around our relationship with Jehovah, we will come to know and experience the fullness of Jehovah’s loving-kindness and mercy. What a grand privilege to have such a relationship with Jehovah God!​—Ps. 84:10.

25 min: Benefiting from Abraham’s Example. Talk with audience discussion, based on theme of meeting and material discussed in previous part. To be handled by a qualified elder who will first review circuit overseer’s comments in last Report on Circuit Overseer’s Visit with Congregation under section dealing with the spiritual condition and needs of the congregation.

As Abraham received many directions from Jehovah and faithfully carried them out, we have the command to preach the “good news” and make disciples, to “hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering,” and to “consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together.” (Matt. 28:19, 20; Heb. 10:23-25) Do we view such directions from Jehovah the same way that Abraham did​—as opportunities to demonstrate our love and devotion to Jehovah and thus strengthen our relationship with him? Or, have they become a burden, an obligation to us? If so, analyze what the obstacles are and what can be done to overcome them. How can elders help? Similarly, do we feel enthused about participation in meetings, actively contributing to them? What elders can help us to do so? How can elders and others who have parts on meetings help? We can imitate Abraham and seize every opportunity that our circumstances afford, to carry out what we know is well-pleasing to Jehovah.​—Eph. 5:15-17; Ps. 26:12; 66:13; 122:1.

We can also benefit from Abraham’s example by reflecting Jehovah’s qualities in our daily activities and our dealings with others, thus drawing ourselves closer to Him. The spirit of the world is to compete and win and get the best for oneself at the expense of others. (Gal. 5:26) Those who follow such a course alienate themselves from God and become his enemies rather than his friends. (Col. 1:21) We must resist any such tendencies on our part. Another factor that can easily undermine our relationship with Jehovah is the spirit of independence that caused Adam and Eve to take the course of rebellion that resulted in sin and death for the entire human family. (Rom. 5:12) Then, particularly in areas in which our Christian conscience is involved, our response and the action we take will directly affect our relationship with God. (1 Tim. 1:19; 1 Pet. 2:19, 20) Invite audience to comment on how, and in what areas, we can imitate Abraham in reflecting Jehovah’s qualities in our daily life and dealings with others.

Conclude by encouraging all to treasure our personal relationship with Jehovah God and to put forth sincere effort to strengthen and improve it.

5 min: Close meeting with song 91 and prayer. (Pass out a copy of the new tract (KN 26) to each person. Encourage all to read tract and bring to next meeting.)

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 29

Theme: Relief from Pressure​—How?

10 min: Song 21 and announcements. (During song pass out tracts to those who do not have them.)

15 min: Pressures on People Today. Talk and audience discussion of tract cover and page 2. Ask questions and let audience comment on various pressures people in general must endure. Cover each point illustrated, applying points to local circumstances. What are some facts showing the effect of pressure? What are pressures we must personally face? Do pressures seem to be getting greater?

30 min: Relief from Pressure. (Timing of parts is approximate and may be adjusted in keeping with local needs.)

(10 min:) Discussion, looking up and applying scriptures. Paul was convinced of the value of his service. He realized it could result in life to others. (2 Cor. 4:1, 2) Effort and sacrifice on his part were required. Appreciating what God had done for him moved him to speak from his heart to others, as did the psalmist whom he quoted. (Ps. 116:10; 2 Cor. 4:13) God has helped each of us through many distressing circumstances and we can depend on him to help us in the future. Moved by a heart filled with appreciation, we will speak to others, helping them to see that the Bible has the answers to the problems brought on by pressure.

(10 min:) Discuss pages 3 and 4. Page 3 of tract is designed to show how a study and application of Bible principles can help one to cope with pressure now, and page 4, that the Bible has the answers for permanent relief from pressures. Study of the Bible and application of its principles result in peace of mind. (Ps. 37:11) Tract offers free spiritual assistance.

(10 min:) Discussion with audience of the following sample presentation, and thereafter have prepared publisher demonstrate it. “Hello. I would like to give you this folder that mentions something that affects everyone​—pressure. [Read title of tract.] Do you think we will ever find relief from pressure? [Allow for response.] Some of the pressures that we face every day are: [Open to page 2 and discuss householder.] Did you know that because of pressure, approximately one out of every three people today has mental illness? [Allow for response.] The Bible is helping many people to cope with pressures. Here are some actual examples. [Depending on the householder, draw attention to one of the experiences or mention how a study of the Bible has helped you personally.] [Turn to page 4.] The Bible offers a hope of permanent relief from pressures. It foretells a time when there will be no crime, sickness will end, loved ones in the grave will be raised to life and there will be plenty for all.” (Let finger run down each of the points as each is quickly covered.) Start study in the Bible, if possible, or in Truth book. If study is not started, but interest warrants it, make arrangements for return visit. Throughout we will keep in mind how we can help people, not merely placing literature. Get householder involved in discussion of tract to see how the Bible has the answer to relieve pressure.

5 min: Song 58 and prayer.

Is Your Kingdom Hall Presentable?

¹ What a joy we experience when in our travels we see a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Here is where a congregation of our brothers meet! We note the appearance of the Kingdom Hall and are happy when its appearance is presentable.

² The Kingdom Hall is likely the only building in the community that has Jehovah’s name on it. It is identified as a place where Jehovah’s name people meet together. Appreciation of this should make us very conscious of maintaining the Kingdom Hall in good condition.

³ Is your Kingdom Hall’s appearance a credit to the work? Each one of us should be vitally interested in its appearance. All of us are involved. How can we help?

⁴ On the outside of the Kingdom Hall, we might first look at the sidewalk and street. If paper and debris accumulate, would it not be good to have some arrangements to do necessary cleaning up for a few minutes before and after the meetings?

⁵ Is the grass regularly cut? Is the outside appearance of the building itself neat and clean, properly representing the clean and pure worship of Jehovah? Special attention should be given to the outside appearance of the main entrance, since this is especially noticed by any who pass by. What about the sign “Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses”? Is it neat and well kept, with good lighting, if necessary? Are the times of the meetings listed correctly? A clean, pleasant Kingdom Hall invites, yes, welcomes people to come and listen.

⁶ The inside of the Kingdom Hall should also enhance the message being presented. Is the interior neat and clean? Well arranged? Is seating adequate? What about the ventilation? Are rest rooms clean and well supplied with towels, toilet tissue and soap? Are the fixtures in working order? Do you help your group when it is assigned to clean the Kingdom Hall?

⁷ All of us should not only be conscious of the Kingdom Hall’s inside and outside appearance, but should also be willing to help out as needed. We do well to appreciate that the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses should at all times be an honor and praise to Jehovah’s name, and we should gladly do our part in keeping it in a condition that results in a favorable impression.

July Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs. R.V. Bi.St. Mags.

Sp’l Pios. 638 99.8 34.6 3.6 105.0

Pios. 13,305 70.1 27.4 3.0 67.6

Aux. Pios. 8,058 60.0 17.6 1.3 62.3

Pubs. 498,699 8.1 3.3  .4 10.2

TOTAL 520,700

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,206