CHILDREN and young people from The Salvation Army in Iceland played a prominent role in the visit of General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women's Ministries) to their country. The visit also included opportunity to meet the Prime Minister of Iceland, Bjarni Benediktsson.
Great emphasis was placed on the international leaders' time in Iceland coinciding with the 'Mobilise: Go Children and Youth!' weekend of The Whole World Mobilising initiative, with young people leading most of the worship on Saturday, providing musical accompaniment and singing. After the General's Bible message, many people moved forward to pray.
At the first meeting of the visit, held – like the other main gatherings – in a church close to Reykjavík Corps (church), celebrations included an introduction to The Whole World Mobilising. The Holy Spirit's presence was felt when, after Commissioner Cox's Bible message, many people went forward for prayer and reflection.
A crowd gathered for prayer at the spot in Reykjavík where The Salvation Army will soon commence work on a new corps building and a new divisional headquarters. Where the growing Reykjavík Corps is currently located, people marched through the shopping mall and teenagers from The Salvation Army demonstrated their dance skills.
The last meeting, on Sunday morning, starting with children in action, using balloons and dancing. Commenting on the design of the church building, known locally as ‘The Tent’ due to its tent-like shape, Commissioner William Cochrane (Territorial Commander, Norway, Iceland and The Færoes) commented on how at home The Salvation Army – whose first meetings were held in a tent – felt in such a location.
The visit had begun with the international leaders, accompanied by the territorial commander and Major Gunnar Eide (Divisional Commander, Iceland and The Færoes) meeting the Prime Minister at his office. They discussed the challenges being addressed by The Salvation Army in Iceland, including homelessness and poverty.
Tórshavn Band from The Færoes provided music throughout the weekend, and other highlights included testimonies and the singing of Majors Sigurður Ingimarsson and Rannvá Olsen.
God was certainly at work during the visit of the General and Commissioner Cox. Many people found Christ, at least five people made the decision to become soldiers and others were challenged by a call to officership.
Report by Lieutenant Hjördís Kristinsdóttir
