United in Faith Worldwide!

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 a decade, these conventions were held every summer at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses from all over the Midwest would stream into the city, filling hotels and restaurants during their stay.

In 2020, the pandemic unexpectedly interrupted that tradition moving the international religious organization to cancel in-person conventions throughout the world and launch a global virtual event. This 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, available in more than 500 languages to households throughout the globe during August 2021, uniting some 15-20 million people in 240 countries. Since the convention is typically held from Friday through Sunday, the program is available in six installments corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions.

Ian and Fallon Deshotels of Green Bay have missed seeing their friends at in-person conventions in the Resch Center, but they are thoroughly enjoying the 2021 online program from the convenience of their home. Ian looks forward to the conclusion of the featured Bible film, “Daniel: A Lifetime of Faith,” that will be part of the Sunday afternoon session. He already watched the first half during Saturday afternoon’s program. “Daniel has been a favorite Bible character of mine since I was a kid,” he said.

Josh Adema, of Kaukauna, Wis., agreed, “The Bible dramas that Jehovah’s Witnesses have produced take these amazing real-life accounts and visually reproduce them so that we can fully appreciate them.”

Adema’s wife, Stevi, is anxious for Sunday morning’s session that will focus on women. “As I looked at the program list of women that will be discussed, I noticed they are amazing, strong women that God noticed, helped and encouraged,” she said. “I’m sure it will give me faith and confidence that God will do the same for me, despite living in a world that does not always give women the advantage.”

Fallon Deshotels added, “I am interested to see what we can learn from these faithful women from the past and apply it to modern times.”

Lauren Allen, of Wautoma, Wis., said: “I appreciate how God has never viewed women as inferior or suppressed their voice. Instead, he has honored them and had their faithful examples preserved in his Word to benefit us all.”

The planning and translation of a program of this magnitude takes months of effort. With the uncertainty of whether it would be safe to bring thousands of people together in cities around the world, the organization opted for a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. However, the move has not curbed the enthusiasm for the annual event. Congregations around the world are inviting the public to join them in this historic occasion.

“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 like ROKU TV, Apple TV, and others. The program is free and accessible to all. The schedule for download and global streaming is listed below.

For more information, please contact Jehovah’s Witnesses United States at (718) 560-5600 or pid@jw.org.