JayDubya

MARCH 21, 2017
RUSSIA,
Jehovah’s Witnesses Mobilize Global Response to Threat of Ban in Russia !
Make your participation a matter of prayer.—1 Tim. 2:1-4.
Personal letters should be mailed no later than April 1, 2017.
Send a personal letter to one or more of the officials listed  at  the  end of these instructions.   You may send more than one letter to the same official:      scroll  down  to  the  ADDRESSES....
NEW YORK—Threatened with an imminent ban on their worship in Russia, Jehovah’s Witnesses are responding with a direct appeal to Kremlin and Supreme Court officials for relief through a global letter-writing campaign. The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is inviting the over 8,000,000 Witnesses worldwide to participate.
On March 15, 2017, Russia’s Ministry of Justice filed a claim with the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation to label the Administrative Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia as extremist and liquidate it. The claim also seeks to ban the activities of the Administrative Center. If the Supreme Court upholds this claim, the Witnesses’ national headquarters near St. Petersburg will be shut down. Subsequently, some 400 registered Local Religious Organizations would be liquidated, outlawing the services of over 2,300 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia. The branch property, as well as places of worship used by Witnesses throughout the country, could be seized by the State. Additionally, individual Jehovah’s Witnesses would become subject to criminal prosecution for merely carrying out their worship activities. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the claim on April 5.
“The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses wants to heighten attention to this critical situation,” states David A. Semonian, a spokesman at the Witnesses’ world headquarters. “Prosecuting non-violent, law-abiding citizens as if they were terrorists is clearly a misapplication of anti-extremist laws. Such prosecution is based on completely false grounds.”
The Witnesses’ global campaign is not without precedent. Nearly 20 years ago, Witnesses wrote to defend their fellow worshippers in Russia in response to a smear campaign by some members of the government in power at the time. Additionally, Witnesses have initiated past letter-writing campaigns to motivate government officials to end persecution of Witnesses in other countries, including Jordan, Korea, and Malawi.
“Reading the Bible, singing, and praying with fellow worshippers is clearly not criminal,” adds Mr. Semonian. “We hope that our global letter-writing campaign will motivate Russian officials to stop this unjustifiable action against our fellow worshippers.”
Letter-Writing Campaign Supporting Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia
Instruction Sheet March 20, 2017

Format
 If you own a personal business, you may use business letterhead.
 Use your own language. There is no need to have letters translated into Russian. If you are fluent in Russian, you may write letters in Russian.

 Letters should be one page in length and should be typewritten or neatly handwritten.
 Give attention to proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.—be pp. 71-73.

 Add your personal signature to the letter.

 No copies of letters need to be sent to the elders, to the branch office, or to anyone else.

 Literature should not be included.

 Use your personal return address on the envelope. Be sure that the address of the official you are writing to matches that listed at the end of these instructions.

 Send by postal mail with sufficient international postage. Do not use e-mail.
Content.

 You are writing to the official to request his intervention. Express the hope that the Russian authorities will stop the legal action being taken against the branch office and the congregations in Russia so that our brothers and sisters can continue to gather peacefully for Christian meetings without interference. You could express appreciation for the laws of the Russian government that guarantee freedom of religion to all citizens.

 Letters should be candid but respectful. Summarize key facts in your own words. Letters may refer to one or two facts listed below or more recent information published on jw.org. Keep in mind that “a mild answer turns away rage,” and “a gentle tongue can break a bone.”—Prov. 15:1; 25:15.

 You could briefly mention how our meetings and publications have benefited you personally and your family. Do not mention the names of individuals in Russia who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Facts

 On March 15, 2017, the Ministry of Justice in Russia filed a claim with the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation seeking “to declare the religious organization, the Administrative Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses, extremist, ban its activity, and liquidate it.” A decision by the Supreme Court in favor of this claim will have dire consequences for all of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia. The Administrative Center and 400 local legal entities used to own or rent Kingdom Halls would be dissolved. This means that the branch
Instruction Sheet
March 20, 2017


Page 2
property in St. Petersburg and Kingdom Halls throughout the country could be seized by the State. In addition, each of the more than 170,000 Witnesses could be criminally prosecuted merely for meeting for worship, reading the Bible together, or talking to others about their faith.

 Russia’s “Federal Law on Extremist Activity” is being misapplied to Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia. Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to be good citizens. We are known worldwide for our peaceful activities, and under no circumstances would we ever resort to any activity that could legitimately be construed as “extremist” or criminal in nature.

 The activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the publications that we produce encourage love of God and neighbor, love for family, and respect for government. There is absolutely nothing “extremist” or criminal in such Bible-based publications.

