The fourth day of The General and World President for Women’s Ministries (WPWM) visit to the Southern Africa Territory was marked by impactful engagements, community service and jubilant family worship.
The day commenced with a briefing, bringing together The General, WPWM & Territorial Leadership with the MEC for Social Development and the eThekwini Mayor. Concurrently the Chief Secretary & Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and team assembled at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall to meet the Mayor and Social Development Officials supported by Officers, Soldiers, Cadets and the Mission Team. These gatherings were part of collaborating with local networks in a shared commitment to addressing social issues and fostering positive change in communities.
Following the morning’s discussions, Salvationists embraced their mission to serve suffering humanity. They engaged in outreach initiatives including open-air events, street ministry activities and feeding which created opportunities to share Jesus with local people, spreading hope and showing support in both Pietermaritzburg and Durban. These efforts were a expression of The Salvation Army’s commitment to alleviating the struggles of the communities they serve in Southern Africa.
As the day progressed, the Family Service sessions brought together Salvationists for times of celebration, information and prayer regarding social justice issues, and a question and answer time with The General and WPWM. In response to an interview question, The General shared three goals reflecting his priorities for The Salvation Army which included: Salvationists finding their voice and talking about Jesus; Salvationists demonstrating the values of the Kingdom of God through an expanding caring and compassionate ministry; and lastly a Salvation Army full of men and women who have surrendered themselves to Christ evidenced through their holy living.
Throughout the celebration, each Division actively engaged in the programme, presenting a diverse array of musical items including band compositions, songs, timbrels, and hosho renditions. These offerings were a source of blessing and delight to all. Throughout the weekend, the Territorial Ladies Band have faithfully fulfilled their duties and remained a constant source of blessing.
Exciting moments of the day included the official launch of the online War Cry and the unveiling of the Territorial Strategic Plan by the Territorial Commander. Opportunity to draw inspiration through God’s Word presented itself when Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham encouraged Salvationists to encounter the beauty, wonder and power of Jesus and said: “We miss the ‘beautiful’ of Jesus when we don’t take time to sit in His presence.” The WPWM affirmed the value of parents teaching their children about Jesus, thereby establishing strong foundations in the lives of their children. Towards the end of the evening, sharing from Luke 5, General Lyndon Buckingham posed the thought provoking question asking: “What’s on the other side of your yes?”
During the ongoing visit of our international Leaders, the message remains steadfast: our shared journey of sharing Jesus, making a difference in our communities, and being salt and light in the world while growing side by side.
To God be the glory, great things he has done
I am so Revived and Blessed by this 140 years Congress I’ll never be the same again!!! #Godblessthearmy
Haleluya. Just a comment about the camera man at the 2023 Congress: It was going to be more professional if the camera was sometimes going around the whole hall, showing the audience etc, and not just pointing to the stage all the time. Next time, please get someone who can allow the camera to keep on going around the whole area and point it to the stage only when it is neccessary. Amen.