New Apostolic Church Cape

Youth Day isn't just a 'day' as such - it is the culmination of months of planning by our district apostle and his team of co-workers. Those of us, who are privileged to be invited to share in this blessed event every year, take it for granted that everything will run smoothly - even that the weather will behave! We are not even aware of that which goes on behind the scenes: the planning, the organizing, the catering, the love and above all the prayers that go into making this 'day' the success it always turns out to be. This year was no different.

Friday 16 June was a public holiday - Youth Day. Special youth outings had been arranged throughout the various bishop areas. The district apostles and apostles attended two such gatherings.

District Apostle Freund commented that it was amazing to see so many youth together from only one area. He said that in America all the youth of the entire country would have to gather together for there to be such great numbers.

On the Saturday afternoon there was a choral presentation at Silvertown. This served as a fitting precursor to the festive divine service for the youth that would take place the following day. The choir created a joyful and blessed atmosphere, which served as a fitting preparation for the following day.

Sunday was the youth service and free meeting. The service was scheduled to take place at the DF Malan Centre, Stellenbosch, at 10:00, and was relayed to 89 receiving stations in District Apostle Barnes' working area. All in all the service was attended by 28 592 brethren. The youth of the Belhar and Stellenbosch bishop areas attended in the DF Malan Centre.

The text for the service was taken out of Romans 16 : 19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

After the service, which ended at 11:44, the youth had lunch; whereafter there was a free meeting. The variety of items on the programme for the free meeting entertained and captivated the interest of the youth. Through role play they were informed of the changes that would take place to youth activities presented for them in the new millennium. This performance was appropriately entitled: Youth on the move. A short video insert kept the youth informed of the recent trip that had been undertaken to China by a male choir of the church. Then, of course, there was the highlight of the programme: An interview with District Apostle Freund. A joyful group of young people left for home early that afternoon.

Monday's highlight was a concert at the City Hall, Cape Town, where the 1 000 guests were treated to 90 minutes of sheer brilliance - traditional music spanning the various cultures which make up this cosmopolitan city. At the completion of the evening's entertainment the singers received a standing ovation - deservedly!