New International Leaders welcomed to International Headquarters
'A day of new beginnings' was the description of International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff Commissioner Ray Houghton when he welcomed the new international leadership team on their first day at The Salvation Army's International Headquarters. General Shaw Clifton, Commissioner Helen Clifton (World President of Women's Ministries) and new Chief of the Staff Commissioner Robin Dunster arrived at the entrance to IHQ to be greeted by the IHQ Commissioners, representatives from the various headquarters departments and a group of officer-cadets. Commissioner Houghton spoke words of welcome and offered prayer before the General expressed warm thanks.
A meeting later in the morning saw the new leaders welcomed into the IHQ family. First to be greeted was the Chief of the Staff. Commissioner Amos Makina (International Secretary for Africa) told the congregation that, in witnessing the appointment of the first female Chief, 'We are re-writing the history of The Salvation Army.'
He assured the Chief of the support of the IHQ staff and observed: 'You have been here before as a visitor but today you are coming as a leader.'
The Chief of the Staff acknowledged the welcome she had received and spoke about how God knew people's thoughts. She said her new leadership role did not change the way she thought. 'My intention is to follow my servant Lord,' she said, 'and my thoughts are of obedience to my Saviour. I seek to follow Jesus' example and identify with those who have no status.'
A Scripture reading by Lieut-Colonel John Dyall (South Asia Zone) was followed by a gospel-style song, 'My Redeemer Lives', by the cadets from the William Booth College.
Commissioner Nancy Roberts (Secretary for IHQ Staff Development) introduced Commissioner Helen Clifton as 'a woman whose central focus is God'.
Commissioner Clifton looked around at the floor-to-ceiling windows that form the outer walls of IHQ and commented that it was 'almost like being on the street'. This was appropriate, she said, because The Salvation Army was birthed in the open air. She continued: 'I feel at home here – the Army was born in this city and so was I!' However, she explained, she wasn't fully comfortable because the city still hasn't been totally won for God.
Members of the IHQ staff gave the General six promises from the Bible for him to take into his ministry before Commissioner Donald �degaard (International Secretary for Programme Resources) introduced the new international leader with the words: 'Welcome in the name of Jesus.' He commended the IHQ team and spoke about the many things expected of a General. The commissioner concluded: 'May God grant you great health, strength for every day and the courage of your convictions.'
General Clifton spoke with honesty and humility, admitting that he felt 'a little strange' to have moved from being General-elect to actually taking up his new role. He described the transition as 'not a little daunting' and told his listeners that he needed their love, their prayers and their patience. 'I have so much to learn in my new role,' he said.
He paid tribute to Retired General John Larsson and Commissioner Freda Larsson for their help over the past few months and described them as 'worthy and dignified leaders'. He also thanked his wife for her support and described her as 'God's gift to me'.
The General spoke about the 'sacred responsibility' of his role but expressed the hope that he and Commissioner Clifton would be seen 'just as people – people with a huge task to perform'. He spoke about their experience in various settings around the world and affirmed: 'We know how to trust in God for everything.'
In personally welcoming Commissioner Robin Dunster as his Chief of the Staff, the General said that, together, they would 'help the Army build God's Kingdom'.
Speaking directly to members of the headquarters staff he mentioned what he would like to see at IHQ – a friendly, welcoming place with staff who are knowledgeable and professional. He said he wanted IHQ to be a 'place where people walk through the doors and feel the love of Christ'.
The General concluded his first message as international leader by reading again the Scripture portion used earlier in the meeting, this time emphasising the parts he wanted his listeners – and The Salvation Army as a whole – to pay particular attention to: 'Have your minds ready for action ... be obedient to God ... be holy in all that you do ... spend the rest of your lives here on earth in reverence to [God] ... [you know about] the costly sacrifice of Christ ... [have] a sincere love for your fellow-believers ... love one another ... you have been born again as the children of a parent who is immortal ... the word of the Lord remains' (1 Peter 1:13-25 Good News Bible).