Baptism marks a special day for many on the second day of convention.

On Rarotonga Henare James Tapuvae of Rarotonga eagerly anticipates Saturday the 16th of September - the day he will step into a pool at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Vaimaanga to be baptised.

“Baptism is a public declaration that I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but even more than that, it is a way of showing my own conviction and dedication. I truly feel this is a decision I will never regret,” said Henare, who studied the Bible for eight years before making this decision.

Hundreds will look on as Henare James Tapuvae shares this life milestone with others who will also be fully immersed in the baptismal pool.

The public baptism will take place on the second day of the Exercise Patience convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Rarotonga.

The morning session begins at 9:20 am with a series of Bible-based discussions, while an engaging 30-minute talk will introduce the baptism event.

“The Saturday programme at our annual conventions is always a highlight of the three days,’” said Jeff Tikitau, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“The significance of the baptism and the powerfully compelling drama in the afternoon make quite an impact on those attending.”

Some 6000 conventions will be held worldwide this year with the theme Exercise Patience.

On Rarotonga and in New Zealand alone, a total of 17 conventions will be held.

In Rarotonga, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, in five different languages (English, Cook Islands Māori, Filipino, Chinese Mandarin and Samoan).

From Friday through Sunday, convention sessions will explore the quality of patience, highlighting its modern-day relevance.

More than 220 are expected to attend the events in Rarotonga, which span two consecutive weekends from 9 September to 17 September.

Among the attendees will be local Rarotonga residents as well as visitors from Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, New Zealand, and Australia, who will stay in Rarotonga for the weekend.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centres, and theatres around the world for more than 100 years, and more than 40 years in Rarotonga.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person conventions were cancelled in 2020 and moved online where they were held virtually in more than 500 languages.

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.