At home around the world

Switzerland

Students from the Institute of Religious Studies at the University of Lucerne visited the administrative offices of the New Apostolic Church Switzerland in Zurich to learn more about the New Apostolic Church. They were accompanied by their lecturer, Christian Ruch. The visit has become somewhat of a tradition. Every year students visit the Church offices. Bishop Rudolf Fässler and District Evangelist Reto Keller provided insight into the establishment and development of the New Apostolic Church. The students followed the presentations with interest, also those concerning our doctrine and the structure of the Church.

At the beginning of his presentation the Bishop said that the Catechism has brought us closer together, creating a common bond and the possibility that we can encounter everyone in the church of Christ with love and esteem. The admission of the New Apostolic Church Switzerland as a guest in the Working Committee of Christian Churches has confirmed this perception publicly. Finally, there was a lively discussion on the position of women, worldwide developments, and the preservation of Christian values.

Singapore and Indonesia

On 25 June 2015, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider conducted a divine service in Singapore at the Rendezvous Hotel. Attending the service were brothers and sisters from many countries and cultures. Singapore is a modern city-state with many foreigners living and working there. “In the end,” so the Chief Apostle, “we will all enter into the kingdom of God. Nationality and ethnic descent will no longer play a role.”

Two days later, the congregation in Yogyakarta in Indonesia gave a concert in honour of the Chief Apostle. Some 800 attended the performance at the Duta Wacana Christian University. Various choirs, instrumental ensembles, and soloists created a warm atmosphere with their presentation of classical as well as traditional music. The guests from Europe, Canada, Australia, the Philippines, and China were delighted. The Chief Apostle concluded his trip to Indonesia with a visit to the home of the retired District Apostle Alfons Tansahtikno in Bandung.

Democratic Republic of the Congo South-East

Young people from the Likasi district joined their youth leader, Priest Freddy Mulumba, on a visit to the local hospital. They testified of their faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel and showed that they live by the principle of Christian love by presenting essential medicines to the hospital. Many people there depend on such donations. The staff of the hospital had been informed of the visit well ahead of time and had gladly consented.

Democratic Republic of the Congo West

Apostle Dieudonné Iyafo Baul’Ankoy passed away following complications after an operation. He was 59 years of age. He leaves his wife and seven children. District Apostle Michael Deppner will conduct the funeral tomorrow, Saturday, 4 July 2015, in our church in Matadi. Iyafo Baul’Ankoy was born on 30 September in Ekukola. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider ordained him as an Apostle during a service in Kinshasa in June 2013. The Apostle worked with District Apostle Deppner in the western part of the country.