Three times each year — in March, July, and November — members of the New Apostolic Church intercede in prayer for the salvation of souls in the unredeemed state in the beyond. On these special occasions, all souls who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and accept Him are granted access to the sacraments, thereby preparing themselves for eternal fellowship with God.

On Sunday, 1 March 2026, Apostle Alexander Poku-Akubia of the Volta North Apostle Area conducted the first Divine Service for the Departed for the year at the New Apostolic Church, Hohoe. The service was attended by over 220 members.

The Apostle ministered using the Bible passage from John 11:43: “Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’”

In his opening remarks, the Apostle referred to the lyrics of the choir’s opening anthem, “When peace with the Father attendeth my way.” He emphasized that the peace of the Lord is universal, and that it is an essential element for spiritual growth and comfort, both for the living and for the departed. He therefore called upon all souls to embrace the peace of God being offered on this special day.

Elaborating on the Bible passage, the Apostle recounted the story of Lazarus’ death and the events that followed—most notably, Jesus’ call that brought Lazarus back to life. He explained that it is not for human beings to judge or attribute blame to the souls in the beyond for their state.

“Some never heard of the work of salvation, while others rejected it during their lifetime—reasons we cannot fully explain,” the Apostle stated.
“Like Lazarus, death took them away, and now the call is being made to them.”

The Apostle further explained that this divine call signifies:

• Following the example of Jesus Christ in love, forgiveness, and peace;
• Belief in Jesus Christ and the Apostolate;
• A conscious decision to follow Christ, igniting a strong desire for salvation;
• A departure from the darkness of sin into the marvelous light of Christ’s redemptive work;
• A transition from death to life.

He emphasized that salvation is obtained only through Jesus Christ and is made accessible through the sacraments.

“Let us continually obey the call of Jesus Christ and faithfully attend divine services, where peace and salvation are imparted,” the Apostle urged.

In concluding his sermon, Apostle Poku-Akubia encouraged both the living and the departed to respond positively to the call of Jesus Christ and to prepare themselves for the glorious day of resurrection, when believers shall joyfully reunite with their loved ones in the presence of the Lord.

The divine service was supported by District Elder Samuel Agyemang (Jasikan District) and District Evangelist Matthew Oyintey (Krachi–Bimbilla District).