“Today marks a very special day in the lives of our dear young brothers and sisters who have received numerous preparations through the teachings of their teachers. Today, you will be receiving blessings and also take upon yourself the vows taken on your behalf by your parents.”
 
These are the words of Apostle Richard Senyo Osei as he confirmed eleven young brothers and sisters in a Divine Service on Sunday 26th September 2021 at the Ho Central Congregation.
He continued: “I thank your teachers and parents for their restless support to you and after taking your vows, you will now become the full-grown member of the New Apostolic Church, and the blessings embedded in this confirmation shall you receive.”
 
The theme upon which the Apostle stood to nourished the congregation was taken from the gospel according to Luke 6:45, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of his evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks”.

Good and Evil Heart
The heart is the warehouse of the human being, where our nature generates from. It is the heart that brings both good and evil. A good heart is born out of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; all these virtues are fruits of the Holy Spirit. The heart that instills them distinguishes itself from unbelievers. Moreover, the fruits of the unbelieving heart are hate, unforgiveness, wickedness and envy. These are the fruits of the evil one. Children of God must watch their tongue, for whatever comes out of their mouth is through their heart. Our hearts must speak goodness and not evil words against our neighbour.  

A pure thankful heart
The Apostle also encouraged the congregation to let their hearts be in oneness with their offerings and also present them to the Altar of Grace with pure and clean hearts. He made reference to the biblical story of Cane and Abel.

Advise to Confirmands  
In his advice, Apostle Osei educated the new confirmands about their roles in God’s vineyard which include proclaiming the word to the world, that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God and shall return for His children into the First Resurrection. He further cautioned the confirmands to flee and denounce sin because their lives will no longer be for anybody but theirs only. He urged them to obey the laws of God. He said Jesus Christ has made laws very simple and it is translated into two-fold: “love your God your Father with all your hearts, your strength and your mind and also love your neighbour as yourself”.

“Continue to live in the House of God and worship Him wholeheartedly. Make sure you are part of God’s work and always follow the Holy Sacrament. Following the sacrament will make you rich in Christ and also increase your faith. Finally, be ready to share all the good things you have with your peers”, advised the Apostle.

Be kind, share Jesus
He also charged the congregation to call the confirmands to order in a polite and loving manner anytime they go wrong and this will encourage an assurance of fellowship and belonging in them. “Spread the wealth of Christ through His words to the people around you. Let us live exemplary lives, as people who are in waiting for the Second Coming of Christ” he concluded.

The Apostle was assisted by District Evangelist William Parku, Shepherd Ernest Foli and Shepherd Dzah.