District Apostle Michael Ehrich conducted a festive divine service in Conakry, Guinea on the 7th August 2022, at 10 am. He retired two Apostles in the name of the Chief Apostle: Sanpha Sesay and Albert Garber, with Bishop Raymond Essequi of Sierra Leone. Apostle Abu Tamba Bangura was ordained to replace Apostle Sesay and Freeman Bob Saidu to replace Apostle Garber respectively.

District Apostle expresses his appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate the divine service and admires the rainy season of the sub region and sun in the dry season. Rain could represent the blessing of God and sun, His grace.

The text word reads – Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:17-19

Below are extracts of the sermon:

• Only the Samaritan (a foreigner), returns to thank Jesus for healing ten of them with leprosy. Jesus has the power of God to heal and save by faith. They ten believe Jesus’ healing power but the Samaritan coming again to appreciate Jesus denotes faith for salvation.
• Leprosy could be spiritually compared to sin. So we come to Jesus for forgiveness to be saved. Following Jesus is a serious method; regular attendance of divine services and paying offering is alright but following Jesus requires more effort.
• We must put Jesus first in everything we do; accept His nature to love God and the neighbor. Importantly, one should change in showing interest for the salvation/freedom of the neighbors. We preach the gospel not only at the Alter but in behavior and speaking the word of God.
• We have to be consistent in offering/sacrifice, which could not be compared to the valuable and unique sacrifice of Jesus for salvation. Our expectation from Jesus has to be for our life of faith not only to be healed of sickness, get job etc.

Apostle Sesay, while serving along, remains grateful to God and co-workers for supporting him during 42 years as church Minister, of which 32 years as Apostle. Apostle Garber has served 32 years as church minister, of which 16 as Apostle. He admonishes all, to always return in thankfulness to Jesus for blessing and salvation.

Bishop Essequi has served as church minister for 34 years and 30 years as Bishop.