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 100 years, Wisconsin has hosted these events, most recently held in Green Bay’s Resch Center. Every summer thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses from all over the Midwest would stream in and frequent local hotels and restaurants during their convention stays.

Mike and Gayle Torrez from Green Bay have enjoyed those conventions for decades. Mike, of the
Oneida Nation, said: “To have mixed marriages and people of different backgrounds getting
together without any animosity is really something unique that you can’t explain. You have to
see it.”

One Oneida relative who worked with the Patrol Division of the Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department commented on the peaceful convention atmosphere. He was “definitely impressed,” Mike said.

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.

Whereas the Torrezes have missed seeing the friends they have made over the years at in person conventions, the shift to the virtual programs has offered several advantages. “I like
that it is at a slower pace,” said Gayle. “I can view certain programs and then even rewind to
hear them again. I like that a lot.”

Mike added: “I have a hard time paying attention sometimes, so it helps me focus a little more. Taking notes is a lot easier.”

Mike and Gayle hope others from the Oneida Nation will watch segments of the 2021 virtual convention. “I see a lot of principles that are found in the Scriptures,” Mike said. “If they would be applied, families would accelerate to a closer relationship with the Creator.”

“Powerful by Faith!” is the theme of the 2021 global event, which will be delivered in more than 500 languages to households throughout the globe over six weekends during July and August 2021, uniting some 15-20 million people in 240 countries. Since the convention is typically held from Friday through Sunday, the program will be available in six installments corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions. “Friday” morning’s session has been available for streaming or download since June 28, 2021.

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.