The New Apostolic Church celebrates the divine service for the departed three times each year on the first Sundays in March, July and November. These special divine services afford members the opportunity to intercede for souls in unredeemed states in the yonder world, that they may come to salvation. This requires these unredeemed souls to have a repentant heart, belief in the triune God and the Apostolate as well as come to the altar of grace in humility.

Apostle Timothy Akubia (Volta North Apostle Area) officiated the divine service for the departed on Sunday 3rd November 2019 at the Hohoe congregation, with over 193 members in attendance.

The Apostle read a text from Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit”.

“I bid you all a hearty welcome to this special divine service. Today we have a rather expanded congregation; those of us here present and also our dear brothers and sisters from the beyond who have heeded the call of Jesus Christ to come for redemption. Already we can feel their presence” remarked the Apostle as he opened the service.

In his elaboration, the Apostle stated that, the Lord Jesus Christ had come into contact with persons who were broken hearted by certain occurrences; sickness, death, condemnation, and being abandoned by persons close to them. “Jesus Christ came to rescue all such persons and provided help for them” stated the Apostle.

The Apostle further explained that, the Lord Jesus Christ however understands our situations and He is ready and willing to save all. “He became flesh, He experienced injustice, condemnation, death and the afflictions of the flesh, in one way or the other. He is aware of our sinful condition; and He is here to save us” stressed the Apostle.

The Apostle, using the example of the prodigal son and the criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus Christ, explained that, to be able to benefit from the salvific sacrifice of Jesus Christ, one must have a contrite spirit. He stated that, one by his own volition ought to recognize his sin, regret the sin, show remorse and repentance, and then turn to the Lord in humility. “By this one may access the help and salvation being offered by our Lord through grace” the Apostle emphasized.

“The Lord is near us today. He is ready to help us. Let us allow him to save us. Come with a repentant heart. He is ready to save you today” concluded the Apostle.

The Apostle was assisted by District Rectors Christopher Xa (Hohoe District), Alexander Poku-Akubia (Likpe District), Peter Akai (Krachi/Bimbila District), District Evangelist Edmund Ayivi (Nkwanta District) and Shepherd Edward Agadzi (Alavanyo)