A three-day programme that delivered only good news
One of the largest organisers of global conventions drew 50 000 to the Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg.
In a world where bad news endlessly streams on social media, TV and radio, a three-day event took place over the past two weekends and delivered only good news.
Over the past two weekends, the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg hosted one of the largest conventions in the country.
Jehovah’s Witnesses presented their 2024 Declare the Good News! convention series, which included Episode 1 of a two-part feature Bible drama titled, ‘The Good News According to Jesus: The True Light of the World’.
This engaging presentation depicted the life of Jesus during his upbringing and offered valuable lessons for modern-day Christians.
One of the highlights of the conventions was the baptism ceremony where 481 persons were baptised.
Before these two conventions, local congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses engaged in various campaigns to invite community members accordingly. Last year, nearly 13 million people attended more than 6 000 three-day conventions worldwide.
“We were excited to work once again with city officials in Johannesburg to host our conventions,” said Tlholo Sihlangu, a local spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“These conventions are a highlight of the year for thousands of people who need to experience some positivity in their lives, and we were happy to enjoy the program once again in this welcoming and hospitable city.”
Commenting on how they benefitted from the convention, Shaun and Chantal Rex, residents of Croydon, Kempton Park said of the convention, “The programme helped us to avoid being overwhelmed by bad news around us. Holding firmly to the good news builds us up as a couple, helps us to focus on what the future holds and to remain happy and content.”
Lerato Mkhari, a young woman from Orlando West, Soweto, said, “The convention helped me to build my faith in the Gospels and to develop trust in Jehovah God.”
As expressed by these individuals, these conventions become a highlight of the year for thousands of people who need to experience some positivity in their lives.
The convention presented Bible-based videos, discourses and interviews on topics such as:
• Why do we need good news?
• Use the good news to defeat bad news
• Why we don’t fear bad news
Teaching others about the positive effects of this good news, helps them to view the future with real optimism and hope. This free event drew about 50 000 people over the course of the first and second weekends in October – resulting in a boost for the local economy as a result of spending in stores, hotels and restaurants.
To learn more about the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses around your community, visit jw.org/About Us/ About Jehovah’s Witnesses or JW.org.