International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses descends on Melbourne, people everywhere

Just a few thousand ... or more. Melbourne, the International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses is here. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: News Corp Australia

A mass influx of Jehovah’s Witnesses have descended on the culture capital this weekend for its International Convention.

But this time, they’re not doorknocking.

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A large crowd at Etihad Stadium for the 2014 International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses yesterday, in Docklands, Australia. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: News Corp Australia

A sign reading “Keep Seeking God’s Kingdom” lights up Etihad Stadium. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: News Corp Australia

Crowds at Etihad Stadium rivalled that of sporting events. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: News Corp Australia

Crowds are expected to break stadium records this year. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: News Corp Australia

Held from Friday and continuing throughout the weekend, approximately 70,000 delegates from 60 countries will flock to Etihad Stadium for the largest gathering of its kind in Australia.

This year’s program highlights the centenary of the group’s belief that Jesus Christ began ruling over God’s Kingdom in 1914.

“A central belief of Jehovah’s Witnesses is that Jesus Christ began to rule as the King of God’s Kingdom in 1914,” the listing on onlymelbourne.com.au reads.

“The program marks 100 years since that event”.

With a theme “Keep Seeking First God’s Kingdom”, the convention aims to “explain what that Kingdom is and how it is benefiting people today”.

A “mass, full water immersion” baptism will occur this morning, the biggest baptism of its kind in the country.

The program asks candidates to “bring a towel and a modest bathing suit”.

On top of that, the schedule includes preacher training workshops, forums and sermons.

Additionally, two theatrical productions will “bring a Bible story and a modern-day drama to life”.

Amy Bishop, 20, of Howrah, Tasmania, is baptised at a Jehovah’s Witness annual convention at the Derwent Entertainment Centre. Source: News Limited

One of 500 to get baptised at the Jehovah’s Witnesses convention at Telstra Stadium in Sydney, 2003. Picture: Kristi Miller. Source: News Corp Australia

Gemma Edwards is baptised by Brother Bill Webber during a Jehovah’s Witness mass ceremony at Adelaide Convention Centre. Source: Supplied

Members line up for the baptism ceremony at “God's Way Of Life”, the annual Jehovah’s Witness convention at Sydney Football Stadium in 1998. Source: News Corp Australia

Organisers believe this year’s crop will break Etihad’s Stadium attendance record.

Public Transport Victoria has arranged 14 extra train services for the Convention and it’s believed the event will inject $50 million into the local economy.

A reddit user described the initial reaction from international Jehovah’s Witness visitors in Melbourne.

“I got asked for some directions by some American JWs yesterday, I started explaining and saw their faces, completely lost, user speedyleedy wrote.

“I just walked them there and had a quick chat. Found out that everyone had been really welcoming to them and a lot of randoms (not JWs) have really helped them enjoy their trip to Melbourne.

“They were really grateful. Lovely bunch of people. 10/10 — would recommend.”

Australia is a popular host for the International Convention, whose meetings have been held in the country since the 1950s. Previous gatherings have been held in Sydney, Adelaide and Tasmania.

With 20 million members worldwide, Jehovah’s Witnesses exist in every one of the world’s 195 countries. 64,000 of them are reported to reside in Australia.

Meanwhile, a whopping 8 million are registered to doorknock homes across the world.

Dear World, it's safe to answer your door today. I've just passed the Jehovah's Witness global convention in #Melbourne. They're all here.

— Craig Johnstone (@WhiskyCraig) October 12, 2014

An incredible amount of short sleeved shirts and ties being rocked in #Melbourne today. Jehovah's Witness Convention 2014... Welcome

— Richard Woods (@woodycov) October 15, 2014