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New Apostolic Church

History of the
District of North America
1897 -1977
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My dear Brothers and Sisters,


The District Apostle G. Rockenfelder is compiling a book
which contains the history of the New Apostolic Church
throughout the world. He requested that we supply him with
the information that applies to the New Apostolic Church
history of North America.
I felt it would be of great interest to all of our brothers and
members to read that which comprises 80 years of our
history. From it, we will see the wonderful ways in which
God has so graciously visited our country. They who open
their hearts to this indescribably valuable testimony will be
most richly blessed. It comprises the eternal gospel, which
is proclaimed not only in our short span of life, but also in
the fulfillment of the petition "Thy kingdom come", which
uncountable Christians have expressed and still plead for in
the Lord's Prayer. For the sake of this gospel, such a king-
dom shall be called into being. Apostle Paul wrote, "For this
is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who
will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the
knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2: 3-4). Because this is
the case in this kingdom, all will have an opportunity to
participate in this offer of salvation.
Those who today are being prepared as the Kingly Priest-
hood in the New Apostolic Church will serve with Christ
during the 1000 Year Kingdom of Peace. Where there is a
priest, there must of necessity be an altar. Where there is an
altar, an offer must be made; and the basis of this offer is a
sacrifice. This is what Christ has made available through His
life and His sacrifice. And this complete offer of salvation
will be proclaimed and implemented during this 1000 year
period.
With our love and best wishes to all,

Yours,
I
I

I August, 1977

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NORTH AMERICA

Toward the end of the last century, several Evangelists


were sent to North America from Europe in order to build up
the work of the Lord. They can only be referred to as
pathfinders; because they were unable to surmount the
many difficulties which beset them. A few souls, however,
who had remained in closest unity with the Apostles in
Europe, continued to labor under the guidance of the Elder
Freudenberg in Buffalo. In the year 1899, Chief Apostle
Krebs sent Apostle Ruff to the United States on a short visit
during which time a number of souls were sealed in New
York; amongst these was young John Erb (later to become
District Apostle 1924-1942) and the Fendt family - parents
and three sons (among them the three-year-old John Peter,
who later became District Apostle from 1944 to 1966). A year
later the Chief Apostle sent Apostle Ruff back for several
months so that he could seal the souls who had been
gathered and prepared in the meantime. The church was
thereby firmly established in the cities of New York, Buffalo,
and Chicago.

On March 4, 1901, Apostle Mierau was ordained and


commissioned to care for the children of God in North
America. Under his leadership, several congregations were
founded within a short period of time. Despite the many
unexpected difficulties that had to be overcome, among
them the great distances which had to be covered, the
blessing of the Most High rested upon his labors in a most
visible manner. On July 26, 1925, after a lengthy illness, the
Lord called Apostle Mierau into eternity.

The Chief Apostle sent Apostles Hartmann and Hoelzel


from Germany to the United States in 1924 to evaluate
conditions there. By commission of the Chief Apostle, they GREAT BRITAIN
ordained District Elder Erb as Apostle on October 12,1924.
He devoted his life's energy to the Lord's work, establishing On his way to Germany to visit Chief Apostle Bischoff in
75 flourishing congregations spread throughout the United 1947, District Apostle Fendt spent a few days in England
States and Canada. These bore witness of his activity which where he held the first service in that country and the first
had been so richly blessed by God. souls were sealed there. A number of German prisoners of
war, who had married English girls, had settled in England.
In 1929, Chief Apostle-helper J. G. Bischoff visited North Several European brethren had also moved there from the
America in order to serve the larger established continent and this formed the basis of the Lord's work in
congregations; and wherever he went, God's blessings that nation. District Apostle Fendt arranged for these
flowed in rich abundance. He traveled over 9000 km. by auto members to be cared for by District Elder Michael Kraus of
and train, an indication of the tremendous distances that Canada. In 1949, a few souls were gained in Ireland. As of
had to be covered. now the Lord has greatly blessed the work in the United
Kingdom and today the district there consists of 1486
After the demise of Apostle Erb on October 22, 1942, the members, and 35 congregations who are served by 177
spiritual guidance of this widespread district was entrusted Administration Brothers in 15 of our own buildings.
into the care of Bishop John P. Fendt. On July 2, 1944, he
was ordained District Apostle for the United States and In September of 1951, District Elder Kraus was ordained
Canada by the late Chief Apostle-helper, F. Schlaphof. The Bishop, and on June 26, 1955, he received the Apostle
work of the Lord then took on new dimensions and the Ministry. Three years later, on June 21, 1958, he was
number of new congregations grew rapidly. Up to that time, ordained District Apostle for the newly created Apostle
the services had been held in the German language. Now the District which, at that time, consisted of Canada, G1reat
services were conducted in English. This, in turn, opened up Britain and Ireland, where services were soon being held in
a new and larger field whereby many longing souls, who had the cities of Dublin, Belfast, and the Isle of Man.
been unable to understand the German language, could be
invited and added to the family of God. The work of the Lord In May of 1956, Chief Apostle Bischoff gladdened the
grew so rapidly that an assistant was soon needed to help hearts of God's children in North America by his second visit
District Apostle Fendt. The Apostle Ministry was therefore in 27 years. His great love and many sacrifices for the Lord's
conferred on Bishop Ewald Hiby on July 27,1947, so that he work had so endeared him to the hearts of the North
could assist District Apostle Fendt in caring for the American brethren that all were deeply saddened to hear of
congregations, which had more than doubled over the his death on July 6, 1960. In order to strengthen and uplift
course of the years. Apostle Ewald Hiby served the children the brethren, Chief Apostle Walter Schmidt spent two weeks
of God with an upright and noble heart until his death on in the United States and Canada in the spring of 1963. This
December 16,1963. was the beginning of a new era of blessing; and the Lord's

