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OGDEN — Thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses from Utah and surrounding states are gathering in Ogden this weekend to share messages of faith, take part in Christian association — and for a few dozen — get baptized into the faith.
It's the first time since 2019 that Witnesses have held their annual three-day regional convention in-person. But the religious group has been holding conventions in Ogden since 1980.
Utah is home to about 6,200 Witnesses spread out over 66 congregations, with meetings taking place in English, Spanish, Portuguese and other languages. A Spanish-language convention was also held in Ogden last weekend.
For regional spokesman Mark Helmbold, the excitement from the over 4,000 Witnesses attending the convention is tangible. He said this year's theme "Exercise Patience" is particularly relevant given the patience Witnesses have exercised during the COVID-19 pandemic as they waited for in-person activities to return.
"This is huge for us because we look forward to these conventions every year," he said. "I heard someone relate it this way, if you've got a television, you could see a picture of a fire, you could hear the sound of a fire, but you couldn't feel the warmth. That's really the biggest difference to being in-person is that you can feel that. Honestly, as soon as you come into the building, it's just radiating excitement."
Helmbold, originally from Chicago, moved to Heber City nine years ago to assist with the local congregation. His path to conversion started in his 20s when he began studying the Bible and found answers to questions he didn't even think there were answers to.
"Check the Bible out," Hembold said. "So many people write off the Bible, they think it's an old book, they think it's not helpful. But it's really incredible how we can find answers to life's big questions there and how relevant it is to today."
That type of Bible study is crucial for those who are considering being baptized, Hembold said. In fact, individuals must complete Bible study courses before baptism. Although there's no age minimum, Helmbold said the denomination places an emphasis on making sure people are prepared and making the decision for themselves.
Jackson Long, 11, was one of 35 individuals who were baptized during the convention Saturday. "I was happy and excited," Jackson said of the experience, adding that he wanted to be baptized to "show my love for Jehovah."
His cousin, Dakota Long, 13, was also baptized Saturday. She said the decision was something she considered for a long time.
"I finally felt like I was ready to actually do it. I remember at a meeting not long ago, they said, 'If you love Jehovah, why not? What's stopping you from doing it?'" she said, adding that feeling a divine influence in her family's efforts to move to Portugal helped her feel ready.
Jonathan Demosthenes, a circuit overseer (akin to a traveling minister), shared words of encouragement with the convention prior to the baptism.
"Take a look around you and what do you see: men, women, children who are beautiful in Jehovah's sight. Never forget that," he said. "You are a part of an international brotherhood, a spiritual family."
Thomas Braithwaite of Brigham City is a lifelong Witness. He's been coming to the Ogden conventions since he was a kid and said the event is always a great opportunity to learn. This year's theme of patience, he said, is something he and his wife needed.
"I've got four kids, so I need all the (patience) I can get," he said. "You come here for a spiritual paradise and it's just amazing. Everybody here is smiling. Everybody here is happy. You know, it's like you're not even living on Earth."
The convention is free and open to the public Sunday, and the denomination is holding 708 conventions in 144 U.S. cities — including St. George— between May and September. More information Is available at JW.org.
