Leaderboard

From a local friend: These are the data that can be collected so far: Victim figures: there are no official lists. Most affected areas in order of damage: 1. Caracas, " Most affected municipalities: Chacao (Altamira and Los Palos Grandes), Sucre and eastern areas 2. La Guaira State (Maiquetía, Catia La Mar and La Guaira) Catia La Mar: several buildings collapsed on mountain slopes Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía): partial collapse of the terminal roof La Guaira: collapse of numerous buildings, including the Eduard's Hotel completely destroyed and several buildings severely affected 3. Yaracuy State (San Felipe, Yumare and surroundings) Damage to homes and severe damage for being closer to the epicenter. The area is isolated and with less media coverage. 4. Carabobo State (Puerto Cabello, Valencia, Morón/Montalbán and northern zone) Damage to infrastructure, buildings and reports of affected constructions in Valencia and coastal areas 5. Falcon State Damage to homes and structures. For those who try to communicate: In Caracas, in the neighborhoods of Altamira, Los Palos Grandes and Chacao, users report sporadic mobile signal, WhatsApp and Instagram. Sectors such as Caricuao, Las Acacias, El Paraíso, La Vega and Montalbán are without electricity. In La Guaira, Maiquetía and Catia La Mar there are problems with electricity and, consequently, for communications. In Carabobo, infrastructure damage causes communication and Internet signal cuts in Puerto Cabello, Morón, northern Valencia. The same happens in San Felipe and surroundings in Yaracuy and Miranda, in the areas of Guatire and Los Teques. There are no general power cuts, but there are complete zones without supply and, therefore, without Internet access or telephone lines. The list is of own elaboration from the open info, in this case they are not official data. Other data: -In all scenarios, there is a lack of sufficient rescue and medical equipment. -They are improvising care areas for the evacuated, but in most of the country the assistance is chaotic. -The government declared the National State of Emergency and the suspension of non-essential educational, labor and commercial activities throughout the country. In addition, the cutting of gas service in several affected regions was ordered. The temporary suspension of the Caracas Metro and the national rail system is in force. -There is an alert for possible replicas. -It is recommended to evacuate buildings with structural damage and prevent entry until you make sure they are safe. That's all I could summarize from the reports. The information is preliminary.

Well, the key to the April 2025 is in the question and the intent of paragraph 12: This is discussing His protection AS A GROUP. Jehovah will provide enough physical protection during the GT to ensure Satan can't completely wipe His people out (as a group). This is why the next paragraph then asks: What protection does Jehovah provide for us as individuals? Through the Scriptures, Jehovah helps us discern right from wrong. (Heb. 5:14) When we live by the principles found in God’s Word, we shield ourselves from both spiritual and physical harm. (Ps. 91:4) So, the INDIVIDUAL physical protection is something that is not promised until Armageddon/ the END of the Great Tribulation. But regardless, there is nothing anyone can do that hurts us long-term. Jehovah can always bring us back and heal all our wounds - even mental ones!

I just wanted to make a quick comment for those who thought we wouldn't die after the GT started. In order for that to happen Jehovah would have to stop our aging process and our sicknesses. That does not seem reasonable to expect. The Bible tells us at Matthew 24:13 that "the one who has endured to the end (the end of their own life on earth or Armageddon, whichever comes first) will be saved." Now as far as the actual day of Armageddon goes - it does seem reasonable to believe that none of Jehovah's faithful servants will die on that day - what kind of Savior/Deliverer would Jehovah look like if he allowed even one of us to die during that war? It would look like he was unable to protect his own people during his own war. That is why the Bible also tells us to "life our heads" for our deliverance is near. We will not be afraid of anything bad happening to us on that Great and Fear Inspiring Day!

I don't know if this is connected, but I saw this in my feed at work for the first time: It really does takes you to our site - Why Does God Allow Suffering?—The Reason Why Suffering Began | Bible Teach That is pretty cool!!!

