By Asuquo Cletus
With the Theme “Declare The Good News”, the Jehovah’s witnesses a global religious organization, has held an historic regional convention at the God’swill Akpabio international Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital.
With “No Entry Fee”, the convention draws delegates of English speaking congregations in Calabar, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo.
It began on Friday 19th December to Sunday 22nd 2024, welcoming 943 new disciples who symbolized themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses through water baptism.
The event featured an array of drama, videos, symposiums, talks, real life experiences, interviews, and encouragement focused on why Christians should actively preach the “Good news”.
These activities were highlighted with a three day biblical theme drawn from Luke 2:10, Psalms 96:2, Mathew 24:14, targeted at urging congregants to recommit themselves to loving one another, as well as preach the good news zealously.
The convention highlighted the good news that came to man as a result of Jesus Christ coming into the world. One of the talks highlighted that there is a lot of bad news today. However, delegates were admonished to find solace in Christ whose birth and coming into the world is good news.
The Declare the Good News convention presented Bible-based videos, discussions, and interviews on topics such as ‘Why Do We Need Good News?’ ‘What Will You Do’ ‘for the Sake of the Good News?’ Why We Don’t Fear Bad News’ ‘Hold Firmly to the Good News—Why and How?.
The regional convention, also offered an expository into the life of Luke, Zechariah, Simeon, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, Jesus, Mathew, and John.
Speaking on the baptismal talk “Continue to be submissive to the good news” drawn from Hebrews 13:17, 1Timothy 4:12-16, Brother Samuel Olanrewaju, a member of the branch committee urged the delegates, to set spiritual goals and work hard in achieving them.
He noted that as the end of the world is drawing near, Christians need to stop preaching bad news, but good news which will help them remain focused on their faith, undeterred by challenges.
“Let us remain steadfast in our faith, and support one another in our quest to spread the good news.
“Your conducts should reflect on the importance of Christian values, such as love, kindness, and humility.
“Set goals, and work towards achieving then both in your words and actions. You can do this by preaching about the good news, and help honest hearted ones to come into the truth and worship our heavenly Father Jehovah.”-Brother Samuel Olanrewaju said.
Primetime gathered that with over 8 Million of its members globally, the 2024 Declare the Good News Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses is being held in over 500 languages in atleast 240 countries, at “No entry fee”. The convention is being done in Pidgin English, Yoruba Language, English Language and American Sign Language across 48 locations.
In Nigeria, the 2024 “Declare The Good News” regional convention which began in August, had in attendance Over 25,000 delegates in Abuja, 44,000 in Port Harcourt, and 32,000 in Uyo among others
