As participants from all around the world joined in the Pentecost service with Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider, brethren in Nigeria were not left out. Affected by the corona pandemic like many other brethren in the world, the divine service reached the living rooms of most of the New Apostolic Church believers in Nigeria by live stream.
“This year’s celebration of Pentecost is special”—that was how the Chief Apostle described it from the start. “We are assembling under special circumstances this year. We cannot come together as usual, we cannot celebrate Holy Communion, and we have no explanation for it.” He pointed out that many members are currently facing great challenges in life. He went on to point out that, although God had changed the plans of man, He had not changed His plan! “He is and remains the God of love and of comfort”.
After reading out the bible text: 2 Corinthians 3: 17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty”, the chief Apostle talked about freedom, the courage to profess and unity. In his sermon the Chief Apostle said: “The Holy Spirit makes us free to serve and to love. He permeates human beings as a divine power. Through Him we are liberated from fear, and can become an instrument in the hand of God”.
For the first time after almost three months, the brethren in Nigeria especially Lagos (the epicenter of the corona virus pandemic in Nigeria) and Abuja were able to see a congregation with dozens of people. It was a great sign of hope and relief. The image showed that there is hope of coming back to our usual church activities in the near future.
Listening and seeing the virtual Choir perform “What a friend we have in Jesus” was a wonderful development that many brethren could not hold their admiration. It was very impressive to see and to listen to many brothers and sisters around the world.
