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I must admit I am a "child of the previous century." Personally, I do not like beards. I grew up in a time that a man with a beard (or even a moustache or long hair) was not respected by society as a whole (at least in the area where I grew up). Yes, at age 81 it takes more energy than before to shave every day. But, men who keep thier beards well groomed spend the same energy, or even more, than a clean shaven man, when properly tending to their grooming. I do not like open collar shirts with no tie at the Kingdom Hall. Some of this comes from working over 50 years as a Certified Public Accountant. A VERY conservative industry. The firm I started with even required a coat and a tie when we would come in on weekends during income tax filing season (because of the heavier workload of individual tax returns on top of the audits and tax returns for commercial clients). For several years when I first started in the CPA industry, I was also a full-time pioneer. Thus I became accustomed to wearing a coat & tie seven days a week. I have been active in Jehovah's Organization over 75 years. During that time I have seen many changes. I remember when only brothers were allowed to have parts in the Ministry School. I remember when Pioneers reported time directly to the Society rather than to thier local Congregation. I remember when Pioneers paid less for literature than publishers paid. I remember when we asked for money when we placed literature. I remember when "Return Visits" were called "Back Calls." I remember when the questions were asked at the Watchtower Study (and at the Congregation Book Study) BEFORE the paragraphs were read. I remember when it was acceptable for the Watchtower Study Conductor to call on someone for a comment when they had not raised their hand. I remember when there was a 15 minute break between the Public Talk and the Watchtower Study. I remember when there was no set number of paragraphs to cover each week at the Congregation Book Study. I remember when Sisters could be assigned duties that are now restricted to Brothers (my mother was "Accounts Servant" for several years). I remember when Watchtower study articles were so long that sometimes we took two weeks to get through a single article. I remember when Public Talks were a full hour, and the Watchtower study could be as long as an hour and ten minutes. I remember when the Congregation Book Study was one night in the week and the Service Meeting and the Theocratic Ministry School were together on another night later in the week. I remember the long sideburns era when brothers let them grow quite long (It was unusual to see some who were starting to go bald and it was like a straign line starting at one jaw, then up and over the head and down the other jaw where the hairline transitioned from the sideburns to the hair on the head). I remember when some congregations insisted brothers wear a white shirt when giving a talk (and yes, some congregations would keep spare white shirts on hand in case a speaker showed up with a colored or tined shirt). I remember one time when a VERY capable and mature brother was not alowed to work with me in Auditing at a District Convention because he had grown a beard. Other things have also changed. Since this thread started back in 2023, now sisters can wear slacks or pants suits to the Kingdom Hall. Brothers do not have to wear a tie in service or to the Kingdom Hall (unless they have an assignment). Personally, I do not like changes. But, that is merely my PERSONAL opinion. I have no right to try to impose my personal preferences on others. If the GB decides certain modes of dress and grooming are, or are not, acceptable, or anything else needs to be done differently, I have no "standing" to object. Even in my most innermost thoughts I must remember this is Jehovah's Organization, and he alone has the right to make rules, requirements, standards, and principles to apply to his organization. It is my obligation to follow Jehovah's instructions as we receive them through the Governing Body. For me to question the Governing Body would be the ultimate in arrogance. For me to speculate about "why" or "what will change next" or "how far can we, or I, take this" is meaningless and just takes time and energy away from doing what I can to advance Jehovah's Kingdom Interests. The whole matter is a "Tempest in a Teapot" over something meaningless. Thanks, Jim

Thank you friends. Here are some personal updates from me: We were allowed back to our apartment about 4 hours after the earthquake, because they were worried about aftershocks and the structure integrity of the building. After some security checks, we could go back in and use the elevator. Attached is what we found in our room. Some people had it better; others worse. We are sleeping here tonight, hoping for no more earthquakes. Everyone in our congregation is safe as well, no injuries. Here is a beautiful experience to share: The brothers worked hard to do what's instructed when disaster strikes(even though there hasn't been an earthquake here in years) the brothers got to action right away: The group overseers and helpers were trying to contact everyone to make sure they are all OK. A sister didn't bring her phone for evacuation and couldn't be contacted, so the group overseer and his wife went to her house to look for her 🤠 we are very well taken care of by our God Jehovah and our organization, the brothers and sisters are our family 🤗🫂

