ESTERO — Caleb Romero of Cape Coral, Florida, eagerly anticipates July 15, 2023, the day he will step into the pool on the floor of the Hertz Arena to get baptized.

“I am excited about getting baptized,” said 12-year-old Caleb. “I am really looking forward to showing everyone that I made this important decision.”

Thousands will look on as Caleb joins other congregants who will also be fully immersed in the baptismal pool, highlighting the second day of the three-day “Exercise Patience”! Regional Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The morning session begins at 9:20 a.m. and culminates with a talk preceding the baptism event. Another highlight of the convention’s second day will be the first of a two-part prerecorded feature Bible drama.

“The Saturday program at our annual conventions is always a highlight of the three days,’” said Juan Rodriguez Jr., spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The significance of the baptism and the powerfully compelling drama in the afternoon make quite an impact on those attending.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world for more than 100 years prior to April 2020, when the organization canceled all their in-person events around the world. After resuming smaller in-person meetings and their public ministry during 2022, the summer of 2023 marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events around the world.

The convention is open to the public and no collection is taken. For more information on the program or to find other convention locations and dates, please go to jw.org and navigate to the “About Us” tab.