India Central Territory experienced an abundance of blessings through the highly anticipated visit of the International Leaders, General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, WPWM from 25th to 29th January 2023. During those days the whole territory witnessed marvelous invigorating fellowship and spiritual blessings!
Senior Reserved and Reserved Officers' Meeting
In his introduction, the General reminded the officers about the significance of the South Asia Zone in the international army, and the importance of the 6 Indian territories. Then he urged the officers to have faith like Abraham and Sarah, based on Hebrews 11: “Be obedient to God, have faith in God, be ready to surrender yourself to God.” As a response to this challenging message, almost all the officers knelt and rededicated their lives at the mercy seat.
Public Meeting
It was stunning and joyful to receive the international leaders in a specially arranged chariot escorted by many vehicles, officers, soldiers and a special band of musicians at Bapatla Division, where there was an enormous crowd waiting for the Public Meeting on 26th January. The Territorial Commander introduced and welcomed the International Leaders with bundles of love. Commissioner Rosalie Peddle shared the word from Psalms 96, emphasizing the need to: “Stand strong in the word of God; proclaim his salvation day by day; declare his glory among the nations.” According to Scripture, in Colossians 3:1-15, the General reminded the congregation that through Jesus we all became brothers and sisters, and that God raised up the Salvation Army to bear fruit.
Youth Congress
On 27th January the General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle were warmly welcomed to the M. M. Convention Hall, Tenali, which was fully packed with the enthusiastic youth of India Central Territory. Lt. Col. M. Stalin, Chief Secretary, led the meeting and Tenali Division youth presented a welcome dance. Following the honouring of the leaders by the youth, officers, and politicians, the youth from Tenali Division performed a traditional dance. Captain Charles Chalrimawia motivated the youth by sharing his personal testimony of how he came to know Jesus, how he dedicated his life to full-time ministry, and how God's faithfulness is evident today in serving Him.
Mr. Marshall Prem, an accountant at THQ also inspired the congregation with the testimony of his miraculous personal experience.
The Bible message given jointly by the General and Commissioner was an extraordinary event for the congregation. They raised the question, “Do you face the world with fear or faith?” They explained the story of the extraordinary young men from the book of Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who had Confidence, Commitment, and Courage. Afterward, hundreds of youths dedicated their lives to Jesus with tears and prayer. More than 2,200 young people throughout the territory came and participated in this Youth Congress.
Officers' Council
It was amazing to watch the magnificent group of active and retired officers gather for an afternoon session on 27th January at the M. M. Convention Hall at Tenali. Nearly more than 600 officers (Active and Retired) came to Tenali and attended this Council for Officers. In the International Snapshot PowerPoint presentation, the General shared a personal testimony and gave a detailed explanation of the 5 zones of the international army and its work in answer to the questions, “Where is the Army now?” and “How is the Salvation Army doing?” The Commissioner expressed their heartfelt thanks to all for the wonderful fellowship and urged the officers to serve the Lord faithfully. The General reminded the officers to hear the voice of God in the gentle breeze and called them to ensure that they are always standing with the Lord.
Women's Congress
The international leaders were received onstage with songs and stick dance by a great multitude of women at Central Corps, Eluru Division, on 28th January 2023. The Territorial Commander introduced and welcomed the General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, WPWM, and stated that women are the strong pillars of the church and the community. The General greeted and blessed all the women gathered in the congress, and then he departed the stage with all the men officers to attend the 'Meet and Greet programme with The General. The rest of the meeting was led by Colonel Sumitra Masih, TPWM. The women of Eluru Division presented the welcome song with a beautiful performance of classical dance. A lovely special song was presented by THQ women officers, and a cultural item from Hyderabad Division was very interesting. A very powerful Bible message was shared by the WPWM. God is calling us to stand up and be counted.
Meet and Greet with The General
While all the women folks were engaged with the Women's Congress, a special program was arranged for the Men Executive officers on 28th January 2023, “Meet and Greet with The General” at the Hotel 'N', in Eluru. Here all the officers were provided an opportunity to ask the General a few questions regarding the Book “Called to be A Soldier, Day by Day Call to Mission”. This was a unique opportunity for the officers to learn and equip well with this spiritual book.
On the same day at Hotel 'N' Major Evama Shaijuraj, Editor, of National War Cry, had an opportunity to have an interview with our beloved General.
Holiness Meeting
Our international leaders' visit to India Central Territory ended with the Holiness meeting conducted at Vepery Corps on 29th January at 10.00 am. The meeting was led by Colonel Yaqoob Masih, Territorial Commander. After his introduction and welcome, Vepery Corps presented the welcome song. Then Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, WPWM shared the response and personal testimony. She said that the joy of the Lord is seen around the world, and we see such a movement of the Holy Spirit. She expressed joy and gratitude for the days they spent in ICT because God has been moving and speaking.
Mr. Rado Paul, Corps Helper from Bangalore District also shared his testimony. The General gave a powerful message on the challenging life of Joshua, with the main points: I was redeemed for a reason – I am converted – I am mobilized – I am sending you now Go. This statement of the General was thought-provoking and stirred up the congregation like a whirling wind. A great number of people submitted their lives to the Lord Jesus, kneeling at the mercy seat, and many standing and raising their hands.
God answered all our fervent prayers and granted a successful visit of World Leaders to our India Central Territory. All Glory and Honour is to the LORD.
Reported by Major Evama Shaijuraj, Editor, India National Office
