He says he is not much of an adventurer. And yet his life has been one adventure due to his global travels. In the process he earned himself a reputation as the king of fellowship. Now he is retiring.
Travelling around the world, close to his brothers and sisters, popular with the youth … The picture taken just before Pentecost 2025 in Germany sums up who Frank Dzur, the District Apostle Helper from Canada, is.
He was born in Toronto, Ontario in March 1959. His parents had immigrated from Germany and were often visited by a fellow countryman, the later Apostle Gottfried Schwarzer. He wanted to introduce them to the New Apostolic faith. And one day, as Father Dzur was wallpapering, Gottfried Schwarzer took off his jacket and tie and lent a hand. Giving testimony is also possible while renovating.
First steps into the wide world
The family attended divine services for years before deciding to be sealed in 1966. Then things moved very quickly, at least for Frank Stephan Dzur. At the age of 15 he was already serving as a Sub-deacon.
Shortly afterwards, he began travelling abroad. His first trip was to the Bahamas. And then it was off to various Caribbean islands with his District Elder. Until one day he was asked, “Would you like to do some real missionary work?” And off he went to Africa, to the region he was to fall in love with.
Between profession and vocation
In the meantime, Frank Dzur had trained in finance and was working for a large computer company, ultimately in marketing and sales. He married Lori Anne in 1981. They have three children, two daughters and a son. The year 2000 marked a turning point in his life.
The Church’s need for foreign travel continued to increase. But this was no longer compatible with his job. He had to pause for years. And then he was told, “We need you!” With his becoming a Bishop in May 2000 and an Apostle in April 2002, and being employed by the Church full-time, he began to travel around the world in earnest.
Faith without borders
And Frank Dzur travelled a lot, every month, rarely just a few days, and sometimes up to four weeks. His work took him to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Chad, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of the Congo, as well as to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Cambodia.
He experienced the most diverse cultures, traditions, and living conditions. “I’ve had the privilege of visiting many congregations around the world and witnessed the faith of our brothers and sisters,” he says. “I stand humbled before their steadfastness, their enthusiasm, and their zeal for the Lord.” His recommendation to all: “Travel to a foreign country and experience the work of God in another Regional Church.”
Wisdom with a smile
Over all these years, District Apostle Helper Dzur always had a spot in his heart for the youth. “It keeps you young,” he laughs in conversation. Primarily and preferably through personal contact, of course, but also through official committee work. He was not only an author of the Divine Service Guide and a member of the working group, but was also a member of the Youth Care project group.
“His balanced approach, his wisdom, and his humour have served the work of God well,” Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider writes to the Apostles worldwide, announcing the retirement. “Together with his ability to build relationships and mentor ministers and leaders, he is a great help and support to his District Apostles.”
The joy of fellowship
What we still need to talk about is this designation “King of Fellowship”, which even the Chief Apostle refers to. This is not about a reputation as a party animal, but above all about his big heart for all people and his open door as a host—even if it is for weeks and months at a time. “I don’t need a ministry or responsibility. I would be happy just to be together with my sisters and brothers.”
The following scene speaks volumes: he is in Chad, somewhere in the middle of nowhere. It is night, undisturbed by artificial light. The sky is dotted with stars. Frank Dzur is sitting outside at a huge table, alone; the hosts have disappeared into the house. “Isn’t anyone coming,” he wonders after what feels like an eternity. He hears a kind of rumbling in the distance. Then he hears laughter and singing and crockery clattering, and the table and benches fill up. “Now,” he thinks, “now, Lord, You can come.”
Photo: Christian Deubel