More than 2,200 Salvationists gathered this summer in Milwaukee, Wis., for a Congress with General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham to go deeper in their understanding of what it means to belong—to God, the Body of Christ, community and mission. It was transformative.
Meetings were filled with glorious music and effusive praise, moving testimonies and powerful messages from God’s Word that inspired greater belief in what the Almighty can do in us and through us, together.
As a flawless presentation of the anthem “Boundless” (Kevin Larsson) by the Central Territorial Staff Songsters (CTSS) and Territorial Youth Chorus (TYC) drew to a close in the keynote session, junior soldiers Aurelia White and Noah and Liam Bigelow welcomed the Buckinghams with gifts and balloons.
Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries, didn’t miss a beat, formulating her response and testimony with the weekend’s theme, saying: “I am so very grateful I can stand before you this evening and say with confidence that I belong to God.”
“I am in awe that the hands who created the earth and the galaxies above and beyond what we know are the same hands that formed me and now hold mine as I navigate the joys and the blessings and the heartaches and challenges of living in this world,” she testified.
Delegates were blessed throughout the weekend by the Buckinghams’ adeptness at conveying biblical truth through tangible, everyday images and experiences, bringing new insight and understanding. Delegates also were encouraged by fellowship with the international leaders as they shared meals and conversations and posed for people wanting photos at every turn.
In her winsome style, Territorial Commander Commissioner Evie Diaz talked about the new Territorial Priorities being aligned with the Global Strategic Framework and called them three pillars for shaping the vision for the territory.
“It’s not about adding more programs or work,” she said. “They call us back to the heart of our mission.”
The territorial commander then presented the “Others” Award to Pamela Church-Pryor, Norridge Citadel, Ill., Corps community ministries director, saying she was the embodiment of holistic ministry and sharing that 90 individuals had become soldiers or adherents because of her influence.
The General’s preaching was clear and compelling, illustrating God’s immense love by focusing on the father in the parable of the prodigal son. Speaking to those who have never known Him or whose faith has grown cold, the General implored, “Come home, come home, come home into the Father’s love, into the Father’s embrace!”
After a time of response, he charged all Salvationists to be counterpoints of light in a dark world which desperately needs evidence of God’s redemptive love.
“It’s not sufficient for us to celebrate our belonging, it’s our responsibility as His redeemed children, loved by Him, to clothe ourselves with those things that are synonymous with belonging to the Kingdom of God,” he explained.
Lt. Vincent Cusack’s testimony of overcoming addiction and finding abundant life in Christ exemplified these points. Delegates also were blessed by heartfelt worship led by the Territorial Worship Collective (TWC), the Chicago Staff Band’s rendition of the major work “Deus Solus” (Andrew Wainwright), and a striking praise dance by Jordania Pook.
At the meeting’s stirring culmination, a United Chorus, representing many cultures and languages in the territory, filled the stage, singing, “They shall come from the East.”
“This beautiful picture is a representation of what Heaven is going to look like—people from every country, people from every tribe, people from every race, from every language—gathering in unity in worship of the one true God,” exclaimed Chief Secretary Colonel Thomas Louden.
It was the perfect segue into Saturday morning’s session on the international fellowship of Salvationists which began with prayers in Laotian, Romanian and Spanish and featured a cultural dance from Chile. The Bill Booth Theater Company gave a clear-cut synopsis of the Global Strategic Framework as a “Spirit-led” response that empowers people.
Delegates were uplifted by a video of the welcoming ministry at the new Prospect Corps in Kansas City, Mo., and the testimony of Ukrainian immigrant Nataliia Stetsenko, who joined Norridge Citadel through Pathway of Hope.
A panel discussion with three Central officers serving in other countries (Captain Rona Mutcha, Captain Abraham Marin and Major AmyJo Ferguson), along with Major Isaac Kyale from Kenya East, was informative and encouraged continued prayer, giving and service.
