The agenda is full and the issues are significant, so God's appointed leaders are daily seeking his divine guidance as they consider the best outcomes for his Army.
Monday's agenda included presentations by Commissioner Birgitte Brekke-Clifton (International Secretary for Europe), about adherent membership, and by Commissioner William Cochrane (International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff), who delivered a paper on leadership development.
Following each presentation the delegates broke into discussion groups to consider the issues further. After significant deliberation the groups reconvened in a plenary setting to share their outcomes and recommendations. Two recorders keep detailed minutes which include recommendations that will be reviewed for follow-up action by the International Management Council (IMC) in due course.
General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women's Ministries), accompanied by Colonel Lyndon Buckingham (Territorial Commander, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory), had the privilege of meeting President Tony Tan Keng Yam, head of state and President of the Republic of Singapore, on Monday morning. The General said it was a 'professional and productive meeting, which will help strengthen The Salvation Army's position and profile in Singaporean society in the days ahead'.
At the end of this first full day of deliberations, the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner William A. Roberts, thanked delegates for their 'good support and participation'. Following the singing of the song 'My Jesus Hath Done All Things Well', Colonel Stephen Chepkuri (Territorial Commander, Zambia Territory) closed the day with prayer.
Salvationists and friends around the world are encouraged to uphold their leaders in prayer today and every day during the conference.
Report by Major John P. Murray, MA, APR, CFRE
Communications Secretary and Literary Secretary
International Headquarters
