“Refresh, Renew, Revive” was the theme of the Officers' Council which was held during 2nd to 4th May 2019 at The Salvation Army High school, Bapatla. All together 530 officers of India Central Territory got benefited by the council.
All Officers joyfully gathered with full tunic at Prayer hall of Bapatla Central Corps; when Commissioners Wilfred Varughese & Prema Wilfred Territorial Leaders and Lieutenant Colonels Yakub Masih & Sumitra Masih Chief Secretary & TSWM entered the hall, officers were shouted halleluiahs and welcomed them.
The council was commenced with inaugural session led by Chief Secretary and TSWM. After the inauguration, meeting proceeded with singing, praising and praying; women officers of Tenali Division performed timbrel presentation. Chief Secretary welcomed everyone including retired officers. “We are chosen by God” based on Judges 3:30 was the message for the first session by the Chief Secretary. The first session was concluded with prayer & benediction of Commissioner Prema Wilfred, TPWM.
Commissioner Wilfred Varughese, Territorial Commander addressed officers with his Keynote address. Particularly, he focussed about General's Call 'be ready, be engaged, take responsibility'. Commissioner added that how best we can improve our ministry, provide our servant leadership and fulfil our responsibility. He briefed this session with three R i.e. REFRESH, RENEW, REVIVE.
Women in Mission subject was clarified by Commissioner Prema Wilfred, TPWM with various references from the Bible. She said that women are evangelists, good administrators, risk takers, coordinators, partners in Mission and mentors.
Next session on Government & NGOs schemes for Community Development lectured by Mr Caleb, Joint Director of Social Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh. He explained government schemes related to women, young people, vulnerable sections, etc. Many other subjects were highlighted by the assigned speakers such as Introduction of Territorial Strategic Plan, Bible Study, Development in Self Reliance, Development in Corps & Officers, Prayer Meetings and Good Governance. Morning and evening devotions were conducted by selected divisional leaders.
During this council, territorial leaders dedicated 17 new computers and printers to all DDWMs for their Ministry; these computers are donated by the Women's Ministries Department of ICT. One evening was spared for cultural programmes and group of officers represented their divisions/districts with dances, skits, etc.
On the final day, closing session for spiritual meeting led by TPWM. Special tribute was given to the officers who are Promoted to Glory. Many officers came forward with their testimony and thanked the God. Also, 24 officers were promoted to the rank of Captains while 16 officers were promoted with the rank of Major. Moreover, officers received honour of Long Service Order who have completed 25, 30 and 35 years of services in the ranks of The Salvation Army.
The Territorial Commander delivered the message on “There will be Sunrise for you” based on Malachi 4:2. He had enlightened mainly on three points - Leave your sin, Depend upon God and Be a changed person.
Majority officers came forward and prayed with tears. Finally, Territorial Commander concluded this Officers Council with prayer and benediction. Lieutenant Colonel K. Y. Dhan Kumar expressed his gratitude to all leaders, Cabinets, Officers, Local officers and soldiers for making the council successful.
Reported by Major C. Dani Samuel Raju, Editor, India Central Territory
