Full Immersion Baptism Marks Special Day for Many in the Baltimore Area
Baltimore, Maryland (July 10, 2023) – John and Kelly Herko from Mount Airy, Maryland eagerly anticipated July 1, 2023, the day the married couple stepped onto the Arena floor to get baptized.
Photo: John and Kelly Herko from Mount Airy, Maryland( Courtesy JW.org and Soul Media Group)
“Getting baptized was a very large step and the best day of my life. It strengthened my bond with Jehovah and my bond with Kelly”, said John who studied the Bible along with his wife for more than two years before making this decision.
“It brought us closer as a married couple”, said Kelly. “This was the most important step in our lives and we shared it together. It was amazing!” Many in attendance were touched as the couple shared a kiss right after baptism.
Thousands looked on as John and Kelly joined other congregants who were also fully immersed in the baptismal pool, highlighting the second day of the three-day “Exercise Patience”! Regional Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The morning session began at 9:20 a.m. and culminated with a talk preceding the baptism event. Another highlight of the convention’s second day is the first of a two-part prerecorded feature Bible drama.
“The Saturday program at our annual conventions is always a highlight of the three days,” said Veron Hadley, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The significance of baptism and the powerfully compelling drama in the afternoon make quite an impact on those attending.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world for more than 100 years prior to April 2020, when the organization canceled all its in-person events around the world. After resuming smaller in-person meetings and their public ministry during 2022, the summer of 2023 marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events around the world.
The convention is open to the public, and no collection is taken. For more information on the program or to find other convention locations and dates, please go to JW.org and navigate to the “About Us” tab.