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Our brother Aaron McLamb was just 20 and volunteering at Brooklyn Bethel when he captured what became one of the most remembered photographs of September 11, 2001—Ladder 118 crossing the Brooklyn Bridge toward the burning towers. All six firefighters aboard lost their lives while helping others escape. This moving article shares how Aaron took the photograph and how his desire to help others led him to share it with the firefighters’ coworkers and families. Read the full article here.

Jenny, everything is pointing to the GT and the end of this system of things. Will it get better? Not until we get into the NW. The Great Tribulation is still ahead of us and closing in. Do not be overly consumed with the news. Stay focused on your ministry and the Kingdom. Do not lose your grip. Remember when Jesus walked on water in a storm? Peter saw him and asked him to command him to walk on water too. Jesus did but, Peter started to look at the storm and took his focus off Jesus. What happened? He began to sink. He cried out to Jesus for help and Jesus said...."oh you with little faith, why did you gave way to doubt"? He took his eyes off Jesus and started to look at the storm. Let's not focus on the storm around us but, on the Kingdom. Jehovah has all things in control.

Liquid Glass and the unique iOS design for the iPhone Duo probably mean even more work for our JW Library® developers at WHQ. With a new JW Library update coming soon, We really appreciate all their hard work to keep our apps up to date, running smoothly, and secure.

In the meantime China reduces oil usage while caring for over billion people. All I Can say humans aren’t designed to rule over themselves and when they try we all suffer.

Revelation 6:6 I heard what sounded like a voice in the midst of the four living creatures say: “A quart of wheat for a de·narʹi·us and three quarts of barley for a de·narʹi·us; and do not harm the gasoline and the diesel.”

Last year it was a week before the AM and they announced the Yeartext and the new song.

Dear brothers and sisters, isn’t it amazing how quickly we can sometimes come up with an excuse when we don’t really want to do something? “Now isn’t really the right time.” “I can’t do it.” “Maybe someone else would be better suited for this.” And sometimes we tell ourselves these things so often that eventually, we actually start believing them. But you know what? We’re not the only ones who have done that. Even faithful servants of Jehovah sometimes tried to find reasons to avoid doing what Jehovah asked them to do. Think about Moses. Jehovah gave him a big assignment. Moses was supposed to go to the Israelites and to Pharaoh. But Moses had one objection after another. “Who am I?” “What should I tell them?” “What if they don’t believe me?” And finally he said: “Please, Jehovah, send someone else.” Moses was afraid. And yet Jehovah did not give up on him. Jehovah helped him step by step. I find that very touching. Because perhaps we know that feeling too. Deep down, we know what Jehovah wants from us — but immediately a little “but” comes into our mind. “But I’m not strong enough.” “But I’m afraid.” “But this is really difficult for me.” And perhaps Jehovah doesn’t say: “Why are you so weak?” Maybe, instead, he is saying: “I am with you. Trust me.” Jonah also did not want to listen to Jehovah at first. Jehovah gave him a clear assignment — and Jonah went in the opposite direction. But Jehovah did not give up on Jonah. He helped Jonah correct his attitude. And eventually, Jonah went. That teaches us something very beautiful: Jehovah does not expect us never to be afraid. But he does want us to be willing to listen to him and to allow ourselves to change. Because sometimes, that is actually our problem with God’s Word. We read something — and immediately we know: “That applies to me.” And then our mind starts working. We start looking for an explanation. For a “but.” For a reason why, in our particular situation, it might be different. Imagine going to the doctor. The doctor examines a patient and honestly tells him: “If you want to stay healthy, you need to make some changes.” The patient may know perfectly well that the doctor is right. But on the way home he starts thinking: “It’s really not that serious.” “Other people do it too.” “I’ll start next week.” The doctor has spoken. The patient understood what he said. But understanding something by itself doesn’t change anything. Something only changes when we actually do something about it. And it’s similar with Jehovah’s Word. The Bible doesn’t just tell us what is right. Sometimes, in a very loving way, it also shows us: “This is something you need to change in yourself.” If someone has been stealing, the Bible says: “Let the one who steals steal no more.” If someone has a habit of lying, he can’t simply say: “It was only a little white lie.” And when we realize that an attitude doesn’t please Jehovah, it’s not enough to say: “I know.” At some point, we need to say: “Then I want to change.” And that is where we show how seriously we take Jehovah’s voice. At 2 Corinthians 4:12, Jehovah said to Moses: “And now go, I will be with you and teach you what you should say.” What loving words! Jehovah didn’t say: “Moses, you have to handle this all by yourself.” He said: “I will be with you.” Maybe we need that reassurance too. Perhaps we already know what the next step is that we should take. Maybe we have been putting it off for quite some time. So perhaps today we could honestly ask ourselves: “Do I really have a problem understanding Jehovah’s voice — or is my real problem doing what I already understand?” That is a very personal question. But it can draw us closer to Jehovah. Because Jehovah isn’t looking for perfect people. He is looking for people who are willing to listen to him. Maybe you have made excuses before. Maybe you have been like Moses. Maybe even like Jonah. But Jehovah has not given up on you. And so today we can say to him: “Jehovah, I understand. Please help me to act on it.” Because sometimes we don’t need another explanation. We don’t need another excuse. We simply need the courage to listen to Jehovah’s voice and take the next step. And when we do, we will experience something wonderful: Jehovah doesn’t expect us to make the whole journey on our own. He simply wants us to trust him and begin following him.

