“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.” The Chief Apostle referred to these words from John 12: 26 at the retirement in Woodbury this past Sunday, 12 March 2023: “This is an exact description of what you have done. You have been a true servant of Jesus Christ.”  

John Fendt was ordained a Sub-deacon already at the age of 16. This was back in September 1973. Further ministerial levels followed until Chief Apostle Richard Fehr ordained him an Apostle in May 1999. In September 2001 he was assigned as a District Apostle Helper. In addition to regions in the eastern United States, he was primarily responsible for the Church members in South and Central America. 

“When you showed up, it was not John Fendt who came with his ideas, his opinions, his experience, and his knowledge,” the Chief Apostle said. “Jesus Christ came first. He was the most important one and you were just His ambassador.” 

“We appreciated your humbleness, your kindness, and also your wisdom and experience,” Chief Apostle Schneider said. “We express our gratitude to God and to you and your family for your service, for the work of your love and your faith. May God bless you and keep you.”