New Year's letter (1.1.2001) from Senior District Apostle Wagner.
National Organization of the
New Apostolic Church of North America
Erwin Wagner
To all members in Canada, the United States of America and
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
The expectations and anticipations of the MILLENIUM YEAR 2000 are already a matter of history. In many situations the expected did not happen, and the unanticipated came into being. Over us howeverd hovered the words in Psalm 73: 23 & 24.
"Nevertheless I am continually with thee: (Luther version: "I will remain with thee") thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory."
We receive out of our Heavenly Father's hand comfort and strength in times of concern and weakness, and also wisdom and guidance for the events and happenings that the New Year 2001 has in store for us.
In an era of unending changes, that affect us in our daily lives, earthly course, family conditions and above all our spiritual fellowship of oneness to Christ's Altar, its Servants and our spiritual Brothers and Sisters, we may always look up to the cloud of God's promise, Isaiah 43:21, "This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise." And how will this take place?
- The intensity of our childlike prayers
- The sincerity of our trusting faith to His Word and teaching
- The sweet savour of our offerings, both upon and for the Altar of Christ
prompt His security te be with us (Isaiah 51, 7),
"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach (belittlement) of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings (abusiveness)."
The awareness of what all goes on around is is well known to our Chief Apostle Fehr. His many travels and visits to God's work and His children, in the furthest regions and out of the way congregations expose him, and all Servants who do as he, not only to hear and see, but especially to feel what happens in our time. What has this awakened? Not only a greater concern, borne of love, but the desire to serve and provide through him and all Servants, according to I Kings 3: 9, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge (do what is right) thy people..." in,
- The restructuring of this our district
- The ordination of the District Apostles Freund and Latorcai
- The reallocation of countries to other regions
is what we experienced in 2000, out of God through our Chief Apostle who has "An understanding heart to do what is right". All to provide for the present conditions and need of all souls: Be they the youngest of the young, or the oldest ofthe old. Be they the closest of those nearby, or the furthest of those far away.
May this be the thankfulness in which we look back, but especially the happiness in our faith in which we look forward to the unfolding events for the New Year, in which the joy of anticipation is a vital factor for the following happenings:
Sunday, January 14, 2001 5:00 p.m. EST
ADMINISTRATION BROTHERS & WIVES SERVICE
Clifton, NJ, U.S.A.
Transmission throughout Canada, U.S.A., the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
various locations in Central & South America and the Caribbean Islands.
Sunday, January 28, 2001
CHIEF APOSTLE SERVICE,
Nairobi, Kenya
Transmission via Radio & T.V. throughout the entire country of Kenya.
Sunday, March 4, 2001
SERVICE FOR THE DEPARTED
Sunday, March 25, 2001 11:00 a.m. EST
CHIEF APOSTLE SERVICE
Kitchener, Canada
Transmission throughout Canada, U.S.A., the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
various locations in Central & South America and the Caribbean Islands.
Sunday, April 8, 2001 PALM SUNDAY
CONFIRMATION SERVICES
Throughout the various districts
Sunday, April 15, 2001 EASTER SUNDAY
CONFIRMATION SERVICES
Throughout the various districts
Many preparations take place in the families, congregations and districs for the aforementiones program, some directly and others in supportive praying. For that which has been done in the YEAR 2000, a humble and heartfelt thank you, and for the support of what is to take place in the YEAR 2001 a sincere expression and appreciation already in advance.
Our Chief Apostle Fehr send shis heartfelt love and greetings, in which the District Apostles Freund and Latorcai, as well as the Apostles and myself join most sincerely.