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work began to grow and soon started to spread into the 50o-year-old church. In 1969, an Evangelist and his wife
different nations. moved to that country, where they remained until 1974. The
Lord has laid His blessing upon this work despite the fact
On July 10, 1966, Chief Apostle Schmidt placed the that the government of that nation prohibits them from
district of North America into the care of District Apostle holding services. The brethren, however, assemble at
Kraus, since District Apostle John P. Fendt had retired after so-called "gatherings", which are held in the homes of the
reaching the age of retirement. In 1967, Chief Apostle Administration Brothers, who continue to serve the small
Schmidt traveled to North America for the second time. At a group of members as well as the many other longing souls.
divine service in Hamilton, Canada, on October 15,1967, he
ordained Bishop John W. Fendt, son of the retired District JAMAICA
Apostle, to the Apostle Ministry and appointed him as
assistant to District Apostle Kraus. It had become extremely In 1963 one of the Canadian brethren invited Mr. Rutty, a
urgent for District Apostle Kraus to be given a helper as his native-born Jamaican, to attend a service in the New
district now included Rumania, Jamaica, Venezuela and Apostolic Church in Toronto. The word of God found a
Mexico, in addition to Canada, the United States and the responsive chord in his soul and District Apostle Kraus
United Kingdom. asked him to return to his country and tell his people about
the Lord's work of redemption. In due time, he was ~ealed,
ordained into the Priestly Office, and returned to Jamaica to
RUMANIA work among his people. Two years later, in 1965, a small
group of Jamaican people received the Lord in grace and
In October of 1965, District Apostle Kraus traveled to his Apostleship for the first time. The terrible catastrophies
homeland to visit his family for the first time in decades. which had ravished that land in the form of fires, earth-
After landing in Bucharest, Rumania, he went to his native quakes, tidal waves and disease had left their traces
village of Meeburg on October 29, where the villagers had all amongst the people. Their hearts were God-fearin.g and
gathered to welcome him home again. He took advantage of believing, and thus the Altar of grace found fertile soil. At
this opportunity to tell them about his faith and the many first, the services had to be held in primitive houses; but in
experiences which God had granted unto him in the 40 years 1966 the first church was built in Jeffreytown. Today the
since he had left. They were so deeply impressed that on the New Apostolic Church in Jamaica consists of 933 sealed
following day the superintendent of the Lutheran village members, and 38 Administration Brothers. Eight churches
church asked him to conduct their Sunday morning service. have been built, and there are now 16 congregations.
Smce God, in His holy wisdom, had determined that such a
service would be held at the express request of the Lutheran
congregation, the District Apostle brought testimony of the
Apostles' Doctrine to the 360 people who had gathered in the

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d

MEXICO with his able assistants, was ready to invade Bolivia,


Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and even Panama City, Panama.
When the missionary work began in Mexico toward the Many souls were won in those new countries, whose d ors
end of 1966, the blessing of the District Apostle laid the God had recently opened, so that the living Altar of grace
cornerstone for a successful continuation of the Apostles' could also be established there.
Doctrine in that land. North American brothers were T
By the end of 1975, the work in the northern part of South
assigned to care for this new territory. A translator was soon , America had grown as follows:
found, overcoming the first obstacle in holding services .. Venezuela - 6 congregations with a total of 342 members
there, which was the language barrier, as Spanish is the
and 32 Administration Brothers
mother tongue in that country. On December 7, 1967, the
Colombia - 9 congregations with a total of 320 members
first congregation was born in the border city of Tijuana,
and 25 Administration Brothers
Mexico, when District Apostle Kraus sealed 91 souls and
Ecuador - 1 congregation of 7 members and 2 Adminis-
ordained several Administration Brothers. In the spring of
tration Brothers
1969, a sister from Mexico City, together with her husband
Peru - 4 congregations with a total of 179 members
and child flew to Tijuana, a round trip of 2600 miles. There
and 23 Administration Brothers
her husband was sealed and placed into office. A few
Bolivia - 1 congregation of 13 members and 3 Adminis-
months later, property was purchased in Mexico City so that
tration Brothers .
regular services could be conducted there. Services were
Panama - 1 congregation of 9 members and 3 Adminis-
soon being held in nine other cities in Mexico. At the
tration Brothers
present time there are 12 congregations, 8 of which are
housed in our own church buildings. 29 Administration
Brothers care for God's children, who now total 988. JAPAN