Every time I see gas prices go up on my way to work I think about the GT starting. If I worry about the prices now, how much will I worry about the future TRIBULATIONS we are promised to be GREAT? But we don't know what state the world will be in when the GT breaks out: -It could be record low gas prices and hope filling the air as the Nations give their power to the UN - then it goes really bad. -It could get worse until the Nations give their power to the UN, followed by a brief period of hope and relief until the GT goes into full swing -It could go better and worse, like it has since Eve ate the fruit, until the Nations decide to give their power to the UN. We don't know, but it seems wise to practice living simply and prayerfully while we wait because at some point it will get all the way to Armageddon. Instead of thinking about how stressful it might be, ask yourself if you are prepared. I've run through the scenarios I have seen in our publications, including losing my job, surviving with no income, being hated by co-workers, going to prison, preaching a difficult message etc. I feel confident that my strength will come from Jehovah - and so will yours.

A brother mentioned during the Watchtower study: ‘People are worried about modern technology but If the Israelites can beat Ai then so can we!’ 🤦‍♂️

And do not harm the chocolate too.

What I can say for now is that LY, commonly known as WTLIB, is getting some major improvements behind the scenes. These changes will also affect jw.org. It’s been a busy few weeks for me ahead of AM. Hehe. I’ll let y’all spot the changes, not just in LY but across the website too. Some are already starting to show, so you just have to look for them.

I have always thought this. Unfortunately I live in a very small seniors unit--total 550 sq ft with my two small companions. I have started prepping on a small scale but I have NO room to store. I go between buying some things I think will be necessary in order to share with friends. Then I think as I step over and move things around why am I doing this? Don't I believe Jehovah will provide for his people and recall the manna miraculously provided. Then I think well, we have been cautioned to have a few things ready because wouldn't we be short sighted not too? You can see this weighs terribly on my mind. I have no water saved. I live in a senior complex of 80 individual units and there are 9 of us that are witnesses. All the rest of witnesses here are in my neighboring shared hall. I think this will be my basement buddy scenerio. I have all ready shared special meals with them and am disappointed because no one has ever come by to see me. But I will be ready to share. I bought a sterno stove and 12 cans of sterno that will last 6 hrs each. I have life water straws and a hand crank radio, a solar phone and iPad charger . A back pack full of whatever came in it. I don't want to open it because I fear I won't get everything back inside. I am thinking about buying a bed tent. Google them. I lived in an RV which was very nice-FP, dishwasher , washer)dryer, etc for two years after Rick died. There was a whole winter I wish I knew about a bed tent. Propane does not last long, then everything would freeze. My hair on top of my head froze to the wall one night. Decided that would be the last winter I would stay in an RV. Not to mention living in tornado alley. I figure if I have no electric due to any number of possible reasons the tent on my comfy bed would hopefully allow my two furries and I an enclosed small shelter out of the weather and maybe we could possibly provide enough body heat to stay warm. Poppy is only three pounds so it is unlikely he will be much help but GOSH IS HE ADORABLE! MAGGIE MAE my 10 pound Boston Terrier well it just goes without saying. She is a snugglers delight . There are so many old hippies here I guess I could always open windows and breathe in the weed fortified air if I get to down and depressed. It's really eye opening to see three old codgers sitting around in camp chairs passing a joint around, they are honestly 12 feet from my kitchen window. I never imagined a senior complex looking like this! I have never smoked dope (except for two occasions when I was in my 30s) but I might be forced into changing that. If you ever want to check on me and I'm talking out if my mind just blame it on my neighbors.

