How Do You View the Fields?

I am so sorry that I forgot to hit publish  when I finished my second blog yesterday.

WHAT ARE THEIR INTERESTS?

Read Acts 14:14-17.   Paul discerrned the interests of his audience, and then he adapted his presentation.  For example, the crowd he spoke to in Lystra had little or no knowledge of the Scriptures.  So Paul used arguments that they could relate to. He spoke of fruitful harvests and the ability to enjoy life.  He used words  and examples that his listeners could readily understand. 

Use insight to discern the interests of people in your territory and adapt your presentation.  How can you find out what a person is interested in as you approach him or his home?  Once again, be observant. Perhaps he is gardening, reading a book, repairing a vehicle, or engaging in some other activity.  If appropriate, why use what he is doing to engage him in conversation?  (John 4:7)  Even a person's clothing may say something about him-perhaps it indicates his nationality, occupation, or favorite sports team.  "I started a conversation  with a 19-year-old man whose T-shirt depicted a famous singer," says Gustavo.  "I asked him about it, and the man told me why he identified with the singer.  That conversation led to a Bible study, and now he is one of our brothers.

When you offer to do a Bible study with someone, make it appealing to him, show him how a studyt will fill his needs.  (John 4:13-15)  A sister named Poppy, for example, was invited in side the home of a woman who showed interests.  When Poppy saw a certificate on the wall indicating that the woman was a professor who had studied education, she stressed that we too educate people by means of our Bible study program and our meetings.  The woman accepted a study, went to a meeting the next day and attended a circuit assembly soon thereafter.  One year later, she got baptized. Ask yourself: 'What are my return visits interested in?  Can I describe our Bible study program in a way that they would find appealing? 

After you start a Bible study, prepare separately for each study you conduct, having in mind the background and interests of your student.  As you prepare, decide what scriptures you will read.  What videos you will show, and what illustration you will use to explain Bible truths.  Ask yourself, 'What will especially appeal  to and reach the heart of this student?'  (Proverbs 16:23)  In Albania, a woman who was studying with a pioneer named Flora stated firmly:  "I cannot accept the teaching of the resurrection."  Flora did not force the issue. She relates:  "I thought that she must first get to know  the God who promises the resurrection ."  From that pointon, at each study, Flora emphasized Jehovah's love, wisdom, and power.  Later, he student  readily put faith in the resurrection. She is now  a zealous Witness of Jehovah.

Next time: How Do You See the Fields? -  SEE THEM AS POTENTIAL DISCIPLES

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