SOUTH AMERICA In January of 1968, a District Evangelist from the U:S. was
sent to Japan to offer testimony of God's work of salvation.
In 1966, District Apostle Kraus traveled to Venezuela in The District Evangelist, who had made several previous
order to establish the work there on a solid footing. About 6 business trips to Japan, had taken advantage of the
New Apostolic members lived in the city of Caracas. God opportunity to invite some of the Japanese engineers, who
blessed his labors and within 3 years 8 Administration had come to Chicago on business, to attend our services.
Brothers had been ordained and services were conducted in One of these men, who had acted as translator, became so
the cities of Caracas, Baruta, and Valencia. Services were interested in the New Apostolic faith that he wanted to join
held there in Spanish by an Evangelist from Canada. Being .
r
the Church. In this wonderful way, God opened the door to a
able to speak the national language is always the key to a new nation. On the 27th of January, the District Evangelist
nation's heart. By 1971, this District Evangelist, together arrived in Tokyo, where he had been invited to speak to a

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Christian congregation on the following Sunday. This where he had gathered a few souls together. The percentage
gathering was attended by about 80 people. In the following of Christians in Korea was much higher than in Japan. With
week, much testimony was given and many questions were God's help, and the many prayers of the faithful, they were
answered. Before leaving Japan, the District Evangelist was able to gain a foothold in Korea, where the first service in
able to baptize one family. Arrangements were made to send September of 1970 was attended by 3 Koreans. Toward the
them the Sunday School lessons, as well as a Bible end of 1971,48 souls were sealed by District Apostle Kraus,
containing the Apocrypha. In 1968, District Apostle Kraus and 9 Administration Brothers were ordained to further the
had invited two Japanese families to come to Canada, where work in that country. In October of 1972, Apostle Erwin
they received the Holy Sealing. When people in other Wagner, who had been ordained into the Apostle Ministry by
Japanese cities showed an interest in the Lord's work, the the beloved Chief Apostle Schmidt in Germany on March 26,
District Apostle sent a Priest and his wife from Canada to 1972, traveled to Korea in order to develop and produce the
Japan in 1969 to live there. He also made arrangements for spiritual harvest. By 1973 regular services were held in 5
them to take a crash course in Japanese so that they would congregations and 17 missions. The first Youth Service was
be able to communicate with the people in their own held in Korea in August of 1976 by Apostle Wagner, which
language. In October of 1972, the third sealing service was was attended by 175 young people. In September 1976,
held in Japan, and by 1973 the congregation in Tokyo was Apostle Wagner sealed 77 in a divine service where 366 were
firmly established with the ordination of several additional present. One hundred members formed a mixed choir. There
Administration Brothers. It was somewhat difficult to work are now 587 members, 9 congregations, served. by 36
with the Japanese people at first, as custom and tradition Administration Brothers.
never permitted them to show their emotions and feelings.
However, when those souls, who had been chosen and CHINATOWN (NEW YORK)
selected by God, received the Holy Sealing, they could not
hold back the tears. Only the greatness of God, through the On December 22,1967, an Evangelist from New York, told
power of the Holy Ghost, could cause the crumbling of such District Apostle Kraus of his Chinese barber, whose children
thousand-year-old customs, traditions, and discipline with were attending our Sunday School. With the District
which all human emotion has been kept in check. At the Apostle's support and prayers, this barber agreed to help
present time the 34 members are served by 4 Administration and on February 11, 1968, the first service attended by 36
Brothers. souls, was translated into Cantonese. Beginning in April,
Chinese translated services were conducted every Sunday in
KOREA the Uniondale congregation, and on June 23, 1968, the first
Chinese family was baptized. This Evangelist took lessons
Soon the Lord's work grew and spread into Korea. A New in Cantonese three times a week, with an additional four
Apostolic brother, serving in the Armed Forces of the United hours of daily study at home. By the end of 1968, 24 souls
States, had asked if services could be conducted in Seoul, had been adopted into the congregation. One of the adopted

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brothers from Uniondale moved to Chinatown (in New York church. This conversation made such an impression upon
City, about 35 miles away, where over 100,000 Chinese live) the young man that he asked if he could bring his father with
and a congregation was opened there. The first service was him the next day. That meeting brought forth the beginning
held on January 26, 1969. The Evangelist was now of God's work in the Philippines. This family invited the
conducting services in Chinese. He had thereby gained the District Evangelist to hold services in their home. Soon the
key to the hearts of these people and within a few months 58 first ten souls were sealed by District Apostle Kraus. The
souls could be sealed. Since many of the members, who had District Evangelist and his wife moved to Manila in 1973, the
originally come from Hong Kong, had remained in capital city of the Philippines, the third largest English
communication with their relatives, the way was now open speaking nation in the world, where over 36 million people
to carry the testimony of the New Apostolic Church to their speak English. By 1976 there was 1 congregation, 27
friends and relatives in Hong Kong. The 72 Chinese members, who are cared for by 2 Administration Brothers.
members in the New York area are now served by 6
Administration Brothers in these two congregations. TAIWAN