Skyrocketing fuel prices spark protests around the globe https://edition.cnn.com/2026/09/15/world/fuel-prices-protests-iran-war-intl

In my city alone, there are already 18 suicides deaths mostly men since January 2026. People are getting hopeless.

Had an amazing 10 days in Belfast! Hundreds of Bible studies started just in the 1st week 727edd9839ed48678d2a2ca933180a56.mov

Wednesday, September 16 Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers.—1 Pet. 5:2. Elders today are busy men. They are evangelizers. (2 Tim. 4:5) They take a zealous lead in the field ministry, organize the preaching work in the local territory, and train us to preach and teach effectively. They also serve as merciful, impartial judges. When a Christian commits a serious sin, elders strive to help him repair his friendship with Jehovah. At the same time, they are careful to keep the congregation clean. (1 Cor. 5:12, 13; Gal. 6:1) Primarily, elders are known as shepherds. (1 Pet. 5:1-3) They deliver well-prepared Scriptural talks, endeavor to get to know everyone in the congregation, and make shepherding calls. Some elders also assist with Kingdom Hall construction and maintenance, convention organization, and the work of Hospital Liaison Committees and Patient Visitation Groups, in addition to other assignments. Elders work hard for us! w24.10 20 ¶9

I was in the hospital when I was born, I don't remember being there but I saw the paperwork. Other than that, I remember the Kennedy assassination, moon landing and a lot of the events you listed. I'd love to meet anyone here that was around when Lincoln was assassinated

I think the underlying problem is just consuming too much media, to be honest. It just goes to show how strong the influence of media can be on us.

6 months before 9/11, a new TV series called The Lone Gunmen had an episode about a remote hyjacked plane hitting the World Trade Center..

I was 11 years old. I thought for sure Armageddon would start soon and all those people would be brought back shortly. It kept me from feeling the full impact early on, but it faded quickly when I saw footage of people jumping out of the upper stories to escape the fires. I hope they all wake up in a field of flowers.🌹🪻🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼 Come, Lord Jesus!

i've gone back to that. granted i grew up in the 80s but gardening, being sustainable, food preservation (canning, salt, and sugar or fermentation), making food from scratch (mayo- eggs and oil), and more came back to me during the pandemic. I've learned how to forge for food locally, alliums like garlic and onions or oregano and thyme for carvacrol and thymol to help for sickness and colds. any alcohol or fermented tea i make, saving some to make vinegar for basic household cleaners and more. what i love is being in a mature cong. where most of the friends are 55+. so i feel like collectively, aside from meat. we could survive quite well based on all of our skill.

Sorry, Leslie—your writing is so vivid that it really made me laugh.Thank you😘

@Dolce vitaThis was interesting. I didn't know there was a website dedicated to this Glacier https://thwaitesglacier.org/ Thank you @Lewis for bringing this to our attention. One more reason why we know we are so close to the end of this system.

Something big just happened in Thwaites, a large section of the ice shelf is on the move.

