Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 8)

Officer's & Nominees Retreat

Saturday, 19th November 2022

The last day of the retreat commenced with Nominees Rex and Manalyn leading the morning devotions before Colonel Garth presented the final two sessions. As with the previous sessions, the topic on ‘Attitude’ spoke directly into the lives of the local leaders. The Colonel referred to the lives of several biblical characters—Moses, Joshua, Joseph, Ruth, Elijah, Daniel, Job, David, Barsabbas, and Paul—providing case studies to identify the relationship between attitude and character. Two key points emerging from the case studies were, “Your attitude cannot take you where your character cannot sustain you” and “Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine you’re altitude.” Finally, the question was asked, “What do you bring to Jesus in your pot?” (John 2:1-11), with three suggestions offered:

1. You carry a conviction
2. You carry a revelation from God that confronts culture
3. You carry a vision

After a final meal together, the District Officers led a closing Worship Service that provided an opportunity for testimonies from the congregation leaders. Once the first person stood up to speak, it unleashed a wave of open sharing that revealed the value and impact of this retreat to the leaders. Majors Robert and Vanessa then discussed the District’s progress with the Territorial Strategic Plan (TSP) Local Action Plan to celebrate the mission goals achieved this year and share the mission goals for next year. The recent change of appointment for Solomon Islands was also officially announced with Envoys Alick and Esther welcomed as Area Officers for Malaita, in addition to their current role as Area Officers for Western Province. Major Vanessa then concluded the Officer’s & Nominees Retreat with a message from Isaiah 30:21 entitled ‘God Whispers’, reminding everybody that “you won’t hear Him if you aren’t near Him.” Auxiliary Captain Wency extended heart-felt words of thanks to Colonels Garth and Patti, acknowledging their leadership and investment into the lives of the Solomon Islands leaders. The venue for the retreat was a real blessing, providing a pleasant, relaxing and suitable environment for the leaders to enjoy each other's company and get the most out of the time with the Territorial Leaders. An expression of thanks was also extended to Pastor Andrew Fanasia from SWIM for the use of their facilities. This vote of thanks was reciprocated by Andrew, as he expressed his appreciation to The Salvation Army for choosing the SWIM base for this event. After a well-earned rest back at their motel room, the Territorial Leaders were driven to the airport by the District Leaders for their return flight to Port Moresby. The week Colonels Garth and Patti spent in the Solomon Islands was an enormous encouragement to the District and a great opportunity for them to see in person the mission and ministry they read about in monthly newsletters and through regular posts on Facebook.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 7)

Officer's & Nominees Retreat

Friday, 18th November 2022

Day two of the Officer’s & Nominees Retreat began with Nominees Jimley and Joana leading morning devotions. Colonel Patti then continued on from yesterday with a session on ‘Practical Holiness’, speaking from Romans 12:1, Galatians 5:16-26 and Romans 7:14-20. She highlighted The Salvation Army’s 9th Doctrine—”We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ”—to emphasise the process of surrendering our whole selves to Jesus Christ, which is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. Of course, a session on practical holiness isn’t complete without reference to one of the great historic holiness teachers of The Salvation Army, Samuel Logan Brengle, whom she quoted, ”Holiness equates to having the mind of Jesus in control over every issue of life.” The session was wrapped up with Colonel Patti outlining 3 conditions of discipleship identified by Jesus: complete surrender, identifying in His suffering and death, and obediently following Him (Mark 8:34-37); before concluding with Paul’s testimony declaring “it’s no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Colonel Garth led the second session for the day on the topic of ‘Honesty’, unpacking seven definitions:

1. Honesty means telling the truth
2. Honesty is not just truth-telling, but truth-living
3. Honesty means truth over tolerance
4. Honesty is always the best policy
5. Honesty makes you complete
6. Honesty pleases God
7. Honesty is a value to be taken seriously

The session concluded with a discussion around the importance of trust and how that applies to a Salvation Army officer or leader. The lunch break was hampered by heavy rain, keeping everyone under cover. This was followed by a business session led by the District Officers to discuss the Mission Support Projects (MSP), statistics and other mission matters. Major Vanessa spoke about the newly purchased sewing machines and starter kits that will be handed over to 5 Home Leagues as a skills development and income generating project to support local mission and ministry initiatives. Major Robert updated the leaders on the other MSP’s and explained the use of the ‘Called to be a Soldier’ and ‘Day by Day’ books, which had finally arrived after being held up in customs, as a follow-up to the recent District Renewal Campaign. The session was very interactive and went longer than planned, with a number of leaders asking clarifying questions, eager to be fully equipped as church leaders. Unfortunately, the rain continued all afternoon, causing the cancellation of the scheduled recreation activity and a modified version of the renewal activity to under shelter. The evening devotions was led by Envoys Alick and Esther Hagi, which was a fitting conclusion to an amazing day that was full of blessings and helpful leadership insights.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 6)

