ISSUEFOUR
WOMEN CAN CHANGE THE WORLD ‘LET GOD USE YOU!’ SAYS COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX
Written by Major Christina Tyson Communications Secretary New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory
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E, the women of The Salvation Army, can change the world – one person, one family, one village, one community, one country at a time,’ declared Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s Ministries) to the more than 2,100 women at ‘Bound-Less’, the congress women’s gathering. Continued on page 3, column 2
AN ALL-EMBRACING ARMY
BOUNDLESS KIDS
SESSION FIVE HIGHLIGHTS CULTURAL DIVERSITY
FAMILY-FOCUSED APPROACH AT CONGRESS
Written by Erica Andrews Editor New Frontier Chronicle
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ARCHING in vibrant outfits, speaking various languages from cultures all over the world, Salvationists entered The O2 arena in London for General Session 5 of Boundless 2015, ‘An All-Embracing Army’. General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox entered on a simulated jet, stepping off the plane to greet the audience. Captains Nokuthula and Themba Mahlobo from Southern Africa Territory hosted the gathering, which highlighted The Salvation Army’s cultural diversity.
‘Tonight we are going to take you on a journey around The Salvation Army world,’ Captain Nokuthula said. The performances sampled the 126 nations where the Army is at work, including Hong Kong and Macau Praise Dancers, Ontario Central East Youth Chorus, Paduan Suara Korps Palu singers from Indonesia, Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters from the USA, LA Korean Fan Dancers, South America West Dance Troupe, Vasa Gospel Choir from Sweden, Hawai’i Hula Hālau dancers and Waverley
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Temple Timbrels from Australia. Captain Themba introduced the Wateule singers and dancers from Kenya West Territory, who performed a musical act that had the entire audience moving and clapping along. Major David Vandebeulque from France and Belgium Territory spoke about receiving the call to help others through The Salvation Army. He recited the passage, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and Continued on page 3, column 2
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Written by Vivian Gatica and Erica Andrews, Editors New Frontier Chronicle
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ROWING up, most of us could recall that when we went to big Salvation Army events it changed us,’ said Major Denise Cooper, territorial children’s ministries officer for the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. ‘We want [the children at Boundless] to have that as well.’ Continued on page 3, column 1
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1 BOUNDLESS BADGES!
SALVATIONISTS BOND OVER HOBBY Written by Laura Booth Editorial Assistant Salvationist
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in-trading, a favourite congress pastime, is breaking down language barriers and enabling delegates from all corners of the world to connect through their shared hobby. Mat Griffiths, a Boundless volunteer from the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, has amassed at least 60 badges since the start of the congress – from India, Hong Kong, Australia, The Netherlands and beyond. Noticing his collection, many people are keen to stop and chat. ‘I love to interact and get to know people from different territories,’ he said. There is one pin he is particularly fond of: ‘The Texas badge is my favourite - it’s very nice.’ Major Andrew Murray, Southern Africa, has collected more than 150 badges which are pinned to his Boundless delegate bag. He caught the pin-swapping fever at the international congress in Atlanta in 2000. ‘My children were swapping badges and got me involved,’ he explained. ‘This time I’ve come prepared with plenty of badges to swap with other people!’ He has a bag full of Southern Africa badges and is happy to share a badge with anyone that starts a conversation with him, even if they have none to offer in return.
Published daily by The Boundless Communications Team Based at The O2 arena, London, UK
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IHQ COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY Major John Murray ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY Deborah Condon MANAGING EDITORS Geoff Moulton and Christin Davis
COPY EDITORS AND WRITERS Paul Mortlock, Kevin Sims and team LAYOUT AND DESIGN Jooles Tostevin and Shannon Forrey PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Schaal and team
ONLINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA David Giles and team
PRINT MANAGEMENT BY Halcyon. The Brewery, Bells Yew Green, Tunbridge Wells, TH3 9BD.
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ISSUE FOUR: SATURDAY 04 JULY 2015
Major Andrew Murra y displays his collectio n of pins | Photos by Laura Booth
‘That’s the great thing about pin-swapping. Lots of people have talked to me who wouldn’t have done otherwise,’ he said. Keen to increase his collection, he has set himself a challenge: ‘I’m hoping to get a badge from all 126 countries where the Army serves. What a great memory that would be if I could talk to a Salvationist from every country!’
