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Two historic events took place when the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner André Cox) and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s Ministries) visited Denmark. The awarding of The Salvation Army’s highest honour was followed by the installation of new territorial leaders.
The international visitors admitted Erik and Anne-Lise Silfverberg to the Order of the Founder, in sacred moments that the Chief described as ‘making history’. The citation revealed that the award was bestowed on the couple for ‘lifelong faithful and Christ-honouring ministry in The Salvation Army, unselfishly investing [their] gifts in God’s Kingdom, supporting and caring for especially young people and setting the highest standard for Christian service.’
The Silfverbergs are an institution in The Salvation Army in Denmark and have been active in youthwork and music ministry for more than 60 years. Erik has composed in the region of 150 pieces of music, bringing praise to the Lord through brass band ministry all over the world. As a team they have published almost 200 songs and hymns.
Later, Salvationists, friends and church leaders looked on as Colonels Knud and Lisbeth Welander were installed as leaders of the Denmark Territory. The festive event had elements of praise and celebration as well as sacred moments when the colonels where installed and the Chief led the congregation in prayer.
For the past three years the couple has served in The Philippines Territory, which the Chief of the Staff described as good preparation for leadership in Denmark!
The event was completed with a special welcome from corps leaders, who brought culinary specialities from across the territory to literally give their new leaders a taste of the task before them.
The Chief of the Staff expressed his hope for the future progress of both The Salvation Army and the Body of Christ in Denmark. He went on to say: ‘We hear many good things about Denmark and are convinced that God longs to bless you more,’ but he emphasised that this requires willingness to serve Christ and make sacrifices for him.
Report by Major Levi Giversen
