates, all of us should endeavor to ma!e progress. -he word progress" means moving forward, ma!ing advancement." Geople who are progressive are interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities." Gaul wanted the Ghilippians to understand that )hristianity is never stagnant and those who profess it must !eep moving forward. -heir progressive spirit would be demonstrated by a willingness to e+amine themselves, to ac!nowledge their wea!nesses, and to reach out for opportunities to do more or to improve the *uality of what they were doing. -oday Jehovah1s earthly organiDation !eeps moving forward progressively, ever e+panding its scope of activity and its understanding of 2od1s Word. 3ach one of us must !eep pace with it, ta!ing advantage of all its provisions and sharing fully in its wor!. ' P*,/*5++ R5I;-*5+ ). O*25*?F R,;0-.5H Gaul continued by urging his brothers to go on wal!ing orderly in this same routine." >Ghil. =:4(? ,eing orderly re*uires us to put persons or things in their proper places in relation to one another and to be well behaved. -he )hristians in Ghilippi !ept themselves in their proper place, staying close to Jehovah1s organiDation and to one another. -heir lives were governed by the law of love. >John 4':48 Ghil. &:4, &? Gaul urged them to behave in a manner worthy of the good news." >Ghil. 4:&8? -he need for orderliness and fine behavior is /ust as important for )hristians today. ( A routine is a habitual performance of an established procedure. .t is thus closely related to a customary way of doing things. Having a routine can wor! to our advantage because we do not have to pause and deliberate when ma!ing decisions about our ne+t step#we have already established a set pattern that we follow by force of habit. 8 An orderly theocratic routine consists of habits and customs that are wholesome, beneficial, godly#with the ob/ective of building ourselves up spiritually, helping others, and, if possible, doing more in Jehovah1s service. 9uccess in achieving these goals re*uires establishing and maintaining a routine that includes personal study, regular attendance at meetings, and participation in the preaching wor!. 7 E++5.0-)?+ I.8?;252 -. ). O*25*?F R,;0-.5H Ine essential is accurate !nowledge and full discernment." >Ghil. 4:5? Gersonal study deepens our faith, strengthens our appreciation for the truth, and motivates us toward fine wor!s. However, some have found it difficult to be consistent in their study habits. Ine of the principal reasons given is a lac! of time. 5 -he benefits of reading the ,ible daily cannot be overemphasiDed. .ts instruction is beneficial" in every way. >& -im. =:4(, 48? How can we find time for ,ible study in our daily routineB 9ome have found that they can get up a few minutes earlier each morning, when their mind is alert. Ithers find that they do better when reading a few minutes before retiring at night. Wives who are at home during the day may be able to set aside a little time in the afternoons before others get home from wor! or school. .n addition to regular ,ible reading, some have included reading of the 0roclaimers boo! in their wee!ly study routine. 46 When we establish new habits, there is a real possibility that they will conflict with our former habits. .n the past we may have been inclined to allow nonessential activities to consume available time. ,rea!ing away from that pattern is not easy. :o one is going to dictate our study habits nor are we re*uired to ma!e an accounting of what we do in this regard. -he consistency of our study habits depends largely on our appreciation of the more important things" and our willingness to buy out the opportune time" to benefit from them.#Ghil. 4:46 3ph. ':4(. 44 )hristian meetings play a vital role in our spiritual progress, providing necessary instruction and encouragement. Hence, attending meetings is another essential part of our orderly routine. Gaul emphasiDed the importance of this. .t is not an option determined by preference.#Heb. 46:&%, &'. 