We just had a 7.7 magnitude in southeast Asia. My wife and I were in our condo and were worried the building may fall. What a scary experience. We are not allowed back into the building, but as we were evacuating we saw some damage in our rooms (cracks in the wall, pieces falling off) Here are some pictures and videos to share. Apparently there will be aftershocks as well. Please keep everyone affected in your prayers! https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CNxrCTd1y/?mibextid=wwXIfr 1743150795488.mp4

April 12, 2025, Cherkasy, Ukraine. The Memorial was held in Kingdom Hall in time: 7:15 p.m. Present: 214 and at Zoom 69. (photo)

What's your congregation memorial Attendance,my congregation with 50 publishers 213 was the attendance... Feels so good for more people are coming towards the truth. Happiness shared doubles so what is your attendance

I just found an interesting comment in an older WT while I was researching for a talk. *** w77 1/15 p. 49 par. 22 Build Up Your Confidence Now for the Future *** Stock markets and prices may fall and heads of governments may topple, but these are not barometers that determine or measure the closeness of the storm of the “great tribulation.” Keep in mind that when world powers of the past were destroyed by Jehovah, they did not collapse because of internal weakness or from corruption within their own framework. They were going concerns at the apparent height of their power when God deposed them by external forces.

My scene watching the Broadcast tonight. So encouraging.. and the Jesus drama preview is top tier!

A trucker came into a truck stop cafe and placed his order. He said, "I want three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards." The brand new blonde waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, went to the kitchen and said to the cook, "This guy out there just ordered three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards. What does he think this place is, and auto parts store?" "No," the cook said. "Three flat tires mean three pancakes, a pair of headlights is two eggs sunny side up and running boards are 2 slices of crisp bacon." "Oh, OK!" said the waitress. She thought about it for a moment and then spooned up a bowl of beans and gave it to the customer. The trucker asked, "What are the beans for, Blondie?" She replied,

177 in attendance. What is odd that over a year ago I meet a guy at the door and he did not want to talk, but his wife did. She, daughter, and husband was there at the memorial sitting by me. Possible sheep’s. Since she lives by the lake she recognize us cart witnessing.

JWB April 2025 transcript

We had 179 in attendance. Not bad for a 9.30p meeting. 😉😴

This system isn't going to end with a series of intelligent decisions made by governments.

People have said that it's impossible that religion will be banned in the future as it's protected in the Constitution of many countries. Well....

I will admit, my dear brothers and sisters...I had temporarily forgotten to listen for it. These past few weeks have been such a struggle...I won't go into detail...but for weeks now I have felt forced to operate on "auto pilot"...my brain numb...my body screaming at me that it has had enough...just please STOP, Tim. You've had enough...you can't handle anymore...you can't go on one more day...one more hour...one more SECOND...like this. Please stop...please leave me alone...please...just go away😔 I was going to drop this in the Comfort section, but after a very kind and loving brother got back to me and reminded me of something very important...and because of the upcoming Memorial tonight...I wanted to share this with everyone who comes to this site seeking comfort. We are living so deep in the last days...how could I not try to share this dear brother's reminder with everyone here? So, to anyone who reads this...please know that this isn't coming from me...it's not even coming from this brother...it's actually a personal message...straight from Jehovah's mouth...to your ears. I was on the phone with this brother for over an hour and a half...and during that time...he mostly listened. He was so very kind just to hear me out...to listen to the stress...the fear...and ultimately...the judgement in my own voice as I proceeded to condemn myself for things which I felt I had messed up on, decisions over which I had no real control but that had affected me personally...and a host of other concerns and worries that had twisted my mind into knots. He simply listened...and once I finally ran out of steam...feeling defeated, deflated and somehow even more devalued than when I started...this dear dear brother had me turn to the book of Romans and proceeded to break down two verses to me from Chapter 8 that left me feeling both awed and ashamed, at the same time. Here are the verses: Romans 8:33,34: "Who will file accusation against God’s chosen ones? God is the One who declares them righteous.34 Who will condemn them? Christ Jesus is the one who died, yes, more than that, the one who was raised up, who is at the right hand of God and who also pleads for us." The brother had me read these two simple verses, verses I have read dozens of times before...and then said that the thrust of the question posed in verse 33 isn't about people, (or Satan), actually hurling accusations against us...it's asking who can RIGHTFULLY hurl such accusations when we have Jesus standing right next to his Father...pleading OUR case in Jehovah's ear? This brother asked to try to picture the scene in heaven...to try to put myself there as Jesus and Jehovah turn their soft warm gazes in my direction and see me struggling...see me as I try my best to do what I can to remain in Jehovah's love. He said...for every single negative comment made about me...for every single negative comment I make about myself...Jesus is right there...in Jehovah's ear...telling him the opposite...his voice loud and clear as he elaborates to Jehovah about the good things I've done...all the positive things he sees about me. He said oftentimes we forget that part...we tend to downplay that voice because it seems so far away...our faults are crying out crystal clear to us...our mistakes, our negative feelings and emotions overwhelming us as if we're floating all alone in the open ocean, being relentlessly battered by icy rain and waves that keep choking out our cries for help. But Jesus' voice is still there...he is still talking to Jehovah about me...begging Jehovah to give me enough holy spirit to carry on...to keep going...to not give up. So, as we enter our Kingdom Halls this evening...please understand that any and every single false charge leveled against you...by someone else...or even by yourself...has already been nullified by the two most powerful beings in the universe...and know that you are cherished, you are secure...and you are loved...not only by Jehovah, his Son, and the billions of angels watching over us...but by all of your fellow brothers and sisters as well!

