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The circuit overseer commented that we should avoid saying that "the Governing Body allowed" the use of beards, women wearing slacks, or toasting with glasses. A more appropriate way to express it is to say that the Governing Body made an adjustment or adjusted the understanding on a particular matter. He also mentioned that many other adjustments may come in due time. Therefore, it is not appropriate to say that "tattoos will be allowed," "birthdays will be allowed," or that other celebrations will be approved. We have no basis or authority to make such comments or to create expectations among our brothers and sisters. We need to show respect for Jehovah and for the way He directs His organization. Adjustments are made at the proper time, when there is a basis for them, and our role is to accept them with respect and humility, without speculation or putting pressure on matters that Jehovah has not yet clarified.

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.

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. 💚

In March of 2025, Brother @Lance posted that a privacy legal case in British Columbia may go to the Supreme Court of Canada. That topic is now closed so I will continue it here, since that case will indeed be decided by Canada's highest court. These links will give a little background on the case: https://albernivalleynews.com/2025/03/23/bc-jehovahs-witnesses-privacy-case-may-go-to-supreme-court/ and https://www.scc-csc.ca/pdf/case-documents/41816/MM050_Applicant_John-Vabuolas-Paul-Sidhu-Grand-Forks-Congregation-of-Jehovah's-Witnesses-Coldstream-Congregation-of -ehovah's-Witnesses-and-Watch-Tower-Bible-and-Tract Society-of-Canada_Reply_2.pdf. Now, we hear the following news. (This was sent to me in an email, so there is no official news link.) To my knowledge, we have never had the opportunity to see a live session of the Supreme Court of Canada before. So this should be interesting, if you can follow the dense legalese language they may be speaking there. However, the Court's final decision of the case will not likely be heard until some time later.

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. 😂😂

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.

I’ve come up against apostates both on carts and house to house. Both times I’ve politely stopped the conversation and walked away. I can’t remember exactly what I said as it was a few years ago but when the person answered the door and started ranting how the org covers up child abuse I said something like “I’m not here to discuss that today, if you have genuine questions about that you can find information on our website” and I just walked away

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.

Awful !!!!!!!!! Jehovah please !!!

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

Here is a picture I just took in my library. The green book to the right is the original 1961 NWT, The brown songbook is from 1984. Any of our black NWT Bibles can be the one on the left. The one I grabbed was a bit more used and had 'spread' out a little. As Br. Shawn said, the caption refers to "older translations of the NWT and a songbook".

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.

As I hear from Ukrainian brothers and sisters there are some brothers in Ukraine that almost never go out of apartment because of this forced mobilization on streets for many months now. Some are even developing some psychological problems because of that. It's a very hard situation for them and they need our prayers too.

Saturday, July 18 Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid.—Ps. 118:6. We can face trials successfully if we remember that the living God is ready to assist us. We can build our confidence in that fact by considering what he has done in the past. (Isa. 37:17, 33-37) Also, consider reports on our jw.org website that illustrate how Jehovah has supported our brothers and sisters in modern times. Furthermore, recall times when Jehovah has acted in your behalf. Do not worry if you cannot point to some spectacular experience. Why not? The fact is, Jehovah has been involved in your life! He has drawn you into a relationship with him. (John 6:44) Why not ask him to help you to remember moments when he answered your prayers, gave you support at just the right time, or sustained you through a difficult situation? Reflecting on such experiences will strengthen your conviction that Jehovah will continue to act in your behalf. w24.06 21 ¶8

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….🥴😂

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.

I saw this on social media so went searching to see if it was true. Couldn’t find any reliable news reports but did find this article about it: https://www.courtmagazine.org/post/four-jehovah-s-witnesses-killed-after-apparent-abduction-in-la-ceiba-leaving-a-community-in-mournin

Jehovah Please!!! Remember them in the NW!!!! Let your Kingdom come! How much more can we take?

UKRAINE: Conscientious objectors convicted, jailed, held in military units: list https://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=3057 It seems that situation is still worsening for now.

I think you mean it's in pre-production, since Ramapo has not been built yet but maybe in 4 to 5 years as per the project's public website (https://jw-avcenter.org/#timeline). Land development started early 2025 and hopefully will end by the end of 2026. Phase 3 (the longest) is estimated to take 38 months till completion. The Good News According to Jesus took several years of pre-production. The same will happen with Acts of Apostles to ensure historical accuracy. So while TGNJ completes its filming, Ramapo will end its construction around early 2031. If the organization releases two episodes per convention for the rest of the series, we'll get to 2032 with episodes 17 and 18. So we'd watch the first episode of AOA by 2033. This gives the brothers 2 years for filming and post-producing the first episode of AOA in Ramapo's brand new facilities. Nevertheless, since the first 7 chapters of Acts of Apostles is about the final words of Jesus on earth and his ascension to heaven, the pouring out of holy spirit on the 120 disciples and, the witnessing of Peter and John, the Temple scenes of chapter 3, the death of Stephen, etc., I consider a big portion of these scenes will still be filmed in the Australasia branch, even more if they keep using the same actors that already live there (I'd love to so we can have continuity). This would give more time to the Ramapo facilities and crew to get ready for taking over the filming of the rest of the episodes for AOA, maybe starting with Paul's story of chapter 8.