HONG KONG This District Evangelist met a young man at the airport in
Taipei, where he had a twenty-four hour stop over in January
The fir~t visit of the District Evangelist (who was formerly of 1972. This man was baptized and sealed in the latter part
the priest sent to the Orient) to Hong Kong took place in the of 1972.
early part of 1972, but it was only in January of 1973 that he
finally came into direct contact with the man who had been BANGLADESH
doing Chinese translations of the "Word of Life", and the
Chief Apostle Services in "Our Family" for the Chinese This country was first visited by this same District
brethren in New York. As a result of this concentration in Evangelist, who testified of the Lord's work to a man whom
translations, he had gained a deep insight into the New he met during his travels there.
Apostolic Doctrine and his soul became an open field for the Concerning the operation in Bangladesh, a District Elder
testimony which was brought to him. A foothold was thus from Canada has just begun to establish the Lord's work.
gained in this country and in the summer of 1973 the first 3 And as of this writing, the next few steps, i.e. Baptism,
souls were sealed in Hong Kong. At present there are 8 Sealing, Ordination and official establishment of the
members, who are cared for by 1 Administration Brother. congregations are on their way.
THE PHILIPPINES INDIA
This District Evangelist also made his first unofficial visit India is a nation where over 200 different languages and
to this island in June of 1972. While sitting on a park bench dialects are used. Although the English language is the
in Manila, he met a young man who spoke English. The second language in India and is taught to all school
District Evangelist immediately began to tell him about our

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children, the New Apostolic hymnal, as well as the book He returned to India in March of 1971 at which time many
"Questions and Answers" was translated into five hundreds of souls were sealed; some of the people had
languages. traveled over 200 miles to see and hear an Apostle of Christ.
Marvelous and magnificent progress was made in India and
In the early part of 1969, District Apostle Kraus received the New Apostolic Doctrine continued to spread like wild-
an address from District Apostle Weinmann of a Mrs. Angel fire, despite the almost insurmountable obstacles which
Robinson who lived in India. This woman had received were encountered from time to time. Most of the people had
testimony of the New Apostolic Church in Copenhagen, formerly been members of certain Christian congregations.
Denmark, where she was visiting friends. She immediately Many mission~r~es had been sent to that country during the
wrote to her son in India telling him about the Church. Her 150 years of British rule, but Christianity actually dates back
soul was so impressed by the word of God that she asked to to t.he year 5~ A. D. when Apostle Thomas made his way into
be sealed before she went back to her home in Abu Road, India, ~here It took him 14 years to convert a small group of
India. Her only desire was to return to her people and tell people In southern India to Christianity. The city of Madras
them about God's work of salvation. She returned home on In southern India, where many Christians live, was
November 27, 1969. She was now gravely ill, but despite her penetrated by an adopted brother living in Agra 1600 miles
illness, her only concern was to see the Church firmly away. District Apostle Kraus had asked him to ;eturn to his
established in India, where the first six souls had been former homeland and to testify to his relatives and friends.
adopted in April. In 1970, District Apostle Kraus went to These people, who knew of their spiritual origin under
India where he assigned several brothers from England to Apostle Thomas, accepted his testimony in faith. The word
care for the nine missions which had now been established. of God thus found fertile soil, even though it had taken 1900
When Sister Robinson died on January 25,1970, she was the ye~rs for an Apostle of Christ to set foot again on Indian
only sealed member in India. Since it was impossible for her SOIl. By the end of 1971, District Apostle Kraus had sealed
son, who had been adopted into the faith, to contact an over eleven thousand souls. In the city of Bombay about
Administration Brother, he prayed fervently and asked God 98% of the people belonged to the Hindu faith, whi~h was
to shower His grace upon him so that he would be able to then the most prevalent one in India. During the first service
hold his mother's funeral service. This service was attended i~ that city, 271 were sealed. At the service in New Delhi, the
by about 200 people, most of whom were critical of the New first three young people in India were confirmed. As recently
Apostolic faith. But the people were amazed, and the as 1.973, the people could only assemble for an Apostle
pastors dumb-founded that a person who had never service where water was available, as they arrived from their
attended any theological institution could complete such a vario~s villages on the previous evening. They camped
task so aptly. On the following day, many came and overnight by a water well, where they waited for the
expressed their willingness to join the New Apostolic fulfillment of their hopes through the visit of the District
Church. In 1970, District Apostle Kraus held services in 14 Apostle. It was not unusual to have a gathering of thousands
cities; his journey covered a distance of some 25,000 miles. of people who had come from forty or fifty different villages.

