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- Jean-Luc Schneider is the new district apostle in France
Nizza. Jean-Luc Schneider (45) is the name of the new district apostle of the ÉNA (the French acronym for the New Apostolic Church) France. He succeeds District Apostle René Higelin (65) in this task, now that the latter has been granted a well deserved retirement after 46 years of ministerial activity. Chief Apostle Richard Fehr honoured him and his activity with moving words on Sunday, 26 September 2004.
The brothers and sisters in France had known about this day for some time—District Apostle Higelin had personally mentioned it on a number of occasions. In his address, Chief Apostle Fehr described him as a "dear and treasured friend," who has now concluded his activity after 46 years in ministry. Since 1996 René Higelin has been responsible for the District Church of France and other French-speaking countries throughout the world. The chief apostle cited the retiring district apostle's motto of life using the words of a familiar hymn: "Willingly myself resigning, letting peace my heart control. [...] All this I desire of Thee, gracious God, grant it to me!" (Hymnal 283).
The name of the succeeding district apostle is Jean-Luc Schneider. The chief apostle wished him the blessing of heaven, divine powers, and special angel protection.
The festive divine service in Nizza was based on a passage from Jeremiah 17: 7- 8: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."
Among other things, the chief apostle mentioned that in order to be blessed, it is necessary to have confidence in God's direction, patience during the various situations of life, and trust in the divine leadership. This will yield the fruits of faith, of which Apostle Paul reported in Galatians 5: 22.
For more information on the District Church of France and the countries in its care, visit: www.e-n-a.org
28 September 2004