Bryan

We had our visit a few weeks back. During our Elders and MS meeting with the CO, none of us were wearing a tie. The CO came in the hall wearing his tie, looked at us and pulled off his tie and smiled at us with a guilty face.

Our BOE had a meeting on the GB Update and discussed the part on disfellowshipping, as directed, but didn't talk about the dressing part and let the brothers decide from their understanding of the update. However, other BOE's discussed about what is allowed and what's not and have gone ahead and made some rules on the matter. Some of it may seem "out of place" according to the update. I have been there and sometimes the BOE may make decisions based on their understanding of the update, how things have transpired in the past regarding dressing and grooming, and what the local CO's say about the matter. Each elder and BOE feels the weight of their assignment and makes decisions to ensure they are following the directions of the GB. I understood this weight when I became an elder and have been doing this faithfully for the past 10 years, and its a blessing when the congregation supports us, even when our decisions weren't right. In fact, we laugh out about it with our friends later on when more clarifications come. Whatever the decision, Jehovah expects us to loyally conform to the decisions of the BOE, and if necessary, Jehovah will correct matters in his own time. I guess let's give a break to our elders, this year is not going to be easy for them.:)

Actually, that's the Indian numbering system. The comma placements are different than the international. The sperators group the rightmost digits into three and then all the digits are grouped into two. While internationally, all digits are grouped in three. 165,000 in the Indian numbering system becomes 1,65,000. Both mean the same. Internationally, it is called a Hundred and Sixty-five thousand, while in India it is called, One lakh Sixty-five thousand. Indian witnesses say that there are eight-five lakh JW's in the world. We don't use millions, billions. Here it is Lakh, Crore, Arab and Kharab.

Great things are happening here in India. Come over to help us! It is a a pioneer's paradise. As the sister said, you can really start a Bible study every day.

Superb song. The Original Song is picturized in India. A piece of distinct Indian music. Happy to see a few friends in the video too.

For me, the number of Memorial partakers has no real significance or impact, as I don't have any contribution to its increase or its decrease, neither does it have any impact on my service. That's a figure that is completely controlled and managed by Jehovah. It will be significant only if the Faithful slave connects the increase to any Bible verse or a prophecy. Till then, all's well. Personally, I look at the number of publishers, hours, Bible studies and Pioneers, because that's where my service to Jehovah and my regularity of reporting on time plays an important part.

Hi Arumuga, Greetings from a fellow brother from India. Regarding the S-4 form (Field Service Report)- as per direction given to us in India (not sure if its global), you will not have access to these forms on jw.org till you become a Ministerial Servant. It would be beneficial if you can ask your Field Service Group Overseer or your Group Servant for this form and he will send it to you. I saw your profile that you were baptized on October 2018. So Congratulations!!! Your Group Overseer will now train you to take on additional responsibilities in the near future. Not that we will not help you, but it would be beneficial if you direct such queries to him as he will use these opportunities to train you and equip you for our kingdom work in India, which is undergoing massive changes in this year.