The Church as part of society

Oslo/Norway: Scandinavia is comprised of the countries Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. You come across wonderful people here at the northern tip of Europe who live in a region of awesome natural beauty. District Apostle Rüdiger Krause from Hamburg (Germany) is responsible for the congregations. And Apostle Jörg Steinbrenner looks after all administrative and pastoral care matters in these countries, as well as in Greenland and Iceland.

For the first time ever, the Apostle convened a meeting of all district leaders and rectors who work in these Nordic countries from 20 to 22 January 2017. The programme called for a social evening, a seminar, and a divine service in our congregation in Oslo. One of the points discussed at the seminar was whether it would be possible to offer prayer meetings during the week. Many members have long distances to church and can therefore not attend the midweek services. Others, however, would like additional offers.

Another point on the agenda was the youth exchange programme within the region looked after by District Apostle Rüdiger Krause. He wants to encourage young people from the various European countries to get to know each other. This could also inspire and enliven the congregations in Scandinavia.

The divine service on Sunday was celebrated by Apostle Steinbrenner in Oslo. The neighbouring congregations Larvik and Frederikstad were also invited. The divine service was held in six languages: Danish, Norwegian, Swahili, Swedish, English, and French.

Yogyakarta/Indonesia: The church as part of society—something that is easier said than done in a country in which Christians are a minority. In Indonesia they make up a mere ten per cent of the population. For several years now, however, there has been an ongoing dialogue between the New Apostolic Church and the government. Especially when it comes to celebrating a joint Christmas service with the other Christian churches in Yogyakarta. The New Apostolic Church participated with an angklung orchestra and a choir.

Lomé/Togo: Two new Apostles in Togo, two new Apostles in Ghana. During his trip to West Africa in January, the Chief Apostle ordained four Apostles and retired three Apostles. The two new Apostles for Ghana are Amos Osei-Du (54) and Benjamin Ohehe-Saffo (49). Sédjro Kodjo Amevoh (57) and Kossivi Edo Kloutse (49) were ordained as Apostles for Togo.

N’Djamena/Tschad: From Togo, the Chief Apostle continued on to Chad, a landlocked country in Africa where conditions are difficult. Here too the Chief Apostle ordained two new Apostles: Jean Koiyoumtan Blague (54) from Sarh and Nao Ndangalngar (44) from Koumra.