The 1961 first edition was taller and matched the other books we had at the time. A few years later we shrank the overall height of all of our books (Bibles included). See picture below.

There is a star trek episode KINDA like this. They unfroze some people that was living during our time into their time and one dude was a wealthy banker and nearly lost his cool when he learned that everything on the earth was free, that money was essentially useless. But lets rhink about it the other way, the children in low caate systems in the world that never see even a flicker of electricity, or even clean water, never having to worry about where their food will come from that day. Imagine how they will feel waking up and essentially having life as "royalty*". Everything free, an abundance, no worry, no trouble... Jusf complete freedom *younger kids sees royalty as that pretty much, just able to have whatever and no downside

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

Please explain. There has been a strong rebound following Covid. Here's a chart for Zambia (previously known as Northern Rhodesia up to 1964) from 1945 through to 2025. Notable that Zambia passed the quarter million mark in 2025, with an amazing publisher-to-population ratio of 1-to-84 😮 (Note: Av Pub numbers for 2017 and 2018 not available)

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.

Saying 99.99% is one way of saying the vast majority. Its hyperbole, an illustration. It's not a literal number, although it could be very close. Don't let it distract you from the intent and content of the brothers comment. Meanwhile, back on topic....

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.

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.

Protect Yourself From Apostasy https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=202023178&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=2

The Bible says we don't talk with apostates, because they are very dangerous for our spirituality and want to cause us harm (2 John 9-11). So if you meet an apostate at the door or anywhere, what do you think the right reaction would be? This applies to apostates, that is, former Witnesses who now try to stray others. It's different if you meet a person in service who is not a former Witness and simply has heard some lies about Witnesses. That person maybe can be helped to find the truth. That is not an apostate. Even then, we would rather avoid listening to rumors about anyone.

I decided to get a Canon Pixma TR8620a. It seems to be the closest successor to the MX870 I had, so I familiar with it. The decision was driven by familiarity and convenience instead of research.

I remembered that we have a small Vietnamese Group that has to use JW Stream from time to time for public talks. I did check the JW Stream box for a future PT and it does show up in NWP as an icon beside the name of the speaker. Our brothers have been naming the congregation as - [name] JW Stream so they have already been alerting everyone. This new icon may be more convenient in the future.

1975 is because some people were here for a date 2020-2022 = COVID stopped our momentum a bit (and people died more than usual)

May be 'Society' ?

and now report from soc https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/germany/New-Memorial-in-Berlin-Honors-the-Courage-of-Jehovahs-Witnesses-Under-the-Nazi-Regime/

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

Thursday, July 16 We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.—Heb. 10:10. According to the Bible, a ransom is the price paid to bring about atonement and reconciliation. From Jehovah’s standpoint, it provides the basis to restore what was lost. In what way? Remember, Adam and Eve lost their perfect life along with the prospect of living forever. So the ransom would need to be a price of equal value to what was lost. (1 Tim. 2:6) It could be paid only by an adult man who (1) was perfect; (2) had the potential of living forever on earth; and (3) was willing to give up, or to sacrifice, that life for us. Consider three reasons why Jesus was able to pay that ransom price. (1) He was perfect—“he committed no sin.” (1 Pet. 2:22) (2) Because of that, he had the potential of living forever on earth. (3) He was willing to die and give up that life for us.—Heb. 10:9. w25.02 4-5 ¶11-12

Can you imagine someone of high influence being told, "right now we need someone to clean the toilets and you are next in line for that duty."

No one knows the day or hour but Jehovah and possibly Jesus. I wasn't implying the Governing Body knew that information. Please.

Let's not fool ourselves. The GB, ever watchful and insightful as they are, have no more insight as to the exact timing of Jehovah's timetable than any other watchful, serious student of the Bible. Many times in the past they had thought they did, and turned out to be wrong, and disappointed. The simple fact is Matthew 24:36 is as true today as it was when Jesus spoke it. I don't think that verse loses its force just because we're closer to the end than earlier generations were. If anything, it's a good reminder to stay watchful without getting too attached to a specific timetable. Our confidence should rest in Jehovah's promises being certain, not in our ability to calculate exactly when they'll unfold.

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.

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.

Or maybe it's just a random date that has nothing to do with any other date because it will be a Day all it's own, like something that has never occurred before. And since it's the day Jehovah will sanctify his name and do away with all his opposers - he gets the right to choose that date. I have a feeling it as more to do with "hearts" than anything random though. Jehovah is searching for the right-hearted right now and still finding them. His love of people has always outweighed his own interests - if it didn't, none of us would be here.

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

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