Throughout September, many Bermudians may have found themselves in conversations with one of 400-plus volunteers from the Bermuda Jehovah's Witnesses faith.

These volunteers have been faithfully distributing the special magazine, entitled “An end to war — how?” as the central material of their campaign.

In an interview, Luke Branco, local spokesperson for the Jehovah's Witnesses, shared what locals could expect when approached by one of the volunteers.

“They will have the opportunity to read and hear not only comforting but also life-changing information, found in the special copy of The Watchtower and a free public discourse.”

As September draws to a close, the campaign's conclusion aims to bring together those who have been impacted, inspired, or simply curious about the campaign efforts for the highly anticipated Special Talk, taking place today and tomorrow.

With over nine million volunteers participating worldwide, the scale of this campaign speaks volumes about the urgency and universality of its message. In a world where war and conflict often feel unrelenting and inescapable, Mr Branco discusses this urgency and how this magazine and campaign efforts take a different approach from traditional news coverage.

“The harm inflicted by war extends far beyond the battlefield and, in one way or another, affects everyone,” Mr Branco said. “The message is urgent as there is a fundamental human need for peace and security. The magazine offers a hopeful perspective, rooted in the Bible's promise that God will soon bring a permanent end to all war and violence.”

Mr Branco added: “The magazine approaches the subject differently by offering a spiritual and biblical perspective. This magazine uses the Bible to explain the ‘root causes’ of war and violence. It also presents a message of hope, explaining how God, not human efforts, will ultimately bring an end to war.”

As conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan continue to dominate global attention, many are left feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. While solutions are often expected from governments or international bodies, Mr Branco explains how this campaign has attempted to tackle potential discouragement and shares why Jehovah's Witnesses believe the Bible offers a more reliable answer.

“The magazine connects with people’s discouragement and hopelessness by providing personal experiences from individuals who have been directly affected by war but have found peace through their study of the Bible,” Mr Branco said.

“The article quotes people from Ukraine, Colombia, Rwanda, the United States, Britain, and Tajikistan who have found comfort and hope in Bible promises. This demonstrates that finding peace is possible, even amid current conflicts.”

He added: “While many have done their best to effect change, such efforts have not found lasting results. The Bible offers a more reliable answer because it identifies the ultimate solution as God's Kingdom, which will deal with the core problems.”

Readers of The Watchtower can expect clear, thoughtful articles that address the roots and solutions to violent conflict from a biblical perspective. The magazine covers topics such as “Why war and violent conflict continue”, “How war and violent conflict will end”, and “Finding peace despite war and violent conflict”. The most compelling subject it explores is one that resonates deeply with many today: will we ever see a time when there is no more war?

To complement the magazine, a 30-minute public talk titled “An end to war — how?” will be delivered at local Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses today and tomorrow. “Both will feature the real hope found in God's Word, the Bible, that is comforting but also life-changing,” Mr Branco said.

These events are free and open to all. “All our meetings are free, and our preaching activity is done without pay and is supported by voluntary donations — in that way, all who are interested in attending can feel free to do so,” Mr Branco added.

On a personal level, Mr Branco says that focusing on the Bible's promise of peace has had a profound impact on his own outlook. “I find that I mirror the sentiments of those quoted in the special magazine under the section, ‘Finding peace despite war and violent conflict’,” he explained.

“Despite the dismal conditions that exist worldwide today, studying this has strengthened my faith and given me peace of mind and hope from the Bible.”

He also shared how this message has positively affected others: “One regains hope and finds a beautiful peace, especially through campaigns like this one and the free Bible studies that are offered.”

And for those who may be sceptical or hesitant, Mr Branco offers a sincere invitation: “If you have ever asked, ‘Why is there so much war if everyone wants peace?’ and ‘Will we ever see a time when there is no more war?’ the Bible's answers to these questions may surprise you and will no doubt comfort.

“Please examine for yourself what the Bible has to say about this important topic.”

With an open invitation to attend the upcoming talk, the campaign encourages all — regardless of background — to explore a message of lasting peace.