This weekend (24, 25 September) The Salvation Army launches its work in Poland – the 111th country where the Movement is officially at work. ‘We aim to build an Army of dedicated Salvationists, ready to move out to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity,’ says Major Herv� Cachelin (International Headquarters).
The new opening follows just a few days after Salvation Army work in Lithuania – under the care of the Germany Territory – received official recognition.
The officers in charge in Poland – newly-commissioned Captains Andrei and Olga Iniutocichin – will be installed and the first Polish soldiers enrolled this weekend. A number of open-air meetings have been arranged to reach the maximum number of people. Exeter Band from the United Kingdom Territory will be present. Links with the work in Poland have been established as a result of aid work carried out over many years by Exeter Salvationist Brian Hart.
A gospel choir has been organised for Salvationists and visitors to take part in. Members of local churches have been invited to attend Sunday afternoon’s enrolment ceremony and it is hoped this will signal the start of close ecumenical relationships.
‘The First Baptist Church has already been very hospitable,’ says Major Cachelin. ‘The captains will be living in part of its centre and have already preached at the church, where they presented the project to the congregation.’
The captains will be supported by Colonel Vibeke Krommenhoek (France) under the direction of International Headquarters.
Colonel Krommenhoek writes: ‘Haggai 2:18 says that on the 24th day of the ninth month, the foundation of the Lord’s Temple was laid. By coincidence – or not – that is the date our inauguration weekend will start.’
These are exciting days for the new soldiers and captains in Poland and the colonel urges Salvationists and friends to support the project in prayer. She asks that Salvationists pray for an encouraging start to the captains’ ministry; that the first Polish soldiers will feel their desire to serve the Lord in the Army confirmed; for the street ministry to be effective; that many young people will participate in the gospel choir and be challenged by the Salvationists’ witness; and that people will be won for Christ as God is glorified.