The latest news from JW PRESSROOM about the series Good News from Jesus: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ5H3Lcjj4_/?igsh=NmtkY3c5Z3R1djY0

I think we all agree that they would only announce the start of the GT if they were sure - whether in an update to Witnesses or a public announcement. That's why I think they might release a quick article after the UN gets power that details what the GT looks like from start to finish. They wouldn't say in the article that the GT had begun because we would still be waiting for the destruction of false religion. Thus, there would be no need for a retraction because they wouldn't have made the claim that it had begun. No claim = no retraction. Later on, when BtG is destroyed they can make one final announcement: THE GREAT TRIBULATION HAS BEGUN and refer people to the previous article. I hope they announce it to Witnesses first - it feels appropriate. I'm going to cry at that update. 😭

Today daily text is a great comfort specially for all our dear brothers and sisters in Venezuela Keep praying

In fact, look closely at our Nov '26 par 18, latest Watchtower, it says the same thing, but adds that little nuance. Here it is again: During the great tribulation, Jehovah will continue to protect his people spiritually. What about physical protection? When the nations launch an all-out assault on his people, Jehovah will not allow his worshippers to be exterminated as a group. (Ezek. 38:1, 2, 10-16) This will lead to the war of Armageddon when Jehovah will unleash his executional forces—Jesus Christ and his heavenly armies. They will take action against God’s enemies. (Rev. 17:12-14; 19:11, 14, 15) How will Jehovah protect his people during Armageddon? See how it again mentions "as a group"? But then paragraph 20 adds "Once Armageddon begins, we can expect that Jehovah will provide complete physical, emotional, and spiritual protection for his people not just as a group but also as individuals." https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2026560?q=physical+protection&p=par That really is an update. I don't recall our literature stating this before. And like all updates - it makes sense as it is explained.

SO MUCH... I'm ready for Armageddon in my mind, but I'm not ready for the emotion of that update... I can barely write this message

They seemed to make a pretty big deal about this "physical protection" with a GB special talk and Watchtower article. I'd put it in the updated category. Think about it, we are emotionally and spiritually protected right now and as long as we listen that protection remains.

I can follow directions as long as I understand them..😂 all through grade school every report card contained check marks for 'follows instructions well.' Then penciled in at bottom it said talks in class too much. I can not remember ever the teacher saying limit your talking during class. Or if they did I was talking and didn't hear them. 🤪😝😱 I.just don't want to be the one with the perplexed look on their face asking 'What did he say?' so I hope the instructions are short, loud and clear.

Thursday, June 25 Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.—Isa. 41:10. Consider how our life would be if we were not serving Jehovah. Doing so can help us to stick to a faithful course and conclude as did the psalmist: “As for me, drawing near to God is good for me.” (Ps. 73:28) We can face whatever challenges come our way during these last days because we “slave for a living and true God.” (1 Thess. 1:9) Our God is a real Person who acts in behalf of those who worship him. He proved to be with his servants in the past, and he is with us today. We will soon face the greatest tribulation to occur on earth. But we will not face it alone. May we all “be of good courage and say: ‘Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid.’”—Heb. 13:5, 6. w24.06 25 ¶17-18

A language-learning app called Un-Babel or Fire Tongues

I thought some here might find this article of interest. The article reviews documented hate incidents against Jehovah’s Witnesses across Western Europe during 2025. It argues that violence rarely begins with violence itself. Rather, it often starts with intolerance, stereotypes, and efforts to portray a religious minority as dangerous or undesirable. The author traces this progression from intolerance to discrimination and, in some cases, to acts of vandalism, threats, assaults, and other hate-motivated incidents. Whether one agrees with every conclusion or not, the article raises an important question: What happens when negative labels and public ridicule become socially acceptable? The examples presented from a number of European countries provide a sobering look at how attitudes can influence behavior and why religious freedom deserves continued attention. When media spread intolerance, and authorities promote discrimination, violence is a logical consequence. https://bitterwinter.org/hate-crimes-against-the-jehovahs-witnesses-in-western-europe/

Considering that probably most of the people that go to JW.org are already JW, a tie salesman or a razor blade company would have done well a few years ago...

Thank-you, brother John. Wow! This part says a lot: "In 2020, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom identified the Jehovah’s Witnesses as the most persecuted religious organization in the world in proportion to their membership size. They serve as the proverbial canaries in the coal mine, a warning sign for religious freedom—or lack thereof."

