Leaderboard

“Brother Herd… said that we shouldn’t worry about what would happen during the Great Tribulation, because Jehovah will be in control. On the other hand, we can worry about what Satan might do before that. I don’t remember the exact wording…” I remember that phrase perfectly—not word for word, of course. I also remember that his eyes were twinkling, with his long, curled lashes, and a slight smirk that brought the room to silence for a few seconds, which was exactly the effect he was going for. Very dear Brother Herd...

Also, a quick update on the meeting. I ended up coming in a few minutes after the meeting started. A lot of people smiled and waved and we're really happy to see me, one person even came up during the meeting and gave me a hug from behind as I sat on my chair. I really enjoyed being there in person, but I will be completely honest with you guys, my focus was inwards rather than outwards. I sat there and nearly right away, Satan jumped on my back by means of a message from my wife expressing her disgust and outrage at the legal system and hospital system in the UK...a system that was essentially leaving her to die on her own without much practical help. I know she wasn't thinking about the time difference, I know she wasn't really aware that I was sitting at the hall when she typed that message. But it immediately arrested my attention and all the feelings and emotions came rushing back. I spent the first 10 or 15 minutes of that poor brother's talk in tears, just fighting to wrestle my attention back and try to pay attention. The Watchtower study was a shambles, I faded in and out of awareness as brothers and sisters made really good comments around me. I couldn't really concentrate, I kept having to pull my attention back to the study...it was really hard not to give up and walk out and sit in my car. But I stuck it out, I stayed. One older brother approached me right after the last prayer and shook my hand and said he missed my comments and my presence and it was good to see me back, and...laying everything out on the table...it opened a wound. I know he didn't mean it that way, but it made me immediately aware of what I was NO LONGER doing...and it hurt. But I stayed, and I associated a little. A brother invited me out to eat, throwing in for good measure that he would pay for the meal, but I turned him down. I'm deeply grateful that he even thought of me, but that wasn't really the point of me going to the meeting today. I know Jehovah uses the friends, and believe me, I DID get encouragement from being there and seeing everyone...despite how I sound now. I'm just choosing to be blunt, I'm choosing to say the things that I often leave unsaid. I went because I needed to speak to my best friend today...I needed to be in his house...to be close to where he was. I felt peace sitting there, I felt like a couple of pieces of the puzzle that make up "me" suddenly clicked back into place...it felt warm and comfortable. Again, I'm not claiming that I'm healed, that everything is good now. I'm fully aware that I may regress at some point, but for right now I feel like my battery was recharged somewhat, and I'm happy with that for right now. Thank you to everyone who read, commented or left an emoji. I'm trying very hard to be transparent with all of this, it's not easy when it feels like I'm 30 ft below the surface of an ocean and I'm struggling to kick my way back up to the surface just to take a single breath of fresh air before I get sucked back under. I know Jehovah is there, he's already proven that many times over. It's on me to stay close to him, it's just a little bit harder when I feel like Satan and his demons have climbed onto my back and are refusing to let go.

