Omaha Residents Attend "Powerful By Faith" Convention

Breaking a century-old tradition, the largest convention organization in the world has moved its annual in-person event to a virtual format for the second time in as many years, canceling nearly 6,000 conventions in 240 lands.

For 30 years Lincoln, Nebraska, has seen thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses stream into the city from four states each summer, taking over hotels and filling restaurants during their conventions – held at the Pershing Auditorium, the Bob Devaney Sports Center and, most recently, the Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Omaha, Nebraska, residents Brian and Jill Rowe have attended Lincoln conventions since the 1980s. Before they were married, Jill traveled to them from Iowa with her family. “We would go a few days early and take advantage of the things that Lincoln had to offer,” she said.

Matt and Angie Solatka, also of Omaha, have enjoyed the Lincoln conventions with their children. They made the trip a yearly family event by staying in hotels that had swimming pools and enjoying the Lincoln restaurants with friends at the end of each day. “What I liked was there was always one day, or at least one afternoon or morning session, that was focused on the family,” Angie said. “That’s what I especially appreciated when the kids were growing up.

”Daughter Brooke Solatka, 22, remarked on the contrast she observed from other large events that sometimes become unruly. “We never hear stories of anything bad happening,” she said. “It’s usually the staff thanking us for being there and thanking us for how we conduct ourselves.”

In 2020, the pandemic unexpectedly interrupted that tradition moving the international religious organization to cancel in-person conventions throughout the world and launch a global virtual event. This was a first for Jehovah’s Witnesses, who have held public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world since 1897.

“Powerful by Faith!” is the theme of the 2021 global event, which will be delivered in more than 500 languages to households throughout the globe over six weekends during July and August 2021, uniting some 15-20 million people in 240 countries. Since the convention is typically held from Friday through Sunday, the program will be available in six installments corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions. “Friday” morning’s session will be available for streaming or download beginning June 28, 2021.

The planning and translation of a program of this magnitude takes months of effort. With the uncertainty of whether it would be safe to bring thousands of people together in cities around the world, the organization opted for a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. However, the move has not curbed the enthusiasm for the annual event. Congregations around the world are inviting the public to join them in this historic occasion.

Although the Solatkas, especially Brooke, missed seeing their friends due to the virtual nature of the 2020 convention program, the family all expressed appreciation for the online format. Matt said, “Whenever there was an important statement, we could pause and rewind to hear it again and think about it.”

The Rowes agreed. “If you missed a point, you could back up and replay it,” Jill said. “We got a lot out of the convention when we did it virtually.”

Both families keenly look forward to the virtual 2021 convention program and are busy calling and writing neighbors to invite them to attend, too.

“Faith has helped our global brotherhood to continue to thrive even during a pandemic,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Our faith will continue to unite us in worship—even virtually—as millions gather in private homes around the world to enjoy a powerful and inspiring spiritual program.

”All are invited to attend the event by going to www.jw.org on the web or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library app available for iOS or Android, or on streaming platforms like ROKU TV, Apple TV, and others. The program is free and accessible to all. The schedule for download and global streaming is listed below.

For more information, please contact Jehovah’s Witnesses United States at (718) 560-5600 or pid@jw.org.