The Librarian

Yes I have had the experience lately of informing my Bible Studies of the developments in Russia and two of them have come to the conclusion that Jehovah's Witnesses are the true religion. Both of them stated the fact that as such a small religion yet getting this kind of attention and the fact that the Witnesses being the first to be put under ban by decision of the Supreme Court in Russia.and then seeing the Bible prophecies [also had them watch the JW Broadcast video] and the fact that opposers and anti-cultist have been behind it all was enough to help them see that Jehovah's Witnesses must be the true religion. Praise Jehovah since he can turn even negative news into a Witness. 
 "And you will be brought before governors and kings  for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations". MATT. 10:18

Yes originally I did post it that way and thought it was from Fox news in the U.S. but within about 10 min after posting I realized something was wrong with the link for it and after more investigation discovered it was fake. Therefore in order not to have anyone report that "World News Media" is reporting "fake news" and give us a bad rep I decided to change the heading to read as it does now. Sorry for any misunderstandings and I will try and check sources better next time but I am not perfect. Bruce

In the future... let's post the article with the source..
then at the bottom state your concern about it possibly being "fake news" instead of in the title.
At this point no one can prove it is false.....what if it turns out to be true?

No peace planned?
"Russia forbids Jehovah's Witnesses", 21. 04.
Jehovah's Witnesses must be morose in Russia,
If they were banned there. The justification is the most absurd,
What a normal thinking person can imagine:
"Endangering public security". And at about one per cent of the total population living unarmed and unarmed?
But just, there is the message of God's kingdom, which proclaims Jehovah's witnesses, that he will abolish the powers of the world and bring PEACE to every man. (Matthew 24:14)  It is highly probable that  Mr. PUTIN  would not like.
Dipl.-Ing. Jörg Bahr, Graz / CH.
( translated  by  Google )

Is this a "composite story", made up from fragments of real life experiences, or a "teaching story" made up completely from someone's imagination?
If it is real, it should have a date, a place, details of the person, a name, and other details to corroborate it's authenticity.
Where did this story come from?
Years ago (circa 1969) there was a notice on Kingdom Hall bulletin boards, and I saw them in both Richmond, Virginia, and a year later in Hollywood, California, that astronomers had via "calculations" determined that the Sun had actually stood still for a day during the times of ancient Israel ... and Brothers picked up on it, and gave talks citing this reference ... everyone (but me) that I met in the Truth KNEW this to be true.
It wasn't.
Fairie Tales told by the easily deluded or fanciful need to be disregarded ..
Fairie Tales told by genuine Fairies can be given more credence..
In the 7th Grade I learned that "stories" need to have "Who, What, When, Where, How Much, and sometimes Why?" to be credible, otherwise we make ourselves into complete fools .... where the credibility gap is equaled by the gullibility fill.
Choose !!!
I know Bro. Elumbaugh who used to be in our Circuit, and his homespun humor often includes stories like this, which I enjoyed, as homespun stories .... but the average person does not understand this .. and it is NECESSARY .. IF ... Is this a "composite story", made up from fragments of real life experiences, or a "teaching story" made up completely from someone's imagination .. IT IS CLEARLY IDENTIFIED AS TO BEING A PARABLE.
In practice, this is almost NEVER done.
That is why it is presented here as fact ... and without backup .. that is extremely embarrassing to have to see.
 
NOTE:  Eight days ago JW Insider responded to my posting on the Archive calendar board as follows:
" There will be Witnesses who think it's true, and that it's about a JW.
It's not, of course. It was once supposed to be about a soldier ("Robert the Bruce") in Scotland back in the 1300's. http://www.wrensworld.com/s... and that story ended: "Where God is, a spider's web is as a stone wall. Where God is not, a stone wall is as a spider's web."
It was also attributed to a Midrash about King David a couple thousand years prior to that: http://www.azamra.org/Bible...
"One Midrash tells that David was actually saved by a . . . web-spinning spider. . . . He discovered the benefits of spiders' webs when once forced to hide in a cave, over the entrance to which a spider spun a web, making those searching for David assume he could not have entered the cave."
It's called a traditional Jewish tale here, too: http://www.beliefnet.com/lo...
In 18th and 19th century book collecting expeditions I've picked up old books called "Ideas for Sermons" and have learned that a lot of Circuit Overseers have likely seen such books before I did.
I remember the "Joshua" astronomy discovery, too. And it also made it onto our bulletin board. You weren't the only one to question it. But it stayed up long after it was questioned."

