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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.

Today began Regional conventon in Kiev (Ukraine language), proceeded in one auditorium and been streamed to near regions. Mostly brothers and sisters meets in their KH and also see the streaming via Zoom. There were about 10000 attenders. No air attacks alarms during a first day.

Jehovah won't be looking for reason to annihilate you at Armageddon, He will consider all the reason he has to save you.

Life feels so difficult and sad. The world can feel suffocating, and I don’t seem to find joy in anything anymore. Nothing feels fun or enjoyable to me. The only thing that truly brings me joy is being with Jehovah’s people.

Our guest speaker from last week RC was Bro. Lett. He mentioned that the Acts of the Apostles is in progress.

You may recall this horrific news story three years ago. The sounds of the shots we imagine still echo in our minds, as we keep mulling over the question in our heads: How much longer, O Jehovah? How much longer? That topic is closed now and won't allow any more posts. So I will continue it here. A brother whom I know sent me the following information about what is happening now in the Kingdom Hall, a little more than three years after the tragedy. He wrote it all in French, but since his email is lengthy and I didn't want to translate it myself, I asked GoogleTranslate to do the honours. It doesn't appear to be taken from an article that I could find, and so contains no links. Other articles appearing in newspapers report another recent shooting in Germany; nothing to do with us. However, I was unable to find any others specifically about this Kingdom Hall. But considering how long I have known the brother who sent this to me (about 25 years), I trust him.

I had my Convention on the weekend. The Brother who plays The Apostle Andrew was there, and he gave SYMPOSIUM: Applying Lessons From Jesus’ Illustrations the... Wheat and Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30) talk. I was talking to him after and asked which ep they were up to, He said Ep 11. P.S. His parents are in my congregation. His father is my Group overseer.

I, of course, do hope it comes this year. October would be wonderful. But the words soon, on the verge, around the corner etc are all part of the same language used for years. I’m not saying it’s wrong to hope the word soon means this year, but it’s all relative. This language was used back in the 1960’s as well. Just doing a simple search on WOL will show you that. In expectation of soon always, but also expecting it to be a while longer. We just don’t know.

Anticipation is a good thing (Keep on the Watch). Do not let it grip you with inordinate expectation. I recall the published furor we had in times passed (50 years ago). From the organization (in publication): WT Dec 15, 1974, page 764,766…And now, as the critical year of 1975 enters, it may well be asked …And now, as the year 1975 opens up, some thousands of the anointed remnant, still alive on this earth, look ahead to realizing that joyful prospect. From Br. Fred Franz (Governing Body): WT May 1, 1975, page 285…“we should not think that this year of 1975 is of no significance to us,”“we are filled with anticipation for the near future” We await the GT and end of this world with calm expectation and complete trust in God and Christ. Whether in this year or in ten years, it will come on time and it will not be late. Always be focused on the work of the Kingdom and do not be distracted by any apparent "times and seasons" or possible dates. Remember our errors (done in faith) with 1914, 1925, 1954, 1975, Y2k and so on. We are eager but the Holy Spirit from Jehovah is patient. God has picked a day and hour more than 2000 years ago. It has not (and will not) change...♥️

Giving a thumbs up on someone else's comment counts as an interaction. I did that a lot when I first joined just as marker that I had read certain content. I would recommend reading old threads that interest you and giving a thumbs up as you go.

I feel that this broadcast and the talk from Kenneth Cook that was shown at the midweek meeting two weeks ago shows that we are very close and that Jehovah is preparing us. I also felt that the international convention Eternal happiness we had in Stockholm last weekend was a big hug from Jehovah, assuring us that he loves us so much and that he will help us with everything if we rely on him. Personally I feel that something is in the air and that Jehovah is getting us ready. Hope it wont be long now.

