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International leaders inspire Salvationists at territorial congress.
Hundreds of Salvationists greeted General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton when they arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, for the territorial congress.
A theme of peace prevailed during the congress, as the event coincided with the United Nations Day of Peace, held each year on Sept. 21.
In a press conference, the General urged Zambian leaders to put God first, saying that a nation that loses sight of the one who created it is heading for problems. He challenged Salvationists: “Are you ready to be blessed?”
The various meetings were packed. Chikankata High School hall was not big enough to contain all who wished to attend the men’s rally to hear the General and Territorial Commander Colonel John Wainwright.
Four thousand women attended the home league rally to hear World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Helen Clifton, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Colonel Dorita Wainwright, and traditional leader Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Mweenda from Chikankata, who is a Salvationist.
During the holiness meeting—attended by national and district leaders along with Salvationists—General Clifton enrolled 50 new soldiers and prayed for the 20 delegates who will represent Zambia at the International Youth Convention to be held in Stockholm, Sweden, in July 2010.
Before leaving Zambia, the Cliftons toured the Army’s Chikankata Hospital and, in Lusaka—after a march of witness through the city—they attended a service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross. There, Zambia’s Minister of Defense, the Hon. Dr. Kalombo Mwansa, read a message on behalf of His Honor the Vice-President of Zambia, Mr. George Kunda SC, who urged The Salvation Army to continue preaching the gospel. He expressed the government’s pleasure at the Army’s work in Zambia and looked forward to continuing cooperation.
The visit of the Army’s world leaders attracted wide media interest and was featured on national television. The estimated 10,000 Salvationists who attended the congress returned to their various centers—some more than 1,000 kilometers away—inspired and ready to take the Army forward under the territorial theme of “Now is the Time.”
Western Territory officer Major Beryl Pierce has been doing the Lord’s work in Zambia since June of 2005. She is currently serving as a corps officer and a social worker at Chikankata Hospital.