Thursday, September 17 Just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive.—1 Cor. 15:22. In the Bible, the word “redemption” refers to the releasing, or acquittal, that results because of the payment of the ransom. The apostle Peter expressed it this way: “You know that it was not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, that you were set free [lit., “you were ransomed; you were redeemed”] from your futile way of life handed down to you by your forefathers. But it was with precious blood, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, that of Christ.” (1 Pet. 1:18, 19; ftn.) Because of the ransom sacrifice, we can be set free from the oppressive rule of sin and death. (Rom. 5:21) Certainly, we have good reason to feel deeply indebted to Jehovah and Jesus for the redemption that comes from the precious blood, or life, of Jesus. w25.02 5 ¶15-16

This is first time ever to have my utilities canceled. House insurance yesterday, TV from Spectrum this morning (was robbed by son.) I expect internet and phone to be gone by today. Duh, and I had a study scheduled for this evening. Here is my mailing address: Pauline W. 9 Rear Chapel St. Ellenville NY 12428 Will log on when I get near someone who is connected. from ys, Sorry for OT

Gas is 5.89 a gal, the cheapest. Diesel, over $6. I think we will be forced to simplify, which has been something the society has already suggested. If we are not frivolous with our money, putting things in the right perspective, Jehovah will take care of us. He knows we need gas to get to the hall and go out in the ministry. This is an integral part of our worship. We need to take care of business, but not ourselves sick over this nonsense. Jehovah will take care of us. That’s a fact. I have a 22 Subaru Outback with less than 37,000 miles on it. My husband has been pushing for me to get another rig. I’ve hesitated because I really enjoy that Subaru. But, we make electricity, and sell it back to PG&E. So a hybrid is starting to look pretty attractive. I’m letting him handle it. He knows what I need and he knows what he wants. But I suspect we won’t be getting another vehicle with all the bells and whistles.

I have a tv that is not "smart", it's about 20 years old. I just hooked an android box to it and can have the real JW Library app on it. Easy Peasy. You can do it with any tv.

While I see what you both are saying and I can agree, I also have to admit it's Jehovah's one thought. I have no idea how that idea will be implemented. I've grown to be open to something unimaginable.

Interesting. So an AI company "randomly" has an ex-employee saying their product is dangerous [ie super powerful] and the company says that the best solution is for the government to create a monopoly that gives primary power to that company. 🧐 Is it a whistleblower trying to take them down or is it a well-planned marketing strategy designed to benefit said company over their competition? You decide. All I know is there was a documentary about Blood Diamonds that talked about the brutal treatment of Africans and the diamond business boomed because women came to the conclusion that diamonds must be very valuable if they are willing to mistreat people for them. Could the same be true by calling AI powerful? Possibly. In other news, it would be interesting if the "dangers of AI" were the excuse the Nations used to give power to the UN because they "need to be united to face this global threat".

I got a special invitation to . . . a regular Convention in Montreal!

Are churches being killed? I feel like I have seen a lot more religious fervor in recent years. On social media I follow people for fashion, sourdough etc. A lot of the more homesteader sourdough people tend to be churchy, republicans. The fashion people tend to lean democrat. At least that's how my algorithm is showing up....I never heard either one talk politics until recently. I unfollowed one of the sourdough people because she started sharing stuff from some religious convention in Texas that was for women only. I looked at what the convention was about. It was encouraging the christian woman to get into politics. The female speaker even mentioned that people use the excuse 'Jesus didn't get involved in politics' and then basically said Jesus isn't here and he is giving women a voice to bring the church into government. It was eye opening to see how the evangelical movement justifies what they do. Like I said, it was an IG clip and I unfollowed after that. I was just there for sourdough content. LOL What is weird to me about the religious right is how they are against homosexuality, gay marriage etc, but then you see them wanting to accept 'everybody' into church because 'Jesus loved everyone'. And of course the left has been shoving the alternative lifestyle into everyone's face for years. "If you don't accept me as I am, you hate me". Swaying with the wind, getting their ears tickled differently each day....The left and the right literally just cannot seem to stand each other any more. They are violently opposed. Now it looks like the same thing is happening in Germany. What they call 'radical right' is gaining power which will just cause more deep division. I think it will be fascinating to see what brings both sides together enough to give power to the beast. Lately I've been wondering more about the AI angle because it certainly doesn't seem that it will be social issues.

Remember this? 😁

The US is 18 times bigger than France and uses a lot more fuel to transport goods across the nation. The price of diesel severely impacts everyone here.

Should there be a forum specifically for 9/11 ?