I wish all my friends an excellent celebration on this 12th! I will be focused on finishing the campaign, working in the ministry and in the activities I’ve been assigned to, such as cleaning, organizing, and coordinating the team so that everything goes well. May Jehovah bless all your efforts, and may everything work out for each one of you. Let the Kingdom come! 🩵

World Leaders: "Okay, we all agree to reset the world debt, pool our national treasures and fund the UN so it can solve the world's problems, right?" World Religions: "Ummm... We have a LOT of treasures, can we give just a little, like maybe a tenth?" World Leaders: "Everyone is going all in. You need to do more than a tenth for true peace and security" World Religions: "Yeah, uh, we don't want to do that.." World Leaders: "Hmmmm..."

Not that it matters, and this is off-topic, but... To understand the difference between liberal and conservative, think about spreading butter or spending money. If a person puts tons of butter on their bread or toast or whatever, they are described as applying the butter liberally. On the other hand, if they are very careful and barely use any butter, they are being conservative with it. They are conserving their butter. Same with money. A person who spends money like it is no object is liberally spreading their money. Someone that scrimps and saves and never spends a dime is conservative with their money. A politically liberal person wants to spread government agencies and support all over as far and as wide as they can go and wants as many people as possible to qualify for those benefits no matter the cost. A politically conservative person wants to limit those resources as much as possible and believes they should be spread only on what is absolutely needed. People who need assistance should turn to organizations and agencies other than government in order to find aid. It's helpful to know what conservatives and liberals care about in a general sense as this helps us present Bible truths that appeal to them. A liberal will favor health care for all. Jehovah's Kingdom is the only government that can perfectly provide that universal heathcare for everyone. A conservative hates government waste. Jehovah's Kingdom is the only government that will eliminate government waste and overspending. Ironically, however, liberals give lip service to environmental causes (conservation) whereas conservatives favor exploiting resources. Another irony is liberals are pro-abortion but against the death penalty while conservatives want to ban abortion but favor the death penalty. Now back to the show

https://www.jw-russia.org/en/news/2025/03/240907.html One of Elderly Jehovah's Witnesses Dies in Prison After Being Denied Medical Care for Almost a Year --Valeriy Baylo On March 20, 2025, 67-year-old Jehovah’s Witness Valeriy Baylo died in a Novorossiysk hospital after nearly a year in pre-trial detention without adequate medical care. Despite suffering from gastrointestinal issues, advanced knee arthrosis, and dental problems, his repeated requests for treatment were ignored. In July 2024, Baylo was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for peaceful discussions about the Bible via video link, deemed extremist by the court. His death marks the 13th among Jehovah’s Witnesses since the onset of modern persecution in Russia.

