The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly upset many plans and events. But one event has not been cancelled, nor has it been postponed. Which one? The Chief Apostle recently talked about it in the online service he conducted for East Africa.

Source: nac.today

Apostle Trevor Williams held the divine service in Silkstone congregation on Sunday, 30 August 2020. The Apostle was accompanied by District Elder Uwe Hoffmann and District Evangelist Richard Graf. The church and the congregation were prepared as their rector, Priest Trevor Bruiners, was to go into his well-earned retirement during that divine service.

The accompanist played hymn 135, “Let us turn our faces to the light”, as the opening hymn for the divine service. Apostle Williams’ sermon was based on the Bible word that we read in Ezekiel 1:28, “Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.”

The Apostle’s message was that our Heavenly Father remains with His children in the most difficult of circumstances. The prophet Ezekiel questioned why the glory of God was in Babylon and not in Jerusalem in the temple. He received the comforting explanation that God was with His people, even in the most difficult circumstances and situations.

On this occasion, acts that were to be carried out earlier this year took place. As stated earlier, the rector, Priest Trevor Bruiners – who had been an active minister for 26 years – was placed into well-deserved retirement. During his time of active ministry, Priest Buiners was an outstanding example for all in pastoral care. He served all brethren with love and understanding, bringing many sacrifices unselfishly. Priest Basil Scott was appointed as the new rector for the Silkstone congregation.

On Sunday 23 August, Apostle Allen Pouru conducted a church dedication service in Siririm, in the Morobe province of Papua New Guinea.  On this occasion, he was joined by Apostle Patrick Silabe.  Over 1600 members and guests were in attendance for the service.  Apostle Pouru used a text from 2 Chronicles 6:20-21 “…that Your eyes may be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your name that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place. And may You hear the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive”.

There was much happiness in the hearts of the brethren as they gathered to mark the dedication of the church, built to the honour of God. The message was given to remember that the mercy shown by Jesus Christ is felt time and again whenever God’s children gather to worship. The plea was for everyone to come and worship in truth and in spirit. As the bridal souls, we look forward to the day when Christ returns to redeem us, and we can then experience His fellowship at the marriage of the Lamb.

On Sunday, 23 August 2020, District Apostle Peter Schulte conducted the divine service for the congregation of Redcliffe. On that occasion he was accompanied by Apostle Trevor Williams, District Elder Uwe Hoffmann and District Evangelist John Thorne. In the current situation where we have to impose our COVID Safe plan, our church buildings have limited capacity for members able to gather. Hence, it was the case that all members of the congregation could not be present to experience the festivities of the day. The congregation’s string ensemble created an environment for contemplation and meditation as preparation for the commencement of the divine service.

The accompanist played Hymn 28, “We love the place, O God”, as the opening hymn for the divine service. District Apostle Schulte’s sermon was based the Bible word that we read in Luke 7: 33–35, “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by all her children.”

The District Apostle’s message was that with understanding for the teaching of Christ we embrace the gospel and apply it to all the circumstances of our lives. The District Apostle explained, the people at that time of Christ criticised John the Baptist because he abstained from certain foods and, they criticised Jesus for what he ate and drank. This can be explained with the colloquialism; “Damned if you do, and damned if you don’t”. In summary the District Apostle stressed that we can have a life with all its responsibilities and faith as well. We do not have to give up one to have the other. That will just be an excuse for either not living your faith or being an irresponsible individual.

On this occasion, acts that were to take place during March earlier this year were carried out. The rector of the congregation, Evangelist Graham MacKrill – who had been an active minister for 44 years – was placed into well-deserved retirement. During his time of active ministry, Evangelist MacKrill served the children of God with kindness, patience and understanding. He had also made a considerable contribution to the development of the music work in the congregations throughout the Australia.

Priest Shaun MacKrill was appointed as the new rector for the Redcliffe congregation. Deacon Scott Andrews was ordained into the Priest ministry and Brother Siva Chetty was ordained into the Deacon ministry.

Another significant event on this day was the blessing bestowed on Priest Brett and Sister Natalie Schulte, who celebrated their silver wedding anniversary.