http://www.tribnet.com/news/local/story/3458603p-3489434c.html
Bearing witness: Witnesses sustain faith at conventions
STEVE MAYNARD; The News Tribune
Nathan Georges clutched his sleepy son, Timothy, in his lap Sunday at the Jehovah's Witnesses district convention in the Tacoma Dome.
On stage before 10,232 people, a cast dressed in tunics portrayed the story of Stephen, the early church martyr who was stoned to death for standing up for his Christian faith.
The biblical drama is a highlight of the annual three-day district conventions, which attract Jehovah's Witnesses from Western Washington and Western Oregon. And so is the chance for Witnesses to join together with their families for study and fellowship.
"It's a kind of a boost to get us through the next year," said Georges, 31, of Beaverton, Ore. "It's like a small paradise on Earth."
Georges, his wife, Robin, 30, and their two children, Chloe, 8, and Timothy, 5, were among the thousands of families enjoying the final day of the third of four consecutive weekend district conventions at the Dome. The four conventions are expected to draw a total of 40,000 Witnesses.
Nathan Georges, who's been at a district convention every year of his life, said the annual gatherings are one place Witnesses can go where they know their children will receive positive, biblical messages.
"We don't have to worry about our kids," he said. "It's very, very peaceful." (that's right, there are no pedophiles at the conventions)
Putting on a Bible drama in front of more than 10,000 people wasn't exactly peaceful for the cast from the Portland area. The theme was "Boldly witnessing despite opposition."
"It was a joy," said Jared Faulkner, 30, who played Philip from the book of Acts. "We're nervous to try to make the biblical account come to life for the benefit of the group here."
The Tacoma meetings are among 200 district conventions to be held in 60 U.S. cities from May through September, drawing an expected 1.5 million people. The conventions, centered on the theme "Give God Glory," run all day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They are free and open to the public.
The Witnesses have met at the Tacoma Dome every year since the arena opened in 1983, providing an economic boon by filling area hotels and restaurants.
Mary Taitano, 41, of Vashon Island, took in Sunday's meetings with her her husband, George, 42, and their two children, Melanie, 9, and Jesse, 5.
"I think it's really wonderful to associate with such a big group of our brothers and sisters," she said. "You get to meet families that are striving for the same goal."
That goal, she said, is serving God, "our father." (No Jesus in the picture?)
This weekend's meeting was also a time for four Witnesses missionaries, including Barak Bowman, to recharge during furloughs.
The number of Witnesses has grown rapidly in Africa, Eastern Europe and South America.
But Bowman, of Bellingham, teaches among small rural and isolated populations in Micronesia.
Based in Guam, he is a missionary to 17 small congregations on 10 islands where eight languages are spoken. He knows the languages of the Chuukese and Marshallese people.
His life is not one of material wealth. He is single, receives no salary and stays in the homes of Witnesses.
"I find great satisfaction in the work because you see families strengthened and united," said Bowman, 40, who has been a missionary for 20 years. "I feel rich."
Steve Maynard: 253-597-8647 [email protected]
At a glance
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jehovah (God) has established a heavenly kingdom and that the Bible teaches that only 144,000 people will be called to heaven.
There are 6.3 million Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, including more than 1 million in the United States and about 34,000 in Washington state.
Witnesses also believe God will soon restore the Earth to an eternal paradise for other believers. They refuse to bear arms, salute the flag or participate in secular government. Because of biblical teachings, they also refuse blood transfusions. They don't celebrate birthdays or holidays.
Jehovah's Witnesses consider themselves a society of ministers and regularly distribute religious tracts door-to-door. For more information, log on to www.watchtower.org.
Steve Maynard, The News Tribune