15. (a) What expansion has been taking place in Watch Tower Society branches? (b) How has the work been accomplished?

¹⁵ As the need for Bibles and Bible-based publications increases, many of the 94 Watch Tower branches throughout the world have had to expand their facilities.

At Ebina, Japan, construction is under way on a six-story factory addition and an eight-story Bethel Home annex to accommodate another 280 workers.

17. What need exists at Brooklyn headquarters, and how is this being handled?

¹⁷ There appears to be no end to the modern-day expansion of Jehovah’s organization. Even now, the Bethel family at the Brooklyn, New York, headquarters of the Society has grown to the extent of filling all available accommodations. If it should be Jehovah’s will, a high-rise building to accommodate a thousand additional Bethel workers may be erected on the Society’s property on Columbia Heights. But if this does not eventuate, we will look for Jehovah’s further direction in the matter. The prayers and loyal support of the worldwide brotherhood in connection with all this expansion are indeed appreciated.​—Compare Acts 21:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:1.

18. Why are there so many building projects today, despite the nearness of Armageddon?

¹⁸ ‘But why,’ someone may ask, ‘are there so many expansion projects when we stand face-to-face with Armageddon?’ The answer is that Jehovah’s organization does not ‘close up shop’ with the approach of Armageddon. That is ‘closing time’ only for Satan’s organization. Jehovah’s organization is building for an eternal future. Whether or not man-made structures weather the storm of Armageddon, we know that God’s organization will survive as a going concern and that Jehovah will use it and those who loyally support it, establishing eternal peace and security in the glorious earthly Paradise of God’s promise.​—Revelation 7:9, 14-17; 21:1, 4, 5.