APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY, Week of June 23-29, 2025, Start Conversations: INFORMAL PREACHING. (Making Disciples: A Work of Love, Lesson 2, point 4). Prepared Assignment.

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY, June 23-29, 2025, Start Conversations: INFORMAL PREACHING. (Making Disciples: A Work of Love, Lesson 2, point 4). Prepared Assignment.

Start Conversations (3 min.) INFORMAL PREACHING. Without starting to talk about the Bible, find a natural way to let the person know that you are one of Jehovah's Witnesses (LMD lesson 2, point 4).

Setting: The publisher is preaching informally in his neighborhood and stops to greet an elderly woman tending the flowers in her garden. He takes the opportunity to start a friendly conversation without directly mentioning the Bible, making a sincere comment about her petunias in a natural way. He lets her know that he is a Jehovah's Witness, leaving a good impression and laying the groundwork for future spiritual conversations.

Publisher(s): Good morning. Your flowers are looking so beautiful! That color of the petunias really pops in the sun this time of day.

Assistant: Oh, thank you so much! Yes, I love these petunias. I take great care of them; they're one of my favorites.

Publisher(s): And it shows, not everyone can get them to bloom this beautifully. I have some at home, but they don't look as showy as yours.

Assistant: Well, it's a matter of patience... and talking to them from time to time. They say plants have feelings.

Publisher(s): Well then, my family needs a good talking to. Sometimes I forget to talk to them.

Assistant: That would certainly do them good... just like it would do everyone, right? Sometimes you just need a little encouragement.

Publisher(s): Yes, you're right. Kind words are sorely needed these days. We always try to do that: to encourage people whenever we can.

Assistant: So? What do you do?

Publisher(s): Well, I'm a Jehovah's Witness. We enjoy talking with people, listening to their concerns, and sharing words of encouragement when the opportunity arises.

Assistant: Oh yeah, I've seen them around the neighborhood sometimes. Always so polite.

Publisher(s): Thank you. Yes, we sometimes like to say hello when we're out for a walk, but we don't want to make anyone uncomfortable; we just want people to know they can count on us if they ever want to talk about important things.

Assistant: That's nice. We need people who listen without rushing.

Publisher(s): Yes, over time one learns to be patient and wait for the right moment to talk about deeper things, whenever the person wants.

Publisher(s): Well, I don't want to take up any more of your time with your plants, but it was nice meeting you. Maybe we'll bump into each other another day and continue talking.

Assistant: Yes, of course. Anytime you like. It's always nice to chat with friendly people.

Publisher(s): Have a great day. And may your petunias continue to grow beautifully! See you. Take care, ma'am.

Assistant: Likewise. See you soon.