Love takes central stage at regional convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Admin l Monday, November 18, 2019
LAGOS, Nigeria – The widely advertised 2019 Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Love Never Fails! has continued to bring together large crowds of people across Nigeria. In and around Lagos State, the convention series has continued in the towns of Badagry, Lekki, Ota, Ibadan and Daluwon. It is also being held in 31 other venues throughout Nigeria.
The audience was motivated to display unfailing love as they listened to the fifth in the series of symposiums entitled, “Display Unfailing love…”. This symposium focused on both Witnesses and non-Witnesses in the congregation – the widows and the fatherless, the elderly, fulltime ministers, as well as strangers. Mr. Moses Tolulope Bisiriyu, the first speaker in the symposium, reminded the delegates that Jesus Christ set the perfect pattern of displaying love, when he “gave himself for us”. Following his example, the delegates must “go on walking in love” displaying this quality every day without let-up.
He then urged the delegates to display unfailing love to those taking the lead in the congregation by obeying them, supporting their decisions, praying for them and commending their efforts.
The last speaker, at the Love Never Fails Convention, Mr. Paul Alisu reminded the delegates to show this unfailing love to foreign residents by giving them practical assistance and spiritual support. Referring to the “World Migration Report” of 2018, he said “in 2015, there were an estimated 244 million international migrants globally, among these are fellow witnesses who may have settled in our area. Since Jehovah gave special consideration to foreign residents among his people in the past, delegates must imitate Him”.
They can do so by considering what foreign residents have gone through and what their needs are now; by rendering practical assistance to them; giving them spiritual support; be willing to spend time, effort, and resources needed for their benefit and helping non-witness foreigners in their community to learn the Bible truth.
Included in the programmes at Love Never Fails Convention is a long feature film entitled “The Story of Josiah: Love Jehovah; Hate What Is Bad. The attendance of over 2,200 were fully attentive to this 35-minute-long video featuring the ancient biblical account of Josiah. Using pre-modern costumes and imagery, the old event was brought to alive. A young lad of 8 years old became an Israelite king. In an ancient world like Josiah’s days, parents have a strong influence on one’s belief, way of life, religion, Josiah turned the table around. His wayward father Amon set a very bad example, yet Josiah proved loyal to God.
This bible account, recorded in 2 Chronicles 33:10-24; 34:1,2 shows how Josiah searched for God with all his heart and became the last good king in Israel. He overcame strong negative influence from worshippers of Baal – a false god in ancient Orientals – and wayward example of his father. The attendances drew the wonderful lessons from the film, particularly needed now in a world where bad habits are portrayed as good habit. Young ones can take a stand for what is right.
Some of the delegates where interviewed about their personal conviction and impressions of the convention. One of the delegates, Mr. Benjamin Omidina, is 74 yrs old and have been a Jehovah’s Witness for 64 years. He relates how conventions were organised in the past. “Conventions in those days took longer days and the sessions lasted much longer hours. Convention locations were constructed with bamboos.”
Later the temporary structures were replaced with beautiful edifice like the one used in Lekki. Conventions were “interesting festive time, and the young ones looked forward to getting meal tickets to pick up varieties of foods at the Cafeteria”. Dramas and re-enactments were key highlights then.
Talking about the changes over time on organisational structure of their conventions Mr. Charles Okoroji who is 66 years and have been a witness for 44 years said there have been “many changes and simplifications. From 4 to 3 days. Days of drama rehearsals involving many man hours to feature films (removed), video drama now introduced to make it more precise, accurate. This enhance the oneness of their faith worldwide.”
The happy delegates have many benefits from the 3 days course on displaying the excellent quality of Love. Mr. Omidina said: “I have been tremendously built up, and my appreciation for Jehovah’s love towards mankind has been fortified. I see that it is a great privilege and undeserved kindness on Jehovah’s part to allow lowly humans of clay, like me, to worship Him. I cannot be more grateful!!!” According to Mr. Okoroji, the conventions “have opened my eyes wider to see [Bible] truth in better light. The unity, oneness of the faith, love, and resolve of many servants of Jehovah to keep going even in the face of immense danger. I thank Jehovah for his Organization”.
The 2019 Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be held in 6 continents, over 200 countries and over 400 languages. Over 50 of such conventions will be held in and around Lagos – Lekki, Badagry, Daluwon, and Ota. The program will be presented in English, Gun, Pidgin, Yoruba Igbo and French. More information about the conventions may be found on jw.org. website. The conventions continue during the next 3 weekends in Daluwon, Lekki, Ota, Ibadan and Badagry.