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Vidunderligt... !   En stærk tro og en fast overbevisning, vil få os til at stå fast under prøvelser der kommer.  Dejligt at få bekreftet at Jehova gentagende gange har været med sit folk og enkeltpersoner..  Nationerne SKAL vide at "jeg er Jehova".. Det er en spændende tid som vi lever i.!
 

Has this been flagged as fake news?

{THIS IS FAKE AND UNFORTUNATELY HAS BEEN SPREAD AROUND A LOT. ACCORDING TO "SCAMADVISOR" IT HAS A 73% CHANCE THAT IT ORIGINATED IN GHANA IN AFRICA AND IS NOT TRUE.}
 
President Donald Trump has sent a strong message to the Russia Federation over the country’s ban on the “peaceful activities” of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Trump warns Russia to reverse its decision immediately else he would use the country’s own constitution against them.
“You know right that this is contrary to the constitution of the land of the Russia Federation. I request you to reverse the decision immediately before I use your own constitution against you” – Trump warned.
Trump went on to invite all Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia to seek asylum in the United States until their religious rights are reinstated in Russia.
“As this is an infringement of your fundamental human rights, I therefore urge you to seek asylum in the United States until your rights are fully reinstated.” – Trump urged.
Supreme Court judge Yuri Ivanenko reads the decision in a courtroom in Moscow Thursday AP
Russia’s Supreme Court ruled on April 20, 2017 that the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization should be closed down and no longer allowed to operate legally in Russia, Human Rights Watch said today. The ruling, which affects more than 100,000 Jehovah’s Witness worshippers across Russia, is a serious breach of Russia’s obligations to respect and protect religious freedom.
http://fox-news24.com/trump-warns-russia-over-jehovahs-witnesses-ban-and-urges-members-to-seek-asylum-in-the-us/
 

Mark Noumair:  Deep Study Draws Us Close to Jehovah   (Ps. 73:28)
Length 9:11
https://tv.jw.org/#en/video/VODProgramsEvents/pub-jwb_201704_11_VIDEO
 

NOTICE THIS POINT FROM OUR BROTHERS: ""This trial IN MOSCOW became less relevant inasmuch as it challenged the act of suspension of the activity of our organization back before the issuance of the decision of the Russian Supreme Court. The results of the review of our lawsuit in the Zamoskvoreche court could hardly have an impact on anything," Ivan Belenko noted.

[edited] Thank you...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p050zhpv This BBC thought for the day is about the banning of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia by Rev. Fraser. And mentions this incident on this day in Germany!

In the future... let's post the article with the source..
then at the bottom state your concern about it possibly being "fake news" instead of in the title.
At this point no one can prove it is false.....what if it turns out to be true?

Jehovah’s Witnesses Public Talk Watchtower Meeting 23 April 2017

Via

JW’s are now allowed to have beards and publicly preach. This photo is from the Ukraine. No word yet on the use of man buns. :-)
Via

I do not recall an announcement on jw.org as to the fact that the "Great Tribulation has already started". I think that might have got the attention of many if so.
There is likely quite a history to understanding of the timing of the "great tribulation". JW Insider might be able to provide a synopsis of this.
My first recollection on this subject is what was said in the 1966 book Life Everlasting in the Freedom of the Sons of God which stated on page 357 para 29: "The "great tribulation" that Jesus Christ predicted in harmony with Daniel 12:l began in the year 1914 C.E.". Later in the book (page 371 para 54) it was stated "that Jehovah God had cut short the days of tribulation in the year 1918 to permit the sealing of the remnant of the "chosen ones" and the gathering of the "great crowd,".
This view has been considerably adjusted in the interim years.
Some recent discussion on jw.org regarding the great tribulation can be found here: 
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20130715/jesus-prophecy-last-days/
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20150715/rapture-anointed-great-tribulation/
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/gods-kingdom/promises/kingdom-enemies-removed/

It has not Started because Babylon the great has not fallen

Sabbath in Ancient Hebrew
Each letter in the Hebrew alphabet was originally a picture with meaning. In this video we will examine the letters in the Hebrew word שבת (shabbat) to uncover the meaning of this word based on its letters.
 
