Husbands and wives have been advised to expect challenges as there is no relationship without challenges. The advice was one of the highlights of the opening day of the 2014 Annual Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses being held at Ota, Ogun State.

“There will be many challenges,” said John Oluwafemi Uriri. “Some easily overcome but others more difficulty.”

Uriri spoke on the theme, ‘Teach Your Children to love God’s Kingdom’, based on Psalm 78:3,4, which reads: “Which we have heard and know, And which our own fathers have related to us; Which we do not hide from their sons, Relating [them] even to the generation to come, The praises of Jehovah and his strength And his wonderful things that he has done.”

The speaker pointed out that “in every kind of relationship, there must be changes and when they come, they can put pressure on the relationship.”

In the case of marriage, he identified such changes which can lead to challenges to include having children, sickness and even death.” He stressed the need for spouses to learn to adapt to changing circumstances and to cultivate patience.

Uriri also stressed the need for husbands and wives to always work together to bring up their children in the ways of God, including teaching them to develop love for God’s Kingdom, which he identified as the solution to the world’s problems.

Identifying another secret to a successful and happy marriage, the speaker said: “When there are challenges, it is very important for husbands and wives to learn to apply Bible principles,” adding: “When husbands and wives apply Bible principles, it brings them inward joy. Therefore, when there are challenges, they should want to find out which principles apply and if they work on these principles, it is going to turn out well for them.”

The Convention, which has as theme, ‘Keep Seeking First God’s Kingdom!’, continues for the next 12 weeks at the Ota Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A total of 271 conventions will hold across 30 Nigerian cities.

Speaking on what to expect at the Convention series, Afolabi Odeyemi, a Convention Spokesman, said: “People of many faiths pray for God’s Kingdom. This convention will explain what the kingdom is and how it can be a positive influence in our lives . . . A core belief of Jehovah’s Witnesses, based on Biblical and historical evidence, is that Jesus Christ began to rule as the King of God’s Kingdom in 1914. The convention programme marks this year as the centennial of that event.”

•Photo shows delegates at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention at Ota.

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