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00:00:01 Welcome, brothers and sisters. 00:00:05 In this program, we’re going to discuss 00:00:07 the joy of in-person conventions. 00:00:10 But first, here are a few updates. 00:00:14 After nearly 20 years, 00:00:17 on April 26, 2023, 00:00:20 the government of Spain approved a historic adjustment 00:00:23 to the country’s tax exemption law. 00:00:27 This decision confirms that Jehovah’s Witnesses 00:00:30 are a well-known and respected religion in Spain. 00:00:35 In addition, the adjustment exempts our brothers 00:00:38 from having to pay property tax on theocratic facilities in the country. 00:00:43 It also allows individuals in Spain who support the work 00:00:46 to obtain a tax deduction on their contributions. 00:00:50 We’re very grateful for this positive development. 00:00:55 Also, as reported on jw.org, 00:00:58 we’re very pleased that on May 16, 2023, 00:01:03 Brother Shamil Khakimov was released from prison in Tajikistan 00:01:07 after fulfilling his prison sentence. 00:01:10 You might recall that he was first detained 00:01:12 in February 2019. 00:01:16 He spent over four years in prison for his faith. 00:01:21 He plans to get some much-needed rest 00:01:23 and is being helped to receive necessary medical care. 00:01:27 We’re very happy for you, Brother Khakimov! 00:01:31 Your faithful endurance encourages all of us. 00:01:36 Of course, we continue to keep close in mind 00:01:39 the over 180 brothers and sisters 00:01:42 who are still imprisoned for their faith. 00:01:45 The apostle Paul wrote at Philippians 1:14: 00:01:50 “Now most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence 00:01:53 “because of my prison bonds, 00:01:56 “and they are showing all the more courage 00:01:59 to speak the word of God fearlessly.” 00:02:03 Just as first-century Christians 00:02:05 were encouraged by Paul’s faithful example, 00:02:08 the faith of those imprisoned in our day 00:02:11 impels us to share the Kingdom good news with zeal. 00:02:16 But can such faithful ones in prison 00:02:18 be sure of Jehovah’s blessing and protection? 00:02:24 Isaiah’s prophecy highlights what Jehovah promised 00:02:27 for his cleansed people. 00:02:29 Note Isaiah 4:5, 6. 00:02:36 It says: “Jehovah will also create 00:02:39 “over the whole site of Mount Zion 00:02:42 “and over the place of her conventions 00:02:44 “a cloud and smoke by day 00:02:46 “and a bright flaming fire by night; 00:02:49 “for over all the glory there will be a shelter. 00:02:53 “And there will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, 00:02:56 and for refuge and protection from storms and the rain.” 00:03:01 These verses highlight the spiritual protection 00:03:04 that Jehovah offered his servants in the past 00:03:06 and, by extension, to us today. 00:03:10 How so? 00:03:12 Verse 5 says that Jehovah will create 00:03:14 over his people “a cloud,” “smoke,” and “a bright flaming fire.” 00:03:19 These remind us of how Jehovah cared 00:03:22 for the Israelites after they left Egypt. 00:03:25 He used a “pillar of fire and cloud” to protect and to lead them. 00:03:30 No, Jehovah doesn’t promise us 00:03:33 miraculous physical protection; 00:03:35 nor does he prevent the heat of persecution 00:03:38 or storms of opposition from bearing down on us. 00:03:42 But as verse 6 explains, 00:03:44 he does protect us spiritually, 00:03:47 as if building ‘a booth for shade and for protection from the rainstorm.’ 00:03:53 What’s the point? 00:03:55 Jehovah promises to be with his faithful servants 00:03:59 wherever they are 00:04:01 —even if they’re boxed in by four prison walls. 00:04:05 Jehovah is our Protector. 00:04:09 His holy spirit gives us joy and peace. 00:04:12 No human can tear down ‘the booth of protection’ 00:04:15 that Jehovah builds. 00:04:18 As long as we maintain our integrity, 00:04:20 our future is secure. 00:04:24 Did you notice another place 00:04:26 where Jehovah’s cloud of spiritual protection is? 00:04:30 Verse 5 says it would be 00:04:32 ‘over the place of his servants’ conventions.’ 