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Today was one of those frigid Wisconsin winter days where the wind howled against the side of my work van...pushing it side to side as I struggled to keep it between the white lines. Frigid outside...the cab of my van was warm and cozy as I made my way throughout my route. I was in the middle of an old time radio episode of You Bet Your Life, starring Groucho Marx, when out of the blue a brother called and asked if I would like to have lunch with him when I made it up to his neck of the woods. Eagerly I agreed, suddenly filled with visions of a hot bowl of soup and a grilled cheese sandwich dancing around in my brain. Making my way up to his Kingdom Hall, I parked my van, got into his SUV and rode with him over to a local family restaurant where we sat in a booth at the back of the restaurant and sipped on a strong cup of cafe coffee as we waited on our orders of soup and sandwiches. Our conversation was light and casual; an older elder just talking to a brother he met by chance one day when that brother showed up at his Kingdom Hall with 150 lbs of free cheese. We've become very good friends now, and it's a relationship that I treasure very much. It wasn't until after lunch and we had returned to the Kingdom Hall parking lot that he suddenly turned in his seat and hit me with the following question: "How would you respond if someone at the door said that you were heartless because Jehovah's Witnesses are going to rejoice when Jehovah kills billions of people at Armageddon?" (Those may not have been his exact words, but that's the question he was asking) To everyone reading this, you may be very shocked that he would ask me such a thing. But we have had many such conversations over the past couple of years, so instead of trying to figure out any hidden motive that he might have, I simply paused, sat back in his heated leather seat...and really THOUGHT about his question. Did I think it was okay...did I REALLY think it's okay to be happy about people who are going to be destroyed? Or who have been destroyed? As the wind howled around us, pressing against the frosted side windows...I started picturing what that scene might actually look like...and I won't lie...I was actually conflicted. Perhaps he saw that, because suddenly he interrupted my train of thought, reached down between the seats and extracted his tablet. Flipping open the magnetic cover, he pulled up the Pure Worship book, turned to Chapter 18...and scrolled down to paragraph 21...and read it aloud: "Before they are destroyed, our enemies will see the sign of the Son of man, likely a supernatural manifestation of the power of Jehovah and Jesus. The opposers will see things that cause them extreme anxiety. As Jesus foretold, “people will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth.” (Luke 21:25-27) To their horror, they will realize that they miscalculated when they attacked Jehovah’s people. They will be forced to know the Creator in his role as military commander, Jehovah of armies. (Ps. 46:6-11; Ezek. 38:23) Jehovah will no doubt unleash heavenly armies and natural forces in such a way that he protects his loyal servants but eliminates his enemies.—Read 2 Peter 2:9." He stopped, allowing me to soak in those words. For a moment we didn't talk, we just sat there, listening to the wind...watching snow dance in miniature whirlwinds all across the parking lot. Finally he faced me again and asked what had stood out to me...if anything at all? I said the power of Jehovah and how everyone would know once and for all who he really is. He nodded as I talked...then ran his eyes back over the paragraph until they settled on a single spot...and looking up at me...he reread a single word: Miscalculated!! He explained that word doesn’t just describe a careless mistake. It implies careful thought, planning, and confidence. They ASSESSED the situation. They believed they understood the balance of power. They moved forward anyways...CONVINCED the outcome was going to be in their favor. But they left Jehovah out of the equation. Then he explained how Jesus described this moment at Luke 21:26, saying that people would “become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth.” He told me how the Greek expression in that verse can convey the idea of being drained, losing breath...not from sudden panic, but from the crushing realization that everything they thought was solid...was actually dead wrong. And then he took me over to Psalm 46:10–11 to show me why: “Let go and know that I am God… Jehovah of armies is with us.” Jehovah doesn’t need to rush to prove that he's the strongest. He allows events to unfold until the thinking of his enemies is fully exposed...until they are so dead set in their ways there is no turning back...then, at the right moment, they are forced to know HIM...not as the abstract ideas they THINK he is, but as Jehovah of armies! And now...for some weird reason...that word MISCALCULATED has been replaying over and over again in my head...encouraging me deeply all day as I drive. Especially right now...more than ever before...the world is busy measuring threats, power, and outcomes. But all the while...Jehovah is never reacting. He is allowing. He is waiting. He is...as he has always been...simply and fully...in total control. Jehovah NEVER miscalculates. But for anyone who thinks they can move against his people without consequence...they already have miscalculated...they just haven't realized it yet. So while I may be conflicted on how I'm going to FEEL when that time comes...I'm going to remain calm, keep my head up and get ready...because Jehovah was never PART of the equation...he IS the equation!

