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 experienced thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses from all over the Midwest streaming into its hotels and restaurants during their convention days each summer.

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.

Baptism is an important feature of these events, allowing individuals to make their dedication to God public. Along with the shift to a virtual program, concern for safety prompted the need for baptisms to take place at private locations.

When Audrey Gomas, 10, informed parents Jonathan and Susy Gomas of her desire to be baptized, they arranged to use a small inflatable pool at their Milwaukee home and connected loved ones to the event with videoconferencing.

Jonathan Gomas said that respect for life and love for others were guiding principles when making preparations for the occasion. “We considered what was really essential and took advantage of technology so that friends and family from around the world could share it with us without putting them or my family at risk,” he explained.

“I was happy that everyone I knew and loved could be there to see it,” said Audrey.

“It felt very personal and focused the event on our family and Jehovah,” expressed Susy Gomas.

Just 40 miles away in Hartford, Wis., the Muniz family, too, held their own private baptism for their young daughter, Akiane.

Despite the unusual circumstances necessitated by the pandemic, 12-year-old Akiane was convinced that this was the right time for her to get baptized. “I really love Jehovah and I knew if it was what I wanted to do, I couldn’t wait any longer,” she shared.

“Powerful by Faith!” is the theme of the 2021 global event, delivered in more than 500 languages to households throughout the globe 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.

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.