The 7,000 delegates to the Salvation Army's first-ever All Africa Congress rejoiced together as the congress opened at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe. To the jubilant strains of the Zimbabwe Territorial Band, General John Larsson, Commissioner Freda Larsson, Chief of the Staff Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, Commissioner Eva D. Gaither and Africa Zone leaders Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina marched in together with a vast host of Salvationists from all of the African territories, commands and regions.
The international leaders had earlier been welcomed at the airport by the Zimbabwe territorial leaders Commissioners Stanslous and Jannet Mutewera along with the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Joyce T. Mujuru, the acting mayor of Harare and the town clerk, all of whom are Salvationists. A group of 200 Salvationists included the Zimbabwe Territorial Junior Timbrelists and the Harare Eastern Hosho Group who delighted everyone with their African traditional instruments.
At the Opening Ceremony more than 700 junior soldiers from Zimbabwe presented a colourful mass display which filled the soccer field. 'I have never seen anything like it,' declared the General. 'It was fantastic!' Other presentations at the congress opening included the Zambia Territory Hosho Group, Zimbabwe Territorial Songsters and the East Africa Territorial Songsters. Delegates were also taught the specially-composed theme chorus, 'Africa for Christ', which became a feature of the congress. In his message the General reminded the delegates that they had come together for a purpose – to be empowered to go into all of Africa with the good news of Jesus Christ.
During the five days of the congress the National Stadium became 'Salvation Army City', with Salvationists milling everywhere in their colourful uniforms. A major event was held each evening, but during the mornings and afternoons the delegates divided into groups for seminars, which were held in different areas of the stadium. These covered subjects of vital importance for the Army's mission in Africa, including evangelism, combating HIV/Aids, marriage, young couples, single parents, youth, music, doctrine and Bible study. Sports Ministry for young people was a congress highlight.
Commissioner Stuart Mungate (Territorial Commander, Nigeria) led a seminar on Theology in an African Context, dealing with topics such as satanism, sects and the occult. He spoke about Africa being found in both the Old and New Testaments and highlighted the theological challenge of mission in Africa. This seminar created so much interest that an extra session in the central concourse had to be arranged, attended by thousands.
The main evening events included 'An Evening with General' in which the General spoke about the international Salvation Army. He said 'Africa is the continent that is wide open to the Gospel!' and in his message challenged African Salvationists to draw passion and purity and power from 'the old wells'. General Eva Burrows (Rtd) was given a rapturous welcome when she addressed the congregation in Shona before switching to English. In the two evening music festivals – the second led by Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo (Southern Africa) – the congregation acclaimed the items presented by visiting and local musical sections.
On Saturday morning, Jaison Moyo Avenue in Harare came to a halt when thousands of Salvationists marched from Fourth Street to the Town House where they saluted their international leaders. The multicoloured uniforms, drums, instruments, timbrelists, hosho and other brigades brought all of Africa to the centre of Harare.
On Saturday afternoon the delegates headed in different directions to attend rallies for women, men and youth. At the women's rally, thousands sat on chairs provided, thousands sat on the floor, and thousands more enjoyed an impromptu rally prepared for them as they sat on the grass outside. Commissioner Eva Gaither led the rally and Commissioner Freda Larsson was the speaker. The items and the speaking – including a touching drama presented by a group from Nigeria – focused on the challenges African women are facing. At the close of the inspirational message there was a great response of dedication.
At the men's rally, led by Lieut-Colonel Johnson Asoegwu (Chief Secretary, Nigeria), Salvationist Mrs Loveness Chiruka from Msasa Project – a Zimbabwean organisation that promotes the family – gave a presentation on 'A Man and His Family'. Following the powerful proclamation of the word by the Chief of the Staff the men recommitted themselves to the Lord and his service.
The youth extravaganza was led by Captain Stephen Malins (Territorial Youth Secretary, Southern Africa) with the support of his territory's Mission Team and the other territorial youth secretaries present. It was emphasised that young people should know their own destiny. After the Bible message from the General hundreds of young people knelt at the mercy seat.
Sunday commenced with a colourful march of witness by all the territories, commands and regions present. When the Zimbabwean Salvationists marched into the stadium they came in numbers that seemed endless!
The final meeting on Sunday morning, with more than 12,000 people in attendance, was led by the Chief of the Staff. A highlight was the recognition of exceptional service by soldiers and officers in Africa, including people who were establishing The Salvation Army in new areas. The meeting also saw a number of soldiers enrolled. In his final Bible message the General challenged the Salvationists to go into their communities and make 'Africa for Christ' a reality. When he invited Salvationists to consecrate themselves at 'the largest mercy seat in the world' – the soccer field – thousands went forward to pray.
In his final words the General thanked God for the truly amazing event that the first All Africa Congress had been, and thanked the Zimbabwe Territory for the outstanding feat of organisation they, as hosts, had accomplished so successfully.
