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Welcome to our update!
In this program,
we’ll hear reports from around the world.
In many lands,
the “Eternal Happiness” Conventions
have already begun.
During the months of June and July,
ten international conventions will be held.
No doubt these will be joyful occasions
for all involved.
While many will be busy
inviting their neighbors to the convention,
what else can we share in our ministry?
Of course, for the months of May and June,
we’ve enjoyed using
The Watchtower entitled
“Is Life Worth Living?”
For July and August,
we can use the Awake! entitled
“12 Secrets of Successful Families.”
Of course, we may use any publication
that addresses the needs of the householder.
The introduction to the magazine states:
“We hear a lot about what goes wrong
“in families that fail.
But what goes right in those that succeed?”
This Awake! features
the Bible’s reliable guidance
for couples, parents, and young people.
Every year, the Governing Body arranges
for headquarters representatives
to visit each branch office around the world.
In addition, Governing Body members
make branch shepherding visits each year.
What have been some recent highlights?
Let’s hear
from three Branch Committee members.
In April 2026,
the United States received a branch visit
for the first time since 2014.
The U.S. branch is unique
in that we have five different complexes.
We have Wallkill, Patterson,
Warwick, Fishkill,
and San Juan.
The Governing Body decided that from now on
the United States will receive
a branch visit each year
focusing on one of our Bethel complexes.
This year, the Governing Body assigned
three brothers to visit the Wallkill complex:
Brothers Peter Bell, from the Britain branch;
Greg Cicciù, from the Hungary branch;
and Betty Georges,
a helper to the Service Committee
of the Governing Body.
Three brothers were needed
because Wallkill is a large complex.
Over 1,600 Bethelites serve there.
Included in this visit
was the special meeting
for all congregations
within our branch territory.
We were thrilled to learn
that the total attendance
was 1.4 million.
We received so many comments of appreciation.
By means of this visit,
we received a warm hug
from our loving heavenly Father.
We are eagerly looking forward to
and planning for next year’s visit.
In Ukraine, we were thrilled to welcome
Brother Mark Sanderson
for a shepherding visit to our branch
in May 2026.
Because of the pandemic and the war,
we had not had an in-person visit
in six and a half years.
Of course,
the brothers had to be very cautious
in carrying out this visit.
But we really felt Jehovah’s blessing.
From the time that Brother Sanderson arrived
until the day he departed,
there were no air alarms at all in the area
where the branch is located.
It was truly amazing!
In fact, because the authorities
declared a truce on the weekend,
we were able to hold a special meeting
originating from Bethel
without any air alarms across the country.
A total of almost 125,000
were able to enjoy
the special meeting in peace,
whether they watched the live
or recorded program
from their local Kingdom Hall
or in private homes.
This shepherding visit
brought us a spiritual gift,
a breath of fresh air
during a sweltering period of trial.
It was exactly what we needed.
A sister said,
“I felt as if I had been placed
in Jehovah’s warm embrace.”
The visit helped us feel
the love and care of the Governing Body.
We knew they loved us,
but during the visit, we truly felt it.
We were delighted that the Governing Body
assigned Brother Stephen Lett
to come to Myanmar for a shepherding visit
in April 2026.
In Myanmar,
we’ve had a devastating earthquake,
ongoing unrest, and other challenges.
This visit was so encouraging.
Everyone felt strengthened
and reassured of Jehovah’s love.
We also had a special meeting
for all congregations,
which originated from Bethel.
And 4,899 attended live,
and others enjoyed
the recorded program later.
It was especially encouraging
to the many brothers and sisters
who are now displaced due to
the ongoing armed conflicts in the country.
It was an unforgettable shepherding visit,
a gift from Jehovah at the right time.
The Governing Body always tells us
how much they love us.
This is now our occasion to tell them:
“Thank you.
We love you very much!”
We appreciate those encouraging comments.
And we thank all of you,
brothers and sisters,
for the good support you give
when your branch territory receives a visit.
You make the effort to attend
and support the special meeting.
That shows our appreciation.
What a beautiful provision
these visits are to strengthen us
during these challenging times!
In many parts of the earth,
our brothers are facing wars,
natural disasters,
disease outbreaks, and persecution.
On May 15, 2026,
officials in the Democratic Republic
of the Congo
announced an outbreak of Ebola
in several northeastern provinces.
Two days later,
the World Health Organization classified
the situation as a public health emergency
of international concern.
The outbreak has been linked
to a rare strain of the virus.
How have our brothers and sisters
been affected?
