At home worldwide: Concert in South Africa

Maseru (Lesotho)

Lesotho is a monarchy. It is completed surrounded by South Africa, but separated from it by high mountain ranges. The country is nestled amidst pristine nature and is situated on a highland plateau, which is why it is also called the “Kingdom of the Sky”.

For some time now, Apostle Abraham Page from Johannesburg (New Apostolic Church South East Africa) has been looking after the congregations in Lesotho. He visited the country in August and conducted a divine service in Maseru, the national capital, on 15 August 2015 for the country’s two congregations: Maseru and Kolonyama. He based his sermon on Romans 1: 15, “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.” He sealed eleven souls. Several brothers and sisters from Bloemfontein in South Africa attended the service as well. They had accompanied their District Elder on his trip to the Lesotho district. They made up a choir and brought their instruments to form an ensemble. For the members in Lesotho it was the first time that they heard musical instruments being played live in a divine service for them. After the service, Apostle Page asked the members to sing a traditional song in Sesotho. They started to sing and dance right away.

Cape Town (South Africa)

There is a first time for everything. And this is no different in Ocean View, a Cape suburb. On Sunday, 2 August 2015, the Sunday School children of the congregations in Ocean View, Sun Valley, Westlake, Masiphumelele, and Da Gama Park gave a repeat performance of the NAC Children’s Choir Mandela Day concert. The concert began at 6 p.m. and the church was abuzz with excitement. Programmes were not handed out so the audience had no idea what to expect. But as soon as the first strains rang through the church, everyone knew that this was going to be very special. The audience in Ocean View was blown away by the high standard of music. Some of the girls and boys were experiencing mixed feelings as it was their last concert in the children’s choir. They will move on to the youth and adult choirs.

Nelson Mandela served as President of the Republic of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Madiba, so his clan name, is revered for his outspoken battle for freedom and self-determination, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts. He died on 5 December 2013.