MEET AUTHOR AND PRODUCER
Commissioner Robert Street at the OneArmy display in the Boundless exhibition area, where you can obtain free sample books and DVDs that are available in a number of languages.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS of this unifying teaching resource, or to obtain tickets for the OneArmy seminar at 9am on Saturday 4 July, visit at the OneArmy stand.
ANGOLA NATIONAL BAND STIRS HEARTS BANDSMEN BRING AUDIENCE TO ITS FEET Written by Captain Liveson Mushayakarere Literature Secretary, Zimbabwe Territory
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ROM their opening note at Boundless, the Angola National Band captured the hearts of delegates. At the International Music Festival, they received a standing ovation for their medley ‘Phezulu/Celebrate and Sing/Les Sons de la ligue du Foyer’, confirming the Army’s vast wealth of international talent. In 1979, seven Salvationists returning from Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) to Angola came together, each with his instrument, to form the country’s first-ever band. The following year the group grew in quality and quantity as five more bandsmen joined. Currently, they are 36 bandsmen, 20 of whom are local officers in various corps. Most members also serve in Angola’s Presidential Band. With the visit in 1982 by Colonel Willy Huguenin, Territorial Commander in the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory, the band participated in its first territorial event at the Methodist Church in Luanda, under the leadership of bandmaster Mpindi Zingangu. The band defied the odds of the civil war between 1986 and 2002, and in March 2008, when Angola became a command, the group was named the Angola National Band. In its home country the band holds concerts, plays at interdenominational events and participates in government celebrations such as Independence Day. The band has had three bandmasters: Mpindi Zingagu (1982-1993), Emanuel Futuma (1994-2005) and the current leader Raimundo Nkuansambu. The group has successfully toured Zimbabwe and plans to visit the Southern Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo territories. ‘We are privileged to be part of the Boundless congress,’ says Bandmaster Nkuansambu. ‘We have received words of encouragement from all over the Army world. I surrender all to God so that he gives us wisdom, and uses us as his instruments to bless his people and glorify his mighty name.’ Lieut-Colonel Friday Ayanam, Chief Secretary in the Nigeria Territory, admired their discipline and coordination, calling the band one of the ‘best in Africa.’ Brian Johnson, bandmaster at Southport Citadel in the UK, agreed: ‘They have brought energy, vibrancy and a different style of music with an African flavour to this congress.’
BOUNDLESS KIDS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1... At congress it’s all about bringing families together. Parents are invited to bring their children to the Boundless Kids area in between sessions, as needed. The area has interactive zones that give the children the opportunity to paint a canvas, decorate biscuits, construct a mosaic or make a candle. All activities offered relate to the general themes of Boundless. The ‘I Think’ zone includes a space for kids to share ideas through conversation cubes or table talk cards, while the ‘I Chill’ zone caters for kids wanting to read a book, colour or play games. Jordan, aged nine, said her favourite thing was meeting people and working on the mosaic. ‘I really like it because I get to meet new people and do other things that I never got to do before,’ Jordan said. ‘You gotta make sure they’re in the right place,’ she said as she glued tiles to a mosaic. Aliyah, six, had a different take on her favourite part of Boundless. ‘I have a hotel [and] I get to explore more things and it’s a new place,’ she said.
‘I have a hotel, [and] I get to explore more things and it’s a new place.’ Aliyah’s mother, Captain Heather Matondo, was glad the sessions had options to hold the children’s attention as well. ‘She’s only six; she has stayed in for the majority of the sessions so far,’ Heather said. ‘There’s been singing. There’s been dancing. There’s been band music. So it’s something that keeps her attention. When we get to the message, having those other elements of interest to her, even at six years old, has been great.’ Elijah,10, has also attended sessions with his family. ‘Well, they’re very creative and very long,’ he said. ‘I actually like the big O2 ….’ Major Cooper explained that the intention of the kids area is for children to journey with their families, so when they go home they can take what they’ve seen and gained and be inspired for the future. ‘We don’t know what they’re taking in, but we know that we made important decisions when we were little so we want to make sure that they have the opportunity to hear the message,’ she said. Emmanuel, seven, flew from Australia for the big event with his family. When asked how London compared to his hometown, he took some time to think. ‘Really big,’ he said. ‘London is bigger than Australia, I think.’
