Sunday, June 2nd, 2024, marked a significant day at Benoni Corps as they celebrated the 40th anniversary of their Corps hall being on the current property. The event also served as a welcome for the 2024 Mission Team. The day began with a vibrant march of witness through the streets of Benoni with Officers, Cadets, Mission Team members and Soldiers, supported by the band, proudly waving The Salvation Army flag and declaring the Name of Jesus in the community through song.
The morning service commenced with praise and worship, followed by a warm welcome from the Corps Officer, Captain Zandile Mkhize. Mrs. Carol Rennie, the retired Home League Secretary, shared a presentation about the journey of the Corps from its previous location to its current site, highlighting the contributions and ministries of past Corps Officers and soldiers.
Major Darren Huke, the Divisional Programme Secretary, delivered an encouraging and challenging message from DHQ, urging the Benoni Corps to continue seeking God, engaging in mission and embracing innovation to reach more people for Jesus. The Benoni Corps Songsters then rendered a beautiful song, setting a meaningful tone for the next part of the service.
The Territorial Commander, Commissioner Torben Eliasen, officially welcomed the 2024 Mission Team, encouraging them to be open and obedient to the Holy Spirit, to adopt Kingdom values as their own, and to respect and support one another as they journey together. Lieut Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo, the Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, invited the Mission Team, along with the Officers and staff accompanying them, to come forward for a prayer of blessing. The Chief Secretary, Lieut Colonel Themba Mahlobo, acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the Officers and staff who are currently journeying with the Mission Team.
Mission Team member Angela Moyo shared her testimony, declaring, even about the difficult parts of her journey, that “I saw God’s hand over my life.” The Mission Team then performed a dance to a song about the freedom they have in God, symbolizing how He has taken “the shackles off my feet, so I can dance,” testifying to His power and work in their lives.
Lieut Colonel Thomas Dlamini, Territorial Secretary for Personnel, shared the Word using Noah’s life of righteousness, faithfulness and obedience to encourage the congregation to live out their faith in a similar manner. Commissioner Deise Eliasen then pronounced the benediction, bringing the celebration to a close. Please continue to uphold the Mission Team in your prayers as they strive to grow more like Jesus, are equipped and trained for ministry, and engage in practical ministry within various communities.
God is Faithful and has done it.
Amen