August 2025 “Questions From Readers” in The Watchtower A more recent article discusses when the preaching work will end and clarifies that the good news of the Kingdom will continue to be preached right up until Armageddon, rather than being replaced entirely by a doom-and-gloom judgment message. This is an adjustment of earlier understanding and shows the Society’s current stance on the timing of any judgment-focused message.

Worked cart at court house yesterday. About 45 mins into our shift a group formed carrying red, white, green flags and the American flag. No one knew the striped flags country of origin because Mexico and Iran same colors, ones stripes are vertical and one horizontal. I googled it. Iran. Then the news cameras started rolling in, more people arrived to the 'peaceful' protest then loud chanting is forgien language started. We were instructed to pack up and leave quietly. A sister said that Monday a Spanish brother was 'picked up, handcuffed if front of his wife and small children by Isis and taken away. The sister said he was prepared with all legal paperwork but it did not matter. They said the brothers/elders knew he was legal and it was a concern but still relied of having the legal documentation kept their hope up. It is evident documentation will not prevent deportation so now the Spanish brothers are all quiet anxious as well as their spiritual family.

The world is a mess. Except for a couple of local news articles, I haven't watched the news in about a week, because I couldn't take the negativity anymore. Tonight I was at a relative's house watching the world news with them, and saw what was going on in Iran. I had heard things here and there and had seen things pop up in my news feed, but I didn't look into it. They were showing disturbing scenes from Iran. I googled why they were protesting in the first place, and was sad to find out that it was over inflation and a lack of food. I couldn't help but think of the truthfulness in a Bob Marley song that says: “Cost of living gets so high Rich and poor they start to cry… A hungry mob is an angry mob A hungry man is a angry man.” But more important than the words of a reggae song, Jesus said that wars and “disturbances” or uprisings will increase the closer we get to his coming during the great tribulation. Right now would be a good time to review the annual meeting talk, Be Alert, Be Decisive. It's a good reminder that these things will continue to take place up until Jehovah’s day, just like they did leading up to 70 CE. As distressing as the world situation is, it's encouraging to know we are extremely close to the realization of the millennial reign 😁 https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODPgmEvtAnnMtg/pub-jwb-100_2_VIDEO

Moving words from Brother Lett, before his first talk at the Convention. Lett - Nova Zelândia.mp4

many many brothers have a problems with a military services. Our KH is near (100 meters) of a military center were my brother is kept. We are beeping and he is waves his arms.

Context is very important here. This is during a tribulation such as has never occurred before, and will be cut short lest no one should survive. In the midst of that, the good news will continue to be preached. Some, possibly many, will join us. No doubt the celestial phenomenon will help open their eyes. But the vast majority will view the good news message as delusional rubbish. Whatever the people decide, they will have had every possible opportunity to take sides with Jehovah and live.

