Well, as I've mentioned before, even though I am an ex-JW at heart, I am still forced to go to meetings and occasionally in Field Service due to my circumstances (live at home with parents). My time out in field service is pretty low, as I only spend like an hour a month out just to keep my family off my back, and that hour is usually one hour of RV with some poineers, so I can't remember the last time I actually really went out, or spoke to anyone at the door .
I guess out of "spiritual" concern, by uncle sent me the following article a couple of weeks ago:
*** km 6/99 4 Make Your Time Count ***I guess this article was supposed to motivate me, but it only got on my nerves. I wish I could just pick apart the article and send it back to him, but of course that would give me away (I'll just settle for you guys comments ). The "time comment" is just silly. I can't believe so many people literally live or die by this drivel.
Make Your Time Count
1 Everyone has the same amount of time at his disposal
each week. The portion that we devote to spreading the
good news is especially valuable because it is time
spent in a life-saving work. (Rom. 1:16) We show our
appreciation for this by preparing well for the
service planned, arriving at meetings for service on
time, and leaving promptly for the territory. We would
rather be preaching than waiting. Since Jehovah has
taught us that “for everything there is an appointed
time,” we need to make the time that we have set aside
for the ministry really count.—Eccl. 3:1.
2 Manage Your Time Wisely: Many blessings come to us
when we steadfastly hold to a schedule that allows for
regular participation in the field ministry.
Naturally, the good results that we achieve in the
ministry should be proportionate to the amount of time
spent in the service. With some slight adjustments to
our routine, could we devote more time to the field
service? For example, after magazine activity on
Saturday, could we take some additional time to make a
few return visits? If we have been in the field
ministry for a while on Sunday, could we spend some
time also making return visits or conducting a Bible
study? Would it be possible to supplement our
house-to-house activity with some street witnessing?
In these or other ways, we may be able to improve in
our service.
3 When we are out in the ministry, we can lose
valuable time if we are not careful. Of course, when
weather conditions are severe, a short break will
refresh us and help us to keep going. Be balanced,
however, since such breaks may not always be
necessary.
4 In recent years it has become increasingly difficult
to find people at home. To cope with this situation,
many publishers do their door-to-door witnessing at a
different time of day. Why not try witnessing in the
late afternoon or early evening?
5 It is better if we do not visit with one another
while engaging in street work. Instead, stand apart
from one another and approach the people so as to
start conversations with them. Thus time will be
managed more effectively and greater joy will be
derived from the work.
6 Seize Opportunities to Witness: When a householder
said that she was not interested, a Witness asked if
there was anyone else in the house with whom she might
talk. This led to a conversation with the man of the
house, who had been ill for many years and was largely
confined to bed. The hope set out in God’s Word
renewed his interest in life. He was soon out of bed,
attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall, and sharing
his newfound hope with others!
7 A teenage sister applied the suggestion to engage in
field service during the hour before the Congregation
Book Study. At her first door, she met a 13-year-old
girl who listened intently and took literature. The
next day at school, the young sister saw this same
girl. Soon thereafter, she offered to study the Bible
with her, and the girl accepted.
8 Make It Quality Time: Having a regular share in
field service helps us develop our skills in
presenting the good news. Can you improve your ability
to start a conversation at the door by using a more
effective introduction? Could you become a more
skillful teacher when conducting a home Bible study?
By doing so, you can truly make your time in the
service count and make your ministry more
productive.—1 Tim. 4:16.
9 Since “the time left is reduced,” our lives should
be filled with Christian works. (1 Cor. 7:29)
Allotting time for the preaching activity should be
high on our list of priorities. Let us have a healthy,
zealous share in the ministry. Time is a wonderful
asset that Jehovah has given us. Always use it wisely
and make it count.
[Box on page 4]
Consider These Suggestions:
õ Arrive at meetings for service on time.
õ Within reason, keep witnessing groups small.
õ Avoid delays in getting to the territory.
õ Work territory when most people are at home.
õ Work alone at times if it is safe to do so.(unless you're a pedophile)
õ Make return visits nearest to the door-to-door
territory.
õ Keep busy in service when others in the group are
delayed at a door.
õ Whenever possible, depending on circumstances, stay
out longer than an hour.Emphasis, and "pedophile comment" added by myself.