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Jehovah won't be looking for reason to annihilate you at Armageddon, He will consider all the reason he has to save you.

I had a dream last night that this convention “Eternal happiness” is going to be last before GT. I also have dreams from time to time that I can fly like a bird, so don’t read too much into it 😆

Today began Regional conventon in Kiev (Ukraine language), proceeded in one auditorium and been streamed to near regions. Mostly brothers and sisters meets in their KH and also see the streaming via Zoom. There were about 10000 attenders. No air attacks alarms during a first day.

You may recall this horrific news story three years ago. The sounds of the shots we imagine still echo in our minds, as we keep mulling over the question in our heads: How much longer, O Jehovah? How much longer? That topic is closed now and won't allow any more posts. So I will continue it here. A brother whom I know sent me the following information about what is happening now in the Kingdom Hall, a little more than three years after the tragedy. He wrote it all in French, but since his email is lengthy and I didn't want to translate it myself, I asked GoogleTranslate to do the honours. It doesn't appear to be taken from an article that I could find, and so contains no links. Other articles appearing in newspapers report another recent shooting in Germany; nothing to do with us. However, I was unable to find any others specifically about this Kingdom Hall. But considering how long I have known the brother who sent this to me (about 25 years), I trust him.

I, of course, do hope it comes this year. October would be wonderful. But the words soon, on the verge, around the corner etc are all part of the same language used for years. I’m not saying it’s wrong to hope the word soon means this year, but it’s all relative. This language was used back in the 1960’s as well. Just doing a simple search on WOL will show you that. In expectation of soon always, but also expecting it to be a while longer. We just don’t know.

Anticipation is a good thing (Keep on the Watch). Do not let it grip you with inordinate expectation. I recall the published furor we had in times passed (50 years ago). From the organization (in publication): WT Dec 15, 1974, page 764,766…And now, as the critical year of 1975 enters, it may well be asked …And now, as the year 1975 opens up, some thousands of the anointed remnant, still alive on this earth, look ahead to realizing that joyful prospect. From Br. Fred Franz (Governing Body): WT May 1, 1975, page 285…“we should not think that this year of 1975 is of no significance to us,”“we are filled with anticipation for the near future” We await the GT and end of this world with calm expectation and complete trust in God and Christ. Whether in this year or in ten years, it will come on time and it will not be late. Always be focused on the work of the Kingdom and do not be distracted by any apparent "times and seasons" or possible dates. Remember our errors (done in faith) with 1914, 1925, 1954, 1975, Y2k and so on. We are eager but the Holy Spirit from Jehovah is patient. God has picked a day and hour more than 2000 years ago. It has not (and will not) change...♥️

I feel that this broadcast and the talk from Kenneth Cook that was shown at the midweek meeting two weeks ago shows that we are very close and that Jehovah is preparing us. I also felt that the international convention Eternal happiness we had in Stockholm last weekend was a big hug from Jehovah, assuring us that he loves us so much and that he will help us with everything if we rely on him. Personally I feel that something is in the air and that Jehovah is getting us ready. Hope it wont be long now.

How do you react to small tests of faith? Every time you tell someone you don't celebrate Christmas, turn down a birthday gift, stand respectfully for the anthem without participating, request a day off for the Convention, reject job offers that interfere with your spiritual life, preach despite angry householders, or respectfully explain your stance on controversial social issues you take a stand for Jehovah. The GT will be a more extreme version of the kinds of tests we've faced our whole spiritual lives. The people who are confident they will survive know the sacrifices they have already made to follow Jehovah and are sure they will continue in that course. Think about it, if we can take a stance now that risks our job or social standing, how much easier will it be during the GT when we know the clock to Armageddon is very limited and our jobs and social standing will be destroyed anyway? Once we cross that finish line, how many of today's worries will ever be applicable again - bills, employment, money? Even if we lose all our worldly possessions we will know that the time is close, so there's no point in clinging to it or planning for retirement. We know we can depend on our congregation to pull together resources. We know we will get direction from the GB. We know Jehovah will not abandon us. If there is some specific test you are thinking of that you aren't sure you can withstand, please give it some prayerful thought and figure out if it's something you have already passed before (taking a stand in some way for Jehovah) or something someone else has already endured (torture, imprisonment etc). Meditate on examples of faith. Don't let your fears fester and don't let them be vague or "your strength will be meager" when you need it most.

