The Salvation Army’s Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and Commissioner Shelley Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, visited India from 29 March to 7 April.
Their tour commenced with vibrant worship at Kolkata Central Corps (church), West Bengal. Led by India Northern territorial leaders Colonels Chawnghlut Vanlalfela and Ropari Khupchawng, the service was marked by heartfelt expressions of worship through song, testimony and youth presentations.
Referencing Psalm 133:1, Commissioner Shelley Hill focused on the beauty and power of unity in Jesus Christ. She encouraged the congregation to embrace one another, draw strength from Christ and build each other up in love and service.
During the meeting, the international leaders presented Colonel S.P. Simon (India National Executive Officer) and Colonel Annamma Simon (National Secretary for Women’s Development) with 35-year long-service awards. Their faithful witness for Christ, deep commitment to The Salvation Army and unwavering love for God and humanity were acknowledged.
Commissioner Edward Hill reminded the congregation of the core values that God expects from God’s people: to enlist, obey, remain loyal, be disciplined, to engage in spiritual battle and claim victory in Christ.
During a holiness meeting, the Chief of the Staff challenged his listeners: ‘Thousands of soldiers serve across six territories, millions serve in different capacities, but where is God calling us to go next?’ He answered: ‘To be good soldiers of Jesus Christ and go forward.’
Keeping our eyes on Christ
On Monday 31 March, the international leaders visited the India National Office, which is also located in Kolkata. Colonels Simon presented the wide-ranging scope of work carried out by the India National Office in support of the six Salvation Army territories across India. Commissioner Edward Hill expressed deep appreciation for the dedicated service and strategic efforts of the national team and took time to listen carefully to the opportunities, challenges and concerns shared by staff.
That afternoon, the Chief of the Staff offered words of encouragement during a spiritual meeting. He reminded the staff to keep their eyes on Christ, even amid life’s storms, and to faithfully follow where he leads. ‘In every challenge,’ he said, ‘look for the hope and the hand that guides us towards fulfilling our mission.’
A joyful greeting
On Tuesday 1 April, the leaders visited the historic Behala Social Institution, a centre of community service since 1935. The institution operates a girls’ hostel, a home for the aged, a home for the blind and Behala School. The visit included a ceremonial tree planting, symbolising growth and ongoing commitment to service. The children of Behala School welcomed the guests with joyful singing: ‘With a smile on our face, with love in our hearts, with joy in our life, we welcome you this day.’
In Chennai
Moving on to Chennai and The Salvation Army’s India Central Territory, Commissioners Hill led youth councils at Nellore Central Corps on Wednesday 2 April. More than 500 young people attended. Many moved to the mercy seat and gave their lives and their futures to Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Over the proceeding days, the Hills visited a girls’ hostel, the officer training college and territorial headquarters, and conducted officers’ councils. They concluded their visit at the holiness meeting in Vepery Corps.
Throughout their time in India, the leaders highlighted the importance of The Salvation Army’s global strategic framework – Compass: Empowering People, Enhancing Mission Impact, Establishing an Enduring Legacy. Their heartfelt encouragement and inspired messages resulted in spiritual uplift and a renewed sense of mission and vision.