When I went to my grandpa’s funeral the other day, I honestly didn’t expect anything to break through the spiritual fog I’ve been living in. If I'm being blunt...I’ve been spiritually thin for weeks...maybe even months now...and I’ve been carrying around this quiet shame about it. I’ve been attending meetings on Zoom, half-present, half somewhere else entirely. My study habits have fallen apart. My prayers feel like they start strong in my chest...but die before they have the ability to reach my mouth. And honestly, (except for a few people), I’ve been afraid to admit any of this out loud because it feels like one more failure stacked on top of everything else that’s already crushing me. But at the end of the funeral, my Uncle gave the prayer and said something in it that stopped me cold. It clung to me...refusing to let go...and I now fully believe that wasn't JUST my Uncle speaking...that was Jehovah...talking through him...directly to me. He said Jehovah misses my grandpa’s thoughts. Not just his presence...not just his service...but his thoughts. I don’t know why that hit me the way it did, but it felt like someone reached inside my chest and pulled a cord I didn’t even realize was still connected. Because if Jehovah misses my grandpa’s thoughts, then Jehovah has been missing mine too...and that realization crushed me. For the first time in a while...I went home...fired up my computer, made myself a steaming hot cup of Maxwell House...and started doing some personal research. Not research for a Midweek meeting...or a Watchtower study...but just for ME. You know...Psalm 139:1-4 is one of those scriptures we hear so often that it becomes background noise. “Jehovah knows our thoughts before we speak them.” I usually take that to mean he’s interested in us...that he's aware of everything. But sitting there in my computer room...sipping from that steaming mug...I suddenly heard it differently. If Jehovah knows my thoughts before I speak them, then he also knows when those thoughts toward him have gone “quiet”. I mean, that only makes sense, right? He knows when the conversation has stopped. He knows when the prayers have dried up. He knows when the spiritual part of me that used to reach for him with wide open arms has suddenly gone silent. And if he knows what it's like when we're engaged...when we're pouring our heart out to him...if he can FEEL that...then it follows that he also feels the absence of it. But he's not angry at me...he's not judging me...he's actually longing for me to start speaking again. The more I thought about this...the more another verse began to tug at my brain...pulling me deeper into my research...pushing me further from Satan and his thinking...tugging me towards Jehovah...towards his outstretched arms. Malachi 3:16 suddenly sprang to mind...the verse about Jehovah listening so closely to the conversations of those who fear him that he writes them down in a book of remembrance. I’ve always thought of that verse as something encouraging, something that shows how much Jehovah values loyalty. But now I’m seeing the other side of it. If Jehovah "writes down" our spiritual conversations...if he records them, if he appreciates them THAT much...then what does it mean when the pages go blank...when the entries stop...when a gap appears, like when you're recording your voice and suddenly stop talking for a few seconds. Again, it means Jehovah notices. It means he feels the silence...it's like he starts straining to hear us...to detect WHY we've quit talking. It means he misses the sound of MY voice. And that’s where I’ve been...I've been living in that silence...in that “pause” of the voice recording. My wife is overseas, dealing with medical issues that keep getting mishandled. She’s in a homeless shelter. She’s not getting the help she needs. Every day I wake up with this knot in my chest that doesn’t go away, and every night I go to bed with the same knot, only tighter...thicker...heavier. My thoughts have been consumed by fear, frustration, helplessness, and guilt...that's just the plain and simple truth. And somewhere in the middle of all this chaos, my spiritual voice dimmed. Not because I stopped loving Jehovah. Not because I don’t care. But because I’ve been mentally and emotionally exhausted in a way I don’t know how to explain to anyone...not even to Jehovah. (Try THAT thought on for size) So when my Uncle said Jehovah misses my grandpa’s thoughts, it felt like Jehovah was quietly telling me, “Tim, I miss yours too.” Not in the way to make me feel ashamed. Not in a “get it together, Tim!” kind of way either. But in a way that reminded me that my relationship with him isn’t built on perfect attendance or flawless study habits. It’s built on connection...on conversation...on thoughts that turn toward him even when life is tearing and ripping you apart...even then. That’s why I’m going to the Kingdom Hall this morning. It’s been over a month since I’ve walked through those doors. I don’t have answers for the questions people will ask. I don’t have a neat explanation for the mess my life is in. I don’t have some powerful spiritual comeback story. But I do have one desire today...just one honest, fragile goal that I desperately want to accomplish this morning. I want to turn the volume up just a little. Not all the way...I'm not ready for that yet...I'm not even sure I'm ready for this. But I'm going to try...because if there's one thing I know for certain: there is temporary pain in serving Jehovah...but there is everlasting death in choosing the other side. And if any of you reading this are struggling in your own way...if your prayers have gone quiet, if your study has gone cold, if your meeting attendance has slipped...if your thoughts toward Jehovah have been drowned out by fear or grief or exhaustion...please believe me: Jehovah misses your thoughts too! Not your performance...not your “perfection”...no, he misses your thoughts...the ones you used to give him...the ones you still want to give him even if you don’t know how. Honestly...just speaking plainly among friends...I may regress. I may crawl back into my hole and ask the ground to cover me over. I may get hurt today...someone may offend me...may unknowingly rip open wounds that are still bleeding and raw...but I'm going anyways. Why? Because Jehovah misses my thoughts...and because the silence between me and my best friend is something that I can no longer endure. Even if everyone else in that Kingdom Hall were to suddenly descend upon me and start asking hurtful questions or saying mean things, (obviously I'm exaggerating), I'm not there to listen to them anyway. I'm there because my best friend is there...because HE misses my thoughts...and truthfully...because I can no longer endure the silence between me...and Jehovah.

