Seven people presented themselves to be baptised as Jehovah's Witnesses and young people were encouraged to build their future in harmony with Bible principles during the District Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses held last weekend.

Around 686 people attended the three-day convention entitled "Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers" held by the Jehovah's Witnesses at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts.

The Saturday morning session, which featured the baptism, included a Bible talk that stressed the importance of the occasion.

A talk entitled "Dedication and Baptism Lead to Salvation" was geared to give candidates an opportunity to declare their faith by taking the step before the attendants.

The group, which included an 11-year-old boy, joined the other delegates in the afternoon session which featured advice on how to deal with today's stressful times.

The final talk of the afternoon session appealed to to those who wanted to develop a deeper relationship with God.

During the concluding sessions on Sunday young people were encouraged to serve Jehovah no matter what challenges they face.

The events included a costumed drama entitled "Stand Firm in Troublesome Times" which featured the prophetic work of the ancient prophet Jeremiah as described in the Bible.

But the convention also highlighted that young people are not the only people who need practical guidance for the future in light of recent world events.