"Keep on the watch" (Matthew 24:42) is the theme for this year's annual district conventions by the Jehovah's Witnesses.

An estimated 5,000 Spanish-speaking Jehovah's Witnesses converged on the Dee Events Center in Ogden Friday and will continue meetings through Sunday in one district convention. A separate English-speaking district convention will attract another 7,100 people, next Friday through July 5, also at the Dee Events Center.

Talks begin at 9:20 a.m. each day. On Fridays, afternoon sessions begin at 1:50 p.m.; on Saturday at 1:50 p.m.; and on Sundays at 1:20 p.m. Sessions will break for lunch each day about noon.

"Its focus will be biblical prophecies in the last days," Richard Wolf, an elder with the Jehovah's Witnesses from south Davis County, said.

He said the speakers will provide practical advice for Christians in these challenging times. "We've got to be watchful."

He stressed admission to any of the convention sessions is free and no collections will be taken. Non-Witnesses are especially welcome to any of the district meetings.

Wolf also said one of the convention's most important discourses will be "How can you survive the end of the world?" on Sunday morning. This talk will examine what the Bible teaches about the end of the world — whether it be through a global nuclear exchange, an asteroid impact or other natural phenomenon.

This timely discourse will also stress that a great crowd" of people will survive the world's end (Revelation 7:9, 10:14).

Wolf also said there will be an ordination of new ministers late Saturday morning, while the Sunday afternoon's session will include a modern-day drama based on the prodigal son parable.

Jeff Tackett, another northern Utah elder for the Witnesses, said the conventions will include a special, specific focus for each of the three days. For example, Friday at both the Spanish and English conventions will key on "Prove yourselves ready" (Matthew 24:44). Saturday will concentrate on "Keep your senses, be watchful" (1 Peter 5:8) and Sunday will conclude with "Keep in expectations … it will not be late" (Habakkuk 2:3).

Utah Witnesses also will launch a vigorous campaign this month to get the word out of their upcoming conventions, through door-to-door and personal contact, as well as the media.

Jehovah's Witnesses are members of a worldwide Christian religion, who believe in actively sharing their information about God, whose name is Jehovah, and his son, Jesus Christ, with the world.

They view first-century Christianity as their model and believe Biblical principles give purpose to life, promote family ties and develop productive and honest citizens.