We are watching the Broadcasting as a family, my older daughter said : we are getting in the GT in less than a year, aren't we ? May it be true

Our guest speaker from last week RC was Bro. Lett. He mentioned that the Acts of the Apostles is in progress.

We are all feeling it so close... it's exciting !

I'm not asking for Jehovah to abandon his time table, just wish our definition of that one word (soon) was a little closer together in meaning between the fleshy and spiritual. That way, when the end really was coming " soon" (soon in our definition) - that's when we start using that word, not 50 years beforehand. I understand they want to keep our sense of urgency high and that it why they use words like "soon", "imminent", "on the verge" and "right around the corner" - but it can also lead to weariness of heart to hear it over and over again and we still have years to go. That's all I'm saying. Start using those terms when the time is appropriate. Does anyone remember the "Deliverance is Near" Convention? That was over 20 years ago. "Near" (at least to me) does not mean 20+ years from now, that's all I'm saying. Not sure if I'm making any sense to anyone else but myself.

Ukrainian brothers and sisters are in my prayers constantly 🙏🧡 Can we have some news please? so many deadly attacks last days make my heart shake Are you ok? Are you safe able to hide? any wounded or casualties? please take a big chunk of Christian love from me in Portugal 🧡🧡

My brother and sister-in-law go to the English congregation in this hall. The building is completely remodelled. The cngregation which were attacked by the gunman now meet in a different hall, as the memories are too much for those surviving brothers and sisters.

I get you. You need to believe you can make it despite your shortcomings. God knows our situation and troubles. That’s good enough for me. The more negative you feel. The more discouraged you’ll get. There’s no point in doubting if it’s coming soon. Just don’t be afraid and believe you can walk on water aka survive Armageddon. No more doubting. We will make it. See you there.

JWB July 2026 transcript

I wish "soon" to Jehovah was the same as "soon" for us (sigh).

The word "Imminent" was popular for several years...

I noticed in this broadcast they used the term "we are on the verge" (meaning of the GT) several times. No more is it "close", or "around the corner" or "soon", we are now "on the verge" of it. It seems to me that in the last 6 to 9 months, we are discussing how to prepare for the GT, how important it is to keep our unity and especially how important it will be for us to be obedient and always trust in Jehovah. It comes up in every meeting and broadcast and in the new study editions of the Watchtower in a consistent manner IMO. (By the way, the term "on the verge" means on the "brink or border" of something.) Remember, the earth is also on the verge of being completely ruined (AI data centers of sealed that fate for sure now), so Jehovah will have to act very quickly to keep that from happening as well.

This balanced and humble approach in the program taught me something: “When we receive direction —even if it seems unnecessary or we have a different opinion— do we trust Jehovah enough to follow it? If you receive clear direction, follow it if there’s no Scriptural law being disregarded. You never know if Jehovah is maneuvering matters for a reason. And even if not, he’ll reward you for your loyalty.” With good motives, we obey the direction from the organisation. But this shows that we shouldn’t always conclude that everything that comes in the form of direction comes from Jehovah. Why? Because no human has perfect understanding of His will. It reminded me of the widow who went to the temple. Jehovah at that time was using Judaism to render acceptable worship among his people. But many facets of that system of worship had become limited and was in part corrupted due to religious leaders who had “placed themselves in the seat of Moses.” (Matt. 23:2) But what did the widow do? She gave everything she had to a temple and the system of worship that was soon to be done away with. Did Jesus stop this woman from contributing by saying: “Don’t bother, put that money back in your purse. Don’t you know that this place will be a heap of ruins soon?” No. He saw the deep faith the woman held toward a system of worship that had become burdensome through no fault of her own, but he commended her for such acts of faith. (Luke 21:2-6) Unlike first century Judaism, Pure worship isn’t corrupted. Jesus remembers our deeds of faith towards the system of worship that he oversees. (Rev. 2:19) This is despite that at times, parts of worship that we perform deeds in need refining, changing or that may seem unnecessary. Jesus sees our motives, just like the poor widow. Jesus will also make sure when this worship needs improving or needs to become more attuned to God’s will and personality. (Isa. 60:17; John 2:16) Jesus will bless us for being loyal by keeping us in the book of life.(Rev. 3:5) Mark Noumair said it well at last year’s convention: “Don’t look for perfection, look for pure worship.”