4& How can orderliness be displayed when we plan our wee!ly schedule of activityB 9ome arrange for specific times to care for personal pursuits and then try to s*ueeDe the meetings into any available openings, but it should be the other way around. Iur wee!ly meetings should be given priority, with other activities planned around them. 4= 0egular meeting attendance re*uires good planning and family cooperation. In wee!days most of us have a busy schedule of activity that often leaves us pressed for time. -his means that, if possible, the evening meal must be scheduled early enough for the family to have sufficient time to eat, get ready, and arrive at the meeting before it begins. -o that end family members can cooperate in various ways. 4% 0egular field service is indispensable if we are to !eep wal!ing progressively in an orderly routine. All of us clearly recogniDe our weighty responsibility to preach the Jingdom message. -hat is what ma!es us Jehovah1s Witnesses. >.sa. %=:46? 9ince it is the most urgent and beneficial wor! being performed today, there is no way that we can properly view it as an incidental part of our routine. Gaul admonished: Cet us al!ays offer to 2od a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which ma!e public declaration to his name."# Heb. 4=:4'. 4' When we plan our activity for each wee!, specific times should be set aside for field service. Ci!ely the congregation has meetings for service arranged several times each wee!, and it is simply a matter of deciding which ones we can support. .t would be good to reach out for a share in each feature of service, such as doing houseAtoAhouse wor! with magaDines and other literature, ma!ing return visits, and conducting ,ible studies. We may even plan ahead to do informal witnessing by carrying literature and being alert to opportunities to start conversations. 9ince we usually go out with others, we need to in*uire about their schedule so that we can ma!e arrangements that will be mutually convenient. 4( Iur routine of preaching should be maintained despite indifference in the territory. We !now in advance that only a few will respond favorably. >$att. 4=:4' &%:5? 3De!iel was commissioned to preach to people who were @rebellious, insolent, and hardhearted.1 Jehovah promised to help 3De!iel by ma!ing his forehead e+actly as hard as their foreheads," that is, li!e a diamond, harder than flint." >3De!. &:=, % =:8A5? A regular routine for service therefore re*uires perseverance. 48 G,,2 EG)4'?5+ 0, I4-0)05H $ost of us do better in field service when there is someone to ta!e the lead. Gaul and his companions set a good e+ample, and he urged others to imitate him. >Ghil. =:48? His routine included all the elements needed to !eep himself spiritually strong. 47 -oday, too, we are blessed with fine e+amples. At Hebrews 4=:8, Gaul urged: 0emember those who are ta!ing the lead among you, . . . and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith." If course, )hrist is our 3+emplar, but we can imitate the faith e+ercised by those ta!ing the lead. Ci!e Gaul, the elders must be conscious of the need to be good e+amples to others. While their personal circumstances may vary, each one should be able to show that he is maintaining an orderly routine in !eeping Jingdom interests first. 3ven with secular and family obligations, elders should have wellAestablished habits in personal study, meeting attendance, and ta!ing the lead in the field service. ,y elders1 giving evidence that they are @presiding over their households in a fine manner,1 all in the congregation will be encouraged to !eep wal!ing in an orderly routine.#4 -im. =:%, '. 45 G,)?+ B,* 015 N5" S5*7-85 Y5)*H -he beginning of a new service year is a fitting time to reflect on our personal routine. What does a review of our activity for the past year showB Were we able to maintain, or possibly improve, our level of activityB We may have been more thorough in our personal study. We may have attended meetings with better regularity or may have increased our field service by enrolling as au+iliary pioneers. Gerhaps we are able to point to specific acts of )hristian !indness we have performed in behalf of others in our congregation or family. .f so, we can re/oice that we have wal!ed in a way that pleases 2od, and we have good reason to !eep on doing it more fully."#4 -hess. %:4. &6 What if our routine was somewhat inconsistent or sporadicB How were we affected spirituallyB Was our progress hindered for some reasonB .mprovement begins with a re*uest for Jehovah1s help. >Ghil. %:(, 4=? <iscuss your needs with the rest of the family, re*uesting their help in ad/usting aspects of your routine. .f you have problems, as! the elders for assistance. .f we ma!e an earnest effort and respond to Jehovah1s direction, we can be sure that we will avoid being either inactive or unfruitful."