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I met a man on door to door on a Monday afternoon. He seemed nice and has a belief in God. I wanted to go back on him so I tried at different times on different days for months but it was always his wife I had in. I preached to her when I met her and she listened well and she agreed with many scriptural points in raised. Then after about 4 months of trying every week, I found the man in! It was an evening on a Friday and he’d just got back in from work. He said “Would you mind calling back tomorrow at 12pm?” I said “sure.” I kept my appointment and he was in! He said “come on in.” He said that his wife had told him about every time I called when he wasn’t at home and he felt bad for keep missing me, so he was super pleased that I called when he was in. It turns out he is a born-again Christian and became one in his twenties. He had a few bibles open on his table when I went in and he tries to spend a bit of time that he has when he’s not working. He’s also dyslexic so he says he was able to get better at reading because of reading the Bible regularly. I just listened to what he was going through. A lot in his family is going through illness at the moment, including his wife. I mentioned that I would keep him in his prayers. That first visit, I spent three hours there. We exchanged numbers and arranged another day at a specific time. One of the issues he raised was the blood issue. I mentioned about recent clarifications on use of your own blood during medical procedures and I also added “I think you’d benefit greatly by seeing bloodless surgery in real time, rather than me talking about it. It’s really eye opening when you see it yourself.” So the next visit, I took the blood alternatives DVD and we watched it all together at his home. He would pause and ask questions on certain procedures and he added “This is phenomenal. I was quite ignorant about blood, but seeing this is amazing and how doctors are specialising in surgeries like this. It’s opened my eyes. Is there a chance I could write out my own DPA that I could use if I had to go into hospital?” I explained that he could write his wishes on what procedures he wanted on paper, sign it and date it and to keep it on his person. That way, doctors have to view that as a legally binding document. That was another 4 hours with him. On the next visit, I invited him to my house. We spent time talking about his religious background, talking about what hopes there are for the future and the divine name. He left his religion due to mainly the hypocrisy he could see compared to where the Bible was point in to. I got the website on my TV and we read scriptures from the NWT that spoke about those who had the earthly and heavenly hope. When I read scriptures in Romans 2, he said “Do you know, this is my favourite book of the Bible? And yet all the times I’ve read it, I’ve never seen that about what it really means to be a Jew. That is phenomenal.” I highlighted that the divine name is preserved in this translation and we watched the video of Geoffrey Jackson explaining the reasons why and the history behind how translators of the past took that name out. He said “What gives people the right to take his name out when he wanted people to remember it according to Exodus 3?” I agreed with him. We arranged that the next time we get together, we’ll have a look at the history of the organisation and how Jehovah has used them through the years. That was another 5 hours we spent together. Today, he came round and we watched Part 1 of the history of the organisation from Russell to Rutherford. He loved the title “Bible Students,” he said that really captured where they were getting their teachings from. He was shocked at the long sentences Judge Rutherford and his associates had when “The Finished Mystery” was published. Many times, he was ahead of where the video was concluded that “some of those Bible students were worshipping the creature and not the Creator” when Russell died. I commended him for seeing that. He was amazed that Russell had been writing about the year 1914 40 years before it happened as a time of anarchy! He wasn’t offended by the brothers finding out that the trinity, hellfire and the immortality of the soul were false teachings. He agreed! He said “You’ve got to go where the Bible is taking you.” He was also impressed with the Photo Drama of Creation. He asked a few questions about the year 1914 and how the brothers got to that date, which I said we could look at for the next visit. We also agreed to watch Part 2 of the history on the next visit. That was another 5 hours together. He said to me “Tom, I’ve had interactions with witnesses in the past and didn’t think much of them but I remember the first time you called at my door and I could see something different in you. I can see your light shining for Jesus. The knowledge you have of the scriptures is unbelievable, and do you know what impressed me too? You let your yes mean yes. You came at the times I asked for and honoured. That really impressed me because you make the time to visit me and that makes me make time for you. You’ve been able to open my eyes to things that are new to me and I’m able to process them, thing’s I’d never seen in the Bible more. I’ve told people at work about you and they’ve said ‘so are you going to become a JW now?’ I said to them ‘well, you can’t be dismissive of these people. It’s blatant ignorance if you do.’ You’re a real friend to me.” I pray for him and his family every night to help them endure but also to open their heart to the truth even more.This has all happened without even starting in the book yet! I said that the all credit goes to Jehovah and the training through his organisation that have helped me see the truth. But, why does Jehovah use me? He could use anyone, why me? I’m just pleased that he can see the value in the truth through how I’m able to preach and teach. One thing it teaches me though is that persistence pays off. Any good we see in a person, keep going back. Even when they aren’t there, keep going. Only stop going when they tell you to stop. For as long as they want to talk, stay. If it’s 5 minutes or 5 hours, stay as long as they want to talk. I thank the angels for directing me to him and for Jesus for helping me reflect the Father to people and becoming real friends to the people I preach too.