The Temporary Suspension of Jehovah's Witnesses in Equatorial Guinea is made official. This month, due to neutrality in Equatorial Guinea, the Jehovah's Witnesses were closed by the government, and subsequently, by government decree, the work and activities of Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the country were temporarily suspended. More information, in Spanish, can be found at these links to Equatorial Guinea newspapers. https://realequatorialguinea.com/sociedad/se-oficializa-la-suspension-temporal-de-las-actividades-de-testigos-de-jehova-en-guinea-ecuatorial/ https://ahoraeg.com/sociedad/2025/04/18/se-suspende-temporalmente-todas-las-actividades-religiosas-de-los-testigos-de-jehova-en-el-pais/

We often dress completely different when not at the meetings, assemblies , conventions and other theocratic assignments. It's how we act that makes a difference including our speech. One time, when I was a retail manager a witness couple came in that I had met at an assembly. They did not recognize me or remember me, but I did hear them interacting with some of my associates. They were rude and demanding. Were they dressed for a meeting or other theocratic event? No. They were dressed nicely. But it was there attitude that set them apart. I will give you another example. When I was in a pain management facility with worldly people we would have group discussions. During these discussions individuals who were there related their frustrations with colorful metaphors (profanity). I on the other hand always controlled my frustration. Finally, at one session I identified myself as a Jehovah's Witness. The gentleman next to me, jumped out of his seat, literally. Looked at me and said that explains everything. He said you don't swear, you don't drink, things are not going well for you but you are still positive. And now I know why you are so calm instead of angry. What was I wearing? T-shirt, shorts very casual. I could have been anyone walking down the street. While clothes may identify us in theocratic activities how are we perceived when dressed casually? How are we perceived at worldly events?

On March 25, 2025, the Boryspil City District Court of the Kyiv region acquits the Jehovah's Witness. This is the second justified decision made in this court in favor of Jehovah's Witnesses during the war in Ukraine since 2022. VERDICT IN THE NAME OF UKRAINE March 25, 2025 Boryspil: The accused: Suleimanov Ibrahim Oleksandrovych https://reyestr.court.gov.ua/Review/126213555 Quote: PERSON_6 to be found not guilty of the charge of committing a criminal offense under Art. 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine due to the lack of evidence that his actions constitute a criminal offense under Art. 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and to be acquitted. VERDICT IN THE NAME OF UKRAINE January 12, 2024 Boryspil: The accused: Tatarov Serhii Oleksandrovych https://reyestr.court.gov.ua/Review/116417007 Quote: PERSON_4 to be found not guilty of the charges brought against him under Art. 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and acquitted due to the absence of a criminal offense. 1014756_E_cnt_1.pdf

I still come across friends who believe that the end of the system will take another 40 years. These comments drain my energy, although everything is possible because it depends on Jehovah. But since I feel exhausted, I try to focus on the Kingdom and continue doing exactly what needs to be done—preaching and gathering with the brothers.

Although you have a couple of years on me Jim, I relate to your list. I still shave, wear a jacket, and feel 'uncomfortable' when I do not wear a tie. It has given me a new perspective on the adjustment of our first century family. I feel how some back there felt. Eat pork? NEVER! Work on the Sabbath? NEVER! I do not want to be a modern-day 'Judaiser.' I do need to adjust my views on certain things. We live in interesting times, Jim @jdcarlson

You are a pearl in Jehovah's eyes, brother.

We had similar a few months ago, we set up the carts in our usual place and a group of people had a megaphone and were shouting about how gay people are the cause of the flooding our town had because god was trying to wash the area clean…. safe to say we packed up quickly and got outta there so members of the public didn’t think we were with them

A blonde was trying to sell her old car. She was having a lot of problems selling it because the car had almost 230,000 miles on it. One day she told her problem to a brunette she worked with at a salon. The brunette told her, "There is a possibility to make the car easier to sell, but it's not legal." "That doesn't matter," replied the blonde, "if I can only sell the car." "Okay," said the brunette. "Here is the address of a friend of mine. He owns a car repair shop. Tell him I sent you and he will 'fix it'. Then you shouldn't have a problem anymore trying to sell your car." The following weekend, the blonde made the trip to the mechanic. About one month after that, the brunette asked the blonde, "Did you sell your car?" "No," replied the blonde, "Why should I? It only has 50,000 miles on it!"

