“New Apostolics’ remember souls in the beyond, and intercede on their behalf for their redemption.” These were the introductory words of Apostle Richard Osei as he began his sermon for the last Service for the Departed of the year in Tosen, in the Tosen District on Sunday 3rd November, 2019. The Apostle was accompanied by all District Ministers of the Apostle area.

The text word for the service was taken from 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 – 14: ‘But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.’

The Apostle spoke about our duty to intercede on behalf of those who have fallen asleep: “My dear brothers and sisters, many people met their death untimely and unprepared, some through motor accident, sickness and many more. As a prisoner cannot grant himself freedom, so it is in the beyond, we are to pray and sacrifice on their behalf for them to have redemption. In our prayers, manifested through our love, longsuffering, forgiveness and humility, they can receive the sacraments.”

The Apostle continued: “We are called upon to be sensitive to the needs of fellow human beings. We are to intercede on behalf of those that are in the beyond. Our intercession will bring them from the realms of their unredeemed states, to the path that leads to God through His son Jesus Christ. The Apostles have opened up the way through which we are made perfect with the promise; Christ will return and take us onto Himself. Let us approach the day of His return in joy, faith, and unity, where we shall see our loved ones, and be with Him.”

District Elders Ayidzoe, Ebelin, Degboe and Anyomi were called to assist during the service.