Now we faced with the new challenges: every day Russsian drones and rockets hits storages and facilities. Seems soon we will have shortages of goods, electricity and water. Branch already provide us with recommendations how to сoping with the lack of water, electricity, and heating. Looks like we will be in for the hardest winter of this war. E.g. yesterday the largest postal delivery storage in our city has been destroyed. Also the largest civil factory was destroyed month ago. Central police department has been hit 2 weeks ago.

All Do not forget. Tomorrow night at 12AM we begin our 2027 field service year. I’m planning to have a party for it. You are all invited. Just bring enough chocolate for you and I. This ought to be enough.

Yesterday, after the announcement at the congregation meeting, we received these instructions. INFORMATION SHEET No Heating or Electricity During Winter HOME OR APARTMENT Do not try to heat the entire house or apartment. Insulation: Choose the smallest, driest room (in the center of the home, away from exterior corner walls). Close the doors tightly and cover them with thick blankets. Windows: During the day, open the curtains if the sun is shining. After sunset, close the windows tightly (with curtains, blankets, plastic sheeting, or cardboard). Radiators: Even if the radiators are barely warm, attach foil (or a heat-reflective screen) behind them. This will direct heat into the room rather than toward the exterior wall. Micro-shelter: Inside the room, you can set up a tent or create a “cocoon” of blankets over the bed. The temperature inside will be 5–7 °C higher. Sleeping area: Place as many layers as possible under the mattress on the bed (sleeping mats, old blankets, or even corrugated cardboard) to create insulation between the mattress and the cold air below. Hot-water bottles: Fill plastic bottles with hot water (60–70 °C), wrap them in cloth, and place them in your bed or under your clothing. LED strips / USB LED lights: They consume minimal power from a power bank but provide diffused light for a long time. KEEPING YOUR BODY WARM Layering: It is better to wear three thin layers than one thick one. Layer 1: Thermal underwear or close-fitting clothing (wicks away moisture). Layer 2: Fleece or wool (retains heat). Layer 3: A loose-fitting jacket or vest. Head and neck: Up to 30% of body heat is lost through the head. Wear a fleece hat and scarf even indoors. Feet: Wear two pairs of socks (thin + wool) and indoor footwear with thick soles. The cold comes from the floor. FOOD AND DRINK Warm yourself from the inside: Drink warm tea, broth, or simply hot water. Eat high-calorie foods (fats and proteins). Thermos: If you can heat water (on a gas burner or over a fire), immediately pour it into a thermos. SUPPLIES Sleeping bags rated for below-freezing temperatures. A tent large enough to accommodate the family. Chemical hand and foot warmers (self-heating packs). High-capacity power banks. Gas burner + canisters: for heating food. DEALING WITH DAMP AND CONDENSATION In a cold, enclosed room, moisture from people's breathing accumulates quickly. Dampness = cold. Ventilation: Open a window for 2–3 minutes several times a day. Cold, dry air warms up faster than humid, heavy air. Collecting moisture: If possible, place containers of salt or baking soda in the corners — they will absorb some of the excess moisture. PROTECTING PLUMBING If the temperature indoors falls below freezing, water in the pipes can freeze and rupture them. Draining water: If the heating is off for a long time, drain the water from the system (if you live in a private house) and from the toilet tank. Antifreeze for water traps: A salt solution or a special non-freezing compound can be poured into the traps of toilets and sinks so that the “water seal” does not freeze. SAFETY Carbon monoxide: Do not use gas stoves, generators, or “potbelly stoves” for heating in apartments without special ventilation. This is life-threatening. Carbon monoxide detector: If your budget allows, buy a battery-powered standalone carbon monoxide (CO) detector. It can literally save lives because carbon monoxide is odorless. Candles: Do not leave burning candles unattended, and do not sleep with them burning. Gas canisters for camping heaters: Do not store spare canisters in the cold. If they are brought into a warm place, the sudden temperature change and expansion of the gas may cause them to explode. USEFUL PRINCIPLES w11 1/12 — Coping With Natural Disasters g17 No. 5 2017 — When Disaster Strikes—Steps That Can Save Lives mvs.gov.ua — How to Keep Your Home Warm When There Is No Electricity or Heating: Basic Rules acc-company.com.ua — What to Do During Emergency Heating Supply Shutdowns February 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ INFORMATION SHEET Preparing for Possible Water Supply Disruptions Tips to Help You Prepare for Temporary Water Supply Interruptions Individual Supplies Drinking water: Store a supply for drinking and food preparation — approximately 3 liters per person per day, for a minimum of 5–7 days. Store water in a clean container in a dark, cool place. Mark the date when the water was collected and regularly replenish your supply. Utility Water Keep available containers filled: jars, canisters, and, if necessary, the bathtub. This water will be needed for hygiene, cleaning, and sanitation. Use water from the bathtub as a last resort. Water Treatment Supplies Have a portable water filter or a supply of water-disinfection tablets. Whenever possible, boil water before use. Tips for Saving Water Use spray bottles or wet wipes for washing your hands or dishes — this helps reduce water consumption. During periods of critical water shortage, use disposable dishes to minimize the need for washing. General Principles Keep drinking water and utility water separate. Prepare your supplies in advance rather than at the last minute. Use water sparingly and check the condition of your supplies. Useful Materials g 6/15, pp. 3–4, subheading: “Water supply” g97 11/22, p. 11, “Six Ways to Protect Your Health”

