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<\/p>\nFor the second year in a row, Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses have moved their signature annual convention to a streaming platform and will perform thousands of baptisms at private homes, lakes and ponds. The \u201cPowerful by Faith!\u201d convention is translated into more than 500 languages in 240 countries worldwide.<\/p>\n
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Baptisms are the highlight of all Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses’ conventions.Typically, baptismal candidates stand in line near a pool, patiently waiting their turn. At the same time, thousands of onlookers view in person or on large video screens.<\/p>\n
Due to the ongoing concern of COVID-19, this year\u2019s baptisms will be conducted mostly at private homes and, in nearly all cases, performed at the family level. The baptisms will be held today and Sunday.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels great because my dad got to baptize me, and no one else was put at risk,\u201d 13-year-old Devin Hill said in reference to COVID-19. \u201cI\u2019m excited that I got to get baptized finally.\u201d Devin was safely baptized in his backyard swimming pool by his father on August 2, 2020.<\/p>\n
For those who participated, it was a public expression of their close relationship with God. Baptism is the most important and personal decision in any Christian\u2019s life. It’s a lifelong vow to worship God.<\/p>\n
Fifteen-year-oldSophia Huitron, who was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect at the age of one, didn’t allow the pandemic last year to prevent her from taking this important step in her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pandemic didn\u2019t discourage me,\u201d Sophia, who was baptized by her father, said. \u201cOne of my spiritual goals was to be baptized. I wanted to show Jehovah that I loved him and didn\u2019t want the pandemic to affect my decision.\u201d Her father baptized her safely in their backyard swimming pool on August 1, 2020. RT<\/p>\n
The 2021 \u201cPowerful by Faith!\u201d program was divided into a six-part streaming convention series so that Witnesses and their guests can enjoy the program safely at home.<\/p>\n
Baptisms will take place this weekend following the presentation \u201cExercising Faith Means Exercising Life.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur worship is centered on our mutual love for our God and for each other,\u201d Robert Hendricks, U.S. Spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, said. \u201cThis year’s convention underscores the unity of our international family and the joy that people can have against a backdop of stress and dispair.\u201d<\/p>\n