Jehovah’s Witnesses are holding their annual convention at the Macon Coliseum, July 28-30.  The program will be presented in English. The following weekend, August 4-6, it will be presented in Spanish. In all, 108 congregations and more than 10,000 attendees are expected with 1,600 hotel rooms booked.

The theme is, “Don’t Give Up!” with the Bible’s message of hope as its focus.

The talks, interviews, and video presentations are designed to help individuals and families endure in their Christian lifestyle despite regular challenges to their faith.

The city of Macon has been a preferred destination of the Witnesses for nearly half a century.  Andrew Barnes, a member of the convention coordinating team, states, “This marks the 47th year since we first used the Macon Coliseum.  We have been there every year, with few exceptions.  And we have also used other local venues such as the Macon City Auditorium.”

Besides the excellent spiritual program that is made available at no cost, there is a substantial economic benefit for the community.  Recent Convention and Visitor Bureau statistics show the Witnesses’ conventions have generated over $103 million in revenue over a 5 year period, as well as over $7.4 million in local hotel and sales taxes.

The entire event is open to the public.  No admission is charged.