This conversation reminds me of a talk from brother Herd when he stated that we should not worry about what would happen during the GT, because Jehovah will be in control. Rather, we may worry about what Satan may do before that. I don't remember the exact phrase, but it was during an AM. Another talk is this one: https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODPgmEvtAnnMtg/pub-jwb-097_8_VIDEO. Among the "gems" inside are: "Some things Jehovah will not permit us to see, even though we read over it many, many times. We can’t see it until Jehovah puts the light on it." "We do not live in ancient Israel and we do not live in the second century C.E. We live in a wonderful time of—what?— restoration when Jehovah has guaranteed us that ‘no weapon formed against us will succeed.’" And the conclusion: "As for the other sheep, what will you need to do during that climactic time? Simply this: hide. That’s right. At Isaiah 26:20, he wrote: “Enter your inner rooms, “and shut your doors behind you. “Hide yourself for a brief moment until the wrath has passed by.” It will be hide-and-seek. You will hide, and they will seek to find you, but they will not. Do you have anything to worry about? You have nothing to worry about —nothing at all— because Jehovah will never abandon you. There is no justifiable reason to worry about the future. Just be there, brothers and sisters, to enjoy it. Remember, Jehovah loves you and he will never abandon you. Please believe it. You will not be disappointed."

Regarding the Great Tribulation, in my opinion, it doesn’t make sense to think that we will gather inside the Kingdom Hall, as if the Kingdom Halls were, for example, some kind of “ark of Noah.” In my opinion, just as happened during the pandemic, we may very well be able to stay in our homes or, if we are forced to leave our homes, we may have to stay in some kind of shelter. The important thing is that we will need to have access to the information and guidance from the brothers who, during that time, will have the responsibility of caring for us. And even if that isn’t possible, it will be important to keep our faith and do what we already know to do: remain loyal, keep our faith strong, not panic, and remember that Jehovah, Jesus, and the angels are in control.

I have not found any publication that specifically states that Jehovah’s Witnesses will continue meeting in Kingdom Halls during the Great Tribulation. For example, the 2019 Watchtower says that we may meet “in private homes or even in secret,” and its illustration depicts a small group of Witnesses meeting in a forest during the Great Tribulation. Other publications have also portrayed brothers and sisters meeting or taking shelter in less conspicuous places in connection with the Great Tribulation: a congregation meeting secretly in a basement in 2014, brothers and sisters taking shelter in an attic in 2019, and brothers and sisters meeting with others in a basement in 2023. Of course, I understand that illustrations are not necessarily prophetic details, and I am not trying to draw a conclusion beyond what the publications actually say. I simply find the repeated references to private or concealed places interesting. Stay Faithful Through the “Great Tribulation” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/w19/2019/748 “Now You Are God’s People” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/ws14/2014/752 Build Strong Friendships Before the End Comes https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/w19/2019/787 Are You Ready for the Great Tribulation? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/w23/2023/501 There is also a recent real-life example. On July 31, 2026, a Russian court ordered the confiscation of 123 properties owned by Jehovah’s Witnesses, including four Kingdom Halls. JW.org itself states that since the 2017 ban, the Russian government has continued to seize Kingdom Halls and other properties previously used by Jehovah’s Witnesses for religious meetings. https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/russia/Russian-Authorities-Seize-123-Properties-Owned-by-Jehovahs-Witnesses/ With this in mind, I wonder: is there a reason to believe that congregations will continue meeting in Kingdom Halls during the Great Tribulation? Or might we instead have to meet in private homes, basements, attics, forests, or other less conspicuous places? If anyone knows of a more recent publication that specifically addresses this point, I would genuinely appreciate the reference. I’m asking simply because I would like to understand the subject more clearly.

