“We ask for blessing and hope.” These were the Chief Apostle’s farewell words in Gqeberha in 2015. Now he is coming back for another visit, and there is excitement everywhere.
Ten years ago, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider visited a city in South Africa that was then still called Port Elizabeth. Today it is called Gqeberha. It was renamed on 23 February 2021. This is the Xhosa word for the oldest local township, Walmer Township.
The name of the city may have changed, but the anticipation of the brothers and sisters is still as joyful as it was then. The Chief Apostle will be there on 30 November 2025.
Windy but friendly
As a port city, Gqeberha is located directly on the coast of the Indian Ocean, 770 kilometres east of Cape Town and in the middle of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Due to its proximity to the coast, a strong wind usually blows through the streets, which has earned the city one of its two nicknames: the Windy City.
The population of Gqeberha is about one million, making it one of the largest cities in South Africa. What’s more, it not only boasts long expanses of white sand beaches, but also a rich art and cultural scene, as well as colourful markets. The relaxed and warm atmosphere, but also the hospitality of the residents, gave the town its second nickname: The Friendly City.
Preparations are underway
There are a total of 46 New Apostolic congregations in Gqeberha with almost 31,000 members. Preparations for the Chief Apostle’s visit are in full swing. A project team is seeing to the logistics arrangement. The local pastoral leaders are attending to the spiritual preparation for the divine service on Sunday, 30 November 2025 at the Missionvale Campus of Nelson Mandela University.
The congregations of Algoa Park, Arcadia, Balfour Heights, Bethelsdorp Extension, Booysens Park-PE, Cleary Park, Despatch, Forest Hill, Govan Mbeki, John Street, Kabega Park, Mandelaville, Missionvale, New Brighton, Rosedale-Uitenhage, and Zwide are invited to the service. A congregation of around 3,500 people is expected to attend on Sunday. The divine service will be broadcast to all congregations via NACTV, YouTube, and television platforms.
A programme has been prepared for this event. The Chief Apostle is scheduled to visit various congregations, meet with some young people, and attend a concluding concert. The congregation of Gqeberha, “young and old alike, is joyfully praying for the safe arrival of the Chief Apostle and blessed encounters in his presence”, South Africa reports.
A look back with a positive outlook
Ten years ago, when the Chief Apostle concluded the divine service in Motherwell, the emotions got the better of the brothers and sisters. They broke out into song with voice, body, heart, and soul. “Sicela amalizo Nali Ithemba” (“Here is hope”—or future—“please support us”), a Xhosa folk song, resonated through the church with everyone clapping and dancing.
Photo: South Africa Stock – stock.adobe.com
Editor’s note: An incorrect image was accidentally included in an earlier version of this article. This has been corrected. Please accept our apologies.