District Apostle Helper (DAH) Devaraj was commissioned by Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider to place two Apostles from India into retirement. Since both the retiring Apostles, Lazrus Patel and Christranjan Nanda wished to be retired in their home congregations it was decided that two separate retirement Divine Services would be conducted. One in Banswara (Rajasthan) on the 13th of January and another in Amath (Odisha) on the 27th of January 2019.
The former princely state of Banswara merged with Rajasthan in 1949. The Banswara district is surrounded by the Aravali hills with lush green landscapes and is said to get its name from the abundance of bamboos (Bans) in its forests.
The New Apostolic Church, Banswara Central was chosen to be the venue for a special youth service with DAH Devaraj. The service would be preceded by a minister and wives seminar and would culminate in a retirement blessing given to Apostle Patel.
Journeying to Banswara
A few days before the divine service, members and minister from across India began arriving in Banswara for this special event. Apostle Nanda who is a good friend of Apostle Lazrus Patel desired to be a part of the retirement service. He and Apostle Pravin Gajbhiv travelled 2500 kilometres and across four states to be part of this special day for their dear friend.
Seminar for Ministers and Wives
On the 12th of January a seminar was conducted by Apostle Pravin Gajbhiv and Bishop Mangesh Ghumare to inform the brothers about the organization of the newly formed district rector and sub district rector areas. After the lunch break a seminar for all the ministers and wives was conducted by DAH Devaraj.
After the session, everyone gathered around a cake to celebrate Apostle Patel’s last birthday as an active Apostle.
Divine Service for the Youth
On the 13th of January 2019, excited members filled the church and waited eagerly to hear from the word of God. DAH Devaraj began this special service with a text word from Psalm-27:4: “One [thing] I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.”
The District Apostle Helper spoke to the congregation of the sacrifices that must be made in order to dwell in the presence of the Lord. The house of God is a place where God dwells and thus it is important for it to be a deserving place for God. The divine service, the congregation and our own selves can all be dwelling places of the Lord, but they must be filled with the Holy Spirit and have Jesus as its cornerstone.
Expressing Gratitude
The Divine Service ended with a retirement blessing given to Apostle Patel. He was thanked for his faithful service as a minister of God over the last 25 years. His wife and three children also received a special thank you for their constant support in the work of God. Apostle Patel was then released from his mandate and responsibilities as an Apostle and placed into a well-deserved retirement, and the divine service was closed with a prayer.
Apostle Pravin Gajbhiv will be taking over the working area of retired Apostle Patel.
After the service, emotional members took the opportunity to express their thankfulness to the retired Apostle with heart-warming speeches and gestures. The brothers then brought a traditional turban, shawl and flowers as gifts of appreciation for their beloved Apostle and sister.
Preparing for the Future
After lunch, DAH Devaraj and Bishop Mangesh interacted with the youth and introduced them to Musescore – the music app which will be used in the choir programme for the region.