This year’s annual convention for the Jehovah's Witnesses takes place next Friday to Sunday, at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium at the CedarBridge Academy.

Luke Branco, who helps the group with communications, said the theme of this year’s convention is “Declare the Good News”.

“This is an expression that is found in the Bible a few times,” Mr Branco said. “Jesus used it, and he stated that he must declare the good news, but as his followers that is something that we also try to do as well.

“So this convention will discuss how this good news can bring comfort today.”

With five congregations on the island, the Jehovah’s Witnesses gather in their entirety three times a year, with the convention being the longest duration, lasting three days. This makes it an event to look forward to, and they warmly invite the public to join this gathering.

“We have three events a year, two assemblies and one convention,” Mr Branco said. “The convention is three days, whereas the assemblies are usually only one day. So the convention is extra special to us because we have longer together, three whole days.

“This is a time for us to come together as a community, to share our faith and our hope with each other and with our guests.”

He added: “It’s a time for local Jehovah’s Witnesses to meet together, and for the community, there are high-quality videos, presentations, and talks, all designed to be encouraging, upbuilding and uplifting.

“It is unfortunate what is happening in Bermuda right now, especially if you are touched, to the point of knowing one of the persons who has suffered recently.

“It’s tough not to be moved and question why things are so bad and happening. It is very tragic; it takes a lot out of you, and it can surely take joy and positivity.

“We try to keep all our programmes upbuilding and encouraging, but this particular programme, touching Jesus’s message, and the courage and hope in that message is something that all of us can truly benefit from.”

Following a similar format each year, the convention combines video and live lecture presentations with a picnic-style lunch over the lunch break.

Speaking on what public members can expect to experience, Mr Branco said: “There are several videos; the one we are most excited about is a drama; it’s like a little movie, episode one about Jesus’s life in ministry.

“Also, there are many talks, mostly from local speakers; we have a couple of visiting speakers who prepare the talks themselves based on the theme.

“Everything follows a theme. Friday will focus on the Good News movie, episode one. Saturday we’ll see why we can trust the Bible, its message for hope, and how it can help us combat negativity.

“It is a very positive message, and many things can cause us to be negative in the world, especially here recently in the news; it can be very depressing, and that’s why we would love to see all who can attend.

“There will also be a live baptism on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, we will answer questions like, ‘How can you be someone who does not fear bad news?’

“The public Bible discourse will also be presented. It presents fascinating evidence that it is possible to face bad news without being overwhelmed by fear. This is a unique opportunity to learn and grow in our faith, and we encourage everyone to participate.”

The programme of events for each day of the convention starts at 9:20am and runs through to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 3:30pm on Sunday.

The convention falls in a month when the island is experiencing tragedy and pain. Hoping that those who attend find comfort in the message of Jesus Christ, Mr Branco said: “You will not be upset that you attended. There is a lot to miss if you don’t come.

“We want to encourage everyone to come. I know that Friday is a little difficult for some because it is a work day, but if you can adjust your schedule, it’s a special event that only happens once a year.

“We are very excited about the whole series that will be presented. We’ve been anticipating it for many years and are anxious to see episode one.

“We think the Bermuda community would enjoy it, because other things like it that we’ve seen in the past do not focus 100 per cent on how the Bible explains it.

“This is faithful to exactly how the Bible records the events of Jesus’s life and how encouraging it is. What it meant for Jesus to be on Earth, his purpose for coming to Earth, and why he had to die is encouraging and faith-strengthening for everybody.”

• For more information about the convention, visit the eventwebsite