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AN ALL-EMBRACING ARMY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1... of the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 28:19). He said being part of the Army is a call that moves from generation to generation, from place to place. ‘We have received this marching order to reach the whole world.’ Major Vandebeulque said. ‘And today, the world is on our doorstep. We may not all be called to personally go to the ends of the earth, but we are all called to stand up, to open the door in front of us. ‘Nations shift, and quite often following dramatic events. God entrusts these to us. We must learn to know all cultures which exist in our communities in order to communicate the gospel in a relevant way. We must not value one culture and ignore another. The powerful message that we can give the world is to live in community with all cultures united.’ Adding to the hopeful theme, Ariana Calvo Jiménez, a Salvationist from
Latin America North Territory, gave a powerful and tearful testimony. She was diagnosed with leukaemia at 11 years old, and experienced blood transfusions, chemotherapy and a lumbar puncture. Twenty days into her treatment, doctors told her parents she wouldn’t live more than 24 hours. ‘While this was happening, all of my family, people from The Salvation Army, our friends, everyone that heard my story began to pray to God for a miracle in my life,’ Ariana said. ‘To the amazement of the doctors, I began to improve little by little. God is the doctor of doctors.’ Three years after her last chemotherapy treatment her marrow is clean. ‘The power of the Creator was boundless and acted in me,’ she said. ‘Above all things I thank God, who helped me with the strength to walk this difficult path.’
Leading to the grand finale with international flare, Vasa Gospel Choir and Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters took the stage with soloist Silvie Paladino, singing ‘Jesus Paid It All.’
‘We may not all be called to personally go to the ends of the earth, but we are all called to stand up, to open the door in front of us. General Cox closed the night with a benediction. ‘Reject every type of evil, he said. ‘May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole soul and body remain blameless. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.’
WOMEN CAN CHANGE THE WORLD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1... ‘I believe we are here today because we have a heart and a passion to reach lost souls,’ said Barbara Allen of the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps in southern California, who led the afternoon. ‘God is moving with power amongst his women.’ Opening with an explosion of colour and energy as the African Praise-Hosho Timbrel Brigade sang and played to ‘O Boundless Salvation!’, the audience whooped with joy and also welcomed performances by the Vasa Gospel Choir and Hawai’i Hula Hālau group. A Boundless 2015 version of ABC Television’s The View panel – Commissioner Janine Donaldson (New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga), Major Maria Galinou (Italy and Greece), Dr Cathy Tsikirayi (Zimbabwe), and Captain Angelica Correa (Canada and Bermuda) – shared brief perspectives on ministry. They described some of their own ‘Catherine calls’, touching on a monologue of Catherine Booth recalling her fight against keeping quiet in church when God’s Spirit compelled her to stand and speak, played by Claire Brine. ‘We try to follow the Holy Spirit in what he is doing – this leads to ministry everywhere,’ Major Galinou said. She talked about the Army’s work with women and their babies in Athens, noting that Greece started its first home league two months ago. ‘Maybe it’s a drop in the ocean, but drops make an ocean. And we’re going to make a difference!’
‘Bound-Less’ women’s gathering panelists share their perspectives on ministry. | Photo by Bruce Redman
Major Kerry Coke (United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland) said her passion for sewing turned into a ministry as she worked with women to make bunting and used it as an opportunity for people to share their stories. She thanked women’s groups from around the world that sent bunting to London for Boundless 2015, some of which were displayed at the unveiling of Catherine Booth’s statue on Founders’ Day. The Bill Booth Theater Company explored some of the fears and anxieties of women, showing how – when these are taken to God in prayer – ‘less becomes more in the boundless love of God.’ Commissioner Silvia Cox stepped up to speak.