One of the most beautiful things about this forum is that no matter where in the world we come from, we share a language deeper than grammar, culture, or technology. Whether some dear brother or sister writes in perfect English, uses Google Translate, or leans on an AI tool to tidy up their sentences, the same unmistakable “pure language” shines through, the sincere desire to draw closer to Jehovah and to encourage one another. Each month, hundreds of new brothers and sisters join us. Nearly all of them fit naturally into the spirit of this place. Only a very small number like one a month, ever need to be told that this forum isn’t a good fit for them. Just as in the early Christian congregation there have been some “who were not of our sort” .Most potential problems never make it past the front door, because the purpose of this community is clear and simple. We are not a dating site. We are not a business platform. We do not engage in financial dealings. We never ask for money…and if someone chooses to donate, that is entirely their personal decision. We respect and apply to the best of our ability the direction of the Faithful and Discreet Slave. This is a space to share your perspective on your relationship with Jehovah, your experiences in the congregation, and the spiritual journey we are all walking. It is a place for encouragement, reflection, and genuine connection…nothing more complicated than that, and nothing less meaningful. Many other sites have come and gone over the years, but because of you, this formula and direction still seems to be working for what it is intended. We thank everyone for keeping this site safe.

I removed all the "ICE" posts. I am hoping we can leave that controversial topic alone. Feel free to PM a moderator or start a topic in the Confidential area if you need to discuss this further. Confidential Talk - JWTalk - Jehovah's Witnesses Online Community

Its difficult these days. I wonder if the Gov. Body will address this at some point. My husband says that if and when it hits our streets we just keep a low profile as we have been doing all along as Witnesses. We do not confront law enforcement at any time. We do cart witnessing and the police know exactly where we are. We live in a small village in Warwick however, there are protestors around and chanting but, they are given a small part of the village where they can protest and exercise their rights only for 2 hours then, they must vacate. Police are constantly vigilant. We stay clear from crowds. We know before hand where they will be protesting and so we do our carts in another area of the village. But, I must admit we are more alert then ever around here. Quite honestly I've been getting nightmares. I don't watch the news anymore just what is necessary to keep abreast on what is going on and then I turn to other things. Preaching and teaching. Getting ready for meetings, etc. I truly believe that the end will come under this president's watch. He seems to be the modern Nebuchanezzar.

The art is beautiful!

Sofia, I am not from Ukraine, so I only have info from public sources. Some parts of Kyiv and also other cities are without electricity for days now, with temperatures going deep below zero this is of course a big problem. I saw some pictures of apartments where temperatures fell below zero causing also issues with bursted pipes where water was not emptied from installations. I would say a lot will depend on what will happen next. If power plants and transformer stations will continue to be bombed in next days (with temperatures staying so low for at least a week according to forecasts), things for population may become really ugly. Our prayers are needed for sure.

Sorry guys to reopen this old topic But I’m deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of our dearest brothers and sisters after the latest attacks in Kiev low temperatures are deadly no energy no water in millions of homes please give us some info so as we can be more specific in our prayers @Korotkiy @Osprey ?

Great witness about the Special Convention in NZ. NZ Special Convention.mp4

I trust Jehovah on whatever he decides. I do not rejoice over the fact that people will lose their lives, but Jehovah gives everyone the most opportunity to escape judgment. It will be unfortunate for those who are incorrigible. Jehovah will have no choice, and the fault will only lie with those who choose not to recognize his Sovereignty. That being said, in my heart I've prepared myself to accept his decision regarding my daughter who has left the truth. I hope she chooses differently before the end comes. Because I cannot make that choice for her and I cannot tell Jehovah that his decision was wrong. ❤️

What great points! I think of it, not as rejoicing over the deaths of those people, but more as a deep gratitude for the removal of the wicked, and as the song says..."peace at last"!

Thanks for the updates my brother. Please know you and those there (and those who chose to leave) are well loved and prayed for regularly! May Jehovah continue to watch out for His family

Very interesting article here: https://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2025/09/11/islam_is_weakening_in_iran_1134383.html How old are you?