00:04:35 We’re very excited that it’s convention season once again 00:04:39 —this time in person! 00:04:41 We’re eager to share in the invitation campaign 00:04:44 and thrilled to be together in person for conventions 00:04:48 for the first time since 2019. 00:04:52 Just last week, my wife and I received a letter from a sister 00:04:57 who will soon be attending the regional convention 00:04:59 and the Pioneer Service School. 00:05:01 She wrote: 00:05:04 “I usually wait to write to you until after the events, 00:05:07 “but this year, I did not want to delay in letting you know how happy, 00:05:11 “how excited, how spiritually blessed I know we will be 00:05:14 “after each of these special occasions. 00:05:18 “How do I know it will be perfect, 00:05:20 “just what we need at each event? 00:05:23 “Because of the track record. 00:05:26 “Jehovah’s hand is not short. 00:05:30 “Not once have we been disappointed or thinking, 00:05:33 “‘I wish for something else.’ 00:05:35 Thank you.” 00:05:38 What an expression of faith! 00:05:42 This certainly is pleasing to our heavenly Father, Jehovah, 00:05:46 and to his Son, the head of the Christian congregation. 00:05:51 Over the years, convention arrangements have been simplified 00:05:55 so that we can focus more on the spiritual program. 00:05:59 For example, do you recall when meals were served at our conventions? 00:06:04 Arrangements varied globally. 00:06:07 But no doubt you’ll enjoy this brief report on how things were done 00:06:10 over the years in the United States. 00:06:14 In the United States, providing meals 00:06:16 for fellow convention attendees extends all the way 00:06:19 back to the 1890’s. 00:06:21 However, the sheer magnitude of the task 00:06:24 took on new dimensions in the 1940’s when the size of conventions grew. 00:06:29 Many volunteers were needed 00:06:31 to procure, receive, prepare, and serve 00:06:34 three hot meals a day to delegates. 00:06:39 An example of this was the eight-day 00:06:41 New World Society Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses 00:06:44 held in Yankee Stadium in 1953. 00:06:48 Some 130,000 attended on average each day! 00:06:52 The cafeteria was operated 00:06:55 by 4,500 volunteers, with the capacity to provide 00:06:59 30,000 meals per hour. 00:07:01 Although food service volunteers were happy to work 00:07:04 in behalf of convention attendees, 00:07:06 they often worked many hours and heard very little 00:07:09 or none of the program and often had to attend a second convention to listen. 00:07:14 So in 1978, 00:07:16 food service operations were simplified in many places. 00:07:19 Instead of a cafeteria meal, refreshment stands 00:07:22 were used and featured a simplified menu. 00:07:25 This made it possible for the vast majority 00:07:28 of food service volunteers to hear the spiritual program. 00:07:31 Further simplifications were made in 1987 00:07:33 when hot food items were no longer provided, 00:07:36 thus eliminating the need for natural gas, 00:07:39 oven trailers, and the like. 00:07:40 For decades, meal tickets were available for purchase 00:07:44 and were exchanged for food items. 00:07:47 These tickets were designed so that no change was needed, 00:07:50 thus expediting the purchase of food. 00:07:54 Here’s a sample menu. 00:07:56 The menu showed how many tickets 00:07:57 were required to purchase each item. 00:08:01 Finally, in 1995, 00:08:02 arrangements for food service at conventions were discontinued. 00:08:07 Instead, delegates were encouraged to bring their own food 00:08:10 and enjoy association on location during the noon break. 00:08:15 As a result, we no longer need to wait in line, 00:08:18 we have more time to spend with friends on-site, 00:08:21 and this arrangement is easier for our older and infirm ones. 00:08:24 We continue to benefit from this simplified arrangement today. 00:08:32 So in order to enjoy association during the noon break, 00:08:36 we encourage everyone to bring a light lunch, 00:08:39 which will also help us to stay awake during the afternoon session. 