This is exactly how I feel. I can't help saying everyday to Jehovah I don't know how long I can keep going feeling that life in this system is unbearable. That is partly why I joined this forum in the hope of finding upbuilding content as I've totally backed away from nearly all worldly media now. Unfortunately I feel discouraged that I can't access most content here as I'm new. How long is it going to take for me to become a full access user ... I'm not one to be constantly posting for the sake of it just to score points

https://www.vice.com/el/article/martyres-iexova/ The author is an atheist ("Ένας Άθεος Ανάμεσα σε 40.000 Μάρτυρες του Ιεχωβά" = An Atheist Among 40,000 Jehovah's Witnesses). His firsthand impressions are largely favorable. Positive points The article repeatedly praises the Witnesses for: Excellent organization ("Ήρεμα και οργανωμένα" – calm and organized). Cleanliness and volunteer work, especially cleaning the Olympic Stadium. Courtesy and hospitality, mentioning the constant offers of help, water, coffee, and seats. Discipline and order, describing 40,000 people as remarkably coordinated. Respectful behavior, noting that almost no one smoked and that public arguments were extremely rare. Well-dressed appearance, especially among the men and women. Successful event management, saying organizers deserve praise ("πρέπει να βγάλουμε στους διοργανωτές το καπέλο" – "we have to take our hats off to the organizers"). Some particularly positive remarks include: "Ποτέ ξανά δεν είχα ξαναδεί τόση ευγένεια..." ("Never before had I seen so much politeness...") "Respect στον τρόπο που οργανώθηκε η συνέλευση..." ("Respect for the way the convention was organized...") "Άψογη οργάνωση" ("Flawless organization.") The article repeats some common public perceptions (that Witnesses are viewed by some as a "sect"), but attributes that to his grandmother and Wikipedia rather than endorsing it himself. The conclusion sums it up well: "No, I am not thinking of becoming a Jehovah's Witness. But that doesn't mean I don't respect the faith and beliefs of these people."

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.

All of these comments on recognizing Jesus reminded me of an old Country gospel song..."Would You Recognize Jesus" (I like the Statler Brothers version). The chorus says, "Would you recognize Jesus if you met him face to face Or would you wonder if he's just someone you couldn't place He may not be coming in a chariot of the Lord Jesus might be riding in a '49 Ford"...😁

This video in Portuguese is so beautiful. At the beginning, the son says to his dad, “Dad, reading the Bible is so boring.” His dad then asks, “Are you sure, son?” And at the end, the son says, “Dad, what an amazing book!” His dad replies, “I told you so, son!” VID-20260728-WA0009.mp4

A brother in my congregation is visiting Calgary, Alberta, Canada at the moment. He was at the International Convention there, and said Stephen Lett told them about the brother playing Jesus. He had been serving where the need is greater in Türkiye, and the brothers brought him back to Australia while they're filming the series. So he's only temporarily in an Australian congregation. Brother Lett said the brother really is a carpenter, just like the real Jesus.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/house-destroyed-after-reported-explosion-one-person-taken-to-hospital-in-critical-condition/ Just a few hundred feet from Kingdom Hall. Road still blocked over 8 hours later. Extensive debris field, cars next door damaged, glass from house across the street. I can see emergency vehicles with light flashing at 10:15 pm, one looks like service vehicle with Amber lights. Could be gas company or city crew cleaning up roadway. House was supposed to be empty, pending rezoning for small high rise, but a person was severely injured crawling out of debris thus was either a homeless squatter or set the whole thing off. May never know. Meeting was on zoom tonight. One sister lives in apartment bdg next door and thought her bdg was coming down. We just 1/3 mile away heard it so did the other 60 JWs in our bdg.

It makes me wonder if they refused to cooperate with some criminal element (drugs or weapons) and they were made an example of as to what happens when you don't do "as we say". I can only imagine how it pained Jehovah to show restraint in this matter and not interfere, it had to hurt him tremendously to let these brothers all die in this manner. Satan is the one at work here and we can only assume from the way they died, that he got no victory whatsoever with these young worshippers of Jehovah. They will see the reward Jehovah as in store for them!