I was shopping at a large mall in Dearborn Michigan when the WTC attack occurred. Store employees were updating customers on events as they were happening. We were told to evacuate the building, go straight home and shelter in place. Dearborn is home to the largest Arabic community not only in the US but in North America. Some people had the mistaken idea that copycat attacks would occur in the area but those rumors were false. Tensions and fear were running high. It is interesting that we had an Awake magazine, May 22, 2001 issue "The New Look of Terrorism". We also received a special Awake dated Jan 8, 2002 about the 9/11 attack. Jehovah always provides comfort in times of distress and prepares us through direction ftom the FS.Those 2 Awake magazines can be found on our website. I highly recommend looking at them. It's still timely even after 25 years have passed.

Maybe we know that moment: Someone asks us: “How are you?” And even though things actually feel completely different inside, we automatically say: “I’m good, thanks.” A quick smile. A little nod. And we carry on. But sometimes, we simply don’t feel like smiling. Sometimes we’re just tired. Sometimes disappointed. Sometimes sad. Sometimes everything feels like too much — and we don’t even really know why. And that’s exactly when it’s important to remember one simple thought: You don’t always have to be okay. We’re not machines. We have feelings. And feelings change. There are days when we feel full of strength. And there are days when we just want to withdraw somewhere and be alone. That doesn’t make us weak. Quite the opposite. It makes us human. Maybe sometimes we think: “I’m not allowed to be sad right now. Other people have it much worse.” Or: “I have to be strong for everyone else.” Of course, we don’t want to burden others with our problems. But we don’t have to wear a mask either. Because Jehovah doesn’t expect us to wear a mask. We see that beautifully in Psalm 34:18. It says that Jehovah is close to those who have a broken heart. What a comforting thought! Jehovah isn’t only with us when we’re happy. Not only when we have everything under control. Not only when we appear strong. He is especially close when our heart is heavy. Imagine a little boy coming home after a long day. He doesn’t say anything. He takes off his shoes, sits down, and simply stares into space. His father immediately notices: Something isn’t right. Maybe he doesn’t even ask many questions. He simply sits down beside him. And after a while, the boy moves just a little closer. No big conversation. No clever advice. Just being there. And perhaps that is sometimes the most beautiful thing we can give another person: “You don’t have to explain anything right now. I’m simply here with you.” Isn’t it comforting to know that Jehovah knows us that way too? He doesn’t just see our smile. He sees the tear that nobody else notices. He knows when we’re tired. He knows when something has hurt us. He knows when we’re struggling inside, even though everything looks completely normal on the outside. That’s why we never have to pretend in front of Jehovah. We can even tell him in prayer: “Jehovah, I’m not doing well today.” And maybe the situation doesn’t change immediately. But something else does: We no longer have to carry it alone. And there’s something else that’s important: When we’re not feeling okay, it doesn’t mean that we are worth any less. Our worth doesn’t depend on how productive we were today. It doesn’t depend on how warmly we were able to smile today. And it certainly doesn’t depend on whether we always appear strong. Jehovah doesn’t love us only on our good days. He loves us even on the days when we may barely understand ourselves. So we can give ourselves permission to simply be human sometimes. To be sad. To be exhausted. To be quiet. And perhaps today, we need these words ourselves: “I don’t have to be okay all the time.” Because if Jehovah won’t let go of me even when I can barely hold on to myself, then I have a reason to hope again. And this is the thought I would love for us to carry with us, long after this is over: You don’t have to be strong every day. You don’t have to smile every day. You don’t always have to be okay. But never forget this: Even on your hardest day, you are never too much for Jehovah.

One point that a speaker made at our last convention was that we should use the Bible as a mirror, not a window. By that he meant to apply it to ourselves not to point the finger at others. It is very easy to criticise elders , perhaps say “ well, he doesn’t shepherd me” . However, we must understand what they have to do and perhaps politely remind them that we are still here and request a visit when they can. Thats far more constructive.

I've gotten Witnesses at the door. We waited for a respectful pause and told them we were one of them and they did a good job with their presentation. ❤️

I edited this list WITHOUT using AI. Can you tell? For the Hugging Face breach.....they literally TOLD IT to find a vulnerability and breach it. It was instructed to do what it did. Yes AI exhibits characteristics of self-preservation if you threaten it. Funny thing is....so do humans. 🤔 Don't threaten it and it won't want to hurt you. 😉 The news loves to sensationalize things. If they didn't...would you even watch it? 🤔🤔🤔 Which grabs your attention more?...."AI is getting smarter by the day!" or "AI is getting SO smart, it may very well KILL us all soon!" Our brains are literally programmed to pay CLOSE ATTENTION to threats...because threats can mean our life. So by making something threatening, the news KNOWS they got your attention.

