Start conversations (4 mins.) INFORMAL PREACHING. Use one of the truths in appendix A of the booklet A Work of Love (lmd lesson 2 point 4).
Setting: During a visit to the supermarket, the publisher runs into someone he knows from his children's school. This person expresses stress about economic and social problems, which allows the publisher to show empathy and offer hope through a Bible text. The conversation sparks the person's interest, and they agree to continue it at another time.
Publisher: Hello, [name], it's great to see you here at the supermarket!
Assistant: Hi, [name]. Yes, what a coincidence. We almost always only run into each other at our children's school meetings. I came to do some quick shopping, but everything is getting more expensive and it's hard to find what you need.
Publisher: Yes, it's true, the situation is complicated. I've noticed it too, but I'm trying not to stress too much.
Assistant: Really? And how do you manage? I'm constantly stressed. If it's not the price of food, it's the power outages or not having enough money. And to top it all off, you see so much bad news: wars, disasters, political problems… not to mention there's always a sick relative. Sometimes I wish I could go to sleep and wake up in a completely different world, but I know that's just a dream.
Publisher: I understand you perfectly. In my case, something that helps me a lot is reading the Bible.
Assistant: Oh, really? So you find comfort in God?
Publisher: Yes, but not only that. Many people don't know that the Bible also offers very practical advice for daily life.
Assistant: That's interesting, I hadn't thought of it that way.
Publisher: Furthermore, it gives us hope and teaches us how to cope with difficulties while we wait for that new world you mentioned. That world is a promise from Jehovah and will soon become a reality.
Assistant: [Name], do you really believe that? I suppose in that world there would be no wars, disasters, or diseases, right?
Publisher: Exactly. There would also be no hunger, no aging, and no death.
Assistant: Not even death? That sounds hard to believe… and how would God do all that?
Publisher: The Bible explains how it will be done. If you'd like, I can show you calmly, step by step.
Assistant: I've finished my shopping and I have to go. But how about we continue our conversation tomorrow afternoon at my place? We can have coffee and talk more comfortably.
Publisher: That sounds like a great idea. I'll bring something to go with it.
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