Yesterday, a new article regarding this case appeared on JW.ORG. Brothers said that on the 26th of July the BGH court in Germany is supposed to give a verdict and in fact they did. According to the source below this higher court overturned a ruling by the Cologne Higher Regional Court and remanded the case for a new hearing and decision: https://www.diesachsen.de/en/culture/dispute-over-jehovahs-witnesses-archive-must-be-reopened-3152554

Hi Brothers and sisters I noticed I have progressed on this site in Rank, to an enthusiast. It makes me sound scarily out there:) But in this case I accept it as a compliment. When you have felt like you have been stuck in a corner for so long and all of a sudden you have a freedom of expression to the praise of Jehovah, I'm an enthusiast!😁

They are projecting thousands of deaths in Venezuela after this earthquake, but we need to wait and see.

My understanding was that the update was the individual protection at Armageddon included non-physical protection (emotional and spiritual). I have always understood we would be protected physically at Armageddon.

While things like you mentioned can be fun, we need to keep in mind that a 'Congregation picnic' is not a meeting. It is a time to enjoy food, association and relax. I have been to some gatherings that made people feel uneasy because all of the activities made it feel like Q&A meeting parts and, since people hadn't come to the gathering to be quizzed, many left as soon as the food was served. Things like having live music - it can be a mixture of theocratic and secular music - can be fun. Likewise, physical games like horseshoes, cornhole, darts and the like help the older ones feel welcome since they can't play football or other high-energy activities. Having a Bible themes skit, especially if done semi-satire, can be fun for those in the skit as well as the audience.

I think the current one is specifically talking about protection through Armageddon. The destruction of Babylon the Great is the start of the great tribulation and Jehovah's day. He can do "more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive" (Eph 3:20).

New video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ5H3Lcjj4_/?igsh=NmtkY3c5Z3R1djY0

Well, I figure that's probably long enough for it to filter through to all of Amazon's Distribution, and webcrawlers. So the new book is now available on the blog, too. Thanks to you all, the new book has made it into the Top 20 of it's category on the Amazon Store. Foreward and Prologue Chapter One: Living Arrangements Chapter Two: Breaking News Chapter Three: "It's Called Reputation." Chapter Four: Two Meetings Chapter Five: "It's Too Late." Chapter Six: "War Comes Next." Chapter Seven: What Are The Odds? Chapter Eight: Downsides to Waiting Chapter Nine: Least Likely To Be Saved Chapter Ten: Undeserved Kindness Chapter Eleven: A Victory Song Chapter Twelve: After The Fall Chapter Thirteen: Welcome To Paradise Chapter Fourteen: A Life You Can Live With. Epilogue

never realised how many atttacks there had been on JWs it western europe https://bitterwinter.org/hate-crimes-against-the-jehovahs-witnesses-in-western-europe/

Oh my🙏🙏🙏🙏. A report on Jw.org says: So far 1 sister and 5 brothers are now in Jehovahs memory. 58 missing and 35 injured. Pray everyone else is accounted for 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/venezuela/Multiple-Earthquakes-Devastate-Venezuela/

The videos and images on social media of Venezuela are horrific. Prayers for our brothers and sisters there, they've already endured so much.

I repost everything

Two major earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday — the first a Magnitude 7.2 and the second a Magnitude 7.5 less than a minute later

Wednesday, June 24 I am coming against you in the name of Jehovah of armies.—1 Sam. 17:45. Likely while he was still a teenager, David visited the army camp of the Israelites. He found that the soldiers were terrified because a giant Philistine named Goliath had come out to “taunt the battle line of Israel.” (1 Sam. 17:10, 11) The soldiers’ fear was a result of their focusing on the giant and the taunts they heard on the battlefield. (1 Sam. 17:24, 25) David, however, viewed the situation from a different perspective. He viewed what was happening as a challenge, not merely against the battle line of Israel but against “the battle line of the living God.” (1 Sam. 17:26) David had Jehovah foremost in mind. David trusted that the God who had helped him when he was a shepherd would help him again in this situation. Certain of God’s backing, David faced Goliath and, of course, he won!—1 Sam. 17:45-51. w24.06 21 ¶7

This is just a fun thought, not a conversation on why there are no ads anyway. If you had the chance to make a secular commercial for the organization what would be your pitch? We obviously spend alot of money all over the world I was thinking a maybe a Nike commercial for pioneering with "Just Do It" slogan. Or a Dr Scholls insert for preaching in distant lands As you can tell I do not work in advertising. Any other ideas

Lots of looking but not commenting.. we get a real uptick around annual meetings and popular events ..

