PORTLAND – More than 50 people were baptized last month by Jehovah’s Witnesses at separate conventions held over two weekends at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

Nearly 10,000 people from the Northeast attended the conventions held May 23-25 and May 30-June 1. The theme of both events was “Guided by God’s Spirit.”

The conventions focused on what the Witnesses believe is humankind’s need for guidance through God’s Holy Spirit. Sessions offered included:

. “Young People – Safeguard Your Relationship with Jehovah!” which offered Bible-based encouragement to help young people draw closer to God.

. “Empowered by Holy Spirit,” which highlighted the role of the Spirit in helping people resist temptation, cope with discouragement, withstand harmful peer pressure and endure adversity.

. “Do Not Leave the Love You Had at First” was the title of a full-costume drama that depicted situations and attitudes among early Christians.

“The convention theme was very intriguing,” said Scott Cuningham, one of the organizers. “It really helped to show people where they can receive successful direction in life, which stresses God’s personal interest in and love for sincere humans.”

The Portland conventions were two of 305 to be held in 76 cities throughout the country.

Jehovah’s Witnesses number nearly 7 million worldwide, organized into some 101,000 congregations, and have members in 236 land and territories.

For information, visit www.jw.org.