Officer's & Nominees Retreat

Thursday, 17th November 2022

On Thursday morning, the District Team travelled out to SWIM (Supporting Work in Ministry) Conference Centre and Transit House to set-up for the Officer’s & Nominees Retreat ahead of the arrival of the congregation and Territorial leaders. Colonels Garth and Patti joined the delegates for lunch before the District Officers launched the retreat with an Opening Worship session. The District Emergency Services Coordinator Festus, together with his wife Freda, prepared lunch and the rest of the meals for the retreat. During the Opening Worship, Major Robert introduced the leaders from each of The Salvation Army congregations across the District using a PowerPoint presentation to feature mission highlights from each location. Major Vanessa then introduced the Nominees/Candidates who have applied to enter the Officer Training College in PNG. A message was given on ‘Choosing a Covenanted Life’, based on Deuteronomy 30:11-20, to set the tone for the three days together.

The first session was led by Colonel Garth, who spoke from 1 Samuel 15:1-35 on ‘Spiritual Integrity’. After highlighting some of the barriers to spiritual integrity, Colonel Garth outlined the requirements for leading with integrity. His message resonated strongly with the leaders present, providing a challenge that spoke into each of their cultural contexts. The second session was led by Colonel Patti who spoke from Matthew 5:43-48 and Philippians 4:8-9 on ‘Spiritual Perfection’, building on the verse—”be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Colonel Patti explained the biblical context for spiritual perfection and gave some practical guidance on how to live a holy life that is set apart from sin and for Christ. Both sessions were powerful and timely messages that complimented each other and incorporated the Territorial theme ‘Rebuild, Restore, Renew’ that has been taught across the Territory, including Solomon Islands for the past two years.

Following another delicious meal prepared by Freda and Festus, everybody gathered in the communal lounge for evening devotions, led by Auxiliary Captains Wency and Fostina. It has been wonderful to see Fostina’s growth, as she is now standing alongside Wency with more and more confidence in an upfront leadership role. As she emerges from the shadow of her husband, her God-given gifts and abilities are shining brightly, inspiring the other women to break free of the cultural constraints placed upon them because of gender and lack of education. Nominee Jimley led the evening worship and everybody joined together in a time of prayer to end an inspiring day. The rest of the evening was kept free to encourage unstructured social interaction between the leaders, who are normally separated by the seas and remoteness, with very limited mobile and internet coverage in many locations. The value of fellowship becomes very evident during these types of events.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 5)

Learning Space, Networking & Coffee Ceremony

Wednesday, 16th November 2022

The Salvation Army Learning Space at Burns Creek Settlement in East Honiara is an exciting expression of transformational mission in action. Colonels Garth and Patti were welcomed by the women and children who participate in this learning space with great enthusiasm as the young boys in traditional dress greeted them with a cultural dance. Chief Peter Usi felt honoured to have the Territorial Leaders visit their humble community. The Colonels were able to observe a literacy lesson conducted by Elizabeth Tolilalo and even joined in on leading an action song with the children. It was exciting and a little emotional to see the progress of the children as one of the girls who previously could not read or write stand up and confidently read out a welcome speech to the visitors.

After the Learning Space literacy class, the Colonels were taken to visit Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands for a networking meeting with Managing Director Bob Pollard. This social enterprise tour provided them with an insight into the operations of the DME coconut oil plant The Salvation Army operates in North Malaita. They learned about each step of the process of a village operated plant, from cracking the nut to extracting the oil. The tour also gave them an understanding of how the oil is processed and made into the quality products sold by Kokonut Pacific locally and internationally.

Following the first networking visit, the Colonels were taken out for lunch with Archbishop Chris Cardone of the Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara to B Natural Café, where the Solomon Islands District Team conduct their weekly meetings every Monday morning. Archbishop Chris is a good friend of Majors Robert and Vanessa and a strong supporter of The Salvation Army. In the absence of acceptance by the national church council (SICA), Archbishop Chris has proactively engaged The Salvation Army in a number of ecumenical events and joint mission opportunities, including working with the Sisters at Mary Mazzarello Development Centre, where Major Vanessa has done a couple of workshops with the women about how to make and use the reusable sanitary kits.

