Zurich. Sierra Leone is a republic in West Africa. Last weekend, the New Apostolic congregations throughout the country rejoiced over the visit of the international Church leader, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider. On Sunday, 25 May, he conducted a large festive divine service in Freetown, the capital of the nation.

The New Apostolic District Church of Sierra Leone is part of the working area of Southern Germany’s District Apostle Michael Ehrich. In March 2006, the then Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber was the last to travel to the country. This past weekend—eight years later—the present leader of the Church, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider, came to visit. While there, he retired Apostles Komba Barda Gborie, who had served in ministry for 31 years, and Robinson Musa Saidu, who had been active as a minister for over 28 years. He thanked the retiring Apostles from the bottom of his heart for the many years in which they had served the Lord and the souls in their care in love and faithfulness. Two new Apostles were also ordained: the hitherto Bishop Thaimu Kargbo (50) was ordained for Sierra Leone, and the hitherto Bishop Alexander Wreh (45) was ordained for Liberia.

Love and blessing

The Chief Apostle based the divine service in Freetown on a passage from Romans 8: 28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” In reference to this passage, he explained that God has called us as persons, not as members of families or groups. He has elected us in full awareness of our mistakes, our specific characteristics, and our personality. He went on to add: “Let us never stop loving God, even in times of great trial. God will bless our attitude by repeatedly allowing us to be a blessing for many. He will watch over us to ensure that no misfortune prevents us from entering into His kingdom and receiving His glory as our inheritance. Our love is to be a response to His love.”

To read more about the New Apostolic Church in Sierra Leone please visit the website of the New Apostolic Church Southern Germany.