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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'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.

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

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.

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

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.

We had a visit from the traveling overseer, and he said that anything urgent will be posted under News, just like the announcements, at the top of the JW app under Alerts. Any sudden developments involving the UN or Babylon will be posted there. He also said it's good to check the app regularly. And me? I've already opened it about eight times today—like an F5. 😂😂

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. 💚

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.

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"

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.

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

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

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

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

We officially hit 1 Million followers on Instagram and 170K followers on TikTok. It took us 1 month, 2 weeks, and 3 days to reach 1M on Instagram. That is about 10.86% of peak publishers for 2025 Service Year.

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.

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.

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 🧡🧡

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

I try to think ahead, when we will be in Paradise, we will think how "fast" it came. Now, on this side, it may feel it is late, but when we will be centuries years old, explaining it to the resurrected ones, we will discuss about how quick it came.

I’m just waiting for the day I can wear a sign that says: ”In just 40 days more, this system will be overthrown” How did my husband and I get old enough to go to a seminar on maximizing your social security?!? 🤦🏻‍♀️💀 I remember as a young person i used to think oh if the new system comes now, I won’t get to experience or see this or that. Not anymore! Im over everything. I’m kind of ok being that weird person who lives in a van by the river until I get eaten by a bear or as in today’s news thrown by a bison. 🦬 I’m at the minute 2 point….🥴😂

To help with our perception of such expressions as "soon, impending, around-the-corner, imminent" we should keep in mind that the GB and/or our organization is not the only ones who use such expressions. Here are a few other examples: We see a sign on a piece of land with a sign that says, "Coming Soon..." and names some store or building. Even after they start construction, is sometimes takes several years for them to complete that "soon" construction. Back in 1954 Bell Labs invented the modern silicon panels designed to use solar power. With that invention, we were told that soon solar power would be a reality. Here we are in 2026, and solar power is still a novelty of sorts since it is just starting to be used for large scale power generation. I live in Florida, a place known for oranges. If you start from seeds, it takes around 15 years to get the first fruits and even longer for them to be commercially viable. In 1969 man first landed on the moon. It was said that soon we would have colonies living on the moon. That was 57 years ago, and we are still being told that "soon" there will be colonies on the moon. If you have an allergy, often the impact and effects of that allergy can hit us almost instantly. When we hear expressions like soon, imminent and on-the-verge we have to remember that words like this have such varied implications that we just have to be patient, so we don't miss that soon event when it does happen.

The brother made a generalized calculation based on what we can only assume are facts. We assume that everyone who is baptized loves Jehovah. We don't automatically assume he is baptized and doesn't love Jehovah. You are obviously focused on those who aren't baptized but perhaps have shown a love for Jehovah in the past or could still have that love lurking deep in their heart. Those are numbers we cannot count - that is all there is to it - those are the facts. Like I said before, the brother made his calculations with the current FACTS on hand without assuming bad motives to anyone. Only Jehovah knows how many will survive Armageddon and we won't truly grasp the extent of his mercy until that day is over and done. So just accept that this brother was just stating the facts we have on hand (just like you can't calculate the exact population of the earth on any given day because people are born and die everyday) so his calculation about the population of the earth wasn't completely correct either but he went with the current facts on hand but in the end - it's Jehovah that determines who will survive and who will not based on their hearts. From the current information we have been receiving about what will happen after the Great Tribulation starts, it appears that one does not have to be baptized to survive Armageddon - they just need to show their heart aligns with Jehovah and his earthly organization. But there is no way of calculating at this point how many more that will add to our current number of dedicated and baptized witnesses until after Armageddon. Either way, the point the brother was making still holds true - compared to the entire population of the earth on any given day, the amount of people who will demonstrate that they truly love Jehovah will be a very tiny percent. Probably less than 1 or 2% (although we hope for higher), it just goes to show how massive Satan's influence has been on this entire world.

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

While we always may feel like we COULD do more, you performed a very important part of any spiritual journey: you planted the seed.

A new news letter is now available. https://jw-avcenter.org/newsletters/newsletter-07/

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...♥️

Friday, July 17 He does not give the spirit sparingly.—John 3:34. Jehovah loves you and wants you to be part of his family. That is true no matter what obstacles to baptism you are facing. Jesus said to a group of his first-century disciples: “If you have faith the size of a mustard grain, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20) Those present to hear this had been with Jesus for just a few years, so their faith was still growing. But Jesus assured them that if they developed sufficient faith, Jehovah would help them to move mountainlike obstacles. And Jehovah will help you to do the same! If you recognize obstacles that prevent you from getting baptized, take steps to remove them without delay. Dedicate yourself to Jehovah and get baptized. It is the best decision you could ever make! w25.03 7 ¶18-20

More than a million

Can you imagine the words the GB or Bible writers would have used? John writes down the Revelation and adds, "...don't take it too seriously because you have to wait another 2000 years for fulfillment". He didn't know that and would not have said it unless directed to by holy spirit. Proverbs 13:12 reminds us..."Expectation (or hope ftn) postponed makes the heart sick" But Paul expresses the thought of "a little while" to encourage his fellow Christians...in Hebrews 10:36-37..."For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. For yet “a very little while,” and “the one who is coming will arrive and will not delay.” The footnote adds: "Paul likely refers to these faith-strengthening accounts in order to assure his readers that it would be for a limited time only that they would need to endure trials and persecutions." The included danger of researching the nearness and being so convinced that you say it (and you are wrong) is easily seen by our mad dash for the 'end' in the 1975 era.

He was referring to those who are currently dedicated and baptized. Those are the only true numbers we can go by and if you just use the numbers of those who have "proved" their love for Jehovah by getting dedicated and baptized, his calculations are correct. We won't know until after Armageddon what the true percentages will end up being.

I agree with you. And there's the expression "Cry: Wolf!". But cry Wolf! too many times, and no one will take you/it seriously ... The kingdom is soon to come, in our hearts ❤️ The end is near, in our hearts and minds, because we focus on it. Near us, in our hearts, but not in the calendar. In human terms, anyway. But one day it will be.

I remember a Watchtower, it says " Our relationship with other fellow being has a bearing in our relationship with others"

Prompt: ask AI to make your dream Paradise home. I told ChatGPT to ask me questions and then use that info along with everything else it knew about me to make my dream home in Paradise. This is what I got after a few edits:

Try this forum https://carnivoretalk.com/ It belongs to our very own @Brother_Bliss

It used my real-life garden and bedroom as inspiration, so it has a homey feel. I live on the Appalachian mountain chain. I wanted it isolated.

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

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.

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 😆