THE 110th anniversary of Salvation Army ministry in Korea was celebrated under the leadership of General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s Ministries). As well as spending time in Korea – leading meetings and visiting Salvation Army programmes – the international leaders travelled to the two other countries whose work comes under the Korea Territory: Mongolia and Cambodia.
The visit began in Korea where, at a youth festival, the General enrolled 113 junior soldiers, calling on them to ‘remember that we are called to fight against evil’. He also charged them to ‘put on the full armour of God and be filled with the Holy Spirit’.
Encouraging in Korea
On Sunday the General and Commissioner Cox visited the training college before leading the holiness meeting at Kwachun Corps (church). In the afternoon, at a united divisional rally at Yonsei University, Commissioner Cox delivered the Bible message. She warned her listeners that ‘only people who are pure in heart can travel on the highway of holiness towards Heaven’.
On Monday, the General led officers councils for 800 officers at The Salvation Army’s retreat centre. This was followed by a march of witness through downtown Youngdong, where many early Salvation Army ministries started. Another united divisional rally then followed at Hannam University, with representatives from seven divisions. The General told the congregation: ‘God is our strength ... We need to trust this almighty God. We are fighting on the front line and that’s why we need his power.’
Hopes for North Korea
During their time in Korea, the General and Commissioner Cox also visited the Army’s Doori Home for Single Mothers and the Seoul Southview Children’s Home, which is known throughout The Salvation Army because residents from the home were taken to the north during the Korean War and never seen again. North Korea was mentioned at a press conference where the General shared his experiences of visiting the country twice through his involvement with a yoghurt factory set up by The Salvation Army. He emphasised the importance of humanitarian aid for children and the elderly and told reporters he believed that ‘in our generation, North Korea will be opened up’ and that, when this happens, ‘the international Salvation Army will mobilise to support North Korea’.
At a meal with church leaders the General introduced and shared international Army ministries and emphasised the importance of ecumenical cooperation.
Sharing in Mongolian
In Mongolia, the international leaders met the Chairman of the National Assembly, Mr Nyamaagiin Enkhbold, who expressed his sincere appreciation for The Salvation Army’s work in Mongolia, particularly with children. The General spoke about the international Salvation Army and expressed appreciation for the chaiman's support. An opportunity to share the message even further was realised when the General, Commissioner Cox and Territorial Commander Commissioner Kim, Pil-soo were invited to UBS (Ulaanbaatar Broadcasting System) TV for an interview which was recorded and broadcast on Sunday morning. The international leaders also visited a Salvation Army social welfare centre in Tov Aimag before attending a holiness meeting where the General enrolled 14 senior soldiers.
New openings in Cambodia
Moving on to Cambodia, the General and Commissioner Cox led a united salvation meeting at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. The General enrolled 65 senior soldiers and the territorial commander presented commissions to eight envoys.
The visit ended with a new beginning, as the international leaders opened Kampot Outpost. Following the opening and dedication to God of the outpost, the General and Commissioner Cox visited a pepper farm which is run by The Salvation Army as an income-generating project.
Report by Major Lee, Deok-kyun
Translated by Major Kim, Byung-yoon
- Photos of the visit are available to download from the IHQ Flickr stream: sar.my/genkor18
