Jehovah’s Witnesses Honor Women of Strong Faith

Breaking a century-old tradition, the largest convention organization in the world has moved its annual in-person event to a virtual format for the second time in as many years, canceling nearly 6,000 conventions in 240 lands.

For more than 20 years, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Winston-Salem have streamed to the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum for multi-day programs on such topics as love, joy, courage and endurance. This year, the world’s largest convention organization will emphasize faith, including how modern-day Christians can learn the quality from notable women of the Bible.

“I find it heartwarming to see how our creator used women in addition to men. I feel valued by my heavenly father,” said Sonia Roberts, who attends the Reidsville Spanish congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Reidsville, NC. “The women highlighted on the program were of different ages and backgrounds. By reflecting on their powerful faith, it makes me want to imitate their examples.”

Some names will be familiar to those who watch the program, which is being streamed free-of-charge in more than 500 languages across 240 lands. Women such as Sarah, Rahab and Mary are well known to Bible readers. But other less prominent — though no less important — women will feature on the program as well, according to organization representatives.

“Our choice of role models today can have a positive or negative impact on our lives,” said Johnny Morales, a local representative of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The women mentioned in the bible are fine examples for us to imitate. Learning about their experiences and truly commendable qualities will help us to build and maintain our faith today.”

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly interrupted Jehovah’s Witnesses’ convention tradition, moving the international religious organization to cancel in-person events throughout the world and launch a global virtual program. It was a first for Jehovah’s Witnesses, who have held public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers and theaters around the world since 1897.

“Powerful by Faith!” is the theme of the 2021 global event, which is being delivered over six weekends during July and August to some 15-20 million expected viewers. The weekend program dedicated to women of strong faith will be available for streaming or download beginning August 9 and will remain indefinitely on the organization’s website.

“Faith has helped our global brotherhood to continue to thrive even during a pandemic,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Our faith will continue to unite us in worship — even virtually — as millions gather in private homes around the world to enjoy a powerful and inspiring spiritual program.”

All are invited to attend the event by going to www.jw.org on the web or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library app available for iOS or Android, or on streaming platforms such as ROKU TV, Apple TV and others. The program is free and accessible to all. The schedule for download and global streaming is listed below.