103 individuals from different ethnic backgrounds and of different ages got baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses during the 2018 Regional Convention series of Jehovah’s witnesses held at the Lekki Assembly Hall.

These 103 new members made the public declaration of their faith after they answered a resounding Yes to two important questions. One of the questions they answered is if they have repented of their sins, made needed changes and are now ready to live their lives in accordance with Bible principles.

A breakdown of the figure indicates that 30 individuals became member of Jehovah's Witnesses in the first week of their convention series at Lekki Assembly Hall, 18 in the second week, 29 in the third week, and 26 in the fourth week. The number of new members is expected to swell when the remaining five series are held in the same location in English, Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin and French languages.

The speaker, Michael Jimoh who spoke on the topic “We Are Not the Sort Who Shrink Back!” during the fourth week of series encouraged the 26 new members to be courageous and faithful to their vow in doing God’s will even in the face of challenging circumstances.

The new members also drew courage from the experiences of two older members who had faced severe challenges after becoming Jehovah’s Witnesses but remained faithful. One of the older ones who was interviewed said she drew courage when facing difficult challenges from her husband by applying Bible principles.

Other features of the Regional Convention stressed on how to enjoy happy family life and have successful marriages regardless of mounting socio-economic and other challenges confronting modern day families. In particular, the symposium part entitled “Be a Courageous Marriage Mate” shed light on how couples can make their marriages work and enjoy happy family life. The speaker, Mr. Taiwo Ojelabi, said although today’s marriages are bombarded with complicated issues, the application of Bible principles is the safest, wisest and best way to enjoy happy family life and a successful marriage.

One major challenge facing marriages today, according to Ojelabi, is unexpected health issues. When such challenges arise, the speaker said it is time for the healthy mate and other family members to draw courage from God's word the Bible.

A video clip of a woman that showed much courage when her husband became sick to the point of being confined to a wheelchair was presented. The courageous woman did not abandon her husband but stuck with him, showing love and care without grumbling.

Ojelabi urged marriage mates to be quick in settling marital difficulties using Bible principles.

The convention series, which started on September 21 at the Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located off the Lekki Epe Express Way, Bogije Bus Stop Elemoro Ajibona Village, focuses on how to face contemporary challenges with courage, and holds on weekends and the last one ends on Sunday, December 9.

There will be nine conventions in all at the Lekki Assembly Hall – six in English Language, one in Yoruba, one in Nigerian Pidgin and one in French Language.

There are conventions being held in 34 different locations across Nigeria, holding almost every weekend from Friday, August 3, to Sunday, December 23.

The three-day programme consists of 54 presentations that include talks, audio dramas, interviews, and short videos. Highlights include the baptism, on Saturday morning, of new members who have completed a Bible Study programme, and a Public Discourse on Sunday morning, on the theme, “The Resurrection Hope Imparts Courage —How?” Additionally, a feature film entitled “The Story of Jonah—A Lesson in Courage and Mercy” is shown on the final day of the convention programme.

The programme commences at 8:20 a.m. each day of the convention, closing at 3:50 p.m., except on Sunday, when it closes at 2:45 p.m. There is no admission fee and no collection is taken.

Apart from Nigeria, the conventions are being held at venues in about 180 different lands. The date and location for each convention can be found on the Witnesses’ official website, jw.org.

Update news