A new year and a new edition of community filled with insights into the New Apostolic world. The topics range from youth initiatives, projects, and new beginnings to spiritual inspiration.
The first edition of the new year starts with a message from the Chief Apostle and our new motto for 2026: “Don’t be afraid. Just believe!”
On marriage, a new humanity, and divine consolation
The issue features a divine service in Mbuji-Mayi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which was based on a Bible text from Revelation 19: 7: “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” The focus of this service was on the marriage in heaven and the preparation of the bride of Christ for this event.
In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of Himself as the bridegroom and of the church as His bride. All those who are faithful to Him and who love God belong to this bride. The marriage of the Lamb is the image of the return of Jesus. On this day, Christ and His bride will be united. But the bride of Christ must prepare herself for this, be cleansed, and sanctified. The Chief Apostle offered clear guidance on this subject.
Also featured in this issue are excerpts from divine services conducted in Indonesia, Romania, and Argentina covering the following subjects: God’s creation of a new world for a new and united humanity; the special nature of divine comfort; and the significance of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, namely as an example of serving one’s neighbour.
Inspiration for young and old
For our youngest readers we have the exciting story of Paul on a beautifully illustrated double-page spread. Shipwrecked on the island of Malta, Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake, and it was uncertain whether he would survive.
Rose Mia, 13, from Manila on the Philippine island of Luzon, talks about her hobbies, her family, and her congregation. She also explains the connection between the many islands of the Philippines and the underwater mountain ranges.
A pastoral letter by the Chief Apostle looks at the benediction pronounced at the end of every divine service. It is far more than a devout wish. The article is entitled “When God Himself says goodbye”.
The European project group Congregation of the Future presented the results of their work at the International District Apostle Meeting. Included was an essay on the topic of what congregation means and what the task of a congregation is. You can read more about this in the article “Where Jesus Christ can still be experienced today”.
Creative projects and good prospects
The global news section contains a colourful mix of topics. A recycling project run by the youth in Bogotá in Colombia is celebrating its third anniversary. From the youngest to the oldest, all brothers and sisters in the region are asked to help by collecting recyclable
materials at home and donating them. The Sunday School children designed logos for the project.
The Hayes family from South Africa ventured a new start on the Channel Island of Guernsey. There was no New Apostolic congregation at the time. And something similar happened forty kilometres away on the island of Jersey. The article “A fresh start” explains how the family made a new life for themselves, and how two new congregations came about in the process.
The Chabota Vocational Training Centre in Zambia makes dreams come true. Read how David and 72 other young people received life-changing vocational skills and graduated with diplomas.
The DR Congo South-East decided that it would suspend its building programme in 2025 and instead invest the funds in teacher training programmes. Teachers are being given comprehensive training to ensure the best possible religious education and care of the children in the congregations.