#& Get. 4:'A7. &4 Wal!ing in an orderly routine leads to blessings that ma!e your efforts worthwhile. As you determine to wal! progressively in an orderly routine, do not loiter at your business. ,e aglow with the spirit. 9lave for Jehovah." >0om. 4&:44?#For a more detailed treatment of this sub/ect, see The "atchto!er of $ay 4, 457', pages 4=A48. !!! E4 =%0& ''( D-$ C,.2;80-./ P*,/*5++-75 B-:?5 S0;2-5+ !!! -his insert is a compilation of !ey points from the series of articles on conducting progressive ,ible studies that has appeared in 6ur #ingdom 2inistry& All are encouraged to save this insert and to consult it when conducting ,ible studies. .n addition, points from this insert may be highlighted during meetings for field service, and service overseers may use it as the basis for tal!s they present when visiting boo! study groups. P)*0 H <1)0 I+ ) B-:?5 S0;2FA .f you regularly and systematically have ,ible discussions, though brief, using the ,ible or along with it one of the recommended publications, you are conducting a ,ible study. -he study may be reported when it has been conducted two times after the study arrangement is demonstrated and if there is reason to believe that the study will continue.#km 8O6% p. 4. R58,445.252 P;:?-8)0-,.+ T "hat Does :od 4eCuire of Bs5 T #no!ledge That <eads to E%erlasting <ife T "orship the 6nly True :od T -ou =an /e :od)s Ariend. may be used to study with people who have limited education or reading ability. P)*0 2H P*5')*-./ 0, C,.2;80 015 S0;2F We need to present the information in a way that touches the student1s heart. -his re*uires thorough preparation with the student in mind.#km 7O6% p. 4. H," 0, P*5')*5 T 3+amine the title, subheadings, and visual aids of the chapter or lesson. T .dentify the answers to the printed *uestions, mar!ing only !ey words and phrases. T <ecide which cited scriptures to read during the study. $a!e brief notes in the margin of the study publication. T Grepare a brief review of main points. P5*+,.)?-J5 015 L5++,. T Gray about the student and his needs. T Anticipate points that the student may have difficulty understanding or accepting. T )onsider: What does he need to understand or wor! on in order to ma!e spiritual progressB How can . reach his heartB T As needed, prepare an illustration, an e+planation, or a series of *uestions to help the student grasp a point or a scripture. P)*0 DH EBB580-75 U+5 ,B 015 S8*-'0;*5+ Iur purpose in conducting ,ible studies is to ma!e disciples" by helping people to understand and accept the teachings of 2od1s Word and apply them in their lives. >$att. &7:45, &6 4 -hess. &:4=? -herefore, the study should center on the 9criptures.#km 44O6% p. %. T5)81 F*,4 G,23+ <,*2 T 9how the student how to find specific te+ts in his own copy of the ,ible. T Coo! up and discuss ,ible te+ts that show the 9criptural basis for our beliefs. T Nse *uestions. .nstead of e+plaining ,ible te+ts to the student, have him e+plain them to you. T Jeep it simple. <o not try to e+plain every aspect of a scripture. .nclude only what is needed to ma!e the point clear. T $a!e practical application. Help the student to see how ,ible te+ts apply to him personally. P)*0 >H T*)-.-./ S0;25.0+ 0, P*5')*5 A student who reads the lesson beforehand, mar!s the answers, and thin!s of how to e+press them in his own words ma!es rapid spiritual progress. -herefore, once a regular study has been established, prepare a lesson together to show the student how. With most students, it will be helpful to prepare an entire chapter or lesson together.#km 4&O6% p. 4. M)*E-./+ ).2 N,0)0-,.+ T 3+plain how to find direct answers to the printed *uestions. T 9how the student your copy of the study publication in which you have mar!ed only the !ey words or phrases. T Help the student to see that each cited te+t supports a point in the paragraph, and show him how to ma!e brief notations in the margin of his study publication. S;*75F ).2 R57-5" T 9how the student how to e+amine the chapter or lesson title, subheadings, and illustrations before beginning his detailed preparation. T 3ncourage the student to review the main points at the conclusion of the preparation session. P)*0 &H D505*4-.-./ H," M;81 M)05*-)? 0, C,75* -he amount of material that can be considered will depend on the ability and the circumstances of both the teacher and the student.#km 4O6' p. 4. B;-?2 S,?