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Before last week...I would have scoffed if someone had told me that. I study all the time...it's just hard for me to APPLY the counsel sometimes. (I'm still working on that) But "take it for granted'?? Nah...not me...I love Jehovah...I cherish his word. And yet...here I am...shaking my head at my own lack of understanding...yet again. I was waiting to make a delivery at a store last Wednesday when a brother called me out of the blue. We started talking about our spiritual gems from last weeks midweek meeting when suddenly he asked me if I had ever thought about how privileged Moses had been in his communication with Jehovah. Numbers 12:8 "Face-to-face* I speak to him, openly, not by riddles; and the appearance of Jehovah is what he sees. Why, then, did you not fear to speak against my servant, against Moses?” We discussed the meaning of "face-to-face"...and then he asked me about the part that said..."not by riddles". Why DIDN'T Jehovah use riddles to speak to Moses? He used them with all his other prophets...why not Moses? Having over an hour more to wait until I could be checked in at this store...I sat in my work van and started doing some digging. We looked at the research material together and came up with the answer...and then he hit me with a serious left hook I never saw coming: Jehovah spoke to Moses plainly, directly, (through angels...although the research material gets a bit more interesting on that particular point when you read it thoroughly)…that's true...but he still revealed things step by step...and his understanding was still limited. Moses was directly inspired to write about the BEGINNING of creation...Adam and Eve and the garden of Eden...original sin...the flood,(and the list goes on and on)…and yet...here's what he DIDN'T know: Moses didn't know the Messiah’s identity, how the ransom would work, the full shape or scope of the Kingdom, the resurrection hope the way we do today, exactly how Jehovah would sanctify his name, the global preaching work, the “new heavens and new earth.”, he didn't even know about the end‑time prophecies. Moses saw how everything began...but he also had to watch and record everything that went wrong to begin with...WITHOUT a full picture of how Jehovah would set things straight. Did he understand Genesis 3:15? I don't know...I wouldn't think so. Moses got to know Jehovah's glory, (so much so that his face SHONE and had to be hidden)…he became Jehovah's friend...and yet, via the book that is even now sitting in front of me...I know more about OUR God than Moses ever did. Moses heard Jehovah's voice piece by piece...I get to hear Jehovah's voice in full…just by opening this book and reading it. Moses had to wait to hear Jehovah speak again...all I have to do is turn to the next page. Moses may have written the opening books of the Bible...but we are living through the ending. All around us...right now...Satan's world is on the absolute verge of utter collapse. Worldly voices all across the planet are loud, angry, confused...afraid. But this book sitting open by my computer? This book has the single most powerful voice to ever exist coming up out of it...reverberating love, peace and simple truth to anyone humble enough to read it, ask questions...and search wholeheartedly for the answers. So yeah...I can honestly now say that I have been taking the Bible for granted sometimes...and I'm very grateful to this dear brother for reminding me that I don't NEED to speak to Jehovah "face to face" right now...because he has given me a book that lets me see his heart more clearly than Moses ever saw his "face".

I enjoyed reading about Cuba. It is one of the 5 remaining communist countries in the world (and the only one in the Western Hemisphere). Still, they have 83,000 publishers and a ratio of 1 to 118 in their restricted country. They have almost 11,000 pioneers and almost 200,000 at the Memorial. Back in the 1950s, when I lived in Key West, FL we used to get TV live from Havana (which is only 90 miles away).

Zambia my country is a preaching paradise, the people are warm and very receptive to the good news

Brazil needs about 40,000 more publishers and they will be second country in the world to pass the 1 million publisher mark.

NOW AVAILABLE! Read Here.

WEALTH IS ALL IN ONE’S POINT OF VIEW One day a wealthy family man took his son on a trip to the country so he could have his son see how poor country people were. They stayed one day and one night in the farm of a very humble farm house. At the end of the trip and back home the father asked the son: What did you think of the trip? The son replied: "Very nice Dad" Father: "Did you noticed how poor they were?" Son: "Yes." Father: "What did you learn?" Son: "I learned that we have one dog in the house...and they have four. I learned that we have a fountain in the garden and they have a stream that has no end. I learned that we have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. I learned that our garden goes to the edge of our property, they have the entire horizon as their back yard. At the end of the son's reply the father was speechless and his son added: "Thank you dad for showing me how poor we really are."😂

One thing that stood out to me was how strong the growth was in smaller countries. In several lands, the actual number of new publishers wasn’t large, but the percentage increase was very high. When a country has only a few hundred publishers and gains even 50 or 100 more, that can mean growth of 10%, 15%, or more. That kind of increase feels like momentum, not just maintenance. Another highlight was countries that grew even though conditions are difficult. I noticed multiple lands with political problems, poverty, or instability still showing clear increases in publishers and Bible studies. Even small numerical growth in those places carries more weight because the obstacles are so real. The percentages there tell a stronger story than raw numbers. A third thing that caught my attention was where Bible studies grew faster than publishers. In some countries, the number of Bible studies increased at a higher rate than the number of publishers. That tells me groundwork is being laid. It may not show immediate publisher growth yet, but it points to future growth already in progress.

