South Texas Jehovah's Witnesses baptized in front of 3,500 people at annual convention

Meagan Falcon | Corpus Christi

Show Caption Hide Caption These Jehovah's Witnesses came together to be baptized in front of 3,500 people More than 3,500 people attended the Jehovah's Witness 2018 Regional Convention Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018.

Christina Grimes struggled understanding the Bible and what was planned for her spiritually.

After studying under other Jehovah's Witnesses for more than a year, Grimes, 19, took the next step in her spiritual journey Saturday.

She and 36 other people were baptized in front of more than 3,000 people at the Jehovah's Witness 2018 Regional Convention at the American Bank Center.

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This year's three-day convention called "Be Courageous!" focused on learning practical ways to face present and future challenges with courage. Saturday's service served as the new members' welcoming into the spiritual community.

Those who were baptized were as young as 8-years-old and as old as 77.

Juan Cantu, media coordinator for the convention, said before members are baptized, they must make a private dedication through prayer to dedicate their lives to sacred service.

He said members often wait until they are fully able to understand and are ready to dedicate themselves to their faith before they are baptized.

Raymona Armstrong, 77, said she has been studying the teachings of the religion for more than four years.

"I've learned a lot from Jehovah and I've learned a lot about him ...I am just really excited that I get this chance to get baptized," she said. "I've waited a long time for this moment and I can't wait to continue my missionary work."

Grimes said she has been looking forward to achieving her goal of getting baptized for a while.

"It's going to be an incredible feeling the moment I get in the water," Grimes said. "I can't imagine what I am going to feel ...but for me, knowing that I've achieved that goal is going to be incredible."

Grimes said she plans to become a pioneer, a full-time evangelizer and looks forward to where Jehovah will take her on her newfound spiritual journey.

The convention will continue through Sunday at the American Bank Center. About 5,000 people are expected to attend Sunday's services, Cantu said.