00:08:45 As we return to in-person conventions, 00:08:48 perhaps we’ll feel like those from Eastern Europe 00:08:51 who attended international conventions in Poland in 1989. 00:08:55 That was the first convention ever for most of those delegates, 00:09:00 although many had been in the truth for 30 years or more. 00:09:04 One delegate from the former Soviet Union said: 00:09:10 “For many years we have been waiting for this day, 00:09:14 “and now we are here at this international convention. 00:09:18 “We find it difficult to grasp 00:09:20 “all of this and take it all in. 00:09:23 “It is like a dream. 00:09:25 “It is impossible to express in words everything we have seen and heard. 00:09:30 “When we saw the gigantic, bowl-shaped stadium full of people 00:09:34 “and heard the music, our eyes filled with tears. 00:09:39 “And the prayer 00:09:42 “—while all of us were motionlessly united— 00:09:45 “sent cold shivers down our backs. 00:09:48 “It was so solemn and unanimous. 00:09:53 “This convention in Warsaw is such a splendid 00:09:55 “and grand event that only the new world will be better. 00:09:58 “We will always remember these wonderful days. 00:10:01 “It is something one cannot forget. 00:10:04 “Special thanks and glory 00:10:07 be to our Creator, Jehovah God!” 00:10:10 The Awake! of December 22, 1989, reported: 00:10:16 “The singing at the conventions was noteworthy, 00:10:19 “as tens of thousands sang in unison in over 20 different languages, 00:10:23 “all expressing the same thoughts 00:10:25 in a spirit of love and unity.” 00:10:31 As mentioned in the May broadcast, 00:10:34 we encourage you to learn the new original song, 00:10:37 “It Will Not Be Late!” 00:10:40 During the pandemic, we missed singing at large conventions. 00:10:44 This year, to quote Psalm 7:17, 00:10:48 we’ll again “sing praises to the name of Jehovah the Most High” 00:10:52 at our conventions! 00:10:54 I still remember attending conventions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when I was a kid. 00:11:00 It was thrilling to hear Kingdom melodies 00:11:02 echoing in a large stadium 00:11:05 that had been converted into a house of worship. 00:11:08 Many of you will remember this stirring Kingdom melody from 1981. 00:11:40 Do you have similar memories? 00:11:42 If you were baptized during the pandemic, 00:11:46 then this year’s convention will likely be your first in person. 00:11:50 You too will form memories that will last a lifetime. 00:11:55 That’s how many of our brothers and sisters felt 00:11:58 when they recently attended the “Exercise Patience”! Convention. 00:12:12 We’re here at the Newburgh, New York, “Exercise Patience”! Convention. 00:12:16 This is my first convention as a baptized Witness. 00:12:19 It’s a joy to be with our family today and get 00:12:22 the spiritual food that we need. 00:12:24 It’s clear that Jehovah’s people 00:12:25 haven’t forgotten how to laugh and hug each other 00:12:28 —love each other. 00:12:29 Being in person, being able to really hear everybody sing together, 00:12:33 talking with everybody in person is— 00:12:35 You just can’t beat it. 00:12:38 The singing is beautiful. 00:12:39 When we were doing it on Zoom, you didn’t hear the voices. 00:12:42 So to see all the voices singing together, 00:12:45 the harmony, is just— You feel it more. 00:12:49 The theme “Exercise Patience!” is a great theme 00:12:52 because that’s something that we don’t have today in this world. 00:12:55 It seems like what’s presented matches exactly what we’re dealing with 00:12:59 in our lives and what we see happening in the world. 00:13:02 It’s phenomenal the way that you could follow along 00:13:04 and how it makes the Bible so much easier to understand. 00:13:08 All the videos and meeting new friends 00:13:10 and seeing even my old friends that I haven’t seen in a while— 00:13:13 I love that you can sit and have a meal 00:13:15 with someone you’ve never met before and you have something in common. 00:13:18 You can talk about the program, 00:13:20 and by the end of the meal, you’ve become great friends. 