We topped nine million. 304,643 Baptized is almost 35 new brothers and sisters an hour.

US president attacks UN for 'very little assistance,' claiming America has become 'real United Nations' (in relation to Thailand- Cambodia conflict) He then attacked the UN, claiming Washington has effectively replaced the global body. "With all of the wars and conflicts I have settled and stopped ... perhaps the United States has become the real United Nations, which has been of very little assistance or help in any of them," Trump said. He added that the organization "must start getting active and involved in world peace." https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/trump-says-thailand-cambodia-to-go-back-to-living-in-peace-after-ceasefire/3783263

Hi all, I just wanted to update my comment and add a tip. Although you cannot find a verse in JWL (yet), if you click at "Search in JW.ORG" at the bottom, it DOES the search online. It's a great feature, isn't it?

At this point, I’d just be happy if we could get rid of the “holiday season” once and for all.

Should I make one? JK. I can't promise anything till I release it. 😂😂😂

Another big increase in partakers.🍷

I respect your view but I feel very differently. Marriage has some advantages and some disadvantages. When both partners apply Bible principles, it can be really enriching and helpful, despite the hardships. It's ok to wait to marry in the new world, and it's ok not to wait and get married now if you find the right person.

Here is the plus and minus compare to 2024 Year Report. Any corrections, please do. Branches of Jehovah’s Witnesses: 84 Same Number of Lands Reporting: 241 +1 Total Congregations: 119,652 +825 Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 20,635,015 -484,427 Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 24,576 +1,364 * Peak of Publishers : 9,205,326 +161,866 Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 9,047,083 +218,959 Percentage of Increase Over 2024: 2.5 Total Number Baptized : 304,643 +8,376 Average Pioneer c Publishers Each Month: 1,743,567 +64,541 Average Auxiliary Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 864,870 -2,632 Average Bible Studies d Each Month: 7,603,182 +122,036 * Past 1942 Memorial Partakers

2 Countries that had the biggest increase in peak publishers. Congo Dem Rep and Zambia. What happened in Moldova?

It is becoming more and more difficult to get a residency over there. Many need-greaters and brothers with a another nationality are forced to leave the country. Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

I found a 'workaround'. If you are searching for a word or phrase you remember from the early NWT, switch your app to the 'reference' Bible. The search will then find it. TIP: Don't forget to switch back to the 'Study' Bible before the next meeting. Lol PS It works with all Bibles. Eg: I recently searched for 'unicorn' in the KJV 🦄 .

I want to know what it feels like to walk in the park while holding hands, I want to know what it feels like wake up next to someone in bed instead of the cold loneliness, I want to know what it feels like to hug someone to reassure them when they're sad, I want to know what it feels like to love and be loved. Each day that passes adds to my anguish and dread.

A blonde goes into a nearby store and asks a clerk if she can buy the TV in the corner. The clerk looks at her and says that he doesn't serve blondes, so she goes back home and dyes her hair black. The next day she returns to the store and asks the same thing, and again, the clerk said he doesn't serve blondes. Frustrated, the blonde goes home and dyes her hair yet again, to a shade of red. Sure that a clerk would sell her the TV this time, she returns and asks a different clerk this time. To her astonishment, this clerk also says that she doesn't serve blondes. The blonde asks the clerk, "How in the world do you know I am a blonde?" The clerk looks at her disgustedly and says, "That's not a TV -- it's a microwave!"

Yes, it is lacking for now. But at least we are heading toward that possibility.

Trump announcement: "Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper". And the bombs arrived . . Northwest Nigeria. Boko Haram, ISIS etc.

New Update is now available on Play Store!

💩 Thanks to the idiots 💩 who said it was OK for the pet to sleep in the bed. 🐠 My goldfish is dead now 😔

According to the following news reports, the Nicaraguan government has prohibited foreigners from bringing Bibles, among other items, into the country. Does that decree affect our work? In what way does it restrict our freedom to preach? https://www.bloomberglinea.com/2025/12/18/biblias-y-revistas-entre-los-objetos-prohibidos-para-entrar-a-nicaragua/ https://www.christiantoday.com/news/nicaragua-bans-international-visitors-from-bringing-in-bibles

Putin have about 20 residences and palaces in a different places of Russia. Ukraine has attacked in Novgorod region war target that been attacked before that is far from a residence, by 18 drones according to first internal reports of Russians. The next (political and external) report was 92. Putin never visited most of residences from the beggining of war (and have destroyed palace in Sochi as been avaliable for attacks) One residence in Valday where sometimes he visiting and (near this place, that is interesting) two sons are live. This place is most resisted anti-aircraft place in Russia after Moscow His non-official name is a "bunker-daddy" because he always hiding in highly protected bunkers