I was sitting in my house yesterday afternoon, playing a few games of chess online and just listening to some music in the background when all of a sudden a song started playing that I hadn't heard in years. Being alone, my feet started moving to the beat...toes tapping as Chris Brown's voice filled my surround sound speakers and started echoing around the room. "It's you...and me...moving at the speed of light into eternity!" "Cause we only got one night...double your pleasure, double your fun...and dance forever...ever, ever" https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=w_gK0chm8MA&si=x9yVbPk17z0TWG9C Scenes from The office started floating through my mind...Michael Scott moving like a man who had lost a bet with gravity...Dwight accidentally kicking his date in the face as he tried to do a "cool" kick move...and Angela marching down the aisle as if in protest, as though dancing were a mortal sin and against the nature of humanity itself. Instantly I paused the song, jumped on YouTube and watched the video...14 million views and counting. As I watched...I had the most unexpected reaction...I started laughing and crying at the same time. Not only were they all having fun, not a single one of them cared what they looked like to others while they did it. All of a sudden I was no longer in my living room, mentally I had been transported back to the day of my wedding...and just like that, I started crying all over again. You see...truth be told...I can't dance. I hate it...I don't even like to try because I have absolutely zero rhythm and anybody looking at me would probably think I'm having a seizure of some sort and try to rescue me 😂 My wife and I had our wedding dance...oh yes, you know what I mean...the obligatory few moments of awkwardness with just the two of us shuffling around on the dance floor while everybody else watched. I stepped on her feet, I stepped on her dress...I absolutely know that I made a fool out of myself...but thankfully she just kept talking to me as we shuffled around...and that somehow made it okay...it made it bearable. As soon as the music stop playing...I left that dance floor like my feet were on fire. She was joined by other sisters and the dancing went on...but I fled...using the excuse that I wanted to mingle with others and talk and thank everybody for being there. Coming back to myself in my living room, I suddenly realized that there was another video that I had never seen...the video that The Office crew had directly copied the idea from. Out of curiosity I clicked on it...amazed that this video had over 107 million views...and still counting. Almost immediately I started laughing out loud...and crying all over again!! The way these people were moving...it reminded me of several videos I'd seen online with "church people" who had the "holy ghost"...I was hiccupping with laughter...and yet bawling my eyes out in envy at the same time. How on Earth were they not afraid to look so stupid?? Surely they must have known they couldn't dance...I couldn't help but wonder if there had been a doctor present...would they have assumed these people were having catatonic fits? 🤣 (Disclaimer: This next part is purely from personal experience after sitting 15 years in prison, so please don't roast me in the comments!) If there had been a single African American person there...I could imagine every single one of them would have received a host of incredulous looks along with a stern talking to afterwards about how NOT to appear like you were a fish flopping around out of water out there. 🤣😂 But back to me and MY failures...back to me and MY ridiculousness on my wedding day: You see...after I left...Cate LIVED out there on that dance floor. She danced with everyone...completely and utterly at home out there. She was free...unencumbered...just like The Office...just like the people in that JK wedding video. But me...I was afraid...afraid to look stupid, foolish...afraid to let go. And it wasn’t just that night. There were other weddings, other gatherings, other songs where she wanted to dance and I didn’t. Moments where she was ready to be silly and I was too busy protecting my pride. Moments where she was laughing and I was calculating how foolish I might look. Moments I didn’t take. Moments I can’t get back now that she’s gone back to England and our communication is barely a thread. Sitting there in my living room...I started thinking about all the "views" these two videos received...all the people who sat there and laughed and cried and commented on those two videos...watching these two groups of people be open...free...foolish...and yet HAPPY at the same time...and suddenly it hit me. How many "views" have I gotten? Not from below...but from above? After all, along with Jehovah and Jesus...there are HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of faithful angels up there...and ALL of them are directly interested in us...in ME...in YOU. Picking up my phone, I downsized the YouTube video and clicked on my JW library app, pulling up my Bible after doing a quick search for verses regarding the subject of dancing. I don't know why I clicked on this verse, but after doing a little bit of research and going down a rabbit hole for about 20 minutes...sniffling the whole time...I finally came to a very stunning realization...and THAT is what prompted me to make this post. The verse? Psalms 149:3 "Let them praise his name with dancing..." The Hebrew word behind that word dancing absolutely blew my mind: "machol": The core idea behind machol (and its verbal root chuwl, which means to twist, spin, or whirl) is a complete lack of self-consciousness or uninhibited, wholehearted joy. (That reference was from the Internet) Or: to tremble, to writhe, to be moved so deeply that your body reacts WITHOUT PERMISSION. How crazy is that? This whole time I've been avoiding dancing because I have no rhythm 😂...and here Jehovah WANTS me to become so joyful that I LOOK like I need a medical intervention?? To Jehovah...I guess dancing isn't ABOUT skill...it's about surrender. (Although I still don't PERSONALLY think I would want to rachet it up to the degree of the south surrendering to the north...maybe just me surrendering to the tug of a late night snack of me, a spoon and a tub of ice cream 😂🤣) You know...maybe my real regret isn't that I can't dance...it's that I WOULDN'T. It's in all those little missed moments of awkwardness that never happened because I never gave myself over to the joy of the moment...and now it has me wondering...how many joyful "views" and "comments" have I missed out on from Jehovah's realm...and how can I change that now?