‘I’m so glad to see you all here,’ she said. ‘God is blessing Women’s Ministries and we can learn from each other. I celebrate you because you are faithful women, witnessing to the power of Jesus Christ in your lives.’ Commissioner Cox reminded her audience that they had been released to tell people about Jesus’ love. ‘We are Jesus’ mouthpieces,’ she said. ‘Your personal testimony is your best story, so tell people how you met God. Liberated, unrestricted, released – that’s what you are.’ Each woman secured a bracelet with the word ‘Bound-Less’ around her neighbour’s wrist, and then spent time praying for one another.
PLEASE BE AWARE
There is no cloakroom service at The O2 and luggage is not permitted in The O2 arena. Please leave luggage in your hotel at checkout or find a luggage locker in London at toptiplondon.com/practical-tips.
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Photos by Tim Schaal, Bruce Redman, Brent Forrest, John Docter, Major Mark Brown and Hendy
Clockwise from top left: A flag procession enters The O2 arena during Boundless 2015; a member of the Seoul Samulnori Players; Commissioner William Cochrane gives the message at an evening session; Pakistani delegates visit Lord’s Cricket Ground; Salvationists dance along with the music in ‘A Caring Army’ session; Silvie Paladino sings with the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters and Vasa Gospel Choir.
See more photos at: www.boundless2015.org/photos
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PICTORIAL
REVIEW
04 JULY 2015
Clockwise from top left: A member of the Te Ope Whakaora performs with the haka dance group from the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory; a Salvation Army officer paints outside of The O2 arena in London; General André Cox watches the premiere of Home Coming Africa; the Los Angeles Korean Fan Dancers are showcased onstage at Boundless.
Home Coming Africa premieres A documentary highlighting the return of General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox to Zimbabwe, where the General was born, launched Friday at Boundless 2015 in the first-ever Salvation Army Boundless Film Festival, produced jointly by the International Headquarters Communications Department and the USA Western Territory’s SAVN.tv. ‘Africa is a significant part of my heart,’ the General said. ‘We often look at Africa and see the problems, but Africa is a country with great hope, great joy and great faith. I’ve learned more from Africa than I will be able to give to Africa and I will always be grateful.’ View the film at savn.tv/homecoming.
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YOUTH PASADENA YOUTH
INSPIRED TO SERVE OTHERS
Written by Captain Liveson Mushayakarere Literature Secretary Zimbabwe Territory Photo: Joh Boundless Today (BT) spoke with two young people, n McAlister Kate Tribken and Vernon Luong from Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus, USA Western Territory, who confirmed that congress has been a life-changing experience.
BT: What was your life like before you knew Jesus Christ?
Kate: My life was stressful, fearful and negative. I wondered why my friends and activities were not filling the void in my heart. When I found Christ, he took my fear away. Vernon: I was a depressed, suicidal teenager who tried to find comfort and wholeness in my sexual identity. Jesus transformed my outlook.
BT: How has Boundless changed you?
Vernon: This is my first international tour as a singer. My love for God has increased as I see people moved by God’s Holy Spirit. His love is boundless. Kate: I have experienced God in a bigger way than I am used to in my corps worship. I have found The Salvation Army extremely welcoming and accepting.
BT: What’s next for you after congress?
Kate: I am excited to watch God’s plans for me unfold. I am going to stay highly connected to the church and its ministry. I promise to study my Bible for a deeper understanding of God’s will for my life. Vernon: I will never see The Salvation Army the same way again. I am going home with great love for God and encouraged to minister in his name.
BT: What has been the biggest highlight of Boundless for you?
Vernon: Singing is a great joy. I have heard great testimonies of how God has changed the lives and situations of others. Kate: I loved performing with Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus. It was a lot of work but I have been incredibly blessed by it.