“Become full-grown in your understanding.”—1 Corinthians 14:20 There are some things we understand with our mind long before we ever understand them with our heart. We can repeat the words. We can explain the teaching. But the meaning stays just out of reach—until life places us inside the experience. That is what happened to me the day my son was born. He is my firstborn. Thirty-five years and a week ago, on December 21, I became a father. Leading up to that moment, I had feelings that confused me. I talked to him. I listened to him. I felt him kick. I knew he was real. But I could not honestly say that I loved him yet. I hadn’t met him. I hadn’t carried him. And that troubled me, because I thought I should feel something more. Then he was born. The moment I saw him—that moment—I fell in love. It wasn’t gradual. It wasn’t learned. It arrived whole, complete, undeniable. I did not decide to love him. I simply did. And in that same instant, something else happened. I finally understood what Jehovah gave. I had always known why Jehovah gave his Son. I could explain the ransom. I could quote the scriptures. But standing there as a father, holding my own child, the reality of the sacrifice opened in a way it never had before. There is not a thing, not a person, not a cause—nothing—for which I would give up my son. And yet Jehovah did exactly that. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son.”—John 3:16 That day, I did not learn something new. I became someone new. I had to be full-grown to understand it. I had to be a father to comprehend it. Only then could I feel—deeply and personally—the measure of Jehovah’s love. That understanding was not painful. It was beautiful. And it changed the way I have loved ever since.

JW Library Sign Language® App Discontinued The JW Library Sign Language app has been discontinued and will be removed from the app stores. All sign-language content is now available in the JW Library app, which contains improved features for sign languages. Further enhancements will be added in the future. Read the announcement here.

https://www.jw.org/download/?output=html&pub=jwb-134&langwritten=E English 2025 Ramapo Construction Project Update

Here are brief, clear comparison comments and demographic trends drawn directly from the 2024–2025 Zambia Service Year Reports. 1. Overall Growth Trend Zambia experienced strong, accelerated theocratic growth in 2025 compared to 2024. Average publishers rose from 228,281 to 253,206 — an increase of 24,925 publishers. Percentage increase improved from 8% (2024) to 11% (2025), showing faster growth momentum. Comment: Jehovah is clearly blessing the preaching work with increasing responsiveness, not just steady growth. 2. Population Coverage & Field Effectiveness Population slightly declined from 21.315 million to 21.177 million. Publisher-to-population ratio improved from 1:93 to 1:84. Comment: Despite a stable population, the message is reaching more people per publisher, indicating better coverage and effectiveness in the field. 3. Baptisms & Spiritual Progress Baptisms increased from 18,073 (2024) to 20,634 (2025). This reflects a 14% rise in baptisms, outpacing population change. Comment: Not only are more people studying, but a higher proportion are making dedication and baptism, showing depth, not just interest. 4. Pioneer Strength & Workforce Maturity Average pioneer publishers rose from 23,330 to 27,548. That is an increase of 4,218 pioneers in one year. Comment: The growth is being supported by a stronger core of full-time ministers, which stabilizes congregations and fuels further expansion. 5. Congregational Expansion Congregations increased from 3,654 to 3,908 (+254 congregations). Comment: Organizational growth is keeping pace with publisher increase, preventing overcrowding and improving shepherding care. 6. Bible Studies vs. Memorial Attendance Average Bible studies rose from 421,860 to 450,950. Memorial attendance decreased slightly from 1,085,831 to 1,046,891. Comment: While Memorial attendance dipped slightly, the increase in ongoing Bible studies shows more sustained, long-term interest, not just seasonal attendance. 7. Demographic & Social Trends Reflected Zambia continues to have a young, receptive population, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. Growth in pioneers and baptisms suggests: Strong youth engagement Family-based studies Increased retention from Bible study to baptism Comment: The work in Zambia is shifting from broad interest to disciple-making, reflecting spiritual maturity in the field. Summary Comment (One-Sentence) The 2025 service year shows that despite stable population figures, Zambia is experiencing accelerated spiritual growth marked by stronger field coverage, increased baptisms, more pioneers, and expanding congregational structure—clear evidence of Jehovah’s blessing on the work.

FWIW both of these significant numbers where released last month during the Governing Body 2025 #7 Average of 9,047,083 publishers during 2025 Service Year, representing a 2.5 percent increase: That 2.5 percent increase is also important .... it is the biggest percentage increase in publishers for 15 years - since 2010 - and follows an impressive 2.4% increase last year, in 2024 (FWIW a bit of rounding is involved, so the 2010 increase was 2.533%, and the 2025 increase was 2.480%.) 304,643 baptized during the service year represents the biggest number of baptisms for 26 years - since 1999.... And only six previous years have ever had a higher number of baptism .... (Note: baptism figures for 1956 and 1961 are not available)

Progress in Africa is amazing ! (Sudan though ) Also Bangladesh ! There was a SPC this month over there, so we may expect even better numbers next year !