00:13:24 To get our family ready for a convention 00:13:28 is a lot of work as a mom. 00:13:31 But conventions draw us closer as families 00:13:34 because we’re all worshipping Jehovah together. 00:13:38 For someone who’s never been to a convention before, 00:13:42 I’d tell them that the experience is going to change their life. 00:13:45 They’re going to see and feel a different type of love 00:13:48 that they probably never felt before. 00:13:50 Now being here together and seeing them in person, 00:13:53 it’s a different feel. 00:13:54 It’s so beautiful. 00:13:56 You get together with so many people —so loving. 00:13:59 It’s almost like a taste of the Paradise right here, right now. 00:14:04 You are going to love this year’s convention! 00:14:09 Did any of the photos in our update 00:14:11 make you think about special conventions? 00:14:14 When are the next ones planned? 00:14:17 We’re pleased to inform you that 15 special conventions 00:14:21 in countries around the world are being planned for 2024! 00:14:26 The locations and dates will be announced in the coming months. 00:14:31 So, what have we discussed in this update? 00:14:35 We’re reminded that Jehovah is our Protector. 00:14:40 But this doesn’t mean we’ll have a problem-free life in this system of things. 00:14:45 However, when we face challenges, 00:14:47 we know that Jehovah is with us. 00:14:52 He protects us spiritually 00:14:54 and provides “the power beyond what is normal” 00:14:56 so we can endure trials faithfully. 00:15:01 And we’re very excited for our “Exercise Patience”! Regional Conventions! 00:15:06 May Jehovah bless the invitation campaign 00:15:09 and your efforts to attend all three days in person! 00:15:16 As Paul wrote to Timothy in his first letter, chapter 1, verse 2: 00:15:21 “May you have undeserved kindness and mercy and peace 00:15:26 from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 00:15:30 We love you all very much! 00:15:34 From the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 00:15:36 this is JW Broadcasting®.
00:00:01 Welcome, brothers and sisters. 00:00:05 In this program, we’re going to discuss 00:00:07 the joy of in-person conventions. 00:00:10 But first, here are a few updates. 00:00:14 After nearly 20 years, 00:00:17 on April 26, 2023, 00:00:20 the government of Spain approved a historic adjustment 00:00:23 to the country’s tax exemption law. 00:00:27 This decision confirms that Jehovah’s Witnesses 00:00:30 are a well-known and respected religion in Spain. 00:00:35 In addition, the adjustment exempts our brothers 00:00:38 from having to pay property tax on theocratic facilities in the country. 00:00:43 It also allows individuals in Spain who support the work 00:00:46 to obtain a tax deduction on their contributions. 00:00:50 We’re very grateful for this positive development. 00:00:55 Also, as reported on jw.org, 00:00:58 we’re very pleased that on May 16, 2023, 00:01:03 Brother Shamil Khakimov was released from prison in Tajikistan 00:01:07 after fulfilling his prison sentence. 00:01:10 You might recall that he was first detained 00:01:12 in February 2019. 00:01:16 He spent over four years in prison for his faith. 00:01:21 He plans to get some much-needed rest 00:01:23 and is being helped to receive necessary medical care. 00:01:27 We’re very happy for you, Brother Khakimov! 00:01:31 Your faithful endurance encourages all of us. 00:01:36 Of course, we continue to keep close in mind 00:01:39 the over 180 brothers and sisters 00:01:42 who are still imprisoned for their faith. 00:01:45 The apostle Paul wrote at Philippians 1:14: 00:01:50 “Now most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence 00:01:53 “because of my prison bonds, 00:01:56 “and they are showing all the more courage 00:01:59 to speak the word of God fearlessly.” 00:02:03 Just as first-century Christians 00:02:05 were encouraged by Paul’s faithful example, 00:02:08 the faith of those imprisoned in our day 00:02:11 impels us to share the Kingdom good news with zeal. 00:02:16 But can such faithful ones in prison 00:02:18 be sure of Jehovah’s blessing and protection? 