Making a difference

A violent tornado ravaged the town of Tongaat in South Africa on 3 June 2024, killing people and destroying many homes. Various organisations immediately swung into action to assist with disaster relief. The New Apostolic congregations in Durban helped by collecting items such as blankets, towels, clothing, and baby products and bringing them to the disaster area. Emergency aid was expanded with the help of the Masakhe Foundation. Representatives of the Durban and North Coast districts travelled to Tongaat to deliver the items that had been collected.

Pastoral care for all

CityPastoral is a new programme initiated jointly by the various denominations in the city of Constance in Germany. Every Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a centrally located former Catholic church opens its doors to everyone. And really everyone is welcome: citizens, visitors, and people in all situations and circumstances. A sympathetic ear, a discreet and competent counselling session and, if required, a referral to psychological experts. Ministers of the local New Apostolic church also support the initiative

Experiencing God through fun and games

Every year, New Apostolic children from all over Spain come together for a retreat lasting several days. This year, 36 children and eleven adults travelled to a small village in Zaragoza at the end of June. Under the motto “De tu mano” (By your hand), the children experienced an eventful four days. There was a hike to a castle followed by a dip in a natural pool. And there were workshops and creative activities such as printing T-shirts for the divine service. Already on Friday, the children went to church, so to speak, but not for a service but to tour a village church from the thirteenth century, which is famous for its altarpiece. The children’s sense of togetherness was strengthened during icebreaker games and during a treasure hunt in which they were divided into teams. During the service on Sunday, which served as preparation for the service for the departed, their trust in God grew. Among other things, the officiant taught the children about the power of prayer by telling them about a personal experience. “God is waiting for you to talk to Him,” was the message of the service. “Let’s walk hand in hand with Him.”

Giving hope

Soup not only warms the body, but also the heart. A heartwarming initiative emerged as the young people from Riversdal South congregation in South Africa came together on Monday, 17 June to provide soup to the vulnerable. With kindness and compassion they spread warmth and joy.

Thousands of kilometres later the hand of God was evident

Six more inhabitants are not that significant for an island with almost 65,000 inhabitants. But these six have made a difference. In 2023, two New Apostolic families from South Africa moved to Guernsey, one of the small Channel Islands. The island had not had a New Apostolic congregation for many years, but now there was a need. Initially, Evangelist Craig Esterhuizen and Priest Stuart McGregor from Belfast supported the pastoral care work on the island and conducted divine services. The congregation was officially founded with the visit of Bishop Neil Woodman on 23 June 2024: He confirmed Dean Hayes as Priest. The congregation was joined by visiting family members as well as a sister from London who was temporarily on the island for work purposes. Together they all formed a choir. Divine services now take place every first and third Sunday of the month in a hotel in the capital St Peter Port.