A serious and growing disaster is unfolding in the Philippines, where successive tropical cyclones and prolonged monsoon rain have affected approximately 8 million people in 2.3 million families. The official toll stands at 32 dead, 19 injured and three missing. At least 25,800 people remain in evacuation centers, while nearly 3,000 homes have been damaged, including 349 that were completely destroyed. The Philippines has recently been affected by Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng. These weather systems strengthened the southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat, drawing additional moisture over the country and producing repeated periods of heavy rain. Because the rain has continued through several weather systems, the ground across much of Luzon is already saturated. Rivers and drainage systems are under pressure, while waterlogged hillsides have become increasingly unstable. Further rainfall can therefore quickly cause new flooding, rockslides or landslides, including in places that are not directly in the path of a tropical cyclone. Benguet has recorded the greatest loss of life, with 15 people killed in landslides. Other deaths have been reported in Rizal, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Caloocan, La Union, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro and Negros Occidental. The fatalities have been caused by drowning, landslides, rockslides, falling trees and electrocution. Three people remain missing in Quezon City, Manila and Batangas City. On Saturday, August 29, a retaining wall collapsed at Tipo High-Tech Park inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales, triggering a landslide at about 10:45 a.m. Two men — one Filipino and one Chinese national — were killed, while two Filipino men were injured. One of the survivors has since been released from the hospital. Authorities are investigating why the retaining wall collapsed. It is not yet clear whether the two deaths in Subic are included in the national toll of 32. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has identified 8,823 barangays, or local communities, as susceptible to flooding or rain-induced landslides through September 1. The warning covers parts of northern and central Luzon, Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Mindoro. Officials warned that nearby and downstream communities could also be affected, even if they are not included on the list. The physical damage is already extensive. Infrastructure losses have reached approximately ₱6.11 billion, while agricultural damage is estimated at ₱2.32 billion. At least 117 local governments have declared states of calamity. The agricultural losses will continue to affect families long after the floodwaters subside. At least 69,615 farmers and fishers have been affected, with approximately 60,896 metric tons of produce lost across 62,732 hectares of agricultural land. Rice accounts for about ₱1.39 billion, or nearly 60 percent, of the recorded agricultural damage. Many of the damaged rice crops were still in their vegetative or reproductive stages. High-value crops suffered an additional ₱692.21 million in losses. Corn, livestock, fisheries, agricultural machinery and farm infrastructure have also been affected. The figures are still being assessed and could rise as officials reach additional farms and fishing communities. These losses could reduce food supplies in affected areas and place upward pressure on local prices, especially if continuing rain causes further damage or prevents farmers from planting and harvesting. For farming and fishing families, the destruction represents more than the loss of food. Crops, livestock, equipment and fishing gear are often their principal sources of income. Replacing what has been lost can take months, leaving families without their usual earnings while they are also trying to repair their homes and recover from the disaster. The full effect on the Philippines’ national food supply cannot yet be determined. However, localized shortages, reduced market supplies and serious losses of family income are increasingly likely in the worst-affected areas. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has previously warned that repeated disasters in the Philippines can severely disrupt agricultural livelihoods and threaten food security. Back-to-back emergencies make it particularly difficult for farming and fishing families to recover because they must replace seeds, tools, livestock, boats or fishing equipment before they can begin earning an income again. This remains an active and growing situation. A low-pressure area east of northern Luzon is expected to continue strengthening the monsoon, even if it does not make landfall. More rain is forecast through September 1 in areas where the soil is already saturated, raising the risk of additional flooding and landslides. The number of people affected, the amount of agricultural damage and possibly the casualty toll may therefore continue to rise. Please keep our brothers and sisters, and all those affected by this disaster, in your prayers. Sources: Philippine News Agency, PAGASA, GMA News, Philstar.com, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Department of Agriculture and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Note: This is an original news item composed from facts obtained from the sources listed above. Where future effects are discussed, they are identified as likely consequences rather than confirmed outcomes.

It’s great that we’ll have the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure campaign this September 2026, with the goal of offering Bible studies. At the same time, at our literature carts, we’ll be using the banner and displaying the magazines featuring the theme: “Is World Peace Possible?”

The website changed to look more Ike jw hub. Plus it will make the application process easier, for the 2027 conventions https://events.jw.org/en

I had the same question but I guess we would not tell to secure the anonymity and security of the surviving ones, if any. Such info would be secret and only dealt with privately and locally.

