It has been the result of the constant and continued prayers of millions of salvationists not only in India but throughout the Army world that the national youth congress resulted in a great celebration filling hundreds of youngsters with God's spirit and power. It has been the plan and vision of the national office and leaders whose aim was to encourage, empower and engage young folks for the advancement of the TSA Mission by motivating them to be ready. This theme was chosen which came out of the General's call to mission. 500 young people from 6 Indian territories and 6 from Sri Lanka have participated in this mega event held at Ashirwad Global centre, Hyderabad from 21st to 24th October 2022, with Commissioners Suresh and Martha Pawar being the special guests and main speakers of the Congress, held under the leadership of Colonels S. P. Simon & Annama Simon, National leaders.
The congress commenced with a traditional colourful and vibrant Salvation Army marchpast. Colonel S. P. Simon, National Executive Officer and Colonel Annam Simon, Secretary for Women development welcomed and led the ceremony filling joy and bliss in the participants. The territorial groups offered a guard of honour to the international leaders with their vivid forces going on to the mission of getting ready. Although there was drizzling, their heart and mind were fully focused on the mega inaugural celebration where the leaders hoisted the flag and inspired with an Army salute. The pulsating lighting and animations inspired the youngsters to stay focussed for the next couple of days which moved them to be ready.
The video greetings from General Brian Peddle and the greetings & keynote address from the Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham during the welcome session motivated a thought about how the young people must be ready during the present times while being connected to Jesus. The special performances from India Central and India South Western territories brought young people to a different world where their talents can be fully spent for the glorification of God.
Commissioners Suresh & Martha Pawar stimulated the young folks to move God's spirit and touch everyone. Their influential and powerful spiritual addresses during the main sessions of the Congress touched every heart and it was witnessed that everyone was overwhelmed with the Holy spirit's presence. ”I'll fight”, “Uniqueness of the Salvation Army”, and “Battle Ready now” were the main sessions that caught the attention of the youngsters during Commissioner Suresh Pawar's discourses. The exciting atmosphere and surroundings not only boosted the spirit of the young folks but stirred a heavenly fellowship. Another inspirational session headed by Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham (video) on “Call to Holiness” was another great spiritual lesson whose thoughts literally motivated young people on the need and significance to be holy. Captain Marc and Mariska Potters, International Child & Youth officers presented another video message based on the parable of the mustard tree, encouraging young people the need to inculcate faith in Jesus so as to be successful.
Break-out sessions were interesting sessions that helped me to know and equip myself on the current issues being the fighting forces of the Army. Ten subjects were chosen, and ten eminent and renowned Christian speakers and territorial leaders took over the session for two days. These sessions brought out new understanding and knowledge that they can apply in their day-to-day lives. Commissioner Daniel Raju Dasari, Commissioner John Kumar Dasari, Colonel S. P. Simon, Major Jashiben Khristi, Major Anita Massey, Mr. Moses Manohar, Mr. D. Sundar Das, Rev. Anugreh Peter, Mrs. Bhanu Suresh and Captain Latha Cheeli dealt on these ten different topics. The Territorial Youth Secretaries and the National Office team facilitated these sessions.
One of the most exciting events of the Congress was the cultural evenings. The talents and the gifts given by God were demonstrated through their thought-provoking skits, dances and other presentations. The historic musical drama presented by India's South Western Territory was an extravagant show that made everyone reminded of The Salvation Army services in India.
No doubt, the Praise and Worship of all the territorial teams are filled with heavenly commendations. The songs, the prayers and the worship moved the spirit and everyone was fully engaged with the spirit of God. The Congress witnessed the multi-talented youngster's shoe focus on Army was incredible.
During the final session, the Youth were so devoted and paid careful attention to the word of God as spoken by Commissioner Suresh Pawar. The message was inviting and heart touching where the youth shed their tears and renewed their commitment to God. 108 youth have accepted the officer calling, and it is going to be a great strength to the 21st-century Army in India. Others have also renewed their faith and covenant with God at the mercy seat as a result of wonder-working spiritual power.
Highlights of the Congress:
i. 500 youngsters from 6 Indian territories and 6 from Sri Lanka have participated
ii. 108 youths have accepted for officership
iii. Spirit-filled sessions with powerful Christian calling by International leaders
iv. 10 Breakout sessions on the current youth issues
v. Influential praise & worship from all the six Indian Territories
vi. Brass band from the India Eastern Territory
vii. Wonderful musical drama from India South Western territory on the history of the Salvation Army India
viii. Astounding inaugural and welcome sessions
ix. Disciplined volunteer Force from Hyderabad division
x. 24 young achievers were rewarded
xi. Painting & Drawing display from the territories was a special attraction
xii. Territorial stalls represented the culture and supplies of respective Territories
xiii. 24X7 prayer cell run by the Hyderabad division volunteers.
We are truly grateful to all the Indian territorial leaders and the territorial youth secretaries for their excellent support and help. The prayers and fullest encouragement from zonal international leaders and the south Asia zone team was incredible. We offer our grateful thanks to Colonels S. P. Simon and Annamma, national office leaders for their good coordination, guidance and prayerful support. Special thanks must be mentioned to Steering Committee (Colonel Yaqoob Masih, Chairman), Programme Committee (Commissioner Daniel Raju, Chairman), Finance Committee (Lt. Colonel M. Stalin, Chairman), Arrangements Committee (Lt. Colonel P. J. William, Chairman) and Reception Committee ( Colonel Annamma Simon, Chairman) for their timely support and guidance. The hard work, excellent planning, and execution of Captain Aseervadam Cheeli in all areas of the congress were evident and tremendous, which helped to make the entire event perfect and seamless. We are also grateful to Major O. Philip Raju, Hyderabad divisional leaders team, local officers, volunteer leaders and their team for making the congress wonderful.
Above all the disciplined young people, their interest, their co-operation and participation were marvellous. We pray that this congress will build the future Army in India. They will strengthen the ministry in their respective centres.
They will stir the Army and Salvationism among their Corps and centres, and together they will extend and raise the kingdom of God. The entire event was well presented by the anchors.
Colonel Yaqoob Masih, Colonel Sumitra Masih, and Colonel Vanlalfela, territorial leaders of ICT and IWT were also present during the Congress and blessed the young people.
Accomplishments
i. The young people were strengthened and stimulated and made ready to take responsibility in building the next generation of Army
ii. Young people were motivated and inspired to utilise their talents and skills to strengthen the foundations of the Army in their respective territories.
iii. The youth were inspired, and spirit-filled youth were raised for the officership in carrying the Army mission to the 21st century
iv. Youth were provided opportunities to learn about different cultures of India through their fellowship and interactions.
v. The youth were inspired to plan and live for Christ's life with Christian values, ethics and standards.
vi. The Salvation Army -India was united with its prayers for this congress whose prayers resulted in a wonderful event
The Salvation Army - India needs to pray for our young people as they were made ready for empowering the next generation, Army. Let us build the Army of God. May God bless our young people.
Reported by Captain Latha Cheeli, Secretary for Education, Youth & Children, India National Office, Kolkata
