Praise be to God for the beauteous hills Coonoor, The Salvation Army Christian Retreat Centre, Surrenden in which the "Editors' Consultative Conference" was organised by Editorial & Communications Department, India National Secretariat-Kolkata. Eighteen Officers from Six Indian territories were privileged to attend this conference, which was held from 6th-9th March 2017.
As the Conference was started with the lighting of candles by Commissioner Lalzamlova International Secretary, South Asia, IHQ. Amazing Grace was the theme of the inaugural session. All the songs we sang and the thought provoking words of the Commissioner reminded us once again that only by God's grace we are living and serving to promote His glory. The terms 'Consultative' and 'Conference 1 were explained clearly by the Commissioner in his keynote address which moulded our minds for the rest of the sessions and to equip ourselves for the writing ministry. In the beginning itself we were reminded that we are called by God and He has entrusted this responsibility to us.
'Writing to Win' was the successive topic from the Commissioner which really brought light into our minds and souls. The highlight was he asked us to have the self-respect under the control of Holy Spirit to be ourselves with the example from Bible that God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM" and His son Jesus Christ followed the same and Apostle Paul too declared the same.
'Editor-Editoral'; 'Mission Resources' and 'Reporting Style' were the topics taught by Lieut. Colonel Daniel Raju Dasari, National Secretary. When he said that an Editor or writer can mobilise the world from his chair, we understood that what a great and wonderful opportunity an Editor or writer has as his responsibility. He persuaded to read the world around besides reading our Bible and other materials.
The other interesting resource person was Major Roy Joseph from ISWT who gave us a very clear vision on Essentials of Editors and the points he conveyed on consultative conference, aims of editing, kinds of editing, role of the editor, fiction plot pattern, structural style, process of effective editing, essentials of editor and the measures were mind broadening. His elaborated lectures rendered with a deep sense of respect towards the profession of an Editor and writer as well.
Creative Writing and Women on writing were brought forth in a simplest way by Major Jashiben D. Khristi, The War Cry Editor. She portrayed Jesus as a good example who made the great truths understood by simple stories. She asserted that writing is beyond gender and women need to come forward to bring a change in the community and society by their writing.
Delegates were given time to share their views and ideas during open discussion session in which everyone participated enthusiastically. They came up with excellent thoughts in context to increase the readers for the War Cry and the ways to reach maximum soldiers of the Salvation Army.
Editors from different territories, which were an inspiration to start a day afresh, conducted morning devotions. An afternoon outing to Ooty was joyous and refreshing the spirit. The Editor has arranged everything in an admiring manner. Spiritual Meeting was the culmination of all the sessions in which the delegates shared their decisive testimonies and were enriched by the inspiring and memorable words of the Commissioner Lalzamlova from Psalm 46:10 comparing with Exodus 14:14. Even after departing from the beautiful Surrenden, the kind words of our God through Commissioner, "Be Still...the Lord will fight for you" is echoing in our ears and calming our daunting fears. With joyful hearts, everyone renewed their dedication, revived passion for writing for the glory of God, and returned to their respective appointments exalting His Mighty Name.
Major T. Caroline A. Salvi DDWM, Coimbatore Division India South Eastern Territory