Pray for our brothers and sisters

It seems that almost every day we hear about another disaster—an earthquake, a flood, a fire, or a war. Recently, there have been several especially destructive earthquakes. When these reports keep coming, one after another, they can shake us emotionally. But they do not have to shake our faith. Psalm 112:6-8 says of the person who trusts in Jehovah: “He will never be shaken. . . . He will not fear bad news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in Jehovah.” That does not mean bad news will not affect us. We feel deeply for those who suffer. But the news does not leave us without hope or an explanation. At our midweek meeting, we considered the faith of Abraham. Abraham was not superhuman. He was a man like us, with feelings and fears. What made him different was that he knew Jehovah. When he faced a test that must have seemed almost impossible, he reasoned that Jehovah could even raise Isaac from the dead.—Hebrews 11:17-19. That is the kind of faith we need today. We know what is happening and why. Jesus foretold earthquakes and other calamities as part of the sign of the last days. Of course, this does not mean that Jehovah causes these disasters. It also does not mean that Satan personally causes every earthquake or flood. Natural forces, human decisions, and “time and unexpected events” all play a part.—Matthew 24:7; Ecclesiastes 9:11. We know who controls this world. Satan has been cast down to the vicinity of the earth, “having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.” His selfish and cruel system makes human suffering much worse. And he would be very happy if frightening news caused us to doubt Jehovah or lose our spiritual balance.—Revelation 12:12. We cannot let him win. We already know how this story ends. Jehovah’s Kingdom will remove Satan’s system and every cause of suffering. Even if we lose our life before that day arrives, we still know what is coming. Like Abraham, we trust in Jehovah’s power to restore life. What lies ahead is far better than anything we have now.—John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:3, 4. So we do not ignore the news or become indifferent to the suffering of others. We grieve with those who grieve. We pray for our brothers and sisters, and we help whenever we can. But we keep the news in its proper place. The earth may shake. The news may disturb us. But with our heart firmly fixed on Jehovah, our faith does not have to be shaken.

This week, I'm the chairman and I'm announcing my daughter being aux pio for the first time so proud

The video is insane. Straight out of an apocalyptic disaster movie. We need the new system so badly.

🇪🇸 Spain — Extreme summer heat is now blamed for an estimated 2,149 deaths in August alone, making it the second-deadliest August since Spain began keeping these records in 2015. Even more sobering, an estimated 5,234 people died from heat-related causes between May 15 and August 31—the highest summer toll recorded by the monitoring system. Nearly all of those who died in August were over 65, including 1,285 people over 85. And summer may be ending, but the heat is not: temperatures across much of inland Spain are expected to climb above 95°F (35°C) again later this week. Google

Climate skeptics will no doubt appreciate. France: Approximately 7,300 excess deaths (preliminary figures). According to Santé publique France (data as of mid-August 2026): May (May 24–28): ≈ 300 June 17–July 2: 5,764 July 3–22: 1,243 The figures for August have not yet been released. Additionally, we are expecting temperatures of 40° in some regions again this week. By way of comparison, in 2003: According to estimates by Inserm (the Hémon-Jougla report) and InVS: Cumulative excess mortality of approximately 14,800 to 15,000 deaths between August 1 and 20, 2003. A mass death toll that shocked the entire country—and still, there is no widespread air conditioning. The intense heat wave lasted mainly from August 4 to August 13–15, with a peak in mortality around August 12 (more than 2,000 excess deaths on that day). But one day Jesus will say, “Be quiet, heat wave!” It shouldn’t be much longer now.

So much going on all at the same time. Plus many things like Napal and Texas Haw can anyone not be convinced https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BmsuuqcuW/

Sunday, August 30 Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted.—Ps. 34:18. Even if others have mistreated you, you can be certain that Jehovah loves you and values you. If you feel “crushed in spirit,” remember that Jehovah saw good things in your heart and personally drew you to him. (John 6:44) He is always ready to help you because you are precious to him. We can learn about Jehovah’s feelings by considering Jesus’ example. During his earthly ministry, Jesus took notice of those who were looked down on by others, and he treated them with compassion. (Matt. 9:9-12) When a woman hoping to be healed of a grievous sickness touched his garment, Jesus comforted her and commended her for her faith. (Mark 5:25-34) Jesus perfectly reflects his Father’s personality. (John 14:9) So you can be certain that Jehovah values you and takes note of your good qualities, including your faith and your love for him. w24.10 7 ¶4-5

Dolly *was* playing a character in her get-ups... that was all for the public. Her appearance was not the real her and she confirmed that all the time. My favorite anecdote was in an interview, someone asked her if she took issue with being considered a "dumb blonde". She said, "No, because I know I'm not dumb. I also know I'm not blonde". 😁😎 She was a woman completely at ease with herself and who she was. She let other people think what they wanted to. May we all be so unbothered 😌