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These people, who continue in their primitive mode of living SRI LANKA (CEYLON)
dating back hundreds of years, had open hearts for the
Apostles' Doctrine. When the District Apostle heard that During a visit to India in 1973, District Apostle Kraus also
these families, many with small children, had waited 8 to 9 held services in Sri Lanka, where congregations had been
hours to partake in a divine service, he made arrangements established in both the northern and southern tip of that
that these yearning souls now be sealed in their own island. The work, which grew out of India in 1972, is now
villages. In January of 1973, the first sealing took place in well established in this country. Since 1974, the work in Sri
the city of Calcutta. Due to the tremendous growth in India, Lanka is cared for by Administration Brothers from North
and to assist District Apostle Kraus in caring for this nation, America who visit four times a year. Currently there are 285
Chief Apostle Streckeisen ordained six Apostles for India in members in 8 congregations, served by 16 Administration
London, England, on July 20, 1975. Out of six-hundred- Brothers, and 1 church has been built.
million people, six had been selected to become Apostles of
KENYA
Christ. The District Apostle was now able to subdivide this
great nation into six Districts. The district of INDIA NORTH, Many Indians also live in Kenya and when District
under the jurisdiction of Apostle Robinson, has 359 Apostle Kraus and Bishop W. Vovak visited there in
Administration Brothers who care for 166 congregations. September of 1974, services were already being held at six
INDIA SOUTH is cared for by Apostle K. Jose, with 133 locations. Through God's blessing, the work continued to
Administration Brothers and 123 congregations. The district grow. By September of 1975, Nairobi, the capital city of
of BOMBAY, under Apostle Jones, consists of 260 Kenya, had a total of 29 congregations. A month later, when
congregations served by 278 Administration Brothers. Apostle W. Vovak went to Kenya, he established six
Apostle V. Bower has the District of AHMEDNAGAR with geographic New Apostolic Districts as the Kenyan brothers
154 Administration Brothers and 237 congregations. The had been actively engaged in convincing the ministers and
district of AURANGABAD, under the care of Apostle S. members of 69 other Christian congregations of the
Bower, has 276 congregations served by 394 Administration authenticity and power of the present-day sending of
Brothers. The district of HYDERABAD, under Apostle J. Apostles. As a result, many former Christian ministers with
Thompson, has 431 Administration Brothers and 268 their entire congregations were sealed in the latter part of
congregations. 1975. District Apostle Kraus has assigned a number of North
American brothers to concentrate on this virgin territory
India now has 126,250 members in 1,360 congregations, under Apostle W. Vovak. By November of 1976, the work had
who are served by 1,760 Administration Brothers. grown to such an extent that it had to be divided into 21
subdistricts. The 10,429 members, and 435 congregations
are served by 674 Administration Brothers. Many village
churches with mud walls and iron roofs have been built and

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many more are under construction. Several masonry district The many thousands of souls in these different countries,
churches will be commenced shortly. Traveling is very who had been willing to leave their old mode of life, their
difficult in that country and many miles must be covered by backgrounds and cultures, had gladly and thankfully
land rover. permitted themselves to be interwoven into the New
In April 1977, another 8,357 souls were sealed and 382 Apostolic Doctrine by accepting the Lord Jesus in Grace and
additional Brothers were ordained. Apostleship. The traveling and work load had thereby
become so enormous that a Chief Apostle found it essential
to give additional helpers to District Apostle Kraus. On
TANZANIA
November 17, 1974, Chief Apostle Schmidt ordained Bishop
The work started to spread into Tanzania by the Adminis- Schwarzer of Canada, and Bishop W. Vovak of the United
tration Brothers from Kenya. By the end of 1976 there were States into the Apostle Ministry. At a divine service in
19 members in the capital city of Dar es Salaam and they are Germany on October 24, 1976, Chief Apostle Streckeisen
ordained District Elder E. Vovak into the Apostle Ministry.
served by one Administration Brother.
Now the work could be carried into and furthered in those
nations where God had opened the door for His Altar of
MALAYSIA Grace to be established.
A flourishing congregation had been established in the NIGERIA
city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. From there the brothers
were actively engaged in promoting the work in a Christian Another Chapter was added into the history of the Son of
village in southern THAILAND. In the city of Singapore, the God when a contact was established with a Mr. Uwah from
southern part of Malaysia, the first soul - a young Chinese Nigeria, who had received testimony during a visit to North
man - was sealed in 1973. (The population there is about America in 1975. Upon his return home he wrote inquiring
85% Chinese). It was more difficult to gain a foothold in that further as to the New Apostolic Doctrine and teaching. The
city; but when Chief Apostle Streckeisen visited Australia in booklet, "Testimony of the New·Apostolic Church" was sent
March of 1976, he was delayed for twenty-four hours in to him. After reading it, he and his church group made the
Singapore. His blessed traces were soon felt. A month later, decision that they would like to become New Apostolic. In
several Singaporeans were present at a divine service. The August of 1975, District Apostle Kraus, with the express
work in Malaysia is looked after by Administration Brothers consent of Chief Apostle Streckeisen, sent Apostle Wagner
from North America since January 1974. Currently there are to Nigeria to establish the foundation for such an under-
186 members in this country, 10 congregations, served by 8 taking. There he found such longing souls that a sealing
Administration Brothers. Both Singapore and Thailand are service was held and Brother Uwah was ordained into the
served by the Administration Brothers from Malaysia. All Priestly Ministry. Services were soon being held in 4
services are conducted in rented quarters. Nigerian cities. A guest service, held on December 22,1975,