ARMY YOUTH GLOWS NEON PROVIDES TEENS WITH FUN WORSHIP AND MESSAGES Written by Vivian Gatica Editor New Frontier Chronicle
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NEON-CLAD youth gathering aimed at 11to 16-year-olds – led by ALOVE, the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland’s Youth Department – held its first meeting on Thursday 2 July, themed ‘An Army that Truly Reflects the Mind of Jesus’, with speaker Major Janet Robson and the Bill Booth Theater Company. Friday’s meeting, titled ‘A Multicultural Army’,
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focused on embracing diversity. It opened with teenagers dividing up by home country to play games, including a language challenge and ‘just dance’ session. One of NEON’s guest artists for the day was Te Ope Whakaora, performing a Kapa haka Polynesian dance to ‘I’ll Fight’. Following the performance, the group gave delegates a brief history of the Haka dance as well as a dance lesson. Three songs – ‘Blessed be your Name’, ‘This is Amazing Grace’ and ‘Ancient of Days’ – were featured as 2nd Mile led worship. ‘We get to see that The Salvation Army is made up of many ethnic and cultural groups,’ Major Robson, International Headquarters Children’s and Youth Coordinator, said in her message of the international experience at Boundless. ‘I think we can celebrate our diversity and the ways we are all different.’ She challenged attendees to celebrate the Army’s diversity and commit to its unity, and stressed the importance of love without discrimination, referring to John 3:16. ‘God loves us all without discrimination,’ Janet said. ‘We are all equally in need of that love. He needs us to love each other that same way.’ Each teen received a puzzle piece to write their name on the back of and to give to someone they had never met before. Finally, ‘Glozones’ allowed everyone to engage in activities together. Today’s NEON meeting at 2pm will focus on ‘A Serving Army’ with speaker Major Danielle Strickland and guests the Bill Booth Theater Company, Shaw Coleman and Vasa Gospel Choir.
HOORAY FOR THE BOUNDLESS BUDDIES VOLUNTEER SUPPORT MAKES LIFE EASIER FOR VISITORS Written by Major Christina Tyson Communications Secretary New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory
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HE Boundless Buddies are the friendly and endlessly patient people helping overseas delegates enjoy their time at Boundless. Similarly, the Boundless Hosts are making life simpler for visiting performers so they can concentrate on representing their territory and doing their best for God. Michael Clarkson is taking care of a group from Moldova and Georgia. ‘I’ve been making sure they’re in the places they need to be, but also that they have time to see the sights of London.’ The group has enjoyed visiting International Headquarters and they’re looking forward to seeing Covent Garden. Nadejda Murahovskaia had an accident before the first session, falling on some steps and breaking her foot. ‘Without Michael I wouldn’t have had such an easy time at the hospital. Michael was wonderful. He’s very patient,’ she said. Ann Howlett-Foster is from Cambridge. She’s ‘Auntie Ann’ to the Hawai`i Hula Hālau group. Garet Nakamaejo said, ‘She’s been so helpful, providing everything from safety pins to directions. She’s a saint! Life without her would be very hard.’ But Ann has been just as blessed and says she’s turned into something of a PR agent for the group. ‘They’re such gracious and beautiful people – not just in how they look and move. They spend time praying and preparing before every performance. There’s a spiritual side that’s evident. Being a Boundless Host has been enriching and fun.’
Free download of Guardians of Ancora Available for Apple, Android and Kindle Fire devices, Guardians of Ancora is a world-class digital game – an amazing virtual world that 8- to 11-year-olds can enter and a place where Bible stories come alive.
GUARDIANSOFANCORA.COM
BOOK
CONGRESS REFLECTION A WORLDWIDE FAMILY
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PHIL COBB IS DEDICATED TO BRASS SALVATIONIST NOW PRINCIPAL TRUMPET WITH LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
VISIT TH
E SP&S S HOP TODAY BETWEE General C N 1.30-3PM lift
F YOU belong to a worldwide Christian family like The Salvation Army any opportunity to get to know the other members of that family and to meet them in person comes as a source of great personal encouragement. The 2015 Congress in London, the city of the Army’s birth, provides a wonderful setting where brothers and sisters in Christ can be face to face, praising God and having their spiritual energies renewed. We can marvel afresh at the miracle of God’s Salvation Army and renew our vows and commitments to serve God according to his sacred calling upon us to be Salvationists. So we will find that our enthusiasm for the gospel is reawakened, that our hunger for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit is deepened, and that our love and pity for a needy world is intensified. We will gather with great expectations. God will not disappoint us if we come together in humility. He will pour out his love, a love we can all impart to those we meet when the congress is over. Let us pray that this historic event will not be confined in its impact to the days spent in London, but that the blessings received there will echo around the globe. Let God be glorified and let his Kingdom grow! General Shaw Clifton (Rtd)
Written by Major Christina Tyson Communications Secretary New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory
on (Rtd) signing c opies of C will be rown of Glory, Cro wn of Th orns The Salva tion Army – in Wartim e.
