Jehovah’s Witness Convention returning to Estero

Hertz Arena to host the first large convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses Since 2019

Posted 6/7/23

After a three-year pandemic pause, one of the largest convention organizations...

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Jehovah’s Witness Convention returning to Estero

Hertz Arena to host the first large convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses Since 2019

Posted

ESTERO, Fla. — After a three-year pandemic pause, one of the largest convention organizations in the world has once again chosen Estero, Florida to host its global three-day event (June 23-25) the 2023 “Exercise Patience”! Convention.

Prior to 2019, summers in Estero were marked by Jehovah’s Witnesses filling hotels and restaurants as they attended their annual conventions at the Hertz Arena. In 2020, the pandemic interrupted that tradition in Estero when the Witnesses canceled their in-person events throughout the world and held their convention programs as virtual events in more than 500 languages. Beginning June 23, 2023, the Witnesses will bring that tradition back to Estero, Florida.

“We’ve enjoyed and benefitted so much from our virtual Convention Programs, but there’s nothing quite like being present with our friends and family at these special conventions. The joy and happiness that is evident is truly special and something you have to experience in-person.” said Max Diaz, local spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “We are absolutely thrilled to be back again!”

Some 6,000 conventions will be held worldwide as part of the 2023 “Exercise Patience”! Convention series. In the U.S. alone, more than 708 conventions will be held in 144 host cities. From Friday through Sunday, six convention sessions will explore the quality of patience, highlighting its modern-day relevance through Scriptural examples. A live baptism will be performed following the Saturday morning session and a prerecorded drama will be featured in two parts during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions.

“Patience is in high demand and low in stock these days. Which is why patience is more relevant today than ever.” says Diaz. “But it’s something we can all develop to improve our quality of life and maintain our joy and happiness. It’s possible to exercise patience even under the most stressful situations.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world for more than 100 years. 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 since the lifting of pandemic restrictions.

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.

Jehovah’s Witnesses, convention, estero

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