Sadly, as of June 8,
one sister has died.
Several others are being closely monitored.
Thankfully, one publisher
who received treatment
has now been released.
To protect the congregations,
our branch offices in the region
have put in place additional safety measures.
In the most affected areas,
meetings are being held by videoconference
and all forms of the public ministry
have been temporarily suspended.
Also, some regional conventions
have been rescheduled.
At the same time, our brothers
are working hard
to provide needed assistance.
We are deeply saddened
by the loss of our dear sister
and by the suffering many are experiencing
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
On June 8, 2026,
a major earthquake struck the Philippines.
Based on preliminary reports,
one publisher died
and six others were injured.
Updated information will be available
on jw.org.
We continue to pray
for those affected by these recent disasters.
We look forward to the time
when God’s Kingdom
will remove all causes of distress.
Now we have a few updates
about our freedom of worship
in Norway and in Sweden.
Let’s listen to Brother Jørgen Pedersen
from the Scandinavia Branch Committee
as he provides a report
on two recent court decisions.
Recently, courts in Norway and in Sweden
issued significant positive decisions
regarding our freedom of worship.
A few years ago, the government of Norway
began receiving misinformation
about Jehovah’s Witnesses.
This misinformation included accusations
about our Scriptural beliefs and practices.
Then, in 2022,
the government denied us
the State grants available
to the more than 700 recognized
religious communities in Norway.
Next, the government singled us out
by removing our registration
as a recognized religious community.
As a result, we lost important rights
that are given to the other
religious communities in Norway.
How has this affected
our brothers and sisters?
One example is weddings.
For the past four years or so,
couples could not get married
in the Kingdom Hall
or have one of Jehovah’s Witnesses
officiate their wedding.
Since our attempts to resolve
the matter amicably were rejected,
we had no choice but to go to court.
As you can imagine,
these matters can take years to resolve.
We were so happy that on April 30, 2026,
the Supreme Court of Norway announced
that the government’s actions
were illegal when they took away
our registration
and revoked our rights.
The Court ruled that the government
had no evidence
that Jehovah’s Witnesses
were doing anything wrong.
The Court also found
that the government’s denial
of State grants was illegal.
This decision is final
and cannot be appealed.
Our brothers in Sweden
are involved in a similar case.
In 2025, the government changed the law
in order to remove our special status
as a religious community
entitled to State grants.
Why?
Because the government did not agree
with our Scriptural beliefs and practices.
We again had to go to court,
primarily to defend ourselves
against religious prejudice.
On May 7, 2026,
an administrative court in Sweden ruled
that Jehovah’s Witnesses
are entitled to this special status.
The court confirmed that Jehovah’s Witnesses
had done nothing wrong.
They further said that the government
had no business
meddling in the affairs
of a religious organization.
The government has appealed this decision,
so the matter is not yet final.
Thank you, Jørgen.
We pray for Jehovah’s
continued guidance and blessing
on our brothers and sisters
in Norway and in Sweden.
And we appreciate the efforts
of all who are working hard
around the world
to defend our freedom of worship.
These recent developments remind us
of the Bible’s practical direction
recorded at 1 Timothy 2:1, 2.
There it reads:
“I urge that supplications, prayers,
“intercessions, and thanksgiving
“be made concerning all sorts of men,
“concerning kings and all those
who are in high positions,
“so that we may go on leading
a calm and quiet life
with complete
godly devotion and seriousness.”
Let’s keep praying on behalf of kings
and those who are in high positions
that we may continue
to worship Jehovah in peace.
Before I conclude this update,
I wanted to make a comment
about how much we appreciate
our older ones.
You are showing faith and integrity.
Leviticus 19:32 says:
“Before gray hair you should rise up,
“and you must show honor to an older man,
“and you must be in fear of your God.
I am Jehovah.”
While we’ve had a lot of attention
on training younger ones,
we want you to know how much we love
all of you older ones
and how much we appreciate
your tremendous example in the faith.
This year I’m 91 years old.
Of course,
I feel some of the effects of old age
—can’t half talk, can’t hear too good.
But with Jehovah’s help,
my wife and I are continuing on,
serving Jehovah.
And we encourage you to do the same.
Give it your best.
Put your heart in it.
Be assured
that what you’re able to contribute
in your service to Jehovah is appreciated.
Brothers and sisters,
we love you all very much
—young and old and everyone in-between!
From the World Headquarters
of Jehovah’s Witnesses,
this is JW Broadcasting®.

2026 Governing Body Update #4