Apostolic International Fellowship

“Can you feel that?” she asked, her eyes twinkling as she gestured towards the Apostolic International Fellowship. “A certain energy? This place has a powerful history, woven from threads of faith that stretch back to Africa and Australia.” The Apostolic International Fellowship in Wellington might seem unassuming at first glance, but behind its walls lies a vibrant story of faith and perseverance. The New Zealand branch of the United Apostolic Church, this fellowship traces its roots back to the early 19th century, to the “Catholic Apostolic Church” in Scotland and England. The story takes an intriguing turn in the late 1800s. It was then that Apostle H.F. Niemeyer, from the Apostolic Church of Queensland, sent Evangelist Carl George Klibbe on a mission to Africa. This act would spark a connection that would, over a century later, lead to the establishment of the Apostolic International Fellowship right here in Wellington. In the early 2000s, members of the Old Apostolic Church of Africa faced doctrinal differences with the newly emerged Old Apostolic Church International’s New Zealand branch. Seeking a spiritual home, they turned to the Apostolic Church of Queensland, remembering the historical ties forged through Apostle Niemeyer and Evangelist Klibbe. It felt like a homecoming. Brother Theo and Sister Lynnro van der Nest answered the call, traveling to Queensland in 2008 to solidify the bond. By late 2008, they were welcomed under the care of Apostle Cliff Flor. Soon, others followed, and the seeds of the Apostolic International Fellowship in Wellington were sown – first in homes, then formally registered in 2010. Today, the Apostolic International Fellowship in Wellington continues this legacy, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the interconnectedness of the global Apostolic community. Their story, much like their faith, reminds us that sometimes, the most profound journeys lead us to unexpected destinations.