For many of us, attending an international convention is more than just a special assignment—it’s a powerful reminder of the unity Jehovah has built among his people. Though our backgrounds, languages, and cultures may differ, our hearts beat with the same faith, the same joy, and the same spiritual goals.
A Language We All Understand
One of the most moving aspects of an international convention is seeing how Jehovah’s organization bridges language gaps so beautifully. You might be listening through an interpreter headset or reading along in your own language, but what connects us isn’t just the words—it’s the love behind them. From the warm welcome of local brothers to the laughter shared over packed lunches, there's a universal language that binds us all: pure worship.
It can also be humbling to realize that, although we may not understand every spoken word, we deeply feel the spiritual bond. This unity is a foretaste of what Revelation 7:9 describes—“a great crowd... out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues”—and it's happening right before our eyes!
When the Moments Become Memories
So many find themselves wanting to preserve these experiences—not just in photos, but in meaningful ways that can be looked back on and cherished. A shared experience, a kind note from a fellow delegate, or even the name of a new friend from halfway across the world—these moments deserve a place.
And while we may eventually forget what we ate or where we stayed, we rarely forget how these experiences made us feel: welcomed, loved, united, and part of something far bigger than ourselves.
Keep the Memories with Our “My International Family” Autograph Passports
To help you capture these special moments, we’ve created the “My International Family” Autograph Book—a compact and colorful keepsake that’s perfect for your convention bag. Each of the 15 editions features a unique full-color cover based on the host city, with the theme “Pure Worship” displayed in the local language (such as Japanese, Sinhala, or Croatian).
Inside, there are 16 blank pages for autographs and messages. For added fun, the bottom of each page features a different convention’s date and theme in its local language—like a sprinkle of international flavor! Of course, all key elements (contact info section, venue address, spiritual thought) are in English. This thoughtful souvenir is a fun way to remember your new friends and the worldwide unity we all cherish.
🌍 Say “Hello” Around the World!
One of the easiest ways to show warmth at a special convention? A cheerful greeting in the local language! Here’s how to say “Hello” in the languages represented at the 2025 host cities:
| Language | Hello | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Hello | heh-LOH |
| French | Bonjour | bohn-ZHOOR |
| Spanish | Hola | OH-lah |
| Japanese | こんにちは | kon-nee-chee-wah |
| Indonesian | Halo | HAH-loh |
| Sinhala (Sri Lanka) |
ආයුබෝවන් | aa-yoo-BOH-wan |
| Albanian | Përshëndetje | per-shen-DEHT-yay |
| Dutch (Flemish) | Hallo | HAH-loh |
| Croatian | Bok | BOHK |
| Kinyarwanda (Rwanda) |
Muraho | moo-RAH-ho |
| Shona (Zimbabwe) |
Mhoro | mm-HO-ro |
Tip: Even if you don't get the pronunciation perfect, brothers and sisters will always appreciate the effort!
Have you attended an international convention before? What was the most memorable connection you made? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
Tips & Experiences for Convention Delegates:
These encouraging articles from jw.org offer helpful perspectives for those attending special conventions. They highlight practical ideas and uplifting experiences that complement the spiritual direction we receive from Jehovah’s organization.
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“How Can You Make the Most of a Special Convention?” - June 2019 Watchtower
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“Special Conventions Strengthen Our Love for One Another” - 2018 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
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“Delegates From 112 Lands Attend International Convention” - JW News – Global
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“Christian Meetings Unite Us” - Enjoy Life Forever! — Lesson 20
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