Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Philippines will converge in various streaming platforms for a global convention that will feature more than 500 languages beginning this month.
With the theme “Pursue Peace,” the convention will also be available in at least 10 Philippine languages namely Bicol, Cebuano, Chavacano, Filipino Sign Language, Hiligaynon, Ibanag, Iloko, Pangasinan, Tagalog, and Waray Waray.
Expected to attend the convention are people from 239 countries who will be watching the convention via jw.org on the web or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library app, or on streaming platforms such as ROKU TV or Apple TV.
The “Pursue Peace” convention comes at a time when conflicts, violence and the war in Europe continue to dominate news headlines.
“This convention is an object lesson in how peace is being achieved by a global community right now as it unites millions of people even in areas of conflict like Ukraine and Russia,” said James Morales, Philippines spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The power of the principles being discussed transcends national borders, ethnic differences and language barriers. Both individuals and families will benefit from attending the program.”
While peace is often defined as the absence of conflicts, the convention will discuss concerns that threatens one’s own personal peace.
The convention will feature topics like how love leads to inner peace and peace with others. It will also delve on why the Bible’s advice for marriage mates, parents, and children can be called “the road map to family peace.”
The convention will likewise tackle how individuals could attain peace even when suffering illness, economic problems, natural disasters or other difficulties.
VIRTUAL
Despite challenging situations, there will also be a video that will demonstrate what people from around the world are doing to enjoy peace. On the final day, the convention will explain why friendship with God can lead to true peace.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding global conventions for more than 100 years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the convention will again be held virtually, and will be released throughout the months of July and August. The three-day convention will be available in six parts, and no log in or registration is required.
Meanwhile, Jehovah’s Witnesses have also announced their return to public preaching activity for the first time since March 2020 when all in-person forms of their volunteer work were suspended due to COVID-19.
“While we understand that the pandemic is not over, we are entering into a phase of learning to live with COVID-19. We are sensitive to the risks that still face our communities and our volunteers, which is why we will not resume door-to-door ministry at this time,” said Morales.
MOBILE CART DISPLAYS
Globally and in the Philippines, for example, they are resuming mobile cart displays of Bible-based literature which started in the U.S. in 2011. While the so-called “cart witnessing” began in large metropolitan areas around the world, they quickly spread to the tens of thousands of smaller communities, becoming a fixture in rail and bus stations, airports, harbors and busy streets.
With this, thousands of these cart displays will now be seen throughout the country and all across the world as Jehovah’s Witnesses begin their global public preaching work.
“The people are excited to receive again copies of magazines and literatures which they missed during our absence in public witnessing for the past two years,” said Jahaziel Macute from Biñan, Laguna.
Among the literature titles that can be found in the carts are Enjoy Life Forever, Your Family Can Be Happy, Answers to 10 Questions Young People Ask, and recent issues of the Awake! and The Watchtower magazines.
FREE IN-PERSON BIBLE STUDIES
Morales said that while Jehovah’s Witnesses will still not engage in door-to-door preaching activity, they will resume free in-person Bible studies along with personal visits to those who have invited them back to their homes.
This comes two months after the organization announced the return of their in-person meetings in their places of worship called “Kingdom Halls.” Attendees also have the option to join their weekly meetings online.
All in-person meetings and public ministry arrangements will adhere to local health standards.
There are more than 8.6 million Jehovah’s Witnesses in 239 lands. In the Philippines, there are about 235,000 members of the religious organization. More information about their faith can be found on jw.org, known to be the world’s most translated website for featuring content in more than 1,000 languages.
