You are in: Latest News » Chief of the Staff Leads Worship in Johannesburg, ...
Released 12 October 2007
Chief of the Staff Leads Worship in Johannesburg, South Africa, During Africa Zonal ConferenceThere was great joy when the Southern Africa Territory welcomed the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Robin Dunster, back to African soil on the occasion of the Africa Zonal Conference in Johannesburg.On Sunday the conference delegates divided into small groups to conduct meetings at various corps in and around Johannesburg, bringing blessing and fresh glimpses from around the wider Army world.
The Chief of the Staff, accompanied by Lieut-Colonel Edna Williams (IHQ), visited Johannesburg City Corps with the territorial leaders. The Chief has a special bond with South Africa as her Australian officer-parents had served there. Several people in the congregation could remember her father, Major Nelson Dunster, who was Editor of
The War Cry in South Africa more than 35 years ago.
As part of the holiness meeting three representative members of the corps responded to what the Territorial Commander called ‘a timely call to prayer for world peace’ from General Shaw Clifton and offered prayers for peace in the world, in society, and in families and personal relationships.
Lieut-Colonel Williams shared an experience of going to a pearl market to buy ‘the perfect pearl’. The incidence illustrated the perfect choice she had made in her life – her covenant with God
The support of Johannesburg City Band, Songsters, young people's band and singing company was highly appreciated as they shared the message of God’s faithfulness. The singing company sang forcefully: 'Forever God is faithful!' and the band played 'Faithful God'.
The Chief of the Staff's Bible message challenged the congregation to worship God in honesty and openness. Many responded by kneeling at the mercy seat at the conclusion of the meeting.
Refreshments served after the meeting provided an opportunity for the international visitors to mingle with the congregation and greet old and new friends. This was followed by a lunch at which officers from Johannesburg and territorial headquarters were able to share fellowship with the Chief of the Staff and each other.
On the final day of the conference, the joyful experience of fellowship and sharing between leaders from the African countries was brought to an abrupt end by the message of the tragic death of Colonel Bo Brekke, Territorial Commander of Pakistan. Delegates spent time together in prayer before going their separate ways.
Report by Major Eva Marseille