That is not our instructions, my brother: https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2013533&srcid=share I’d frame it this way: it isn’t our responsibility to determine how world events fulfill Bible prophecy. That responsibility belongs to the faithful and discreet slave, whom Jesus said is appointed “to give them their food at the proper time” — not ahead of it (Matthew 24:45). Our role is to pay attention to the direction they provide and respond accordingly, not to assign prophetic meaning to unfolding events on our own. When we start interpreting developments as fulfillments before the slave has spoken, we quietly take on a responsibility that isn’t ours. The Scriptures caution us “not to go beyond the things that are written” (1 Corinthians 4:6), and they remind us that “it does not belong to you to know the times or seasons that the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction” (Acts 1:7). Jehovah has already defined our assignment. “Fear the true God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole obligation of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). And when events unfold beyond our understanding, we are told not to decode them, but to “stand firm, and see the salvation of Jehovah” (Exodus 14:13). Staying within that arrangement protects our unity, our neutrality, and our focus on the work Jehovah has already given us to do. “Keeping on the watch” was never meant to turn us into analysts of world events. It is a call to action, not speculation. What we see around us is meant to move us to stay spiritually alert and busy in the assignment Jehovah has already given us — preaching, endurance, and faith — while we watch, not the nations, but Jehovah’s salvation.

In the past we believed we will STOP preaching good news (enabling people to repent) and we’ll START preaching bad news (judgment message) without any hope to the recipients. Now, we understand it better that the good news is BOTH good news and bad news (depending on recipients reaction) so there’s no need for any extra judgement message because it’s already in the good news „packet”. I like the example of smell. For me blue cheese has a divine smell but my kids run away from it like from fire.

Hey Tim, As you told your story, I was imagining you at the restaurant with your new friend. I could picture you in the restaurant feeling cozy with hot grilled cheese, soup, drink and warm conversation. 🍲 🥪 As for your “inner conflict” about Armageddon, along with the good expressions by the sisters above, the right way to feel at Armageddon is to feel how our Father Jehovah will feel. So here are some thoughts on how Jehovah may feel at Armageddon: NOT HAPPY, NO REJOICING “Do I take any pleasure at all in the death of a wicked person? “Do I not prefer that he turn away from his ways and keep living? “I do not take any pleasure in the death of anyone, . . . so turn back and live.” (Ezek. 18:23, 32) YET HAPPY, REJOICING We know that Jehovah has a grand purpose to sanctify His own name and establish a glorious Kingdom rule over the earth. So how does Jehovah feel when He accomplishing His purposes? Maybe the Grand Creator will express Himself similar to when He was accomplishing another major purpose many centuries ago: “After that God saw everything he had made, and look! it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31) So at Armageddon , if we try our best to imitate our Father Jehovah, we will not be happy, not be rejoicing, finding no pleasure in the death of anyone, no matter how wicked they became. But at the same time we will be happy, rejoicing, and taking great pleasure in watching first hand how Jehovah is accomplishing His purposes of sanctifying His great name and establishing his loving Sovereignty on earth. 🎉

Would that make it RICE.😎 Religion, Immigration and customs enforcement

I can imagine this ICE authority turning into the Anti religion enforcement during the GT.

Very sobering, thank you for sharing. I agree with Jennifer, 'rejoicing' isn't what I'd classify it under. It put me more in mind of an old publication titled, "The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah"—How? And that's because it's neither here nor there what I think about the wicked who refuse our message of Good News, for whatever reason they contrive and why they still insist on clinging to that losing position clear to the end. Rather, it's about the vindication of Jehovah as the only Sovereign and the sanctification of his beautiful name, Jehovah. That's what I keep going back to. I will not be happy to see people lose their lives, when I've been trying for decades to appeal to them. That part will be sad, but not for lack of trying. But it's not over yet and we carry on!

My main PW location is a hot location for protests and police activity in LA, not to mention a disaster zone. It can get spicy really fast and have to pull the friends for safety. I appreciate Jehovah training us brothers on how to handle these situations. How to act calm, think clear, and use our trained discernment but be an encouraging shepherd in the chaos. It'll be vital during the GT. I can say its turned me into a hardened watchmen. Stuff doesn't phase me like it did when I first started.

As far as I know some places in Kiev and Odessa are without heat about 3 days. Hovewer there were a many mobile "non-breaking points" are available in the leather quarter where people can warm up, drink hot tea and charge a gadgets. Other regions are Ok.

