God created human beings for fellowship. Yet various influences often threaten to undermine it. District Apostle David Heynes (Northern and Eastern Germany) explains how we can maintain our closeness to God.  

District Apostle Thomas Deubel’s contribution is presented as a video discussion. In conversation with young people, he talks about experiences related to our 2026 annual motto: “Don’t be afraid. Just believe!”

People who feel afraid and ashamed tend to want to hide. However, God calls them back to life. Those who heed this call experience care, peace, and a new sense of dignity.

When fear clouds our thinking, poor decisions can suddenly seem reasonable. District Apostle Joseph Opemba Ekhuya from Kenya in East Africa illustrates why trust is a far better guide than panic. 

Fear is a natural part of life. Yet when we place our trust in God, it brings a deep sense of security, dispels fear, and fills us with confidence. God is present, both in the storms of life and in moments of stillness, says District Apostle Michael Ehrich from Germany. 

God calls human beings despite their limitations. “Do not lose heart, but trust in the Lord,” advises District Apostle Helper Herman Ernst from South America, for God’s calling is stronger than fear. 

 Although waves may crash on us, there is a hand that protects and sustains us. The logo designed by Southern Africa depicting our 2026 motto perfectly reflects what Jesus’ words promise: “Don’t be afraid. Just believe!” 

In times of war, doubt, and despondency, it becomes clear that those who trust in God will not be disappointed. For District Apostle Helper João Misselo from Angola, faith writes the stronger story. 

“Don’t be afraid. Just believe!” The New Apostolic Church Canada presented the design of its logo illustrating the 2026 motto not with an explanatory video, but with a musical declaration of faith.

There were daunting obstacles: first the Jordan, then Jericho with its seemingly insurmountable walls. Nevertheless, Joshua pressed forward. Trust, obedience and perseverance were his secret, as District Apostle Enrique Minio from South America explains.  

Concentrating on the true faith … Perhaps this is more easily said than done. Nevertheless, the Chief Apostle has a plan for how to put this into practice: here is the last video excerpt from the divine service marking the start of the year 2026. 

Despite trials, temptations, and spiritual captivity, God remains faithful. District Apostle Tshitshi Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo encourages us to hold fast to this truth. 

Just believe? But in what, exactly? This is what really makes the difference. The compass that will keep us on course no matter what the storms of life may bring: here is the fourth instalment of our series of excerpts from the divine service conducted by the Chief Apostle at the start of the year.

There are times when fear takes the helm. It is then that things really start to become stormy. Let’s look at the obstacles that can arise and what Jesus has to say about them. Here is part three of the Chief Apostle’s New Year’s opening service.  

Threatening waves and outstretched hands: these are the most common motifs in the logos depicting our 2026 motto. Here are the official designs of the District Apostle Areas.

“Just believe” is the other half of our 2026 motto. After all, there is a rock to which we can cling in the storms of life and of this time. Here is part two of the Chief Apostle’s New Year’s opening service. 

“Don’t be afraid” is the first part of our 2026 motto. However, there are more than enough reasons to be concerned, and there is only one reasonable response. Here is the first part of the Chief Apostle’s New Year’s opening service. 

Fear and uncertainty define our times. The Chief Apostle counters this with a reassuring thought from Jesus and encourages us to face the new year with trust, faith, and confidence.