This is sort of off topic but I didn't know where to place it. Would appreciate your thoughts, @Andrey With permission from Oleksii Marchenko (a Ukrainian brother who is long-time Facebook friend of mine) 🤗 😞 Ukrainian city Sumy... April 12, two congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses had the Memorial in this building. Everything went well. Just look what happened the next day after Russian cassette missile hit there... 😱😢 34 people were killed (including 2 kids), 117 injured (15 children). https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/mayor-ukraines-sumy-says-over-20-dead-russian-missile-strike-2025-04-13/

We had our Memorial last night (Australia) at 9 o'clock. What was unusual was the fact that there were 201 in attendance - a full house! I've never seen the late Memorial with so many attendees! How amazing !!! And it was so good to see old friends who haven't attended in a long time and encourage them. Oh, there was 1 partaker.

"...and do not harm the vodka and the caviar.." 🙄😒

Okay, let's put this back where it belongs. (Last month's broadcast topic started out here. But because of the content, the moderators put it in another forum.) We're fast approaching the first Monday of April. And that means... the Monthly Broadcast will be upon us! What's the theme going to be about? What will the new song sound like? Who will be the host(s)? One year ago this month, we had two hosts! It's not too far off, so let's continue the ongoing speculation here...

What is it we should think about beyond praying for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine as well as praying for God's Kingdom? This is a horrible situation that I tests our neutrality. It is easy for us to take sides and voice our anger and criticize or, at the least, question the logic and morality of decisions made by governments and politicians; however, that is the opposite of neutrality. Our hearts go out over the pain, suffering, and loss of life, but we must draw the line before we get mad at decisions the US or any nation makes regarding sending or withdrawing aid.

Or simply when Rev 17:17 happens all nations sign agreement that their individual constitutions do not take precedence over UN as a 8th King. Something fast that overrides individual constitutions may happen. Seems impossible? Well it's a "thought" from Jehovah overall.. so anything is possible. Anything.. even bordering on "miraculous" results.

We had 149 in person but some joined on zoom, think there’s around 120 pubs. We had 2 partakers, however 1 was not a brother but came for the 1st time. There were quite a few new faces and inactive ones this year which was nice to see.

And then the wrath of the KOTS came.. and huge tariffs were introduced on Russian donuts and chocolate. All Russian northern donut and chocolate factories ceased production. Their sweet-toothed customers were left to revolt! The KOTN's coffee breaks were ruined, his snacks were no more. These reports form the north enraged the KOTN and he came to his end. LOL

A brother commented in the meeting that we need to learn from the ants for the difficult times ahead. Even though it may seem like things are getting better, the opposite will actually happen. We can learn a lot from the ants, even when it comes to storing food.

They are however, a part of the sign. Don’t forget about 2 Timothy. You brothers know the verses I’m talking about already, so I’ll just quote verses 1 & 3: (2 Timothy 3:1) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=55003001&srcid=share (2 Timothy 3:3) 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=55003003&srcid=share The trade war is great example of the nations being “not open to any agreement”, because of KOTS’ actions against the KOTN in starting this global trade war, with a least a part of the KOTN (China) retaliating, and neither one backing down or giving an inch, regardless of the severe economic pain that they are imposing on their subjects. On that note, remember Jesus’ words @ Matthew: (Matthew 24:7) 7 “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=40024007&srcid=share The fact that the kings are engaged in this knockdown, drag out economic boxing match is a sign, I believe, that the great tribulation is fast approaching. I would also think too, that the economic pain that results, would aggravate the effects of the rider of the black horse in Revelation 6:5,6. As the tariffs drag on, food will likely become much harder and more expensive to buy. Back in the old days, one job would suffice to raise a family, own a home, and maintain a car. Nowadays, many people (including yours truly) work multiple jobs and slave away for many hours just to have the bare necessities. People like to complain that young people “don’t wanna work”; but fail to take into account that the older generation had things MUCH easier when they were young, as opposed to us now. I might be venting a bit, but this reflects my anger and frustration over just how difficult it is just to provide for myself out here. If I feel that way, imagine how much more of a struggle a family head has to make, trying to provide for a family out here now. Single parents, as well. In any event, we expect things to become worse before they become better.

