It is a story comparable to that between the great Apostle Paul and his beloved adopted son, Timothy.

Rev. Frederick Hassell, of the New Apostolic Church, first met Rev. Gottfried Schwarzer when he was a young man of about 25. The brief encounter sparked a relationship that lasted over the next 20 years that would develop through 18 personal visits by Rev. Schwarzer to the Island, as well as an array of letters that travelled back and forth between the two.

Now, nearly ten years after Rev. Schwarzer's death, Rev. Hassell has collected those letters compiled them into a book, "Apostle Schwarzer's Pastoral Letters to a Bermudian Priest", which debuted just a few months ago.

"As you get older, you accumulate stuff that is very dear and precious to you," explained Rev. Hassell, speaking of the many letters he had collected through the years. "I thought, why don't I spend some time and put them into the computer — I ended up with a manuscript in the end."

The letters were filled with advice and spiritual wisdom on a number of resounding issues that stemmed from Rev. Hassell's own letters to Rev. Schwarzer, as well as the Schwarzer's personal experiences ministering around the globe.

According to Rev. Hassell, Rev. Schwarzer, "watered and seeded churches in many countries".

Originally from Eastern Europe, Rev. Schwarzer spoke French, German and English, and, had he not pursued a life in serving and building up the church, Rev. Hassell believed that Rev. Schwarzer could potentially have been a great linguist and university professor at any of the great universities.

After compiling the letters from Schwarzer, "Eventually, I wrote the people who publish the Bible — Thomas Nelson. They sent me to Xulon Press."

However, Rev. Hassell still wasn't sure that he wanted to print the manuscript. Xulon, however, was very interested and pursued Rev. Hassell to submit the manuscript. Finally, in honour of Bermuda's Quincentennial and his own church's 30th anniversary, he agreed.

The book is now sold internationally and on the Internet through websites like Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Locally, the book is available at Bermuda Bookstore, the Bookmart, True Reflections and the Book Cellar.

Locally, it has garnered the attention of many of prominence, including Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler and Premier Ewart Brown.

Former Premier Alex Scott wrote to Rev. Hassell: "It was most gracious and kind of you to present me with a copy of your book, 'Apostle Schwarzer's Pastoral Letters to a Bermudian Priest.' Prior to receiving the book, I was not familiar with the Rev. Gottfried Schwarzer, but it is clear that he had an abiding love for this Island and its people."

To honour Rev. Schwarzer's memory, Rev. Hassell personally presented a copy of the book to Schwarzer's widow in February 2006, who emphasised her husband's love for Bermuda.

Rev. Hassell hopes that his book will be an example to others of what is required of a Christian and that it will inspire readers to grow closer to the "Heavenly Father".