To read Commissioner William Cochrane’s review of this book, visit sar.my/cliftonbookreview
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HIL Cobb, 27, landed his dream job six years ago as principal trumpet with the London Symphony Orchestra, one of the world’s top orchestras. The youngest principal brass musician in the orchestra’s history, he is also in demand for solo and studio work. ‘I always knew I wanted to play professionally,’ Phil said. ‘Brass bands were a massive obsession – when I was a kid all I wanted was to be in the International Staff Band (ISB). ‘I owe The Salvation Army everything for where I am today. Doing solo stuff with the Army was where I first dipped my toes in, but I enjoy being with people, so the whole orchestral thing suits me best.’ Phil’s family has played in Salvation Army bands for almost 100 years. His father, grandfather and greatgrandfather were bandmasters at Hendon Corps, where Phil is lead cornet. His father, Stephen, is bandmaster of the ISB, which Phil has also played in. He received his first cornet as a gift from his grandfather at age three, and was taught by his father from seven until he started university. Phil gets a lot of satisfaction from his involvement as a tutor for the Territorial Youth Band, an intensive week-long training school for young Salvation Army musicians. ‘The Youth Band was really significant for me – it had a huge impact on my faith,’ he said. As a tutor, to see the way the kids develop spiritually and musically is very humbling. ‘The life lesson I gained from Mum and Dad is that to get something back from anything in life, you have to fully commit to it,’ he said. ‘That’s true of music – and it’s no different with God.’
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BY SHAW CLIFTON
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BAMBOO ORCHESTRA PRESENTS DISTINCT SOUND Written by Kersten Rieder Editorial Assistant Salvationist
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ORE than two decades ago, Ernest Baginda’s idea of a bamboo orchestra came to life when the government facilitated a group to perform at a festival at Lake Poso, right in the centre of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Twenty-three years later and now officially known as Musik Bambu ‘Sangkurio’ Berdikari, the group seeks to praise God using traditional musical instruments made of bamboo – a distinct sound! Most are members of Berdikari Corps, where they play regularly at public and church events. Amid the breadth of musical variety offered at Boundless, Musik Bambu ‘Sangkurio’ Berdikari hopes to make a unique contribution by praising God using bamboo instruments and expressing the joy that comes with their message of praise. ‘Being able to come to London and perform at congress is a remarkable opportunity, a great motivation and tremendous encouragement to further develop our ministry and service in our church and society,’ said leader Max William Baginda. ‘We are most looking forward to seeing how the worldwide Salvation Army services have developed and are praying for renewed spirits.’
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TICKETS FOR... The Bamboo Orchestra will perform at 2pm on 4 July at Regent Hall Corps along with Zoo Boogie, Seoul Boys Home Samulnori and Hawai`i Hula Hālau. Tickets are available at £5 each from www.salvationarmy.org.uk/regent-hall.