-2 F)-01 T <o not sacrifice the student1s having a clear understanding of 2od1s Word for the sa!e of speed. T 9pend whatever time is necessary to help the student understand and accept what he is learning. T Allow sufficient time to consider !ey scriptures that provide the basis for the teachings. K55' 015 S0;2F M,7-./ T .f the student is inclined to spea! at length about personal matters, you may need to arrange to discuss these after the study. T <o not tal! e+cessively during the study. Cimit the discussion of side points and e+periences so as not to hinder the student from ac*uiring an accurate !nowledge of basic ,ible teachings. P)*0 $H <15. ) S0;25.0 R)-+5+ ) M;5+0-,. Ince a ,ible study is wellAestablished, it is usually best to consider ,ible teachings in an orderly manner rather than /ump from sub/ect to sub/ect. -his helps the student to build a foundation of accurate !nowledge and to progress spiritually.#km &O6' p. (. B5 D-+85*.-./ T Huestions related to the study material can usually be answered on the spot. T Huestions unrelated to the study material or that re*uire research can be considered at another time. .t may be helpful to write down such *uestions. T .f the student has difficulty accepting a certain teaching, consider additional material that thoroughly discusses the sub/ect. T .f the student is still not convinced, leave the sub/ect for another time and continue with the study. B5 M,25+0 T .f you do not !now the answer to a *uestion, do not venture an opinion. T Grogressively teach the student how to do research. P)*0 9H OBB5*-./ P*)F5* )0 015 S0;2F .n order for ,ible students to ma!e spiritual progress, Jehovah1s blessing is essential. -herefore, it is proper to open and close an established study with prayer.#km =O6' p. %. H," 0, I.0*,2;85 P*)F5* T With those who are religiously inclined, prayer can often be offered from the very first study. T With others, we need to discern the appropriate time to introduce prayer. T Gsalm &':%, ' and 4 John ':4% can be used to e+plain why prayer is offered. T John 4':4( can be used to show that we should pray to Jehovah through Jesus )hrist. <1)0 0, I.8?;25 -. P*)F5*+ T .t is fitting to praise Jehovah as the 9ource of instruction. T 3+press sincere interest in the student. T 3+press appreciation for the organiDation that Jehovah is using. T 0e*uest Jehovah1s blessing on the student1s efforts to apply what he is learning. P)*0 #H D-*580-./ S0;25.0+ 0, 015 O*/).-J)0-,. Iur goal in conducting ,ible studies is not only to teach doctrinal information but also to help students become part of the )hristian congregation. -a!e a few minutes each wee! on the study to share a point about Jehovah1s organiDation.#km %O6' p. 7. C,./*5/)0-,. M550-./+ T <escribe each congregation meeting. From the first study, invite them to attend. T 9hare outstanding points that were presented at the meetings. T ,uild enthusiasm for the $emorial, assemblies, and the visit of the circuit overseer. T Nse photographs in our publications to help them visualiDe what ta!es place. T 3ncourage them to read the brochure $eho%ah)s "itnesses1"ho Are They5 "hat Do They /elie%e5 U+5 V-25,+ 0, B;-?2 A''*58-)0-,. T $eho%ah)s "itnesses1The 6rgani9ation /ehind the ame T 6ur "hole Association of /rothers T Bnited by Di%ine Teaching T To the Ends of the Earth P)*0 =H P*5')*-./ S0;25.0+ 0, <-0.5++ I.B,*4)??F As ,ible students begin to e+ercise faith in what they are learning, they are impelled to spea! about it.# km 'O6' p. 4. E.8,;*)/5 T154 0, <-0.5++ T Are there friends and family members whom they could invite to sit in on the studyB T Have any of their wor!mates, schoolmates, or other ac*uaintances e+pressed interestB T*)-. T154 0, S1)*5 T15-* B5?-5B+ T At selected points during the study, as! the student, How would you use the ,ible to e+plain this truth to your familyB" T Help the student appreciate the need to be respectful and !ind when spea!ing with others about 2od and his purposes. T -he brochure $eho%ah)s "itnesses1"ho Are They5 "hat Do They /elie%e5 can be used by students to help friends and family members understand our ,ibleAbased beliefs and activities. P)*0 0H T*)-.-./ S0;25.0+ -. 015 H,;+5-0,-H,;+5 M-.-+0*F When the elders determine that a ,ible student *ualifies as an unbaptiDed publisher, he may begin to share with the congregation in the public preaching wor!.#km (O6' p. 4. P*5')*-./ T,/5015* T 9how the new publisher where he can find suggested presentations. T Help him select a simple approach that is practical for the local territory. T 3ncourage him to feature the ,ible in his ministry. T 0ehearse together. 