General & Commissioner Cox lead 60th anniversary celebrations for PNG territory
General Andre & Commissioner Silvia Cox leads 60th anniversary celebrations for Papua New Guinea Territory under the theme “Right at the heart”
Over 2000 people joined the Southern celebrations & 4000 gathered at Goroka in the Northern Region to hear the word of God. General Cox challenged the Salvationists in Papua New Guinea to be more involved in the community, continually sharing Christ with others through their words and actions.
A sense of excitement filled the air as people began to arrive for the congress celebrations. Many people travelled by boat, trucks and some even walked to witness and be a part of the celebrations. A group of Salvationist & friends from Popondetta walked the Kokoda track for eight days before reaching Port Moresby. The youngest among this group was a five month old baby. God’s grace was with them as they travelled from Popndetta to Port Moresby.
As Papua New Guinea is a country diverse & rich in culture, tradition and languages, it was fitting for the general & commissioner to be welcomed by three different cultural groups. The headquarters carpark came alive with singing and dancing as they made their way to the platform escorted by the Boroko Primary School children. They took the salute before the Salvationist rally began. The general in his bible message challenged many Salvationist that to experience the presence of God they must chose to think of the good and positive things that God gives to them each day.
The General & commissioner Cox met with the Red Shield Advisory Board which is comprised of the most influential business men in the country. They also visited The Salvation Army House of Hope where the Army help care for children affected by HIV/AIDS, women who suffer domestic violence and sex workers. The officers & staff who work here continue to bring hope into the lives of these people. During this visit the local media took the opportunity to interview the general.
At the men’s rally attended by 1200 General Andre challenged the men to open their hearts to the moving of the Holy Spirit, surrender everything to God and serve him wholeheartedly.
During the women’s rally the hall was filled with dancing, laughter & happiness. The atmosphere was very lively as Commissioner Silvia encouraged the ladies to allow Jesus to fill their lives with his love & spirit.
At the conclusion of both rallies people quickly responded and moved to the mercy seat for prayer and renewal.
The seven days celebrations included items from the combine timbrel brigade, skits, creative dance, drama, contemporary music, traditional dance, mini musicals, choir & vocal. A march of witness took place in both Northern & Southern Region. The general & commissioner took the salute amid the colourful array of flags, the timbrelist & the band. The streets were filled with Salvationist & friends and a huge crowd gathered as well to witness the open airs.
The congress celebrations concluded with the Salvation Army founder’s song “O Boundless Salvation” presented in a local arrangement with the Army flags flying high which ended the 60th anniversary celebrations on a very high note.
General & Commissioner Cox along with their personnel assistant Captain David Williamson were presented gifts at the conclusion of the meeting.
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