Joyful Baptism Amid Global Pandemic

This weekend will mark a most important event in the lives of many New Orleans residents as they symbolize their life-long dedication through water baptism during the “Always Rejoice”! 2020 Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Despite moving the program to a streaming platform, individual baptisms will occur at private locations in over 240 lands around the globe in accord with local health and safety guidelines following the session’s final discourse, “How Your Baptism Leads to More Happiness.”

Typically held in stadiums, arenas, conference halls, and similar gathering places over a period of many months, this year’s baptisms will be held on the same weekend following the third of the convention's six online installments. This eagerly anticipated feature of the Witnesses’ annual conventions will no doubt be particularly memorable as worldwide thousands from varying cultures, language groups, ethnic backgrounds, and ages will rejoice as they take this important step in their life.

Celestica Bernard, a 34-year-old resident of New Orleans, will be getting baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on August 2, 2020. With tears in her eyes, she expresses how much this day will mean to her: “With so much uncertainty surrounding these times, I am completely confident in the decision I’m making to dedicate my life to Jehovah God. Rather than worry, I feel confident and clear-headed about my future and am ready to live an enjoyable life.” Celestica’s husband and three children will be among the few people on-hand for this most joyous occasion.

“For over 100 years, baptisms have been a hallmark of our conventions,” says James Gianopoulos, a local spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “We’re used to seeing hundreds of thousands being baptized each year in public venues around the globe. Knowing circumstances are very different right now, we have added reason to rejoice with all those being baptized during these unprecedented times.”

Each year many who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses attend the annual conventions. While there are more than 8.6 million active Witnesses worldwide, last year’s conventions had a peak attendance of more than 14 million. With the program now available online in more than 500 languages, this year’s convention may be the most widely attended to date. Those interested in viewing the convention free of charge can access the program on jw.org under the “Library” tab.

LOCAL MEDIA CONTACT:

James Gianopoulos

972-989-6512

jgianopoulos@jw.org