9how him how to handle common responses tactfully. P*5)81-./ T,/5015* T Cet the student observe as you give the presentation that you prepared together. T -a!e into consideration the personality and abilities of the student. .n some cases, it may be best to have him give only part of the presentation. T Help the new publisher establish a regular schedule for participating in the ministry. P)*0 H H5?'-./ S0;25.0+ 0, M)E5 R50;*. V-+-0+ Greparation for a return visit begins with the initial call. 3ncourage the student to ta!e a sincere interest in those with whom he spea!s. Grogressively train him to draw them out, to listen to their comments, and to note the things that concern them.#km 8O6' p. 4. P*5')*-./ 0, R50;*. T 0eview the initial call, and help the student select a sub/ect that will appeal to the householder. T Grepare a brief presentation that features one ,ible te+t along with one paragraph in a publication. T Grepare a *uestion that can be raised at the conclusion of the discussion. F,??," U' I.05*5+0 D-?-/5.0?F T 3ncourage the student to return promptly on all who show interest. T Help the student see the need to persist in trying to reach those who are hard to find. T 9how the new publisher how to ma!e appointments, and help him appreciate the need to return as promised. P)*0 2H H5?'-./ S0;25.0+ S0)*0 ).2 C,.2;80 B-:?5 S0;2-5+ ;our imitating Jesus by setting a proper e+ample in your own ministry is vital. As your student observes your lead in the ministry, he will appreciate that the ob/ective in ma!ing return visits is to start ,ible studies.# km 7O6' p. 4. OBB5*-./ ) B-:?5 S0;2F T 3+plain to the student that it is not generally necessary to describe the study arrangement in detail. T Iften it is best simply to demonstrate the study using one or perhaps two paragraphs from a study publication. T 0eview and rehearse one of the suggestions for starting ,ible studies.#km 7O6' p. 7 km 4O6& p. (. T*)-.-./ S0;25.0+ 0, B5 T5)815*+ T 3ncourage students to enroll in the -heocratic $inistry 9chool. T Arrange for new publishers to go on other ,ible studies in which they might have a small share in teaching. !!! E4 D%0= '( 2 H," 0, U+5 015 G,23+ L,75 B,,E 0, C,.2;80 B-:?5 S0;2-5+ !!! 4 How thrilled we were at our 2uided by 2od1s 9pirit" <istrict )onvention to receive the new boo! #eep -oursel%es in :od)s <o%e'L As announced, this publication is designed to help us !now and love Jehovah1s standards of conduct and not for teaching basic ,ible doctrines. We will not be offering this boo! from door to door. & -his boo! will serve as the second publication to be studied with ,ible students after completing the /ible Teach boo!. Jeep in mind that people have different rates of spiritual growth. 3ach study should be conducted at a pace comfortable to the student. $a!e sure that the material considered is clearly understood. .n most cases, this boo! should not be used to start ,ible studies with people who may have already studied several boo!s in the past but who are not attending congregation meetings and clearly are not interested in conforming their lives to the ,ible truths they were taught. = .f you are presently conducting a study in the "orship :od boo! and are in the last few chapters, you may decide to complete that publication and to encourage the student to read the :od)s <o%e' boo! on his own. Itherwise, it would be best to transfer to the new boo! and start from the beginning. As with the /ible Teach boo!, discussion of the topics in the appendi+ is optional. % .f a student gets baptiDed before completing both boo!s, then the study should continue until the :od)s <o%e' boo! is finished. 3ven though the student is baptiDed, you may report the time, the return visit, and the study. A publisher who accompanies you and participates in the study may also count the time. ' .f you are assigned by a member of the )ongregation 9ervice )ommittee to conduct a ,ible study with someone who has become inactive in the preaching wor!, you may be as!ed to consider specific chapters in the :od)s <o%e' boo!. 9uch studies need not be conducted for a prolonged period of time. What a fine provision we have in this new boo!, which has been designed to help us remain in 2od1s love"L#Jude &4. !!! E4 $%00 '( > ')*+( 9-# H," C,;?2 I ( ( ( U.?5++ S,45,.5 G;-252 M5A !!! 8 .t is a mar! of )hristian love to give close, personal attention to each interested person with whom we study. Iur ob/ective is to help the student achieve greater insight into the truth of 2od1s Word. -hen he can ta!e a definite, !nowledgeable stand for the truth and dedicate his life to Jehovah, symboliDing that dedication by water baptism.