The visit of our Chief Apostle Leber to India began in Vijayawada on March 6, 2011 where the first Service for the Departed by a Chief Apostle was conducted in India.  For this festive occasion, the Chief Apostle was accompanied by the District Apostles Brinkmann, Ehrich, Kolb and Woll and their wives including also the recently retired District Apostle Latorcai.  District Apostle Helper Devaraj gathered together all the Apostles, active and retired, and Bishops of India to share in this special occasion. 

For this Divine Service for the Departed, nearly 1,600 were gathered filling both banquet rooms of an air-conditioned wedding hall.  Prior to the service, the Chief Apostle visited the first hall which would receive the transmission from the main hall.  The personal face to face greeting here was moving and touched the many who had gathered.  The service began with the text word from Ephesians chapter 2, verse 13… “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ”.   This text word displayed on a mural behind the altar in both English and Telegu was surrounded by the image of hands reaching up from the earth and down from eternity making an impression of the departed souls present who could not be numbered.  The Chief Apostle made special mention and especially prayed for the young people as the timing of the service was in the middle of examination period in the majority of schools across the areas served. 

The Chief Apostle with all Apostles and Bishops travelled to Hyderabad on the same evening and enjoyed happy and strengthening moments of fellowship together. 

The Apostles and Bishops were encouraged and uplifted through the course of special meetings on March 7, 2011 in Hyderabad at a business hotel near the Hyderabad airport.  Our Chief Apostle and each invited District Apostle were given time to express the feelings out of their heart and greet the Apostles and Bishops which served to strengthen and unify these servants. 

The Chief Apostle was happy to officially release a new hymnal in the Hindi language containing 250 hymns comprising of 50 international hymns, 50 Indian classical songs and the remaining 150 from various hymn book sources including the Celebration Hymnal. 

At the same hotel, on the evening of March 7, 2011, the Chief Apostle, accompanied  by the invited District Apostles and all Apostles and Bishops of India, conducted a divine service in Hyderabad with the text word from 1 Thessalonians 3: 9-10. “For what things can we render to God for you for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith”. 

After the text, “Here I am Lord” rang out in four-part harmony from the youth choir accompanied by stringed instruments. 

This was a most fitting emotion as the congregation of 565 had travelled over great distances by bus, car, train and air.  The selected choir hymn was highlighted in the serving by our Chief Apostle driving home the message that we should be ready to head the call of our Heavenly Father not only in good days but also when circumstances are challenging. 

The congregation was provided a stand up lunch immediately following the service to provide also for the body as many would travel home again that same night.  Our Chief Apostle and visiting District Apostles and their wives would also leave the same night themselves to return home.