Editorial: Jehovah's Witnesses Hold International Convention in Ghana

Jehovah�s Witnesses anticipate global changes in the very near future as a result of their Bible research. Key Bible texts explaining the meaning of what many people refer to as the end of the world will be discussed in the Witnesses� upcoming four-day �Keep on the Watch!� International Convention. The convention is scheduled to begin today at the Ohene-Djan Sports Stadium in Accra and two other locations off the Spintex Road in Accra, the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi and the Esipon Stadium in Sekondi. A total of about 200,000 people are expected to converge on these locations for this spiritual fiesta. Many people have different views about the end of the world, but Jehovah�s Witnesses feel that what the Bible teaches on the matter is enlightening, sobering, and meaningful. The four-day event will highlight an analytical and reasonable � as opposed to fanatical � approach to that subject. The opening part of this afternoon will deal with the subject �Why Must We �Keep on the Watch�?� On Friday morning, a large portion of the programme will focus on families. Because Witnesses believe that families need to be prepared spiritually in order to face the future with confidence, three of the programme parts will directly address family members: husbands, wives, and young ones. The afternoon session will conclude by focusing on why the phrase �keep strict watch,� found in the Bible at Ephesians 5:15, should have significant meaning to all desiring to be truly successful in life. Saturday�s programme will highlight the dangers of indifference and apathy regarding the upcoming world events foretold in the Bible. This point will be especially emphasised on Saturday morning, when local residents who studied these and other Bible topics in detail will publicly symbolise their dedication to God during a baptism ceremony. The ordination of new ministers will include a discussion of what it means to �keep your senses� and �be watchful,� in harmony with the passage at 1 Peter 5:8. On Sunday morning, the public discourse, entitled �How Can You Survive the End of the World?� will contrast popular views with the Bible�s definition of the end of the world. The presentation will draw attention to Biblical instructions showing how one can be among the survivors. A special feature on Sunday afternoon will be the touching modern-day drama, �Your Brother Was Dead and Came to Life,� based on Jesus� parable of the prodigal son. Jehovah�s Witnesses invite all to attend and learn more about these topics. Programme sessions start at 1:20 p.m. today, and at 9:20 a.m. on the other three days of the convention. Admission is free, and no collections will be taken.