When the Denmark and Greenland Territory gathered for a festival in Slagelse, on the Danish island of Zealand, the event was marked by more than just a summer heatwave. From 21 to 22 June, the open doors of the venue served as a powerful metaphor: an invitation to take faith beyond church walls and out into the world.
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, the international leaders of The Salvation Army, issued a strong challenge: to be ‘fully in and fully out’, calling for a natural synergy between inner and outer life – individually and corporately.
Many of the festival’s activities took place outside, reflecting its outward focus. A vibrant marketplace featured stalls showcasing the work of The Salvation Army, fun activities for children and opportunities for prayer and conversation. The aroma of food from the mobile canteen drew constant crowds, while the Valby Band filled the square with joyful music, adding to the atmosphere.
The festival theme, Compass, underscored the call to navigate life according to God’s direction – and to extend that invitation to all corners of the world.
A range of musicians and worship groups led the congregations in praise throughout the event. Special highlights included the family gospel choir, the Copenhagen Temple Band in a lounge concert with Salvation Army International Staff Band member Nigel Hills as guest conductor and a special moment of Greenlandic worship delivered via video link from Nuuk, Greenland.
A vision for the future: people, mission, legacy
A spirit of hope and openness to God’s Word permeated the festival. The international leaders shared a vision of The Salvation Army as a movement focused on people, mission and legacy – knowing who we are, understanding our purpose and serving with an impact that lasts. Their message echoed Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV): ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?’
This theme of transition gained deeper significance during the closing meeting, which also served as a farewell to the current territorial leaders, Lieut-Colonels Jan and Kjersti Risan.
In his final sermon, Lieut-Colonel Jan Risan offered a creative take on the ‘FF’ on the Danish Salvation Army uniform lapel (which is ‘SS’ in an English-speaking context). Reflecting on his experience in leadership, he shared that this could stand for ‘fellowship and family’.
‘We are family – a family that we want to invite more people into,’ was his closing call, encouraging the congregation to be an inclusive fellowship – with the doors wide open to others.
Lieut-Colonel Kjersti Risan followed with a vocal solo, a prayerful proclamation of God’s enduring faithfulness. The lyrics included: ‘You’ll remind me who I am, when I’m lost and I am scared and I keep stumbling. You gently take my hand, give me strength and hope just like you promised me.’
It was a fitting end to a festival defined by unity, joy and the challenge to step boldly into the world – led by God’s compass.