 
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How does the ban on JW in Russia fit into our current belief? Since many years WT have explained that the attack on Jehovahs people should occur AFTER 1. Proclamation of Peace and Security and     2. The fall of Babylon the Great.
Also in WT 2015 (May 15 p. 29-30) it says that "it seems to be in harmony with ...(Ezek 38: 6,15)...that this coalition will be led by the figurative “king of the north” (text sequence edited by me) .
Can we expect new light on this or does someone now a different explanation? 
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015364#h=6-6
http://wol.jw.org/sv/wol/dsync/r14/lp-z/r1/lp-e/1102014263
https://youtu.be/D8pvnrV5s94

Convention Reminders

Via

@Arauna and @Eoin Joyce ..... I moved the non-relevant conversation threads to separate posts. You can find them on your profile pages. Nothing was deleted.

"We do not have a paid clergy in our organization. Instead, as was done when the Christian congregation got its start, qualified overseers are appointed “to shepherd the congregation of God.” (Acts 20:28) These elders are spiritually mature men who take the lead in the congregation and shepherd, “not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly.” (1 Peter 5:1-3)"

Each congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses has a body of unpaid elders, who are responsible for teaching the congregation. Elders maintain general responsibility for congregational governance, pastoral work, selecting speakers and conducting meetings, directing the public preaching work and creating "judicial committees" to investigate and decide disciplinary action for cases that are seen as breaching scriptural laws.

There are no secular educational requirements for Witness elders. Elders are considered "overseers" based on the biblical Greek term, ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos, typically translated "bishop"). 

"The word "overseer" is translated from the Greek word episkopos, which literally means "one who visits and inspects." It applies in Jehovah's organization to one who watches out for and takes care of the interests of God's flock. The apostle Paul says, at 1 Timothy 3 :1 (NW) :"If any man is reaching out for an office of overseer, he is desirous of a right kind of work." " - Qualified to be Ministers(1955)

Before 2014 prospective elders were recommended from among ministerial servants and former elders by the local elder body for appointment by the branch; Now the Circuit Overseer appoints and deletes elders.(
branch offices may also approve appointments to local Congregation Service Committees. As of September 2014, it will be the responsibility of circuit overseers to appoint the elders and ministerial servants, similar to how described by the Bible in Acts. This is in an April 2014 letter to congregations. Previously they were recommended for appointment by the local body of elders and then appointed by the Service Desk at HQ. Before that a congregation or company servant was appointed by the branch office. Before October 1932 (watchtower citation needed) such brothers were elected by the local congregations.
 
Qualifications for Overseers
The Apostle Paul set down the qualifications for overseers at 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9


Service Committee roles include:
Coordinator of the Body of Elders: (previously known as the Presiding Overseer) chairs elders’ meetings, assigns duties and speakers for most congregation meetings, and oversees financial matters. (as of Sept 2014 he must be less than 80 years of age)
Service Overseer: organizes matters related to public preaching, and oversees those handling Witness literature and territories.
Congregation Secretary: maintains congregation records, reports congregation activity to the branch headquarters, advises the congregation about conventions and assemblies, and oversees those handling accounts.[1]
 
Additional roles within the body of elders include:
Watchtower Study Conductor: leads the weekly study of The Watchtower.[2]
Theocratic Ministry School Overseer: conducts the Theocratic Ministry School, assigns student assignments, counsels students with a goal to improving their preaching skills, and conducts bi-monthly question-and-answer reviews.[3][4]
Auxiliary Counselor: responsible for providing private counsel, as needed, to elders or ministerial servants that handle meeting parts.
Operating Committee Members: responsible for the care of the building and property of Kingdom Halls that are shared by two or more congregations.
Group Overseers: oversee groups for public preaching and pastoral care.[4]
Public Talk Coordinator: schedules speakers and talks for the public meetings and co-ordinates traveling speakers from his congregation.
Literature Coordinator: responsible for inventory, ordering, and distribution of literature for Kingdom Halls that are shared by two or more congregations.
 