Wednesday morning, August 26, began like an ordinary school day for eight-year-old Zoyal Ghale and his five-year-old brother, Jenish. The boys left home in a school vehicle and headed to school in Nepal's Rasuwa district, near the Tibetan border. Their mother, 28-year-old Matti Maya Tamang, stayed behind, weaving. Then she heard something. It sounded like an earthquake. Matti Maya looked outside. Things were being swept away. High in the mountains across the border in Tibet, part of a glacier had collapsed. An enormous mass of ice and rock had plunged down the mountainside, setting off a devastating chain of flooding and debris that was now tearing through communities downstream in Nepal. And Matti Maya's boys were somewhere in its path. Her first thought was that they were being swept away too. She tried to get to their school. On an ordinary day, it was only a 15- or 20-minute drive from home. But this wasn't an ordinary day anymore. Water, stones and mud had transformed the landscape. Places she knew were simply gone. She couldn't tell where the market had been. She couldn't even tell where the school had been. The school had been destroyed. But Zoyal was alive. When the flood reached the school, he remembers everything suddenly becoming very, very dark. He and a friend ran. They fled from the school and into the forest, desperately trying to get away from the water and debris. Then they climbed into the trees. Below them, the flood tore through the area. Somehow, Zoyal survived. But he was injured. His right leg was broken, and his face was scratched and bruised. Eventually, police found him. They needed to get the frightened little boy to a hospital. The officers gave him two 10-rupee notes to persuade him to go with them. And Zoyal held on to them. While Zoyal was being taken away for medical care, his mother was still looking for him. She began going wherever survivors were being gathered. One location. No Zoyal. No Jenish. She went to another. Nothing. Then another. By the time Matti Maya reached the fourth location, neither boy's name was on the lists. She had searched through the destruction. She had seen what remained of their school. She had checked four places where survivors were being taken. And still there was no sign of either of her sons. Matti Maya began to believe both of her boys were dead. But miles away, Zoyal was lying in a small, 15-bed hospital in Nuwakot. He was alive. And he was still holding those two little bills in his left hand. Reuters journalist Sahana Bajracharya had heard that an unidentified boy from the disaster had been brought there. She went to see him. Nobody seemed to know where his family was. Bajracharya spoke with Zoyal. He agreed to be filmed in the hope that someone might recognize him. Before leaving, she made sure the hospital had her telephone number. Zoyal needed further treatment, so he was airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu. His mother still didn't know any of this. Then, in the middle of her search, Matti Maya found Jenish. Her five-year-old was alive. One son was back in her arms. But Zoyal was still missing. Somehow, Matti Maya obtained the telephone number Bajracharya had left behind. She called. The journalist on the other end knew the little boy she was asking about. Zoyal was alive. Matti Maya could hardly believe it. She had already given up hope of finding him alive. But her son wasn't nearby. Zoyal had been transferred to Kathmandu, and bus service had been disrupted by the disaster. So Bajracharya—the journalist who had found an injured little boy whose family couldn't be located—didn't stop with making the telephone call. She arranged transportation to bring his mother to him. Matti Maya and little Jenish climbed into the vehicle and began the trip to Kathmandu. On Friday, two days after the brothers had left home for school, Matti Maya finally walked into Zoyal's hospital room. There was her eight-year-old boy. His leg was broken. His face bore the marks of what he had been through. But he was alive. The little boy who had run into the forest and climbed into the trees had made it. The mother who had searched four locations and finally believed that both her children were dead had found them both. “I felt my life was back,” she said. Their family wasn't quite complete yet. Zoyal's father, a construction worker in Japan, was making his way home to join them. And after everything—the destroyed school, the desperate search, the trees, the broken leg, the unidentified little boy in the hospital, and those two small bills still clutched in his hand—Matti Maya described Zoyal in perhaps the most reassuring way a mother could. He was still her “mischievous kid.” For two days, Zoyal had been a missing child, a flood survivor, an unidentified patient. But finally, none of those descriptions mattered. He was Mom's boy again. Sources Reuters — Mother reunited with 8-year-old who climbed trees to survive Nepal floods Reuters — Nepal flood rescue and survivor coverage ABC News Australia — Flood devastation and Zoyal's reunion The Straits Times — Mother reunited with Zoyal Al Jazeera — Video of Zoyal's survival and reunion

Yeah, it's been bad with rain recently. The friends are ok so far

I had my own experience with being angry with Jehovah because he didn't relieve my suffering like I wanted him to. I took the time to reason through it and I came to the conclusion that I was angry that I lived in Satan's world and didn't get special treatment. All people suffer in Satan's system and we were promised, not a life free from stress, but a hope for a future without suffering. How could I really demand more in this life when Jehovah's people have been suffering for millennia? Well, when my suffering did end, I realized he had provided just enough of the resources I needed to survive until I was humble enough to reach a solution "on my own". Jehovah kept his promise to provide - not by ending my trial, but by giving me enough to sustain me through it. I had judged people a thousand times for being angry at God when they suffered and I did the exact same thing. I thought they had a lack of faith, but it's similar to the way Jesus saw the apostles who asked to sit at his right and left hand. He did not judge them for their audacity, but he appreciated their solid faith that Jesus would one day rule in heaven and they would be with him. When we are angry with God, I think he sees past the emotion and sees a heart that is so sure Jehovah exists and has the power to help, that we get angry he isn't acting on our behalf the way we want.

And there was I thinking which ELO song you would dance to Tim! Electric Light Orchestra.🤷🤣

good article which traces back persecution https://novayagazeta.eu/en/articles/2026/08/27/ill-baptize-you-with-eight-years-in-prison-en

On the other hand, think about Paradise... what will Jehovah do with geography? How will we name places and things? It's exciting to think about.

