Virtual Convention Helps Families to Maintain Joy

Presented in hundreds of languages worldwide and being viewed online over several installments, the second session of the “Always Rejoice”! 2020 global convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses includes the theme “Cultivate Joy in Your Family.” By means of discourses and video dramatizations, all viewing the event will be helped to do their part in building and maintaining peace, unity, and joy within the family.

Social distancing and stay-at-home measures intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic have presented unprecedented challenges for families throughout the earth. Amid reports of increasing tension, millions are benefiting from the practical suggestions from the convention, which for the first time has been moved to a streaming platform.

“Today, it can be difficult for husbands, wives, parents and children to function as family with joy”, says Randy White, of Gretna Louisiana. “I am looking forward to seeing ways that I can contribute to the joy of my family as a husband and father." He adds: “Being able to sit down at home and watch the convention together as a family really helps each of us to focus on the information and apply it.” His wife, Shelva White, is grateful for the convention program being available online. She says, "If you know your family is happy, with all that’s going on now, then you have reason to rejoice." The White family, along with their three children, are eager to watch the portion of the program entitled, “Cultivate Joy in Your Family”, this weekend.

“Strong family life is at the core of our worship,” says James Gianopoulos, a local spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Given the stress that the pandemic has brought upon all of us, this year’s convention theme is more important than ever before, especially in regard to family life.”

Those interested in viewing the convention can contact their local congregation or access the program on jw.org, available under the “Library” tab. There is no charge for viewing the convention program.

Each year many who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses attend the annual conventions. There are more than 8.6 million active Witnesses worldwide, yet the 2019 conventions had a peak attendance of more than 14 million. With the program available online in hundreds of languages, this may be the most attended convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses to date.