I'm going to believe that the elders MS and pioneers are not intentionally breaking the law. I work for a building department and issue permits for work all the time. I have noticed that many owners come in saying they are doing said work. There is no way they could do all the work they often propose, but they do have a right to get a permit for work at their own home and property as an "owner builder". It is not against the law for them to hire someone as a "helper" and pay them hourly. We have an owner/ builder sign a form that THEY are responsible for workers compensation, insurance, etc IF they hire anyone. It is a given that very few if any actually do this, but we are only required to let them know that the owner/ builder is responsible should anything happen. My guess is that any you see that is “breaking the law on a daily basis” feel they are within the letter of the law, and they probably are. And this leads back to your earlier question: what will the congregations do with this new law or wrinkle in the law? The same as always – do their best to obey. Will they make mistakes and misunderstand? ABSOLUTELY. Will they try not to? ABSOLUTELY. Will we have some US local need’s part on the exact details of the law and how each person should respond? I doubt it. I can’t see the branch wanting to be involved in educating about all the laws the US has on the books and becoming responsible for any training that isn’t exactly correct. Now, if suddenly the law changes again and religious organizations are required to read some statement or other – we will -> provided the statement doesn’t contradict the scriptures. This is like what we do with the notice to register. PS - let's not assume the worst of our brothers and sisters, especially ones who are not here to respond for themselves. It is always best to assume - just like you - that they are doing the best they can to follow Jehovah's laws and principles. One of those being - to obey Ceasar. EDIT: One more thought -> I live in the central coast of California now after having lived in Las Vegas for most of my life. There are a great many who are not in the country legally that work in construction in Las Vegas. I was a building inspector for more than a decade and saw a LOT of things that led me to believe this. But was I required to enforce immigration laws as part of my job? NOPE! And Thank GOD! Did I know some JWs that were not here legally? Yep! One who was in a foreign language group with me. She was brought over by her parents when she was a baby. To become legal, she had to leave the US and file for entry and citizenship/ green card first. But that would mean going to Mexico and trying to get legal status their first – which also would have been difficult as her mom didn't take any documentation with her. Anyway – long story short – she did not do that. She was never allowed to do things that were considered “exemplary” in the congregation, but we didn’t turn her in either. It is not the congregation’s responsibility to do that either. I know she was conflicted and worked hourly. We also had a sister who DID have a work permit that DID do things correctly and there was tension there from time to time. How the sister not here legally justified things in her own mind – I do not know. Perhaps she hoped for the end of this crazy world where lines on a map make a person “illegal”, but I did my best to provide spiritual support – keeping the bible book of Philemon in mind constantly!

This simple comment makes so much sense. "Keep in mind that when world powers of the past were destroyed by Jehovah, they did not collapse because of internal weakness or from corruption within their own framework. They were going concerns at the apparent height of their power when God deposed them by external forces."

105 publishers with an attendance of 189. It was nice to have two MS give the prayer for the bread and wine. And we could see the moon, the pink moon as it's called!

Attendance: 5,106

"I had 154 people. Almost twice our usual crowd."

I think what Governing Body member Jacob Rumph said at the end of update #2 simply states at the 17:20 part "Have a wonderful Memorial". https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=share&wtlocale=E&lank=docid-1112024029_1_VIDEO That works for me! So have a wonderful Memorial!

What are we seeing today? The breakdown of one of the biggest parts of Satan's system—much bigger than tariffs. We are witnessing the simultaneous breakdown of the domestic political order, the international geopolitical world order, and the monetary/economic order. Like a single wave that is part of a tsunami, so is this one permacrisis converging into the polycrisis-the birth pangs of distress.

While we wait for the April broadcast, watch one of the earliest video recordings of Brother Splane when he was still young.

Just back from the "Not Ashamed of the Good News" Circuit Assembly with Branch Representative. It was Jeremy Clark. One thing he said about money; Jehovah has promised we will have what we need, food, clothes, shelter. But if we're going after wealth, we're on our own. Don't expect Jehovah to bless the pursuit of wealth. He had a lot to say about our worries and fears too, including persecution.

