Chief Apostle (Ap) Jean-Luc Schneider visited Sierra Leone after his ordination in May 2014 and was recently welcomed with joyous country songs and concert from the Lungui Airport, to the combined service for the departed at the Central Church, Freetown on the 1st March 2026 – could be his last service for the departed to his retirement.
The Chief Apostle arrived on the 26th February, 2026 and in his entourage were: District Ap. Michael Ehrich and helper Ap. Martin Ramberger, District Ap. Peter Bernard Lambert and helper Ap. Mandla Patrick Mkhwanza ; four Lead Apostles: Saa Marc Léno (Guinea), Oscar Mwanza (Nigeria), Benjamin Ohene Saffo (Ghana), and Matokoo Vincent Yedenou (Benin), together with all Apostles and Bishops (active / retired), and their wives, of West Africa 1 - Sierra Leone, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia.
On Saturday 28th February, the Chief Apostle held a conference with the Apostles at Atlantic Hotel conference hall at 11 am. At 3 pm he and his entourage participated in an exciting concert where local, classical hymns/songs were interpreted in singing and melo-drama. They visited the regional office where the Chief Apostle and District Apostle Ehrich planted each a tree as remembrance at around 6pm.
Divine Service for the departed – 1st March, 2026
The Chief Apostle preached from Hebrews 4:16: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” The Chief Apostle predicated that our salvation is only through God’s grace; not our own strength, ability, or good works. He encouraged all members: “Come boldly to the throne of grace, do not be afraid or ashamed, approach God with confidence, God is ready to accept us”. He reminded us that God is not waiting to punish us, but He desires to forgive us. Therefore, we must repent sincerely, we must forgive one another, we must accept and carry one another’s burdens. As ministers, we are to help members (living or dead), understand that they can come to God with confident and open heart.
District Apostle Peter Bernard Lambert
The District Apostle underscored that we must have faith in God alone and do not have alternative earthly authority - tradition. He encouraged all that we should value and work toward our salvation.
District Apostle Michael Ehrich
District Apostle Ehrich inspired everyone to forgive completely, intercede for one another and give spiritual and social support to the living and the dead. Referencing the painful time of the civil war in Sierra Leone, the District Apostle said: “Both victims and the perpetrators particularly must come before God boldly, where grace is available to everyone who truly repent. God’s throne of grace is open to all”
We strongly live by grace and kindness of God for our salvation.
People came from the country side and over 4500 attended the combined service of the Chief Apostle.
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