00:02:24 Isaiah’s prophecy highlights what Jehovah promised 00:02:27 for his cleansed people. 00:02:29 Note Isaiah 4:5, 6. 00:02:36 It says: “Jehovah will also create 00:02:39 “over the whole site of Mount Zion 00:02:42 “and over the place of her conventions 00:02:44 “a cloud and smoke by day 00:02:46 “and a bright flaming fire by night; 00:02:49 “for over all the glory there will be a shelter. 00:02:53 “And there will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, 00:02:56 and for refuge and protection from storms and the rain.” 00:03:01 These verses highlight the spiritual protection 00:03:04 that Jehovah offered his servants in the past 00:03:06 and, by extension, to us today. 00:03:10 How so? 00:03:12 Verse 5 says that Jehovah will create 00:03:14 over his people “a cloud,” “smoke,” and “a bright flaming fire.” 00:03:19 These remind us of how Jehovah cared 00:03:22 for the Israelites after they left Egypt. 00:03:25 He used a “pillar of fire and cloud” to protect and to lead them. 00:03:30 No, Jehovah doesn’t promise us 00:03:33 miraculous physical protection; 00:03:35 nor does he prevent the heat of persecution 00:03:38 or storms of opposition from bearing down on us. 00:03:42 But as verse 6 explains, 00:03:44 he does protect us spiritually, 00:03:47 as if building ‘a booth for shade and for protection from the rainstorm.’ 00:03:53 What’s the point? 00:03:55 Jehovah promises to be with his faithful servants 00:03:59 wherever they are 00:04:01 —even if they’re boxed in by four prison walls. 00:04:05 Jehovah is our Protector. 00:04:09 His holy spirit gives us joy and peace. 00:04:12 No human can tear down ‘the booth of protection’ 00:04:15 that Jehovah builds. 00:04:18 As long as we maintain our integrity, 00:04:20 our future is secure. 00:04:24 Did you notice another place 00:04:26 where Jehovah’s cloud of spiritual protection is? 00:04:30 Verse 5 says it would be 00:04:32 ‘over the place of his servants’ conventions.’ 00:04:35 We’re very excited that it’s convention season once again 00:04:39 —this time in person! 00:04:41 We’re eager to share in the invitation campaign 00:04:44 and thrilled to be together in person for conventions 00:04:48 for the first time since 2019. 00:04:52 Just last week, my wife and I received a letter from a sister 00:04:57 who will soon be attending the regional convention 00:04:59 and the Pioneer Service School. 00:05:01 She wrote: 00:05:04 “I usually wait to write to you until after the events, 00:05:07 “but this year, I did not want to delay in letting you know how happy, 00:05:11 “how excited, how spiritually blessed I know we will be 00:05:14 “after each of these special occasions. 00:05:18 “How do I know it will be perfect, 00:05:20 “just what we need at each event? 00:05:23 “Because of the track record. 00:05:26 “Jehovah’s hand is not short. 00:05:30 “Not once have we been disappointed or thinking, 00:05:33 “‘I wish for something else.’ 00:05:35 Thank you.” 00:05:38 What an expression of faith! 00:05:42 This certainly is pleasing to our heavenly Father, Jehovah, 00:05:46 and to his Son, the head of the Christian congregation. 00:05:51 Over the years, convention arrangements have been simplified 00:05:55 so that we can focus more on the spiritual program. 00:05:59 For example, do you recall when meals were served at our conventions? 00:06:04 Arrangements varied globally. 00:06:07 But no doubt you’ll enjoy this brief report on how things were done 00:06:10 over the years in the United States. 00:06:14 In the United States, providing meals 00:06:16 for fellow convention attendees extends all the way 00:06:19 back to the 1890’s. 00:06:21 However, the sheer magnitude of the task 00:06:24 took on new dimensions in the 1940’s when the size of conventions grew. 00:06:29 Many volunteers were needed 00:06:31 to procure, receive, prepare, and serve 00:06:34 three hot meals a day to delegates. 00:06:39 An example of this was the eight-day 00:06:41 New World Society Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses 00:06:44 held in Yankee Stadium in 1953. 