I'm 43 with a strong appetite for all things history (Biblical, political, religious, war, family, mostly.) I come from a military family and worked in defense. Just comes with it sadly.

Look in the index under Great Tribulation there is an excellent chronological timeline. In that timeline during the Great Tribulation after Babylon the Great is destroyed it states: preaching “good news of the Kingdom” (Mt 24:14) a hailstorm for God’s enemies (Re 16:21] w25.08 31; w20.05 15; w19.10 16; rr 66, 198; w15 7/15 16; w08 7/15 7; re 234 In other words the preaching we do will be good news to those who accept it and a judgement to those who do not. So it depends on their response to the good news we preach at that time. It will become more hard-hitting as the tribulation continues forcing everyone to either accept the Kingdom [good news] or not [adverse judgement]. [Annual Meeting]

At the AM 2025, Brother Sanderson used Psalm 91 to reassure our hearts when we think about Armageddon, to certify Jehovah's perfect protection at this precise and unique moment in history. The levels of protection were, I quote, “spiritual, physical, and even emotional.” He used verse 14 to emphasize Jehovah's tenderness, which prompts him to act to protect his people. Jehovah, he said, will be personally very involved in this protection. Quoting 2 Peter 2:9, the brother reinforced the idea of Jehovah's perfect justice. There can be no doubt about the righteousness of his action: only the wicked will be destroyed, those who reject him and who have joined forces to wipe out innocent children, women, and the elderly from the earth. History shows us the lack of compassion when war is declared. This will not be the case at Armageddon, because this war will only eliminate those who do not have a heart, and will save all those whose hearts beat for Jehovah and his King. (Ez 33:11) We will be emotionally protected to cope with the situation. In any case, this is how I understand this salvation, a help provided by Jehovah to cope with the disappearance of beings to whom we have been very attached until now. Perhaps the latter will even facilitate emotional detachment because they will participate in the eradication effort led by the Coalition. " What must we do ? Keep on the watch and prove ourselves ready' Mat 24:43-44. His conclusion: 'We have absolutely nothing to fear. Amen, come Lord Jesus!'

Please be comforted! 🥰 Because after Armageddon, we will not be sad or devastated or have any form of survivor’s guilt, why? Notice the following scripture the Governing Body applied to how the Israelites felt after being delivered through the Red Sea: We are going to experience 1 of the greatest miracles in world history at Armageddon! We are going to see firsthand Jehovah’s power! We are going to see our Father’s love in action, protecting us & delivering us! And like the Israelites did, we too will express our joy in songs of praise and thanksgiving! *** w96 4/1 p. 15 Praise the King of Eternity! *** As Moses and all Israel celebrated Jehovah’s victory at the Red Sea, there will be great rejoicing after Armageddon

I have personally witnessed "suspicious characters" join the chat, make unusual statements, get flagged by the moderators and eventually removed. It's not that there will never be problems here, it's that I know they will be handled when they arise. If you ever come across a post that makes you uncomfortable, just click the dots in the upper-right hand corner of the post and report it. We all contribute to making this a spiritually uplifting space.

We could list other restraints. Satan and his demons can't materialize human bodies. They can't have sex relations and bring about Nephilim. They can't enter heaven amongst the other angels. They can't foresee the future (other than explained by God). They have great power but they can't prevent or deflect God's purpose from occurring on time and in place. They can't force you to stop serving Jehovah.

By the way Ukrainians quickly prepared "non-breaking points" when German there were problems with terrorists electric issue.

Luke 4:6 - Then the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Matthew 4:9 - And he said to him: “All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.” Anyone can say what they want. This is my opinion. I'm a firm believer in those scriptures and why he's doing what he's doing. Not that Trump and Satan talked but imagine being the guy that checks all Satan's boxes by heart and action. No remorse.

