BISHOP PRAISES INSTACART EBT SNAP PARTNERSHIP WITH ALDI
Breaking a century-old tradition in the name of health and safety, the largest convention organization in the world has moved its annual in-person event to a virtual format for the second time in as many years, cancelling nearly 6,000 conventions in 240 lands.
Since 1999 city officials and hotels warmly welcomed thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses into Columbus as they held their summer conventions at the Columbus Civic Center. In 2020, the pandemic unexpectedly interrupted that tradition moving the international religious organization to cancel in-person conventions throughout the world and launch a global virtual event. This was a first for Jehovah’s Witnesses, who have held public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world since 1897.
“Powerful by Faith!” is the theme of the 2021 global event, which will be delivered in more than 500 languages to households throughout the globe over six weekends during July and August 2021, uniting some 15-20 million people in 240 countries. Since the convention is typically held from Friday through Sunday, the program will be available in six installments corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions. “Friday” morning’s session will be available for streaming or download beginning June 28, 2021.
Ruby Harris of Columbus, GA comments, “The first time I was invited to a convention of Jehovah's Witnesses more than 30 years ago, my first thought was, 'who wants to go sit all day and listen to someone talk about the Bible'. I would later learn what a joyful, spiritually encouraging, learning experience these conventions proved to be. Being among the smiling faces of friends, old and new, is a highlight of my summer. True appreciation for such an occasion comes only thru personal experience.”
Bill Allen of Columbus, GA comments, “The convention is a real joyful occasion for my family. Some of our fondest memories as a family are from the annual events. I’ve been closely involved with our conventions since they began here in Columbus. One highlight besides the program itself is reconnecting with my ‘convention family’ that I only get to see once a year at our annual gathering.”
The continued risk of bringing thousands of people together in cities around the world prompted the organization to opt for a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. However, the move has not curbed the enthusiasm for the annual event. Congregations around the world are inviting the public to join them in this historic occasion “Faith has helped our global brotherhood to continue to thrive even during a pandemic,” said Robert Hendriks for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Our faith will continue to unite us in worship – even virtually – as millions gather in private homes around the world to enjoy a powerful and inspiring spiritual program.”
All are invited to attend the event by going to JW.ORG on the web or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library iOS or Android App, or on streaming platforms like ROKU TV, Apple TV, and others. The program is free and accessible to all. The schedule for download and global streaming is listed below.
For more information, please contact Jehovah’s Witnesses United States at (718) 560-5600 or pid@jw.org.
Program Day
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program
Friday Morning
June 28
July 3-4
Friday Afternoon
July 5
July 10-11
Saturday Morning
July 19
July 24-25
Saturday Afternoon
July 26
August 7-8
Sunday Morning
August 9
August 14-15
Sunday Afternoon
August 16
August 21-22
Columbus, GA--Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after Instacart announced its Electronic Benefit Transfer and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (EBT SNAP) integration in partnership with ALDI. This launch will begin in Georgia in more than 60 stores, and will expand to Illinois, California, Florida, and Pennsylvania to more than 570 stores in the coming months:
“With a global pandemic where we are encouraging social distancing and quarantine, it is good to see the private sector work to make grocery delivery accessible to all. This move by Instacart will help increase food security in a time where more than 54 million are experiencing food insecurity. I am very pleased Georgians in Columbus and Macon will be among the first in line to try this out and I hope Americans everywhere will have this option soon.”
New Business Practices Safety in Columbus
Columbus, Georgia — There is a fairly new business in the city that is practicing safety during the Corona Virus Pandemic. What are some of the reasons for its founding? They label their company veteran-owned. The owners, Mr. Robert and Mrs. Radiah Mallard, work together as husband and wife and also together in a unique firm called Property Management Inc. They both served in the military, Mr. Mallard had three tours of duty at Fort Benning and Mrs. Mallard had one tour of duty at Fort Benning. They are now retired from the United States Army and as Mrs. Mallard expressed, “Columbus just grew on us.” So this was the beginning of Property Management Inc.
The Mallards reasoned that if a world renown company, such as Aflac, got their start in the city, the Aflac example had a major influence on this dynamic couple, to start in Columbus. Their finding out that Columbus was the second largest city in Georgia also added to their decision to locate here. Some of the services offered by Property Management Inc. include an opportunity for clients to rent a facility for vacationing.
In addition, the couple also saw a need for property management services in the area, They serve Columbus as well as Phenix City, AL. The Mallards also wanted a business that could serve as a role model for young people to learn how to make an investment.
Property Management Inc. manages properties owned by individuals and the owners want to rent their facility to others. Their firm also sells homes as well as rent residences.
One of the aspects of Property Management Inc. is to provide places for those interested in vacationing, just a little different than past vacations. However, the Corona Virus Pandemic has presented some challenges for the enterprising couple. With their seeing people getting out, despite the virus, the Mallards adapted so their clients are safe. The firm follows CDC guidelines and makes doing business safe at this time. There are secure tenant portals for communication and when it comes to payment for services rendered, Property Management Inc. has bank grade mailboxes where clients do not have to worry about security. In their business relationships, any skilled trade workers who are under contract with Property Management Inc. must wear a mask, wear gloves and follow safe distancing.
While vacationing was down with the initial outbreak of the Corona Virus, it appears the scene is changing for Property Management Inc. They have won some recognition for their business as well maintaining contact with the public through their memberships with the National Association of Real Property Managers, East Alabama Board of Realtors and Columbus Board of Realtors.
Property Management Inc. is a trend setter as they successfully cope as a unique business during the Corona Virus pandemic.
Uniting the World in Faith!
Jehovah’s Witnesses Hold Global Virtual Event in 240 Lands, 500+ Languages
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