Ukrainian brothers and sisters are in my prayers constantly 🙏🧡 Can we have some news please? so many deadly attacks last days make my heart shake Are you ok? Are you safe able to hide? any wounded or casualties? please take a big chunk of Christian love from me in Portugal 🧡🧡

REASONS TO CONCLUDE THAT EVERYTHING INDICATES WE ARE IN THE LAST OF THE LAST DAYS, AS THE FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE HAS WARNED US Prophecies in Matthew, Mark, Luke, Timothy, Daniel, and Revelation Since 1914, these prophecies have unfolded detail by detail. A century later, beginning in 2014, striking events happening one after another seem to confirm that we are truly living in the last of the last days. On a global scale, the fulfillment is undeniable—the ride of the horsemen of the apocalypse is evident. Wars marked by extreme violence, pestilences such as COVID‑19, famine, and death through natural disasters have become part of daily life. Meanwhile, the love of pleasure, including sexual immorality in all its forms, has grown worse than the days of Sodom and Gomorrah. Prophecies of Daniel The closing stages of Daniel’s visions about the king of the north have unfolded dramatically—Crimea in 2014, the Glorious Land in 2017, and Ukraine in 2022. The king of the south has also pushed back, striving to secure his role as a global power, just as Daniel’s symbolic statue foretold. This Generation Will Not Pass Away Current understanding points to a generation of anointed ones who will not pass away. Those anointed up to around 1992, who overlapped with the first group from 1914, are now aging. This suggests only a short time remains before Jesus’ prophecy is fulfilled. If many were about 30 years old in 1992, they are now nearing 70. Just as in the first century, those around Jesus’ age saw the prophecy fulfilled 40 years later, in 70 CE. It is not necessary for this generation to become very old or few in number before the prophecy is fulfilled. Even though longevity may reach 120 years, it is possible the great tribulation could begin while some born around 1914 are still alive. Satan’s Short Time The Bible does not specify how long Satan’s “short time” will last. Genesis 6 suggests Jehovah allowed 120 years before the Flood. Could this be a parallel? We cannot say for certain. What is clear is that life under Satan’s influence is becoming increasingly unbearable, and enduring much longer seems inconceivable. The Third Millennial Day Jesus was raised on the third day. The dawn of the third millennium after his death may align with the close of 6,000 years under satanic rule. It feels like a fitting moment in history for the gathering of the chosen ones, Christ’s arrival as Judge, his ultimate victory, his heavenly marriage, and the beginning of his millennial reign. 6000 Years of Imperfection and Satan’s Rule Human history appears divided into three periods of 2000 years, totaling 6000 years. Revelation identifies the beast with the number 666, emphasizing the imperfection of human governments. Six multiplied by a thousand highlights the flawed nature of Satan’s rule. While symbolic, the thought of entering a seventh millennium under his dominion feels unbearable, prompting the cry: “How long?” Modern History – 40-Year Cycles Numbers like 40 often symbolize completion in the Bible. Modern history also seems to follow 40‑year cycles: 1874–1914: The release of the Photo‑Drama of Creation in 1914 was the historic milestone marking the first 40 years of our modern history. 1914–1954: The film The New World Society in Action and the book Jehovah’s Witnesses in God’s Purpose marked the second cycle. 1954–1994: The Proclaimers book closed the third cycle. Training for Governing Body assistants began. 1994–2034: Organizational refinements, doctrinal adjustments, the revised New World Translation, the study Bible, and the Life and Ministry of Jesus series have prepared the organization for the great tribulation and Christ’s reign. In recent decades, the organization has undergone remarkable restructuring—new headquarters, Ramapo, remodeled branches, schools for evangelizers, and translation offices worldwide. This legacy of knowledge and resources will serve the great crowd and the resurrected ones. The faithful and discreet slave has worked diligently since 1919, and perhaps new publications or videos will soon mark this fourth cycle. Conclusion We cannot be certain whether there will be a fifth 40‑year period in modern history. What we do know is that Jehovah wants us to serve Him out of love, with eternity in mind. Our greatest hope is to be part of the great crowd that will never die. Older ones like me, who have been waiting for the end for more than 50 years, share this same expectation. Yet this does not depend on us. Even Jesus experienced death and was gone for three days. We can hope that those who die last in this present era will be the first to be resurrected in the glorious history of Jehovah’s people during Christ’s Millennial Reign. In that case, we will have lost almost nothing compared to eternal life—the best part will only be beginning. After all, who would insist on gaining just 5, 10, or even 50 more years when eternity lies ahead? Everything that has happened will be carefully remembered by the survivors, who will share it with the resurrected ones—along with JW videos that record these events. Jesus urged us to stay alert. Jehovah’s ways are not our ways. He chose not to reveal the exact timing of the end—for our own good. Based on the Bible’s revealed information, the modern history of the organization, and recent world events, we may sense that only a few years remain and that we are truly living in the last of the last days. This is the conviction of the Governing Body, and it is ours as well. It is impossible to pinpoint a specific year or even decade when the final events will unfold—the great tribulation and Armageddon included. Jehovah, despite His perfect timing and symmetry, as the almighty, wise, and loving Sovereign, reserves the right to choose the exact moment Himself. He can adjust or break any pattern we might imagine in our imperfect minds. The only certainty is that He will not delay even a single second beyond the day He has set for His Son to judge the inhabited earth—just as a World Cup referee does not delay the final whistle by even a second. And that last second seems to be very, very, very close.

