Outstanding national response to "Give God Glory" conventions
UNITED STATES—Jehovah's Witnesses have successfully completed their series of "Give God Glory" District Conventions for 2003 in the 48 contiguous states. There was a combined attendance of 1,484,273 at the 200 conventions, and 10,283 new members were baptized. The attendance figure shows that almost one third of those who attended were either foreign visitors or were non-Witnesses.
Many favorable comments were received in connection with the conventions this year. William Van De Wall, national coordinator for the Witnesses' activities in the United States, notes: "We were very pleased with the response to these conventions. Being reminded of the value of spiritual things seemed especially timely this year, since many are disturbed by instability and anxieties. No doubt those who attended will benefit spiritually from these rich Bible educational programs in the weeks and months ahead."
This year three of the conventions held in the United States were designated as international conventions, hosting many visitors and missionaries from other lands. These programs were held during June and July in Pontiac, Michigan; Long Beach, California; and Houston, Texas. Many program parts were translated into several languages for the benefit of the multinational audiences. These three conventions are part of a larger series of "Give God Glory" International Conventions that are continuing through the end of 2003, with upcoming programs scheduled to be held in a number of places, including Australia, Chile, Hawaii, Japan, and Mexico.
The stirring Bible-based talks and demonstrations, coupled with heartwarming experiences shared from around the country, struck a responsive chord with many who attended the conventions.
All conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses are presented free of charge. There are over one million Witnesses in the United States.
Contact: J. R. Brown, telephone: (718) 560-5600