Addresses:
 President of Russia
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin 23 Ilyinka Str.   -  Moscow Russian Federation 103132
 Prime Minister of Russia
Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev 2 Krasnopresnenskaya Naberezhnaya Moscow Russian Federation 103274
 Prosecutor General
Yury Yakovlevich Chayka Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation 15A Bolshaya Dmitrovka Str. Moscow Russian Federation GSP-3 125993
 Minister of Justice
Alexander Vladimirovich Konovalov Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation 14 Zhitnaya Str. Moscow Russian Federation GSP-1 119991
 Minister of Foreign Affairs
Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation 32/34 Smolenskaya-Sennaya Square Moscow Russian Federation 119200
 The Chairman of the Supreme Court
Viacheslav Mikhailovich Lebedev
Supreme Court of Russian Federation 15 Povarskaya Str. Moscow Russian Federation 121069
 

JW s have always been clean shaven. We need to look to those taking the lead ( the ones with whom the Great Shepherd, The Christ, deals with ) or we may wind up like King Saul who forged ahead to his downfall.

It Depends on where you live and the community standards. Beards are not acceptable In most cases in U.S. at the current time. Look at pics in publications. When I see governing body members wearing beards, I will realize it is acceptable here.

We all can agree that child abuse IS wrong.  Jehovah NEVER would allow it.  What human would for that matter!
I think ( and I'm nobody)  the problem comes in when we 'report' these horrendous acts to the older men instead of the 'proper authorities'.  Molesting a child forces them to deal with adult feelings, situations and matters they are ill equipped to handle.
 Perhaps that's why the  baptism of babies and very young children should not take place, because it's a conscious decision that should be made by a consenting, mature person.  
No doubt we are all sickened by anyone who would dare to abuse a child! And then lie about it!! 
But the question I believe 'we' struggle with- those of 'us' who would keep quiet or not report to proper authorities - HOW MUCH OF THE BLAME BELONGS TO 'US'?
Read any article- peer reviewed journal- you'll see that children who experience abuse need more than prayer.   I'm not taking away its power- but do you really think silence will make the trauma go away?  And god forbid they all remain in the same congregation!  What are 'we' teaching the child about trust? 
And god forbid AGAIN- that this child grows up and is promiscuous and df'd or worse yet- reoffend.  (Maybe that should be flipped)
Who's to blame- Satan? 
Today- and I do say today- if it happened to my child, I'd pray not to go off, I'd call the police (while still praying) comfort and support my child and do all I can to get him/her the proper assistance. I'd let him/her know that Jehovah does NOT approve of it - no one does and it is wrong and I will do everything in my power to make sure that brother/sister pay for what they've done.  
Having said that- if it were NOT my child... well, when does the right thing to do become wrong?  
We are talking about crimes committed against children! 

We must not think from our own perspective only.  There are many people in Jehovah's organization that come with a lot of baggage.  Some have never learnt to say " I love you" and others do not know how to show love - they have to learn this.  They may be in Jehovah's organization being healed from a bad life and they learn slowly how to communicate and show love.  One does not change overnight all the problems you had before by being baptized... so many are still on the road to learn.
I was talking yesterday to a very nice young brother on field service.  He must be 32 years old.   He is seriously in love with a sister and he is troubled by the fact that Swedes do not show gushy feelings.  The love of his life is Spanish (people who show their feelings).  So he told me that a friend (not Swedish) gave him the advice to spill  his tremendous love for this sister and to be honest with her. But it is giving him sooo much pain to do this....he may never get to the point to do this.  
This gave me insight in how different cultures can be - that a young man is so stifled in his communication to tell a girl he is crazy over her.   Yes - communication is the life blood of any good relationship and especially in marriage. 
I was happy recently when I saw a photo of my son and his wife on Facebook and he declared to the world that she is his "best friend."  We must be best friends (one can tell your best friend anything and trust them with the revelations) as well as husband and wife.
 
 
 
By the way - I can add a few more sagely comments from husbands to the list above - but I may offend some!

How many of you love your husbands? ha ha ha.. Very Funny ? ????
There-was-a-group-of-women-gathered-at-a-seminar-on-how-to-live-in-a-loving-relationship
There was a group of women gathered at a seminar on how to live in a loving relationship with your husband.
The women were asked, ‘How many of you love your husbands?’
All the women raised their hands.
Then they were asked, ‘When was the last time you told your husband you loved him?’
Some women answered today, some yesterday, some didn’t remember..
The women were then told to take their cell phones and send the following text to their respective husband: I love you, sweetheart.
Then the women were told to exchange phones and read the responding text messages.
Here are some of the replies:
1. Eh, mother of my children, are you sick?
2. What now? Did you crash the car again?
3. I don’t understand what you mean?
4. What did you do now? I won’t forgive you this time!!!
5. ?!?
6. Don’t beat about the bush, just tell me how much you need?
7. Am I dreaming? ???????
8. If you don’t tell me who this message is actually for, you will die today…!!!
9. I asked you not to drink anymore!!
and the best one
10. Who is this?