If I were to meet him in person dressed as Jesus, I think I would look him in the eyes and I would say: "Remember me when you get into your Kingdom." 😄

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

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

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.

It's said that some single sisters from Sydney have moved into His Cong, thinking they could have a chance of marrying Aussie Jesus one day.

JWB Aug 2026 transcript

If he is anointed, I'd love to hear what the real Jesus says to him when he gets to heaven 🤣

Major earthquake rocks southern Japan, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate https://share.google/kHJpnbKCj4JokJ6V0 A 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked southern Japan Tuesday, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate and prompting the collapse of several buildings, including a shopping mall. Japanese officials instructed roughly 300,000 people in the country’s southern Kumamoto prefecture to seek shelter at evacuation centers.

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

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. 😂😂

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. 💚

I wish "soon" to Jehovah was the same as "soon" for us (sigh).

My brother and sister-in-law go to the English congregation in this hall. The building is completely remodelled. The cngregation which were attacked by the gunman now meet in a different hall, as the memories are too much for those surviving brothers and sisters.

This balanced and humble approach in the program taught me something: “When we receive direction —even if it seems unnecessary or we have a different opinion— do we trust Jehovah enough to follow it? If you receive clear direction, follow it if there’s no Scriptural law being disregarded. You never know if Jehovah is maneuvering matters for a reason. And even if not, he’ll reward you for your loyalty.” With good motives, we obey the direction from the organisation. But this shows that we shouldn’t always conclude that everything that comes in the form of direction comes from Jehovah. Why? Because no human has perfect understanding of His will. It reminded me of the widow who went to the temple. Jehovah at that time was using Judaism to render acceptable worship among his people. But many facets of that system of worship had become limited and was in part corrupted due to religious leaders who had “placed themselves in the seat of Moses.” (Matt. 23:2) But what did the widow do? She gave everything she had to a temple and the system of worship that was soon to be done away with. Did Jesus stop this woman from contributing by saying: “Don’t bother, put that money back in your purse. Don’t you know that this place will be a heap of ruins soon?” No. He saw the deep faith the woman held toward a system of worship that had become burdensome through no fault of her own, but he commended her for such acts of faith. (Luke 21:2-6) Unlike first century Judaism, Pure worship isn’t corrupted. Jesus remembers our deeds of faith towards the system of worship that he oversees. (Rev. 2:19) This is despite that at times, parts of worship that we perform deeds in need refining, changing or that may seem unnecessary. Jesus sees our motives, just like the poor widow. Jesus will also make sure when this worship needs improving or needs to become more attuned to God’s will and personality. (Isa. 60:17; John 2:16) Jesus will bless us for being loyal by keeping us in the book of life.(Rev. 3:5) Mark Noumair said it well at last year’s convention: “Don’t look for perfection, look for pure worship.”

