THE visit of General André Cox to Spain was eagerly anticipated by Salvationists and friends from the Spain and Portugal Command. The visit began at Palomeras Corps (church), where the corps officers and a team of volunteers were preparing for a fortnightly food distribution to needy families. The General was told about the ministry and took time to share in prayer with the packing and distribution team.
Next – accompanied by command leaders Lieut-Colonels Gordon and Susan Daly – the General visited Valdemoro Corps, where he was met by a group of children singing a welcome song in English. In the evening, Salvationists from all around Spain packed Madrid Central Corps hall for a lively prayer meeting.
On Saturday morning officers from Spain met in councils which focused on the signing of his officer covenant by Cadet Ignacio Fernández-Carrión. In the afternoon the General participated in a men's rally which featured heartfelt testimonies to God's faithfulness, while Lieut-Colonel Susan Daly (Command President of Women's Ministries) led a women's rally focusing on the international Women's Ministries theme for 2017: 'Transformed Into God's Image'.
A Saturday evening festival included cultural music and dance from around Spain and excellent music presentations by a combined band, timbrels and youth chorus. The highlight of the evening was the enrolment by the General of 26 senior soldiers, representing several corps in Spain. Opportunity was also taken to acknowledge long-serving soldiers and employees of command headquarters.
The entry of corps flags, command leaders and the General began the commissioning meeting on Sunday morning, before Cadet Ignacio Fernández-Carrión of the Messengers of Light Session entered the hall to be commissioned as a Salvation Army officer. After the solemn moments of the commissioning there was great joy as the new lieutenant donned his officer tunic, assisted by his wife, Captain Begoña Carnés. When their two sons joined them on the platform the officer commanding confirmed their appointment to La Coruña Corps.
The afternoon praise meeting saw Spanish Salvationists and friends expressing their joy in Christ. Testimonies by Captain David Williamson (Private Secretary to the General) and Mar Cardús, a young Salvationist student, brought challenge and blessing. The meeting concluded with rousing singing and flag-waving as people prepared to travel back to every corner of Spain, encouraged and ready to live out their faith in their communities.
The final event of the day was a meeting for young people, who were delighted to spend time with the General. Captain Jenniffer Beltrán (Youth Officer, Spain) interviewed the General, drawing out details of his call to officership, before 12 young people posed questions to the international leader, focusing on topical issues and the challenges they face. The General answered the questions clearly and honestly, thanking the young people for the depth of issues that had been raised, before offering a Bible challenge to conclude the weekend.
Report by Lieut-Colonel Gordon Daly
Officer Commanding
Spain and Portugal Command
