The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox, WPWN landed Lengpui Airport on 25th April 2017 to lead the Centenary Celebrations of India Eastern Territory which lasted for 6 days. The Celebrations begins with centenary flame lighting where the General & Commissioner Silvia Cox were clad in red uniform. The Red tunic is the uniform of Officers in India when Salvation Army was first introduced in Mizoram.
Salvationists of India Eastern Territory were delighted to have the General and Commissioner Silvia Cox with them during their celebrations. Apart from ten public sessions, Officers' Council, Women's' gathering and Youth Congress, the General also unveiled the monument of centenary - a statue of Lieut. Colonel Kawlkhuma, pioneer Officer; opened a new Prayer Hall of Chanmari West corps and blessed the Centennial Family store at THQ which is a self reliance initiative of the territory for self support. Centennial Glorious March was convened in the heart of the city and the General responds to their salute at A. R. Ground.
The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox were the main speaker of the events and both focused on mobilization. They kept reminding the Salvationists not to be content with their present achievement; if the faith of few zealous men can take them to this century, how much more will the present generation of passionate Salvationists will achieve. With God everything is possible! Many people reaffirm their faith during the altar call and 54 young people commit their life for officership.
All the public sessions were convened at R. Dengthuama Indoor Stadium, Mualpui well attended by Salvationists and has crossed 20,000 on the final day. It is the biggest event in the history of the territory. Well wishers from Australia Eastern Territory, India National Office, Mynmar Region, India South Western Territory came for the celebrations. It would be a missed not to mention the faith of one local officer, a Colour Sergeant of Saikawt Corps, Manipur who travelled 8 days by his cycle to attend the meetings.
Two Local Officers who served 50 years continuously were given Long Service Order by the General. The commitment of children to bring glory to God was witnessed and the General responds to Questions by five young people and in turn all the YP Corps prayed together for the world leaders. 447 newly graduates Corps Cadet were elated on receiving Merit Badge from the General. The Reaching out Army session reveals the outreach initiatives of the Territory.
Every session is adorned with items from Soloist, Songster, Band and Timbrels and the LED wall was an added supplement. All the programs were broadcast live by two local cable network reaching the whole of Mizoram. Local newspapers and cable TV reflect the visit of the General and highlight report of the centenary celebrations. Photographs and videos of the Congress are shared via Flicker, YouTube, Facebook and Whatsapp reaching to Salvationists all over the World.
The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox were received by the Government of Mizoram as State guests making wonderful arrangements during their stay. His Excellency, the Governor of Mizoram Lieutenant General Nibhay Sharma and Mr. Lai Thanhawla the Honorable Chief Minister of Mizoram with their wife attend the congress imparting their greetings.
​Reported by Mrs. Jean Vanlalrochuangi IT Coordinator India Eastern Territory
