WESTOVER — After two-years due to the coronavirus pandemic Jehovah’s Witnesses congregations returned to in-person meetings on April 1. That included Kingdom Hall here at 31281 Curtis Chapel Road, located off U.S. 13.

Prior to 2020 local residents would attend the annual convention held in Norfolk at the Chartway Arena, but the decision was made to again hold the 2022 convention virtually. Against the backdrop of the tragic conflict in eastern Europe, members and friends around the globe are being invited to “Pursue Peace” and participate in all or some of the six-part annual event scheduled this month and next.

“We look forward to this spiritual feast every year,” said Denise Evans, of Marion, who along with her husband, Kenneth Evans Sr. and son, Kenneth Jr. plan to attend each session throughout the summer.

“There is so little peace in the world today. Now more than ever, learning from the Bible and sharing with others how we can pursue peace in all areas of our life, is just what we need,” said Kenneth Sr.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding global conventions for more than 100 years, the last three years featuring virtual events accessed through the free JW Library app or at jw.org. The program's early sessions are already available for download and there is no charge.

“This convention is an object lesson in how peace is being achieved by a global community right now as it unites millions of people even in areas of conflict like Ukraine and Russia,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The power of the principles being discussed transcends national borders, ethnic differences and language barriers. Both individuals and families will benefit from attending the program.”

The three-day convention will in six parts, each corresponding to a half day of content. Topics to be explored are:

• How love leads to inner peace and peace with others.
• Why the Bible can be called “the road map to family peace.”
• How to attain peace even when suffering illness, economic problems, natural disasters or other difficulties.
• What people from around the world are doing to enjoy peace.
• Why friendship with God can lead to true peace.

The convention will conclude with the culminating presentation, “Universal Peace is Sure to Come!”

The schedule for download and global streaming is attached at the top of this column.

All are invited to attend the event by going to 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.