answers questions such as: Why would a God of order allow men to become so disorderly? Is it possible to learn why God has permitted wickedness? Does God really care what happens to us?

⁶ Young publishers who have never conducted Bible studies, new publishers who feel inadequate because of lack of experience, and even more experienced ones who presently find themselves without a study may discover that starting a Bible study in one of these booklets is easier than starting a study in a book.

⁷ Rehearse simple introductions that lead into one of the booklets. Make an effort to start a study on the initial call. Use the illustrations to teach the householder and stimulate his thinking. Be consistent in making this effort to start Bible studies during June.

⁸ Remember that making simple presentations can help us in starting Bible studies. Try to get the booklet into the householder’s hands so he can follow your discussion of the points closely. After discussing a point, simply ask the question at the bottom of the page and endeavor to draw out his thinking on the point.

⁹ If you genuinely want to conduct a Bible study, put forth sincere effort and ask for Jehovah’s help. As you regularly engage in the house-to-house ministry, watch for opportunities to start Bible studies on the initial call. Promptly follow up all interest. Be discerning, enthusiastic, and positive. The inspired promise is sure when it says: “God himself will show us favor and bless us . . . that your way may be known in the earth.”​—Ps. 67:1, 2.

Include Meetings in Your Vacation Plans

¹ “Now that I have made arrangements for my vacation, how can I locate the nearest Kingdom Hall?” Does that question come up at times when you plan a vacation? Many find that some of their most memorable experiences on vacation are enjoyed when they attend meetings and share in field service with the local congregation. This helps them to “widen out” in their hearts, resulting in a greater appreciation “for the whole association of brothers.”​—2 Cor. 6:11-13; 1 Pet. 2:17.

² You may travel to areas where you are already acquainted with the local congregation because of previous visits. But how can you locate the nearest congregation when you have not been in that area before? Some local newspapers give the Kingdom Hall address along with meeting times. The local telephone directory may have a listing under “Jehovah’s Witnesses” or “Kingdom Hall.” Otherwise, you may find a policeman, postman, or other knowledgeable resident who can either direct you to the Kingdom Hall or assist you in contacting brothers living in the community. It is a good idea to look up the congregation as soon as you arrive in the area.

³ Meeting times are about the same in most places. However, keep in mind that Kingdom Halls in some areas may have meetings in different languages. By telephoning the Kingdom Hall in advance, you can make sure that the meeting you plan to attend is in your language, and you can ask for directions to help you find the hall.

⁴ Vacation time gives us an opportunity to be away from our secular activity and enjoy a few days of relaxation. However, we do not want to take time off from serving Jehovah. When attending meetings and sharing in the field ministry with the congregation where we are spending our vacation, we may find special refreshment for ourselves as well as be a source of encouragement to the local brothers.​—Heb. 10:24, 25; 13:15, 16.

Presenting the Good News​—In Evening Witnessing

¹ As Jehovah speeds up the ingathering work, more congregations are being formed everywhere, publishers and pioneers are increasing in numbers, and many publishers are spending more time in the field ministry. In some areas it may well be that there is very little territory to be worked. Publishers may be calling at the same homes quite often. However, it is also observed that many of the people are not at home when we call at their doors during the daytime, and some rarely have opportunity to hear the Kingdom message even though we are working the territory regularly.

² You will be encouraged to know that this situation is changing in many congregations where the publishers have begun to concentrate on evening witnessing. Publishers have reported finding someone at almost every home in certain territories, whereas earlier in the day very few were home. It is also reported that in general people appear to be relaxed toward the end of the day and are more inclined to listen when approached with the Kingdom message.

BE REASONABLE

³ There are certain points we need to keep in mind if we are to be successful in evening witnessing. People may be somewhat apprehensive about unexpected and unknown visitors, especially after dark. Thought should be given to how we will approach the householders. A review of what is stated on page 9 of the Reasoning book can be helpful. We need to convey genuine concern for the welfare of people. This can encourage the householders to feel at ease and to express themselves openly. The Reasoning book also reminds us to observe formalities that are customary and that are expected of visitors. This would include properly introducing ourselves and observing local customs in this regard.

⁴ Uninvited calls at inappropriate hours should not be made. The householder’s security measures should be respected. This might include using an intercom or speaking to a person through the door and allowing him to see you through a peephole in the door.​—See km 11/85 pp. 4-5 pars. 23, 24, 31.

⁵ We should be cautious, reasonable, and discreet at all times. There may be areas in our territory that are considered more dangerous than others. We would be wise to take the needed precautions when working such areas.​—Jas. 3:17; see km 4/85 p. 8.

BENEFITS

⁶ There are a number of reasons why evening witnessing could be effective in your congregation. A more thorough witness can be given because more people are reached in the house-to-house ministry. Many householders who are not at home during the daytime or on weekends may likely be reached when the territory is worked in the evening. Some of the publishers who have difficulty getting out in service on weekends may be able to spend an hour or two each week in evening house-to-house work. Regular and auxiliary pioneers can have more opportunities to work in the field service with congregation publishers. Some have arranged to conduct a home Bible study in the evening, following an hour or so in the house-to-house ministry.

⁷ Long summer evenings are particularly appropriate for various forms of field service and especially for making house-to-house calls. However, evening witnessing need not be limited to daylight hours during summer months. Discreetly calling at homes during early evening hours the year round has proved to be beneficial in carrying out our commission to preach the Kingdom good news.

⁸ Does your congregation have group arrangements for evening witnessing? Have you participated in this service activity? Forethought and preparation are needed. But many blessings are to be enjoyed by those who take advantage of all opportunities available to accomplish our ministry of the good news.​—2 Tim. 4:5.

Theocratic News

◆ Australia had a new peak of 44,365 publishers for January. A peak of 2,225 regular pioneers reported that month.

◆ Curaçao had a new peak in January of 1,351 publishers. Attendance for the zone overseer’s talk was 2,860.

◆ The first district convention ever held in Guinea was a big success with 12 persons baptized and 1,132 in attendance on Sunday. It was held in January and attended by delegates from Liberia and Sierra Leone. The brothers were very enthused about this convention.

◆ At the Gilead graduation on March 1, 1987, the opening of a new Ministerial Training School was announced. It will commence in October in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Further details are found in the June 1, 1987, issue of The Watchtower.