The General and Commissioner Clifton Lead USA Central Congress

General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton led nearly 4,000 Salvationists in a holiness congress in the USA Central Territory. Throughout the weekend delegates were challenged to increase their vision, enlarge their hearts and step out in faith individually and corporately.

'Our goal is that there would be 4,000 Spirit-filled hearts ready to make a difference in this territory for the Kingdom of God,' proclaimed Territorial Commander Commissioner Paul R. Seiler during the keynote session. Anchored by the Chicago Staff Band (CSB), this meeting and those that followed were filled with rich music, wholehearted worship, powerful witness and strong, compelling Bible teaching by the General.

A highlight of the first meeting was the bold solo 'Soldier’s Hymn', by junior soldier Nyabel Chut with the CSB, Minneapolis Parkview Corps Praise Team and Chicago Englewood Salvation Story Steel Orchestra. A video presentation, I Never Dreamed this could Happen, featured the witness of an adult rehabilitation centre graduate, an officer-cadet and a youth pastor.

The General spoke about unlikely heroes in the Bible and told delegates: 'Very ordinary folk and very imperfect folk – like you and me – can rise to terrific heights when we give ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ.' In response to the General's words, altars were lined by Salvationists seeking a stronger faith.

Delegates were ready to take the next step in faith, which is exactly what territorial leaders Commissioners Paul R. and Carol Seiler urged them to do. Each person was encouraged to write on a piece of paper what the Lord was asking of them. These were joined together, forming paper chains symbolising the territory's desire to move forward in faith.

The next morning the Salvation Story Steel Band opened worship. The young musicians’ energy, precision and rhythm set the tone for the session, which focused on the world. Commissioner Helen Clifton lifted in prayer six summer mission teams which will minister around the globe – from Moldova to South Africa to Bolivia – the territory’s record World Services/Self-Denial ingathering of $7.4 million, overseas reinforcement personnel and delegates to the World Youth Convention.

On Saturday exceptional service awards were presented to two soldiers who have been positive agents of change in the territory and beyond. Bandmaster Peggy Thomas (Norridge Citadel) – the first woman ever admitted into a Salvation Army staff band – was honoured for her commitment to musical excellence and decades of service at her corps, in the CSB and in the Territorial Music and Gospel Arts Department. She was especially recognised for her innovation in creating worship resources like the Hallelujah Choruses series.

Corps Sergeant-Major Angus MacKenzie (Dearborn Heights Citadel), a retired educator, was honoured for extensive service in his corps, community and division and on the faculty of many territorial and national programmes, including the National Seminar on Evangelism. He was heralded as an exponent of prayer and missions.

Along with the main plenary sessions the congress included a modern adaptation of the Gowans and Larsson musical Spirit, a coffee house gathering for young adults – attended by the international leaders who responded to questions about the Army – and a hall which hosted a mini-concert featuring the CSB, a book-signing by the General, a historical display and an interactive global village showcasing international programmes. USA national leaders Commissioner Israel L. and Eva D. Gaither also participated during the weekend.

Sunday morning saw the ordination and commissioning by the General of the 23 cadets of the Prayer Warriors Session.

Especially moving was the witness of a Hispanic cadet, Elia Davila, who, knowing minimal English, had gone with her family to the College for Officer Training (CFOT) on Chicago’s lakefront. She revealed that, though feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, she was determined to stay true to her calling and learned to rely totally on God for academic success and much more.

She and her sessionmates individually received their ordination and commissioning from General Clifton along with a scripture verse chosen for each person by the CFOT staff.

Emphasising the theme of the weekend, the General spoke on the wonderful blessing of holiness and its attainability through God’s Spirit. His message resonated in the hearts of those Salvationists who responded readily during a time of commitment and dedication.

The congress concluded with an enthusiastic Service of Appointments. Vibrant music, a parade of sessional flags, recognition of officers celebrating milestone years of service, and a dynamic speech by Lieutenant Mary Kim all complemented the General’s charge to the Prayer Warriors Session and the much-anticipated appointments given to the new officers by the territorial commander.