Be Diligent in "Bearing Thorough Witness"
1) Like Jesus and many other faithful servants of old, the apostle Paul was a zealous preacher of the good news, "bearing thorough witness" regardless of the setting. Even while under house arrest, he "would kindly receive all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God to them and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with the greatest freeness of speech"--Acts 28:16-31.
2)We too can be diligent in "bearing thorough witness" at all times. That includes witnessing to people we meet in our travels to and from the "Give God Glory" district convention and while in the host city. --Acts 28:23; Ps. 145:10-13.
3)Incidental or Informal Witnessing? Is there a difference? Yes. Something that is incidental occurs merely by chance or without intention, as if it was not planned or is of little importance. That certainly does not describe our ministry. As was true of Paul, giving God 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 informal---that is, relaxed, friendly, and unofficial. This approach can produce good results.
4)Prepare to Give a Witness: Paul had to make opportunities to witness while under house arrest in Rome. From his place of lodging, he took the inititative to invite the local Jewish leaders to his house.(Acts 28:17) Even though there was a Christian congregation in Rome, Paul learned that the Jewish community in that city had little firsthand information about the Christian faith. He did not hold back from "bearing thorough witness" about Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.
5)Think of all the people you may contact in your travels who have only a passing knowledge of Jehovah's Witnesses. They may not even know that we offer free home Bible studies. Be alert to opportunities to witness to those you meet while travelling, making rest stops, refueling, shopping, staying in hotels, eating in restaurant's, using public transportation, and so on. Determine in advance what you might say to initiate a conversation and to give a brief witness. Perhaps in the days ahead you can practice by witnessing informally to your neighbors, relatives, workmates, and other acquaintances.
6)You will need a supply of publications to use when witnessing informally. Which ones? You might use the tract 'Would you like to learn more about the Bible?' Point to the first five paragraphs, where various reasons are given for reading the Bible. Show the COUPON on the back for requesting a free home Bible study. When you find a responsive person, offer the Require brochure. In anticipation of meeting people who speak another language, take along the booklet 'Good News for all Nations'. Page 2 explains how to use it to give a witness. If travelling by car. you may be able to take along a few other basic publications for those who show real interest in the Kingdom message.
7)Consider You Appearance and Conduct: We must make sure that our conduct, as well as our dress and grooming will not give others a wrong impression or cause them to 'speak against' Jehovah's Organization. (Acts 28:22) This applies not only while attending the convention but also while traveling and during leisure time. The August 1, 2002, Watchtower, page 18,paragraph 14, cautioned: "Our appearance should not be showy, bizarre, prvocative, revealing, or faddish. In addition, we should dress in a manner that reflects"reverence for God.". That gives food for thought, does it not? It is not simply a matter of dressing appropriately when attending congregation meetings[ or convention sessions] and then throwing all caution to the wind at other times. Our personal appearance should always reflect a reverent, honorable attitude because we are Christians and ministers 24 hours a day.
8)We should dress modestly and with dignity. If our appearance and conduct always reflect our belief in God, we will never fell obligated to hold back from witnessing informally because our personal appearance leaves something to be desired.---1 Peter 3:15.
9)Informal Witnessing is Fruitful: During the two years that Paul was under house arrest in Rome, he saw good results from his witnessing efforts. Luke reported that "some began to believe the things said" (Acts 28:24) Paul himself evaluated the effectiveness of his "bearing thorough witness" when he wrote: "My affairs have turned out for the advancement of the good news rather than otherwise, so that my bonds have become public knowledge in association with Christ among all the Praetorian Guard and all the rest; and most of the brothers in the Lord, feeling confidence by reason of my prison bonds, are showing all the more courage to speak the word of God fearlessly."---Phil. 1:12-14.
10)Last summer, after spending the day at the district convention, a couple had a fruitful experience witnessing informally to a waitress who asked them about their convention badge cards. They told her about the convention and also about the hope the Bible holds out for the future of mankind. They gave her a tract and explained the free home bible study arrangement. The woman said that she wanted someone to visit her, filled in her name and address ont he back of the tract, and asked the couple to make the arrangements. What success might you enjoy this year being diligent in "bearing thorough witness"?
11)Thoroughly Advance the Good News: Imagine how happy Paul was when he heard that fellow Christians were imitating his zealous example! May we do all we can to advance the good news by witnessing informally about our Bible-based beliefs as we also benefit from this summer's district convention.
