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The Salvation Army Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, witnessed and participated in a variety of activities during a recent visit to Brazil. The Brazil Territory is led by Colonels Edward and Deborah Horwood, originally from the USA Western Territory.
The international visitors, accompanied by the Horwoods, first toured and met staff at the “Salva Shopping” warehouse and distribution center in São Bernardo do Campo and the SalvaShopping thrift store in Diadema. SalvaShopping is the Brazil Territory’s recycling and income-generation initiative.
They travelled to the nearby city of Suzano the next day, joining cadets, divisional leaders and officers from headquarters and the São Paulo Division for the dedication of a newly renovated lodge in the “Vale de Bênçãos” camp at Lar das Flores, a large property where the Army operates a corps, thrift store and camp. The Buckinghams spoke words of encouragement, reflecting on the site’s history and the expectation that the camp will be used to lift up Jesus’ name.
Later, after two sessions of officers’ councils, the women officers met to consider the “Reimagining” of Women’s Ministries while the Chief of the Staff challenged the men to be used by God.
On Saturday, at the dedication of the newly renovated territorial headquarters in São Paulo, Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham stressed that the headquarters’ purpose is to support those on the frontlines.
That afternoon, the Buckinghams spoke at the welcome of the Messengers of Reconciliation Session of cadets. The nine cadets proudly entered the Methodist cathedral to the applause of more than 450 people.
The international visitors then flew to Rio de Janeiro, where almost 200 officers and soldiers gathered for a celebration at the Baptist auditorium on Sunday.
In his Bible message, the Chief encouraged soldiers, officers and friends to “come alive” in order to receive and demonstrate the joy of their salvation. With music provided by the divisional band, timbrel and songster brigades, the meeting inspired the congregation and motivated many to enjoy a time of “samba before the Lord.”
On their last day in Brazil, the international visitors marked the inauguration of a renovated Salvation Army property in Meiér. The Chief of the Staff reminded attendees that a foundation stone was both a reminder of the past and hope for the future. Included in the renovation will be a new divisional headquarters and a remodeled social center, dining room and officers’ quarters.
Under the direction of Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, officers from the Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Federal District Division gathered to pray and seek the Lord’s continued grace on the divisions’ development and growth.
From a report by IHQ Communications
International Headquarters
