At home all over the world: young people thrive on fellowship

Many countries, one shared faith — young people across Europe and Africa have been coming together in recent weeks to celebrate their youth weekends.

A youth festival took place in Frankfurt-Kalbach, Germany, from 4 to 6 September 2026 under the motto “Jesus – Safe!”  A total of 2,500 young people from 27 nations had travelled to this event, including from Azerbaijan, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Portugal, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. District Apostle Stefan Pöschel from Western Germany and District Apostle Helper João Misselo from Angola officially opened the festival by pressing a buzzer.

There was music galore, including performances by the Portugal Youth Choir, the bands Bräutigang and The Grovebirds, as well as an open sing-along. The programme included a panel discussion on the topic “Jesus today?” with District Apostle Pöschel and District Apostle Helper Misselo, as well as a talk by Torsten Will on the topic “JESUS – SAFE! And life should be fun.” The three days were punctuated by morning and evening devotions, discussions and workshops on social issues, pastoral care and questions relating to the spiritual ministry, a creative workshop, an escape room, and an open mic.

District Apostle Pöschel conducted the Sunday service, which focused on the security and comfort found in Christ. It was streamed live to over a thousand brothers and sisters who were unable to attend.

Between a dragon boat and tiramisu

Young people from Italy and the Italian-speaking region of Ticino in Switzerland took part in a youth gathering in Treviso, Italy, from 4 to 6 September 2026. Besides volleyball, football, and table football, there was also a dragon boat ride and tucking into tiramisu in the centre of Treviso in glorious sunshine, as well as a barbecue. After a choir practice in preparation for Sunday’s service, there was still the mystery of the game “The Case of the Stolen Lantern” to solve. The divine service was conducted by Apostle Rolf Camenzind in our church in Trebaseleghe.

From Bible quizzes to football

No fewer than two youth gatherings took place in Ghana. The youth of the Volta North District came together from 28 to 30 August 2026 at Okadjakrom Secondary Technical School in the Jasikan district. On Saturday, there were talks and panel discussions on the topics of “Sacrifice” and “What is the New Apostolic Church?”. Other activities included Ludo, draughts, a tug-of-peace, volleyball, football, and a choir practice for Sunday’s divine service. The service was led by Apostle Benjamin Ohene-Saffo and was attended by 300 young people and members from the local area.

The Cape Coast District hosted its youth weekend from 19 to 23 August 2026 at the University of Cape Coast. Just over 1,300 young people from the districts of Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi, and Cape Coast took part. The motto of the three-day gathering was: “I dare to believe” and offered not only the chance to meet the Apostles, but also to participate in seminars, Bible and other quiz competitions, devotions, sport and games, a live music concert, a street parade, fundraising projects for the congregations, a visit to Kakum National Park, and a tour of Cape Coast Castle. Apostle Emmanuel Quansah led the open-air service on Sunday.

Cultural diversity and a vibrant sense of community

The National Youth Day of the New Apostolic Church in Angola took place from 30 July to 2 August 2026 at Fazenda Tungane in the province of Icolo e Bengo. The young people came from the country’s various regions and districts.

At a trade fair showcasing the various provinces, goods and products typical of the region were displayed, highlighting the cultural richness and potential of Angola’s different regions. At the traditional “Coffee with District Apostle Helper João Misselo”, young people had the opportunity to engage in dialogue, listen, seek advice, and share experiences. The divine service was conducted by District Apostle Helper Misselo and was attended by two thousand people.