Please don’t post any personal information regarding any of the the film crew or actors… need I say more …

getting closer. bread for a days wage anguish of nations not knowing the way out.

First they film the healed brother, then they cut his legs, then they film him as maimed person. 🤷🏻‍♂️ of course I’m joking. current movie industry has dozens of ways to film a disabled person without some limbs, not to forget post-production special effects.

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.

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.

Don't lose your head over it, I'm sure it will be sad but not graphic.

The word "Imminent" was popular for several years...

I noticed in this broadcast they used the term "we are on the verge" (meaning of the GT) several times. No more is it "close", or "around the corner" or "soon", we are now "on the verge" of it. It seems to me that in the last 6 to 9 months, we are discussing how to prepare for the GT, how important it is to keep our unity and especially how important it will be for us to be obedient and always trust in Jehovah. It comes up in every meeting and broadcast and in the new study editions of the Watchtower in a consistent manner IMO. (By the way, the term "on the verge" means on the "brink or border" of something.) Remember, the earth is also on the verge of being completely ruined (AI data centers of sealed that fate for sure now), so Jehovah will have to act very quickly to keep that from happening as well.

https://www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/342189/Multiple-new-wildfire-evacuation-alerts-for-Vernon-Coldstream-Swan-Lake-RDNO 39 brothers and sisters displaced 3 brothers homes gone .. just got an update from our CO.

We have a brother and sister in our congregation that worked on the first 4 to 6 video's and they said he wears a "topper" basically and it's not because he has thinning hair, it's so that his hair looks consistent from scene to scene. This brother also told us that the brother portraying Jesus has always been single (his choosing) but now that these video's have been released, it's been a lot harder for him (I imagine sisters are coming out of the woodwork). So this brother could actually use our prayers to help him stick to his choice to remain single.

I do see you point but I’m more concerned about present day. This side of Armageddon Satan for sure wants to exploit our imperfection to stumble the actor or others. Under GK there will be only our imperfection but now we have to deal with Satan and the spirit of the world. That’s why I often include in my prayers the cast so they continue to be humble and loyal because I’m sure they are being targeted by Satan.

LET'S LAUGH AWAY OUR STRESS WITH ANTS... 1. 5 ants + 5 ants = Tenants. 2. To bring ant from another country into your country = Important. 3. Ant that's looking for a job = Applicant. 4. A spy ant = Informant. 5. A big ant = Elephant 6. A very little ant = Infant. 7. Ant that has a gun = Militant 8. Ant that is a specialist = Consultant 9. A proud ant = Arrogant 10. Ant that is cruel and oppressive = Tyrant 11. Ant that is friendly and lovely = Coolant 12. Ant that changed from evil to good deeds = Repentant 13. Ant that accumulated so much food in winter for summer = Abundant 14. Ant that opposes change: Reluctant 15. An ant that keeps accounts = Accountant 16. Ant that occupies a place = Occupant. 17. A dirty ant = Pollutant. 18. An unlikeable ant = Irritant. 19. A green ant = Verdant 20. Ant that is important = Significant 21. A sarcastic Ant = Mordant 22. An extremely fast ant = Instant 23. Shouting Ant = Rant 24. An ant that doesn't keep moving = Constant. 25. An enthusiastic ant = Exuberant. 26. An ant that has changed in to a different form = Mutant. 😬😬😬😬🤣😬😬😬😬

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.

I had a dream last night that this convention “Eternal happiness” is going to be last before GT. I also have dreams from time to time that I can fly like a bird, so don’t read too much into it 😆