New Apostolic Church

East Africa

Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider visit to Kenya, 28th June – 2nd July 2017

The World President of the New Apostolic Church, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider visited Kenya from June 28, 2017 - July 2, 2017. The Chief Apostle who arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi at 22:00hrs was welcomed by the host District Apostle Joseph Ekhuya and Nairobi city based Apostles David Mwaniki & James Mutinda. A small group of choir was at hand to welcome the Chief Apostle at the Airport, to the delight of his second visit to Kenya as Chief Apostle.

The Chief Apostle was accompanied by District Apostle Michael Ehrich from Germany and hosted by the District Apostle and all active East African Apostles, all active Bishops of Kenya, retired District Apostle Shadreck Lubasi and all retired Apostles in East Africa.

The Chief Apostle’s itinerary began on Thursday, 29th June 2017 with a visit to the administration office in South C, which is the head office of the District Church of East Africa. He went round all departmental offices familiarizing himself and interacting with the staff. The office staff sang a few songs to welcome the Chief Apostle. Earlier, the Chief Apostle had visited KUMEA, which is the Church’s NGO charged with humanitarian affairs. Immediately after the office visit, the Chief Apostle and his entourage toured the Nairobi Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage.

On Friday, 30th June 2017 the Chief Apostle travelled to Thika in Central Kenya, where he conducted a Festive Divine service that was held at Mt. Kenya University graduation pavilion. Being his first visit in this region of Kenya, the Chief Apostle signed a visitor’s book. The Chief Apostle used Psalms 118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, And I will praise the Lord.” as the basis of the Divine Service.

During the Divine Service, the Chief Apostle placed Apostle Otumba, Apostle Okubasu, Apostle Kinyanjui all from Kenya and Apostle Webisa from Uganda into retirement. He then went on to ordain three (3) Apostles in Bishop Baridi, Bishop Were and District Elder Ngaga all from Kenya. 4,269 members were counted in this service.

On Saturday, 1st July 2017 the Chief Apostle had two important scheduled events. In the morning, the Chief Apostle held a meeting with all active Apostles of East Africa and Kenyan Bishops. The retired Apostles had the pleasure of attending the meeting. In the meeting, the Chief Apostle emphasised the concept of the “Church of Christ” and the “Ministry”. In the afternoon, the Chief Apostle and his entourage celebrated a musical Choral Concert, which included the children’s choir and orchestra at the South C congregation in Nairobi.

Sunday, July 2, 2017 was the climax of the Chief Apostle’s visit to Kenya. He celebrated the Festive Divine Service for the Departed at Kabunde Hall and open grounds in Homabay in Western Kenya. This was the first time that the area was hosting the Chief Apostle. As the basis of the Divine Service, the chief Apostle used Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

The Service was transmitted live on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). Close to 6,200 congregations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania followed the service on television. 11,200 members were counted in the service at Kabunde and 67,135 were connected via Transmission.