Sometimes we dwell on the negative side of Jehovah's Day and think about how bad it will be for us during the GT, but its more encouraging to focus on Jehovah and discuss the positive aspects of what he will do in the future. That's why I prefer to talk about the Day of Jehovah instead of the GT.

Global Initiative for National Governance, Intervention in Vigilance, Institutional Treaty Integration and Security. GINGIVITIS

Exactly. And before that happens, the world leaders will unexpectedly give their power and authority to the UN. That is probably the first headline we will see.

Tim, you went to the meeting to reconnect with Jehovah—and he greeted you with gifts. The smiles, the waves, the hug, the kind words, the invitation to share a meal, and the warmth you felt were all gifts from him. I know you didn’t miss that—you acknowledged those things and told us about them. But it feels as though you were excusing them because they weren’t the reason you went. Perhaps each one was Jehovah’s way of drawing you closer and closer to him—his way of wrapping his arms around you and saying, “I missed you too.” And that is exactly what you went there to acknowledge: that Jehovah missed you too. He gave you a hug through your brothers and sisters, Tim. Please let yourself accept the hug. Luke 15:20 YB Dave

I'm not sure why we would need an official announcement from the GB about the GT starting because it was my understanding that when the United Nations puts an end to all religion, that is the start. When that happens, it will make worldwide news, I don't think there will be any doubts. But it's always nice to have confirmation from the one true source of truth. When religion takes a hit, so will it's buildings and wealth, so I can imagine all religious property will be systematically confiscated and handed over to it's respective government, That is probably the reason that our publications always picture us meeting in other places besides our kingdom halls during that period of time. I would rather not think of that time as "scary", more like challenging. People outside our organization will be scared because they never imagined this happening - people are out of their minds now over the slightest thing, when something this big happens it will really amp up the craziness and chaos. But the Bible assures us that we will be "dwelling in security" because Jehovah will be taking care of us and keeping us united and still able to worship him. It will be that last moment of the GT when Gog of Magog attacks that might seem a bit frightening, but there is the reason we need to make our faith unbreakable now, so that we can "hold our heads up, knowing our deliverance is near".

I knew a guy that started a social club for chickens. He would take a few chickens to a ranch or farm and let them visit the chickens there for the day, then take some of those chickens to another ranch or farm. Sometimes he would have several groups of chickens at his place. I thought it was a pretty odd thing to do but he said he needed to do it to make hens meet...

This is imperative! w26 January pp. 22 "Rather than dwell on the challenge that you are facing, focus on your appreciation for all that Jehovah has provided - including the ransom arrangement".

Hi Tim, I also really appreciate your honesty in sharing your feelings. Most of us are struggling some way emotionally at this point. This is a rhetorical question…you don’t have to answer. Is it possible you are also a little angry at Jehovah regarding the situation with your wife? If so, you are not alone in your feelings. Many deal with those feelings from time to time. I often remember the experience of the brother whose daughter was murdered when someone cut her open to steal her baby. He expressed in the article how he had to deal with his feelings of being angry at Jehovah. If you are angry, it’s ok. It’s normal and very human. Since you are in a situation where there is little you can do regarding your wife, I’m sure it’s so disheartening. We all pray with you and for you that you both are relieved soon of the stress of what is going on. Much love.

I hope the brothers announce that the Day of Jehovah has begun instead of the Great Tribulation has begun. It puts the focus on what Jehovah is doing instead of how it will affect us.