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EVENTS
NOT TO MISS SATURDAY 04 JULY 2015
CARING DEMANDS A RESPONSE JUSTICE IS MANIFESTED AND ENACTED IN THE CROSS Christin Davis Managing Editor New Frontier Chronicle
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HE theme ‘A Caring Army’ marked session 4 at Boundless 2015, highlighting the compassion with which The Salvation Army serves humanity. Xyloband LED wristbands worn by attendees lit across the arena as Salvationists from around the world sang together in their own language ‘How Great is Our God’ with the New York Staff Band, transMission, the Amsterdam Staff Songsters, the Indian Mizo singers and Ayoung Lee. The session featured both individuals engaged in caring service and modern large-scale efforts to enact change, such as the #UpForSchool campaign that calls on world leaders to ensure every child attends primary school. ‘The Salvation Army has credibility when we speak the gospel illuminated by the ministry experience of people in communities, corps and centres around the world,’ said Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant, director of the International Social Justice Commission that advocates for human dignity and social justice with the world’s poor and oppressed. More than six million people have signed the #UpForSchool petition that will be presented to world leaders at the United Nations this September. Pallant said the Army has facilitated more than 67,000 signatures and called on delegates to add theirs. ‘The challenge of social justice is to do something even when it’s not your problem’, he said, noting that nearly 700,000 students attend 1,800 Salvation Army schools around the world. ‘God has given us an incredible opportunity to show his love by helping young lives grow in body, mind, soul and Christ-like relationships.’ Cadet Surpiono Da Conceao Lopez from the Indonesia Territory is one such life. At 11 years of age, his family placed him in an enemy convoy truck, which led him to a refugee camp in Indonesia and then a Salvation Army boy’s home. He accepted Christ there, and met his family again 10 years later, sharing Christ with them. ‘When I see the faithfulness of God in my life, it makes me confident of God’s faithfulness for the future,’ he said. Previously a hairdresser, Supriono said he now gives haircuts as a way to witness in the streets, which is illegal in Indonesia. ‘This is how I can tell them my story of how God rescued me.’ April Foster from the USA Eastern Territory also grew up in a Salvation Army home. She has spent 29 years in service with the Army in various countries around the world. ‘I’ve learned an important lesson by living with people in very challenging circumstances’, she said. ‘What we focus on makes all the difference … When
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we focus on what’s not right, what’s missing, we can’t help but feel overwhelmed. But when we focus on the strengths that people have … the dignity of every human being created in the image of God, then we begin to see a very different picture. ‘It doesn’t mean the challenges are not there … But when we see each other as strong, as capable, as having gifts and talents, vision, wisdom, then so much more becomes possible for real transformation that is lasting,’ she said. ‘And that is the way God sees us.’ A creative arts team from the USA Eastern Territory presented three dramas throughout the session: depicting the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt to the Promised Land, of William Booth’s opening of a match factory to provide fair wages and safe working conditions in the 19th century, and about the darkness that Christ pulls us from. ‘We want to be known as a caring Army, individuals and communities who understand God’s heartbeat
‘The challenge of social justice is to do something even when it’s not your problem.’ and make his Kingdom a reality here on earth right now’, said Commissioner E. Jane Paone (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory) in the message. ‘Here we are, gathered together as a global Salvation Army to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness. Each day, at a local level, and at an individual level, we are to show Christ’s love. He is the One on whom we depend completely, our source of love and light. He depends on us to act with compassion and justice.’ But who determines what is just, Commissioner Paone asked. ‘Somehow, we’re conscious of other people who oppress, yet unconscious of the ways in which we ourselves oppress. So rather than just thinking of “social justice” we need to remember God’s justice. It is a justice manifested and enacted in the cross. ‘God so loved the world that he gave,’ she said. ‘He counts on our response.’ Musical performances included ‘The God Who Is’ by the Amsterdam Staff Songsters, ‘Psalm 91’ by the Mizo Singers with the Hart Triplets, ‘Beauty for Brokenness’ by transMission with the Hart Triplets and Shaw Coleman, ‘Love is the Answer’ by Mannssambandet, ‘I’ll Fight’ by Te Ope Whakaora, ‘Shine as the Light’ by the New York Staff Band, and ‘I Believe’ by Ayoung Lee.
9.00am Seminar - One Army (Also at 11.00am) Venue: Cineworld screen 7 Concert World Dance Festival Venue: Cineworld Sky Superscreen Concert India Central Youth Singers Venue: Cineworld screen 2 10.30am Concert Melbourne Staff Band and Bamboo Orchestra Venue: Boundless Theatre 11.00am Concert Paduan Suara Korps Palu Venue: Cineworld screen 2 1.30pm Book launch General Shaw Clifton (Rtd) Venue: SP&S Shop 2.30pm Concert International Staff Band Venue: Boundless Theatre 7.00pm General session 6 – A Youthful Army Venue: The O2 arena 9.30pm Concert New York Staff Band and London Citadel Timbrels Venue: Boundless Theatre Concert International Staff Songsters Venue: indigo at The O2
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