After lunch, the second networking meeting was held at World Vision with Nancy Waegao, who heads up their Gender and Child Protection Sector. This social justice visit provided the Colonels with an insight into the World Vision Channels of Hope for Gender program and Gudfala Laef for Boys & Girls Sunday School curriculum, which is currently being rolled out to The Salvation Army churches. Major Vanessa has established a strong working relationship with World Vision, which has proven to be a valuable partnership for The Salvation Army in this social justice space.

In the evening, the Territorial and District Leaders had dinner with Ethiopian friends who are also an important part of the Solomon Islands District networks. Dr Zelalem is a medical doctor and the Chief of Field Office for UNICEF Pacific in the Solomon Islands. Zelalem and Hawariat had invited Majors Robert and Vanessa to their home for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, so the visit of Colonels Garth and Patti presented an opportunity to share this experience with the Territorial Leaders. They were all blessed with generous hospitality, great company and a delightful cultural evening of home cooked Ethiopian food and fresh stovetop roasted coffee, served in their traditional way. Drinking coffee in Ethiopia is an unhurried communal event where life and stories are shared over 3-4 brews.

This day of networking was aimed at connecting the Territorial Leaders with some of the important community and business relationships that significantly contribute to the success of the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands District. These networks are intentionally nurtured by Majors Robert and Vanessa to ensure they are mutually relational, as well as functional. The visits undertaken today are only a sample of a wide and diverse network of relationships that have become integral to the development and growth of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 4)

Workshops, Cultural Tour & Fellowship

Tuesday, 15th November 2022

The day started with two skills-based workshops to provide the Colonels with an experiential insight into a new social enterprise project and sewing group that are having an impact on the livelihood and well-being of Solomon Islanders. Colonel Patti joined with a group of expat women who meet weekly to make reusable sanitary kits that are distributed to disadvantaged local women around the Solomon Islands. Colonel Garth joined with a group of local men for a session of melting aluminium cans and a lesson on different aluminium casting techniques. Unfortunately, the charcoal used to fuel the foundry didn’t burn hot enough to bring the cans to melting point, so the Colonel missed out on seeing this part of the process. The working theory behind this disappointing outcome to the workshop is that the charcoal contained too much moisture from exposure to recent heavy rain. 

Following the two workshops, the Colonels were taken out for lunch before embarking on a cultural tour around Honiara CBD. The tour commenced at the Arts/Craft Market and Art Gallery, where they were treated to the creativity of Solomon Islanders through wood carvings, shell jewellery and paintings. The next stop was the “Pride of Our Nation” memorial to the indigenous Scouts & Coast Watchers who played a pivotal role in supporting the Allied Forces during World War Two. The memorial is a reminder to all Solomon Islanders to feel pride in the selfless sacrifices that their ancestors made. Finally, the Colonels were taken to the Guadalcanal American War Memorial, situated on top of the Skyline ridge, offering panoramic views of Honiara. 

The scheduled evening Prayer Meeting was relocated from the usual location at the ‘Prayer Mountain’ to Festus brother’s home, where another Fellowship Service was held with the grieving family. A group from Honiara Corps gathered together for this time of worship and prayer. During the evening people were invited to share words of encouragement with the Ganiomea family. Auxiliary Captain Wency, Major Robert and Colonel Garth spoke into this space from Scriptures that brought comfort and support. A powerful time of prayer followed in the Solomon way, creating a collective chorus of a heartfelt cry out to the “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 3)

District Review & Community Walk

Monday, 14th November 2022

One of the important tasks undertaken by the Territorial Leaders during their visit was the facilitation of a District Review to evaluate the mission and ministry impact of the Solomon Islands District. This is the first face-to-face review process for Solomon Islands since gaining District status, due to COVID-19 travel disruptions over the past few years. In preparation for the District Review, a detailed review document was completed by the District Officers in advance of the Territorial Leaders visit to present their Statistics, Programme (Children’s & Youth Ministry, Women’s & Men’s Ministry, Music Ministry, Social & Community Services), Personnel (Officers, Candidates/Nominees, Employees), Business Administration (Finance, Property, Projects, IT, Boards, Inventory). The District Team had a productive discussion with the Territorial Leaders, highlighting strengths and identifying areas for future growth. It was an encouraging process for all involved looking back on the past couple of years of growth and development of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands.

