Thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses are gathering in Nanaimo this weekend (June 3-5) to celebrate and share their faith.
They are attending a congregation for delegates from central and northern Vancouver Island, which will attract an estimated 3,400 people. The Nanaimo event is being held in conjunction with 42 other conventions across Canada, attracting an estimated 147,000 people to 22 cities.
Leif Rosvold, convention coordinator, said this year’s theme, Let God’s Kingdom Come, is based on the Lord’s Prayer.
“We understand it as a real God that is going to rule this Earth,” said Rosvold.
The convention, hosted by the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, is at Frank Crane Arena, June 3-5. Morning sessions begin every day at 9:20 a.m., with the Friday afternoon session starting at 1:50 p.m., Saturday at 1:35 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Rosvold said the baptism ceremony on Saturday is usually a draw for people.
“It’s a commitment based on personal conviction and the story of the bible and its application to real life,” he said about the baptism.
Each day of the convention there are dramas to highlight themes in the Bible. Friday’s focus is The Kingdom of the Heavens Has Drawn Near. An afternoon discussion, titled, Jesus Miracles Portend Rich Kingdom Blessings will examine the Jesus’ miracles and ho God’s Kingdom benefits humans now and in the future.
Saturday’s focus is Keep On … Seeking First the Kingdom and His Righteousness, which will examine the Christian life and ministry. And Sunday focuses on eight appealing traits of Jesus’ personality.
The convention is open to the public and free.
“We are welcoming people to attend,” said Rosvold.
For more information please go to www.watchtower.org.
reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com