It was a feast of love, grace, and mercy all over South Central Area of Nigeria as they joined New Apostolic communities all over the world in celebrating festive Divine service for the Departed  on Sunday 6th July 2025 .

Apostle Armstrong Inyang arrived at the Four Towns congregation to an impressive reception by the Children's Choir and ministers. The environment was solemn, glorious, and fulfilling as over 387 faithfuls had gathered for the service.

The Apostle joyfully welcomes all to the divine service. He reflected on the text word from our Chief Apostle on 29th June 2025 from Luke 15 : 5 - 6  "And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost  "

In his homily,  Apostle Inyang reminded the congregation of the importance of the service: salvation for both the living and the dead.  He said three realms are in the service; those from the Heavenly realm, invisible church, and the visible church.

He went on : Salvation in Jesus Christ is  for the living and the dead, and the altar of grace is established here on earth. The lost sheep living or dead needs redemption through Christ. Acknowledging our sinfulness and shortcomings brings us closer to God and our neighbour, 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Rom 3: 2b - 23) he said. All weaknesses and failings of humanity forces man to be at remoteness from God but thanks be to God for sending His son as a good Shepherd to rescue man from sin, evil and death.

Through His activity and redeeming act on the cross, Jesus offers salvation through faith and sacraments. The unredeemed souls are the lost sheep whom Christ has found causing us to rejoice,  the Apostle further said.

He went on to enumerates those considered as lost sheep to includes:

• All who do not know Christ as the only way,  truth and life.
• Those who are only hearers and not doers of the word.
• Those who have lost their faith and are in remoteness from God.
• Believers who have left the fellowship of believers
• Those in isolation,  finding faults from others.
• Those who believe in Jesus,  His love and can even call upon him but are not willing to renounce themselves.

Concluding the Apostle quoted our Chief Apostle: we all can consider ourselves lost sheep because every sin prevents us from achieving perfect fellowship with God. In this, Jesus works for the salvation of both the living and the dead.  The redemption we receive calls for our joy. The District Leaders and others assisted at the altar.