Good news. Thank you, God!

Building wells with songs

A well has been built for the village of Pô in Burkina Faso with donations from benefit concerts by the Youth Celebration Choir in Germany. This is already the second well in the first quarter of 2024, which was made possible by the #jugendbewegt (youth on the move) initiative of the Regional Church Western Germany. When the construction of the well began, Apostle René Lompo met with ministers from the congregation and prayed for the success of the project. Then the drilling started. After a few failed attempts and many prayers later, the workers were finally successful and hit water. A solar-powered pump, a water tower, and a water treatment plant were installed. “Easy access to water is vital and life-changing for the local people,” the mayor said as he thanked the congregation.

Twenty-five years of God’s grace

The members of the Tafelsig congregation in South Africa celebrated the anniversary of their congregation in style: with two divine services and a concert. On Thursday, 20 June 2024, exactly twenty-five years after the congregation’s opening, the rector conducted a divine service for the members. Afterwards everyone enjoyed hot soup and shared memories. ‌On Sunday, 23 June 2024, Bishop Leon Ravell celebrated with the congregation and many guests, including old friends, family members, and ministers. After the service, everyone was able to enjoy a phenomenal concert with various musical items. The orchestra, choir, and the children took to the stage to showcase their talents and delighted the audience with songs of praise to God.

Golden celebration

The congregation of Olivos in Argentina also had an anniversary to celebrate in June. Exactly fifty years after the dedication of their church on 30 June 1974 with Apostle Pablo Bianchi, the members came together for a special divine service with District Apostle Enrique Minio and Apostle Pablo Basso to celebrate and look back on the past. Despite the cold temperatures, many worshippers and guests attended the service on Sunday morning. District Apostle Enrique Minio used the same Bible text as in the dedication service: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14: 6). Jesus is still the way fifty years later. This was one of the thoughts from the divine service. Afterwards, there was time to share memories.

Blessing in war

Apostle Anatoly Budnyk took a great risk to visit his brothers and sisters in Ukraine. The country is still at war. Despite this he decided to conduct several divine services in the south of Ukraine in April and celebrate Holy Communion with the members. In Mykolayiv, he dispensed the sacrament of Holy Sealing and took time to talk to the brothers and sisters over tea. After lunch he travelled to Oleksandrija. That same evening, Mykolayiv was hit by rockets. In Oleksandrija, the Apostle sealed two people. Here, too, he took time to talk to the brothers and sisters. After a journey of around 2,000 kilometres, the Apostle arrived home safely.

Primary school almost finished

Childen in Iloilo in the Philippines have been given promises of a brighter future. A joint project by the aid organisations NAC SEA Relief Fund of South-East Asia and NAK-Humanitas of Switzerland promises a better future for the children. Right now, the ninety children in the region have a long way to school. Thanks to the two aid organisations, the walls of the new school are already in place. Classes are expected to resume in October 2024. Also the seven teachers will benefit from the improved facilities.