00:06:48 Some 130,000 attended on average each day! 00:06:52 The cafeteria was operated 00:06:55 by 4,500 volunteers, with the capacity to provide 00:06:59 30,000 meals per hour. 00:07:01 Although food service volunteers were happy to work 00:07:04 in behalf of convention attendees, 00:07:06 they often worked many hours and heard very little 00:07:09 or none of the program and often had to attend a second convention to listen. 00:07:14 So in 1978, 00:07:16 food service operations were simplified in many places. 00:07:19 Instead of a cafeteria meal, refreshment stands 00:07:22 were used and featured a simplified menu. 00:07:25 This made it possible for the vast majority 00:07:28 of food service volunteers to hear the spiritual program. 00:07:31 Further simplifications were made in 1987 00:07:33 when hot food items were no longer provided, 00:07:36 thus eliminating the need for natural gas, 00:07:39 oven trailers, and the like. 00:07:40 For decades, meal tickets were available for purchase 00:07:44 and were exchanged for food items. 00:07:47 These tickets were designed so that no change was needed, 00:07:50 thus expediting the purchase of food. 00:07:54 Here’s a sample menu. 00:07:56 The menu showed how many tickets 00:07:57 were required to purchase each item. 00:08:01 Finally, in 1995, 00:08:02 arrangements for food service at conventions were discontinued. 00:08:07 Instead, delegates were encouraged to bring their own food 00:08:10 and enjoy association on location during the noon break. 00:08:15 As a result, we no longer need to wait in line, 00:08:18 we have more time to spend with friends on-site, 00:08:21 and this arrangement is easier for our older and infirm ones. 00:08:24 We continue to benefit from this simplified arrangement today. 00:08:32 So in order to enjoy association during the noon break, 00:08:36 we encourage everyone to bring a light lunch, 00:08:39 which will also help us to stay awake during the afternoon session. 00:08:45 As we return to in-person conventions, 00:08:48 perhaps we’ll feel like those from Eastern Europe 00:08:51 who attended international conventions in Poland in 1989. 00:08:55 That was the first convention ever for most of those delegates, 00:09:00 although many had been in the truth for 30 years or more. 00:09:04 One delegate from the former Soviet Union said: 00:09:10 “For many years we have been waiting for this day, 00:09:14 “and now we are here at this international convention. 00:09:18 “We find it difficult to grasp 00:09:20 “all of this and take it all in. 00:09:23 “It is like a dream. 00:09:25 “It is impossible to express in words everything we have seen and heard. 00:09:30 “When we saw the gigantic, bowl-shaped stadium full of people 00:09:34 “and heard the music, our eyes filled with tears. 00:09:39 “And the prayer 00:09:42 “—while all of us were motionlessly united— 00:09:45 “sent cold shivers down our backs. 00:09:48 “It was so solemn and unanimous. 00:09:53 “This convention in Warsaw is such a splendid 00:09:55 “and grand event that only the new world will be better. 00:09:58 “We will always remember these wonderful days. 00:10:01 “It is something one cannot forget. 00:10:04 “Special thanks and glory 00:10:07 be to our Creator, Jehovah God!” 00:10:10 The Awake! of December 22, 1989, reported: 00:10:16 “The singing at the conventions was noteworthy, 00:10:19 “as tens of thousands sang in unison in over 20 different languages, 00:10:23 “all expressing the same thoughts 00:10:25 in a spirit of love and unity.” 00:10:31 As mentioned in the May broadcast, 00:10:34 we encourage you to learn the new original song, 00:10:37 “It Will Not Be Late!” 00:10:40 During the pandemic, we missed singing at large conventions. 00:10:44 This year, to quote Psalm 7:17, 00:10:48 we’ll again “sing praises to the name of Jehovah the Most High” 00:10:52 at our conventions! 00:10:54 I still remember attending conventions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when I was a kid. 00:11:00 It was thrilling to hear Kingdom melodies 00:11:02 echoing in a large stadium 00:11:05 that had been converted into a house of worship. 