Sometimes it’s hard to stay loyal to God when trials and hardships come our way.

But Jehovah’s Witnesses are encouraging believers to stay the course and attend a free convention at Ruth Seaton James Auditorium today and tomorrow.

The aim? To help people become stronger, more confident and better aware of the value of practising loyalty in their personal and spiritual lives.

Brandon Doars tells us more ...

What is this year’s conference theme and the meaning behind it?

The theme of this year’s convention is “Remain Loyal to Jehovah”.

As our Creator and loving heavenly Father, Jehovah God invites all mankind to draw close to, and establish a relationship with Him.

Those who accept this invitation will be encouraged through the programme, to solidify and strengthen this relationship by “Remaining loyal to Jehovah”.

What inspired the church to focus on this topic?

We live in a world that constantly challenges adherence to Bible standards and living a Godly life, especially in the area of loyalty.

However, not only is loyalty to God under attack, but loyalty in other areas of life are threatened as well, such as in the family among husbands, wives, parents and children, and with friends.

To counter the bombardment of negative messages we receive daily through various publications, movies, television programmes and the internet, the “Remain Loyal to Jehovah” convention will provide much needed encouragement, refreshment and motivation to continue cultivating the quality of loyalty towards God, within the family and with our circle of friends.

What will be happening at this event?

Our three-day convention promises to be one of our best conventions to date. There will be 49 presentations in the form of discourses, symposiums, interviews with select delegates, as well as some 35 video segments and one audio drama, based on a Bible account in the book of Exodus. At the beginning of each morning and afternoon session, the audience will enjoy a ten-minute music-video presentation.

What is the overall aim of the event?

Jehovah’s Witnesses strongly believe that loyalty is an essential part of any healthy relationship. Our convention this year features content that will help people develop stronger bonds with friends, family members and, above all, with God.

How will this event be the same or different from previous ones?

The overall theme and content of each convention held by Jehovah’s Witnesses is well thought out and carefully planned, so as to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of all who desire to serve God Jehovah.

As the world around us continues to change and struggles with various issues, each convention focuses on how the Bible’s clear and time-tested counsel can help us to successfully meet those challenges when we apply its guidance.

There are a number of highlights. For instance with this morning’s programme we will have the talk, “Never abandon your Loyal Love for Jehovah”, after which, new members will be baptised.

In the afternoon session, all will enjoy the first of two short films. The theme is: “Hope for What We Do Not See”, based on the Bible book of Romans 8: 25.

The Public Bible Discourse tomorrow morning will answer the intriguing question: “When Will Loyal Love Triumph Over Hatred”? And no one will want to miss the afternoon session, as we will present the second short film, entitled: Jehovah, I Trust in You, re-enacting a major event in the life of Judean King, Hezekiah.

•Sessions begin today and tomorrow at 9.20am. Admission is free, but voluntary donations will be accepted.