After a full day of sitting around a table discussing mission and ministry, it was time for some recreation. Armed with some foreknowledge that the Colonels’ “favourite pastime is walking/hiking and exploring new places,” Major Robert organised to take them for an evening walk with the Honiara Hash House Harriers group that he connects with most Mondays. This is a family friendly group of expat and local walkers and runners who meet weekly at various locations around Honiara for an organised walk/run. It is a great way to discover new places, see how people live in urban villages and meet people from all walks of life. Major Robert has been walking with this group for 18 months, which has become a valuable source of networking and fitness. The walk commenced at Lengakiki in the west side of Honiara and weaved around gravel roads and walking tracks, up and down hills for 4 kilometres. The Colonels were welcomed with the customary friendly smiles and warm greetings from Solomon Islanders who are always accepting of strangers walking through their neighbourhoods. What Honiara lacks in infrastructure is offset by a freedom of movement around a relatively safe and hospitable society. This is in direct contrast to walking conditions in Port Moresby, providing the Colonels an opportunity to explore new places in safety.

After the walk, there was a BBQ held at the home of one of the Hash members, whose work contract has finished in the Solomon Islands. This provided a great opportunity for the Territorial Leaders to socialise with one of Major Robert and Vanessa’s network of friends. One of the unique rituals at Hash is the ‘circle up’ after each walk where newbies are welcomed and weekly nominations are made for several fun categories, with nominees subjected to a raucous rendition of the Hash group jingle. Consequently, the Colonels were invited to join the other newbies for this ritual. Let’s just say the lyrics of the jingle would be more suited to a public bar than the THQ board room! If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, Major Robert was also included in an unexpected and slightly irreverent ‘naming ceremony’ where he was dubbed “Dog Handler” in response to his recent dog attack. Fortunately, all this frivolity was taken with good humour by the Territorial Leaders, who really enjoyed the time of recreation and social interaction with a terrific group of people.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 2)

Holiness Meeting & House Cry

Sunday, 13th November 2022

On Sunday morning, 170 Salvationists gathered at the new Honiara City Council Multipurpose Hall for a combined Holiness Meeting with the Territorial Leaders. This venue was chosen to provide more space for the expanded congregation and to allow additional time for a fellowship lunch after the service. The Territorial Leaders were led into the service by the same cultural dancers and timbrelists that greeted them at the airport. After an official welcome by the District Officer, the Honiara Corps Worship Team led an opening time of vibrant praise and worship, displaying the spiritual fervour of the congregation. A number of items were presented during the service by the Children & Youth and Brass Band Learners from Honiara Corps. Testimonies were shared by two representatives from the Malaita and Western Provinces - Envoy Judith Akwasitaloa (Gateway Corps) and Kendrick Lonisasa (Barakoma New Opening). YPSM Webster Buakalo presented an engaging children’s story to 40 energetic pikinini, who are an active part of the life of the Corps.

One of the highlights of the Holiness Meeting was the enrolment of five Soldiers from Honiara Corps and a Soldier from Rauai Fellowship, including the acknowledgement of 15 new recruits from Vella Lavella, Western Province, who recently completed their Soldiership Classes and are now awaiting enrolment upon a return visit by the Area Officers. Another highlight was the commissioning of two Local Officers from Honiara Corps - Martha Hakolo as Corps Secretary and Mitlyn Taba’a as Corps Treasurer. Festus Ganiomea was to be commissioned as Corps Sergeant Major but was absent due to a sudden death in his family that morning. Colonel Garth spoke powerfully from Ezekiel 37:1-10, asserting, “Our greatest need in this territory, is personal and corporate holiness.” The Holy Spirit spoke through his message, prompting 38 people to respond by coming down to the altar for prayer. After the final song, Major Vanessa acknowledged the visit of the Territorial Leaders by presenting on behalf of the Solomon Islands District the original artwork commissioned for the 10th Anniversary, depicting The Salvation Army flag by local artist Riaz Maninga. Envoy Alick Hagi presented a wood carving of a turtle on behalf of the Provinces and Auxiliary Captain Wency Ramo’oroa presented shell money on behalf of Honiara Corps. These gifts are a cultural expression of appreciation and honour, demonstrating to visitors how much they are valued.

