The Western Cape Easter-themed celebration, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming,” began with Palm Sunday, supported by all Soldiers and Officers. We thank God for the various opportunities granted to us, especially as we continued through Holy Week in the communities of Bonteheuwel, Mitchell’s Plain, Langa, and Athlone. Each Holy Week service was led by Officers and supported by Soldiers who participated through song, worship dance, and community outreach.
Each service saw many men, women, boys, and girls from the local communities attend and freely engage in the evening programmes.
On Thursday evening at Athlone Corps, the division welcomed our special guests for the Easter weekend: the Chief Secretary, Lt Colonel Themba Mahlobo, and the Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Lt Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo. This evening was marked by a powerful Tenebrae service, themed “Into the Darkness.” It was a beautiful time of reflective Scripture readings from the Synoptic Gospels, focusing on Jesus’ final hours before the crucifixion. The growing darkness in the Corps hall, as the candles on the candelabra were gradually extinguished, created a powerful visual. The symbolism of entering the darkness was deeply impactful, ending in total silence and darkness, allowing each person to leave in solemn reflection—focused on what was to come: Jesus’ crucifixion.
The Good Friday service, held at Groote Schuur High School, brought together Officers, Soldiers, families, and friends to reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus. The Easter theme was sensitively portrayed by the sectional music ministries, the Divisional Band, and the United Songsters. Morning speakers explored various aspects of the theme, passionately guiding the congregation to reflect deeply on the message of “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming…” It was especially encouraging to see the children’s section participate so vibrantly, highlighting the message of “Looking Up.” The YP sections added creative worship dance performances, emphasizing that even when everything around seems chaotic… we just need to look up.
On Saturday, Officers and Soldiers came together once again for community outreach—engaging in door-to-door visits, street evangelism, open-air services, and kids’ outreach. The vibrant presence of The Salvation Army in each community was warmly welcomed by passers-by, many of whom joined in singing, and some responded to the call for salvation and prayer. It was a blessing to have the Chief Secretary and TSWM join and support the outreach efforts.
On Saturday evening, around 121 youth gathered at Claremont Corps for the annual Youth and Young Adults Stay-Awake. It was a fun-filled night of praise and worship, meaningful debates, testimonies, good food, and great fellowship!
The Sunday Ecumenical Sunrise Service at UCT was a powerful moment as the faith community gathered to praise God and bear witness to the resurrection, watching the sun peek out over the Stellenbosch mountains—a joyful reminder that Jesus is risen and alive!
The service concluded with attendees enjoying coffee and hot cross buns, celebrating the truth of the Resurrection… Sunday is here! He is Risen Indeed!
All praise and glory to God for a truly blessed Easter.