Can we get back to the topic? I thought I had landed on the oil and gas price index page. 🙂

I would say there is lots of flavors of kool aid. I see friends here supporting the democratic/socialist flavor also. definitely a fine line

I am on a fixed income from SS benefits. We will get a small increase and the last 3 years since I started it only covers the increase of part B so I don't look for it to be different this year. May I ask how you are coping with the increase in fuel since most need it for work and service? It's mostly retired pioneers out in our hall during the week because the others are working and have families. I'm curious as to how fuel increase will effect our ministry? I always contribute to the gas fund because some are not able. We had an announcement a month ago re contributions being a little shy , you could tell it was an uncomfortable part the elder had to address.

If I’m calculating correctly, We are about $9 or $10 per gallon here in Scotland.

Monday, September 14 Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves.—John 6:53. Back in Noah’s day, God prohibited humans from consuming blood. (Gen. 9:3, 4) Jehovah repeated that restriction in his Law to Israel. Anyone eating blood was to “be put to death.” (Lev. 7:27, ftn.) Jesus upheld that Law. (Matt. 5:17-19) So it is unthinkable that he would urge a crowd of Jews to consume his actual flesh or drink the blood in his veins. Jesus was speaking in a figurative sense, as he had done earlier when he told a Samaritan woman: “The water that I will give . . . will . . . impart everlasting life.” (John 4:7, 14) Jesus was not suggesting that the Samaritan woman would get everlasting life simply by drinking certain literal water. Similarly, he was not saying that the crowds he spoke to in Capernaum would live forever if they ate his literal flesh and drank his literal blood. w24.12 9 ¶4-6

You will have to make your own travel arrangements to go from Brisbane to Sydney. Its around a 1.5-2 hr flight or a 12-15hr train ride. Then you have to either catch a train or hire a car to travel out to the Branch. If I was coming from overseas I would fly into Sydney stay a few days to tour not just the Branch but other places. Then fly from Sydney to Gold Coast or drive if that is your thing as there are lots of lovely towns and beaches on the drive north. If hiring a car drop off at Gold Coast and then catch the train to Brisbane. Public transport in Qld is 50c one way. Then fly home from Brisbane. Or you could do it the opposite after flying into Brisbane for the convention at the start of your trip. Overseas delegates don’t realise Australia is a big country and to enjoy it you need to come for a few weeks. Whenever we travel to either Europe or USA we go for a minimum of 4-6 weeks or longer if able. Of course $$$ is always a factor. The USD and £ and € are worth more than the $AUD so you will do ok. If anyone wants suggestions for travel email me and I’m only to happy to assist. We love doing road trips when we travel and get off the highway and visit the towns and congregations not usually visited by the tourists.

I was at work; school had just started a week earlier. I think it was around 3 p.m. when the news broke. I found out about it when I got home that evening. Exactly 10 days later, on a Friday morning, an explosion occurred in the city where I lived, at a SEVESO-classified chemical plant. The result: 31 dead and 8,000 injured, 2,500 of them seriously. Everyone thought it was a terrorist attack carried out by the same group that had struck the United States, but in the end, after a seemingly endless trial, the conclusion was that it was a chemical accident. Dozens and dozens of children were deeply traumatized; they were in class at the time of the explosion. Some didn’t return to school for an entire year, traumatized and/or injured. Brothers and sisters were injured, some seriously. I was working right at the site of the explosion, but that morning, I didn’t have class. Life… So I’m not ready to forget 9/11 and the 21st, and I understand to some extent how Americans felt on September 11.

I remember "Colossus: The Forbin Project" it was pretty scary at the time.

I think a logical developement could be that Jehovah puts it into the kings' hearts to surrender their power to the UN. And after having conquered a rouge AI, the UN looks at religion ... Hmmm ... It could be closer than we think ❤️ We live in exciting times!