World's situation at the moment ...

It is now available for iOS!

How’s everybody liking the new update I teased about? 😂

That wasn’t my point, sorry did not explain properly. When I read CNN I gloss over any negative articles about Trump because I know they are anti-Trump. I will not waste my time. Same with Al Jazeera if they publish article about Israel, especially negative I would choose not to read it. Political issues and comments are very biased on any network. I prefer to stick with current, factual information presented there. Example of factual reporting is something like this: Zelensky to meet Trump on Sunday, Magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Japan etc. Simply saying I do not read biased reporting or articles.

You can say that about any news source! Cnn is anti Trump and democratic, RT is Russia's spin of the truth, BBC ABC content is strongly swayed to what the AU and british governments want you to hear. Al Jazeera is no different. They all have spin and a agenda. There all the same, we just have to pick and choose

I saw this YouTube video just posted by Dutchsinse about a lot of strange and large number of earthquakes happening in the California area, starts around the 5:58 minute mark.

I've noticed the "35 other lands". Belarus has been moved there. Plus another unknown country where activity has been reported. Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

Thanks. 1440 is another group that claims to be unbiased in the news they curate. It's delivered to your email. https://join1440.com/#daily-news

I found RT, CNN and Al Jezeera most biased. (Al Jazeera is viewed as Qatar propaganda arm and got banned in few countries for biased views on Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood, and anti Israel views ..etc - since October 7 attack it got even worse.) RT is outright propaganda tool of Russia. CNN can't stand Trump. In relation to PBS, yes they are biased but not as much as 3 main ones above. Interesting read about PBS here: https://www.allsides.com/news-source/pbs-newshour-media-bias#what-this-rating-means Despite instances of left-leaning story choice, reviewers from the left, center, and right noted many instances of balance. Awake magazine had an excellent article on this subject. Readers were encouraged to meditate on those questions: PROVIDER: Does the report come from a credible, authoritative person or organization? Does the program or publication have a reputation for seriousness or for sensationalism? Who provide the funds for the news source? SOURCES: Is there evidence of thorough research? Is the story based on just one source? Are the sources reliable, fair, and objective? Are they balanced, or have they been selected to convey only one point of view? PURPOSE: Ask yourself: ‘Is the news item primarily to inform or entertain? Is it trying to sell or support something?’ TONE: When the tone of a news item is angry, spiteful, or highly critical, it suggests that an attack is under way and not a reasoned argument. CONSISTENCY: Are the facts consistent with those in other articles or reports? If stories contradict one another, be careful! TIMELINESS: Is the information recent enough to be acceptable? Something thought to be correct 20 years ago may be discounted today. On the other hand, if the news item is a breaking story, it may lack complete and comprehensive information. Sorry - lets just go back to PS discussions or news - no need to reply to this post.

Broher called today. He and his wife will take me to oncologist Weds. Other brothers came by and took my mail in and cleared snow. First week of winter and dosn't look good. I put dog's food aside for the rest of the day and she got into amd finished todays food. I had it set up for several days. Hope you had an exciting day.

I was hoping that now typing a cite in they Bible tab --like Acts 1:8-- would take us directly to that text. Still is for words only. Maybe next time.

Marriage is a prison. Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:28: But even if you did marry, you would commit no sin. And if a virgin married, such a person would commit no sin. However, those who do will have tribulation in their flesh. But I am trying to spare you. The better time to get married will be after the "final test" of mankind after the Thousand-Year Reign of Christ ends.

That Search button is excellent !

Friday, December 26 We are God’s fellow workers.—1 Cor. 3:9. The truths of God’s Word have enormous power. By teaching people about Jehovah and what he is truly like, we get to see something wonderful. The blindfold of satanic lies gradually comes off, and these individuals begin to see our beloved Father as we do. They are filled with awe at his limitless power. (Isa. 40:26) They are assured by his perfect justice. (Deut. 32:4) They are enlightened by his profound wisdom. (Isa. 55:9;Rom. 11:33) And they are comforted to learn that he is the personification of love. (1 John 4:8) As they draw close to Jehovah, their hope of living forever as his children becomes sure. What a marvelous privilege we have to help people draw close to their Father! When we do so, Jehovah considers us his “fellow workers.”—1 Cor. 3:5. w24.02 12 ¶15

This whole world is crumbling sis and we are seeing it too.

Your beloved sister Linda from Sardinia, Italy has passed away. https://jwtalk.net/profile/1052-lindal/