The Salvation Army’s international leaders General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham have travelled the length of Pakistan – from Islamabad to Karachi – during a culturally-rich visit.
Salvation Army personnel introduced the international leaders to Pakistani culture, offering them traditional Kohati caps, a Swati shawl, garlands and flowers throughout their visit from 1 to 6 April 2025.
Across the country, the Buckinghams were welcomed with dance and choir and timbrel performances, and Scripture readings, prayers and testimonies. In each gathering, the mercy seat was lined with people responding to the Spirit-inspired messages of the General and Commissioner Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries).
From Lahore to Karachi
On 1 April, the international leaders met department heads and divisional leaders in Lahore. They also met with denominational leaders, members of the national assembly and key personnel in the education sector and on the governance board.
The following day, hundreds gathered for officers councils, during which the General encouraged them to be good shepherds and to ensure their motivation is pure and led by the Holy Spirit. At a public meeting, the General based his message on 1 John 4:7-12, sharing that ‘God is love’, a powerful reality that should be recognised and celebrated by everyone. He also acknowledged a new corps (church) opening in the city of Chishtian. In addressing young Salvationists, he advised them to stay focused and urged them to not wait to begin their journey with God.
On 3 and 4 April, the leaders visited Islamabad and Karachi. They met with denominational leaders with whom they acknowledged the privilege of serving God in different spheres but for the same purpose. In public meetings, the General referred to Ephesians 2:4-10 and the ‘abundant grace’ received from God. He urged Salvationists to share that love and mercy with others. In Islamabad, in recognition of the Buckinghams’ nationality, the New Zealand national anthem was played.
At the commissioning of the Champions of the Mission Session of cadets on 5 April, the General challenged everyone to serve God as their highest priority. Commissioner Buckingham charged the new lieutenants to spend quiet time with God to guard their hearts and stay focused.
A commitment to healing and restoration
On 6 April, the international leaders visited Jaranwala, where a Salvation Army corps and other Christian churches and homes were set alight in August 2023. They met with people who had been affected by the incident and learnt about the work of The Salvation Army’s vocational trauma training centre that operates in collaboration with Forman Christian College. A psychiatrist continues to work with children impacted by the incident.
To mark their visit, the General and Commissioner Buckingham planted trees in Islamabad and the Joyland Girls’ Home, Lahore.
