Submitted

SALISBURY — It’s the start of summer and the Pratt family could be headed to a theme park, the beach or even visiting grandparents for the weekend. Instead, Samuel and Alise and their three kids are eagerly anticipating a three-day convention with thousands of people who will come to hear exciting good news.

“This isn’t just a convention,” said Samuel of Waxhaw. “Our family always looks forward to this event. It’s a time to get together with friends and focus on our spirituality. The convention is the highlight of our summer.” 

One of the largest convention organizations in the world returns to the Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Salisbury with a much-anticipated motivational program to comfort and encourage the public.

In a world where bad news endlessly streams on social media, TV and radio, Jehovah’s Witnesses will present their 2024 “Declare the Good News!” convention series which began last week. The free, three-day live event is expected to draw more than 23,000 attendees to the city over the course of 13 weekends — fueling the city’s economy with local spending at stores, hotels and restaurants.

“We are excited to once again visit Salisbury for our conventions,” said Vince Ruffin, local spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “These conventions provide the opportunity for thousands to experience some positivity in their lives and associate in peace with friends. We are happy to enjoy the program once again in this hospitable city.” 

The “Declare the Good News!” convention will present Bible-based videos, discourses and interviews on topics such as:

• Why do we need good news?
• Use the good news to defeat bad news
• Why we don’t fear bad news 

Saturday features a baptism of candidates from surrounding communities, while a two-part video feature will captivate the audience on Friday and Saturday mornings. Prior to each convention, local congregations will engage in a campaign to invite community members to this free event.

Last year, nearly 13 million people attended more than 6,000 three-day conventions worldwide.