"Fierce"..."Tremendous assault of evil"..."EXTRAORDINARILY SAVAGE". https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=jwlshare&wtlocale=E&prefer=lang&docid=101995282 https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=jwlshare&wtlocale=E&prefer=lang&docid=1997881 My dear brothers and sisters...how are YOU able to cope...with living in the LAST of the last days? Above is just a few of the words used to describe the time we are currently living in...and I thought I would create a small thread open to everyone and anyone who is struggling...to tell us how they personally are able to cope. We all know the main answer...Jehovah's holy spirit...and yet...after having spoken to a couple of friends in my local area...I was surprised at the range of answers that showed me just how personal of a question this really is. What surprised me even more... (and thus prompted this post) ...was the instant connection that formed in real time between two sisters who gave me their replies at the hall. (Not that these two sisters didn't already have a strong connection...but this question triggered something even deeper). When one sister expressed herself in response to my question...the other sisters face underwent a litany of expressions...and within seconds she reached out and hugged that sister tightly. When I left the conversation, they were still there...encouragement and warmth spreading through the conversation like budding flowers, their fragrance drifting to every corner of the hall. Then I proceeded to call a particular brother on my way home from the meeting...and as usual...this brother lit up my mind...and that's what I am sharing this morning. This brother asked me if I had ever really studied 2 Timothy 3:1-5 in detail...and I had to admit...not really. He said I should really take a deep dive into those verses...but not for the reason I would normally think of looking at them. He said that, while these verses definitely DO describe what people would be like in the last days...he suggested I look at the study note from verse 5...in particular...the portion related to: "from these turn away: Paul has just foretold how bad the world situation would become “in the last days”; however, he also knows that even in his own day, there are people who to some extent display the traits he has listed. (See study notes on 2Ti 3:1, 2.) Paul here uses a strong verb that may suggest avoiding with horror. He thus emphasizes the need to avoid unnecessary association with those who exhibit the qualities he listed. Of course, Christians would treat even such people gently and with kindness but would not choose them as close friends.—See study note on 2Ti 2:24. After reading that...I sat back and thought...wow...so we're supposed to avoid such people to the extent where we feel a sense of horror...and yet...we must treat them with kindness...even gentleness!! I mean...obviously I know that...but suddenly it sank home...this world is full of people who are spiritually sick and dying...and while that fact repulses us...as it should...it also motivates us...again, as it should. Again...nothing new. But...how do I cope with that understanding? How do I cope with trying to apply what I know we must do? Thats what this brother was asking me...he said once I identify my coping strategies...this will help me not only understand myself better...but if I get insight from my brothers and sisters into what helps them cope...it will allow me to explore other scriptural means of dealing with a world of the, (spiritually), walking dead. He also reminded me that, according to our new understanding...some of those who are now walking around with the signs and symptoms of a spiritual black plague will suddenly, in the very few last moments...become spiritually acceptable to Jehovah to the point where he decides to give them one more chance...in the new system. Have I looked around me and actually tried to view these people in that light? How do I cope with the idea of being gentle to those who hate us? It's not...am I actually and genuinely gentle with such ones...but rather...what are my personal coping mechanisms for putting it into practice. Honestly...I have never thought much about it...I just "cope". Until now...and suddenly I really started to see myself in a different light. For me, some of my coping mechanisms are: I like to go out and take long drives in the country...especially in the summer...and specifically in the evening. The sights, the sounds...the smell of the evening air...especially if I drive to a lake or a river...it calms and soothes me...and I feel better. If I'm unable to go out...I play chess...it relaxes me and helps to calm my mind. I really enjoy my spiritual research as well...it helps keep me centered and focused on Jehovah...even when it's something small that I'm looking at. Now I will open it up to whoever would like to comment: How do YOU cope with living in the last of the last days?

China has military drill near taiwan Philippines is preparing for war too . It may affect the country.

I think there will be a video invitation to the convention, as well as a trailer for episodes 2 and 3.

Erode Sampath Nagar Publishers 103 Attendance 203 Zoom 57

That’s about where I am. My husband keeps track of what is going on. I guess he’s considered, “liberal”. At this point, it is impossible to say most anything about the government. To me, there is no way to even talk about it, without violating neutrality.