NATIONS IN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE: GOVERNMENTS SUDDENLY HAND OVER POWER TO GLOBAL AUTHORITY Political leaders announce sweeping transfer of power and authority to the United Nations. SHOCKWAVE THROUGH WORLD POLITICS: NATIONS SPEAK WITH “ONE THOUGHT” In a stunning development, governments unite behind a single political arrangement, giving unprecedented authority to the United Nations. “HOW DID THIS HAPPEN SO SUDDENLY?”: WORLD LEADERS CARRY OUT UNEXPECTED DECISION Observers struggle to explain the rapid political transformation as nations surrender their authority to the global political arrangement.

A very devout man asks his rabbi: - “Rabbi, is it permissible to smoke while studying the Torah?” - “Certainly not! It’s a complete lack of respect for the sacred texts.” The man thought for a moment, then asked: - “ Rabbi, is it permissible to study the Torah while smoking?” The rabbi smiled: - “Oh, yes! It’s always a good time to study!”

I'll start a day by day journal on this very day of announcement

I can’t help but wonder what it will be like to suddenly receive a warning or announcement saying, “The Great Tribulation has begun!” Have you ever imagined what our personal reaction would be? It would mark a step toward the transformation and destruction of everything we know as the system.

Peru: Strong earthquake shakes southern Andes https://www.dw.com/en/peru-strong-earthquake-shakes-southern-andes/a-78450656

My Shih tsu was called Teeth!!😅

Known as Operation TEETH

Teeth.... That should be an acronym for something, like "Time Everyone Eats The Harlot"

An excerpt of the 2024 Update #6 was posted because it is used in the MWM next month.

I've learned that whenever we face challenges, Satan will try to attack us. Your wife's situation distracted you from your purpose. She didn't mean to, but she helped keep you off balance. Pink Popcorn (Chris) always used to say to me, 'Sharon, wherever there is confusion, chaos and disruption (I may have the last one wrong), it smacks of Satan's interference.' I don't believe she was wrong. If I had a dollar for every time a fight broke out at home while I was trying to get to a meeting or log into one, I'd have some significant savings. I've been thin too, brother. Teeth basically hanging on to the end of a rope. While I'm going through menopause. I sometimes think Jehovah doesn't want to know what I'm thinking because eep... it ain't good! The other night, after a long workday, I was finally able to enjoy a spiritual meeting when my husband called. Our car has been acting up, but he was just upset about losing his wallet. He was swearing and having a full-on meltdown. I laugh about it now, and I hope you can too. I want you to specifically look for the ways Satan's trying his machinations on for size. He's gotten so desperate he's always got to start something. Now I know Satan has been removed from the heavens but I can imagine Jehovah chuckling. A hand running through his majestic beard, a hint of laughter beneath his tone as he watches Satan try to discourage us. "You must think him easy pickings. I wouldn't be so sure about that." Jehovah thinks back to all the times Tim has shown up, even when Satan's been riding his back like a rented mule. I know we don't use the phrasing 'Good Luck' much, but there's a 'Good Luck' out there that's said with a straight face and a 'Yeah, right, that ain't ever gonna happen.' I'd imagine Jehovah looking down at Satan and going. 'Yeah. Good Luck with that.' Then having a good laugh with all the other spirit creatures. "Oh yeah, and get that man some extra holy spirit. He needs a top-up." "But... he wasn't paying attention." "Sure he was. Why do you think he showed up at my house?"

I don't think that one was so old... But this one at Genoa in Italy is certainly OLD:

And is this not the cutest Kingdom Hall ever? It's at Hexham, near the Scottish border and not far from Newcastle in Northern England. About 35 publishers were in the congregation when I visited in 2016.

How time passes! These pics were taken in 2014 during my trip to the US for the Detroit International Convention. This little girl will now be about 13... ...her daddy was driving the bus from the Lovinia Suites to Ford Field. During my travels after the convention, at Gretna in North Carolina I walked into McDonalds and noticed these kids with their mums... ...obviously getting a treat after going out witnessing. They also would have now added over 12 years to their ages.

Family Worship every single night. Conceil literature around the house. Visit, call or text the brothers every week. Check my contacts [family, coworkers, neighbors, delivery guys, ...] and offer a bible course to every one.