Dear All, Just a quick note to let you know that I'm going to deactivate my account. It's been a pleasure connecting with you. May Jehovah bless you all, Maria

I've often wondered about this, too, Jason. Will it even be recognizable after the cataclysmic end... What sadness will we feel, perhaps with a heavy weight in our hearts, having felt love and care for those we meet - and many did not respond. Will we, can we, ever be truly satisfied with all we did to help others? Then again, we need to be reasonable and balanced, for we can only plant a seed and water it... for it is our kind, and just, wise and loving Heavenly Father who will choose to make it grow if the person is "rightly disposed."

I feel for you, Rebecca, and others of us in a similar situation. We hope that in the remaining time, our son or daughter can have a change of heart and return to loving Jehovah and rejoicing in being his friend. Even Jesus felt deep sadness looking over the city he had attended annual festivals in, the culture he had grown up in while being a human. He grieved that soon, the city would have "no stone left upon a stone." He wanted to gather them under his wings like a hen shelters her chicks. But he knew it was going to happen, that the masses would reject him and his father, Jehovah, who is totally just, wise, and right in all he does, and lovingly warns people for a long time ahead of the necessary execution of divine judgment. Sad as it feels for believing humans, peace-loving people cannot enjoy global peace while fierce people remain, so the land must be cleared, and the evil spirits removed. Then at last there will be calm and relief.

Just my opinion and thoughts. Not being dogmatic but exactly my thinking. I see them as in beginnings of the federal police. Immigration is simply their training for what's to come when they're push local and city PDs aside and going all out.

human servants, but I don't think it would serve his interests. Demonstrating Jehovah is wrong is his goal. Killing his servants instead of making them sin is basically making Jehovah's servant win, being safe in Jehovah's memory.

ISIS = Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Militant Islamic activists bent on creating and controlling an Islamic state. ICE = Immigration and Customs Enforcement. One of the federal police agencies in the United States. Anything else could be taken as a non-neutral expression.

As we come closer to the end of this system of things, satan is using things like major protests (which I don't believe happen naturally) to divide and distract from the kingdom message. I used to think there wouldn't be a third world war before this system ended, but there's no telling what major event satan will pull to distract shortly before the end of this system of things. Of course, we know there will be a proclamation of “peace and security,” but I suspect there will be major events before then as well.

They were just in our county the other day, our city council leader put out a letter just yesterday talking about their presence and how they know it's scaring everyone, especially considering what's going on in Minneapolis and St Paul right now. We have Metro witnessing in those areas, from what I've been told it's all on Zoom right now. I talked to a sister yesterday in Marshfield who's family is over in Minneapolis currently, she's the one that told me that. I don't know about other areas around Minneapolis and Saint Paul though.

The Bible also makes mention of the different 'princes' of the world. The prince of Persia, of Greece etc, which allude to the demonic forces. Saddam Hussein in one interview mentioned that just before the Gulf war of 1991, he dreamt of the prophet commanding him to invade Kuwait. It's clear that Satan has assigned his demons power and influence over the earthly governments.

I so love Bro Lett. I’m originally from NZ and I had several members of mt family that still live in NZ, at that convention. My sister, her daughter, son in law and grandson flew over from Australia for it.

And our love,concern and our prayers.....will also always be relevant. 💗💗💗

As long as there are wars and invasions in Ukraine, the topic remains relevant.

A turbulent start to the year, no sign of peace and security. May the destruction of Babylon the Great come.

Our local needs last midweek meeting is a letter from Bethel dated Jan 1 2026. We have to start planting food. Looks like we dont need money in the very near future.

And THIS is why I love reading Carlos’ comments. 💕👍🏻

The following statements come from our special edition of the Watchtower ~ An End to War, How? God will end human governments by means of what the Bible calls the war of Armageddon. God will replace human governments with his Kingdom. God's Kingdom will destroy the instigators of war, Satan and his demons. God's Kingdom will remove wicked people who refuse to stop fighting or disrupting the peace of others. It's hard to imagine a message more blunt, more hard-hitting, than the above. But it very well may be.