The Salvation Army hosted its first All Africa Congress at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe, Aug. 24-28.
In a country stricken by political and social chaos, the presence of some 7,000 young Salvationists from 17 African countries celebrating the salvation in Jesus Christ gave new hope to Zimbabwe and Africa.
The gathering, "Africa for Christ," was the first Salvation Army congress in Africa where all the members from the continent congregated.
The considerable scale of the Congress had attracted the interest of even secular businesses. According to the Zimbabwe-based Herald news agency, Finhold, a leading banking corporation in Zimbabwe, donated $250 million Zimbabwe dollars to the Salvation Army in Zimbabwe for hosting the historical congress, which was used to cover the printing cost for the Congress.
"This congress would avail an opportunity for us as a church and country to share ideas relating to people's welfare, for instance, the prevalent HIV and AIDS pandemic," Commissioner Stanslous Mutewera, head of the Salvation Army in Zimbabwe, said to the Herald, prior to the congress.
The Congress also aimed at educating the youths about the dangers of carelessness and encouraged women to take up high positions in society, the Herald report added.
Salvation Army’s international leaders, including General John Larsson, Commissioner Freda Larsson, Chief of the Staff Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, and Commissioner Eva D. Gaither, traveled a long way to Africa to attend the congress to show their sincere support. Africa Zone leaders, Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina, were also present.
The Vice President of Zimbabwe, Cde Joyce Mujuru, who is a Salvationist, welcomed the international leaders and General John Larsson. Other government officials including Mayor of Harare, Ms Sekesai Makwavarara and Harare Town Clerk Nomutsa Chideya, sent their warmest regards as well.
At the welcome meeting, Mujuru said God has a purpose for Zimbabwe and that is the reason why the congress is being held in the country.
Over five-day congress, delegates were divided into groups for seminars held in different areas of the stadium during the mornings and afternoons. The seminars covered subjects of vital importance for the Army's mission in Africa, including evangelism, combating HIV/AIDS, marriage, young couples, single parents, youth, music, doctrine and Bible study. Sports Ministry for young people was a congress highlight.
As the many regions in Africa are still currently dominated by traditional beliefs, a seminar on Theology in an African Context was designed especially to address topics such as Satanism, sects and the occult. One speaker, Commissioner Stuart Mungate, the Territorial Commander of Nigeria, said Africa could be found in both the Old and New Testaments and then highlighted the theological challenge of mission in Africa. This seminar drew so much interest that an extra session had to be arranged and was attended by thousands.
A very important event in the congress was "An Evening with the General," which trained African Salvationists to think with a global viewpoint. During this event, the General spoke about the international Salvation Army bodies and their progress and future endeavors.
General John Larsson proclaimed in his message, "Africa is the continent that is wide open to the Gospel!" He further challenged African Salvationists to draw passion and purity and power from "the old wells."
Rallies for women, men and youth were led by different Commissioners. The women’s rally with Commissioner Eva Gaither and Commissioner Freda Larsson was most remarkable. It focused on the challenges African women are facing. At the close of the inspirational message there was a great response of dedication.
More than 12,000 people attended the final meeting on Sunday. A colorful march of witness by all the territories, commands and regions was commenced on the soccer field. General John Larsson challenged the Salvationists to go into their communities and make "Africa for Christ” a reality in his final Bible message. Thousands went forward to pray as he invited the attendants.
Eunice Or
Christian Today Correspondent