I totally understand your comment, and I see the logic behind the Hospital Liaison Committee's guidance in today's climate. However, before the Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) arrangement, doctors would frequently get a court order enabling them to countermand the wishes of the parent and transfuse the child. At the present time, after the HLCs were formed, and have had many years to work with medical professionals, the attitude of the medical profession is totally different from what it was 50 years ago. That is why I said that I believe the HLC arrangement was one of the better things Jehovah's Organization has done to assist all of Jehovah's dear ones keep true to his righteous requirements. In areas where the HLC has had opportunity to work with medical professionals, things are totally different now. I studied with one individual who "made the truth his own" and progressed to be an Elder. His oldest son was born with spina bifida (a neural tube defect where the spinal column fails to close compltely during the early prgnancy) in 1968, which leads to significant complications and can make the child paralized in the lower body. This condition was not apparent befor the child was born. The brother and his wife (and related family members) all of a sudden had to become well read on treatments that could be used and still comply with Jehovah's righteous requirements. He ended up on the local HLC (as well as having many additional privilegs including temporary Bethel Service, Department Head responsibilities at Circuit Assemblies and District Conventions). His experience with his first child gave him the ability to talk with medical professionals. He and his fleshly brother were both very dear to me. I studied with both him and his younger brother. The younger brother became a Ministerial servand. The one who became a Ministerial Servant died of a massive stroke about ten years ago. The one we became an Elder died of leukemia about four years ago. His son is wheelchair bound and is now 58 and is serving as an Elder. He had another son (about two years younger than the first) who spent five yeaars at Bethel, and is now serving as an Elder. In today's environment I can understand why the HLC would not recommend running from the hospital with a child. In the environment today (particularly in the U.S.) there are usually much better ways to handle the situation. That is bacause of all of the great effort put forth by the brothers who have been working so hard for the rest of us while serving on the HLC. When I made the comment, I was NOT trying to encourage someone to take a particular course of action today. I was just relating what historically happened in this particular situation 50+ years ago. The couple even had to "do battle in court" in the city where they went. There was an attorney from Canada who had experience with these matters who came from Canada to help the U.S. attorney (both of these attorneys were brothers) during the court hearing in the city where they went. The problem was that the local doctor had gone to the court to obtain the court order without notifying the parents, so they had no opportunity to present their side of the case before the local judge make his ruling. When the couple were able to get legal representation in the city to which they went, the judge there allowed the couple to avail themselves of alternative medical treatment. There was a brother in that city who was a doctor, and he was able to treat the child using appropiate treatment, as well as providing excellent testimony before the judge at the hearing. In today's environment (especially in the U.S.) it is not likely that a judge would issue such an order if the parents had been able to present their case to the court. If I gave the impression I was suggesting someone "run from the hospital with their child" I apologize sincerely and totally. I was just attemptng to relate an experience of which I had personal knowledge to illustrate one of the tremendously good things Jehovah's Organization has done for Jehovah's dear ones to help all to endure, by loyal, and keep their faith. Thanks, Jim

GUMS?

Tim, I've always enjoyed your posts here. You have a very deep knowledge of scripture and I'm thankful that you're willing to share it online. I hope you're able to attend more meetings even if only for the "free hugs" from your brothers and sisters.

