2000 “Doers of God’s Word” District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

¹ “I will laud you in the big congregation; among a numerous people I shall praise you.” (Ps. 35:18) Imagine how thrilled David would be today to see so many thousands peacefully assembling together to take in divine instruction at our conventions! Were you among the 1,414,534 who attended one of the “God’s Prophetic Word” District Conventions? From late May through early September 1999, a total of 201 conventions were held in 71 cities in the contiguous United States. Our district conventions in 2000 will provide us with new opportunities to gather with fellow praisers of Jehovah, who are “conscious of their spiritual need” and happy and eager to “hear what the spirit says to the congregations.”​—Matt. 5:3; Rev. 2:29.

⁸ Arrange to Be in Attendance All Three Days: Has Satan tried to distract you from giving attention to spiritual things? Sadly, many brothers and sisters and their families are missing out on vital spiritual food. How? By not attending the Friday district convention sessions. In some instances it has been noted that a large percentage of our brothers are missing the spiritual instruction and fellowship that the Friday sessions provide.

⁹ It is possible that some brothers are reluctant to approach their employers to request the time off to attend the convention. Is this your situation? Why not pray to Jehovah about the matter and muster up the courage to explain your situation to your employer? Remember the good outcome for Nehemiah, who was in a similar situation. (Neh. 2:1-6) Have faith in our heavenly Father’s willingness to help you, knowing that if you put Kingdom interests first, he will provide life’s necessities.​—Matt. 6:32b, 33.

¹⁰ How Do Our Conventions Affect You? A sister from the eastern United States wrote: “Thank you so much for the 1999 district convention. Associating with brothers whom I see only once each year brings me much joy. I came in contact with the truth as a pregnant teenager, and I still recall with great fondness when my Bible study conductor took me to my first convention. I looked at the clouds above my head in that open-air stadium as we sang the Kingdom song ‘Myriads of Brothers,’ and I wept. ‘With all these beautiful people around me,’ I asked myself, ‘how could Jehovah want me?’ That day I decided to serve Jehovah fully.” How heartwarming! It is certainly a pleasure to be associated with Jehovah’s clean people, is it not?

¹¹ During the final part of the last days, we need our annual district convention more than ever before. It is a provision from Jehovah to maintain our spiritual health and balance. Therefore, be resolved to attend all three days of this year’s “Doers of God’s Word” District Convention. How can you follow through with your resolve? Ask your employer beforehand for the time off from work to attend the entire convention. If your means are limited, start now to set aside the necessary funds to attend. Ask Jehovah to help you overcome any obstacle. As you do so, you can look forward to enjoying the warm companionship of your brothers and sisters and to hearing the sayings of everlasting life from our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah.​—Compare John 6:68.