#Gs. %6:7 3ph. =:48A45. 7 <o you remember what happened after the 3thiopian eunuch was baptiDedB He !ept going on his way re/oicing" as a new disciple of Jesus )hrist. >Acts 7:=5, %6? $ay we and those whom we successfully guide in the way of the truth find great /oy in serving Jehovah 2od#now and foreverL !!! E4 >% '( 2 M;5+0-,. B,G !!! M;5+0-,. B,G T H," ?,./ +1,;?2 "5 +0;2F "-01 ) '*,/*5++-75 B-:?5 +0;25.0A .t is best to continue studying with a progressive ,ible student until he has completed two publications# "hat Does the /ible 4eally Teach5 and #eep -oursel%es in :od)s <o%e&' -his is true even if the student gets baptiDed before finishing both boo!s. After his baptism we may continue to report the time, the return visits, and the study. .f a publisher accompanies us and participates in the study, he may also count the time. #9ee the $arch &665 6ur #ingdom 2inistry, page &. .t is important for new ones to have a good foundation in the truth before they are left on their own. -hey need to be rooted" in )hrist and stabiliDed in the faith" so as to withstand the trials they are sure to face. >)ol. &:(, 8 & -im. =:4& 4 Get. ':7, 5? Additionally, to teach others effectively, they must have an accurate !nowledge of truth." >4 -im. &:%? ,y completing two boo!s with our students, we are helping them attain a solid footing on the road leading off into life."#$att. 8:4%. ,efore approving someone for baptism, elders should ensure that he clearly understands primary /ible teachings and is li%ing in harmony !ith them& 3lders should be especially careful when considering a student who has not yet completed the first study boo!. .f someone is not ready for baptism, the elders will ma!e sure that he receives the necessary personal assistance in order to *ualify for baptism in the future.#9ee 6rgani9ed to Do $eho%ah)s "ill, pages &48A&47. DAY $ !!! "=& %& ''( -2 T15 J,F ,B J51,7)1 I+ O;* S0*,./1,?2 !!! N,01-./ :;0 J,FB;? % Ine outstanding reason for /oy is the provision Jehovah ma!es for assembling together. -he assemblies and conventions of Jehovah1s Witnesses bring them /oy today, /ust as the annual festivals held by the .sraelites brought /oy to their hearts. -he people of .srael were told: 9even days you will celebrate the festival Eof boothsF to Jehovah your 2od in the place that Jehovah will choose, because Jehovah your 2od will bless you in all your produce and in every deed of your hand, and you must become nothing but /oyful." ><euteronomy 4(:4=A4'? ;es, 2od wanted them to become nothing but /oyful." -he same is true of )hristians, for the apostle Gaul urged fellow believers: Always re/oice in the Cord. Ince more . will say, 0e/oiceL"#Ghilippians %:%. ' 9ince Jehovah wants us to be /oyful, he gives us /oy as one of the fruits of his holy spirit. >2alatians ':&&, &=? And what is /oyB .t is the delightful emotion caused by the e+pectation or ac*uisition of good. Joy is a state of true happiness, even e+ultation. -his fruit of 2od1s holy spirit sustains us under trial. For the /oy that was set before him EJesusF endured a torture sta!e, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of 2od." >Hebrews 4&:&? -he disciple James wrote: )onsider it all /oy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, !nowing as you do that this tested *uality of your faith wor!s out endurance." ,ut what if we do not !now what to do about a certain trialB -hen we can confidently pray for wisdom to deal with it. Acting in harmony with heavenly wisdom enables us to resolve problems or to cope with persistent trials without losing the /oy of Jehovah.#James 4:&A7. ( -he /oy that Jehovah gives strengthens us to promote true worship. -hat is what happened in the days of :ehemiah and 3Dra. Jews of that time who had the /oy of Jehovah as their stronghold were strengthened to further the interests of true worship. And as they promoted the worship of Jehovah, their /oy increased. -he same is true today. As worshipers of Jehovah, we have grounds for great re/oicing. Cet us now consider a few more of our many reasons for /oy. !!! "=& D%& ''( D-> H," C). Y,; E.*-81 Y,;* P*)F5*+A !!! H," C). Y,; E.