HISTORY was made yesterday when a bumper crowd of about 82 409 people attended the first Jehovah’s Witnesses International Convention in Harare.
STAFF REPORTER
The crowd that included 3 600 delegates from United States, Germany, Brazil and other countries was treated to various captivating talks urging the followers to strict adherence to Bible principles and teachings.
The convention was the first of its kind to be held in Zimbabwe and the only one in Africa this year.
A member of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ governing body, Jeffrey Jackson and his counterpart Isaac Murray who were guest presenters said the historic event was attended by representatives from 30 other countries across the globe. Missionaries and fulltime servants from Zimbabwe also attended the inaugural event.
In reference to the challenges facing the world, in particular the political, social and economic challenges, Jackson said: “People shouldn’t worry about the problems they are facing. They shouldn’t also be anxious about their future as this system of things is coming to an end.”
He also urged followers not to serve many masters such as material things but focus on seeking God first.
“You must pray incessantly and put your worries to our Heavenly Father Jehovah,” he told the cheering crowd.
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Convention organiser Effort Mugabe said Witnesses from Zimbabwe had benefitted from the spiritual feast during the three-day event.
“Never before had anything like this ever happened in Zimbabwe. History has been made. We are happy that the International Convention in Zimbabwe has been a success. We are grateful to everybody that assisted in its running, including government,” Mugabe said.
One of the Witnesses, Caleb Mafoshola said he had benefitted spiritually from the programme and felt encouraged by other Witnesses.
At the closing ceremony, both foreign and local delegates broke down after being overcome by emotion saying a spiritual paradise had manifested itself during the three-day convention.
There are 42 000 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Zimbabwe and 7,9 million globally spread over 118 000 congregations.
