AT LEAST 924 people countrywide have been baptised at the “Imitate Jesus” regional conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses that have now entered the home stretch, the organisation has said.
by Staff Reporter
The Witnesses’ three-day convention series, which came 12 months after the historic international gathering, will demonstrate how Jesus’ example can give parents and children the tools to build stronger and more united families. The program will also include a stimulating examination of Jesus’ famed Sermon on the Mount.
Spokesperson for the organisation John Hunguka yesterday explained: “Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount offers timeless advice that can help parents to better use their time and resources to build a more secure and loving family environment.”
Hunguka added the events, which were scheduled over 12 consecutive weeks through October 18, have so far been attended by 58 251 people across the country.
He said the programme will be presented in whole or in part in Chinese (Mandarin), Chitonga (Zimbabwe), English, Ndebele (Zimbabwe), Shona, Swahili, and Zimbabwe Sign Language.
“We expect many more people to attend the conventions for the remaining part of the 39 regional gatherings. Expectations are high for this year’s convention largely due to the resounding success of our 2014 international convention in Harare, which was a milestone in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in this country,” Hunguka said.
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“This weekend conventions will be held for all Chinese Congregations and Groups and Western Suburbs (English) in Harare, Karoi, Mutasa North and at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music in Bulawayo (Zimbabwe Sign Language).”
He added: “This year’s convention theme recognises Jesus Christ as a universally known figure and a positive role model for people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
“We believe that for those that are looking to attend these events, they will enjoy the fresh presentation of significant events in Jesus’ life. This year’s programme is an interactive approach, incorporating meaningful and exciting video features that will show how we can benefit from imitating Jesus in our everyday lives.”
Following last year’s international convention gathering that was attended by over 82 000 people including some 3 500 delegates from mainly the United States of America, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, Kenya and Zambia among others, Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Walter Mzembi paid a “special visit” to the Witnesses’ world headquarters in New York to officially thank them for choosing Zimbabwe as an international convention site.
In an interview during the visit, Mzembi said: “The message I have from the ordinary people of Zimbabwe is, ‘Why can we not have a Jehovah’s Witness global convention in Harare every week?’ . . . My President sends his message of gratitude and would like to see you back again to carry on with your work in the development of faith in the country.”
Hunguka invited people of all ages to attend, adding the conventions were supported entirely by voluntary donations.