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was attended by 300 ministers. In this way, the New PAKISTAN
Apostolic Church was introduced into the surrounding
areas. In May of 1976 the district of Nigeria was divided into A young man from Pakistan, who was attending a univer-
seven sub-districts. By the end of 1976 Nigeria had 4770 sity in Canada, was invited by a New Apostolic classmate to
members, 61 congregations, 148 Administration Brothers attend services in Galt, Ontario, Canada. When this young
and 40 churches have been built. man returned to his home in Pakistan in 1975, he told his
family of the New Apostolic Church. They were so interested
In April 1977, another 1,601 souls were sealed and 44
that they wrote to District Apostle Kraus to ask if he could
additional Brothers were ordained.
send someone to tell them more about the Lord's work. A
CAMEROON District Elder was sent to visit this family. In May of 1976,
Mr. Riaz, father of this young man, came to Canada where
The first journey to Cameroon was made in June 1976 to he was sealed and ordained to the office of District
follow up contacts that came from a student in North Evangelist. He was ordained to this high ministry so that he
Carolina, and in answer to a letter of invitation from a man would be in a position to direct the many Subdeacons,
who had met several New Apostolic Brothers in the church Deacons, Priests and Shepherds who were to be ordained at
in Nigeria. On that trip many contacts were made and a a later date in this fruitful field. Since then, the work of the
second journey was planned in which a seminar would be Lord has been started there in earnest. At present there are
held for those interested. Brothers from the U.S. conducted 1,855 members, 33 congregations, and 90 Administration
that seminar in August of 1976, in which 53 men Brothers.
participated. Most of them, active in their own churches, ETHIOPIA
came to learn. Others came from areas that had no
churches; they asked to be served. After the seminar these In the early part of 1976, by commission of District
men returned home to spread the testimony they had Apostle Kraus, the work in Ethiopia was now able to find its
received and to make preparations to invite the brothers beginning. He asked a District Evangelist from Canada to go
back again to serve their people and to establish the church, to that nation and find some way to start the Lord's work.
in which great interest was shown. After much pleading and supplication, the District
Evangelist went to the main city, "selected" a certain house,
DAHOMEY, TOGO, IVORY COAST and rang the doorbell. A voice from within said: "Enter, ye
whom God has sent." He entered and was greeted by a
After the visit to Cameroon in June, the brothers visited in minister, who was awaiting the arrival of a group of clergy-
these countries to look for doors that the Lord might have men. When the District Evangelist introduced himself, he
opened for His work. Many addresses of churches were was invited to stay for the prayer meeting. Within a ~hort
collected, so that testimony books and Manifesto letters time, 25 ministers arrived. Several of these men were asked
could be sent to these clergymen as soon as possible.

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to pray, as was the District Evangelist. All of these ministers return home, she was given the word that if she would invite
pleaded for the Lord to send living Apostles again; for they guests into her home, a Priest would be sent to hold
knew that something was lacking in their churches. Most services there. Within two weeks, this lady yearned to hear
Ethiopians claim that they are direct descendants of the word of life and a Priest was sent to Dominica in October
Solomon and the Queen of Sheba; therefore they have the of 1969, first every six weeks, soon every three weeks, and
longing to come ever closer to God. When it was the District finally every two weeks. At these services attendance ranged
Evangel ist's turn to pray, he thanked God for having sent from 15 to 30. In October of 1970, the first nine souls were
grace and Apostleship into the world again and for granting adopted. On December 13, Apostle Fendt held service in the
us the opportunity to be His children and heirs of salvation. local school, where these souls were sealed, and a brother
Needless to say, this prayer meeting lasted longer than had ordained into the Priesthood. That made it possible for three
originally been planned by these men since many questions services to be held each week, and the blessing of God
were asked and answered. In this wonderful way, God had became ever more visible. In Dominica there is now 1
opened the door to another nation. congregation with 49 members who are served by 3
Administration Brothers.
While the work of redemption was being established in
these foreign countries, the Lord had also prepared the way GUYANA
for other countries, closer to North America, to be
inaugurated into His plan of salvation. During the month of May 1971, while one of our Priests
was returning home by plane after serving the congregation
DOMINICA in Dominica, he sat next to a couple from Guyana, South
America. During the 3112 hour flight, he gave testimony of
The missionary work was started on the Island of the New Apostolic Church. This couple attended the service
Dominica, about 1900 miles from New York, in the year on the following Wednesday evening. During a six-week stay
1969. During the early part of that year, a sister from New in New York, they attended as many services as possible
York went to visit a friend in a hospital. There she met a lady and expressed the desire to be adopted and sealed. On July
who was visiting her sick brother in the same hospital. When 11, 1971, the first service was conducted in Victoria,
our sister noticed that this woman was searching for some Guyana, in the living room of the aforementioned couple,
Biblical words of comfort to read to her brother, she quietly where later they were adopted. Apostle Fendt went to
told her that the children of God have the true comforter in Guyana on July 24 in order to seal this couple and to ordain
the Holy Ghost, and she invited this woman to service. This this brother into the Priestly Office. 47 guests attended the
lady, a native of Dominica, accepted the invitation and two Apostle services which were held that day in the cities
attended her first service: a District Service for the Departed. of Victoria and Georgetown. A total of eleven souls had been
It made such a deep impression upon her soul that she sealed by the end of 1971. Within two years, services were
attended 3 services a week for six months. When she had to being held in six cities. In 1974, a church was built in
I:
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.20 21

