CHIEF APOSTLE SERVICE September 16, 2001 ~ Atlanta, GA - USA Present: District Apostle R. Freund District Apostle L. Latorcai District Apostle K. Saur Ap. N. Batista Ap. V. Teti Ap. J.W. Fendt, Jr. ‘Ap. K. Hoffman Ap. W. Hoffmann Ap. L. E. Kolb Ap. L. R. Kolb, Jr. Ap. E. Vovak Ap. W. Vovak Text: Matt. 15:28: "Great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” Hymn: 180 — “Come in, O Lord, Come in” In the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Almighty, eternal God, loving and ‘good Father in heaven. We come unto Thee on this Sunday with special feelings in our souls. Special days lay behind us, especially, for the American nation. The entire world was astounded and looked on and was put back in horror over that which has taken place. Also, our hearts were shocked. The first thing I thought of there in my ministry and commission was that old and beautiful Bible word: “Fear not, little flock; for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” ‘And now, loving Father, we rejoice as well that Thou once again hast invited us to Thine altar and to the royal table. We have come gladly. And above all, we want to thank Thee for all Thy help, love and grace. Accept also our thanks, Father, that we could conclude today through these great events that none of Thy children were hurt. Loving and good Father, let it be Thy {good pleasure that we can come before Thee with all sorrows and petitions. Create peace in all the hearts. Grant renewed joy and strength. And that through this joy we can even enter intoChief Apostle Service - September 16, 2001 ~ Atlanta, GA - USA blissfulness. Grant us anew Thy word. Grant us anew Thy grace. And through the activity of word and grace make us all blissful. We also remember those that are sick and pray for Thy help. While we remember the sick ones, we remember especially District Apostle Wagner. In these past weeks and days, he is also sick. ‘And he is connected with us today. May he rejoice as a child and have the assurance all pray for him that the hands of the doctors will be guided and everything will serve for the best. Now, loving Father, bless Thy people all around the world. Help each individual soul. Give out the spiritual fullness for all the Divine Services. And there where the Divine Services have already been experienced, let them continue to echo in the souls that they may have a permanent effect. Surround us with protection from above. Let us not be disturbed. We place ‘ourselves completely under Thy hand. We pray Thee, Father, hear us for Jesus’ sake, Amen. Beloved brothers and sisters here in Atlanta, all you loved ones who are connected with us in North and Central America, in parts of South American, also in all of Europe and Great Britain, T read a word today out of the fifteenth chapter of Matthew. We will hear a sentence out of the 28" verse: "Great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” Choir: "Whosoever will may come.” Beloved brothers and sisters near and far, It is a miracle of God that I could be here. There were no flights. There was no possibility to travel to North America. Also, back home in Switzerland, thousands of people were waiting in the airports to fly into the States, but nothing went, absolutely nothing. But why am I here despite this? It will remain a little secret. I went through a hundred detours to come here toChief Apostle Service - September 16, 2001 ~ Atlanta, GA - USA you. And the trip took almost 27 hours. In that time you can get to Australia. And ten times it appeared to be impossible. And eleven times our dear God helped again. So yesterday evening, we arrived very tired here in Atlanta. I rejoiced that it has become possible, especially, in these special days to come to you and to be in your midst, because I also had heartfelt feelings for the horrible events that happened in your country. Many of our brothers and sisters all around the world asked what does the Church say to this? What is the opinion of the leadership of the Church to this event? So, therefore, I shall do the following: 1 will read to you the position that the Church has taken. Everything that I will read to you today will be on the Internet next week as the official position of the Church. "The New Apostolic Church wishes to express its condolences to all those that are aggrieved as a result fo the atrocious events in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. We pray for the victims that had to lose their lives in such a tragic manner. We pray in heartfelt sympathy for the bereaved as they mourn the loss of loved ones. We pray in hope with all those who are still awaiting a sign of life from the many that are missing. We mourn together with the entire American people. In such moments of utter despair when we are at a loss for words, we hope upon the grace and mercy of God. We will pray that peace shall be strengthened around the world as a result of this catastrophe. Serenity should enter into our souls. At the same time, may the strength of our faith help us to find a way out of the darkness of these horrible memories.” “That is what I had to say to this, And that can be found next week on the Internet. All of our brothers and sisters in the entire world will be able to read this. Now I would like to do the following in regard to what has been experienced: We want to rise up for a moment of silence. --+ Moment of Silence ---- Thank you. Now I would like to pray a special prayer: Loving and kind Father,