There is room for everyone in church

Cross-border youth convention

They were easily recognisable with their identical caps and T-shirts: young people from Namibia and Angola came together for the weekend of 23 to 25 August 2024 in Rundu, a town in northern Namibia on the border with Angola. After Apostle Curdwell Mukwati had officially welcomed the young people and started the youth weekend with a prayer, there was no stopping them. Everyone headed out in various directions for a clean-up campaign in the town centre. But it wasn’t all work: there were plenty of sports and other activities for the youth to participate in. A talk was given by the local police regarding the topics of gender-based violence and substance abuse. The youth worked up a sweat playing tug-of-war, football, and volleyball or stood on the sidelines to cheer on their friends. And at a joint choral concert, a surprise guest from Zambia suddenly turned up to perform a violin solo. The event ended on Sunday with a divine service conducted by Apostle Patrick Liwakala.

Shaping things actively

People dealing with substance abuse and their relatives from the Regional Church of Western Germany were welcomed to the annual barbecue on 29 June 2024 in Hagen in Germany. The motto was “Appreciation”. The group meets regularly to talk about the chronic disease together and to strengthen one another. Not everyone was able to come to this year’s summer party, but those who were absent were not forgotten and were wished a speedy recovery. Bishop Manfred Bruns was also present and listened to concerns and problems as well as joy and gratitude. The participants contributed by bringing their own food and ideas for future activities.

The floor goes to the women

The church was full on Friday, 30 August 2024 with women who had something on their mind they needed to tell their Apostles. During his visit to Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Apostle Arnaud Martig from Canada not only saw the sights in the city, but also wanted to learn something from the brothers and sisters of the Regional Church DR Congo South-East. In future, the two District Apostle Areas will work together even more closely. Apostle Martig came to the church in Lufira together with the local Apostle Felicien Ilunga to meet a group of women who call themselves sœurs majeures, for a discussion. They explained their ideas for caring for sisters in faith to the Apostle and told him about their personal experiences with it.

Divine service for the youngest

“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray.” These words from Matthew 19: 13 were the basis for a special service in Guinea. At the end of August 2024, children from the congregations and districts around N’Zérékoré came together for a divine service. They were accompanied by their parents, friends, and some ministers, who also followed the service in the back rows. Priest Koundouno Emmanuel emphasised that Jesus loves children in particular and is close to them every day. The programme was not over after the divine service. The children were able to take part in a quiz, play indoor and outdoor games, and take part in musical and acting activities. The day ended with a friends-forever group picture.

Peace despite differences

The liturgy in a service on 28 June 2024 in Bad Belzig in Germany was a little unusual for New Apostolic Christians. And for good reason: people from four different Christian denominations had come together for a joint service in St Mary’s Church. Among other things, the participating New Apostolic Christians discovered what a so-called cloakroom prayer is: a prayer at the beginning of the divine service that is said in alternation with the minister. The overriding theme was peace. This was also reflected in the activities that followed: the participants folded origami cranes as a symbol of peace and in memory of those who lost their lives in war. They created a peace picture and learned to sing a peace song with the conductor of the Protestant congregation. At the end, prayers of petition were prayed and the Lord’s Prayer.