The scheduled evening activity of an Open Air Outreach at Borderline was cancelled due to the death of the brother of a member of the District Team. Instead, the decision was made to release the Corps to attend the ‘House Cry’ as an expression of support and care for the Ganiomea family. Colonels Garth and Patti were gracious and understanding of this change to the program, willingly accompanying the District Officers to engage in this pastoral response. A ‘house cry’ is a Melanesian cultural response to grief where family and community members gather together at the deceased’s home to mourn prior to the funeral and burial. The house cry will usually consist of singing and storytelling to celebrate the life of the deceased and to acknowledge the hope that is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, followed by feasting from the food contributed by those who gather. It is common for a house cry to go until the early hours of the morning. However, once the Corps Officers arrived at the house, a natural handover occurred, allowing the District and Territorial Leaders to leave after spending an hour with the family, so they were home at a reasonable hour. The change of program and attendance of the Territorial and District Leaders was deeply appreciated by Festus and his wider family. It also released the Corps leaders from the tension between fulfilling their cultural and church duties.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 1)

Arrival & Welcome

Saturday, 12th November 2022

The opening of Solomon Islands borders on July 1st 2022 provided a long-awaited opportunity for the Territorial Leaders of the Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands Territory to visit the Solomon Islands District for the first time. Colonels Garth and Patti Niemand arrived in Honiara on Saturday, 12th November where they were greeted by District Officers, Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans and Honiara Corps Officers, Auxiliary Captains Wency and Fostina Ramo’oroa. They were then led to the leaf hut out front of Henderson Airport by Major Vanessa and Auxiliary Captain Fostina through a guard of honour, lined with Malaitan dancers and Salvation Army timbrelists from Honiara Corps, for a cultural welcome from an enthusiastic group of Salvationists from across the District.

A small Welcome Service was conducted under the leaf hut, which attracted the attention of other travellers and locals mingling at the airport, who were captivated by the blended sight of Salvation Army uniforms and cultural dress, accompanied by the joyful sound of singing and timbrels. As the Colonels entered the leaf hut, they were presented traditional floral lei’s by two Honiara Corps youth, with the Solomon Islands District flag waving proudly in the background. Woven bamboo fans and cold coconuts were also provided as an expression of hospitality to keep the visitors cool in the tropical heat. After the cultural dances and timbrel display, Western Province Area Officer Envoy Alick Hagi extended words of welcome to Colonels Garth and Patti on behalf the District, which was followed by a time of worship led by Nominee Jimley Fafaluta from Gateway Corps in North Malaita. Major Robert then offered further words of welcome to everybody gathered and appreciation to the welcome party for their fitting reception of the Territorial Leaders.

An overview of the program for the week was provided, which included: Combined Holiness Meeting at Honiara Corps, Corps Fellowship Lunch, Street Outreach (Sunday); District Review, Honiara Hash House Harriers Walk (Monday); Reusable Sanitary Kits Sewing Group & Social Enterprise Workshop, City Cultural Tour, Prayer Meeting (Tuesday); Mission Support Project & Learning Space Visit, Social Enterprise & Social Justice Network Visits, Lunch with Catholic Archbishop, Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony (Wednesday); Officer’s & Nominees Retreat (Thursday—Saturday).

Colonel Garth responded to the welcome with gratitude and joy for the opportunity to meet Solomon Islands Salvationists in person, at long last. He referred to the theme of the 10th Anniversary last year - ’Greater Things’ - to acknowledge the wonderful work God is doing in the Solomon Islands District. Major Vanessa brought the Welcome Service to a close with a time of united prayer in the Solomon way. The Colonels were then driven by the District Officers to their motel accommodation, which gave them a first-hand insight into the deteriorating road and traffic conditions of Honiara, especially following 24 hours of torrential rain! A gift basket awaited the Territorial Leaders in their motel room, providing a selection of local products from the Solomon Islands, good coffee from PNG and a few other items to make their stay comfortable. The District Officers then rejoined the Territorial Leaders for dinner later that evening.