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Georgetown and another one in Victoria. Both were began in the city of Canaveral in October of the same year.
dedicated in January of 1975. There are now 365 members in The first sealing took place on July 17,1973, when five souls
Guyana, 9 congregations and 16 Administration Brothers. were sealed. Honduras now has 3 Administration Brothers,
75 members, and 4 congregations, as well as one of our own
PUERTO RICO church buildings. The Spanish language is spoken through-
out Central America.
In 1968 a Priest moved to Puerto Rico to start the work of
the Lord in his homeland. The first sealing service was held
GUATEMALA
in December of 1968 in which 8 souls were added to the
family of God. In 1975, a church was dedicated in Rio
Early in 1974, a Spanish speaking native of Guatemala
Piedras. A District Evangelist (who was formerly the priest)
became New Apostolic. Later that year he was ordained to
is responsible for this Spanish speaking country which now
the Priesthood, and in December of 1974 he returned to
has 1 congregation, 63 members and 3 Administration
Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, to rejoin his family and to
Brothers.
establish the Lord's work in his country. The same month,
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC an Evangelist, during a stopover enroute from Honduras,
met a policeman in Guatemala City. He testified of God's
The missionary work began in the Dominican Republic work and fostered fellowship with this man and his family at
when a Brother was sealed in the New York Spanish every opportunity. In March of 1975, the first sealing service
congregation, in the fall of 1972. In December of that year, took place in Guatemala: ten were sealed, among them this
he returned to his native land as a Priest to start the church policeman and his family. He now is a Priest and Rector of
there. The first sealing service was held in July 1973, in the congregation in Guatemala City. Guatemala now has 3
which 22 souls were sealed. 11 congregations have now congregations, 5 Administration Brothers and 54 members.
been established. The 554 members are served by 26
Administration Brothers. Property has been bought in the Services are conducted in NICARAGUA and in BRITISH
town of Guayabal, where a large church will soon be built. HONDURAS from time to time. Many interested people have
been found, but thus far no congregations have been
HONDURAS establ ished there.

The first contact was made in Honduras when a Brother


who had been sealed in France, left Paris in order to return MARTINIQUE - GUADELOUPE
to his homeland of Honduras, on September 8,1972. During
a two-hour stopover at the airport in New York he was In July of 1976, a Haitian Subdeacon was approached by
contacted by one of our Administration Brothers and some ladies in a supermarket. They were lost and asked him
arrangements were made to visit him in Honduras. The work for directions. In addition to giving them the needed
I,
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II
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II
22 23
I
I
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I
-
information, the Subdeacon also gave them testimony of the spoke to the ministers and gave them testimony of the
New Apostolic Church. When they returned to their homes Lord's work of salvation. Two months later, 2 District
in Martinique and Guadeloupe the following week, they read Evangelists returned to the island to follow up on the
the testimony book and told their friends about it, who were groundwork which had been laid.
also very interested. They wrote to the Subdeacon and asked
if the Brothers would please come and visit them. THE CARIBBEAN AREA

HAWAII In Trinidad, Barbados, Surinam, St. Lucia, Haiti,


A number of souls had moved to Hawaii from the Bahamas and Bermuda, 1310 members are served by 85
mainland of the United States, a distance of 2300 miles, and Administration Brothers in 29 congregations of which 11 are
they were being cared for in one congregation. In 1971 in our own buildings.
Apostle Fendt, who had been asked by Chief Apostle
Schmidt to visit the congregations in Australia, stopped in SAN ANDRES ISLAND
Honolulu, where he held the first sealing service on March 9,
1971. Since that time, 3 congregations have been A District Evangelist, while vacationing in San Andres,
established in the islands, which are served by 4 testified of the Lord's work of redemption. In this way a foot-
Administration Brothers. The 61 members meet in rented hold was also gained on this island and several brothers
quarters and 1 of our own church buildings which has been were sent there to water the seed that had been sown .. Today
built in Hawaii. there are 21 members, 2 congregations and 3 Administration
Brothers. One church has also been built on San Andres by
FIJI ISLANDS our brothers.

In July of 1976, District Apostle Kraus asked a District Through modern means of transportation, the New
Evangelist to go to the Fiji Islands to seek a foothold there. Apostolic faith has continued to spread and has permitted
When he arrived at the airport he went to the men's room, the Apostles and their faithful assistants to penetrate into
locked the door, knelt down and pleaded that God would the smallest and most remote corners of this world. As of
permit him to meet someone with whom he could share 1976, under the leadership of District Apostle Kraus, the
these glad tidings. The first person he saw was a taxi driver; New Apostolic Church has been built on a firm foundation in
he immediately went over to him and told him that God had about 50 countries and islands, in addition to Canada, the
ordained their meeting over 6000 years ago, and asked him if United States, and the United Kingdom.
he would be willing to help. The man agreed and they drove
to a hotel where they prayed in the District Evangelist's room In Canada, 443 Administration Brothers care for the 90
for God's guidance and blessing. This driver then drove the congregations, consisting of 6978 members. At present we
District Evangelist to all the churches on the island where he have 60 church buildings in Canada.

