Bible Truth Unites Cultures in Manukau

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Ipu Schmidt and Nelson Scott congratulate each other after their baptism as Jehovah's Witnesses

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Clean living young people from around the Pacific and beyond after their baptism as Jehovah's Witnesses [From left to right: Ipu Schmidt; Sara Erhabor; Olivia Hasard; Vitinia Talei; Sean Brown; Truman Lee; Nelson Scott]

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

For immediate release

Bible Truth Unites Cultures in Manukau

There was no sign of racial tensions or gang culture at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau City last weekend as a large multicultural crowd of 3,372 gathered to hear scriptural presentations at the 2006 ‘Deliverance at Hand’ District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

People from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds sat side by side with their fellow witnesses from all around the Pacific. In addition to English, the program was presented in Mandarin and Korean via fm radio. It was also presented in Samoan for the benefit of the 700 Samoan-speaking delegates gathered at the witness’s convention facility in Papakura.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are known around the world for their impartial efforts to contact people of all nationalities with their message, and for the lasting results they achieve – even in countries with deep-seated racial tensions like South Africa, Middle East, Ireland, and the former Yugoslavia.

The witnesses were thrilled to welcome 38 new members in a moving multicultural baptism ceremony.

Fifteen-year-old Ipu Schmidt of Mangere, who is of Samoan descent, joined others of Maori, European, Chinese, Fijian, New Caledonian, and Nigerian descent in symbolising their dedication to God.

For Ipu this was the realisation of a long-term goal, and something she had been looking forward to for some time. “These people are all my family,” she said.

Truman Lee of Papakura, who is New Zealand born of Chinese descent, also said this was a very satisfying day for him. He said he was moved to take this step because he believes strongly that the Creator has the answers to the big problems facing mankind today.

Sixteen-year-old Nelson Scott, of Onehunga, agrees and says this is his way of giving back.

“I also know that I can go to any country in the world and receive a warm welcome from the witnesses, even if I can’t speak the language,” says Nelson.

ENDS

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