From 30 May to 2 June 2019 there will be a remake of the European Youth Day—this time with participants from around the world. “I hope to see many young people from all over the world in Düsseldorf on Ascension 2019,” Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider says.

“We can hardly imagine under what horrible circumstances many people have to live!” the Chief Apostle prayed at the beginning of the District Apostles’ conference in Johannesburg in South Africa. Afterwards there was much to discuss and to decide for the District Apostles.

A new church building, sending biblical messages by bread, and finding common ground with other denominations are this week’s topics. Join us as we visit our brothers and sisters in South Africa, Germany, and in Luxembourg.

Theological topics and organizational matters … Whenever the District Apostles who work in Africa come together there is a full agenda. This time, the African Joy newsletter was a central topic. Read more about the conference of African District Apostles taking place in Johannesburg in South Africa.

“Serve the Lord with gladness.” This is nothing new. What is new, however, is a whole catalogue of requirements and practical help given by the Chief Apostle. Following are excerpts from the recent divine service that he held for the ministers in Europe.

Living where other people spend their holidays … This is the case for many New Apostolic Christians too. Yet they do the same as everybody else and go about their daily lives. Following is a glimpse at the normal day-to-day life in three different District Churches.

The new edition of community is online and ready for download. On 32 pages, the issue looks back on the 2015 Pentecost festivities, reports about divine services on four continents, and features an excerpt from the recently published Catechism in Questions and Answers.

The gap between expectations and reality, between the ministry and its bearer … This field of tension made for some moving moments in the most recent divine service for ministers in Europe: the Chief Apostle apologized.

Two times each year, all District Apostles and District Apostle Helpers of the world come together for a District Apostle Meeting. They debate globally strategic topics that are of significance for the overall leadership of the Church. In October this meeting will take place in Johannesburg in South Africa.

New Apostolic Christians believe that Jesus Christ will return as the bridegroom and take His bridal congregation unto Himself on the day of the Lord. But who will be included in this group? Who will be accepted by Him? What will happen?

On coming Sunday all of Europe will be looking toward Düsseldorf, in the best sense of the word. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider, the six District Apostles of Europe, and the Apostles of the District Church of North Rhine-Westphalia will be the hosts of this divine service for ministers originating in the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia.

So you lead a life in accordance with Jesus' example — and what do you get out of it? You sure aren't spared suffering and need, after all. Is it even worthwhile to be a Christian? "Yes it is!" says the Chief Apostle, and points to the promise of God: the difference will show in the end.

Helping hand in hand: that is how New Apostolic congregations have been helping refugees for months—most often together with other Christians, initiatives, and organizations. Infrastructural support is also coming increasingly from the Church leadership.

We are to make decisions ourselves instead of asking for signs or leaving them up to the discretion of the ministers! Such was Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider's appeal. Nevertheless, a mature Christian will allow himself to be led by the Holy Spirit. How does that work?

Three active Apostles in a row have passed away in the past few days on the African continent. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider paid tribute to their commitment to the now grieving congregations.

The fate of the many refugees who are currently travelling in Europe has moved the hearts of New Apostolic Christians around the world. This is demonstrated by the reactions in social networks. But it is not just talk and discussion: concrete help is also being organized.

It is to be used as a workbook and a manual to support instruction: the Catechism, which has now been subdivided into 750 questions and answers. Over the coming days it will be distributed to congregations around the world and will shortly also be available as an app for smartphones and tablets.

Doing the will of God: that is the objective of each and every believing Christian. Yet each and every one of us must make personal decisions for ourselves. This was something that Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider made clear recently in Tbilisi in Georgia: “God expects us to be mature children of God.”