00:11:08 Many of you will remember this stirring Kingdom melody from 1981. 00:11:40 Do you have similar memories? 00:11:42 If you were baptized during the pandemic, 00:11:46 then this year’s convention will likely be your first in person. 00:11:50 You too will form memories that will last a lifetime. 00:11:55 That’s how many of our brothers and sisters felt 00:11:58 when they recently attended the “Exercise Patience”! Convention. 00:12:12 We’re here at the Newburgh, New York, “Exercise Patience”! Convention. 00:12:16 This is my first convention as a baptized Witness. 00:12:19 It’s a joy to be with our family today and get 00:12:22 the spiritual food that we need. 00:12:24 It’s clear that Jehovah’s people 00:12:25 haven’t forgotten how to laugh and hug each other 00:12:28 —love each other. 00:12:29 Being in person, being able to really hear everybody sing together, 00:12:33 talking with everybody in person is— 00:12:35 You just can’t beat it. 00:12:38 The singing is beautiful. 00:12:39 When we were doing it on Zoom, you didn’t hear the voices. 00:12:42 So to see all the voices singing together, 00:12:45 the harmony, is just— You feel it more. 00:12:49 The theme “Exercise Patience!” is a great theme 00:12:52 because that’s something that we don’t have today in this world. 00:12:55 It seems like what’s presented matches exactly what we’re dealing with 00:12:59 in our lives and what we see happening in the world. 00:13:02 It’s phenomenal the way that you could follow along 00:13:04 and how it makes the Bible so much easier to understand. 00:13:08 All the videos and meeting new friends 00:13:10 and seeing even my old friends that I haven’t seen in a while— 00:13:13 I love that you can sit and have a meal 00:13:15 with someone you’ve never met before and you have something in common. 00:13:18 You can talk about the program, 00:13:20 and by the end of the meal, you’ve become great friends. 00:13:24 To get our family ready for a convention 00:13:28 is a lot of work as a mom. 00:13:31 But conventions draw us closer as families 00:13:34 because we’re all worshipping Jehovah together. 00:13:38 For someone who’s never been to a convention before, 00:13:42 I’d tell them that the experience is going to change their life. 00:13:45 They’re going to see and feel a different type of love 00:13:48 that they probably never felt before. 00:13:50 Now being here together and seeing them in person, 00:13:53 it’s a different feel. 00:13:54 It’s so beautiful. 00:13:56 You get together with so many people —so loving. 00:13:59 It’s almost like a taste of the Paradise right here, right now. 00:14:04 You are going to love this year’s convention! 00:14:09 Did any of the photos in our update 00:14:11 make you think about special conventions? 00:14:14 When are the next ones planned? 00:14:17 We’re pleased to inform you that 15 special conventions 00:14:21 in countries around the world are being planned for 2024! 00:14:26 The locations and dates will be announced in the coming months. 00:14:31 So, what have we discussed in this update? 00:14:35 We’re reminded that Jehovah is our Protector. 00:14:40 But this doesn’t mean we’ll have a problem-free life in this system of things. 00:14:45 However, when we face challenges, 00:14:47 we know that Jehovah is with us. 00:14:52 He protects us spiritually 00:14:54 and provides “the power beyond what is normal” 00:14:56 so we can endure trials faithfully. 00:15:01 And we’re very excited for our “Exercise Patience”! Regional Conventions! 00:15:06 May Jehovah bless the invitation campaign 00:15:09 and your efforts to attend all three days in person! 00:15:16 As Paul wrote to Timothy in his first letter, chapter 1, verse 2: 00:15:21 “May you have undeserved kindness and mercy and peace 00:15:26 from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 00:15:30 We love you all very much! 00:15:34 From the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 00:15:36 this is JW Broadcasting®.
