“Feel the spirit here” a faithful member once told me standing before Iglesia Nueva Apostolica. Today we explore the Iglesia Nueva Apostolica. It is a beacon of faith in Buenos Aires. The Iglesia Nueva Apostolica offers spiritual guidance. It also fosters a close community. Here each person can experience God’s love. They find joy in serving Him and others.
The Iglesia Nueva Apostolica is politically neutral. It is funded by voluntary donations. Members orient their lives to the Gospel. They prepare for Christ’s return.
The origins of the Iglesia Nueva Apostolica in South America are interesting. The church’s evolution in Paraguay was linked to Argentina. Misiones province played a key role. Servants often combined visits to both countries. This fostered shared customs and beliefs.
In 1930 a key decision was made. Helper Apostle Mayor Schlaphoff assigned brothers Arno and Otto Abicht to spread the church’s message. This was in both Misiones and Paraguay.
The government of Paraguay donated land in Encarnación. This city was close to Posadas. Apostle Schlaphoff traveled tirelessly across South America. He visited small groups of believers. District Elder Gantner assisted him. Together they cared for souls.
Misiones became a meeting point. From there servants crossed into Paraguay. An Apostle shared an experience. After a service a man sought guidance. The man prayed for a sign. He dreamt that this was the right path. He and his family joined the church.
In 1948 Helper Apostle Mayor Schlaphoff reported church numbers. Argentina had 80 churches. Uruguay had 30. Brazil had seven. Chile and Paraguay each had two.
Many ministers dedicated themselves. In 1970 First Pastor González and Pastor Erwin Bertinat moved from Uruguay to Asunción. They oversaw the development of the Asunción community. Apostle Jorge Cabanelas cared for them until 2013. Currently Apostle Guillermo Canessa and Bishop Marcelo Boggio oversee Paraguay. There are eight communities. They keep the pioneers’ legacy alive.
The Iglesia Lomas N°2 in Banfield celebrated its 50th anniversary. This was on June 23 2019. Apostle Guillermo Canessa led the celebration. The church had been remodeled. Members prepared souvenirs and floral arrangements. They baked treats and a birthday cake.
In 1956 families moved to the area. On December 3 1958 a community began in a rented space. Bishop Pablo Bianchi visited. The water tank looked like a boat. It was called “La Casa del Barquito”. There were four weekly services. Over 200 people attended.
Later they bought land and built a church. It took eight months. Apostle Martín inaugurated it on June 22 1969. On June 23 2019 everything shone. Apostle Canessa and Bishop Pablo Basso led the service. 292 people attended. About 40 former members returned.
The biblical text was 2 Timothy 2:1. District Evangelists Pablo Pedrol and Juan Carlos Aloy also participated. After the service photos of past events were shown. There was also a puppet show for children. It told the community’s story. Finally souvenirs and cake were shared.
Remember the Iglesia Nueva Apostolica as more than a building. It is a vibrant community. It shares faith and fellowship in Buenos Aires and beyond.