THOUSANDS of Salvationists and friends from across Ghana joined with The Salvation Army’s world leaders in the capital, Accra, for a time of encouragement and spiritual renewal. General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s Ministries) led times of worship while also taking the time to visit Salvation Army social services centres in the country. They were also received by newly-elected President Nana Addo Danwa Akufo-Addo.
The international leaders led a commissioning and dedication meeting for The Salvation Army’s Centre of Excellence for Cerebral Palsy, a clinic in Agona Duakwa which provides a range of services for people with disabilities. Two young beneficiaries of the centre, clad in full traditional dress, greeted the leaders as they toured the facility. Staff demonstrated and explained the specialist equipment that supports the rehabilitation and therapy work which helps to integrate clients into the community. This is the first facility of its kind in West Africa.
Cadets of the Messengers of the Gospel session were greatly encouraged by the General’s visit to their training college, and serving Ghanaian officers were reminded about their holy calling. ‘God is more concerned about what is in our hearts and not the outward signs,’ preached the General. ‘We should be accountable, transparent and trustworthy, and above all try to hold up the banner of our Christian integrity to be able to mobilise the whole world for God.’ A march of witness through the streets of Accra – involving more than 3,200 participants – was one way in which the Whole World Mobilising initiative was evidenced during this visit.
A rally for young people was also well attended, featuring the Accra Divisional Gospel Band. The General exhorted the young people to be ‘people of integrity [which] will help … to withstand the complexity and temptation of the world’. A similar theme emerged on the Saturday when a Women’s Ministries rally and Men’s Fellowship rally were held simultaneously, led by the General and Commissioner Silvia Cox respectively.
A highlight during Sunday’s Holiness meeting was the enrolment of 176 junior and 337 senior soldiers. The General encouraged all present to ‘think on Kingdom values and not conform to the things of the world’, highlighting Jesus’ call to transformation. Invited guests included representatives from the office of the President, the Member of Parliament of the area, the traditional Chief of Nungua and the General Secretary of Christian Council of Ghana. All were given opportunities to speak, and they thanked The Salvation Army for its work in Ghanaian society, especially in rural areas.
The international leaders had also met with other politicians and community leaders during the official visit, including an engagement with the traditional Chief at the Palace of Nana Amoakwa Boadu V and a meeting with the British High Commissioner Jon Benjamin.
The visit of the General rekindled the spirit of Salvationism and Salvation Army ministry in the country and was a time of great blessing. In all, more than 4,200 individuals took part and many more witnessed The Salvation Army mobilising.
From a report by Major Benjamin Obrempong Yeboah
Editor, Salvationist, Ghana Territory