JEHOVAH  IS  ALWAYS  HELPING ❤

It does not matter if they take Bobby's word for it or not ... OUR responsibility is to DO WHAT WE CAN ... all that we can .. for basic JUSTICE!
ESPECIALLY for those in our extended family of the Brotherhood!
FOR EVERYBODY!
.Otherwise, like those men who refuse to take care of their families ...  we are worse than those who are without the Truth.
.
 

Just like to add:  the water was on the earth already before the creative 'day/period'   1/one,  when the earth was desolate and dark because Jehovah's spirit was moving over the waters;  to  me, it has always been logical that the earth had a very long cooling off period after the physical heavens and earth were created because this cooling down process was responsible for the water and dense vapor which Jehovah then subsequently divided on day 2.
 

Yes,  a very good video ! I love it too....  saw it more times on FB. - Very good made, also with the Michael Jackson song from a "Better world" in the background ?

hello everyone,
I'm adding the titles of the meeting workbook videos that appeared in 2016.
you can use the links if you like to save them in your computer folder. thanks.
[greetings to all]

2016/12—December
mwbv16.12—Sample Awake! Presentation 1

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.12—Sample Teach the Truth Presentation—Job 34:10
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.12—Sample Why Study the Bible? Presentation—Bible Teach, Chapter 11
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.
2016/11—November
mwbv16.11—Sample Watchtower Presentation 1

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.11—Sample Teach the Truth Presentation—2Ti 3:1-5
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.11—Sample Why Study the Bible? Presentation—Bible Teach
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.11—Sample Teach Us Bible Study 
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.
2016/10—October
mwbv16.10—Sample Awake! Presentation

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.10—Sample Teach the Truth Presentation—Joh 11:11-14
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.10—Sample Congregation Meeting Invite Presentation
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.10—Sample jw org Contact Card Presentation
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.
2016/09—September
mwbv16.09—Sample Watchtower Presentation 1

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.09—Sample Watchtower Presentation 2
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.09—Sample Teach the Truth Presentation—1Pe 5:7
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.09—Sample Incorrect Bible Study Presentation
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.09—Sample Correct Bible Study Presentation
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.09—Skills Presentation—Invite to Meeting
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.
2016/08—August
mwbv16.08—Sample Awake! Presentation 1

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.08—Sample Awake! Presentation 2
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.08—Sample Listen and Live Presentation—Ps 83:18
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.
2016/07—July
mwbv16.07—Sample Watchtower Presentation 1

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.07—Sample Watchtower Presentation 2
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

Sample Good News Presentation—Lesson 01
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.
2016/06—June
mwbv16.06—Sample Awake! Presentation 1

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.06—Sample Awake! Presentation 2
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.06—Sample Tracts Presentation
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.
2016/05—May
mwbv16.05—Sample Watchtower Presentation 1

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.05—Sample Watchtower Presentation 2
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

mwbv16.05—Sample Bible Teach Presentation
Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

   
 
 
 
do you think you need any other language (links) for this forum? 
write your answer... thanks.
 

