A joyful return to in-person gatherings for JWs
Correspondent | Monday October 2, 2023 06:00
As a result of the global pandemic, the last three annual conventions were attended virtually by Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.
“Around the world, approximately 6,000 conventions similar to this one were organised, with an expected attendance of 5,000 in Gaborone, Botswana,” said Jonah Pongaponga, Botswana’s Spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The convention centred around the theme, “Exercise Patience!” and emphasized the importance of cultivating this quality. Through engaging Bible-based talks, interviews, and a total of 70 videos, the audience gained valuable insight on how patience helps us to reach our goals and improve our relationships with family and friends.
On Sunday, a thought-provoking talk titled, “Will God Act in Your Behalf?” examined the results of seeking divine assistance through prayer.
The highlight of the convention for many was the captivating two-part feature drama that unfolded over Saturday and Sunday. This powerful portrayal followed a family as they learnt to wait patiently on Jehovah God while facing a trial that threatened their peace, livelihood, and even their very lives.
Amongst the delighted convention delegates were the Mmualefe and Mhaka families.
“We are elated to once again be able to enjoy physical interactions with our friends,” said Boikobo and Malebogo Mmualefe.
“When we attended the convention virtually, we missed the reassuring love that we experienced this year through the firm handshakes, warm hugs and faces radiating with genuine smiles.”
Their six-year-old son, Lejwana, shared: “I do not remember attending the convention before. I only saw pictures of myself as a baby. I enjoyed meeting my friends and making new ones. l like it when they play videos.”
Pevina and Blessed Mhaka expressed their excitement, describing the experience as “thrilling, amazing, and invigorating.” Their children were thrilled to be able to hug their friends and feel the warmth of their companionship once again. Their 10-year-old daughter, Elsie, in particular, relished singing along with the large crowd, something that could not be replicated in virtual gatherings. For the entire family, the convention held extra significance as Elsie was baptised alongside 64 others. The youngest of those baptised was 10 years old and the oldest was 82.
Naledi, another one of the newly baptised individuals, shared her enthusiasm about attending her first in-person convention. She found the experience unlike anything she had encountered before. Having started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses last year, Naledi appreciated the profound teachings she encountered during the programme. She expressed her happiness about becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, attributing her decision to the gratitude and appreciation she felt towards Jehovah God for His actions and the ransom sacrifice provided. Additionally, Naledi was overjoyed to discover that a relative was also baptised on the same memorable day.
John Ngombo, a member of the Convention Committee, shed light on the extensive preparations involved in organising the trilingual event which was conducted in Setswana, English, and Botswana Sign Language. A year in advance, the work begins with the securing of a suitable venue while also arranging for the supply of all necessary equipment to be used at the venue. Various departments were established to meticulously handle different aspects of the convention. Notably, all convention departments were staffed by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, young and old, male and female, with everything funded through voluntary donations.
John acknowledged that, after three years, it felt like starting anew. Although organising virtual conventions involved less effort, the anticipation of reuniting and working with fellow members made all the hard work worthwhile.
Each day of the convention concluded with a special talk broadcast live from Cape Town. In addition to Gaborone, four other regional conventions — Mbombela (Mpumalanga), Ladysmith (KZN), Midrand and Eikenhof Assembly Halls (Gauteng)— were connected. The special talks were translated into Setswana, South African Sign Language, Botswana Sign Language, Chichewa, Xhosa and Afrikaans, for the benefit of all. A total of 590 were baptised across the Five regional conventions.
Indeed, the convention proved to be an eagerly anticipated occasion for personal interactions and spiritual growth, leaving attendees rejuvenated and reinforcing the unity of the congregations. The overwhelming expressions of joy and gratitude from those in attendance are a testament to the lasting impact of this truly memorable event.