I so agree with you. I would say I used to get excited by new terms like soon, imminent, etc, but being around for a while and knowing for myself (not saying for anyone else), I do not get overly excited about verbiage humans use because it used to set me up to feel a little weary. I don't want to feel that way so I refrain from getting overly concerned about the particular language. Words mean different things to different people, but I remember during COVID some people saying we might not get out of it, etc. I don't join in on those conversations as I don't find them helpful to me, but in my mind I was wishing the friends wouldn't voice that so loudly as it can lead to disappointment to some. I do not wish to stumble others but I know how you feel. Sometimes I feel Jehovah is probably tired of me asking him how long can he endure the wickedness, injustice, reproach, etc. I'm like the proverbial kid in the back seat family road trip asking "ARE WE THERE YET???" Yet I remember that he is patient, and then I remember patience isn't my best quality. You can now figure out what my user name means so I can remind myself to work on it.

Don't feel like you are alone in these feelings. I think that's why people dissect things the GB says. They are hoping to get more insight as to how long this system will go on. "We all say how much longer Jehovah"? Especially when life gets hard. And it gets harder by the day. I'm not patient and I'm tired. That makes for challenging days at time. But like you and our brothers worldwide, I endure. 💚

If Jehovah loved the world so much that he was willing to make His firstborn available as the ransom sacrifice, can we imagine how much He loves those who exercise faith in that ransom? 99.99% of the world that Jehovah loves do not love Him, or don't even believe in Him. So, how precious to Jehovah and Jesus are those who do love Him and want to have his approval. The most valuable thing you can offer to Jehovah as an expression of your love for him is your time. We all have the same amount of time each day. We can give it to Jehovah when we pray, attend meetings, speak to others in the ministry or informally, shepherd one another etc. Jehovah takes notice of every minute we give Him. And the sparrow that lands on the ground in search of food does not go unnoticed either. And, to be honest, if you or I don't make it ~ we won't know what we're missing anyway.

I think that's the point: hope. We have a hope that's alive and real, something Jehovah gave us that we can believe and trust in. It's not confidence exactly, it's the knowledge that we can make it through because Jehovah wants us to make it through. That doesn't mean we don't worry sometimes about failing him, in fact we'd be silly if we were overconfident (look at what happened to Peter!), but it is all about the fact that he will help us because he says he will. It's about faith.

The bad thing is that Russians began to shoot Kiev with an anti-aircraft missile S-300/S-400 converted for firing at the ground. It has a low accuracy but time to fly about 2-3 minutes. Sometime explodes are hearing before Air alarm. So that no time to hide in Metro or an reliable shelter. Despite restless nights this weekends regional convention has held with about 11300 attenders in Kyiv / Zhitomir / Khmelnicky regions. Brothers had to chenge the place of attending to more safe to don`t stop translation with oncite attendres during air attacks. But no alarms were during convention, By the way no alarms on the whole Ukraine where during Memorial and last translation of Mark Sanderson`s visit The most hits this period are in Kyiv region and cities near war line (Kherson, Dnipro, Zaporizzya, Sumy, Kharkiv). In most of other regions there is relatively silently. We are used for air alarms and far hits.

AKA Post Production. To be filmed at Ramapo.

We won't need to be told "this is it"

UPDATE on Jw.org https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/venezuela/UPDATE-Multiple-Earthquakes-Devastate-Venezuela/ This update does not have any missing brothers/sisters But reports an increase in those who were killed from 6 to 46😭

I think we all have those feelings at times. But i think about myself as a mom and the love I have for my children. I love each of my children individually. Individually they can break my heart or make me proud. This is how I see Jehovah looking at us. As a group of his children yes but also he sees our individual hearts. John 3:16 is a good scripture @LeolaRootStew one sacrifice was all that was necessary for Jehovah to extend mercy to each of us. Jehovah doesn't act with sentimentality but he sees us and loves us individually. Our imperfections make it hard for us to feel that.

