On tour with the District Apostles and their assistants

District Apostle presents an award for knowledge

Young people in Bandundu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo received an award from their District Apostle. District Apostle Michael Deppner visited the city, which is around 250 kilometres from the capital Kinshasa, on 24 June 2024. He first listened to a choral concert and then conducted a divine service that focussed on God’s blessing. Afterwards, young people competed in their knowledge of the Catechism of the New Apostolic Church. The winner of the competition was Trinité Malunga, who received a prize from the District Apostle.

First-ever visit by a District Apostle

The New Apostolic faith has existed in Bucaramanga in Colombia for 35 years, and never before has a District Apostle been there. District Apostle John Schnabel (USA) has now changed that with his visit. The journey started in Bogotá, where he was greeted with songs at the airport. In Bucaramanga the District Apostle was first greeted by the children’s choir. He then conducted a divine service for the congregation using Matthew 16: 36–38 as Bible text. The District Apostle travelled on to Guadeloupe with Apostle César Barrera and Bishop John Martínez, where he was also welcomed by a children’s choir. He conducted a divine service based on 2 Timothy 2: 5.

District Apostle Helper introduces himself

During a round trip with four divine services, District Apostle Helper Thomas Deubel from Switzerland introduced himself to the members in Bulgaria. The New Apostolic Church has been active in this country on the Black Sea for forty years. There are around 600 members in twelve congregations. The trip started on Friday, 19 July 2024, in the capital Sofia. In Zlataritsa, around three hours away, he conducted a divine service with Holy Sealing. On Saturday, he first conducted a service in Kotel and then another one in Krichim. District Apostle Helper Deubel conducted the final divine service of his trip in Sofia on Sunday. “I was very happy about the encounters with the brothers and sisters,” he said adding that this also allows him to learn more about the culture and life of the people entrusted to his care.

A conductor leans back

All District Apostle Peter Lambert—himself a musician and former conductor—had to do was lean back and enjoy. He and the Apostles from Southern Africa gathered at the Olympus congregation on 20 April for a concert that resonated deeply with the audience. Starting with the hymn “Mighty God, we praise Thy name” the choir and organ set a tone of spiritual reflection. A special highlight was “Viktoria, my Jesus leef!” arranged exclusively for this concert by John Rodriques, performed by the choir, piano, and orchestra. A touching contribution from the children’s choir was “A Prayer” and “God loves us all”.