Jehovah's one thought.

That's too bad. 😞 I referenced the Pressroom in two different comments at meetings over the past month. It's a fantastic channel the brothers have provided- why be shy about it? 🤷🏽‍♀️

Friday, June 26 You will . . . see the distinction between a righteous person and a wicked person.—Mal. 3:18. The Bible names more than 40 men who ruled as kings of Israel. The good kings did some bad things. Consider good King David. Jehovah said: “My servant David . . . walked after me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes.” (1 Ki. 14:8) Yet, that man committed sexual immorality with a married woman and conspired to have her husband killed in battle. (2 Sam. 11:4, 14, 15) On the other hand, many of the unfaithful kings did some good things. Consider Rehoboam. In Jehovah’s eyes, he “did what was bad.” (2 Chron. 12:14) Yet, Rehoboam obeyed God’s order to have ten tribes break away from his kingdom. He also benefited his nation by fortifying its cities. (1 Ki. 12:21-24; 2 Chron. 11:5-12) How did Jehovah determine whether a king was faithful in His eyes? Evidently, He took into consideration his heart condition, his repentance, and his adherence to true worship. w24.07 20 ¶1-3

I have not heard anyone in my congregation talk about it at all - even those who are social media savvy.

For those of you who use Obsidian for your Bible research/notes, I would like to present a free community plugin called tra.VER:ture (or just traVERture). This is a scripture reference parser and formatter/converter/translator, which lets you create interactive links to the NWT Bible with verse previews, or parse entire documents into a searchable, sortable sidebar table. You can check it out here: https://community.obsidian.md/plugins/traverture Official repo: https://github.com/erykjj/traverture Install manually or via `Community plugins > Browse` in Obsidian settings.

Great crowd of 2

I'm sorry, what did you say? I was talking to my wife...

little late to the convo; but I've always understood at Armageddon we would get max protection.

Now revealed a sculpture about JW in Germany https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/berlin-memorial-commemorates-jehovahs-witnesses-154141650.html

In our area, when the friends gather at a park, beach, or pavilion, there's often something organized for those who want to participate. We've had Kids' Fairs with face painting and obstacle courses. Brothers and sisters have shared talents by singing, dancing, or performing tricks. One year we had a farm theme, and a sister brought her horse while others brought chickens, goats, and ducks. We've even had shaving cream on balloons and tried to "shave" them—it turns out balloons don't make very cooperative customers! None of those activities took away from the food, association, or relaxed atmosphere. They simply gave those who wanted to participate another way to enjoy being together, while everyone else was free to visit and fellowship. Oh, and there was always volleyball!

I was a man trapped inside a woman's body. 🙍‍♀️

├── Focus on Jehovah, not the problem ├── Remember past evidence of Jehovah's help ├── View challenges from Jehovah's perspective ├── Courage grows when faith grows └── No obstacle is greater than Jehovah

Just in time for the 2000th anniversary of Jesus ministry and sacrifice. 😁

I heard the idea about 50 years ago about Jehovah would not create intelligent life on another planet until the question was answered that was brought up in the Garden of Edan. And if there were intelligent faithful servants on some other planet then Jehovah would not have to prove anything. I sort of expanded that belief to say that there was no life on any other planet. But actually, the way it was explained to me was that it actually only applied to intelligent creatures that could decide whether or not they wanted to stay faithful to Jehovah. With that viewpoint bacteria could actually exist on other planets, but not life that had free will. Sometimes I am a little slow to learn.

An official account of the holocaust museum, nice

Not sure when this happened, but our TikTok account reposted someone else’s post:

Well there over 9000 members in total.

Basically it means nothing ... no free trips or extra days of everlasting life .. Just a feature in the commercial program.