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From the start of their visit to the India Eastern Territory, General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox, world president of women’s ministries, were welcomed not only by Salvationists and friends but also by the state government.
In Mizoram, the Coxes were hosted as official state guests, which included a meeting with the state governor, dinner with the chief minister and a press conference and interview at the State Guest House. Congress meetings were broadcast on a live telecast by a local cable TV station, and a daily newspaper reported on the events.
From their reception at the Lengpui Airport, Aizawl—with soldiers and officers, including Territorial Commander Colonel Lalngaihawmi, and the territorial staff band—the Coxes held an open-air meeting in Aizawl Temple Square. The General’s Bible message included his personal testimony of being a “sinner saved by grace.”
For the first time, the congress included a meeting for local officers, hundreds of whom rededicated their lives to God at the mercy seat. At a meeting focused on outreach, over $800 in mission offerings were collected for Bhutan, the newest mission field. Outreach workers from Bhutan and Nepal were also recognized.
More than 200 active and retired officers attended officers councils, along with 24 cadets of the Heralds of Grace Session.
Throughout the congress, the Coxes shared the pulpit. He spoke about the international vision of “One Army, One Mission and One Message,” encouraging the congregation to value One Army, which continues to serve the lost and desperate, fulfilling its One Mission as it proclaims One Message.
The congress also included a dedication and opening of the Dawrpui Vengthar Prayer Hall, youth meetings and a praise meeting for women’s ministries. Contributions from songsters, bands, and timbrel, drama and cultural dance groups added to the occasion.
After the congress had finished the international leaders visited the training college, a boys’ home and the prayer hall at Aizawl Central Corps.
Report by Lieutenant Charles Chalrimawia
See more photos of the Coxes visit to India Eastern Territory.
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