Out of the mouths of babes Psalm 8:2 Matthew 21:15, 16

I can relate to you very much. Still I pray every day to see the end of wickedness and see how Jehovah vindicates his name and makes it known around the entire Earth regardless of what that means for me personally. I am very unimportant in this story. If I live through it, it will be because of Jehovah's very undeserved kindness and for eternity I will be thankful and wonder how that could happen. If not, it will be the right thing to happen, but from that point on humanity will be on road to re-unite with Jehovah's universal family and that is most important.

Don't lose your head over it, I'm sure it will be sad but not graphic.

May Jehovah continue to watch over his precious sheep.

You will be in my prayers bro and sis in Ukraine. The whole world is affected by the inflation because of war

It was so good. I loved the experiences of the Tshomba family.

46... devastating... Jehovah, please come !

meantime in New York https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/man-arrested-throwing-molotov-cocktails-103141627.html

The majority of the world don't feel this way so imagine how happy this makes Jehovah feel.

Here is the latest update News | Sterling Mine Road Audio/Video Production Center | New York https://share.google/otkNVlMtqZorHSqVh

When I eat to much chocolate, I fly like a bird and much into it too.

Back on topic - the GT hasn't started yet.

I guess all I am saying is leave those terms out of it until it is noticeably apparent that those terms are going to be exactly true. The GB does kind of have an indication of when the GT will start (when all the body realizes all of them have had their final sealing for instance and can put out beacons to find out if others of the anointed around the world are experiencing the same thing, I imagine that in the GB they would inform others on the GB if they have had their final sealing because most die soon afterward and it's time to think about a replacement or helper to step in their place). To me the constant use of those terms without them coming true in what physical people feel is a reasonable amount of time for "imminent" or "on the verge of" or even "soon" would keep alot of us from feeling weary and like our hope has gone unfulfilled constantly. I would rather they leave those adjectives out until they become the truth.

Thank you Jehovah for answering my prayers!!! https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/ukraine/Kyiv-Endures-One-of-the-Wars-Heaviest-Assaults/

The November 2025 Watchtower Study Edition, Page 4, Paragraph 7 stated: “Perhaps you are saddened by the possibility that the end of this system will not come in your lifetime. If you feel that way, what can help?” Be observant, keep on the watch, but don’t become obsessed over it. We may be in this wait longer than we thought. (Isa. 30:18; Matt. 25:13; Acts 1:7)

May Jehovah continue to be with you brothers. It is hard for us to see this war and know how this is affecting our brothers not only in Ukraine but, in other parts of the world as well. We long for Jehovah to put an end to this. Enjoy your convention.

Attack on small group while on work in south africa....check out the video https://briefly.co.za/south-africa/246028-stayed-calm-cctv-shows-jehovahs-witnesses-robbed-gunpoint-morning-ministry/#google_vignette

I'm still shocked and if I'm being honest a little jealous at how many brothers and sisters in the congregation are so sure they will make it through. All I've been taught my whole life is how cramped and tight the road to life is, Zephaniah 2:3 saying that even doing the right things there is a probability that you will survive the day of Jehovah's anger. I've always felt that there is a mark of "good enough" and it's different person-to-person, as Jehovah knows our limitations. As someone that has struggled with severe depression and strongly have the desire to do what's right while the world continues to try to pull you down with it, it's hard to think how I personally could be considered worthy of Him to receive the gift. I, like the rest, watch in anticipation for Jehovah's Day to come and his name to be vindicated. I hope to see the world become a paradise again and the wicked never to surface again. I just wish I had an ounce of the confidence I see in others.

I saw illustrations of the beheaded John in old publications as a child, didn't bother me

1954 was 40 years from 1914. Anticipation ran high for the 40 year cycles compared in Bible chronology (40 year wandering in wilderness, etc). And we had just entered the Atomic Age and Outer-Space competition. The year 2000 was just an add-on to the universal hysteria of possible collapse of electronic communication (due to COBOL's inability to identify the two digit year identification...was 00 the next year 2000 or the previous century 1900?)

Yep he said it👂👂👂👂👂Matt 13:9 🙏🙏🙏🙏