*-81 Y,;* P*)F5*+A G0A;30 is uni*ue among the loving provisions of Jehovah 2od. Ipposers may confiscate your ,ible or prevent you from meeting with fellow worshipers, but no one can rob you of prayer. -o overstate the value of prayer is impossible. How important it is, then, for each one of us to cherish and ta!e full advantage of this privilege. What can help you to enrich your prayersB -he ,ible is not a prayer boo!. ;et, it could be described as man!ind1s greatest te+tboo! on prayer. -he Hebrew 9criptures alone contain over 4'6 prayers. 9ome are short others are long. -hey were uttered in public or in private, by !ings or by captives, in triumph or in tribulation. As <avid sang in Gsalm (':&, people of all flesh" turn to Jehovah, the Hearer of prayer." Why did 2od inspire the writers of the ,ible to record such a broad selection of prayersB -o answer that *uestion, consider & -imothy =:4(. .t says: All 9cripture is inspired of 2od and beneficial." -hus, ,iblical prayers are there to guide us, as are 9criptural prophecy, principles, and history. How can these prayers be of benefit to usB ,y loo!ing closely at 9criptural prayers, we can identify those said in situations similar to our own. We can learn how prayers vary in purpose and setting. $oreover, we will discover new e+pressions of praise and than!sgiving and will find fresh words for our petitions and supplications. .n short, ,iblical prayers can help us to enrich our own prayers. $ary, who became the mother of Jesus, was a person who apparently benefited from e+pressions used in a prayer recorded in the ,ible. 9he visited her relative 3liDabeth after each of them had conceived a son with divine assistance. $ary offered praise and than!sgiving to 2od, and some of her words are remar!ably similar to those contained in a prayer in the Hebrew 9criptures. .t seems li!ely that $ary was familiar with the prayer uttered by Hannah, the mother of 9amuel the prophet. Hannah had also conceived a son with 2od1s help, more than 4,666 years earlier. )ould it be that $ary meditated on this prayer because it reflected her own feelingsB#4 9amuel &:4A46 Cu!e 4:%(A''. What about youB )an you recall a ,iblical prayer spo!en under circumstances similar to your ownB Finding, reading, and meditating on such prayers will help you to enrich your own communication with 2od. .n the ne+t article, we invite you to e+amine three prayers from the Holy 9criptures. -hey were offered under different circumstances, perhaps similar to yours. !!! "#9 9%& '( = ')*( > P*)F5*+ R5I;-*5 <,*E+ !!! 4% -he principle that prayers re*uire wor!s also applies to these words of the disciple James, the half brother of Jesus: .f any one of you is lac!ing in wisdom, let him !eep on as!ing 2od, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching and it will be given him." >James 4:' $atthew 4=:''? ,ut does 2od impart this wisdom to us by some miracleB :o. First of all, we must have the right attitude, as we read: He will teach the mee! ones his way." >Gsalm &':5? And how does 2od teach the mee! ones"B ,y means of his Word. Again, we must put forth an effort to understand it and apply it, as indicated at Groverbs &:4A(: $y son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my own commandments with yourself, so as to pay attention to wisdom with your ear, that you may incline your heart to discernment if, moreover, you call out for understanding itself and you give forth your voice for discernment itself, if you !eep see!ing for it as for silver, . . . in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very !nowledge of 2od. For Jehovah himself gives wisdom." !!! "92 =% '( &2& ')*+( 2D-2> Y,; A*5 N575* A?,.5 !!! From all parts of the world come modernAday e+amples, proving that true )hristians are never alone. .n 2ermany, during World War .., thousands of Witnesses were put in Hitler1s concentration camps, usually deprived of their ,ibles. Ine of those Witnesses, after his release, wrote: When . was arrested . was than!ful that . had not neglected personal ,ible study, as it helped me to have the faith to endure. Fre*uently . thought about the endurance mentioned by the ,ible writer James, who said: @Coo!L We pronounce happy those who have endured.1#Jas. ':44. &% Although the prison officials too! the ,ible away from me, they permitted other prisoners Ewho were not WitnessesF to have it. -hey thought that my faith would become wea! if . did not have the ,ible, and . would renounce my faith by signing a declaration to that effect prepared by the :aDis. -hey failed to realiDe that . had impressed the truth of 2od1s Word deeply upon my mind by personal and group ,ible study long before . was imprisoned. -hey could not remove those faithAstrengthening truths from my mind."