On Sunday, 23rd March 2025, Pretoria Corps was filled with excitement and expectation as Salvationists from the Northeast Section of the Central Division gathered for the official launch of the Proudly Salvationist campaign. The atmosphere was alive with worship as the Pretoria Corps Worship Team led the congregation in praise. The band’s preliminary music further prepared hearts, building anticipation for what was to come.
The Divisional Commander, Major Annanias Nhandara, extended a warm welcome to all present. As the meeting moved into a time of worship, Lieut-Colonel Themba Mahlobo, Chief Secretary, reminded everyone that while they had come to celebrate their Salvationist identity and mission, their ultimate focus remained on Jesus—our Saviour, our source, and our reason for being.
Commissioner Deise Eliasen, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, brought encouragement, calling the congregation to reflect on the promises made as Junior and Senior Soldiers. She drew from Psalm 116:18-19, where the psalmist reaffirms his commitment to fulfill his vows before the Lord’s people. In the same way, Salvationists were invited to recommit themselves to their calling, stand firm in faith, and live out their mission.
The message was echoed beautifully in song as the Sectional Songsters ministered through Ngilibutho loMsindisi (I Am a Soldier of the Saviour) and Wakrazulwa Ngenxa Yami (He Died for Our Sins), reminding everyone of the privilege and responsibility of being called Salvationists.
Major Thataetsile Semeno, Secretary for Public Relations & Communications, officially launched the Proudly Salvationist campaign. His words carried a challenge: “Salvationists are not content to just sit in our halls—we must go out! Let’s go out and tell people about Jesus!” The Northeast Sectional Band continued this theme of joy and purpose, playing Happy People, a march that reinforced the invitation to come before the Lord with gladness.
Commissioner Torben Eliasen, Territorial Commander, delivered the Bible message, reminding Salvationists of their DNA—who we are, why we exist, and what we stand for. Drawing from The Salvation Army’s international mission statement, he affirmed that we are:
- An international movement, united in purpose.
- Evangelical Christians, rooted in Scripture.
- A people driven by God, led by the Holy Spirit.
- Passionate evangelists, sharing Jesus boldly.
- Committed to social outreach, reaching those in need.
- Inclusive, welcoming all into the family of faith.
Using the Salvation Army flag, the Territorial Commander spoke of the blood of Jesus, the call to holiness—an intentional obedience to God—and the Holy Spirit as our source of power. With urgency, he exhorted Salvationists to remain connected to the Holy Spirit, saying, “It won’t work if we don’t go in the power of the Holy Spirit!”
In response, Junior and Senior Soldiers were given the opportunity to renew their pledges before the Lord. As voices rose together in the closing song, I Believe We Shall Win, If We Fight in the Strength of the King, there was a sense of renewed commitment and a readiness to go and win the world for Christ.
May it be so! May we, as Salvationists, stand proudly—not just in name, but in mission, ready to take the Gospel beyond our walls and into a world that so desperately needs Jesus.
