2024 Feast of Tabernacles: Kalutara, Sri Lanka
In Kaluatara, Sri Lanka, 58 brethren from the United States, Canada, U.K., Australia and Sri Lanka celebrated yet another great Feast of Tabernacles.
At the lovely Turyaa Hotel in Kaluatara, Sri Lanka, 58 brethren from the United States, Canada, U.K., Australia and Sri Lanka celebrated yet another great Feast of Tabernacles.
The hotel is sprawled across six acres of ocean-front land, and features lovely sea view rooms with private balconies. The brethren stayed next to each other in three clusters of rooms in two wings of the hotel. Smiles and laughter of the rejoicing brethren were continuous during the Feast. The fellowship and unity throughout the Feast were remarkable.
The continuous rainy weather soon halted after we arrived at the Feast site. God blessed us with great weather and we did not have any interruptions during the outdoor events.
All brethren enthusiastically attended daily services at the conference hall absorbing God’s Word from the opening night to the second service on the Eighth Day. The respect and reverence for God was amply demonstrated by His children in how they chose their priorities at the Feast. The opening night message and the sermon from Panama City Beach by President Rick Shabi were thought-provoking. The spiritual messages delivered by the speakers were the highlight of the Feast. They were renewing, encouraging and motivating the attentive listener to reach their potential to be a Spirit-born son or daughter of God for eternity.
The special music pieces provided by the local and visiting brethren were outstanding. The lyrics of the songs were meaningful and were great messages by themselves. The ambience of the conference hall, with lovely flower decorations and curtaining, enhanced the festive mood.
In the evenings, some brethren would stroll on the beach and find some time to watch the sun go down beyond the horizon. A few brave men occasionally did take on the strong ocean waves.
The overseas brethren enjoyed a visit to Galle Fort and the turtle hatchery and also took a safari in the Ridiyagama open zoo. These tours brought much joy to them and some awe of God’s creation. Other activities included cricket, beach volleyball, water polo, family day, game night and swimming.
This Feast was one that will be remembered for a long time. The local and overseas brethren made good friendships and bonded well. Many overseas brethren said they would return, God willing.
We thank our Almighty God and Elder Brother Jesus Christ for the many blessings and protection at this Feast. We eagerly pray that God’s Kingdom will be set up on earth soon.