Additional roles outside the body of elders include:
City Overseer
Convention Overseer
Rooming Overseer
Headquarter's Representative (formerly Zone Overseer) (sometimes referred to as a Traveling Overseer)
District Overseer (position deleted) (sometimes referred to as a Traveling Overseer)
Circuit Overseer (sometimes referred to as a Traveling Overseer)

(1 Timothy 5:17) 17 Let the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching.
 
In Watchtower Publications elders are sometimes biblically referred to as:
Teachers
Glorious Ones
Overseer
Capable Men
Stars in the right hand of Jesus (See Revelation)
Dukes
Gifts in men
Princes (Not all elders, only GB Helpers, and Circuit Overseers)
"Hiding place from the wind"
Committee Chairman (or member)
Zone Overseer (Term has been retired from use)
Branch Committee member
Presiding Overseer (Term has been retired from use)
Coordinator of the Body of Elders COBE
Congregation Servant (Term has been retired from use)
"Spiritually qualified older men"
Pillars in the truth
"Those keeping watch over your souls.."
Mighty men
Sheiks
Shepherds
 
Historical Publications Referencing Elders
The New Creation, Watch Tower, 1904, pages 289-290, "The administration of discipline is not the function of the elders only, but of the entire [congregation]. ... If the reproved one fails to clear himself, and continues in the error or sin, then two or three brethren without previous prejudice should be asked to hear the matter and advise the disputants. (Elders they may or may not be, but their eldership would add no force or authority in the case except as their judgment might be the riper and their influence the more potent.) If this committee decide unanimously with either party, the other should acquiesce and the matter be wholly at an end--correction, or restitution, so far as possible, being promptly made. If either of the original disputants still persists in the wrong course, the [accuser, a committee member] or, preferably, all of these together, may then (but not sooner) exercise their privilege of bringing the matter before the [congregation]. Thus it is evident that the Elders were in no sense to be judges of the members—hearing and judgment were left to the [congregation]. The two preliminary steps (above mentioned) having been taken, the facts being certified to the elders, it would be their duty to call a general meeting of the [congregation], as a court--to hear the case in all of its particulars, and in the name and reverence of its Head to render a decision. ... if the transgressor refuse to hear (obey) the decision of the entire [congregation], ... the [congregation] is to withdraw from him its fellowship and any and all signs or manifestations of brotherhood. [emphasis retained from original]
 
Talks Regarding Elders
Are We Really Spiritual Shepherds? - Timothy Pappas
 
See also

Kingdom Ministry School for the 2015 Service Year

List of JW Terminology
Bethel Elder (no longer used) 
Traveling Overseer
Kingdom Ministry School
School for Congregation Elders 
2011 Manual - School for Congregation Elders 2014 “School For Christian Couples” Graduation - Audio
 
Publications referencing Elders
2015 Amendments included in this 2012 printing of the "Shepherd the Flock of God"
2014 Letters to Bodies of Elders

July 13, 2014 Letter to Body of Elders (regarding appointment and deletion of elders and ministerial servants)
2005 - Organized to do Jehovah's Will
2013 Kingdom Ministry School Videos (Elders only viewing please)
1991 - ks-91E * "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"
2010 - ks-10E * 'Shepherd the Flock of God' (Revised version)
1977 - "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"
1961 - Kingdom Service Questions
1955 - Qualified to be Ministers
1961-2010-Elder-Manuals-Combined-R.pdf References
Our Kingdom Ministry 10/98 p. 7 par. 1-2 Overseers Taking the Lead—The Secretary, "As a member of the Congregation Service Committee, he cares for the congregation’s communications and important records. ... He directly oversees those handling accounts and subscriptions as well as all convention-related matters." Our Kingdom Ministry 12/98 p. 8 Overseers Taking the Lead—The Watchtower Study Conductor Our Kingdom Ministry 11/98 p. 8 Overseers Taking the Lead—The Theocratic Ministry School Overseer Our Kingdom Ministry'10/07 p. 3 Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2008' The Congregation Book Study—Why We Need It, Our Kingdom Ministry June 2004, p. 4 pars. 4-5.