It was with profound grief that we bid farewell to retired Apostle David Daniel Budhgaonkar on January 17, 2024. He endured a prolonged health battle with diabetes and eventually passed away due to cardiac arrest in Pune, Maharashtra.

As we observe the one-year remembrance of his passing, we reflect on the extraordinary journey he undertook, from his early hardships to his transformative role in the New Apostolic Church, always guided by his unshakeable belief in God’s will.

Early Struggles and Divine Guidance

Born on February 16, 1938, Apostle Budhgaonkar experienced a strict upbringing in a boarding school in Miraj, Maharashtra, where mistakes often resulted in severe consequences. As a child, he found it challenging to navigate these conditions.

Choosing to forge his own path, he left home at the age of 15, leading to a tumultuous journey. In 1958 he joined the army, where he had an accident that took away his ability to use his right hand. When the doctors suggested amputation, Apostle Budhgaonkar refused to go under the knife. He strongly believed in putting his trust in God and not in man. During this time, he often prayed to God that if he could use his hands again, he would serve God. A week after discharge, he was able to move his hand. In a few short months, he regained the use of his arm.

He married the God-fearing sister Asha and had two sons and a daughter. Unfortunately, his oldest son passed away at a young age. To better provide for his family, Apostle Budhgaonkar moved to Mumbai for work, assisting individuals traveling from the Gulf region with various matters in India.

The Path that Led to the New Apostolic Church

In Mumbai, he struggled to find a decent place to stay. In a divine turn of events, he found himself in a small hostel, and just a few beds away, he spotted his childhood friend, Vinaykumar Gorde, engrossed in reading the magazine Word of Life. This meeting took him back to his days in Miraj as a youth, when Vinaykumar often taught him Bible stories. By the time they met again in Mumbai, Vinaykumar had become an Apostle in the New Apostolic Church.

Following this, he crossed paths with Apostle William Edgar Erry, Apostle Morris Daniel, and Priest Holkar, marking the beginning of his spiritual journey in the New Apostolic Church. Apostle Vinaykumar Gorde and Priest Gopal Shastri provided him with further guidance and clarity on the New Apostolic doctrine. His faith deepened as he gained a thorough understanding. On July 12, 1978, he received the sacrament of Holy Sealing, administered by his friend and Apostle Vinaykumar Gorde in Mumbai.

The Calling and Ministry

Soon after, his health worsened, and Apostle Budhgaonkar was forced to travel back to Pune. Doctors had given up hope, but God’s plan prevailed. Against all odds, he recovered once again. During the six-month battle with his illness, he used every opportunity to bear witness for God with everyone he met in Pune.

He gathered 103 Christian brothers and sisters in Aundh, Pune, and invited Apostle Vinaykumar Gorde to bless them with the sacrament of Holy Sealing on December 17, 1979. In the same gathering, he was ordained as a priest and was entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the members. This marked the establishment of the Aundh Congregation.

Ten years later, in 1989, he received the Apostle Ministry from Chief Apostle Fehr in Germany. He served as an Apostle for 14 years and retired in 2003.

Living by Divine Guidance

As a passionate minister dedicated to serving God, he frequently used the phrase “Did you get it” in English or “Ala Ka Lakshyat” in Marathi. This phrase was not merely a formality but reflected his genuine commitment to ensuring absolute clarity before moving forward.

Apostle Budhgaonkar often emphasized the need to lead life according to divine guidance, even amid personal challenges. In his own words, "Apostle Paul did not leave Christ to do his own work but lived as per God's will. I too must lead my life accordingly." He was also known for embarking on solo travels even in his later years, riding his bike to travel independently.

Despite personal hardships, including the loss of his loved ones, he led a life of faith and dedication. Apostle Budhgaonkar is survived by his daughter, who, after getting married, has relocated from Pune.

A Final Farewell

The funeral service for Apostle Budhgaonkar was held on January 17, 2024, in Pune, led by Bishop Mangesh Ghumare. The late Apostle was honored for his unwavering dedication, discipline, and pivotal role in establishing congregations in Pune and Dang, as well as for guiding ministers to serve faithfully and foster the growth of the church.

During the service, Evangelist Solomon Arepag recounted Apostle Budhgaonkar attending the services and even funerals, reaching remote and underserved areas regardless of harsh weather conditions.

Priest Nitin Raje talked about the Apostle’s fervent passion and zeal for God, comparing him to a "thunderstorm" whose works were always impactful. Priest Nitin also noted the Apostle’s remarkable consistency in attending divine services faithfully despite his advancing age, only missing them when bedridden.

Priest Awachite shared about his 39-year journey with the Apostle, testifying to the guidance he received to overcome spiritual challenges and the Apostle's unwavering commitment to God’s work.

A Beacon of Faith for Generations

Apostle Budhgaonkar’s devotion to God, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his unwavering commitment to the ministry will forever remain in our hearts. The thousands of lives he touched and guided toward God stand as a testament to his faith and dedication.

We honor his memory by carrying forward the lessons he imparted—to live with integrity, serve with passion, and remain faithful to the calling of God. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his life continue to be a beacon of faith for all.