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Rejuvenation Congress 2016
THE GENERAL LEADS REJUVENATION CONGRESS CELEBRATIONS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
General André Cox and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Silvia Cox were greeted by the Territorial Leadership at the OR Tambo Airport. The Congress Celebrations commenced when The General and Commissioner Cox met for dinner with members of Cabinet and Territorial Advisory Board Members.
The Theme for the Congress, Rejuvenation, was introduced to the Officers and Employees, working at the Territorial Headquarters in Johannesburg, months ahead of this glorious event and was met with great fervour and hope of rejuvenation in the Southern Africa Territory.
A Men’s Rally, Women’s Rally, and Youth Rally were exciting events, full of music, with traditional and contemporary dancing. The Theme of the Congress encompassed the words Reclaim, Revive, Restore and Renew. The General and Commissioner Cox met with Officers in counsel emphasizing the word Rekindle, reminding Officers and Retired Officers that no Officer is better than any other soldier. Thus we need to Rekindle that passion to win the world for Jesus once again!
A Soldiers Rally saw a large crowd gathering – ‘Reclaiming’ through drama our beginnings in Southern Africa, our history and heritage. The evening ended with a strong challenge by the General that we as The Salvation Army must get back to the basics of being devoted to getting to know and living according to God’s Word and being more intentional and passionate about sharing the Good News about salvation in Jesus Christ.
Hundreds of men, women and young people moved forward to pray at each event in response to the gospel messages.
In a Family Gathering Celebration the word ‘Restore’ emphasised the importance of family life and this was portrayed through drama, singing and a testimony from a Junior Soldier who had the crowd on their feet as he enthusiastically testified to the saving and keeping grace of God in his life and that of his family. Over a hundred Junior Soldiers were enrolled by the General. The Session included a mass Timbrel display.
During the weekend celebrations The General visited the Children’s ministry where hundreds of children enthusiastically welcomed him and enjoyed taking a selfie with the General (picture included). Carl Sithole Children’s Home in Soweto, was also on the Generals list of visitations, where he was also eagerly welcomed by the children there. Once again the General urged all the children on to love Jesus and follow Him closely.
Large crowds continued to gather to hear the final message and were challenged to ‘Renew’ their relationship and covenant with God. “We have an incredible God,” the General said, “Who can and wants to do more than you can imagine!” Very fittingly the General conducted the enrollment of 100 Soldiers with the challenge to be God’s Soldiers and Servants in a dying world filled with sin. With nearly 400 men gathering for a Men’s Rally whilst 1 250 women met to hear Commissioner Silvia Cox, who invited the women to “bring their burdens to Jesus”, many knelt at the Alter to seek the face of God for Restoration, for healing and for salvation.
The Youth Rally also offered the General a platform to challenge and encourage the Youth never to give up and continued with lively dancing with The General. “You are all signs of God’s love and blessings”, said the General. “Each one of you is unique in the eyes of God. No matter your age, this is the first step on a journey, and it will be exciting to see what he does through all of you”.
A Musical Festival included lively singing, dancing and a colourful display expressing the different cultures in Southern Africa Territory and during the march of witness the General and Commissioner Cox took the salute as the streets were filled with Salvationists from around the Territory. More than 1000 Salvationists joined the march, led by The Territorial Norway Band who was the guest band for the Congress Celebrations.
And so a truly inspiring and Rejuvenated weekend ended with hearts renewed and spirits revived, restored and renewed, ready to rekindle the hope of the Gospel in The Southern Africa Territory.
