Growing South Asian Population Prompts Canadians to Learn Punjabi

Thousands of residents from all across the Lower Mainland, along with many Punjabi-speaking attendees, will gather to learn more about one of the oldest books in existence—the Bible. They will attend one of four Bible education conferences that are being held each weekend (Fri. – Sun.) in July, at the Prospera Centre in Chilliwack. Approximately 14,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses and others from across the Lower Mainland will attend.

Two of those attending will be husband and wife Carman and Marjorie Holmes who have lived in the Surrey area for the past 20 years and learned to speak the Punjabi language. “I love these Bible conferences for what I learn and the people I meet. That’s one of the reasons I learned Punjabi is so that I could share what I learn from the Bible with other Punjabi-speaking people. It has been a great experience learning their language and culture. Many of them are very spiritual and they love to learn about the Creator and the Bible.”

The theme of the conventions is “God’s Word is Truth,” based on Jesus’ words at John 17:17. Program highlights include the intriguing talk entitled “What is Truth?” which will examine why we can trust the Bible, states [Surinder Parhar], spokesperson for the conferences.

“The conference theme this year is significant because it underscores a core family value for Jehovah’s Witnesses. They embrace the Bible as the most trustworthy guide and source of advice in these stressful times. And we feel that the public will likewise benefit from and enjoy the varied and practical program,” he observed.

Two dramatic plays will also bring Bible stories and their practical lessons to life, which can help people better deal with life’s challenges today.

Everyone is welcome. To that end, some 500,000 invitations to attend the conference will be hand-delivered to homes throughout the Lower Mainland. This is a free public event with no admission charge, and no collection will be taken. Come for an hour, a day or for the entire conference.

Follow this link to watch a short video clip of a typical Bible education conference. http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/conventions/

Conference Dates: July- 5-7; July 12-14; July 19-21; July 26-28; program times: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Prospera Centre, 45323 Hodgins Avenue, Chilliwack, BC; take Vedder Rd. exit north off Highway 1.
Additional Information: Surinder Parhar – 604-765-7441; email: surinderparhar@hotmail.com; or, visit Jehovah’s Witnesses’ official Web site—www.jw.org