Solomon Islands District - PNG Southern Region Congress

Major Robert and Vanessa, along with Auxiliary Captain Wency and Fostina, travelled to Port Moresby to attend the PNG Southern Region Congress that hosted a visit from the World Leaders of The Salvation Army, General Brian & Commissioner Rosalie Peddle. The Congress commenced on Thursday, 27th October with Offer’s Councils, where Officers from South Central Division, South East Division, Gulf District, Solomon Islands District came together for two sessions of worship, teaching and fellowship. The first public Congress meeting ‘Celebrating the Southern Way’ was on Friday evening, which featured a night of praise and worship, cultural items, and a message by the General. On Saturday morning, Salvationists from around the Southern Region gathered at THQ for a March of Witness around Boroko, followed by an Open Air at Centre Point. The Koki Corps Brass Band, along with a combined Timbrel Brigade, led a procession of hundreds of enthusiastic uniformed Soldiers that snaked around the streets of Boroko, offering the public an impressive sight. The real impression, though, was the presentation of God’s Word though song, drama, testimony and a salvation message. In the evening, the Children and Youth were featured in a Praise & Worship meeting, presenting some very creative items that included cultural dances, timbrels and an amazing silhouette performance. The final public meeting on Sunday morning was a Holiness Meeting, which attracted the largest crowd for the weekend. Like with the previous events, the pre-worship had people up dancing and singing with great passion and cultural pride. Koki Corps Band and a Divisional Worship Team supported the congregational singing, with the Cadets presenting a skit for the children’s segment and a combined Sunday Schools reading the Scripture before the General gave his final message. One of the highlights of the Holiness Meeting was the mass enrolment of 84 Senior Soldiers and 67 Junior Soldiers from all over the Southern Region. The other highlight was the public acknowledgement of Auxiliary Captain Wency and Fostina as the first non-commissioned Officers of the Solomon Islands by the Territorial Commander, with the General praying a prayer of blessing over them both.

Reflection written by Auxiliary Captain Wency & Fostina Ramo'oroa...

When we heard that we were required to be at THQ for the General’s Visit we were very excited and looked forward to attending the program and anticipating to see and experience greater things that God is going to do in our lives during the program. While we were very excited about the news of going to PNG, we did have some doubts in our preparations which gave us less hope whether or not we will be able to attend the program because our visas were not ready. Even on the last working day of that week before we flew on Sunday to Port Moresby, I was waiting for an email from THQ confirming the approval of our visas. However, at about 5:00pm I received a message from our District Officer advising that our visas were finally granted. Praise God. Anyway, the rest is history. The program had three parts to it. The first part was a Welcome program at the Airport, the second was the Officer’s Councils and third was the Congress.

Aux Capt Fostina had a great experience during the program. She was well received by the Officers, including our Territorial Leaders, and they encouraged her a lot in her ministry. Their hospitality and kind gestures made her feel at home and feel that she is part of a wider loving and caring Army. She was quite surprised by the infrastructure in PNG, including THQ. But most of all, she was deeply moved and encouraged by the messages shared by the General and Commissioner and also the skits by other groups during the program. As a newly emerging member and leader in The Salvation Army, those messages have motivated her to see and evaluate herself, especially her spiritual wellbeing. She also acknowledged that even though her understanding of English is very low, she seemed to grasp most of what had been said. She was also blessed and privileged to meet with General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle in person.

So, both of us are new in this space. This is our first time to attend what is called Officer’s Councils and Congress. We did not know what Officer’s Councils was all about and what the congress looked like in The Salvation Army context. However, attending the program during the weekend gave us more insight into The Salvation Army programs. We are so thrilled with what we have seen and experienced during the weekend. We also feel that God has spoken to us during the weekend through what we have seen, heard and felt.

During the weekend, we met some officers and cadets and they were very generous to us by encouraging us in our ministry and especially about life at the Officer’s Training College (OTC); something that shed some hope for Aux Capt Fostina, as she is in a preparation stage for our journey to the OTC. Nothing more is so enjoyable than being in the presence of the Lord with those who share the same values, faith and are on the same journey. We learned a lot during the weekend about many things. Some of the things were very new to us while other things are an encouragement of what we have already seen. This opens our eyes to see the bigger picture of the wider Salvation Army. For us, we come from a country where some people know little about The Salvation Army and others know nothing about The Salvation Army. So our participation through the congress will help us to lead the Army in our own country.

We experienced some challenges during our stay for this program. But in the midst of those challenges, God has spoken to us powerfully to live a life of servant leadership and to accept those challenges as an encouragement on our journey of faith. Above all, we are very grateful to God for His unconditional love and faithfulness upon our lives as He leads us down this pathway of our Christian Journey. We give God all the glory, honour and praise for great things He has done. Amen.