The International Theological Council recently hosted a symposium in Bali, Indonesia, at a Holiday Inn Resort in Nusa Dua. I was privileged to have been selected by my Territorial Leaders to attend. Bali is undoubtedly a beautiful place, filled with both stunning scenery and warm, hospitable people. The kindness and hospitality of Indonesians is deeply ingrained in their culture—they believe in offering strangers the best treatment. I must say, our stay could not have been more welcoming.
The symposium gathered delegates from territories around the world to discuss and explore various theological perspectives under the theme “God So Loved the World.” Topics and presentations were developed from this central theme.
One topic that stood out to me was titled “From Fractured Self to Wholeness in Christ,” which focused on self-acceptance and the understanding that God does not make mistakes in how each person is created. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 encourages us not only to accept ourselves as we are but also to acknowledge our worth in the body of Christ. We are reminded that the ear and the eye, though different, are each essential to the body’s wholeness.
Captain Crystal Porter, in her presentation, emphasized the importance of preserving nature, referencing Genesis 2:15, where Adam was “placed in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” We have been entrusted with the care of creation, and it should be as significant to us as taking care of ourselves. This was a challenge, reminding us that our neglect of nature can have far-reaching effects on communities beyond our own, urging us all to make conscious choices in caring for God’s creation.
The Southern Africa Territory—and the Africa Zone as a whole—still, in my opinion, retains a foundational morality that some parts of the world seem to be losing. When gathering with people from other regions, it becomes clear that while some perceive Africa as “backward,” it is actually a powerful example of not conforming to worldly patterns. We are, above all, God-fearing, choosing reverence for God over acceptance by the world, and I believe there is much the global Christian community can learn from this stance.
One of the recommended resources was Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer, a book suggested by the General, which is an excellent tool for enhancing our prayer lives.
A personal highlight for me was being chosen to represent the Africa Zone in a panel discussion. This was a stretch for me, as I often find expressing myself challenging, especially in another language, but it was an incredible opportunity. My takeaway from this experience was a refreshed theological perspective. The symposium offered an overview of how different we are in our worship yet unified as one Army. Our cultural contexts shape our priorities and how we view Christianity, and the symposium provided each delegate with the opportunity to connect and form new friendships.
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