This is just noise. A distraction. Nothing to see here. Nobody (well, few) takes this seriously. This too shall pass.

Nepal–Tibet flash flood (most severe event) Current reports indicate: At least 157 confirmed deaths. Hundreds remain missing, including foreign tourists. Villages, bridges, highways, and hydropower facilities have been destroyed. The disaster is now believed to have been triggered by a massive ice-rock avalanche and landslide rather than an earthquake. https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/deadly-disasters-himalayas-over-dozen-years-2026-08-26/?utm_source=JWtalk.net Typhoon Saudel Strong winds and heavy rain have affected Japan's Ryukyu Islands. Taiwan is preparing for tropical-storm to typhoon conditions. Eastern China is expected to face landfall within the next couple of days. https://www.moodys.com/web/en/us/insights/catastrophe-risk-insights/event-response.html?utm_source=JWtalk.net Tropical Storm Narra Flooding continues in southern China and northern Vietnam. Damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure. At least one reported fatality. https://www.moodys.com/web/en/us/insights/catastrophe-risk-insights/event-response.html?utm_source=JWtalk.net Greece – Extreme wildfire danger Authorities have issued Code Red wildfire alerts for parts of the Ionian Islands due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. https://www.euronews.com/2026/08/26?utm_source=JWtalk.net France – Severe storms Southern France is recovering from: A damaging tornado. Large hail. Winds exceeding 70 mph (117 km/h). Damage to more than 300 homes and widespread power outages. https://www.moodys.com/web/en/us/insights/catastrophe-risk-insights/event-response.html?utm_source=JWtalk.net Pakistan – Hospital fire A hospital fire reportedly killed 14 newborn babies. Authorities are investigating the cause. https://www.euronews.com/2026/08/26?utm_source=JWtalk.net Haiti – Gang attack A large gang attack reportedly left at least 47 people dead and more than 50 kidnapped. https://www.euronews.com/2026/08/26?utm_source=JWtalk.net Colombia – Magnitude 5.1 earthquake A magnitude 5.1 earthquake shook central Colombia, prompting evacuations in Bogotá and Bucaramanga. No major damage or fatalities have been reported. https://www.euronews.com/2026/08/26/51-magnitude-earthquake-hits-colombia-forcing-evacuations-in-bogota-and-bucaramanga?utm_source=JWtalk.net

Brother Tom, How beautiful -Oh the angels - may Jehovah continue to bless you - I will re-read your rv experiences, so encouraging - while out in service today, and I thank you for sharing!

A devastating flash flood struck the Himalayan border region between Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday, leaving at least nine people dead, dozens injured and hundreds missing. The powerful flood swept away roads, bridges, homes and power projects. A mudslide also struck Gyirong Port, an important border crossing, cutting transportation, electricity and communications in the area. Officials suspect that an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche of ice and rock along the Lhende Khola River. This may have caused the sudden flooding, although the exact cause had not yet been confirmed. 384 were reported missing. Rescue efforts remain difficult because of deep sediment, damaged roads and high water. China has sent hundreds of rescuers, while India is coordinating with Nepal on relief efforts. South Korea also plans to send an emergency-response team. Authorities remain concerned that another flood could occur because a blockage is still lodged upstream. People living near the river and in low-lying areas have therefore been moved or warned to remain alert. Events like this remind us how suddenly circumstances can change. Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those who are still searching for family members and the rescue workers laboring under dangerous conditions. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we look forward to the time when disasters will no longer bring suffering and fear.—Revelation 21:4. Based on facts reported by Reuters on August 26, 2026.

James webb will have a friend at the L2 Lagrange point, nice

Yes, the transition to renewables is upending the old calculations. Now a lot of it is not about generation but the distribution networks and battery storage capacity. Here in Australia, the government has mandated that Distribution Network Service Providers and their electricity retailers offer 3 hrs of free electricity (24kWh total) between 11:00-14:00, to soak up some of the excess solar/wind being produced atm. I believe Australia has the largest uptake of rooftop solar in the world, at roughly 1 in 3 households. Guess gone a bit off topic here. But when I decided to install solar/batteries, it was in part because I was thinking of the future re: grid reliability during the GT

Philippines has been raining for 7 weeks and many places were flooded.

We have Aircon and ours was still cancelled 😂 Said it 'doesn't function in the heat' 🤷‍♀️ Meanwhile we found out that other Congs that we share the Hall with had their meeting there.. we were dripping at home.. literally. Understandably, some didn't fully understand why such a decision was taken.. (almost felt like a test of loyalty in even seemingly small matters 😂) so in an attempt to downplay the whole situation and just obey, we kept saying "maybe there is another reason we don't know" but Jesus is aware as head of the cong, so we leave it in his care.