Public-Radio Interview — “A Stunning Shift in World Power” HOST: Good evening. I'm Daniel Brooks. Tonight, we're following what may be the most extraordinary development in international politics in generations. Governments around the world have announced an unprecedented decision: They are transferring significant power and authority to the United Nations. The announcement came with startling speed. Leaders who, only hours ago, appeared divided on fundamental questions of national sovereignty are now speaking with remarkable unity. To help us understand what we're witnessing, we're joined by Dr. Elena Marovic, former senior diplomat and widely respected scholar of international affairs. Dr. Marovic, thank you for being with us. DR. MAROVIC: Thank you. It's good to be here. HOST: Let me begin with the obvious question. What happened? DR. MAROVIC: That's precisely the question governments, intelligence agencies, and ordinary citizens are asking tonight. The speed is extraordinary. We have seen international agreements before, but this is fundamentally different. Governments appear to be acting almost simultaneously, surrendering a degree of authority that they have historically guarded very carefully. HOST: So you're saying this isn't simply another international treaty? DR. MAROVIC: No. A treaty normally involves months or years of negotiation. There are disagreements, amendments, parliamentary debates, objections from opposition parties. This doesn't look like that. What we're seeing is remarkably sudden. Governments that have disagreed on virtually everything are now saying, in effect, "We will act together." HOST: And the United Nations is suddenly at the center of this? DR. MAROVIC: Yes. The United Nations has existed for decades, but its role has traditionally depended on the willingness of individual nations to cooperate. Tonight, we're seeing something fundamentally different: Nations appear willing to place an extraordinary measure of their political authority behind the organization. HOST: Some leaders are calling this the beginning of a new era of global cooperation. Do you think that's an exaggeration? DR. MAROVIC: From a conventional political perspective, perhaps. But I would be careful about making predictions tonight. We're witnessing something so unusual that our normal political models may not adequately explain it. HOST: What would you say to people watching this who are frightened? DR. MAROVIC: I would say that uncertainty is understandable. When political structures change this quickly, people naturally wonder what happens next. The important thing is to distinguish between what we know and what we don't know. HOST: And what don't we know? DR. MAROVIC: We don't know the full consequences of this decision. We don't know how individual governments will implement it. And we certainly don't know where this leads politically. HOST: There's another remarkable development tonight. Several governments that have historically maintained close relationships with major religious institutions are now announcing measures against religious organizations. DR. MAROVIC: Yes. That may ultimately prove to be one of the most consequential aspects of what we're seeing. HOST: Why? DR. MAROVIC: Because governments have traditionally viewed religion as an important social and political force. If governments suddenly begin withdrawing their support from religious institutions on a global scale, that would represent a profound transformation. HOST: So you're suggesting that tonight's announcement may be only the beginning? DR. MAROVIC: I think everyone should recognize that possibility. We have entered unfamiliar territory. HOST: Dr. Elena Marovic, former diplomat and international-affairs scholar, joining us tonight. One final question. After watching governments around the world make a decision of this magnitude with such extraordinary speed, what do you think historians will say about this night? DR. MAROVIC: They may say that this was the night the international system changed before the world fully understood that it was changing. HOST: Dr. Marovic, thank you. DR. MAROVIC: Thank you. HOST: And we'll continue following this developing story.

We recently had a total renovation of the KH. Just prior to that, we had a total update of the territories. A new map was made, and this new map is displayed on a new wall in the newly remodeled KH.

I understand, but I believe it will be headline news. It's common knowledge that many of the member states of the UN disagree with the policies and actions of the organization. They support it because they have to, not because they want to. I think the world will know when that changes.

Wednesday, August 19 The holy spirit has appointed you overseers.—Acts 20:28. Around the world, we need more brothers to serve as “gifts in men.” (Eph. 4:8) If you are a baptized brother, is it “within your power to help”? (Prov. 3:27) Are you willing to qualify as a ministerial servant? Could you reach out to care for the needs of your brothers as an elder? Are you able to adjust your circumstances to apply for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers? That school will equip you to be used even more fully by Jesus. If you feel unqualified, pray to Jehovah. Ask him for the help of his holy spirit to handle successfully any assignment you are given. (Luke 11:13) The brothers whom Jesus has appointed as “gifts in men” are proof that he has been leading us during these last days. (Matt. 28:20) Are you not grateful that we have a King who is loving, generous, and attentive and who provides qualified brothers to care for our needs? w24.10 23 ¶16-17

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102001526 😘

I can't wait to meet both of you in Paradise. Ask you about how was life before Armageddon, and be able to identify you because of your life story you've been sharing here on JWtalk. We love you Timothy.

that's what they should have been thinking yesterday already But many nonJW and exJW may come back because of it... I hope they'll be able to endure during the whole thing

“I need to hide all my chocolate.”

