Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the world will convene at various locations this year to attend a three-day convention series entitled ‘Love Never Fails.’ As indicated by the theme, the program will highlight ways to demonstrate love to God and within the family. Locally, an estimated 32,000 individuals throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and New York are expected to be in attendance at the conventions held at the Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Belleville, Michigan.
Among the thousands that will be there is Bill Ford, a former professional underground gambler. From as young as he can remember, before he could even talk, Bill loved playing cards. By the tender age of 16, he had dropped out of school as he became “the number one dealer at the best underground poker game in downtown Detroit” making significant financial gains. His desire for more money in turn led him to heavy gambling and a life that revolved around drinking, the use of cocaine and immorality. Needless to say, this greedy and selfish lifestyle nearly cost him his family, as he was an unfaithful husband, an absent father and regularly squandered his winnings away to feed his gambling addiction. It all came to a screeching halt when his wife finally decided to separate from him, which forced Bill to take a cold, hard look at himself and the lifestyle he led.
Feeling that he was on the brink of losing what mattered most in life to him - his family - Bill started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He began applying scriptural principles that are regularly expounded on at gatherings such as these regional conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and gradually made positive changes in his life. Whereas his focus in life once centered on finding ways to take others’ money, he now seeks ways to give in the community and assist others in improving their life the way he himself was helped. He quotes and stresses the truthfulness of Jesus’ words in Acts 20:35 where it says: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.”
He also credits Bible principles for saving his family. In fact this year, Bill and his wife celebrated 36 years of marriage. He is very much involved in his children’s life and enjoys spending time with his grandchildren as well. Speaking of the quality of his life these days, Bill says: “I now enjoy peace of mind, I sleep well at night and I have real joy and a good conscience. You just can’t put a price on that.”
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This year, the theme of the convention is “Love Never Fails” Locally, an estimated 32,000 individuals throughout Michigan and northern Ohio are expected to be in attendance at the conventions that will be held at the Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 43777 Ecorse Road in Belleville, Michigan. The 3-day convention series starts the weekend of May 24-26th through to August 30 - September 1, 2019. Sessions begin daily at 9:20 a.m. each day of the convention. Admission is free, and no collections are taken. Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are supported entirely by voluntary donations