The Video is real though.. Romania International convention 2026.. Link below Enjoy

Open-Source projects Ezra Reader is actually a project I worked on about two years ago, before Baruch. I recently picked it up again and thought it would be a good opportunity to take it a step further. My main focus, however, remains the development of Baruch. I’m currently considering making Baruch open source as well, and eventually using GitHub as a place where others can contribute and collaborate. Before doing that, however, I’d like to gain some experience with open-source development and see what works well in practice. I have several other smaller projects that I’m planning to put on GitHub too. So Ezra Reader is partly an experiment: a chance to learn how to organize an open-source project, work with contributors, review changes, discuss ideas, and coordinate development. This is especially important for Baruch. It is a much larger project with an existing structure and architecture that needs to remain consistent. Allowing multiple people to work on it will require considerably more coordination than a small project like Ezra Reader. So rather than jumping straight into open-sourcing Baruch, I’d like to learn by doing, starting with smaller projects and gradually building up the experience needed to make collaboration on Baruch work well.

I would like to present this single HTML file web application for generating customized Bible-reading schedules. You can generate your personalized reading plan with links to JW Library or WOL. You can then open it (pop out) and save (download) to preserve the current checkbox state. Have a look at the GitHub repo for more information/features, or test/use live: BRiSA. The categorization and chronological ordering are constantly being refined/improved. Also, more languages will become available as translations are completed. So keep an eye out for updates (in the repo). As always, suggestions/observations very welcome.

There is worldly expression "BMOC" (Big Man On Compas). We have BBOC (Big Buffon On Campus). Thanks, Jim P.S. I truly hope Shawnster is right "This too shall pass." P.P.S. I know it will happen eventually, the question is will it happen while I am still around (now age 82)>

He already did it ... Trump signs executive order renaming Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ Trump Signs Executive Order to Rename Lake Ontario to Lake America - The New York Times Canadians react to Trump changing Lake Ontario to Lake America Who knows, maybe Canada will decide to change the name of Lake Michigan - (2 Timothy 3:3) . . .not open to any agreement. . .

Love this my brother! During the pandemic my wife and I hosted zoom JW dance parties. We had brothers and sisters logged in from Europe, New Zealand, The west and east coast on many different time zones. It was so much fun! We included many different genres of music. We had a your favorite song themed party, your wedding dance song themed party. You’ve got me all giddy for doing this again! I heartily recommend this!

It’s Ukraine. Russia tries to destroy heating and electrical infrastructure so it’s a wise precaution becase there may be days without power or heat.

I think we should all start dancing! I was just reading how it’s linked to improving our mental health (even if we’re all alone) So start rocking it Tim! 😄

I saw this and it showed the massive wall of water coming towards the populated area. One disaster after another. but it helps us appreciate where we are in the stream of time.

Public perception of a person doesn’t determine who they really are. As Jehovah’s people, however, we look for the good in all sorts of people. And like Jehovah, we really want everyone to be resurrected and enjoy the blessings of paradise life. We also recognize our limitations and remember that only Jehovah and Jesus holds the final say. We know justice and mercy will be served perfectly.

Made me so sad! I met her in person once, she was recording her "Halo and Horns" Album at the recording studio my son-in-law owned. She came out of the recording booth and spoke to my Sis and Mom and me for awhile. She was so sweet, my daughter made her special kind of cookies to give her. We shared some of her last batch, she said she took them home and put them in the freezer to enjoy with her hubby. She was such a good person, hopefully Jehovah will remember her in the resurrection, along with my daughter and her husband, both are now deceased.

Iʼm 82. Love dancing. My husbsnf and you, a lot in common. A lot. I will dance to my music, most really dancable. My iwatch counts it as exercise! Very rare do i get to enjoy dancing. In public. However, a wedding anniversary party coming up, and there will be dancing! Me and the sisters have a ball, dancing away. Iʼm a firm believer in most people worry so much about them selves, you are just a blure…so, enjoy yourself! But, one of my most cherished comments was believe it or not, at a memorial. Last year. The sisters whose memorial it was for, had been in a wheel chair, pretty much all her life. And she wanted us to dance at her memorial. She had the music set up. Dance we did! It was bitter-sweet, and fun, at the same time. A sister whom i did not personally know, as we were cleaning up, told me i had rhythm. I had no idea. I just know i love to dance. So, one day, your dear wife and i will get you on the dance floor, and dance away! Be warned. And if i have my way, my non-dancing, not in the truth yet, husband will be there too!

I love to dance, I love music. But sometimes I feel self conscious myself at times. I wish I could relax and enjoy instead of worrying about how I would look. But we will all get to dance. Can you see the celebration when this old system is done away with? I can't wait.

Latest Update Confirmed deaths: at least 165 Missing: nearly 1,500 people

Our territory is large, and we haven't been able to register all the addresses yet. Although NWS doesn't have a built-in feature for what we do, we mark each block in the territory as a single address. In other words, instead of houses, we just have one address for each block of houses. An average territory has around 15 blocks. The conductor is responsible for marking the block as completed once all the homes have been visited. The status of each house is kept by the publisher who went there. For now, that's what we're doing.

Japan has warning again because of flooding. But yeah, the Nepal videos are awful, we see people being crushed...

Thanks for sharing my thoughts have been quiet as well. I need to think about the hope , blessings and work of my father and his son more. I go blank a lot my battle with depression has been a long dark one.