By Tamas Mondovics
With the focus on the topic of loyalty, Jehovah’s Witnesses are anticipating another increase in attendees as they host this year’s annual conventions in the United States and around the world.
The same is anticipated to be true locally, as the witnesses once again cordially invite the general public in the Tampa Bay area to attend this summer’s convention entitled; “Remain Loyal to Jehovah.”
According to Joseph Lavore, a local spokesperson for the witnesses, joining millions in attendance at multiple three-day conventions simultaneously held worldwide, a series of five regional conventions have also been scheduled to be held locally at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.
In a press release, Lavore noted last year nearly 30,000 attended the conventions in Tampa and this year’s attendance is estimated to be over 35,000 from Tampa Bay and West Central Florida.
The series of three-day convention program is scheduled to start on Friday mornings and consists of a total of 49 different topics related to the main theme, focusing on how Christians can maintain loyalty to God in their lives.
In addition to the routine Bible-based talks and presentations that the witnesses are known for, this year’s convention is also boasting of 35 different videos and musical presentations, which have been prepared specifically for the program. Two short films will be shown on Saturday and Sunday entitled Hope for What We Do Not See and O Jehovah, I Trust in You.
“We strongly believe that loyalty is an essential part of any healthy relationship,” David A. Semonian, a spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses at their world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, stated in a press release, found on the official website, www.jw.org. “Our convention this year features content that will help people develop stronger bonds with friends, family members and, above all, with God. We are confident that all who attend will enjoy this program.”
The first two English language conventions in Tampa will be held the weekend of Friday, July 22 and Friday, July 29, followed by two Spanish language conventions on Friday, August 5, and August 12. A final English language convention will be held the weekend of August 19. Morning sessions start at 9:20 a.m., and afternoon sessions begin at 1:25 p.m.
Admission and parking is free and, as it is true at the witnesses’ place of worship in their local Kingdom Halls, no collections are taken. As in previous years, Jehovah’s Witnesses will engage in a door to door invitation campaign to promote interest in the program and encourage neighbors to attend. Visit www.jw.org.