Before I went to meeting this morning I read your post out loud to my husband. We both cried. Not only because of your pain but because you said so many things we all feel at times. And so even at your lowest point my brother you helped lift so many. You pushed yourself and also pulled along those who were needing a little extra. Thank you for sharing it. We pray for you and your wife. Soon we will see Jehovah's deliverance from all our troubles.

We love you Tim! Empathy is not my strong emotion, but you moved me too. This system stinks and watching our loved ones suffer takes it out of us. I hope your wife finds good help. That constant search is hard too. May Jehovah give you both the strength you need and the peace of God that protects your heart and mind (Phil 4:6-9).

One of my students mother passed away as a building collapsed. another still cannot locate his family in Cali. When it is this close, people I know and study with, pray with etc, it has an impact on my heart. I toight I had empathy before... Yesterday we were able to re-enter our building, get some stuff, clothes etc. Many arre worse off than us, and there are yet more eq in number and destruction happening even now. Fires, floods, eq, hurricanes oh we need the new world! I am trying to gather myself, for this is when the community needs the help of a better future. Gotta get out and preach!! Sorry to ramble on.

I’ve known ones be proud to be apostate and say it as if it’s a badge of honour. In their minds they “escaped the cult”

Everyone thought Daniel would make an excellent ministerial servant. He gave thoughtful comments, handled his responsibilities well, and was always neatly dressed. When something needed organizing, Daniel was usually nearby. Secretly, he hoped the elders noticed. One rainy evening, Daniel arrived early for the congregation meeting. He was assigned to sound and needed to check the microphones, music, and videos before everyone arrived. As he entered, he saw Brother Harris struggling in the lobby. At eighty-three, Brother Harris could no longer bend easily. His wet shoelace had come undone, and several muddy footprints trailed behind him. Daniel glanced toward the sound console. There was much to prepare, and time was passing. Then he looked again at Brother Harris, who was leaning against the wall, visibly embarrassed. “I seem to be coming apart tonight,” the older brother said with a weak smile. Daniel knelt on the wet floor and tied his shoe. While he was there, he noticed that Brother Harris’s trousers were soaked around the ankles. Daniel found a towel, dried the floor, and wiped the mud from the brother’s shoes. Then he slowly helped him to his seat. When Daniel finally reached the sound console, another brother was already helping check the microphones. Together, they finished preparing the music and videos just before the meeting began. No one knew why Daniel had been delayed. After the meeting, Sister Harris approached him near the door. Her eyes were moist. “My husband almost stayed home tonight and watched the meeting on Zoom,” she said. “Since his health declined, he feels that he has become a burden. But when you knelt beside him, you didn’t make him feel like a burden. You made him feel loved.” Daniel could think of nothing to say. Later, after nearly everyone had left, he noticed more muddy water near the entrance. He found a mop and began cleaning it. There was no audience now, no important responsibility to fulfill, and no one whose approval he could win. Brother Harris paused at the door and watched him. “You know, Daniel,” he said quietly, “people may never notice when the microphones work or when every video starts on time. But they will remember the brother who noticed them—and was willing to kneel.” After Brother Harris’s words, Daniel thought about the microphones, the music, and the videos he carefully tested before each meeting. Those things were necessary, and he was willing to do them. But now he understood what should motivate him. His love for Jehovah moved him to love his brothers and sisters—and that love made every task important, whether he was standing at the sound console or kneeling beside someone who needed him.

Here is a dashboard of the current El Niño that is coming, you can view its current status. It’s projected for El Niño to reach +3.9C. https://dashboard.theclimatebrink.com/#enso

Maybe the Kingdom Hall will be full once the great tribulation starts

Different reactions for sure. "Oh oh not yet Jesus, Ihave many things to change" "Hmm, not yet, I still have to pioneer" "I have to simply my life first" "Im living a double life, I need to change."

I'm so proud of you. I'm proud to call you my brother. I understand why you were distracted but your presence at the meeting allowed you to receive encouragement from Jehovah and your spiritual family. One step at a time. 💚