The Chief Apostle’s annual motto is a clear call to direct our eyes on a better future. This is the conviction of District Apostle Rüdiger Krause, who lives in Hamburg in Germany.

Whatever 2021 will bring, God will not be stopped in carrying out His plan of redemption for humankind. In the process, every human being has a companion from start to finish: Jesus Christ. From the divine service introducing our annual motto.

Love changes a person, as anyone knows who has ever been in love. Also our love for God changes us. District Apostle Leonard Kolb (USA) explains how in his thoughts on our 2021 motto.

Our motto for 2021 deals with our future, but this future has to be shaped now, in the present, and this is a task that falls upon all of us, says District Apostle Jürg Zbinden of Switzerland.

An Apostle who not only preaches about the new motto for the year, but also converts it into art for his District Church? It can happen—as it did, for example, in the District Apostle Area Western Pacific. But other graphic designers all around the world have also been at work to create new logos for the year.

What makes a good teacher? Oodles of patience, surely a genuine capacity for sympathy, and heaps of energy. When it comes to faith, the role model effect is essential: those who practise what they preach will be remembered for a long time.

Freedom — this is a sublime and precious commodity! There is only one who can provide true freedom: Jesus Christ! "Christ makes free"—this is the motto for the year 2020. The Chief Apostle explains its content in his address for the New Year.

Freedom. Where? When? How? The Chief Apostle and the District Apostles have explored the annual motto from all sides. Here are a few highlights from our Spotlight series to usher out the old year.

How do you define freedom? The determining factors are not always verifiable and objective. Freedom is often just the feeling of being free. Even the man Jesus was torn back and forth in His feelings. District Apostle Peter Schulte, who lives in Australia and looks after the Western Pacific district, explores the subject.

At the beginning of the year, no one could have imagined what the year would hold in store. The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly changed things, but it has not affected our striving for the kingdom of God, says District Apostle Helper John Sobottka from Canada.

Paul und Silas had been arrested and put in jail. Around midnight they began to sing and praise God, while the other prisoners listened. Thoughts on freedom by District Apostle Helper Frank Dzur from Canada.

Seeing who we really are … without others judging us. That is not easy, seeing that we humans are social creatures and therefore depend on the benevolence of others. Jesus opens our eyes for reality, District Apostle Helper John Fendt from the USA says.

From the vastness of paradise to a small labyrinth of selfish goals, from great freedom to close confinement. How man has changed! He could do better for himself, District Apostle Helper David Devaraj from Bangalore in India writes.

Doing something good for yourself and giving your neighbour without expecting anything … This is what District Apostle Tshitshi Tshisekedi (Democratic Republic Congo South-East) reflects on in his article on our annual motto.

This place has a name: home. Because there you can be yourself. Thoughts on this year’s motto by District Apostle Michael Deppner from the Democratic Republic of the Congo-West.

Freedom is a free gift of God. But He does not impose this freedom upon us. He only liberates those who want it. This is the experience of District Apostle Edy Isnugroho (Indonesia).

What does freedom have to do with an eagle? Well, watching such a majestic bird soar higher and higher into the sky with just a few flaps of its wings is a fitting image to describe unlimited freedom, says District Apostle Rainer Storck of Western Germany.

What are people held captive by? If we know, it is only a small step to freedom through Christ. For only then can His nature unfold in us. Here are some answers from District Apostle Michael Ehrich from Southern Germany.