24 25
The United States has 24,200 members, 319 APOSTLE FENDT -16 Countries and Islands
congr~gations, who are served by 1365 Administration
Brothers. There are 208 of our own church buildings Central America: Dominican Rep. West Africa :
throughout the United States. Belize Puerto Rico Cameroon
Guatemala Guyana, S.Am. Dahomey
By the end of 1976, the entire District, under District Honduras Hawaii Ivory Coast
Apostle Kraus, consisted of 221,302 members, which were Nicaragua Fij i Islands Togo
served by more than 4800 Administration Brothers, in 2413 Mexico Guadeloupe Martinique
congregations.
The year 1976 was by far the most fruitful of any in the APOSTLE SCHWARZER - 38 Countries and Islands
history of the Apostle District. A total of 45,957 souls were
sealed and more than 1900 ordinations were carried out. The Africa: South America : St. Vincent
2413 congregations have an average membership of 92 Ethiopia Bolivia St. Lucia
souls. The ratio of Administration Brothers to members Sudan Colombia St. Kitts
indicates that there is one Administration Brother for every Rwanda Ecuador
46 members. In all, there was a 31 % increase in the number Burundi Peru Antigua
of congregations from 1975 to 1976, a growth in membership Zaire Surinam Barbados
of 23% in the one year and a 43% increase in the total Gambia Trinidad Costa. Rica
number of Administration Brothers serving these souls. Guiana Fr. Venezuela EI Salvador
Guinea Panama Grenada
In addition to serving the many congregations in the Reunion
United States and Canada, the Apostles also assist their Liberia Bahamas A-B-C Islands:
District Apostle in caring for the congregations and Malagasy Bermuda Aruba
missions in about 77 countries and islands: Mauritius Dominica Bonnaire
Senegal Haiti Curacao
DISTRICT APOSTLE KRAUS Sierra Leone Jamaica

Ireland APOSTLE W. VOVAK - 6 Countries and Islands


Rumania
United Kingdom East Africa: Malaysia
Kenya Singapore
India Apostle L. Jones Tanzania Sri Lanka
Assisting Apostles: Apostle Jose Thailand
Apostle S. Bower Apostle J. Robinson
Apostle V. Bower Apostle J. Thompson

26 27
APOSTLE WAGNER -13 Countries and Islands CHIEF APOSTLE VISIT
June 3-13, 1977
East Africa: Caribbean: South Pacific:
Nigerta Caymen Islands Samoa Islands In September 1976, it was officially announced that Chief
San Andres Island Tahiti Islands Apostle Streckeisen, together with all 57 Apostles in the
Asia: world, would visit North America June 3-13,1977 with their
Hong Kong Middle East: Iceland wives. This brought great joy to all. The Kitchener Memorial
Japan Bangladesh Auditorium in Kitchener, Canada, was rented for the two
Korea S. Pakistan Sundays of June 5th and 12th. To accommodate all, the
Philippines Apostle District of North America was divided into two
Taiwan groups, The one group attended the Chief Apostle Services
on the 5th and the other group on the 12th. On both
Sundays, the Chief Apostle also held a service in the
APOSTLE E. VOVAK evening for the Administration Brothers and their wives.

Assisting in the United States of America, and all foreign Our heavenly Father's grace and protection made it
countries, wherever he is needed, possible that all 22 District Apostles and 35 Apostles, 57 in
all, could come from all six continents and meet tog'ether
with the Chief Apostle for these festive days. This historical
and unique event in God's work was under the caption - THE
CHIEF APOSTLE IS THE CROWN OF THE APOSTLE
ONENESS.
For the midweek service on June 8th, the Chief Apostle
went to New York, where the divine service was held in
Carnegie Hall. He was accompanied by the District Apostles
Marton and Kraus, Apostle Bhulana (South Africa), and
Apostles V. Bower, S. Bower, Robinson, Jones, Thompson
and Kuthottungal (India).

The other Apostles served in the remaining 16


Subdistricts as follows:
Florida: Apostles Engelauf, Bianchi and Sianga
Buffalo: District Apostle Gut and Apostle DeLisen

.
28 29
Erie: District Apostle Steinweg and Apostles Volz and Mfune That morning all the Apostles met with the Chief Apostle
Toronto: District Apostles Startz, Koehler and Tiedt in the large conference room in the Administration Office.
Hamilton: District Apostles Karnick and Pusch After the conference, their wives joined them. Then the
Kitchener: District Apostles Bischoff and Kitching and Chief Apostle celebrated Holy Communion with all of them.
Apostle Adam The holiness of this unique gathering moved all participants
Detroit: District Apostles Gerke and Wintermantel to the core of their heart and soul. There was no dry eye. It
Cleveland: District Apostle Schiwy and Apostles Rocken- brought to mind that Last Supper which the Lord Jesus
felder and Magney celebrated with His Apostles.
Chicago: District Apostles Rockenfelder and Knobloch
South Bend: District Apostle Schumacher and Apostles
Haenni and Pos
Denver: Apostles Mitas, Siabbert and Zimmermann
St. Louis: District Apostle Kuehnle and Apostle Teucher
Kansas City: District Apostle Urwyler, and Apostles Fischer
and Laubscher
Los Angeles: District Apostle Tansahsami and Apostles
Schilling and Wargomartoyo
Vancouver: District Apostle Fernandes and Apostles Bell
and Naude
Montreal: District Apostle Higelin and Apostle Keck

The next day all returned to Kitchener, Canada.

All too quickly these historic days in God's work passed.


The joy will Iinger unforgettably in the hearts of all. The rich
blessing wrought by our beloved Chief Apostle and all the
Apostles will bear fruit now and forever.

Monday, June 13th, was the day of departure for the Chief
Apostle and the visiting Apostles, except those from India,
who left for home on June 20th.

.30 31

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