Mourning and comfort in Brussels

The congregation in Brussels had been noted in his divine service schedule for several months already, said the Apostle. At that time he did not yet know about the events that were to unfold in the European capital during the Passion Week. The terror attacks left 35 people dead and over 340 injured. Apostle Haeck is grateful that none of the members of the Brussels congregation were wounded or killed. Yet he also knows that they have friends and acquaintances among the injured.

When the Apostle arrived for the Easter service, the streets in the Evere quarter were calm. Isolated police sirens provided a stark reminder that authorities are still on a high-pressure search for the culprits behind the attacks of 22 March. The congregation clearly demonstrated that they refused to let anything rob them of their Easter joy or their joy over the Apostle’s visit, however. Already half an hour before the start of the divine service, powerful and emotional choral and orchestral performances began to resound. By way of a “Hallelujah” at both the start and end of the service, the choir summarized the mood with a big exclamation mark: we believe that Christ is risen and lives in us—despite what has happened!

Many expressions of sympathy

Apostle Haeck related to the congregation that he had received many expressions of sympathy over the past days. In the divine service, he reminded the members of Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider’s motto for the year, and went on to quote the Church leader: “In this year as in past years, we will once again have concerns over the future. Let us see to it, however, that we do not allow ourselves to be overcome by cares, even when times are difficult. Those who trust in God do not need to fear tomorrow.”

Terror in Pakistan too

A large number of people were also killed in Lahore, Pakistan on Easter Sunday. The Taliban splinter-group known as “Jamaat-ul-Ahrar” claimed responsibility for the terror attack. The attack was targeted toward Christians, as reported in the media. Our prayers also go out to them and the many others who have suffered a loss.
Such attacks occur all over the world—again and again we hear about terror, murder, and fanaticism. As a global Church, the New Apostolic Church also takes an interest in this. In its Catechism, the New Apostolic Church takes a clear position: “The New Apostolic Church and its members respect the religious practices of other people, and refrain from making derogatory remarks concerning those of different faiths, different religions, and different denominations. They endeavour to have a good and peaceable relationship on the basis of mutual respect. The Church rejects any kind of religious fanaticism” (13.5.2).

The victory of Jesus Christ stands against all evil

Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider, who conducted the Easter service in the congregation of Bremen (Northern Germany) also drew attention to the terror attacks around the world. Injustice, violence, and murder occur everywhere, not only in Europe, but also in Asia and Africa. In addition to that, there is still the very common violence of the criminal world. People are at times murdered just for a handful of dollars. He also drew attention to the many dramatic instances where children in particular are confronted with death as a result of sickness. “I would only like to say one thing concerning this: when you take some time to think about all of these things, you will eventually get an idea of what death, evil, and the power of evil really signify.” Against all of this, said the Church leader, stands our belief that Jesus Christ has conquered death and evil! “That which He has to give is so great that even a person who has lived through such dreadful things and such cruelty can be saved and find eternal bliss. No evil is so great that He could not make such a soul happy. That is the victory we have with Christ!”