In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jehovah’s Witnesses globally have moved their large annual conventions online. Across the globe, in hundreds of languages simultaneously, Jehovah’s Witnesses will be attending the program virtually.
The theme of the 2020 program is “Always Rejoice!”, which seems to be a fitting topic as the tagline for the convention trailer is “Learn how to find joy even when life is difficult.” Life is difficult now and we could all use a little more joy. The Convention program outline is available online or for download on JW.org.
A preview of the Convention is available to watch online.
Also a trailer for the feature film Nehemiah: ‘The Joy of Jehovah Is Your Stronghold’ — “Nehemiah is faced with opposition as he tries to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and the people’s spirituality. How will he do it? Nehemiah wanted to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. But the walls weren’t the only things that were broken. How would Jehovah teach his people what true joy is?”
The latest coronavirus update from the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Brother Anthony Morris III clearly stated a Bible principle from Proverbs 14:16 and connected recklessness and overconfidence during the pandemic has literally cost lives. Brother Morris later stated that they will monitor the lifting of governmental restr.ictions and evaluate the impact it has before lifting restrictions the organization has implemented internally.
So as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic the annual convention that was previously scheduled for the Cable Dahmer Arena (formerly Independence Event Center) in Independence, MO has been cancelled. However, this cancellation was not an isolated incident, the 2020 “Always Rejoice!” convention program has been cancelled worldwide. Although in-person conventions are cancelled, nearly everyone across the globe can watch the program simultaneously in many languages.
Presently the program appears to be available to download in 420 languages, including dozens of sign languages. Here are some highlights from the convention program taken from the Convention invitation page found on JW.org at ‘About Us’ > ‘Conventions’ :
- Friday Sessions: See how husbands, wives, parents, and children can find and promote joy in the family. Discover how the natural world and our ability to observe it reveal God’s desire for us to be happy.
- Saturday Sessions: Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses share the Bible’s joyful message around the globe? Through a series of talks, videos, and interviews, learn the Scriptural basis for our preaching and teaching.
- Sunday Sessions: The Bible promises that God’s blessing “makes one rich, and He adds no pain with it.” (Proverbs 10:22) Hear the Bible-based talk “Enjoy Riches Without Pain—How?” and consider reasons why you can trust that promise.
- Bible Drama: How can you benefit from the courage and zeal of the Bible character Nehemiah? During the Saturday and Sunday sessions, watch the two-part Bible drama “The Joy of Jehovah Is Your Stronghold.”—Nehemiah 8:10.
According to reports each day’s morning then afternoon sessions will be released over the coming weeks. You can download or stream the program videos by following the ‘Watch the Convention‘ link at the bottom of the Convention invitation page.
If you say nothing else about Jehovah’s Witnesses you must admit that they are a united people who place a high value on life and have even adjusted their ministry for the good of public health. If you haven’t received a letter in the mail yet from one of Jehovah’s Witnesses be on the lookout. Maybe it will be from me:)
Cover photo by Jonas Jacobsson on Unsplash