The Welcome of Lieut-Colonels Themba & Nokuthula Mahlobo
Johannesburg City Corps in the Central Division was buzzing with joyous music as soldiers, officers, family and friends from around the territory gathered to welcome the newly appointed Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the Southern Africa Territory, Lieut-Colonels Themba and Nokuthula Mahlobo, on Sunday, 10 September 2023.
The service was opened with music ministry from the Divisional Ladies Band and a moment of silence was observed in honour of the Late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. The Public Relations Secretary, Major T. Semeno, echoed the important relationship that the Salvation Army has with the Royal Zulu Family and passed on condolences and words of encouragement during this time of mourning.
Dedication of Lieut-Colonels Mahlobo by Territorial Commander
The Territorial Commander, Commissioner Torben Eliasen, introduced the new leaders to the congregation saying, “I am here to introduce someone who you already know and you know them better than us, the Lieut-Colonels Mahlobo. Let us remember that succession in leadership is not something new, we have seen it happening in the Bible. We saw Paul giving way to Timothy and recently we were gathered here as the Khoza’s were giving way to the Mahlobo’s.” Lieut-Colonels Mahlobo and their children, Olwethu and Alwande, were dedicated through prayer.
Lt-Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo is excited to strengthen the Women Ministries
In her response, Lieut-Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo said it is so good to be home. “We thank all of you for the warm welcome. We thank our family for the support that you gave us whilst we were not at home. We want to thank our church, The Salvation Army, for a once in a life time opportunity. We experienced the beauty of The Salvation Army. The Army is well organized church and I am glad to be part of this church.”
The officers and retired officers were thanked for their support with the words, “I know I am not alone, I have women both young and old to grow side by side with. We are ready to grow side by side together. I look forward to serving and strengthening women’s ministries so that we can grow The Southern Africa Territory.”
Chief Secretary Lieut-Colonel Themba Mahlobo shared The Word
In his message, Lieut-Colonel Themba Mahlobo said they want to serve God, they want to love and laugh. Speaking of God’s faithfulness the Chief Secretary remarked: “We have seen God being faithful to us, shaping us and making us adapt in a country that was foreign. We are thankful to the leadership of The Salvation Army for entrusting us into roles that we never dreamt of, but we trusted God.”
Lieut-Colonel Mahlobo shared the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman: “Many of us give this woman many names and conclude that she was useless and a sinner. But the story represents Jesus engaging with the woman, a sinner who sees the error of her ways. There was an action, reaction and result in this story.”
Lieut-Colonel Mahlobo reminded the congregation that the woman came during the day to the well because she was an outcast and upon meeting with Jesus her life was changed. Her testimony to her community included the words “Come and See A Man…” The Chief Secretary issued the challenge to all in attendance to ‘Come and see a Man” and to share their experience of Jesus like the woman did.
The Chief Secretary shared: ‘We want to lead by example, I am saying this in front of you so that you can hold us accountable. Salvationists, we are about to celebrate 140 years, are we ready to grow side by side because we ‘have seen a Man’ as the Salvation Army?”
Lieut-Colonel Themba Mahlobo challenged the congregation to surrender and commit themselves to Jesus and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