Sharon: So sorry for your loss. I also have lost loved ones. Jehovah, even though he could raise his son, still felt pain, sadness and loss.
i found some help:
Death affects each person differently. Indeed, the Bible says that “each one” has “his own plague and his own pain.” (2 Chronicles 6:29) With that in mind, take a moment to think about how your parent’s death has affected you. Below, describe (1) how you felt when you first found out about your parent’s death and (2) how you feel now.*
(1) ․․․․․
(2) ․․․․․
Perhaps your answers reveal that your emotions are, at least to a degree, leveling off. This is normal. It does not mean that you have forgotten your parent. On the other hand, you may find that your emotions are still the same or are even more intense. Maybe your grief comes in waves that seem to ebb and flow and then “crash ashore” at unexpected moments. This too is normal—even if it occurs years after your parent’s death. The question is, How can you cope with your grief—whatever form it takes?
Ways to Cope
Don’t hold back the tears! Crying helps ease the pain of grief. However, you may feel the way Alicia did, who was 19 when her mother passed away. She relates, “I felt that if I showed too much emotion, it would seem to others that I lacked faith.” But think: Jesus Christ was a perfect man who had strong faith in God. Yet, he “gave way to tears” over the death of his dear friend Lazarus. (John 11:35) So don’t be afraid to let your tears flow. It does not mean that you lack faith! Alicia says: “Eventually, I cried. A lot. Every day.”*
Address feelings of guilt. “I always went upstairs and kissed my mom good night,” says Karyn, who was 13 when her mom died. “There was one time that I didn’t do that. The next morning, Mom passed away. As unrealistic as it sounds, I feel guilty for not having seen her that last night—and for the chain of events that occurred the next morning. My dad left on a business trip and wanted me and my sister to look in on Mom. But we slept late. When I went into the bedroom, Mom wasn’t breathing. I felt terrible, because she was OK when Dad left!”
Communicate your feelings. Proverbs 12:25 states: “Kind words will cheer you up.” (Today’s English Version) Keeping your feelings bottled up inside may make it difficult for you to deal with your grief. On the other hand, discussing your feelings with someone you trust will open the way for you to receive “kind words” of encouragement when you need them most. Therefore, why not try one or more of the following suggestions?
Talk to your surviving parent. Though this is a difficult time for your surviving dad or mom, he or she undoubtedly still wants to provide the assistance you need. So let your surviving parent know how you feel. Such discussions will no doubt relieve you of some of your grief and draw the two of you closer together.
To help start a conversation, try this exercise: List two or three things that you wish you could have known about your deceased dad or mom, and then ask to discuss one of these with your surviving parent.* 
Talk to close friends. The Bible says that true companions are “born for when there is distress.” (Proverbs 17:17) “The person you least expect may be the one who helps you,” says Alicia. “So don’t be afraid to talk about it.” Admittedly, such conversations might be a bit awkward, as you and your friend struggle to find the right words to say. In the long run, though, it will do you good to talk to others about your grief. David, who was only nine years old when his father suffered a fatal heart attack, recalls: “I kept all my feelings locked up inside me. It would have been healthier for me if I had talked more about it. I could have coped better.”
Read more at:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102009284?q=grief&p=par
Prayers and Hugs, May the peace of Jehovah keep you strong and confident that Jehovah wil help you through this.
Agape,
Bible Speaks 

So sorry for your loss.  I too lost my husband in 2016 and the sting is still there!  I watched the Broadcast for February and the part with the young sister seeing the picture at Bethel of the ones waiting on the balcony was so hard because it brought out that they were waiting for their dear loved ones being resurrected.  So there I was crying my eyes out again.  The loss of a loved one is so hard but we must keep our HOPE alive!  We can do this, each of us...TOGETHER and always with Jehovah's help and his continued love and support.  I feel that love and support each day!  Take care my dear sister!
Agape'
P.S. I forgot to let you know how I appreciated the poem!  Thank you for that.

When our brothers lose a loved one, we often say, 'at least we have the resurrection hope.'  This is true, however, the Bible refers to death as a 'sting'.   It hurts and it doesn't go away as quickly as a bee.   
I lost two parents in 20 days- Two funerals in 30 days.  At least I have the resurrection hope.   

When our brothers lose a loved one, we often say, 'at least we have the resurrection hope.'  This is true, however, the Bible refers to death as a 'sting'.   It hurts and it doesn't go away as quickly as a bee.   
I lost two parents in 20 days- Two funerals in 30 days.  At least I have the resurrection hope.   

Yes.  I agree wholeheartedly.  Grief is different for each person.  With each passing day, it gets better.   
Agape'

In the midst of Sunday’s study article on how we might batten down the hatches yet further on wrong conduct, was this frank statement:  ‘We will not be able to do that perfectly.’
No. We will not. Too many beat themselves up trying to do things perfectly. They ought not. Dust yourself off and jump back in the fray anew.
Also from that same study article, considered February 5:
‘For instance, a man tells his boss or fellow workers that he cannot be at work the next day or that he must leave early because he has a “medical” appointment. In fact, his “medical” appointment is merely a brief stop at a pharmacy or a quick visit to the doctor’s office to pay a bill. His real reason for not being at work is so that he can get a head start on a trip or so that he can take his family to the beach. There may have been a grain of truth in his mentioning a “medical” appointment, but would you say that he was being honest? Or was he being deceptive?’
The friends were intrigued over this point and many discussed it at the special Bible study meetings held at individual homes that  night.  Some were distracted, however,  by a football game playing in the background.
Photo: Vic
Tom Irregardless and Me  ***   No Fake News but Plenty of Hogwash

I've never met a strong person with a easy past....
19 "By your endurance you will preserve your lives." (Luke 21:19). NWT 
jw.org

Interview With Faithful Sisters—Widows of Governing Body Members—(subtitles) 

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.