A World Services ingathering of $11.2 million wowed Salvationists, who also applauded Summer Mission Teams going to Kenya East, Mexico and Slovakia, and Majors Cornell and Candice Voeller and Major Mary Kim, who are taking up appointments in Hungary and England, respectively. Each person was greeted by the Buckinghams and Commissioner Diaz.
Again having the audience in the palm of her hand, Commissioner Buckingham relayed how an experience cheering on runners in the London marathon became an unexpected spiritual moment—“church on the street”—as individuals came together for something greater than themselves.
“Today we come together not just as individuals who occupy a common space, but we are part of something greater. We are a living, breathing community, connected by the love of Christ,” she said, speaking from Romans 12 and diving into what it means to be the Body of Christ.
The afternoon was filled with opportunities from visiting Belonging Spaces and a museum exhibit to shopping at Trade and the Thrift Express Bus, to participating in a gaming tournament, attending a Rising Stars Festival Awards Ceremony or taking in “Belongings: A Thrift Store Musical”.
Throughout the weekend, 234 children had a wonderful time at a Kids’ Congress that coincided with United Sessions and was led by the Territorial Youth Department, assisted by divisional staff and volunteers. Those age 5 and under were cared for and engaged in age-appropriate activities including music, games and play. Children, ages 6-12, enjoyed worship and activities designed just for them by Giant Cow Children’s Ministries.
Saturday evening’s meeting turned the spotlight on belonging to community. It kicked off with all the musical groups joining for “Glorious Day.” Indeed, it was as Commissioner Diaz enrolled eight adherents, and then the General enrolled seven junior soldiers and 46 senior soldiers!
A powerful rendition of “I am blessed” by soloist Sarah Leka with the CTSS and TYC captured the gratitude delegates felt.
In a rousing message, the General urged Salvationists to come in to fellowship, worship, learn and grow in faith together but then also to go out into the world, sharing the Good News. He asked each person to commit to making their contribution to their local faith community, and reaffirmed that people are the Army’s greatest asset.
“Your testimony of change, your testimony of God’s goodness is a powerful, powerful tool in the hand of Almighty God,” he proclaimed.
As Commissioner Diaz led a time of response, some of the most moving and significant moments occurred as fellowships gathered together in prayer throughout the auditorium to seek God’s direction and blessing together.
All musical groups joined in “Fire in the Blood” which featured vocalists Captain Heidi Strand and her daughter Olivia and then built, adding more and more voices and instruments and youth and adults waving flags in a grand finale.
Sunday morning’s commissioning and ordination service for the “Champions of the Mission” session closed the Congress on a high note. In sacred moments the cadets were ordained and commissioned by the territorial commander. Later, they returned to the stage with their families and were greeted by their divisional leaders to shouts and applause from the audience.
Music enriched the meeting, with offerings by the CSB, CTSS and TYC, and soloist Captain Grant Holloway. The College for Officer Training United Chorus’ presentation of “Trust in God” was especially moving with the Champions’ testimonies peppered throughout it. Each was a reminder of God’s redemptive grace and power to change lives. Session speaker Lt. Paul Kim’s address further demonstrated the session’s heart to shepherd God’s people.
In their final messages to the “Champions of the Mission” and delegates, the General and Commissioner Buckingham each spoke of the promise of the Holy Spirit.
“Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would empower every believer with everything needed to live as His disciples in the world,” said Commissioner Buckingham, speaking from Philippians 2. “Today we celebrate that His power came then, and it comes now, just as He said it would.”
With a message based in Ezekiel Chapter 47, the General declared, “The vision…is a metaphor for God Himself moving by His power in His Spirit down through the course of people, redeeming, restoring, reclaiming, bringing back to Him that which belongs to Him,” he declared. “The river flows through you to others. It flows out that others might see, experience, taste and know that the Lord is good!”
In response, many expressed their intention to follow God’s call to serve as officers. Others recommitted to serving in their corps and communities. Groups gathered on stage and throughout the auditorium again to pray, ready to go out into the world and be witnesses.
Visit our website salarmycentral.org to view galleries of photos and link to videos of the meetings.
