Two hours before the divine service was scheduled to start the confirmands were arriving at the venue. They were excited, happy and at the same time keen to get to their seats.
The hall filled up quickly and it was not too long before it seemed as if there was no more place for even the tiniest confirmand. The pre-divine service programme started to run and from then on there were so many things happening that the time seemed to fly past. And then it was time for the Chief Apostle to make his appearance behind the altar as the congregation of over 5 000 heartily sang the opening hymn: Give me joy in my heart. As the basis for this divine service the Chief Apostle used the word from John 14:15. In his introduction he mentioned that the confirmands should let the Lord, who is the King, into their hearts. They should also take care to let Him in to their families and into their activities in the congregations. The subject of friends was also discussed – each confirmand would like to have friends, but it is important to have good and sincere friends. Jesus is the greatest Friend to have, but to have such a Friend it is important to do what He did. A few things can be mentioned about how Jesus behaved: He was regularly in the house of the Lord, He resisted temptation and He was always ready to forgive. Towards the end of his serving the Chief Apostle requested all the confirmands present to recite their confirmation vow in unison. Those participating and those witnessing what was taking place, were equally in awe of the intensity of this memorable and historic action. The Chief Apostle then called on District Apostle Helpers M Woll, A Mhango, J Fendt and N Barnes to assist in the serving. The highlight of the divine service was, as always, the celebration of Holy Communion. With thought-provoking words that tenderly touched the soul Holy Communion was also celebrated for those in the realms of the departed. This divine act was beautifully rounded off with the solo rendition of I have a home beyond the river. Upon conclusion of the divine service the rendered the piece: Lift up your heads and when they saw the reaction of those listening to their singing at the end of the rendition, they broke into smiles and congratulated themselves on a good performance. The Chief Apostle did not neglect to take a mass photograph with all of the confirmands in the hall as a memento of this magic occasion.

 

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