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Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle lead 125th anniversary celebrations in Zimbabwe.
Led by Chief of the Staff Commissioner Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries), The Salvation Army in Zimbabwe celebrated its 125th anniversary with a congress in Harare themed “Jehovah Our Strength.” Thousands of delegates attended from the host country, along with officers and soldiers from Angola, Zambia, Madagascar, Uganda and Botswana.
At the opening meeting the Chief of the Staff gave glory to God for the work in Zimbabwe and emphasized that Jehovah should continue to be the strength of the Zimbabwe Territory.
Salvation Army ministry in what was then Rhodesia began with the arrival in November 1891 of a pioneer party from South Africa. Re-enacting this event, a horse-drawn wagon–reminiscent of the ox-drawn wagon called Enterprise that arrived with The Salvation Army pioneers in 1891–entered the arena carrying a group of retired officers. Stepping down from the wagon, Major Nathan Taruvinga recited Salvation Army Founder William Booth’s well-known ‘I’ll Fight!’ speech.
Since the early pioneering days, Salvation Army work has spread from Zimbabwe to Zambia, Malawi, Botswana and–as was revealed during the congress–Madagascar.
The celebrations included the presentation of an anniversary flag that had been sent out in December 2015 by then Territorial Commander Commissioner Henry Nyagah. The flag traveled to the divisions as an awareness-raising campaign and to encourage Salvationists to be fully mobilized.
During the congress, Peddle installed new territorial leaders Commissioners Joash and Florence Malabi. He also recognized Lt. Colonels Daniel and Tracey Kasuso as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, respectively.
Malabi told the congregation that the territory needs to build its future on a solid foundation. He said that Salvationists must depend on Christ and live effectively for him.
In his dedicatory prayer, the Chief of the Staff commended the new leaders into the hands and care of God. He emphasized that the new leaders should encourage spiritual growth.
During the weekend, around 15,000 Salvationists took part in a march at Glamis Stadium as the leaders took the salute. The march included the first flying of the Madagascar Salvation Army flag; Army work officially opens on the island on Oct. 23.
The congress included rallies for women, men, youth and junior soldiers. Commissioner Rosalie Peddle used the biblical example of Esther to inspire the women to be courageous, while the Chief of the Staff encouraged the men to walk with God. Delegates to the youth rally were encouraged to live pure lives for Christ.
A holiness meeting on Sunday concluded the congress. In his Bible message, Peddle reminded the gathered Salvationists and friends to remain focused on giving glory to God. Following the final appeal by the Chief, thousands of people knelt at the mercy seat to consecrate and rededicate their lives to God.
Report by Captain Liveson Mushayakarere
Literature Secretary
Zimbabwe Territory
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