THE service of General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women's Ministries) was recognised in an informal ceremony during the weekly 'family prayers' at International Headquarters (IHQ). The Chief of the Staff (Commissioner William Roberts) presented the international leaders with brooches to mark 35 years' service as Salvation Army officers.
The Chief told the congregation that the General and Commissioner Cox had been members of the Joyful Evangelists Session of cadets, adding that they are 'still joyful after 35 years of service'.
The Bible message from Commissioner Nancy Roberts (World Secretary for Women's Ministries) was based on Jesus' calling his disciples to be salt and light in the world. She spoke about her time of service in Kenya, when power cuts meant that many nights were spent without light, and made the point that 'light, to do its job, needs to be seen'.
In the previous week's family prayers, seven more IHQ officers had received recognition of their long service. Commissioners Eva and Gerrit Marseille, and Commissioners Dorita and John Wainwright – all of whom trained alongside the General and Commissioner Cox – received their 35-year awards, Major Peter Forrest his 30-year brooch and Majors Margaret and Patrick Booth their 25-year recognition. Major Deborah Sedlar, who has also completed 25 years' service, is away from the office and will be presented with her award in her home territory, USA Eastern.
Report by Kevin Sims
Communications Section
International Headquarters
