Build Your Encouragement Recipient List

As loyal publishers, we understand that the preaching work still needs to be accomplished in these troubled last days, as we strive to display love of neighbor. We adapted sending Bible-based letters to our co-workers and neighbors, who may be troubled, coping with depression or some other illness. On the other hand, we understand that our priority is our spiritual family (Gal. 6:10). And thanks to our bi-weekly meetings on zoom and service opportunities, we now know them better than ever. What else can we do for them?

Prepare your “Encouragement Mailing List”

In our “Expressing Love in a Handwritten Letter” blog, we recommended making a list of recipients. Here are some examples of people you might agree should be included:

• Our dear elders and other publishers who willingly offer to serve in a Disaster Relief Committee. They may still be on the front line in many countries where new spikes of Covid-19 have been registered. We understand the sacrifices they’ve made, and they need encouragement for that.
• Pioneers who have been creative all this time to fully accomplish their work - setting a fine example of adapting to new circumstances. Help them combat “zoom fatigue” by expressing your support for their diligent efforts.
• Those who suffer a chronic illness. This winter is cold not only because of the weather but because of physical distancing. Although we may not be able to visit these dear friends in person, we can confirm we love them with a little note to warm their hearts.
• Single parents, someone who has recently divorced, someone who remains loyal after a relative left the truth…. the list may grow longer as you try to recall. Various circumstances can make the friends feel blue. 

But you can help! By dedicating just a couple hours a week to our “internal ministry” you can accomplish a lot of good.

5 Reasons Why Family Games Are So Important

You may be asking yourself, “So, what’s so great about card games?” Or, “Aren’t card games the dull thing you do when you don’t know what else to do?”

 

Hopefully, this post will help answer the above questions and provide you with some great reasons to start playing. Here are our top 5 reasons for using card games to start the Table Age Revolution:

Seven reasons printed publications are here to stay

The Value of Using a Printed Book Over Digital

In the past few months during the pandemic, much to our relief, every release from the organization has been uploaded to the JW website and JW Library app. We've seen beautiful reports that show all the money saved, much of which has been used by the Disaster Relief Committees around the world. Even though we received direction to stop using the Kingdom Halls for meetings, you've never stopped preparing for every single meeting, and you've maintained your spiritual routine consisting, mainly, of reading.

Theocratic books aren't all that we consume. For entertainment, you've no doubt read a complete book or two in the past few months, especially if you are an avid book reader. However, if you started working or studying remotely, you have read more on your tablet or computer than ever before.

What other reasons do we have to consume e-books?

Here we list a few, but maybe you have some others in mind:

• Convenience. Most of the titles are easy to find by writing on the search tool and then downloading to our preferred platform.
• Space savings. Having an e-library saves a lot of space. And less cluttered bookshelves to clean!
• Cost savings. On average, a digital book could cost 10% less than a printed edition (School Library Journal, 2018). 
• Environmental considerations. Less consumption of paper means fewer trees cut.

So does that mean old-fashioned books are out? Is there any reason to keeping reading printed books?

Yes! Here are 7 benefits scientists have acknowledged after much research:

How Do You Express Appreciation?

In these times of distress, expressing your support and sincere empathy with meaningful items has become the path of brotherly affection. Most likely, you know someone in need who would be a happy recipient of ministry supplies or more. Even if you yourself are finding these to be challenging times, a little handmade present goes a long way (1 Corinthians 13:1-4). Here are a few ideas of what you can include in your package:

Product Spotlight: NWT Study Bible Covers

Every new Bible is an exciting acquisition. You open it up, searching the numerous pages to discover new features. Bit by bit your enthusiasm builds. You're eager to dive in and start reading. But, years later, the original look begins to wear - perhaps due to the climate or with frequent use. Although a well-used Bible is a good thing, we still want to protect it from wear and tear.

With that in mind, Ministry Ideaz has designed long-durability leather and leatherette covers to protect your precious gift and avoid accidental snagging or dog-eared pages. Whether you choose leather or leatherette, you’ll discover both options are durable and a great value. We are sure you will appreciate this investment in the longevity of your Study Bible.

Expressing Love in a Handwritten Letter

This pandemic is putting our mental health to the test. Needless to say, as social individuals, we miss the warm affection reflected in a hug and face to face interaction.

Just to understand the effects of isolation, consider some data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: In June, nearly 31 percent of U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, while almost 11 percent said that they had seriously considered suicide. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms alone was about triple that of the same period in 2019.

Of course, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you understand the importance of offering comfort and hope (Acts 13:47). And because you have a pioneer spirit, you are probably doing everything you can. But, have you thought about the importance of a handwritten message?

Having Fun in This Time of Physical Distancing

(note: Although we are using the term "physical distancing" in this blog article, some may be more familiar with the term "social distancing".)

Do you miss getting together with a group of friends and chatting or playing games in the family room? During quarantine, some of us experienced some isolation after a few months of physical distancing.  How can social connections help us cope with feelings of isolation? Connecting with friends is a great way to cope amidst this pandemic.

Have you experienced the benefits of giving your time as a Zoom-host? Organizing social gatherings by Zoom or other video conferencing apps can be stressful, especially when you are trying to think of games that your guest will enjoy. (Oh, and they have to work over a video call. So... maybe not Jenga.)

To help reduce the stress of planning, we put together a list of our top suggestions for spending time the friends.