Jehovah’s Witnesses in Metro Manila and throughout the country have started holding their series of conventions that feature baptism and a Bible drama as among the highly anticipated sessions during their Saturday program.
Both the baptism and the Bible drama will be part of the second of the three-day “Exercise Patience”! Regional Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses will run until August 27 this year.
The morning session begins at 9:20 a.m. and culminates with a talk preceding the baptism event.
Another highlight of the convention’s second day will be the first of a two-part prerecorded feature Bible drama with title “Commit your way to Jehovah.”
“The Saturday program at our annual conventions is always a highlight of the three days. The significance of the baptism and the powerfully compelling drama in the afternoon make quite an impact on those attending,” said James Morales, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Morales said that baptism arrangements continued despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Baptism talks were conducted via video streaming, while the actual baptism ceremony was performed in full compliance with the existing health protocols.
From March 2020 to December 2022 alone, there have been more than 19,700 individuals who got baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Philippines.
Globally, there are more than 8.6 million Jehovah’s Witnesses in 239 lands.
For one, Cristine Villagracia eagerly anticipated her baptism at the Metro Manila Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses last May 27.
“When I studied the Bible, my love for Jehovah God grew and this moved me to dedicate myself to him. I feel excited and very happy because I know that getting baptized is much more valuable than any fame or material things that the world could offer. I thank Jehovah for drawing me to him and letting me know his ways,” said Cristine.
To become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Morales explained that an individual must first study the Bible with them, and apply what they learn by making significant changes in their thinking and behavior.
It is important for them to understand the teachings of the Bible and afterward, they can make a personal decision to get baptized.
“As long as a person can make a personal decision to learn, accept, and apply what the Bible teaches, they can be baptized regardless of age. Some choose to be baptized as children, while others may decide to do so even in old age. Ultimately, each individual must make their own choice regarding their worship,” he said.
The convention is open to the public and no collection is taken. For more information on the program or to find convention locations and dates, please go to jw.org and navigate to the “About Us” tab.
The Bible-based brochure “Enjoy Life Forever” is also available for download in a number of Filipino languages.
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