They believe that in addition to drawing one closer to God, living by Bible principles gives purpose to life, promotes strong family ties, and develops productive and honest citizens. This international brotherhood of people of all races is made up of about 5.5 million practicing members organized into more than 85,000 congregations in some 230 lands. They remain neutral in all political conflicts and believe that God will intervene in man's affairs to bring about a peaceful human society earth wide. The worldwide organization is directed by an unpaid governing body serving at the international offices in Brooklyn, New York. Promoting Bible education Jehovah's Witnesses promote Bible education by publishing and distributing Bibles and Bible study aids, making personal visits to neighbors, and conducting free home Bible study courses.
Local congregations meet at places of worship called Kingdom Halls.
The public is invited to their meetings, and no collections are taken. Members come from all social, economic, racial, and religious backgrounds. Last year, they devoted more than one billion volunteer hours to Bible education worldwide. The modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses began toward the end of the 19th century with a small group of Bible students near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1879 they began publishing the Bible journal now called The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom.