It has been a spectacular time for India Salvation Army Leaders to spend a blessed time with Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, the Chief of the Staff, who visited Chennai recently along with Commissioner Alistair Venter, International Secretary, South Asia Zone for an official business related to The Salvation Army India National Office during 6th to 9th March 2019.
The India National Office made delightful preparations for this visit, as this was the first visit of the second-in-command of the global Salvation Army. As part of strengthening the Army, exclusively to motivate and hearten the Territorial Leaders of the Indian territories, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham paid a short visit, which was ultimately a success and of result accomplished undoubtedly.
The Commissioners at their rapid visit, on their first day the 7th March 2019, had an opportunity to be a part in the Board of Directors Meeting, whose participation brought productive discussions and fruitful outcome. The Commissioners made several suggestions for the solidification of The Salvation Army in India, being adhere to the government laws and acts, and advised the Board of Directors to be firm in their decisions and act diligently.
On the second day of their visit, the Commissioner participated in a special meeting planned with all Indian Leaders and Cabinet Secretaries, at Hotel Ramada, Chennai. The Territorial Commanders, TPWMs, Chief Secretaries, TSWMs, and Cabinet Secretaries of all the territories have participated in this special meeting. The meeting was led by Commissioner Alistair Venter, the International Secretary. The Chief of the Staff in his spiritual address encouraged the leaders to work on two major principles “TO PURSUE” and “TO FLEE”. He stirred them with the Biblical thoughts in order to be people of integrity. He enthused them to be people of highest Christian standards and values. Following the lunch, the Chief of the Staff in his Business speech, cautioned the leaders to follow the good governance that the territories will be truly accountable to God and to the Army. He advised the Leaders with Ten principles of accountability, that transforms the territories to a clean and God's directed Army. Commissioner Marieke Venter, ZSWM and Colonel Mani Kumari, SWD were also present in the second part of the meeting
In the event of reforming the Training curriculum for Officer training, the Chief of the Staff also released the Revised Officer training curriculum which shall direct the training of the officers in all Indian territories from the coming session. The National Executive Officer, Colonel John Kumar took efforts in getting the Book printed, and the National Office is grateful to the International Headquarters for the grant released for this purpose. The meeting was concluded with the prayer and benediction of Commissioner Marieke Venter, ZSWM. Being the International Women's day, as a token of appreciation, the National Office presented complimentary cups with names inscribed on them.
Over all, the trip left blessed impressions among the Indian Leaders and upon The Salvation Army at a large, that hopefully, thoughtful momentum shall begin to work among Indian Salvation Army territories. May the Lord continuously guide our leaders in fulfilling the God given roles to make the Indian Salvation Army a glorifying one.
