Carrying the annual motto through the year

Children learn that prayer works

District Apostle Rüdiger Krause had adapted the Bible text especially for his audience: “Trust in Him at all times, you children; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us“ (Psalm 62: 8). During the children’s weekend in Dobieszków, Poland from 15–16 June 2024, everything revolved around the annual motto.

In the divine service, District Apostle Krause, who is responsible for the country of Poland, explained to the children why prayer is so important. He explained what prayer is, and how we are supposed to pray. In addition, the young participants—just over 100 of them in total—enjoyed a biblical field game as well as some sporting and creative activities centred on the themes of prayer, fellowship, and faith.

A children’s day with the annual motto as its main theme was also organised in Amnéville, France. On 9 July 2024 the children enjoyed lunch together and then went on to engage in various games, music, and the opportunity to look at photos from past activities together. The day ended with some stories and a snack.

Prayer in action at the youth weekend

Around 150 young people from Romania and the Republic of Moldova celebrated a large youth event in Sighișoara, Romania from 26–28 July 2024. Since many of them did not know one another, they began the weekend with games designed to help them become better acquainted on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, after an official welcome from Apostle Vasile Cone, the youth continued their weekend agenda with sports, games, and interactive presentations.

As one of the highlights of the three-day event, Apostle Vasile Cone spoke to the young people about the motto of the year. A Deacon underlined the theme with a talk about the courage of faith. And a Priest rounded off the discussion on “Prayer works” with a talk about serving in the New Apostolic Church. The youth weekend also featured some cultural events with music and theatre performances. Another highlight, of course, was the divine service conducted by the Apostle.

The motto “Prayer works” also rang out over the youth weekend in Italy from 22-23 June 2024. After spending the Saturday relaxing and enjoying some sports at the beach, the young people gathered in the evening to listen to personal stories of prayers that had had a particularly powerful impact.

And prayer was also the focus of the divine service with Bishop Ivan De Lazzari the next morning. He advised the young people to place their concerns into prayer. He emphasised that it is precisely through the deeds of Jesus Christ that young people can find the strength they need to make progress on the path of faith. He went on to point out that it is in prayer that one learns to distinguish between the will of God and the will of man. Another point: collective prayer brings confidence. After the service, it was already time for the youth to bid farewell to one another.

Prayer in song

It was under the caption of “Hands Always Praying” that the choir and orchestra, along with the young people from the Plumstead district in South Africa, prepared their audience for the divine service for the departed. With many musical pieces intended to commemorate the departed and fill all those present with a feeling of joy and hope, they succeeded in creating a contemplative atmosphere in the Claremont Church on Monday, 24 June 2024.