Garry,
    I've thought the same thing about the timing of their ministry.
What I never could understand, was how even someone who is convinced in a seven year tribulation,
        would insist that the two witnesses wouldn't have their ministry in the 3 1/2 year great tribulation,
        when their message would be needed most, in opposition to the worship of the beast,
        particularly Israel will need to see and hear them when the antichrist is at his worst,
        and the deception of the false prophet is also at its worst.
Why would people insist that the Jesus wouldn't have a witness on earth at that time?
Again, thank you for your analysis and letter to FiveDoves.