Salvation for souls imprisoned in the yonder realm is of great concern to New Apostolic Christians. This is evident in the divine service for the departed which occurs three times in a year (1st Sundays of March, July and November).

Apostle Timothy Akubia (Volta North Apostle Area) officiated the last divine service for the departed in the year 2020 on Sunday November 1, 2020 at the Hohoe Central congregation, with over 222 members in attendance.

The Apostle read a text from Mark 5:41-42 ‘Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.’

“It is a great opportunity for us to experience this wonderful moment today. What happens today is a spiritual exercise. It is beyond human comprehension. Those who allowed the Holy Spirit with which we are sealed, to grow and develop in them, would grasp the importance of this activity”, said the Apostle in his opening remark. He further entreated members to serve the Lord wholeheartedly- so we can reap the full reward, live in accordance with God’s plan for our salvation. “He who wants to reach the heavenly home must accept and live by the plan of salvation”.

Elaborating on the bible word, the Apostle stated that, by faith, the seemingly impossible occurs. This he said was the situation with the daughter of Jairus, who was brought to life even after all people had lost hope. How does this relate to our brothers and sisters for whom we intercede today?, the Apostle quizzed.

…only believe
Jesus’ response to Jairus, even when the people around sought to discourage him from pestering the Lord any further, means with our faith and belief, the souls imprisoned in the yonder realm could receive help. Many believe that, life ends at the grave. However, like the daughter of Jairus, the dead have the opportunity to be saved through faith, Apostle Akubia emphasized. He further stated that, “not even the ridicule from friends and relatives should be allowed to derail our faith and conviction in the redemption of the souls in the beyond”. The souls in the yonder real equally must have this belief, the Apostle avers.

...Love for the soul of our neighbour and ours
Our love for our neighbour must essentially include the love for their souls. Our brothers and sisters for whom we intercede need our love; it gives them warmth. When we extend our hand of love to them through our intercessions, then the salvific acts of the Lord shall raise them up. They shall rise from death to life in Christ. They shall also respond to the call “Talitha Kumi”, Apostle Akubia explained.

He further admonished the members, “we also want to love our own souls. Let us avoid the mistakes of these souls from the yonder realm. By this we would not enter the yonder realm in an unredeemed state.”

Bringing his sermon to a close, the Apostle entreated the members to make themselves a channel of blessing and redemption to the souls in the yonder realm through faith and love. “Let us continue to intercede for them, for somebody prays for us too” he concluded.

The Apostle was assisted by District Rectors Peter Akai (Krachi Bimbilla District) and District Rector Samuel Agyemang (Jasikan  District).