Neighbor News
Baptism Highlights Jehovah's Witnesses Convention in Plant City
Full Immersion Baptism Marks Special Day for Many
PLANT CITY – 8/5/23 - Florida residents Estella Licurgo and Antônio Carlos Duarte, were eagerly anticipating August 5, 2023, the day they would step into the pool of the Plant City Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses to get baptized.
“I am so happy to have taken this important step in my life,” said 16-year-old Estella Licurgo of Orlando, Florida, who was baptized at the Plant City convention this weekend. “There was never any doubt that this day would come, and I want to continue giving my best to God, making a difference in people's lives, sharing with them the beautiful hope for the future that the Bible guarantees for us!”
“My journey to baptism has been a long one,” said Antônio Carlos Duarte, 78, of Pompano Beach, Florida, who began regular contact with Jehovah's Witnesses 20 years ago and was baptized at the Plant City convention this weekend. “But I know the most significant journey is just beginning, and I see a wide-open road ahead with many blessings!”
Find out what's happening in Plant Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Thousands looked on as they joined other congregants who were also fully immersed in the baptismal pool, highlighting the second day of the three-day “Exercise Patience”! Regional Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The morning session began at 9:20 a.m. and culminated with a talk preceding the baptism event. Another highlight of the convention’s second day was the first of a two-part prerecorded feature Bible drama.
“The Saturday program at our annual conventions is always a highlight of the three days,’” said Henry Wurfbain, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The significance of the baptism and the powerfully compelling drama in the afternoon make quite an impact on those attending.”
Find out what's happening in Plant Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world for more than 100 years prior to April 2020, when the organization canceled all their in-person events around the world. After resuming smaller in-person meetings and their public ministry during 2022, the summer of 2023 marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events around the world.
The convention is open to the public and no collection is taken. For more information on the program or to find other convention locations and dates, please go to jw.org and navigate to the “About Us” tab.